Music that rocked my—flipflops?—off

Here's my favorite recently purchased songs (from iTunes):

“1985” and “High School Never Ends” by Bowling for Soup. I think it’s kind of sad that I got a song about nostalgia for the 1980s where I only really relate to one line…but it’s certainly a lot of fun. The second song, however, I relate to even without going through high school, because unfortunately the premise is all too obviously true. Another misfortune is that I had to get the Radio Disney versions of these songs on iTunes because the originals were, well, a little crude.

“If I Were You” by Hoobastank.

“Invincible” by Skillet

“River’s Jig” by the Bedlam Bards. It never fails to impress me with irony that one of my favorite folk tunes was introduced to me through a science fiction show. “Saffron’s Wedding Dance” is another great one by this artist.

“Dead Man (Carry Me)” by Jars of Clay.

“Buachaill On Eirne” by The Corrs.

“Cleaning This Gun” by Rodney Atkins. I don’t like all country music, but there are some great songs out there, and this is my current favorite. You don’t have to be a father to get this one, I found. I also enjoyed this artists’ songs “A Man on a Tractor” and “If You’re Going Through Hell”, though the former is much more country than the latter.

“All Who Are Thirsty” by Kutless

Introversion vs. Extraversion

In my Psychology of Human Relations class, we discussed one of the spectrums of personality: introversion vs. extroversion. One of the most interesting things about this subject is how people view it in society. It's likely that just about everyone has heard of these terms, but how many of those people use them as "shy" and "outgoing", or worse, "antisocial" and "social"? Though the world is becoming more friendly to the introverts, who used to be considered flawed for not enjoying parties, there is still an inherent misunderstanding about why they're introverts.

In general, people who understand introverts say that they're uncomfortable around people or become energized when alone. The underlying idea is that introverts don't really like people, or not enough to want to be with them. In reality, biology tells almost the opposite story. Scientists have shown that the biological responses to being around others—e.g. increased endorphins—give pleasure to people, who are then encouraged to seek out the companionship of others. Social people are obviously an example of this; they love being around people, and it makes them feel good. On the other hand, introverts are less likely to seek out companionship. This is not a matter of being unaffected positively by being around others, but rather being overaffected. Scientists theorize that introverts are oversensitive to the presence of others, and so what is a pleasurable experience to extroverts is too much of a good thing for introverts. It's not that they don't like being around people, it's just that their needs for companionship are satisfied by a much lower amount of time spent together, and being around a lot of people overstimulates them. They are also not energized from being alone—introverts can be just as lonely as anyone else—it's just that being alone helps them come down from the emotional "high" of being among others.

I found this research fascinating, especially because I am an introvert. I've never felt that I didn't like being around people, just that I didn't need to so often, so I definitely ascribe to this theory. As an introvert, I don't feel lonely when I spend hours and hours away from people, only emerging for meals and shopping and church—my social-emotional needs feel perfectly satisfied with these small levels of social interaction, so why would I want to spend more time around people? This is probably the best explanation for introversion that I have come across.

Okay, so I failed

I failed miserably, I admit it. You'd think that, having been there before, I would remember how utterly packed the Olympia Y&G schedule is. I barely got enough sleep as it was, and so blogging had to be dropped on the wayside. Just to wrap things up, the governor did pass a couple bills: ratifying the Kyoto treaty and women included in the Selective Service. He did not pass a bill lowering the drinking age to 18—the veto was overturned by a margin of one vote in the Senate, but failed in the House (and it turned out that one voter in the Senate was ineligible anyway). Oh well for that; it was great debate while it lasted.

The Governor's Ball, like last year, was something I could have avoided... However, unlike last year, staying in the basement away from the dancing and the eardrum-bursting music was quite enjoyable. There were a couple other people who didn't care for dancing, and since we brought Scrabble tiles, we got to play Speed Scrabble. And since it was late at night, we got to cheat. So maybe under normal circumstances it's inadvisable to open up the game to proper nouns and foreign words...but it's a definite bonus to the game when you do! I mean, when was the last time you got to use "Dalek", "kree", "Ra", and "Ai" in a game?

We elected the major officers for next year, and I'm both satisfied and upset. The Lieutenant Governor we elected has nothing more going for her than taking the program seriously and looking cute—I saw no skills that would make me think she would make a good leader, while the other candidate was much more well-spoken and firm (but fair) in talking to people. However, we did elect a great governor!

