Doomed Diaries: Part Three

As we taxied to our gate, my ears miraculously popped with one loud, crackling noise. Ah, relief. The pressure was gone but my ears still felt full and my hearing was muffled, just as it had been for the entire week before this flight.

It's about this time that Aaron asked me if I remembered my temple recommend since we were going to wedding--the whole point of the trip. Do I have my temple recommend? DO I HAVE MY TEMPLE RECOMMEND??

No. I don't. I forgot it.

I FORGOT IT! We call Aaron's brother who is staying at our house, and it's not were I thought it was. It's ALWAYS there. It's not. I'm stumped. Nothing I can do. I'll worry about it tomorrow.

Universe: 3

Erin: 0

We left the plane without incident from GM (glasses man), although I'm fairly certain he was still asleep for most of the unloading of the plane.

We were picked up by my Dad, made our way to In'N'Out then headed to my Mom's house to settle in for the week.

Sunday AM rolled around and it was back to the airport for Aaron for an unexpected, but much needed and important trip to Utah. Bye bye boyfriend. We weren't sure when he would return.

Universe: 4 (thanks for taking my boyfriend stupid universe!)

Erin: 0

I returned from dropping Aaron off at the airport to make it to church. Sunday night I was still feeling pretty sick. I went to bed that night hoping a good nights sleep would help me feel better. It's at this point that I remember that I never sent an email to the lady I work for, letting her know I was going to be gone. This one just makes me laugh. I was on a different continent and I forgot to tell the lady I work for. I thought she would be furious, since I had just missed an entire week of work from being sick, but luckily, I sent a quick email, and she was fine with it and I had already found people to cover for me.

I awoke at around 2am with excruciating pain in both my ears and in a cold sweat. I could barely hear anything and the pain in my ears was making me a little irrational. I didn't really know what to do so I called Aaron. He told me to wake up my Mom, but I didn't want to because it was 2am and I felt really, really bad waking her from a peaceful sleep.

I let this go one for about an hour on and off the phone with Aaron. Crying. Sobbing. Being hysterical. Pain.in.my.ears.

Until I broke down to the someone stabbing a knife in my ears pain and woke my Mom up. She rushed to the rescue, giving me the heating pad to put on my ears, a decongestant, and some motherly love and care. No use going to the ER for an earache--so eventually I was able to fall asleep (thanks Mom) and would go to the doctor first thing in the morning. I felt like I was 10 again. Thanks for taking care of me Mom.

We arrived at the doctor first thing in the morning, with my ears still pounding, hurting. I was first in line (thanks to my Mom's extensive knowledge of the Urgent Care facility. We've had a lot of visits there over the years). They were having problems with my insurance because Hawaii is 1. ghetto AND 2. everything was closed because of the time difference--eventually I just told them to forget it and I'd pay whatever I needed to pay if my insurance rejected it, I didn't care.

I got in to see the doctor and was informed that I had a severe sinus infection as well as a double ear infection (inner on both, outer on the left). And a 'pretty good' cough from all the drainage from my head. GREAT. WONDERFUL!

Give me drugs. I called Aaron after the appointment and told him I needed to start DOING drugs.

I didn't move from my bed for the next three days.

Aaron's still in Utah.

I'm supposed to be on VACATION.

AND at this point, my Dad was coming down with the same thing I had. I got him sick (probably when he was visiting in Hawaii)

Universe: 5

Erin: 0

Read the others here:

Part one

Part two

The Doomed Diaries: Part Two

Aaron and I are just settling our bodies into our seats when from the front of the plane, we hear a couple. You know the type, loud, boisterous, borderline obnoxious, exposing their life history to the entire plane because they are talking so loud.

They both were wearing sun-glasses, on a plane.

Please don't sit next to us, please don't sit next to us--I silently prayed as they approached closer and closer.

"This is us!"-- as they plopped down next to us, across the isle without breaking conversation.

