Breathing Great!

Do you ever have a problem and not realize you do?. . . .

Don't answer that.

I know I have MANY problems but did you know that you are actually supposed to be able to breathe out of both nostrils? I didn't. Yep, I only used part of one nostril all of my life and thought that it was normal. I have had chronic allergies since birth and just contributed that to chronic mouth breathing.

Working for an ENT has its advantages. I see a lot of screwed up noses on a daily basis and work for an awesome Doc that sees to my every need. After a year worth of allergy injections and multiple nasal sprays, I still blamed my symptoms on bad allergies. It never really bothered me because I saw it as normal. Apparently, it isn't normal.

A CT scan proved me wrong. Ironically enough, spotting all the issues was a surprise on the scan. (I was having bad eye pressure so we decided to rule out sinusitis. Nope, it turns out I just needed to wear my glasses). My scan was noted to have a deviated septum (the wall dividing the right & left nostril), enlarged turbinates (a bone shell that pushes air through the nose), and large bilateral concha bullosas (air filled turbinates more posterior). Another doctor came walking in not knowing that the scan was mine and replied "those are the largest concha bullosas I've ever seen). Yeah, my pride was hurt when I found out that I had a defective nose.

I see hundreds of patients that have these surgeries and do just fine. I didn't want to admit that there was anything wrong with my nose. I figured that my nose had worked just fine for 27 years and should be fine for another 27 years. After much persuasion from coworkers and family, I finally bit the bullet and decided if I was ever going to have surgery, this was the time.

Getting ready to head back

And now the fun part. . . the process.

WARNING: 

The content of this video is graphic. 

(If you don't like blood, do not watch)

(And this isn't my nose, just what happens during a septoplasty)

I think it's fun!

http://sinusvideos.com/videos/32/endoscopic-septoplasty-for-posterior-deviation

And this was the ending product.

And don't worry, I gave you the picture without a blood soaked bandage. :)

I learned that I hate narcotics. (Seriously, how are people on them all the time? I took two pills then switched to ibuprofen. I like being able to turn my head without feeling dizzy).

I became proficient at not blowing my nose for the week. And even better at sinus washes.

I had the surgery on Friday and was back to work on Monday. My nose was a little painful and very dry and irritated for a bit. 

It's been almost 2 months since the surgery (yes, I'm always a little behind). 

The breaking news is that I am breathing great! I once only had 1/2 a nostril at a time. I now have 2 full breathing nostrils all the time. I had no idea how wonderful it was to breathe and not feel congested ALL THE TIME! 

The moral of the story is, that you're not always born with a perfect body and it's okay to try and improve it once and a while.

Oh, and I absolutely LOVE breathing through my nose!

Thank you Dr. Parsons!

Fun in the Sun. . .& Rain!

One thing I love about Joseph's job, he racks up frequent flyer miles and hotel points. Since September, we've been planning on going on a cruise at the beginning of the year. Plans changed slightly when we decided to buy a car (which we love btw)! To save a little money, we decided that we should take Bailey on her first road trip to the happiest place on earth. You guessed it-CALIFORNIA (haha, you know that those words would never come out of either of our mouths). We did visit California and enjoyed getting away.

We stopped for the night in Vegas and found these friendly fellas at our hotel.

I have no experience with Nascar. I've never had the desire to see a race. It was fun to see all of these cars waiting at our hotel. 

Our number one reason for coming to California was to see the San Diego Zoo. I've had a small obsession with Pandas lately and had to see one! Really, I'm completely lame. I follow the updates on the baby panda on the Zoo's website. I spend way too much time caring between the panda's and Winter the Dolphin in Florida. (That's another story). But really, how cute is this?

I want one so bad! He is a fluffy ball of cuteness. Seriously, completely adorable. Anywho, the point of the story is, we loved the zoo!

Look at this chubbers! He's cute even when he's older. :) 

Yet another favorite! There was one giraffe that was in labor. We continually went back to their habitat in hope we could see the birth and be the first to record. No giraffe babies on our trip. Just these cute guys!

He's pretty cute too!

We may have got caught in a rain storm while on the bus tour. We took a quick time out to Target for poncho's and an umbrella. 

The rainy day at the zoo was much better with rain gear!

Pygmy Hippo!

I held one of these little ones years ago in Australia. They are soft, fuzzy and adorable. 'Nuff said. 

My first time inside this beautiful temple! Definitely one of my favorites!

And no trip would be complete without a trip to the beach. Joseph and I are definitely ocean people. Maybe someday we can live somewhere close.

We were able to head north to Anaheim for our last day in California. We loved the slightly warmer weather in Anahaheim. . .although I still wore long sleeves the entire time. Warm clothing is required until mid-80 degree weather occurs. :)

What a happy place! I haven't been here in years!

We of course came "disneyfied." 

Joe may have a little more experience than I do.

Our camera broke midway through our day. Joseph kept on taking pictures of random things hoping it would work. This is what we got. 

Pretty I know!

What is this you ask? Yep-that would be my husband's chest. When trying to get a camera to work, the only logical thing is to take a picture of your chest. Right? haha-sorry for the porn pic. (He may kill me for this one). 

Just a little Booty Call!

Star Wars prepared. 

My favorite ride! Joseph hates it, but I expect to go on it at least once. 

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Joseph, Bailey & I had to leave for home. Luckily, we know theirs more of this to come!

Staying Busy

As many of you know, Joseph travels a lot! (Sorry about all of the sappy FB posts). The point is, I've had to try and stay busy. What other option do I have? The only other ones include Pretty Little Liars, ice cream, sleeping, and repeat. (Yes, I may have done that one a few times).

