The Life of a Professor

That title makes me laugh...it's not what it seems!

University life is quite different from private practice---I miss working with little ones, but I'm learning way more...forced into topic areas that I avoided before and actually never had time as a practitioner to delve into.

BUT being a professor in my field is a far cry from the leisurely, coffee-sipping, book-reading images that I had in mind! I imagined that I would sit in my office having time to pour over literature and current research...that composing a lecture or PowerPoint would be breezy, and that exams were "no problem" to create. Wrong, wrong, and wrong again!

In reality, I think we have one of the busiest, demanding departments on campus...and as faculty members, are stretched more than others. Because it is a clinical environment, the students go from class to clinic and back to class again, and so do the faculty---we are often there from 8-5, with no down time. There is not a moment to breath in the day (rarely time to eat); and if I do have free time, there are five students lined up outside my door that want to talk to me! I tend to like a hectic pace and am getting better at doing three things at once...and getting better at closing my door so they don't think I'm there :)

Our department does have "perks" though....such as Fridays when there is no class or clinic :) Today I am "working from home" lounging in a chair with books, papers, and laptop in a cozy corner of the Plaza library (my house distracts me)...no students and not much distraction here (except my blog!)...hey, I'm taking a break from PowerPoint! Blue skies outside huge windows, surrounded by the potential knowledge of books, and no kiddos hollering around me. I guess this "professor" thing IS kind of nice...and there is a Chipotle across the parking lot...my new "work" hangout is looking better and better.

Here's to making the most of the "perks" in your work to drown out the "downers"!

Happy Chinese New Year

Today we celebrated the New Year of the Chinese lunar calendar by attending a CNY party in Jack's classroom.

Lydia was his "show-and-tell", along with a huge photo book of his trip to China. She, dressed in her "China clothes," spent the morning entertaining Jack's friends while they learned about Chinese culture from a fellow parent who is a native of Taiwan.

After polishing off several Chinese confections, Lydia insisted on giving Sam a visit too as she dragged me down the hall towards his room. Luckily they were headed to music class anyway, so we weren't too much of an interruption---until she saw him and bounded across the classroom to hug him :-) So much for a polite entrance into the learning environment.

As I sat here looking at the pics---two ideas came to mind. One, I am so thankful for the cultural differences that my kiddos get to experience each day with their friends at school; as they learn that we may sometimes look different, but we are all the same on the inside. And second, my heart is full of joy when I see my guys love their sister without a doubt. They accept her entrance into their lives as a matter-of-fact and are so proud to have her as their sister...(smile)...

Happy 4th Birthday Raina!

To my niece on the East Coast...

Have a wonderful day Raina-Girl! Your party looked SO fun! That butterfly pinata your Mommy made is SO cool...and your cake---how pretty!

Raina is our animal lover at the moment---I had fun sending her a robotic cat for Christmas (one that moves and sounds like a real kitty). Kind of creepy when I could hear it "talking" to me in the back of the van and even after I wrapped it up to take to the post office...I could hear it moving and meowing in there! Aunt Andrea and I debated about whether the thing would cause my little niece nightmares...we decided to take the risk and tossed it in the cart. As I suspected, she loved it.

Ice Skating Turns Ugly

Last night we trekked to Crown Center for our annual ice skating outing! The boys really look forward to it and we were taking advantage of "warmer" temps.

We have been going since Sam was about 3 and even though they go so infrequently, they are quite good skaters! I used to skate, but the last few years I spend my time watching, while entertaining little ones. So, Jason's job is to teach the older ones. He's an excellent skater, after he "self-taught" his own ice tricks when he used to play hockey in San Diego. Dragging around little ones is not quite as exciting as shoving guys into the wall and slapping a puck, though; but I make him go every year anyway.

After locating hats and gloves and dictating layers for each person, we set out (with a little thermos of cocoa as requested). All was going well---Ben and Lydia were very happy to sit on the sidelines and watch...and I was happy trying out my new Nikon super-zoom lens. Jack did several solo rounds, which he was so excited about! Soon, the boys were anticipating the Zamboni (which is always a highlight) and I was relieved that they were having a good time with no mishaps.

Soon though, the joy ended....As I happily and obliviously snapped pics, the boys returned from a lap with Jason following them. He then leaned over the rail holding his arm. I wasn't really listening at first, as I dabbed cocoa off of my puffy coat, but heard, "I took a spill...I think I broke my arm...."

pic---just prior to the incident, I suppose...

Now, Jason is well-known for sarcasm, over-exaggerating, and sometimes complaining :) so at first, I kept swiping at the cocoa and tucking Lydia with her blanket. But then I realized the pain in his voice and became a little concerned as I listened to the story. Then I realized...fun over, time for the ER. Apparently he was skating backwards while helping Jack, a girl fell right behind him and he tripped over her backwards, landing full-force on his arm/elbow.