"Babe, babe! Babe. I'm so happy to be marrying you. I can't believe I get to meet your family soon. They are so, babe, they are so going to love me! Babe, you are my fiance. Babe!" says glasses man.

"Babbbbeeeee!!!! Babbbbeeee!!! My family totally loves you more than they love me" says glasses girl.

Insert more conversation as described ad nauseam.

As our plane starts to climb higher and higher into the sky, I see out of the corner of my eye, the following.

Man pulls ear plugs out of girls ear.

She swats his hand rather hard and grabs the ear plugs and puts them back in.

He grabs them back out, more forcefully this time and grabs her arm and squeezes as she tries to get them back.

She breaks free from his grasp.

She flicks him in the face.

He flicks her in the face.

She goes to flick him in the face again and he grabs her arm, pushes her forward while twisting her arm behind her and pulling it as hard as he can up her back (like a cop arresting someone).

She starts crying and he eventually stops.

She pulls of her wedding ring and throws it at him.

I look over at Aaron, who has that crazy look on his face. That look. If you've seen it on others or Aaron (ha!) you know what I mean.

Before I know it Aaron is yelling across the isle:

A: "Hey BUDDY! What the hell's a matter with you? Does that make you feel like a man!?"

GM (glasses man): "What. She flicked me in the face!"

A: "She's a woman! And you're a man!"

GM: "Whatever man. She did it to me first. She was arguing with me!"

A: "I don't CARE what was happening. If you do it again, I'm going to come over there and flick YOU in the face!"

GM: "Oh yeah? What are you going to do?"

A: "You want me to come over there right now and show you?"

Girlfriend of GM starts yelling "Stop! Just stop! Everyone just stop!" while GM is still carrying on saying "she flicked me first"

I yell: "Are we in highschool?! Just STOP TOUCHING EACHOTHER. Sit on your hands and DON'T TOUCH EACHOTHER"

They both finally stop arguing, talking, touching, flicking, arm putting behind their back-ing.

The lady in the row in front of them turns around to Aaron and I and mouths "Thank you!" With a thumbs up. The lady in the row behind them taps me on the shoulder and says, "I'm so glad someone finally said something! Those two have problems!"

At this point, I'm furious. Mostly because these dysfunctional people just made me miss the digi-player cart and I REALLY wanted to get a digi-player.

So I exit to the back of the plane to retrieve said digi player. The man in the row behind crazy couple is also back there telling the flight attends what happened, and they all start high-fiving me and telling me if they carry on more, they will be separated.

I return to my seat, with digi player in tow, only to hear GM telling his finance to "stand up and apologize to all these people who think I'm just a big jerk now because of you."

Classy.

Luckily, the drink cart couldn't come fast enough and GM was down for the count (after he spilled his drink TWICE on his fiance) and spent the entire rest of the flight asleep. With his glasses on.

As we descended into San Diego, I was racked with the WORST inner ear pain I've ever felt. I felt like my head was going to explode. I started to cry and turned to Aaron telling him I thought my ears where going to explode.

He hugged me as we hit the runway.

Universe: 2

Erin: 0 (although I get bonus points for a husband who is willing to stand up when he sees something that needs to be stood up for)

The Doomed Diaries: Part One

*** The story of a vacation gone trip, but made right in the end***

I consider myself a fairly charmed human being.

Let me explain.

Bad things just don't happen to me. I never have cars break down, I never lose my keys, lock myself out of things, get into situations I can't get out of, miss flights, barf in inappropriate places, mostly often on time etc; or you know, I just don't have strange, bizarre, inconvenient things happen very often. I like to attribute this lack of inconvenience in my life to my impeccable planning and preparing skills as well as my love from mini/travel size items. I can most often avoid any unfavorable situation because I've planned for it/around it AND I have a mini/travel size everything in my purse.