Best laid plans

It was my intention to keep a near-running log of what was going on during this Youth Legislative Session...but, well, I have a bad habit of overestimating how much time I actually have. But, for the highlights:

So far in the Senate we have made marriage a religious institution (and not one of the government), reduced the legal drinking age to 18, required mediator sessions for women looking to get an abortion, banned the penny from US currency, ratified the Kyoto Protocol, required school and city buses to use biofuel, required one hour of physical activity for children in school, required high school seniors to register to vote, reduced the copyright law to 14 years, required recycling bins in schools, and added sexual orientation to the list of things employers cannot discriminate against.

My bill, restoring the states' rights of the Tenth Ammendment, passed committee but failed in the Senate. Aragorn's bill, raising the legal smoking age to 21, also failed. However, both of us received compliments on how well we did our bills, even if the majority disagreed with the content, so it's not too depressing.

One exciting thing that happened yesterday did not relate to Youth and Government at all. Halfway through the first session, we in the Senate heard very loud chanting going on outside. We couldn't tell if it was in the Rotunda, on the Capitol steps, or in the House Chambers, but it sounded very passionate. After session ended, we found out that there were May Day protesters who had been rioting on the Capitol steps and entered the Capitol without permission. The Senate and House Chambers were locked down, and the security eventually dealt with the riot, but not before they put graffiti on the front columns. There was talk of getting T-shirts reading "I survived the May Day riot", but mainly we're just glad it didn't get dangerous.

In more mundane news, the host home I'm staying at is lovely, however the attic room where I'm sleeping has two giant skylights that make it impossible to sleep after 6am. Also, my favorite dress shoes broke when I fell down the Capitol steps. But that's all I can think of to withdraw from this wonderful experience. The delegates here are friendly, intelligent, and almost without fail respectful to those with opposing opinions.

Live from the Capitol...

Here I am in Olympia, in the most gorgeous state capitol building in the US, preparing for my Youth and Government legislative sessions. Unlike last year, I have a laptop and the generously provided wireless internet in the Capitol, and will be able to keep an active log of what's going on. Today has been pretty rough, actually, with the marble floors wreaking havoc on my not quite healed leg in dress shoes, and lots of standing for pictures with the governor. Thankfully it's sunny and there's only been a slight drizzle, so who can feel totally down? And the rest of the weekend will be 95% sitting in the Senate Chambers, so my only concern is for the Governor's Ball on Friday night.

Gotta love lawyers

This was interesting, and had me chuckling.

http://lawiscool.com/2008/03/29/lord-of-the-rings-as-property-law/

Copyright video—interesting and funny

I died laughing through most of this, and happen to agree with the sentiments as well. You can watch it on YouTube:



Or download it at the original site here: http://cyberlaw.stanford.edu/documentary-film-program/film/a-fair-y-use-tale

Sad

Oh so sad, and oh so interesting at the same time:
http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2008/03/25/oh-yeah-they-know-were-here/

Another update - 3/24

MerryK continues to show weekly improvement in her physical therapy. She has been using only crutches all week and we returned the wheel chair to the rental company! What a relief to see that go!

MerryK conquered the stairs last week and now can come upstairs anytime she wants! This is a blessing to her since she can pick out her own snacks on her own schedule, which includes midnight.

The last few days she has been using only 1 crutch, which is amazing to see! Each week brings more progress and we are so thankful to God for her wonderful recovery.

MerryK signed up for classes at college this next term. Originally, we thought she would be taking online classes only but she felt ready to conquer the campus (which is on a steep hill) so she chose 2 classes close together.

It may be awhile before she can return to work, though, since her job requires her to carry heavy boxes of books back and forth from her desk. Please keep her your prayers!

Thought-provoking

“[Creationists] will only allow God the minuscule, infant universe described by the writers of Genesis (or Moses, if you prefer). They can't stand it that God has been working on this version of the universe for something like 14 billion years, and His workshop is so inconceivably huge that it seems silly to imagine the Earth and its dominant species to be the center of God's attention. They won't allow Him to work His miracles of life patiently, subtly, using the gradual, majestic power of evolution. My hypothesis is that creationists, having short attention spans themselves, just can't allow God three billion years of patience and attention to Earthly life. Instead, all they'll allow Him is one *POOF* magic, all-in-one creation, barely 6,000 years ago." —The Power and Majesty of God Almighty, Bob Riggins

Update on MerryK

We went to see the physical therapist on Monday and MerryK was allowed to stand up and take a few steps with a walker bearing most of her weight! It was scary and exciting all at the same time. She also tried using crutches and those felt better to her so we purchased a set for her later that day. She did get a bit light headed several times during therapy, since she hasn't stood up in over 6 weeks and her body wasn't very prepared. It will get better with practice, though. We are now focusing on strength building exercises and MerryK is practicing walking around in short sessions! She controls how much weight goes on her leg and if she uses too much her body reminds her with shooting pain. It should take a 3-4 weeks to get to full weight bearing. She is also trying to use her arm as much as possible for everyday movements.

