Overdue update

Well hello world!  It's been about two years since I've updated ... shame on me!  However, life has been busy, exciting, and I owe you an update.  Let's see if I can recap all that has happened.

Before I get there though: one of the reasons I stopped blogging was for fear of losing my job due to my "public" notices regarding my health.  That can't be any further from the truth at my job.  Not only is the company I work for supportive and caring, but the office I work in makes sure I am taking care of myself so I can continue to do my job to the best of my ability.  It's also a perk that our campus is 100% non-smoking.  No longer concerned!

Pics at the END of the post, some of them semi-graphic/gross blister pics-- just as a warning!!

HEALTH UPDATES:
Let's get the boring health updates out of the way first.  Then we can move on to life!
-Overall, doing well.

-Hospitalized summer of 2013.  Rashes, blisters, the usual.  I remember my dressing having to be changed multiple times, even in one day. Definitely NOT fun.

-Hospitalized late December of 2014, which of course is always no fun, especially around Christmas time.  Instead of the typical PICC, I got a midline to see if that would prevent the itching/blisters (see HERE for what I'm referencing).  I also prepped ahead of time by working with my father-in-law (what?! I'll get there) who was in contact with a 3M rep and got me samples of different dressings/tapes, etc.  A huge THANK YOU to the rep and 3M because what I did use was much nicer on my skin than what the hospital provides.  They also recently (in the last year or so) changed what PICCs are made out of, but I still went with a Midline.  Result: no major rashes and no blisters at all.  We changed a lot of things from the last visit, but it worked.  I can't say I like the Midline over the PICC though.  My line wouldn't draw blood so they had to set another IV very carefully in that arm to draw levels.  The Midline was much easier to put in though.  I'll have to make a decision for next go-around, whenever that may be.

-My CF doc and primary NP level the clinic.  It wasn't anything major political so everyone parted ways on good terms, but I'm sure going to miss them!  I go back to my clinic in Nov. to meet the interim doctor, so we'll see how that goes.

MAJOR LIFE UPDATES:
This is really what you've been waiting for anyways, right?
-11/9/2013: Andrew proposed to me.  It was as low key and sweet as I could have hoped for.  Long story short, we spent the weekend in our college town with some friends to watch a football game and see our bricks in the Alumni Walkway. Sunday morning before we went back home, we went to a park that we took walks in back in college.  He took me to a bench and proposed.  He was so nervous and it was precious.  Little sister Morgan was there to take pictures, of course, creeping from the bushes.  The whole thing was precious and apparently everyone knew ahead of time except me!  My parents were just waiting for me call at home, watching the clock.  I knew I didn't want the wedding to be far away so we called our wedding planner and set a few temporary dates.  Final date was set a few days later when we found out venue availability: March 29, 2014.

-During the short time between proposal and wedding, it's a blur.  An absolute wedding-planning filled blur.  My mom, who was not working at the time, did so much of the leg-work while I was sitting in the office.  There wasn't a single day that went by that wasn't at least partially dedicated to the wedding.  Without my mom, this wedding would not have been as perfect as it was.

-3/29/14: My wedding day!  It was held In the Round and couldn't have been more beautiful and perfect.  It was exactly what I wanted, dreamed about, and we worked to bring it to life.  So many special people helped pull it off (music, flowers, etc.) and we were surrounded by ~300 friends/family to help us celebrate.  It was wonderful. And most importantly.. I'm married to my best friend and better half.

-Soon after that we had a little one... a FLUFFY ONE! We got a Maltese puppy who we named Zoe
and she is a handful.  She was born 3/13/14 and she is a WILD ONE.  Stubborn, smart, and incredibly agile and athletic, she keeps me on my toes.  Couldn't have asked for a funnier pup with a bigger personality though.. she's a mess!

-Andrew and I lived in a rented townhouse for about a year.  He lived there since Oct 2013 and I moved in after our honeymoon cruise.  On February 27, 2015, we closed on a home!

-Current status: Andrew and a friend are remodeling our hall bathroom.  It's very loud, but I'm going back to work tomorrow (Happy Labor Day!) so I won't be here to listen to it.

