What Did You Want To Be?

What did you want to be when you were growing up? What were your dreams? We lose sight as we get older. It scares us.

In 2 months, I will be 40! It still tugs at me, I always wanted to be a photographer.

I went to USU to study it. I took classes like The Zone System (Ansel Adams' system of light scale), I had a photojournalism internship at a newspaper. I worked as a child portrait photographer for years.

I had a professor that said "The more you shoot the more you see". Not every photo I take is good, but then there are some that I do that just keep me wanting to take more. If you get a chance go to my FlickR and look at my set named "My Best Of Album".

I'm not doing it professionally but I am enjoying it back in my life. I am more of a photographic historian now. I am not so artsie-fartsie. But still a Photohead. It will always be part of me as long as I can still see.

A couple weeks ago, I was clicking through the Chipping family Blogs, I found this on Oliver and Emily's Blog: http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ithct48cqw

What was your dream? It is still there.

More Magic! Worth Every Cent!

I have just recently purchased and used 2 products that kick butt!
#1 – I had spilled a Frosty (chocolate of course) on my almost new white work shirt. I washed it and even dried it. I thought I would give an oxygen spot remover a chance. But this time I thought I would try to be environmentally friendly. I bought “Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Oxygen Bleach Stain Remover is made with natural Sodium Percarbonate Mineral that promises to be tough on stains but gentle on the environment and your pet.”
I soaked the shirt in the sink overnight with it and it worked! It is about $8.

#2 – I bought this back a month ago and finally broke it out of its wrap. I found it at PetCo for about $8 to $10. “Magic Pet Hair Remover helps remove hair from pet beds, carpets, furniture, clothing and more. The Magic Pet Hair Remover can be easily washed with soap and water.” Just like the “Magic Eraser” for walls, floors, etc, it took a little elbow grease but it worked on the couch and the carpet on the stairs. Why didn’t I invent that?!

These are not paid advertisements (yet!). Try them!

Creepy Magical Seat With Mind of It's Own!

Things that you COULD learn if you read the owners manual....we have had the Ford F150 King Ranch for over a year now. I never noticed before but today when running an errand, I unlocked the truck with my key set. The seat moved! To my preset that I thought that worked only when you push the button. So if Joe presets his seat with his key it will move.

The World’s Sweetest Dog is Now Gone

Susie called me (I can’t remember the year):
Susie - We got a pug puppy!
Me - pug? Those are ugly and worthless! Ankle biters! Why?! They have big bulgy eyes!
Susie – You’ve got to come see her! She is so cute!
Me – Okay, I’ll be over.

Later, Susie handed me a margarita and a pug puppy. The puppy was no bigger than my glass. And I fell immediately in love with her.

I’ve had the honor of dog sitting for them a few times over the years as well as spending weekends at our cabins.

She was their first child. Being her aunt, she always got away with murder with me, always on my lap. We would give each other loves. I will miss her little snorts, watching her “Pug-a-tona” (Pug Daytona) around and “Puggy-back rides on Barry’s back.

Cosmo has been struggling with pancreatitis and diabetes onset by it for the last couple of months.

Little sweet Cosmo, Susie, Barry and Katie’s pug is gone, I can’t believe it. My heart has a tremendous ache, but always a spot for sweet “Schmo”. She is playing with Griz up in doggie heaven right now, sharing her camel toy with him like she always did.

I’m going to miss Cosmopolitan Martini Horne!

Apparently I Am Starving My Dog

Ozzy is a healthy dog and a perfect weight for his age, etc. Ever since he was a puppy we chose to feed him one time a day in the evening, usually around 6 pm. This mainly came about because it is a hunting dog thing. You shouldn't feed then work a dog. It could make them twist their intestines and the result could be fatal. Yes, it turns out Ozzy isn't a hunting dog but he is very active, especially now that he walks with me almost daily.

