5/23/04

I wanted to write and let you all know what's been going on lately. The biggest news was that last weekend I was able to drive out to Albuquerque to celebrate Sandy's graduation with her. I've been wanting to spend some time with my sisters (I miss you all so much) and this was a perfect opportunity for me. Friday morning I drove out of Tucson and arrived 7 hours later (that's doing speed limit even) in time for us to rush out the door to pick up an edited copy of Sandy's research paper. Upon reaching the house we again headed right back out to pick Sheri up from the airport. We drove straight from the airport to Little Anita's (first time I've eaten there) to have dinner with Karma and Bob. After dinner we rented a movie and finished the night at the house. So much for quiet vacation ;)... and that was just the first day. Saturday we ran errands in preparation for Sandy's departure as well as the family potluck on Sunday. We even called Bob from the car to wish him a Happy Birthday. We then headed to an award party that Sandy's class was having. I think this lasted longer than any of us realized it would. We returned to the house and began watching a movie that we all seemed to be dozing off throughout. We did finish it at least. Sunday we headed to sacrament meeting and then back home to get Sandy ready for her graduation. The ceremony went well even if I couldn't figure out Sandy's camera well enough to get her some pictures. Afterwards was a brief reception where we met the Hartmans and got caught up on some of the family news we'd missed. Then it was off to the Hartman's home for our family potluck. Sandy was so worn out by that point that she fell asleep in the living room. In between all the running around she was still finishing off her research paper. Monday morning I woke up just in time to see Sandy and Sheri off to Texas (of all the days to sleep in) then spent the rest of the day relaxing and unwinding from a hectic (but really fun) weekend. That evening I drove to see Valerie (my mother-in-law) and Cory (her husband) and spend some time with Dan's family. Tuesday morning I locked up the house and headed back to Tucson.

Dan's biggest news was the two hours he was able to beg from work to attend our Stake Conference with me. We had some very inspired talks from our Stake Presidency as well as a wonderful talk on families from Elder Keith R. Edwards.

Well that's our news. For those of you wondering, the South Beach Diet has been working fine. We've both lost some weight and next week Dan will be tested again to see how things are looking on the inside.

Love to you all,

 - Karen

5/2/04

It's been a long time since I've written. Some of you I've talked to since, and some of you I haven't. I'll try and keep this short so as not to bore you, but there have been some new developments that I would like to share.

The biggest news is of course Dan's health. The diarrhea is all but gone. Fiber suppliments have pretty much killed that issue. Still no word on the head problems, though the doctor did recommend he see a neurologist. He has an appointment set up in June (unless there is a cancellation). The news is the issue the doctor found while trying to determine any possible causes of the diarrhea and headaches. Some blood tests revealed that his triglycerides, which are considered normal below 150, were at ~660. The doctor gave us 4 options at that point. Dan could start a diet/exercise program (Atkins or South Beach being the diets suggested), type-2 diabetes, heart attack, or stroke. And that, dear family, is why we've decided to start the South Beach Diet.

This leads us to my big news. The other night, I ate fish and liked it. Yep. And the world is still turning. Nothing else big in my life. Still working, still participating in RS Home, Personal, and Family Enrichment, and still wishing it wasn't so darn hot here.

I wanted to thank Sheri and Sandy for their help in figuring out which diet would probably be best for us. Your advice is appreciated. Thank you also to Sheri for the drink recipe, it was a big hit. Thank you all for the emails we've received. It's nice learning what's going on out there.

Love to you all,

-Karen

PS. Congratulations to Emmy. We're sorry we couldn't make it.