RANDOM OTHER UPDATES:
Other things I feel like mentioning
-Andrew shot his finger with a nail gun.  I have a pic (see below) and it was a big deal for a little while.  He's got almost full ROM back now thankfully.  When the cold weather picks back up, we'll see if it still hurts him.

-I'm coaching soccer!  Last year (Oct 14-May 15) I assisted with a U14 girls team through our local soccer club.  They were also RPL (Regional Premier League) so we traveled a good bit.  This year, I'm assisting with a U17 girls team.

-We did a Spartan Race!  It was held in Austin, TX, in early November 2014.  Our team was me, Andrew, both of my brothers, and one of my sis-in-laws.  It was hard work but a lot of fun!  I posted some before/after pics below.

-I went to Vegas in Aug 2013 with little sister Morgan to celebrate her 21st birthday!  Since then she went a grew up on me.  She just completed her Masters Degree in Dublin, Ireland, and has since found a full-time job over there.  I'm incredibly proud, but miss her TONS. She just came back to visit for a bit.. yay!!



I think that's all for today!  Pictures below... sorry for the major gap!

 2013 Hospital Blister pics

 

Weekend of the Proposal!!

 

Spartan Race Nov. 2013

Wedding!!!

Zoe joins the Family!

Midline

Andrew's Injury

New Home/Car

Morgan comes to visit!!

Construction has begun..

 Thanks for catching up with me!

-A

Long time, I see.

In reference to the post below, I still haven't seen the results.  It's been almost a year.  I still remember that day-- I curled up on the floor of my apartment and cried.  I should have remembered that science takes forever.  Not their fault, I understand that.  I just should have known to not count those chickens just yet.

Hello world! I don't post much for a few reasons but primarily because I grew tired of it.  Occasionally, like today, I'll decide the posting isn't sure a tough thing to do.  It's nice to be heard every so often.  I do have a second "blog" for my personal thoughts and feelings. Things that don't need to be shared with the world around me.

I also don't post as often because a lot has changed in 10 months (shocking, right??).  I moved home in June of 2012 and finished out college commuting back to my college town.  I also took a few classes from home and held an internship at a local gym for the final two quarters of college.  Then, on Nov. 17, 2012, I graduated college early by two quarters.  *high fives all around*  Backing that time-table up about a month, I also started a "big girl job" in mid-October.  After I graduated, I went on a graduation cruise with my mom, and began working full time (8-5, M-F) the Monday I came back from my cruise.  Very exciting, very busy.

I also shifted away from the blogging world with my new job because, like a fellow blogger (Unknown Cystic), I don't want to put my career in jeopardy just because of my health.  The internet is an incredible thing, but has the potential to ruin lives.

I also recently turned down the chance to be a local "face of CF" as a part of a really great fundraiser locally.  I've supported and attended the gala they host when I'm able to, but this would have made me the key speaker and face in the media.  I was all for it until I was employed.  I'm sorry, but I just can't.  I was a recent speaker with my mom on the Mother/Daughter Perspective of CF for local CF families hosted by my clinic.  It was a great event and we had fun doing it.  It's on YouTube.

Speaking of YouTube, my work did a Harlem Shake video.  We're the first in our industry to do one and the other companies got called out by observers.  It was tons of fun.

Ironically, after noting that I would like to keep my job despite my genes, I'm home sick today.  It's the first full day I've taken off for feeling UGH.  Remember all that belly pain I've had since late elementary school? It still haunts me.  I actually had a recent colonoscopy to see what was wrong.  Verdict? "You have a normal colon. Nothing is wrong with you."  WRONG.  Just because we can't see or determine the problem does not mean nothing is wrong.  The highly respected doctor who performed the colonoscopy suggested it might be my diet.  I mentioned this to my CF doctor who scoffed.  "Doubtful."  Still back on square one, in pain and still "nothing wrong."

For the record, I cried before my colonoscopy many times.  Was I afraid? Was I in a lot of pain? No and no. I was HUNGRY.  I was waiting for them to put me to sleep and tears are running down my cheeks.  The nurses were great and worked to console me letting me know that there is nothing to fear and it will all be over soon.  I just looked at them through my teary eyes and said "I'm not afraid, I'm hungry.  I just really want to eat."  I'm not sure they quite knew what to do with me.