Every day when I am around home, starting as early as 1 pm, Ozzy starts working on me. He wears me down until I give in. He follows me around the house. He stares intensely at me, softly whines then turns to a growl. Some days I give in early like 3 pm. Today I have held him off until just after 5:30 pm.

Doobie is staying with us and joins in too. Griz used to bat his eyes at me. They act like they are dying! What BRATS!

They're Home Again

They got home yesterday and had a good normal night.

You can read more on Jamie's Blog http://www.dillier.net/ and
John's new Blog http://jmelee.typepad.com/the_dillier_man_blog/ .

Enjoy.

Homeward Bound?!

With cautious optimism, Jamie and John are packing their stuff up at the hospital. The doctor told them that Max can go home today! Hopefully by this evening, the family of 4 (or 5 with Kitty) will be together under one roof to stay.

They have a few hoops to jump such as the regular required parenting checklist hospitals have to do when a newborn is leaving for home the first time. They have to show they can: change a diaper, correctly place the baby in a car seat/car, etc.

John brought the car seat up into their room to do another test. They want Max to sit in the car seat for an hour to see how he manages with it.

When they go home they will also be sent with oxygen for Max as a precaution. There will be additional tests later down the road (figuratively).

Here are some things I am sure they are looking forward to:
Going home/being home with Max and being joined by Alex!
They are beyond excited to be home with their kitty.
Their own bed instead of a chair.
No 24 hour interruptions from nurses and doctors.
The luxury of being woken up by Max for nursing or diaper changing.
Being a normal family again and getting into a routine.

Again, as much as we all want to run and be with them to celebrate, we are all going to try to stay away. They’ll need to figure out the visit schedule so they can get rest and be together.

Max's Test Results

I missed John's call somewhere in the black-hole phone service in my house! I didn't call him back to make him repeat all of the information he already gave me on the message. Besides, he got to speak to his Dad. I called his siblings including Heidi who is on vacation with Mike's family.

Max's MRI came back normal, no signs of physical damage. The EEG showed slight abnormal brain activity but not enough to warrant putting him on anti-seizure medication. They will of course be watchful of future seizures.

The real test is life. No matter what, this child is going to be loved. I feel deep in my heart and gut that he is going to be ok-ok. I know he will be a strong and brilliant boy just like his parents and big brother.

Jen, Lily and I went shopping today. I can't wait to give this to him, so Jamie & John here is a picture. The socks are just a bonus that might match another outfit. He will look pretty damn cute in it I think.

Testing Day for Max

Max has been doing better. He has been eating well from Jamie and trying to cry but he is struggling for his voice. More on that at http://www.dillier.net/
He is having tests today. He has already had an EEG and later a MRI. After the MRI and weaning him off of the nasal tube to room air, there is talk of going home as early as tomorrow. They (Jamie & John) are hoping to put off the MRI for a couple of weeks because he will have to go under sedation again.
Most of us are trying to stay away from the hospital so the 3 of them can rest and not excite Max. The exception is Barbara bringing Alex for visits that all of them need. It is hard not being there physically but I think/hope John, Jamie and Max know we are there for them.

Sunday AM Update on Max

We are thrilled Max has been moved to his own room in the Infant Care Unit. He has been eating from his Mommy. When he eats he breathes a little fast still. Personally I think it is like when you are super hungry and you start to eat you get scarfing and forget to breathe.

There are comments from Jamie on some of my posts, take a look. Also she has been able to write a little on her blog, please visit http://www.dillier.net/

MAXIMUS! Milestones a Many!

No Breathing Tube - Check
Eat Through Tube - ? (I know he is eating, so I am not sure if this is needed)
Open Eyes - Check - yes but now John wants to add eye contact when open
Cries - Check
No Nasal Tube - Check
Eat With Mouth (Boobies Boobies Boobies) - Check
Just added - Moving out of NICU into OWN ROOM - Talk of soon!
Ask for Car Keys - we can wait on that one for 15 years!

