Good News/Bad News

We (or should I say Don) have been fighting the healthcare/dental HMO wars, not being able to get Jesse in to have his wisdom teeth out. They told him that they were surprised that he wasn't in excruciating pain, and that he should have them out right away. Guess what "right away" translated to? February! Everyone said that there were no openings, and this was a busy time. I guess he should have scheduled his teeth to flare up at a more convenient time! Well, the pain has continued to increase. So Don spent yesterday morning (same day that Julia left for London) fighting/pleading/being transferred, etc. He finally found a sympathetic surgical assistant to tell us that there was an opening at their other clinic on Friday at 8 am. in Kenosha! Sounds crazy, but we are thrilled! Considering the options, he will be all done in a couple days, and won't have to take off school to come home, etc. So we are going on an excursion tomorrow, and are happy about it. Don told them that we would be willing to go just about anywhere in the state, so Kenosha is not bad.

Julia got off to London, and landed safely this morning at 4:30 a.m. our time, 10:30 London time. We are feeling more at peace today!
That was a copy of the email that I sent to my co-workers this morning at 11:00.
That peaceful feeling lasted a very short time. Julia called at 1pm to tell us that she had forgotten her medicine. We have been trying to no avail to get it to her. It will take until Jan. 2 for her to get it via FED EX due to the holidays, and going through customs. Well, she comes home on the 2nd! Her doctor told us that she will have to go to a doctor in London who will prescribe enough for her stay. We talked to numerous people, and so far, the latest is that her chaperones will be consulting tomorrow, and decide how to handle it. As Don said, at this point, the only thing we can do now is entrust her to the chaperones that we entrusted her to when she left yesterday. And God. I know it will all work out. I just want it to work out in the best possible way! We talked to Julia several times, and she sounded tired, but good. Tomorrow is their concert. It is a totally helpless feeling.

We are off tomorrow at 7 am to Kenosha to have Jesse's wisdom teeth pulled. Another new adventure! Keep us all in your prayers.

Happy New Year to all of you, and see you soon.
Love, Joannie

It's a Christmas Miracle!

Hi All,
In the midst of all the craziness and sadness on the news, insane days at school, Holiday Happenings, etc. etc., we in Madison have been trying to save Air America from being cancelled on theMic, our local radio station. We emailed, petitioned, called, went to a huge rally, etc. etc. and this morning, we found out that once again, YES, "a small group of concerned citizens can change the world - indeed it's the only thing that ever has" - (Margaretn Meade). They have just announced that due to the large response (way over 5,000 signatures, (I was #113), they will not be changing to Fox Sports on January 1st! WE ARE ALL ELATED!

Just had to share the fabulous news. . . . !

Happy Shopping! (and stay out of the malls, it will be filled with crazed teachers)

Love ya all,
Deboe Blue Jean

Simon Stimson

Let me introduce you to the organist/choir director named Simon Stimson, from the production of Our Town at Longfellow Middle School, who happens to have a drinking problem. It was a fun role for Bradley, and he gained lots of inspiration from all his choir director relatives. It was an enjoyable show, and those middle school kids did a great job of capturing the days of long ago.

Happy Holidays!

Happy St. Nick's Day for those of you that celebrate!

The CHRISTmas holiday is quickly approaching. Is it just me or does it seem like the holidays just fly be and before you know it, they have come and gone?

I hope everyone is well and enjoying the joyous holidays season thus far.

But here is a question for everyone. What is your favorite past time memory of the holidays? It can be an event, a gift or whatever else. I have been hearing this question everywhere recently - on the radio, TV and people that I know have been asking too. I still haven't come up with one yet. Still thinking of a really, really great memory and then I'll share with you all.

Well, I should get going - I am off to finish getting ready for work!!

Talk to all of you hopefully soon and *hugs* to you all!!

Love,
Meghan

Attention Deficit as an Adult??

I thought I had problems...The tooth fairy can't even remember to take the tooth and leave money. Luckily s/he came while Ryan was at school. What a LOSER!!!!