"It is all about what you have within you & how you put that to use in this world. There isn't anything that cannot be changed to a positive & learned from. Sure things hurt, but we can heal...it just takes strength & determination."

~Brenda, Andrea's mom~

I am very happy to report that Andrea's Gbutton (aka feeding tube) placement went well. She was back at Daycare today. This picture to the left is one that Andrea's mom had on her blog--is she not the most adorable little angel in those baby scrubs?!?!? The staff at Teri's daycare will learn how to feed Andrea with this new 'button.' In fact, just today Teri had Andrea back in her office while she was getting a feeding. I only hope that this will give her little body the nutrition it needs to grow & thrive.

The above quote is one that was written by Andrea's mom on her blog. What an amazing quote from someone who is dealing with an unimagineable amount of stress. Please keep Andrea & her family in your prayers. She is such a special little girl.

I have my first big Genetics project due this Thursday morning. It is a collaboration of 14 genetics problems--it is a lot more difficult than I had anticipated--but surprisingly fun & interesting. I like problem solving, so determining what generations will be affected by certain genes & the probabilites of things is exciting. Yes, SLinda, I did just say that I was using probabilities & enjoying it! ha! I hope to have it finished up mostly tonight & finish bits & pieces of it tomorrow evening.

Anatomy & Physiology was AWESOME tonight. We started a more indepth look at the Cardiovascular system & started our cat dissections, too. I asked my cousin Teri for a donation of her two cats--she refused, but offered her dog. I refused then because I'm pretty sure he is the canine DEVIL & I don't want to risk that evil blood being splattered & contaminating me! (smile) I was happy with the idea of her cat donation, then I wouldn't get sick with my allergies when I went to her house--I thought it was a good idea. Help her, help me, & help my class--she didn't go for it. I'm not a cat person, can you tell?!?! I even get my own dissection kit with a scalpel, probe, & all the fixings--it's great! Of course this isn't the first time I've dissected a cat--I did one in the first course of Anatomy & Physiology. I've also done a baby pig, cow's eye, cow's heart, worm, & a bit of a cadaver in a A.P. high school course. To me, dissection is a hands on learning tool & I learn so much better that way than reading a book all the time. Yes, I do think I'm part Vampire as well! I will admit, however, the smell of formaldehyde is not something I tolerate too well--it's disgusting & just gets stuck in your nose so for the next day everything you eat tastes like it--DISGUSTING--so I had a professor teach me a trick involving Vicks. Before you go into the lab stuff a whole lot of Vicks up your nose--not only does it keep the wretched stench of formaldehyde out of your nasal cavities & tastebuds, it clears up any sinus congestion you & the others around you may have. Works like a charm.

As far as my health--I have an appointment on the 18th of February with the GI doc again. We have some issues to discuss--but until then, I'm trying not even to think about it & just get through these next two week of projects & exams--because I have plenty of both coming up to keep me more than occupied. Work is going well & picking up speed--which I like!! I believe anyone who is an accountant is either crazy or a saint--I can't figure out which--either way God Bless them for what they do. I know I couldn't do it.

We had a bit more snow--but hopefully no more in the forecast this week! I would like to see Mr. Sun, it's been awhile. Keep Andrea & her family in your prayers---

Off to work some of my genetics assignment for Thursday...

P.S. I apologize for not being able to seperate my thoughts into paragraphs--somethings gone wacky---I can put spaces inbetween & it shows up paragraphs & then when I publish it to the blog they disappear & it becomes all one big thing--oh well, I'll try & figure it out for next time. Sorry!