Think about it! I couldn't eat for 24 hours.  ME.  Or drink Dr. Pepper.  ME!! I had a lot of juices to choke down the solution to "clear me out."  I got so physically sick of sweet drinks that I started sucking on the cajun sweet pickles that my mom makes at Christmas time for some spice.  Sad, I know.

Recent doctor visit revealed that I would benefit from some IV antibiotics, but it wasn't an emergency.  I made a deal that she let me wait 6 weeks and be reevaluated because I was beginning playing soccer again and running once more.  I was making a serious effort to improve my cardiorespiratory health and I wanted to see if that would help before we made any decision to send me to the hospital.  I've been running every day since.

My running partner, aka the boyfriend, has been great.  When our work schedules allow us to run together, he meets me at the gym closest to me and we run.  He gives me the push to keep going without pushing me to a breaking point.  I've also lost several pounds over the last few months and he's declared that I'm going to eat as much as he does, if not more.  We'll see how that works out!

Speaking of the boyfriend, all is well in that department.  ("well" is the understatement of the century, actually.)  We're extremely happy and things just make sense.  It's nice when your best friend is also your boyfriend. :)

Speaking of friends, one of them (aka Emmons) is turning 21 in August and someone in her family got the great idea to have a serious celebration... IN VEGAS.  Come late August I will be flying out with her family for a 21st birthday party in Sin City.  I'm sure there's nothing that can go wrong.. haha!

Two of my other close friends are getting married in November.. on the same day... in different cities! Bummer! I'm very excited for them both and can't wait to celebrate with them!

On that note, I think that's all the updates I've got so far.  Well, I'm sure there are plenty more, but that's all I've got for today. One more reason I don't blog, before I forget: I spend all day at work at a computer.  I really don't want to get on my home computer once I leave.  It's just not appealing to me.

Ciao.

A little of this... a little of that...

My mind has been going 1000 different ways at once all week. I still don't have much of anything to post about to take up a whole post, so I'll carry on about a few different things. I'll even number them for pure entertainment.

1. Guys rush is over!! No more late nights cooking food in mass quantities. Thank goodness.
2. I found out I cook a mean sheep dip. Don't google "sheep dip" because what I cooked is not what you will find. What sheep dip is in my family = meaty cheese dip in everyone else's. No one is completely sure where our term for it came, but it still stands.
3. I'm tired of people pointing out that I cough. Thanks, but I'm pretty well aware of it. Mind your own business.
4. Tonight is Sunday Night Soccer again! My legs hurt just thinking about it. It's gonna be fun, but I still won't be able to hang with the guys for very long. I get so winded...
5. Doctor's appointment quickly approaching... really nervous about that. I know I always say I have a bad feeling about the PFT results, but I do this time too. aaaahhhhhhhh!
6. I studied way too long for a test I didn't do nearly as good on as I had hoped. *frustrated*
7. Went back to my college-town church today and was reminded of how much I love it!
8. Great Strides is Oct. 9. This evening at meeting I'm going to get up the courage to ask my sorority to walk it with me. I'm terrified.

That's all for now.

-Annie

Everything huuurrrttsss

Central location of pain ATM: my right shin. Playing soccer at night with no lights with college guys and without shin guards, yet not backing down from any tackle because that's not my style results in a skin colliding VERY hard with a knee or foot or whatever that was. Thought I broke it at first, but apparently I just can't break my own bones (knock on wood!) so thankfully it's just a big ol' bruise. But, because it's never fair, you can't see my big ol' bruise! It's hidden, but hurts like crazy!!

Whoa, rewind. Yeah, that's right. I played soccer tonight. It was so much fun. As one of the few girls playing, I have to earn my respect. Working on it.

Seriously? About 2 weeks until my next doctor appointment? Didn't I just go?! Awesome...

I'm so tired. It's time for bed. Gnight.

I feel terrible.