MAXIMUS! Milestone #1

From comments on my last entry "John and I woke up to the best surprise this morning. NO NASAL TUBE! He is breathing room air now! This has made our whole day. I can't believe what a strong, tough little fighter we brought into the world. After this experience, I'm thinking we should change his name to MAXIMUS!" - Jamie

Waiting Room

It turns out that what happened with the medication was this - they store the glucose bag right next to the epidural bag. Brilliant. I am withholding a lot of anger and several choice swear words.

He is doing pretty well. The neurologist has taken him off of the anti-seizure medication. It will be a bit until he comes out of that.

Here are some milestones John put on the white board in the family waiting room:
No Breathing Tube
Eat Through Tube
Open Eyes
Cries
No Nasal Tube
Eat With Mouth (Boobies Boobies Boobies)
Ask for Car Keys

Post Dr. Update

Max's vitals are normal now and have been throughout the night. They have taken him off of the ventilator and he has a oxygen tube in his nose instead. They also have him on the "Billy-lights" for jaundice (very normal). The bad medicine has passed though and out of his system 75-80%. The biggest concern is brain damage. They will be doing neurological testing on Monday.
I am so angry! This little boy was just breathing fast. He was perfectly healthy. My Mom said it was her understanding that there was a TWO PERSON - double check system in place for medication. Words can not express how I feel. I am blocking out the bad as much as possible and staying within trust that he will still have a normal brain.
Keep love and hope in your thoughts, thanks.

Baby Max at Primary Children's Medical Center

We where very proud of Jamie gaving birth to Max with no drugs - natural - NO epidural even. Yesterday a nurse gave him the wrong medication, the EPIDURAL drug, in his drip. Can you say LAWSUIT?!

He had a seizure in Jamie's arms. Jamie knew there was more to it than that. Their pediatrician immediately came to the hospital (as she should have) on her day off and figured it out. They took him by Life Flight to Primary Children's last night. This "has never happened before" so they don't know how long it will be for it to get out of his system. After the first 8 hours the dose cuts in half then after that it dissipates at a much slower rate.

John and Jamie are in doing very well and being strong considering. They did get a little sleep and ate breakfast. Max's vitals are all looking very good this morning. The Dr. is coming for rounds at 10 am. We should know more what the plan is for him today.

We left the hospital about 2 am. On the way home on Foothill there was a porcupine waddling across the street.

If he wasn't such a big strong baby to begin with, I don't want to imagine what would be going on now. We are all in disbelief and shock at how this could happen. Please send good healthy thoughts our way!

Max Breathing Update

It looks like little Max is having very similar breathing issues like Alex did. And just as it was a fluke for Alex, it is the same with Max. With both boys they think they breathed in/aspirated some you know, stuff during birth. He is breathing so fast that he can't eat. So he is on O2 and an IV in his head and a feeding tube in his nose. Jamie said he looks more pathetically sick than he really is. It could be up to a week that he will be in the hospital. They are treating for infection there has been talk of possible pneumonia but who knows. The Dr. said he improved from last night. Meanwhile John is starting to get sick so he went home to rest. Alex is way confused why he can't hang out with his baby brother. Jamie is avoiding her Dr. in the hospital so she can at least hang on to be released tomorrow. I wish there was something I could do to help. We are just hanging back, out of the way, waiting.

Once, Twice, Three Times Grandparents!

Welcome little Max James! You are so darling! I am going to just annoy people and tell them how damn wonderful you are and how much you are loved.
Another 18 birth date: Grandma Louise Dillier, Grandma Diane, Mommy Jamie, Cousin Lily. I really appreciate you keeping in the theme and adding to the magic/luck when I play roulette or the lotto! See my FlickR for photos: mrsjwd9 (yes, I can't figure out how to link or add pics, I know I am a dork, I will learn soon!).

Me Like Juice Power!

Okay, just in time! I got a cord for my laptop. My laptop original power cord kept slowly not working anymore. It would work if it was turned a certain way, the trouble was I didn't know what that was! I also had an extra cord (an iGo Juice) but I had bent it and it broke off the connection so I ordered one the other day and got it this morning.

