So much to be thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving, 2011. I drove home from my in-laws' tonight completely baffled at the fact that 2011 is almost just another one for the memory books. It's been a GREAT year, and I have so much to be thankful for.

First and foremost, of course is the great opportunity to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I know it's cliche, but it truly is a blessing each and every day to have the purpose and direction in my life that only being a member of the church provides.

A very close second, is the most wonderful husband in the whole wide world. Ian really does have to put up with a lot from me, and I thank him every day for doing it. Seriously, Monday night was a meltdown about how I'm the most unmotivated, fattest, ugliest person ever who will never get where I want to be. The next night (after a much needed meeting with an academic adviser, and a little perspective) was a conversation with the ultimate conclusion that things really are going to be just fine. He is such a great provider and is so much more on top of things than I am. And it doesn't hurt that he spoils me rotten! I love you, Ian. You truly are my rock and the half that makes me whole. Your support means more to me than you know.

My most amazing parents. Whether it's a trip to Costco for groceries, or a lunch break spent servicing photo booths to save me some time, I have the greatest parents. I really have never felt anything from them but 100% love and support, no matter what. The have set a perfect example of the kind of marriage I work for every day. They have taught me that although life brings on challenges, whether they're the result of our choices or ones that we're completely blinded by, life is still good, and you can still be happy. I'm so thankful for that. Love you guys!

Two great sisters and one studly brother. I'm so lucky to be one of those people who can say that their siblings are their best friends. The four of us truly have a unique bond. Yesterday, my sisters came to my apartment and helped me get it all cleaned and organized. They didn't even comment on how atrociously messy and unorganized everything was; they just went straight to work and even went to Ikea to help me pick new furniture. Then there's my brother, Ian. I'm already dreading the day I have to drop him off the the MTC in February. He is such a peacemaker and you won't find a bigger heart of gold in any person, I guarantee it. He gives me hugs every time I see him, and is always, always, always willing to lend a helping hand. I'm so blessed to have such inspiring siblings!

My in-laws. Ian and I always talk about how great it is to have such strong relationships with our in-laws. I always used to wonder what my relationship with my future husband's family would be like, and I couldn't have asked for more. They've been so accepting of me from the very beginning (even before Ian and I were officially together, really...) and it's been fabulous to have such a wonderful second family close by.

The best job on the planet. I would do my job for free if I didn't need the money. Ok, that might not be 100% true, but I LOVE my job. My boss is the best, always praising us on a job well done, and juggling two busy clinics. I connect so well with all my coworkers, even though we're different ages and come from all walks of life. I learn so much from them every day. It's sometimes not fun to work in a place that people really dread, but I am so fulfilled and have such a great time every day.

And last, and sometimes least (sometimes doesn't even make the gratitude list at all), School. I fight it, but I really am grateful to have an opportunity to further my education, especially in a field I thrive in. I'm so blessed to be able to make a difference in people's lives.

Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo, Cori

Bordetella Pertussis

Here I am on my soap box again, but it's my blog, so I get to be. Yesterday in church, our Relief Society president announced that one of the primary teachers in our ward was diagnosed with Whooping Cough. I also heard from some of the patients work that go to Lehi High, that there's been someone at their school diagnosed with it too.

Ladies and Gentleman, this is whooping cough:



Let me point out a couple things to you.

First, (which should be quite obvious) this baby is MISERABLE! You can see it on his face. I can't imagine anything more terrifying as a mother. There literally is nothing you can do at that point but prop them up and watch them cough.

Second, HE'S NOT BREATHING!! Go back and look. He takes the characteristic "whoop" breath at 33 seconds and then doesn't breath in again until 55 seconds. An infant his age should be taking 30-40 breaths per minute. Average that baby's respirations out at two or maybe three... Yeah, you've got bigger problems than just the cough.

Whooping Cough is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics, but it can be fatal and it is completely preventable. Babies can be vaccinated as young as six weeks. If you've already gotten on board and your kids are up to date, kudos. If you're one of those moms who don't for whatever reason, WISE UP!! I really am not saying that to be mean, but seriously, in this day and age, you can't assume that it's not going to happen. Whooping Cough is extremely contagious and chances are if someone close to you has been diagnosed, you and your children have already been exposed.

The other thing people are trying to raise awareness about is that kids and parents can bring home Whooping Cough to their newborns even if they don't have symptoms. The doctor will usually make sure a pregnant mom is up to date before she delivers, but they don't always check on the dad. One phone call to your pediatrician's office will ensure that your kids are up to date too. Get up to date on your vaccines!

Here's the link to the CDC information on Pertussis (Whooping Cough):
http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/prevention.html

Read the info, and keep your family safe.

Dear Occupy Protesters...

...Ok. You've had your fun, but now it's time to go home. Your camps have turned in to a breeding ground for disease and a haven for drug users. You've seen that anyone with a job or any real influence in society couldn't care less about your cause. Your demands are outrageous, and I really don't think many of you know why you're out there freezing your butts off anyway. I'm as sick to death of you as I am of the Kardashians. The real 99% (those of us who work for a living instead of sitting around in a hippie drum circle demanding life-sustaining goods and services) would appreciate it if you would stop shooting each other and letting your neighbors and friends die alone in a tent, and GO AWAY. Let our law enforcement relinquish the task of babysitting you all day long, and allow them to get back to their real duty of protecting our neighborhoods against crime.

Thank You

Really?? You want to live here? I'd rather be a fry cook...