-Annie

Oh, hang on. Graffiti party was epic. 100000x better than last year, and I loved it last year. I got there around 10:30 (started at 10) and the place was already packed out. I was there from 10:30 until 1 when the cops shut it down for noise. I mean, 800+ people, of course it's going to be noisy. So much fun. I bloodied up my foot though, but it's ok. It started hurting again about an hour into the soccer tonight. Happens. My shin welp still isn't visible but it hurts and it's really hot. Weird. NOW it's time to go to sleep.

Must watch video

Please, take 6 minutes out of your day to watch this video off of America's Got Talent. I posted it on facebook and twitter. It's so inspirational to the CF community; actually to anyone. These two beautiful girls have equally beautiful voices and I wish them the best of luck on the rest of their AGT journey!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W5Q3Yal3yQ

On a side note, I went running today! I'm officially buddying up with sis-in-law Sarah and we started our frequent running today.

And in case you're not keeping up with the World Cup... GO USA!!!!!!!!!! We pulled off a VERY important goal 2 minutes into stoppage time, so almost the 92nd minute. INSANE!! Because of that, they won the bracket and advanced. GO USA!!!!!!!!

-Annie

Last day

Today is my last day at the beach. I've been a pretty great week! I've met lots of people, seen and done lots of fun things, and really enjoyed the vacation. I saw sting rays and dolphins for the first time! I rode jet skis (and paying for it with sore muscles now) and had a blast. Right now, I'm sitting in the super nice condo waiting for the USA vs. England soccer game to start.

Cayston is interesting. It really is truly amazing how something can simplify and complicate your life at the same time. I spend so much time cleaning and spend very little time actually using it. It also had such great potential to help me, health-wise, so I'm biting my tongue and doing what I have to do without complaining. I'm trying. I am ready to be done with the first 28 days, but I'm only at day 9 or 10 right now. Because I have to do it 3 times a day, it seems to be taking even longer. Ahh sorry! No complaining!!!

Hopefully I'll get a full beach trip post when I get home. Actually, I'm house-sitting as soon as I get back, and I'm hoping they have internet out at this mansion. If they do, I'll definitely get a post up.

-Annie

I'm Home I'm Home! (Until tomorrow)

Thank GOODNESS my hectic week is over with. 3 tests and an interview... I'm all tuckered out. Unfortunately, it wasn't a great week for tests or interviews, but that's ok I guess. I didn't do terrible on any of them, but not as great as I had hoped/expected. I went through the interview process for Union Board but did not get on it. It was an interview experience unlike any other I've ever had before, so it was a great experience. I also learned from several people on UB that most people don't get on it the first time they apply. It takes 2 or sometimes 3 tries so I'm encouraged to apply again in the fall. (The current VP of UB had to apply twice, for example.) So while I would have rather just gotten on this time instead of having to go through this again, I'm not really upset about it. I'll simply apply/interview again in the fall. It was a good experience too.

So Monday morning at 6:00am, I had a tapping on my window as I was pulling my hair into a ponytail. It was the boyfriend saying "hurry up!!!" We had agreed to start running on MWF at 6am together on the track. And on Monday, boy was it COLD!! But I ran it anyway. And went back to bed. lol. I didn't run it on Wednesday because he "let me off the hook" because I helped him tremendously with his lab report. He ran a mile and then did a lot of sprints at 3 that morning (after pulling an all-nighter). He didn't sleep until the following afternoon when he slept for 14 hours straight. This was also after swimming a ton of laps. Boys are crazy. I needed the sleep too.

OH. However! I'm not getting much sleep because 1- the people upstairs are still insane and keep me awake and 2- we now have a construction crew working on the apartment I'm LIVING IN at 7am! There's no hope for sleep I suppose.

I had mentioned recently that I've been feeling sick all the time. Well it hasn't really changed much, no surprise there. My mom ran into one of my nurses from my clinic and mentioned my problem. My nurse said that they have new enzymes out with really great results and has made some chronically ill-feeling people feel better! I've never been a friend to change, but this one might be worth trying. Also involves fewer pill numbers....