She continues to have a great attitude and looks forward to getting upstairs so she can get her own food and snacks. ;) She is registered for classes at college for the spring quarter, although she may just take online classes. Her handwriting skills are improving and her arm doesn't tire as easily while typing, so we think she might be able to complete classes this spring. We will see how she is doing in April. She had to drop out of the last quarter since she was hit by the car on the first week of school.

Thanks for your prayers!

Merry had her appointment with the orthopedic doctors yesterday. They took x-rays of her arm and leg and reported that she is healing up nicely...just what we would expect at 6 weeks. Her bones still have a ways to go, (it actually takes a full year to complete healing) but she was given permission to start weight bearing exercises! That means she can work up during the next month to full walking! We are looking forward to our appointment with the physical therapist on Monday and starting phase 2 of her recovery.

Well, hopefully we will see Merry up and walking by April! She has a 4 day trip planned for the end of April and she really wants to be back to normal by then. Thanks for your prayers!

Update on Merry

Merry is healing up well and we are anxiously awaiting the trip to the doctor on Thursday for x-rays that will confirm this fact and allow her to start putting weight on her arm and leg. Her brain must know it is about time, since she started to stand up the other day, and then realized that was a no-no and quickly sat down!

She is quite adept at wheeling herself around the lower level of our house and out to the vehicles. She has been at church several times, and this last Sunday she even climbed up into our 15 passenger with the help of a step stool! (We were taking Clankeeper to the airport for a business trip and so we didn't all fit in the mini-van. We normally take 2 vehicles.)

Thanks to a wonderful physical therapist, (and Merry's hard work at home) Merry has wonderful range of motion in her shoulder and elbow, as well as her knee and ankle. Once she can bear weight, she will be able to complete the range of motion as well as build up strength. The PT says Merry can expect 99% of what she had before the accident!

Today we visited a dermatologist to discuss Merry's scars, and what we could do to minimize them. I needed to see the dermatologist for some suspicious bumps and it looks like I might have a couple small spots of skin cancer. Nothing dangerous, but they need to come off. They are in two areas that always got sunburned when I was a child. Clankeeper had a bigger cancer removed from the top of his ear years ago...another spot he always burned. So don't forget that sunscreen folks!

Clankeeper is away this week on business. This is the second trip this year (they have 9 scheduled so far in 2008). Once Merry heals up and the weather gets nicer we can make better use of the time he is gone for some history field trips around Washington State, or perahps some big household jobs that wreak havoc on our schedule and habits. Last December we refinished the dining room table while Clankeeper was gone. I sure miss him.

Thanks again for everyone's prayers. We will update again after the x-rays and doctor appointment Thursday!

Another update on MerryK

MerryK endured having all her stitches removed from her leg and arm on Thursday, as well as the staples in her head. It was much worse than we thought it would be since she healed so nicely that the stitches were stuck in there, but she was strong throughout.

They also removed the temporary plaster splint and gave her a removable boot that she has to use at night to keep her Achilles tendon stretched out. Facing the unknown that was under the cast was scary but it turned out to look a lot better than we all feared. The metal rods that they put down the center of the bones in her leg and arm will remain there permanently. The doctor assured us that they rarely set off metal detectors and if they do, we just have to show them the scars on her knee and shoulder.

We have 4 more weeks until they will take X-rays to see how she is healing. If all is well they will give her permission to put weight on the arm and leg at that point. The time frame given for walking was 3-6 months. The bones should be fully healed in 6-12 months. We are hoping that with lots of prayers, hard work, being young, and some great supplements, MerryK will be on the short track.

Her pain med use is going down and her spirits remain good, although she yearns for a good stretch. We will be visiting a Physical Therapist this week to learn some new exercises so we can stretch out those muscles and tendons and prepare them for walking someday. The doctor explained to us that it really isn't about the broken bones...those are easy to fix...but that she really has a severe soft tissue injury that just happens to have broken bones underneath it. It will take time to heal and longer to feel normal again.

Thank you all for your supports and prayers!