Need a tissue in the middle of the ocean? I've got you covered. Need medicine on the top of a mountain? I have a variety to chose from. Need a bandaid at the beach? Here, let me help you.

Things just always seem to come together for me, no matter what it be. Big or small, it just always works out.

But the last two weeks, that all changed.

It all started when I got sick about three days before my visiting family was set to leave the island. I was so so so sick. Cough, congestion, sinus, both ears plugged (I could not hear ANYTHING), snot, headache, body ache. You name it, I had it. I spent the last three days of their vacation on the couch, with my dog. I barely moved. I didn't go to work. I felt so sad/guilty that I was so so sick their last few days. I wanted them to have fun! I wanted to have fun!

They left on a Wednesday, and I was going to leave that Saturday to follow them out to California. We also had friends coming to stay at our house for a few days before we left, but they ended up not staying at our place because I was so sick. Again, I felt so guilty/sad that I was ruining everyone's plans! Perfect timing getting sick, perfect timing!

So, eventually as I wasn't starting to feel better, I did what any planning person like myself would do. I called the doctor to get some help. They didn't have any appoints until Monday. Since I was leaving on Saturday, I was out of luck (no pun intended)

Universe: 1

Erin: 0

I couldn't see the doctor so instead I did the stupidest thing anyone with a sinus infection could do, I got on a plane. Do you KNOW what happens when you have a sinus infection (in my defense, I didn't know I had one) and you get on a plane? No? Oh, well I'll tell you.

Little did I know, that was only the beginning of my lessons from the universe.

[Enter stage left] Estranged couple sitting next to us on plane.

***To be continued***

The Weekly Swede

Aaron and I were experimenting a few weeks back with the ocean, a chair that smelled like the worst wet nasty you've ever smelt (we got it from an old folks home, second hand. I do not recommend), and some serious wind. It was going a little awry, but it was all worth it when I saw my little fluffy brown hot dog barley bobbing his little head above water--swimming his heart out to get to me (on the reef a little ways out). I love my pup, a lot. And that just made me love him even more.

Me and my furry boyfriend. I miss him already (we are going to be apart for a few days....)

Ketchup

Hello great big world.

I disappeared!

We have family in town.

Then we have friends in town.

Then we are leaving for a week.

So basically, I'm going to be a little crazy until after the first week of March.

Catch ya then!

Here's a little to prove we are alive:

I discovered a few nights ago that my flashlight app makes the perfect shadow puppet lighting. Aaron busted out this amazing old man, with only two hands. I never knew he had such talent:

My lunch date:

Happy Valentines Day!

***I wore red, in honor of the day. I was quite proud of myself.***

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Aaron and I were not very into Valentine's Day this year. No particularly reason, I think we were just being lazy!

But I always love Valentine's Day because it reminds me of the sweet moments when Aaron and I fell in love. He kissed me for the first time a few days before Valentine's Day, and then worked REALLY hard to make that first Valentine's together special, and it was. I will never forget it.

This year, we exchanged sweet love notes, and ate cupcakes for breakfast.

We somehow ended up at Arby's for dinner (don't ask). I've eaten there twice in my life, and this was #2. But we were together and that's all that mattered. And man, those mozzarella sticks are soooooo delicious. Fo' real.

I think I've gotten more of a sugar buzz this Valentine's Day than Halloween!

Now, I shall go eat MORE and watch a movie with my love.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

A Day on the Water

Watch it in 720p, it's worth it.

A day in the backyard, on the water. Also, Swede's first kayak adventure.

It was beautiful and hot and a wonderful way to spend our afternoon.

A Thank You

***A symptom of Graves Disease is bulging eyes, which thankfully, I DO NOT have and DO NOT want to have. Only when I see Thai food; an excitement I can not contain.***

Thank you, sincerely, to every person who cared enough to comment, email, facebook, call, or text me your support, love, kindness, and own experiences with Grave's. I cannot adequately explain the joy that has come to my heart, and the weight that was lifted off my spirit.