It feels so good to be home. My weekend is going to be spent with family and with the highway. I drove home yesterday, spending today here, and then driving back tomorrow. Then, on Sunday, my mom is coming to my church to watch me sing in the Easter service. Then I'm riding back home with her to spend more time with family. THEN on Monday, I'm riding BACK to college with the boyfriend. Got all that? So that's a total of 4 trips. Lol! 4 trips in 5 days. Whew!

Happy Birthday to the Reasoner twins!!! They turned 1 year old today! Keep fighting Brett!

Tonight is the Good Friday service at my home church. After that, I'm going to Barnes & Noble to visit a friend, Betsy, who is having a book signing for her latest book that was released yesterday! Read about it here!

Recently, I sat through and I read a large chunk of my first posts. It was really interesting to me because this is somewhat like a diary. My passion for soccer drove my enthusiasm to stay well, even when I rocked a PICC. Sometimes I feel like that passion has drained out of me. That is very frustrating to me. Sometimes it's hard to fight for something you don't even know if you'll get. So lately I've been trying to fight not only for my future, but for the present and my friends and family. These are the people who will be with me for the rest of my life and I don't want to hurt them. So I must stay strong if not for myself, for them.

To all my Catholic friends (and others who gave up things for Lent), you've almost made it!!! Don't give up!!

Alright, time to finish getting ready for the day. My brother, sis-in-law, and nephew are coming over soon. Can't wait! I love seeing family!!!

-Annie

"We don't feel pain"

Finally! A good day in college town! I had had a pretty great 7 day break (snow, family, home cooked food, etc.) but yesterday and today were back to the grind, and they turned out pretty great! One day during break, I did a little retail therapy to help lift my spirits. I spent most of it on make-up and other g.irly items (weird, for me) but I'm so glad I did. I will actually put forth the effort in the mornings to make myself look decent! That helps motivate me to get up out of bed after doing TOBI. That, and my new hair dryer. I'm in love. Just look at it! I pretty much leave the little attachment thing on because the stylists use it on my when I get my hair cut and I love it. The shower-head looking thing makes me a little nervous! I'm off-topic now. Yesterday, both of my morning classes let out early. While I normally groan when my 8am gets out early because I just sit in the same building until 10am, I have found that I really enjoy chatting with some of the people who are also in both of my morning classes. They can be pretty entertaining! After my second class let out, I did some homework and waited for the boyfriend to make the drive from home to college. We made a trip to SuperOne (much needed!) and I baked a cake (yummm). While it was cooling, we went to the gym. YES you read right. I finally made it back to the good ol' gym. The boyfriend is helping me with arm muscle building machines so I can gain my arm strength back, and I always work on my legs. However, while I was doing one machine, my knee popped funny. It doesn't hurt unless I put a lot of strain on it, but I was nervous about running. So I ellipticaled (lol) a mile instead of running. I was proud of myself, but disappointed with the time and respiratory results. So...

Today I made it back to the gym! Yayyyy!! 2 days strong and I'm proud of myself. Today I did the treadmill instead of the elliptical machine and I could feel a difference. The pounding of power-walking (I dislike running on a treadmill) definitely loosened some junk up and I was coughing away (much to the worry of nearby joggers). I had a lot of good, productive coughing for the next 20 minutes after that too. Oh, and before the treadmill, I did all of the arm/leg machines again. Got to put weight on me somehow! And I miss my strength from being an athlete.

I was encouraged by Lauren's post (Read here), but I haven't yet had the time in my day to add in extra miles. With adding all of the weight work too, and working with a partner, it takes up a lot of time. That's not a complaint, but when I have the time, I'll definitely up the distance. It may be some serious power-walking, but it helped! Baby steps....

So the boyfriend has put himself on a diet. Using my amazing new Kines knowledge, we have worked out a calorie amount for him to lose weight to, along with working out. So less about the "weight" and more about the "fat", if that makes sense. Anyway, because of our VERY different needs in calorie intake, we've come across some problems that will only get worse with time: how do I feed both of us together?? I need excess calories/sodium/fat and he needs just the opposite! We're trying portion differences if we share something cooked (I eat 2/3; he gets 1/3). He's cutting out most snacking (unless it's healthy/low calorie; and then it's limited) while I eat constantly. Me eating makes him want to eat too. Poor guy... I really do feel badly about it, but there's nothing either of us can do right now. I need to gain weight and he's trying to shave it off. I'm the one who is really pushing the gym right now, and I know he'll always go if I go. So go we shall!!

