Wait and See
During the summer of 2008, I was diagnosed with Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR). It's a frustrating condition, especially for a "visual" person like myself. The disease causes fluid to build up under the retina. My initial attack resulted in significant vision loss in my right eye for several months. Thankfully, I found a great retinal specialist (Dr. Kuhl) who was able to seal the leak in the back of my eye with photodynamic therapy (laser treatment). I have had a few attacks since then, but nothing very significant. No one knows what causes the disease, but I've learned that mine can be triggered by taking any kind of adrenocortical steroid (nasal spray) or corticosteroid (like prednisone). In the middle of this past holiday break, the evil CSR returned...and I have no idea what triggered it. This week, Dr. Kuhl scanned the back of my retina, and he'll scan it again next month. Hopefully, the leak(s) will stop and the vision in my right eye will return to normal. All I can do is "wait and see."
Countdown to 2012
Ruben and I were so lazy during the final week of 2011. We spent most of it curled up on the couch with the dogs, watching episodes of 'Community' on Hulu. If you haven't seen that show, watch it. My friend Catherine got us hooked on it. Anyway, we attended one final holiday event at Mike and Tom's place along with Brian and Chris. It was a nice, relaxing evening spent with friends. A few days later, Ruben and I drove down to Houston to count down the final seconds of 2011 with Liz, Vann, Elsa, and Travis. Let's hope 2012 is a much better year for us all.
Family Christmas 2011
On the 23rd, I headed home to celebrate Christmas with my mom’s side of the. As usual, my mom cooked enough to feed a small army. We all had a great time, especially while playing a white-elephant gift game/exchange. Unfortunately, we didn't get to spend time with my dad's side of the family because of holiday scheduling conflicts. On Christmas Eve I accompanied my parents to the candlelight service at their church. Christmas morning was spent again with my parents, my sister, her husband, and their two sons. Later that afternoon, we were joined by my granny, and her best friend, Jule.
The Holiday Break
As soon as the last day of final exams came to an end, Aggieland turned into a ghost town (it happens every year). It's nice at first, but it doesn't take me long to miss the students. During this little quiet time, Ruben and I did much of nothing. This in-between-time was pleasantly interrupted by a visit from an old friend. Brian (TAMU graduate and mutual friend with Glenn) was back in town interviewing for a job on campus. He came by the house a couple of times to cook and celebrate Christmas with Glenn, Ruben, and myself.
The Christmas Pageant
This has been a busy holiday season, but it hasn't felt like Christmas until I attended this year's Christmas Pageant at Friends Church. Over the years I've seen the kids of my church (who participate in this event) take on more advanced roles in the story as they grow up. It's fun to watch them concentrate to remember their lines, giggle, and just have fun in the moment. Their joy and smiles are the best.
Santa’s Wonderland
Saturday afternoon Elsa, Travis, Liz and Vann drove up from Houston. Together the six of us had an informal Christmas celebration along with a few Dance Central dance-offs via the Xbox Kinect. Later that evening we headed South of College Station to enjoy the sights and sounds of Santa's Wonderland. This local holiday-attraction features lots of live-music, food, and a hayride through it's Christmas light display.
Catherine’s “House” Party
Catherine (coworker and friend) and I share several geekie interests including Doctor Who and Harry Potter. Recently, she convinced me to become a beta-tester for the online-world of Harry Potter known as Pottermore. In this on-line version of the Hogwarts' experience, each member is sorted into one of the houses of the school. I was placed in Hufflepuff. Friday night, Catherine and her husband Jarrett held a Christmas party and those Catherine recruited into Pottermore had to come dressed in their house colors. I wore a black Doctor Who shirt...double the geekness. We had a great time at Catherine's "house" party.
eJournal
Wait and See
January 3, 2011 During the summer of 2008, I was diagnosed with Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR). It’s a frustrating condition, especially for a “visual” person like myself. The disease causes fluid to build up under the retina. My initial attack resulted in significant vision loss in my right eye for several months. Thankfully, I found a great retinal specialist (Dr. Kuhl)... [Read more]
Countdown to 2012
December 31, 2011 Ruben and I were so lazy during the final week of 2011. We spent most of it curled up on the couch with the dogs, watching episodes of ‘Community’ on Hulu. If you haven’t seen that show, watch it. My friend Catherine got us hooked on it. Anyway, we attended one final holiday event at Mike and Tom’s place along with Brian and Chris. It was a nice, relaxing... [Read more]
Family Christmas 2011
December 23, 2011 On the 23rd, I headed home to celebrate Christmas with my mom’s side of the family. As usual, my mom cooked enough to feed a small army. We all had a great time, especially while playing a white-elephant gift game/exchange. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to spend time with my dad’s side of the family because of holiday scheduling conflicts. On Christmas Eve I accompanied... [Read more]
The Holiday Break
December 20, 2011 As soon as the last day of final exams came to an end, Aggieland turned into a ghost town (it happens every year). It’s nice at first, but it doesn’t take me long to miss the students. During this little quiet time, Ruben and I did much of nothing. This in-between-time was pleasantly interrupted by a visit from an old friend. Brian (TAMU graduate and mutual friend... [Read more]
The Christmas Pageant
December 18, 2011 This has been a busy holiday season, but it hasn’t felt like Christmas until I attended this year’s Christmas Pageant at Friends Church. Over the years I’ve seen the kids of my church take on more advanced roles in the story as they grow up. It’s fun to watch them concentrate as they try to remember their lines, make mistakes, giggle, and just have fun in... [Read more]
Santa’s Wonderland
December 17, 2011 Saturday afternoon Elsa, Travis, Liz and Vann drove up from Houston. Together the six of us had an informal Christmas celebration along with a few Dance Central dance-offs via the Xbox Kinect. Later that evening we headed South of College Station to enjoy the sights and sounds of Santa’s Wonderland. This local holiday-attraction features lots of live-music, food, and a hayride... [Read more]
Catherine’s “House” Party
December 16, 2011 Catherine (coworker and friend) and I share several geekie interests including Doctor Who and Harry Potter. Recently, she convinced me to become a beta-tester for the online-world of Harry Potter known as Pottermore. In this on-line version of the Hogwarts’ experience, each member is sorted into one of the houses of the school. I was placed in Hufflepuff. Friday night, Catherine... [Read more]
Karaoke
December 10, 2011 After Esteban and Kelly’s party, Ruben and I drove to a little Karaoke place called Ginji to meet Elsa, Travis, Liz and Vann for a few drinks, laughs…and some poor but valiant attempts at singing. We’ll never be on “The Next American Idol,” but we definitely had fun and enjoyed some good Japanese cuisine. Some of us may have had one too many shots…but... [Read more]
Esteban and Kelly’s Christmas Party
December 10, 2011 Saturday evening Ruben and I drove down to the Heights in Houston to attend our second Christmas party of the season. Esteban and Kelly opened their home to friends and family for a fun little holiday gathering. We had a great time with Esteban, Kelly, their friends, and Kelly’s mom…she’s a hoot. We now have enough family and friends living in Houston that Ruben... [Read more]