I've been attempting to pull out my domestic side. I tried out a delicious Veggie Kale Soup.  I ate it straight for a week (yeah it makes a lot). I didn't get sick of it. . .so it either gets better with age or my taste is simply awful.

Veggie Leak Soup

1-3 leaks cut off dark green part, cut in half, wash & cut into small pieces. (Yep, I never knew how to prepare a leak)

4 carrots: clean, skins on, sliced

4 celery stalks, diced

1 (16 oz) can or fresh tomatoes, diced

2 cups dried pinto beans, rinsed

6 cups fresh kale, thinly sliced

1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning

salt/pepper

8 cups of vegetable stalk (I may trying to do half veggie and half chicken. I think it might add a little extra zest).

2 garlic cloves, crushed

Combine all vegetables, beans, seasonings (except garlic), & top with stalk in the crock pot. Cover & cook for 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 on high. Add garlic an hour before soup is served. 

Hope you enjoy!

Our New Edition

Well I've been debating about posting this. (Trust me, lots of internal battle). I do want to let everyone know the good news. 2013 is going to be a great year! (And many other great ones to follow) Great because Joseph and I decided that it was time. Much thought and prayer went into this decision btw!

Well, the secret is out. . .

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IT'S A GIRL!

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And we named her Bailey!

She's a Hyundai Sonata and we love her very much. If you're wondering about Jane. . .don't worry, I still have her and will continue to drive her back and forth to work. I have a good suspicion that she will be apart of our lives for another year or two. (I hope so! She graced my life ten years ago and I can't quite part with her. She's 14 years old and I think she still has some in her). 

Joseph's car was having some issues and we really wanted to get a solid, dependable car that we could keep for the next 10+ years. So, we traded Beatrice in and in return, found ourselves a Bailey. 

Point of this post is that we are very excited with our new purchase and know there will be many more posts to come on the adventures of Joseph, Ashlei and Bailey. :)

A Journey Back

I'm still trying to achieve a lifelong goal of journaling. I don't know why it's so difficult for me. Maybe it's because I've never enjoyed writing? Or maybe it's simply because I don't think that anyone would enjoy learning about my life? Or maybe it's simply yet another thing to add to a long list of *should do's. I honestly don't know but I do have an honest desire to try to document a little more, simply so I can remember fond memories. Please understand that I'm trying. :)

I'm backtracking and really want to share a bit about our wonderful honeymoon. The idea behind the honeymoon actually goes back years. My dream location to go to for years has been Costa Rica. I don't know why this place has always drawn me in. Whenever I had a bad day, I would always talk about how one day I would live in my hammock in Costa Rica. For some reason weather, nursing and life in general always sounded better in Costa Rica. Joseph always knew how much I wanted to visit. What a wonderful fiance to plan such an amazing honeymoon to make my dreams come true. And let me tell you, my dreams came true on that island; I couldn't imagine spending it with anyone else than my wonderful Joseph!

Departure: Salt Lake City Airport. We left at 11:59 pm for Charlotte, NC.

We may be a little too excited about our new wedding rings!

I can't explain how tired and loony we were when we reached North Carolina. We both slept for a few hours on the nasty floor and then boarded the flight for the beautiful San Jose!

Joseph set up the ultimate plan for our journey! He made sure that not only were we going to different places, we had provided transportation. When we passed customs at the airport there was the cute little guy holding a sign with our names on it. (I've always wanted to have my name on a sign). We boarded the little van for the beautiful Arenal.

Yep, complete with awesome stickers!

We were starving on the drive. The driver stopped at a local restaurant for us. Neither of us had any idea what we were ordering, how much it actually cost, and had no idea what was actually on our plate. I don't know if either of us even figured out if we liked what we were eating. We were so hungry that we just ate and loved every minute of it! (Neither of us got sick so I guess that's a good sign). :)

Next Stop: Arenal at the lovely Magic Mountain Hotel

Our lovely hotel room complete with spa

And more importantly this awesome volcano in our backyard

I couldn't ask for more than this

Except for maybe this

And definitely this!

We went on a hike

Straight up the volcano

Next Stop: Tortuguero

We left the beautiful Arenal to the east coast in Tortuguero. Joseph and I were definitley Gringos on our trip. I was hopeful that Joseph's Portugese and my Mexican heritage could get us by. . .apparently not. We would randomly get on cars, busses, etc having no idea of where we were going. Don't worry, we just followed along hoping that they weren't taking us somewhere to be shot. :)

Tortuguero is in between the ocean and a river. The only way to get there is by plane or boat. Our adventure took us first by boat.

The water looks almost good enough to drink. :)

And all of our luggage fit in those little boats. . .although we may have packed more than the other guests.

Our humble hut, complete with indoor plumbing. :)

Complete with friends along the way!

First time at the ocean as a married couple!

Joseph found this awesome turtle shell along the beach. We were able to see turtles come to shore at night and lay their eggs! It was absolutely incredible. An experience that we will never forget and was completely worth the money to see. Another benefit, I'm grateful that I'm not a turtle. There's no way that I want to lay hundreds of eggs 2-3 times throughout the year. No thank you!

Next Stop: Plane ride to Manuel Antonio

We loved it. . .despite our faces

And the best part. . .no security!

Manueal Antonio

Our view of the beach! So absolutely gorgeous. It overlooked the city and coast. 

What a great shot! I liked the beach too. :)

 We had so much fun on the beach!

So, so, so much fun!

Yep, we did that!

I had nervous pee the entire time.

We loved the entire experience! So much fun to zip line through a rainforest! We also got the experience of zip lining in a rainstorm. (We Idahoan's don't know what real rain is). Needless to say, the camera was put away at this point.

Sadly enough, we did have to leave the tropical paradise. My dreams came true on July, 28th and have continued to soar. I got to share the most wonderful place with the most wonderful person!