He has pretty high pain tolerance---not only does he look like the new Bond, but he can snarl and hold pain just like him too! But, "James" was groaning on the side bench and I could tell this was serious...so my mind began considering scenarios for care and what to do next. We decided to head to a hospital on the eastern side of the city near our Ortho. doc in case he was needed.

Jack---"I thought you said we could skate as long as we wanted?!" Does he really think I am that mean, I thought, making them leave before the Zamboni!? After a quick explanation that Dad had to go to the hospital, Jack's eyes widened and realization showed in his eyes. Thankfully, the Zamboni emerged just in time to entertain the kiddos while I assisted with removing skates. After taking the kids to Andrea's to sleep over, we headed to the ER. Two hours later, we emerged...the result---a radial-head fracture which was soft-set and he will see our Orthopedic surgeon friend next week. Got to bed around 1 am---a little Vicodin for him, nothing for me (but I did consider it :)

Never a dull moment around here! Overall, he's VERY frustrated at not being able to work out for 6+ weeks...(maybe he won't hound me about going to a "lift" class now that he can't workout too!) I just "go with the flow" and remind him that it could be WAY worse. I'm now the nurse/caretaker (which I'm not very good at...I lack patience and tenderness, I think) and we carry on...

Will we return to the ice again? Hmmm...perhaps it will be ME on the ice next time, and I'll be lucky if he agrees to go :-) But, "James" is tough and I'm sure his Bond-like stubbornness will return and his skates will be sharpened again and ready in 2010.

Upcoming Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is January 26th...this year is the Year of the Ox (in which I was born as well)! The boys are really interested so tonight we dug into the Chinese zodiac. Sam was born in the Year of the Dragon, which seems cool to him. Jack is disappointed that he was born in the Year of the Horse---he said "ponies are lame"...he surely doesn't understand how strong, hard-working, and dependable a horse really is. Ben was born in the Rooster---he wasn't happy about that either :)

Celebrations at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art are Feb 6th...a great experience in Chinese culture in a beautiful setting! Our kiddos enjoyed watching the Lion Dance last year and the traditional music and painting (and the art of course!).

http://www.nelson-atkins.org/calendar/index.cfm?view=day&current_year=2009&current_month=2&current_day=6&SortAudience=0&SortEvent=0

The New Year...already "a pain" ?

"New year, new pain"...is that the saying? Oh yeah, it's "No pain, no gain."

Well as part of my goals for this year, I've finally joined a fitness center. I must be kidding myself to think that I actually have time to go there, but Jason is a fitness hound and has been badgering me for years that my efforts are completely unacceptable.

In his opinion, I will soon expire if I don't put down the pen and paper or books, and become serious about getting fit. How soon he forgets that I carry around 30 pound children all day long, even going so far as carrying a sleeping 30 pounder up the Great Wall and back and all throughout central China (not to mention, that I can hold him in a head lock that he can't break out of) ;-) But, my Ob/Gyn also agrees that I need to lift weights because my small bone structure puts me at higher risk for osteoporosis....I trust him, as he successfully delivered two of my children, so I accept his advice.

So, yesterday I announce "I'm going to join the fitness center" Jason's reply, "I'll believe it when I see it." Oh yeah? A challenge...so okay, here I go.

"I'm going to the gym" I say.
Ben---"NO! Don't gooooooo! Don't go to the gym!" (as if it would swallow me up and I'd never return).
The two older boys---"You're going to work out, Mom?" (with their jaws hanging open).
Lydia---"Bye-bye Mama" and blows me a kiss (she understands my need for a little encouragement).

As I left, Jason says, "Don't hurt yourself...you might overdo it. Just push the little red button on the wall and someone will surely come to help you" HA! I didn't fall for the sarcasm, but said "They really have those?" The whole time I was there, I imagined how embarrassing it would be, to require a "safety button" and have someone peel you up off of the track from over-exertion on your first day in the gym. Despite their mocking, I came back alive.

But today....the pain!! I think I did do too many push ups or tricep kick-backs (is that what the guy called them?). I woke up wondering why I couldn't bend my elbows...then realized I couldn't even lift my coffee cup up to my mouth...now, that is bad! I guess it's actually good. Anyway, the guys in my house were all satisfied that my muscles were screaming and rushed me out of the house again today....this time, I let my arms rest and tortured my legs instead....why am I doing this again? Oh yeah, bone health...and to keep the fitness buffs quiet :-)

Highlights of 2008

My Christmas cards this year had just a pic, with no letter; so maybe an update here?