I think one of the most wonderful parts of our existence on this earth is to love and be loved. And boy, I've felt the love. It's humbling and kind. And I feel undeserving, but I thank you all, again, for such unconditional support and love! Hearing of others journey's with Grave's has helped bring clarity and hope to mine. I knew it was fairly common, but I had no idea so many people around me and around those I know had encountered it!

Coincidentally, I had a follow up appointment with my ENDO this week--and I feel 100% awesome about the direction we have chosen to go. She is great and wonderful and fully on board with my concerns about RAI. For now, we have left RAI out of the equation; an answer to my prayers.

So, little thyroid, I'm the boss around here. No more misses nice girl.

And again, THANK YOU.

PS. I retain my loyalty to google. A lot of people have wisely told me to stay away, but I'm a little looney and LIKE knowing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Weirdly--it makes me feel like I am in control, because I have all the info, at my finger tips. In the same breath, I am fully aware of the damage such an overwhelming amount of information can do. For example: I have been, in the past, accused (thanks aaron) of googling symptoms and concluding that I will most certainly die within the next 5 minutes (for things unrelated to graves; the common cold, a splinter, a headache, and most comically anaphylaxis shock 6 hrs later......).

20 seconds

**Me and my friend the thyroid ultrasound-scanner-and a blanket.**

"All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage, and I promise you, something great will come of it."

I saw "We Bought a zoo" (I was just reminded that the capital z on our keyboard doesn't work) a bit ago with the elderly lady I work for. I enjoyed it.

Especially the part where the dad tells his son "All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage, and I promise you, something great will come of it." He, of course, is referring to his snap decision to talk to their mother for the first time, and again, when he decided to buy a zoo.

I'm taking this advice and I'm going to open up my little heart and let you all in. And I type pretty fast, so hopefully I can get it in. I don't normally share information of a personal nature on such an open medium-but it is time.

20 seconds starts now.

Did you know that in Sept 2011 we had made the decision to move to Fiji, through summer 2012 in response to some work opportunities? Did you know that moving to Fiji would require a work permit-which required a physical? A physical that I got- and a blood test that came back abnormal?

And I was sent to a specialist. And diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder called "Grave's Disease." Great name right, grave? death.

Basically, my immune system is attacking my thyroid--causing it to be HYPER (overactive)--for life. Most people will have some sort of hyperthyroidism in their life that will resolve itself--this is different in the sense that mine will never balance out on it's own, it may never go away without assistance--because it involves more than my thyroid; my immune system and antibody levels. Fairly common--fully controllable-if treated properly. Left untreated--it will get worse and led to other health problems--obviously.

Curable? That's up for debate. How long till 'under control?' Days? Months? Years? It's unclear. I will most likely be hand in hand with Mr. Grave my whole life.

And that's when we knew we wouldn't be moving to Fiji-with my new found nerdy need to be seen by a doctor every 6 weeks for the next little while. Bye Fiji. POOF. Gone.

Recovering from that wasn't easy. But we must press on.

For those unaware, there are 3 treatment options. (my doctor is very fond of #1. Me, not so much)

1. Take this radioactive iodine pill (a small scale form of radiation- I'm not supposed to touch anyone after I take it for a few days). That will kill my thyroid and production of TSH (thyroid hormone) in my blood. Forever. Which will eventually cause me to dip into HYPOthyroidism--thus resulting in supplementing with a thyroid hormone, daily, for the rest of my life.

2. Anti-thyroid drugs--taken daily for an amount of time (1-2 yrs) which could lead to remission of the disease, but could also not.

3. Surgery to remove my thyroid (my doctor hasn't suggested this)--but I know it's an option.

And considering we don't have children yet, I would like to do the least amount of damage possible--in all senses of this situation. Who knew a little thyroid could cause such havoc?

So I'd like to just throw this out there.