Not only was I going crazy without it and zero battery power, but we have Baby Max to discuss. I am on the way to the hospital to meet him now!

Fish Lake, Father’s Day, Fowl, Fawn & Fuel

Despite being on Grandbaby watch, Joe and I went to Fish Lake this weekend.

We have gotten to see some cool stuff this time here. Don’t get me wrong we always see lots of birds, deer and misc creatures. Saturday we went to Richfield with Charlie and Joyce. The boys go golfing and the girls go shopping. On the way we saw a cow elk running along the side of the road. It is odd since we couldn’t see any other elk. They are true herd creatures. She looked healthy but just spooked. Then on the return trip, Joyce spotted a doe feeding her fawn just barely off the side of the road. We backed up and gawked at them. No pictures of either sighting, poo. I did get pictures of some deer, does and a spike. I also got some cool owl shots. Joe, Charlie & Keith went to Piute (sp?) to fish and got their limits and released about 50. They were huge rainbows!

Happy belated Father’s day to all. Father’s day cards always get me emotional. I haven’t actually looked at any for 7 years now. Just seeing them in the store makes me jealous of those who are choosing one.

On the way home we drove from Fish Lake to Salina with the truck beeping empty! We made it ok. Men and their damn tests.

Synopsis: Las Vegas

Ok, it has been about a week so here is the catch up. It is long, sorry.

Thank you Jamie for not having Max while I was gone.

Mom and I drove Friday afternoon to Mesquite. In the Fillmore-Beaver area we hit a huge hunk of metal that came out of no where. It cracked the rental car bumper in 2 spots. We were lucky it didn’t fly up to the windshield and hurt or kill us! And no, I didn’t get their insurance.

I won in Mesquite, but not all at once. I used $260 in free slot play, so I walked away with about $1000 in winnings from it. I could do no wrong. I played ALL night, I stayed up. I told Mom I was just going to play for a while. I even left her a message that I would be in bed by 11 pm. But then, my decision came about 4:30 am to just not go to bed. I figured since I had appointments starting at 7:15 am; a massage, then a facial. I slept during my massage a little, probably most of it. That is highly unusual for me since I always try to learn techniques from other therapists.

After the spa I met up with my Mom. We checked out. Then everything caught up with me, mainly my tummy. I had a Cobb salad for dinner the night before then didn't eat until after my appt. I had some cheese and fruit, and then it kind hit me fast. My lack of sleep, lack of food, Crown & Diet...I had to go lay down in the shade by the pool for about an hour. I am feeling way crappy and Mom walks up.
Mom - “Here you go”
Me –What is it?
Mom – Margaritas!
Me – Are you kidding?! I have to drive to Vegas still!
Mom – You’ll be fine
Me – Whatever, let me try some…UGGGGHH, that is sick. (It was extremely sweet and the tequila must have been hanging out on the top). Thanks but I don’t think I will have anymore.
She drank BOTH of them and later stated, “I don’t think there was any alcohol in them, and I would have felt it”. This is true, seeing she doesn’t drink except a very small drink occasionally.

We drove to Vegas. We went to Trader Joe’s so I could get an orchid for my booth. I ended up getting 2, it was hard the narrow it down that far. They were all gorgeous and cheap! $12.99 for the biggest ones! I love Trader Joe’s. They have such beautiful produce, fun foods, not to mention great prices on wine. If they didn’t sell booze I am sure we could have them in Utah.

We went to the Wynn and I set up my booth at the conference. I brought WAY to much crap that I didn’t need and I ended up never using. But I would have rather had it and not needed it rather than the opposite.

We checked into Treasure Island, skipping the lines everyone else has to stand in. I go to the VIP room where you can make yourself a top shelf cocktail, have chocolate covered strawberries, you get the picture.
VIP Desk Girl – Checking in?
Me – Yes, Jennifer Wakefield
VIP Desk Girl – Your host has upgraded you to an Executive Suite
Me – Really? Why? Do I gamble that much?
VIP Desk Girl – oh, no, it is just availability
Me – um, uh, ok, just kind of scares me

We had a yummy dinner at ISLA the Mexican restaurant. I used ALL of my $500 Free Play, but kept about half of it.