Update on MerryK

Sorry it has taken us so long to update the blog. Thank you all for your prayers! MerryK came home from the hospital last week!

After the last post, MerryK was improving slowly but surely. They were talking about letting her go home and then she passed out while sitting up and moving off the bed. She was white as a sheet with blue lips and scared us all! In 30 seconds they had 8 people in her room scurrying around, injecting her with anti-narcotic medicine and running various tests. They concluded she was low on red blood cells (hematocrit was 21) so she received two units of blood the next day. Because she only had one good arm (and it was a pin cushion by this point) the IV for the blood was quite painful and each unit took 3 hours to go in. She was a trooper about it, but Mom was having a hard time watching her suffer.

The next day she was much stronger and talk of letting her go home enlivened all of us! When they did let us go home, the car trip was excruciatingly painful for her as her leg took every bump and jolt. Her arm had a compression bandage on it, that had to be cut off when we got home because her arm had swollen up from all the movement and from not being elevated. But, once we were home, she could sleep without constant interruptions. You cannot imagine the difference just one good night of sleep made on her. She was like a different person. We still woke her up every 3 hours for pain meds, but she could sleep as much as she wanted in 3 hour increments, and she did a lot of sleeping at first!

We have been home over a week now and we are pretty comfortable with our new routines. She still gets pain meds every 3 hours, but she is down to 1 each time instead of 3 and she isn't hallucinating anymore. She is able to move from the bed to the wheelchair very easily now. The most pain she has is from physical therapy, but she is showing improved range of motion nearly every day. She also gets an anti-coagulant shot twice a day and sometimes that is painful depending on where it goes in. She is uncomfortable in bed sometimes because her positions are limited, but she uses pillows to rearrange herself. During the day she sits on the recliner/sofa with her leg up and arm propped.

She can use her laptop (although typing is very difficult) and she watches a lot of old TV shows on DVD, like Stargate SG-1, MacGuiver and Battlestar Galactica, that she has gotten from the library. As a family we are watching Stargate Atlantis in the evening while we eat dinner downstairs with her.

We have an appointment next week to have her heavy splint on her leg removed and replaced with a removable one. We are all curious to see what it looks like under there. She cannot put weight on her arm or leg for another 3-5 weeks. When she was released from the hospital, she did not have a cast on her arm, just a cloth sling. Since there is a metal rod inside the bone (from shoulder to elbow), I assume they don't expect her to injure it in any way! There is also a metal rod in her leg bone from knee to ankle. It is remarkable how differently broken bones are handled nowadays. They had her moving the arm just 2 days after surgery!

Thank you all for your continued prayers for all those bone pieces to heal together properly. Everyone has been so kind to MerryK and she is quite overwhelmed with the attention.

Update on MerryK

MerryK is doing better this evening (Saturday). She is experiencing a little bit less pain and is less groggy. However, she does have a fever (~101 degrees) that is not responding as well to Tylenol as we would like. It may be nothing more than a normal post-operation fever, but it may be more than that. They took some of her blood to culture, so hopefully we'll know more tomorrow. She hasn't eaten much do to a depressed appetite, but hopefully that will change for the better as well.

Thank you so much for your prayers.

Prayer Request

Dear Friends,

In case you haven't already heard, our dear MerryK was hit by a car on Friday (1/11) while she was walking to catch a bus. Her right arm and left leg were badly broken, but thankfully she did not have any head or internal injuries, other than cuts and bruises.

On Friday afternoon, she went into surgery to repair the broken leg (estimated 3 hours). Since she was enduring the surgery well, they decided to repair the broken arm while she was out instead of having to have a separate surgery later. It ended up being ~8 hours, which was one of the longest 8 hours that I have spent waiting for news!

She came out of the surgery OK and is doing as well as can be expected (lots of pain). The doctor said that they put pins in both her arm and her leg and that she wouldn't be able to put any weight on either for about 6 weeks and that she wouldn't be very mobile during that time. Those of you who know MerryK know that being immobile for a day or two is hard, but six weeks?

Please continue pray for her so that she will endure the pain and the immobility with a good attitude. Pray for our family as well as this will be a major disruption for our family.

Thanks,
ClanKeeper & PurringPiggy

Realization

Winter quarter started for me yesterday, and I'm getting to know all my new teachers, classes, and fellow students. Something else happened, though, in my Introduction to Philosophy class. The teacher made a comment while talking about the Greeks that, we probably didn't know, but the movie "300" was based on fact, and I then realized that I was likely one of the few people in that classroom who had wanted to see "300" because it was based on fact.