Today I sat thinking of the changes and challenges brought in 2008...nothing too dramatic happened, but we did enjoy a year of action and interesting events that helped to put life into perspective.

The highlights of 2008...

For Lydia---new glasses! It took me several months to finally act on my suspicions that something wasn't right with her eyes. Sure enough, she has astigmatism that will require little glasses forever. We go to a wonderful Opthamologist who pioneered the use of video screenings which allows them to see refraction errors in little ones---what a wonderful thing! Her little glasses are adorable and she loves to wear them. Of course, I made a HUGE deal about them the day we got them...telling her how beautiful she was and strolling along the Plaza with an ice cream treat---about 20 people stopped to tell her how fashionable they are. Now, she will hardly take them off, AND no more running into walls :-)

For Ben---preschool! He enjoyed going to preschool while I worked, but cried everyday in such a huge, dramatic way that it was embarrassing to drop him off. He is a momma's boy and really did not enjoy the time away from me...the solution? Aunt Andrea will now watch Lydia and Ben while I'm on campus---what a treat for the kids and a comfort to me! There is nothing like being with family...

For Jack---Kindergarten! Our resident "lefty" is learning cursive, math facts, phonograms, and reading. He loves to learn and is a diligent student...very organized and thorough. It did take him a while to stop flopping around about doing his homework each night; but now, all is well. My biggest challenge is trying to help adjust his worksheets for a 'lefty'. How can one copy passages, when the words are covered by your arm?! Spelling lists and copy work are sure designed for right-handed people. He'll figure it out I guess!

A minor trauma for Jack this summer was his scary loss of vision, MRI, and fear that he might have a brain tumor. It doesn't sound so bad when I write it now, because all is back to normal and well; but at the time it was a bit freaky and bewildering. I remember sitting in the waiting room, imagining what scenarios my life was about to take if I found out that my little one was going to lose his vision forever or needed cancer treatment. I remember feeling just a neutral peace, realizing that there was nothing I could do about it, but just take action and try to solve the problem. In the end, his vision returned and was most likely from a bleed in his eye from bonking his face. Relief and thankfulness :-))

For Sam---3rd Grade! Sam absolutely has the best teacher in the world! She truly understands his learning style, appreciates him for who he is; and most of all, is spunky and FUN---I love those kind of people :-) Mrs. M is a joy to learn from and he loves to go to school each day and "get back to his routine" as he explains. Yesterday, he told me that his "pedagogue" told him such and such.... I love it :-)

For Me---the "downer"...a two-month mystery illness, which ended up being a parasite that I picked up in China on our first trip. Because my symptoms were not 'textbook,' the docs were a bit clueless and only looked into giardia after I insisted (actually with a bit of yelling and drama). What an ordeal---I have never been so tired, depressed, and thin in my life! I honestly thought I was dying of some strange illness, but thankfully was cured by a serious dose of meds and in two days felt myself again.

The "up-side" for Me...an awesome new job, that I absolutely LOVE at the University. It was a challenge learning to deal with the issues of this generation of student---I tend to be a bit "old-school" and they tend to be a bit "coddled." And, it is a challenge keeping up with the latest research in speech and language and more precisely, helping the students learn the intuitive aspects of dealing with their patients. They are generally great with 'book knowledge,' but in the clinic need quite a bit of direction---and they seem to think that they are 'experts' after only one patient ;) I constantly wish that there was more time in my day to spend with them.

For Jason---Good-Bye Sprint...time to bail! After almost nine years with Sprint, it was time to move on and Jason took a new position in a group that has now spun off to become Clearwire (uses a technology kind of like WiFi---that's all I know and understand :). He made it through many lay-offs because of the groups/technology that he dealt with, but time there is wearing out, I think. We will miss several things about Sprint, namely cheap phones and employee calling plans, tuition reimbursement, and a great workout facility on campus!

For Us...Lydia's adoption story that I wrote was published in an annual publication by Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman's organization, "Shaohannah's Hope" which provides financial assistance to adoptive families. I was SO excited to have Lydia's story published and see her pics in glossy print, in hopes that our story is an encouragement to other families seeking to adopt :-)) And, of course a highlight for all was our return trip to China.

What did I gain in '08...? To have peace in the midst of life's storms, knowing that there is something to learn with each trial, and that there is "joy in the morning."

What will 2009 bring? Probably no adoptions or trips to China, so that means less gray hair and less chance of catching a mystery illness...that's a definite plus :-) Perhaps pursuing more writing projects? The time moping around with my illness really gave me motivation in that area...we'll see....

Happy Birthday Connor!

Our nephew is the big "2" !

Happy Birthday little man...you may be small, but you've got a mean tackle!