Sunday, day 1 of conference
I was quite hopeful that today would be the slow day but it turned out that it was the busiest and I earned the most.
The things that took up a fair amount of room in the car were the vibrating foot massagers. They were a big hit! Thank you to Choice for loaning them to me!
It is very fun to meet the NACVA members after talking to them on the phone, shipping to them and making their files. They are a pretty nice bunch! I did learn at the opening reception, that one of the prominent instructors is a double dipper! I got to meet (in person finally) some of NACVA’s vendors that I have worked with in the past; Rita and Mel of Advocate Software. They are the world’s best. What a great couple! I miss working with them.
Dinner at Pho, the Vietnamese restaurant. Terrible service, the food was ok. Café Trang in SLC kicks their butt. Gambled and gave back some money to TI.

Monday, day 2 of conference
Last week one of my good friends lost her Mother. Norma was a beautiful, creative and giving woman. She went through a lot with her health especially in the last year. Her funeral was today. I feel awful I could not be there for Erin and rest of her family. I have been thinking of them a lot.
Today I made less but close to what I did the day before.
Dinner at The Social House, Japanese restaurant. I didn’t get a lot of different sushi rolls but it was good. Mom was quite hilarious with the chopsticks.
Mom - I am going to get slivers!
Me – you use the other ends, see
Mom- I get so confused, I want a fork
Me – no, just use this end
Mom to the server – can I get a fork?
Again, I gave back some money to TI but had fun. I did make up for the losses the night before winning some back on the penny “I Dream of Jeanie” machine.

Tuesday, day 3 of conference
It turned out to be THE slowest day. That was ok. As far as costs to get to the conference I had already broke even yesterday. I also ended up having to leave for a while because my Mom was sick. She was having one of her terrible episodes of Colitis/diverticulitis (don’t tell her I am telling you and the www). I tried to call to get a late check out and it was not possible due to the hotel being 100% booked. So I went to help her, check out, get the car, bring her and all to the Wynn. I worked for a bit more and then we left.
The ride home was very windy. So windy in fact the power was out in the whole town of Beaver. Luckily we bought gas in St. George otherwise we would have been stranded. FYI, the automatic flushing toilets have a battery pack. We got home about 10:45 pm.

Wednesday, at home and returning the rental car
On the way home I ran into several bugs like you usually do. Luckily it rained Tuesday night. I had parked under our snowball bush. There were a ton of dead petals all over the car. I ran the hose over the car again, threw more petals. Naughty I know. As I was doing this I kept thinking, what lengths would I go to in covering up an accidental murder? Too much CSI for me.
Ever since Friday when I hit the metal thing in the rental, I have not told Joe. The worst reaction from Joe that could happen is A LOT of F-bombs and yelling. He would never do anything more. I went into his office before returning the car. I thought I would break the news in his office so he wouldn’t yell so much. I took him out to look at it and he said “oh they will never notice”. I say “you really think so?” He said if they notice, we’ll just have to do a claim on our insurance.
Mom followed me to return the car at the airport (cheapest way online to rent). I pulled up the 2 rental agents waiting. I jump out of the car and wave Mom closer.
Me – hi, I am just returning the car, that is my Mom, I kinda have to hurry, she has to be to work soon (lie)
Rental agent dude – How was everything with the car?
Me – It was just fine, oh wait, there wasn’t even a drop of wiper fluid
Rental agent dude – Oh I am so sorry. (To the other guy, “add that to the maintenance notes”) Is there anything we can do to make up for that?
Me – Buy me a new car (giggle-giggle), well thanks see you later.
Rental agent dude – how was our customer service?
Me- fine, thanks
Me- getting in Mom’s car out of ear shot “Let’s get the Hell out of here before they figure it out!”