Oh, and the gym. So two days now, and there's only one part of my body that hurts: my hands. I'm building my calluses back and they HURT!!! Working out was so painful today, but mostly in my hands! Oh well. Another day at the gym with the phrases "We don't feel pain" and "I ha.te you Chase Wooten" running through my head.

Time to explain. Chase Wooten was one of my keeper trainers/off-campus soccer coach/soccer camp keeper coach over the last 8+ years of my life. He was the only trainer I've ever had who I actually wanted to keep pushing myself for. He was a great motivator and a hilarious guy. (Oh! I'm saying "was" because I'm "retired" and he moved away.) If the training started to hurt, "Nope, we don't feel pain. Let's go." I don't think I've ever pushed myself harder than when working for Chase. He made training so much fun with his dry sarcasm and comments that made me laugh and want to do better. So, I personally adopted the phrase "We don't feel pain" as my workout slogan for when I don't think I can lift another weight or take another step. And I don't actually ha.te Chase, not at all, but that's another thing I would say to him as I worked because it hurt and he was the one pushing me. Just another joke to get through the pain.

So, if I was a great author like Betsy, CG, Ronnie/Mandi, or Lauren, I would end this post in a cute way, tying in "we don't feel pain" to some metaphor of life. But I'm not, so I'm just going to end it with this: tomorrow morning, I dye my hair. Goodbye brown. Hello red.

-Andrea

Busy busy busy!

This MLK day break will be nice tomorrow (already is nice, seeing as I'm normally in bed by this time) because it's going to be a super busy week!

Monday: finish my Kines 290 project, finish studying for my Kines 292 test (both due Tuesday)

Tuesday: Present project and take test. SLEEP. Go to the lab between 3:30-6:30 to run another test, soccer game that night at 7.

Wednesday: Go to biology at 8, drive home, eat lunch, go to the doctor (GET A GOOD REPORT), visit Casey's new puppy, head back to college-town, mandatory self-defense class at 7. Study for bio test Friday

Thursday: Soccer game at 6. SLEEP MORE. Study for bio test Friday

Friday: Bio test. Sleep a whole lot more. Busy weekend ahead!

WHEW!!! I've got to be careful with my time-management this week so I can get ample amount of sleep for all the running around I'm doing. I live a crazy life! (Take THAT, CF!)

I finally went to the "big church" service at the church I've been attending. Before, I had only gone to the college Sunday school and college worship. I found out last week what time the real service started and made a point to go today. So I spend from 9-12; 3:45-5 at the church now (I joined the choir too, so that second chunk is singing!). That really makes me happy. I had been missing that greatly and I adore my church here in college-town. I feel at home. :]

When I have time to take a breath, I'll give the report on my doctor's appt. from Wednesday. Cross your fingers, your legs, and your heart that it's a good report. My January resolution was a bust, but I'm hoping my PFTs will still be good enough!

-Annie

Last couple of days

Shame on me for not posting, but I have been really busy. My excuse for the weekend: I didn't take Lappy home. My excuse for Monday/Tuesday: I've been super busy! But here I am again!

This weekend was a good friend's birthday, so I drove home to go celebrate it with him. We were going to celebrate here in college-town but his parents wanted him home. So home it was. We had a nice little double-date dinner/movie outing on Saturday. On Sunday, I drove my friend Tiff to college-town so she could catch another ride to the next city over to pick up her car. Legal hitch-hiking.

Monday is my busy school day. I have my biology in the morning and then bio lab that afternoon. In between, I'm doing homework. That evening, I had to prepare for my community group (college bible study) because I was teaching Chapter 10 of the book "Crazy Love." I spent a large chunk of time preparing, went to community group, and then hung out with the boyfriend for a little while.