Don't worry, this one will be shown at your wedding... :-)

In Defense of Calvin...

Just to humor myself... :-)

I realize that in the last few years, Calvin has experienced a bit of tarnish by being seen relieving himself on various items, which is posted on the back of some vehicles (strange and tacky, I always say, but on to the point)...

I will just say, that Calvin is being misrepresented and in fact, his image is being used in ways that were not his creator's intention. While Calvin is a bit expressive in his own way, these images are the result of outright plagiarism and misuse of someone elses' creation.

So take heart if you are offended by those images of Calvin, that he is truly a sweet (and a bit naughty) little boy; who is best understood by reading what he (and Hobbes) have to say and by observing the creativity of his artist, not how others portray him on the back of their 4 x4 ;-)

Calvin on "Creativity"

I keep wondering...why do I blog? Perhaps Calvin has the answer ;-)



Calvin and Hobbes January, 1995

Soon the University semester begins again, so no more boredom...and that means no more time to blog..."creativity" (or my 'blab') will have to take a backseat for a few months :-)

By the way, why the C & H lately? During my vacation free-time and de-cluttering my house, I rediscovered my old Calvin and Hobbes comic book down on a shelf. I had almost forgotten about my favorite mischievous little friend and his tiger that I used to love reading twenty years ago. I re-read his schemes and ponderings with new interest now, because he reminds me of the boys in my house...he is certainly much like each of my three boys all rolled into one---so, my fondness of him was renewed (and I always wanted a stuffed animal that could talk!) :))

Bestgen family grows by 3

Just before the new year, three Ukrainian children have found their family! Our old childhood chums (now married with four bio children) have just completed the adoption of 3 children, for a grand total of SEVEN!! Congratulations Jody and Rick on the addition of Tanya, Anya, and Evan----they are beautiful! I'm looking forward to hearing that you are safely back in the U.S in January!

Bestgen adoption blog:
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-3SDv7h4jcqViBaverEsv3UBxIKQnnZn.nkLXbp4c9Q--?cq=1

Thankfulness

Gift giving should be special, but is many times stressful for the purchaser and also the mom trying to teach her children the art of accepting gifts. My little people are currently at the stage of learning thankfulness and appreciation for any gift received (no matter what their expectation was).

Sam has learned it pretty well, Ben is excited about anything, Lydia is clueless and just happy with the wrapping; but six-year old Jack was a challenge this year. Several times I had to remind him of his place in the world and that his presents could easily disappear if he continued his complaining and ungratefulness. I was really frustrated, which turned to worry as I imagined what he was going to be like as an adult if he didn't change! Finally, after the last round...victory and a transformation! He apologized and put on a happy (and thankful) face.

I don't like going to battle, but constantly find myself faced with a new character challenge every day. So I put on my armor. Yesterday alone I heard, "Mom ruins everything!" about six times---I was beginning to feel sorry for them, but then took heart...it IS my job to ruin their fun if that means keeping them from disfiguring their brother or putting their eyes out with a mishandled BB gun!

So, I am left to be the nagging safety hound until they are more responsible (when will that be?) The problem is finding balance between over protectiveness and logical safety/preventative measures! My wise neighbor has always told me, that when they are little "If you feel like a mean mamma, then you are probably doing the right thing." I don't know if this will always apply, but with unreasonable little ones, I have found it to be very sage advice.

Despite being thankful for ALL of the blessings of the season, here are the favorites that are now found in my home...

Sam---Star Wars Wii game, mini helicopter that flies in the house
Jack---Bat Man Lego Wii game, helicopter that I'm dodging in my living room
Ben---Ben Ten watch
Lydia---no special preferences, a two-year old loves everything
Me---a new luscious scent, Euphoria
Jason---gun/reloading parts :0 *!@#

Now, for some January organizing....

Happy New Year

There are two times of the year that I love---the beginning of a new school year, and the New Year. For me, these two moments always leave me with excitement and hope that I can make changes in my life and achieve my goals. Of course, we can contemplate our lives and make changes at any time, but these times seem perfect for reevaluating, refocusing, making changes, and tackling new opportunities.

This year, I am thankful for God's never-ending love for me despite my failures, His grace and mercy, gifts of health and provision, and my patient family and friends.

Wishing you a year full of excitement, opportunity, health, joy, and love!

Teresa

New Year's Eve at Grandma's

We rang in the New Year with family---a safe and sane celebration (well, somewhat sane with six kids running around!)


Lydia rocks with Aunt Andrea...













Jack concentrates on a lego set....

Sam and Grandma working on a magic science kit...the wizzard hat adds a special effect...

Are they twins? This is the question we often get when Ben and my niece, Avery, are together. They are sweet buddies, but often argue like brother and sister.