All in all it was a great trip. Mom and I had fun, I made money working and playing. I didn’t spend any money that was mine, it was all Casablanca’s and Treasure Island’s this time. I broke even with gas on cost for renting the car vs. driving the truck. MAYBE if I hadn’t upgraded I would have been $20-$30 less in gas. The upgrade was $40 more. But no wear and tear on our vehicles. The Sirius and cruise made it worth it.

Southbound I-15 in T-Minus 13 hours

It looks like I am driving a rental car. The idea was for 2 reasons; not worrying about one of the old cars breaking down on my own and to save money on gas. If I took the truck it would be about $300 r/t, I am hoping even after the rental car to spend a lot less. But then, I upgraded so I could have cruise control....again I hope that saves on mileage. We will see. The thing it will really save on is wear and tear miles. I got a black Sebring. It has Sirius radio too.
My Mom is also coming along with me. I hope she doesn't get bored while I am working. My Mom, bored? In Vegas, right. She'll be at the mall across the street all day I am sure.

The Mystery of the Ants

Why do I keep finding ants in my shower in the morning? Odd. There are not a lot, just a couple and not every morning.

I’m a NACVA Temp and a NACVA’s 15th Annual Consultants’ Conference Exhibitor

I worked for NACVA from 1995 – 2006. I am helping prepare (shipping) materials for their annual conference. Last year and this year, I have been helping them by temping for this epic event. I forgot how hard shipping is on my body! I have been just trashed!

I was at NACVA HQ last week and will probably be most of this week. THEN, Friday, I will be heading to Vega$ for their annual convention AS A MASSAGE THERAPIST...the only one, MY BUSINESS. I have only done this as a contractor for/with other therapists companies. I will be in the exhibitor hall just like all of the other conventions I work.

It happened rather quickly, although I had been thinking about doing it for years, even back when I was in massage school. Since it is so close in Las Vegas I had been gonna do it, but things have gotten in the way of my planning (mainly me being indecisive on the plan). I was just going to propose being a temp setting up and working on the staff/instructors but then when I proposed it to Brien and Pam (my former bosses), they were all over it.

I am very excited and nervous! Wish me luck and lots of attendees and staff getting seated massages from me!

The biggest cost will be driving there (and hopefully not my gambling). I don’t need to tell you about gas prices. I have been comped 3 nights in a Petite SUITE with his and hers bathrooms, $200 food credit, $500 FREE slot play. The offer came in the mail a couple weeks ago from my player’s card (I think Joe must have being playing using my card too...otherwise they would offer me just a cardboard box out back and leftover cocktails with cigarette butts floating).

On my way to Vega$, I will stop and stay Friday night in Mesquite. Saturday morning I have an hour and a half massage and an hour facial. These are all “free” also from our player’s cards.

I hope that my daughter-in-law Jamie doesn’t have little Max while I am gone. She is due on the 16th but you know how those babies decide what they want to do and when. Jamie had Alex exactly on her due date, we shall see. But then, I am positive he will either come this week or wait until I return.

Morning Shot and a Squeezey-Squish at The Death-Star

I went to the new IHC Hospital on (53rd South and State St. - aka The Death-Star) this morning for a couple of reasons. First to get my monthly shot of the “Pink Lady with the hot sauce”, which are a combo of my hormone replacement treatment, vitamin B and a smidge of testosterone. They have to now draw each item in a separate shot but they put it into 1 so I don’t have to get 3. Merlyn, my Dr.’s nurse gives the best shots that usually don’t hurt, just like her name, magical when you have to get it each month. Today it stung!
The second reason was I went to get my annual mammogram. They are now digital film so you get done so much faster! I was there for 20 minutes and that included my phone registration. I asked the nurse and I got to look at my boobs on film too. I didn’t see any dark or white spots so I am sure it will be perfectly normal…you know since I am a Dr. now. Oh wait, I just play one at home.