Tuesday was one of the best days I've had in a while. I went to my first kines class but not to the second. Instead, one of my very best friends from high school came to visit! He goes to college in Vermont so I don't see him often. Him and his friend drove over to see me and one other friend from high school. We spent about 5 hours just talking, baking, and hanging out. I had a ton of fun. Then, I did more homework and played soccer that evening!! Sigma Kappa played Temple Baptist... battle of the roommates. Yep, my roomie is on the Temple indoor soccer team (along with a few other of my good friends) and we played each other last night. And, to make it EVEN BETTER, more good friends from high school (one goes to Texas A&M and one goes to LSU) that I don't see often came to visit other friends! So they were at the soccer game last night. My evening ended with those 2 friends from the soccer game, my roomie, and another friend hung out in my apartment for a while. It was great. We all went to high school/church together so it was a nice reunion.

Wow, that probably got really complicated, but I understand it. lol!

-Annie

The gym, and such.

I was supposed to have an Intramurals soccer game today, but our competition didn't show. That frustrated me because I was really pumped to play soccer. I've missed it so much! So, already dressed for physical activity, I decided to go to the gym. *huge sigh*

Needless to say, I still don't like running. Sorry, but I don't. But I still went to the gym. On my way to the track, I glance into our blue gym and see some guy in the very back kicking a soccer ball against the wall. I shuffled through 2 different basketball games to get to this guy. I called him over. "Hey, do you want someone to just kick the ball around with?" "No." Wow. Shot down. "No, I mean, my game was canceled and I just really want to play." He half-smiled and nodded and gave me the ball. "Your game cancel?" That's when I understood he was a foreign exchange student and didn't quite understand me, not a really rude kid. He looked like he was from the India area, but it was hard to tell. We spoke very little, but ran drills (ugh) that involved long sprints (UGH!!). After a few minutes of that, I was tired so I sat and stretched (that's what all the good soccer players do when they don't want to admit they're tired. "I just need to stretch, hold on.") After that, we just repeatedly kicked the ball at the gym back wall for about 10 minutes. He finally said "I think I'm done." I shook his hand, said it was nice to meet him, and watched him walk out.

I have no idea what is name was or where we was from. We spoke very little, but communicated very well. It's crazy how sports can connect people from across the globe together. After that, I called the boyfriend to see if he wanted to work out, but he was going later with a friend. So it was just me... and the track. *siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh*

I was already a little tired from playing soccer, but I ran. I am not sure how many laps around this track is a mile (I've heard 10, I've heard 16) but I ran 12 in 7 minutes (which makes me think it's 16...). I sat on the track afterwards and coughed so much and so loud, I had the rest of the gym staring at me (it's a raised track above the part of the gym with all the weights and machines). I'm pretty sure everyone thought I was about to keel over.

I can't run very far yet, but I'm trying. I am. I pushed myself today, and that makes me angry that I can only run that far. I'll keep running...

Oh, and just as a side note, I was so zoned out from running and walking back to my apartment that I tried to open my apartment door by using the clicker that unlocks my car. *sigh*

-Andrea

And Now it's Over

Well the ref has blown the whistle of my last competitive game ever. It was heartbreaking, to say the least. Losing in the quarterfinals was hard, but this team fought until the bitter end. I wouldn't trade any of them for ANYTHING. And they are State Champs in my book. ALL-WORLD!

Girls, you've made this keeper proud. :]
With love, Annie #1

Playoffs

Round 1 of the playoffs- we played Walker and beat them 10-0.
Round 2 of the playoffs- we played SJA, tied them 2-2, went into OT, golden goal, and finally PKs where we beat them 4-3. I'm proud of myself for blocking 2 very important PKs and proud of Rachel for scoring both goals and the winning PK.
Now it's time to wait to see who we play for round 3. This team is so amazing and I love them.

DISTRICT CHAMPS 2008-2009!

Magnet s soccer is looking fine! Check these links for news articles and a news clip!

Love, your friendly neighborhood Goalie. :]

News reel of District Rival game
Article after District Rival game
Pictures of District Rival game

And this picture is from the previous meeting with our District Rivals.



That's me. :]

Not the update I planned, but.....