Do you have experiences with Grave's disease? Do you have advice? What treatment worked for you? Didn't? Complications? Other options? Any sort of input would help my confused mind.

Although google has been my best friend lately and I have heard the good, the bad, and the ugly about EVERY option, I would like to learn from the experience of others (obviously to be discussed at length with my poor doctor. I AM one of THOSE patients.)

20 seconds over.

Let's see what comes of this.

Pushing publish took WAY longer than 20 seconds--I'm sheepish to be so personal on this little bliggity blog. What will people think? I don't want people to feel bad for me or take pity on me or worry about me. Will I push it?

I guess you'll know if you're reading this.

My Aaron

I just need to take a moment and stand up on my high horse and shout a little.

My husband is my hero.

I've had some things happen recently that have been hard for me to deal with and I haven't been myself, at times. And I'm sure I haven't been the nicest, funniest, happiest person to be around lately. In fact, I can be quite a brat-especially to the one person who loves me the most. Why do we women do that?

Aaron, sensing this, has decided to spoil me silly!

Not only has he kept up with the house work, he has decided to tackle the gaping hole (that was there prior to our moving into our current home from a leak) in the ceiling because he knows it bothers me, and I'm embarrassed that every person that walks into our house sees that right off the bat (even though we don't own this house and it's not our problem and the people who are paid to fix these things don't.)

He has surprised me with breakfast in bed, lunch ready and on the table when I come home from work, and many other goodies that he knows I love.

He surprised me by making me a hair appointment at my favorite salon because he knew I wanted to go but had been putting it off--and he knew the money I had saved to go would eventually be spent on other things if I didn't go soon. I have a bad habit of feeling guilty about spending money on myself--so I always end up spending money designated for 'me' on bills.

He surprised me by taking me out to dinner that same day and let me order anything and everything I wanted--without regard to price.

He's skipped opportunities to surf and spearfish to just hang out at home with me.

He plays JUST DANCE 3 with me whenever I want, even though he HATES to dance.

Aaron could give me a million dollar diamond bracelet and it wouldn't mean as much to me as the little things he does everyday. The little things mean A LOT to me, and he sure is hitting the ball out of the park!

I sure did get lucky. I thank the heavens every day for you my boyfriend!

I love you Aaron!

Out of the Swing of Blogs

I feel like I've been apologizing a lot lately for not blogging.

I'm just out of the habit and enjoying my little family.

95% of my life consists of Aaron.

The other 5% is spent on the beach, with my Swede.

And I kind of like it that way.

I've been somewhat reclusive lately, not necessarily by choice, just have been, and that has seemed to translate over to my blog as well.

Here's what I've been up to:

Aloha Weekend

*****Written a few weekends ago*****

This weekend reminded me (although it's hard to forget) why I love where I live.

The weather was perfect all weekend. Clear blue skys. Light winds. Sun sun sun.

A pooped sandy pup!

And a wonderful homemade sandwhich. You know I had to include it!

More Pictures

Just some last pictures from our recent family photo-op.

I've had them for awhile but wanted to wait a bit so this blog wasn't all covered with our faces!

I'm in love with these.

I finally feel like we had pictures taken that were 'us.'

Most of the time we dress up and wear things we hardly ever wear and pose in positions that are weird.

But this time, we didn't fuss, we just went with it.

And luckily, we had some stellar ladies behind the lens' making it happen.

See our other pictures click here (as well as for the contact info for the photographers)

Dusk on Saturday

Words can not describe the beauty that was Saturday night. Aaron and I took off on our usual nightly run, and I looked to my left to see the following.

No filters, just straight from my phone.

I'm lucky to live where I live. I don't care about the bugs and the distance and the $$ and whatever other people decide to complain about whilst living in paradise.

None of that holds a candle to the beauty I get in giving those meaningless things up.

the boys checking the low tide. Do you spy swede?

I was there too, although a bit sweaty, I'm a happy girl.