Just for my own record and for the amusement of those of want something to read, here's a local article on my soccer team. :]

-Annie (goalie)

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009901150318

Post-Christmas Update

I keep learning of more and more people who read this blog. Neat. Hi!

Christmas is over and New Years is merely days away. But before that, on Sunday, is the INDEPENDENCE BOWL! (Can you tell I'm pumped?) I'm sure I'll have pictures from that later.

Our soccer team had a captain's practice today. So Alissa and I led a Brazilian run (death) and then we ran steep hills. I did alright. I ran a mile the other day and it's definitely a weakness of mine. I've never been good at distance running. I'll sprint all day long, but distance is my kryptonite.

Oh! But this morning, before practice, started off with a nice breakfast with Alissa. We chatted about everything from my family to dogs and everything in between. And after practice the team all went to lunch. It was a great bonding experience. :]

I have a positive health update!! Finally, I'm getting some relief in my sinuses. FINALLY. The sinuses that are right below my eyes, esp. the one on my right, no longer hurt. They feel empty. I'm so so happy!

That's all for now, I think.

-Andrea

Showcase Soccer Tournament

I am so proud of this team. These gi.rls are amazing, our managers are awesome, and our coaches are great. This weekend we were in a tournament in the southern part of the state and we were counted out before it even started. Little did the teams know that we are really good and got 2nd in the tournament.
Bracket play:
Game 1: tied 0-0
Game 2: won 3-0
Game 3: won 3-0
Game 4: won 1-0
Finals: tied 1-1; still tied after OT; lost in PKs.

Game 1 and the finals were against the same team. All games were played within 24 hours of each other. This team has worked hard and I can't be more proud of them. Can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings!!

-Andrea (Goal keeper: #1)

In case you didn't notice....

IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. Friends, I just played a soccer game against a team we should never play. This team has a soccer program for reasons unknown. In all honesty, we shouldn't play them because it's always a 9-0 game (with us winning) and it's dangerous for both teams. They don't know how to play and tend to just hack at our ankles while we play around them as best we can. That was the game I played in the goal for 30 minutes. I did *nothing*, as was expected. I wore: underarmour, a t-shirt, a hoodie, a jacket, and a goalie shirt (in that order). It wouldn't have been so bad, just standing out there, if it hadn't begun to rain/sleet. That's when things turned downhill. I was a little goalie popsicle. Miserable, cold, kinda hungry, and ready for the game to end.

That nice warm bath I took after the game reminded my hands and feet that they are suppose to have circulating through them.

*crosses fingers* Here's to school being canceled tomorrow!

-Andrea

Annie, meet schoolwork. Schoolwork, stop attacking Annie.

WOW has school taken off. With only a week left until my break (I leave for Lake Charles Friday morning at 8 for a soccer tournament!!) I have a lot left to do! I have been procrastinating from writing here because I don't have the time. I probably still don't, but oh well.

Drama drama drama drama DRAMA. And I'm just going to leave it at that.

And coughing! When did this start because I don't like it. Had a scary morning too. I kept coughing up (not too much...) but normally I'll cough up just a TINY bit and it's over. This time it was continual. It freaked me out and I finally just held my breath to stop coughing altogether. I ran today and that was probably a bad move. I'm suppose to wait 24 hours after coughing up for physical activity, but I honestly forgot until now. Whoops. Maybe my capillary will heal overnight and I don't have to worry about it.

I haven't been getting much sleep (schoolwork again) and I'm getting up between 5 and 5:30 everyday because treatment, plus Tobi, takes 45 minutes in the morning and and hour at night.
So no sleep, plus really stressed, means I don't eat. Which means I'm probably dropping a pound a week (like I did the two weeks I was on IV antibiotics...) and that's not good!! Maybe over break I can stuff myself silly and gain some of it back...

Ok. I really need to do schoolwork. *sigh*

-Andrea

So far, so good

So, like I said before, I got the line out Monday. How's life been since?

FAN-freaking-TASTIC. Except for making up loads of school work (*sigh*), I'm glad to be back playing soccer, back in school, and back in my life! My arm is healing up nicely and I'm feeling somewhat better. Somewhat.

Nothing else really to report. Just glad to be back!!

-Andrea