Chris's back

So we just got back from the "Independent Medical Evaluation." The "doctor" basically asked Chris a whole bunch of questions about his medical history. He asked a few questions about his current condition such as what happened and what doctors he's seen. He recorded all of Chris's answers on his "dictating device". Then, he took Chris in an exam room, had him bend a few ways and then checked his reflexes. He left the exam room and went into his first office where he could dictate his findings to the little device. Chris and I kinda stayed behind so we could overhear what he was saying to the device. The "doctor" pretty much said Chris had no symptoms or signs of pain and that he's cleared to go back to full capacity work!! 
We were so frustrated! The Doctor didn't even ask Chris about his pain! He just looked at him and declared him good to go, even though three different doctors said he wasn't!!
While we were in the office with Doctor Noles, the Paralegal for an attorney called us back. We talked to him about our case and the doctor visit. The paralegal's words were: "Dr. Noles?? In our profession he's nicknamed the Prostitute." He told us that basically Dr. Noles was involved in a lot of their cases (they work exclusively with Worker's Comp cases). He said that normally clients call them before the case gets to Dr. Noles, and the attorneys have time to prep people before they go see him. The paralegal said that the Dr. is pretty much bought out by the insurance company to say whatever they want him to say, and usually that's whatever it takes to get workers back on the job and the insurance off the hook. Well, that was kinda good news because it validated what Chris and I have been feeling all along about this medical evaluation. 
Our next step, the paralegal told us, was to go find our own doctor who will fill out a form they sent to us stating that Chris is still injured and should remain on restrictions. He sent the form to us via email and we're going to go meet with the original doctor who told us that Chris would pretty much be injured for life. We have to send that form to the insurance agency after they've received Noles' report. If the insurance looks at our form and decides to go with Noles' advice to return Chris to normal duty, we'll have a case to go to court with. If they decide to go with our form then we'll get services from the insurance company for life =D
So, we feel as if finally we might be in a winning situation! Maybe we'll get the care Chris needs and he'll be able to maintain a normal life.

Apartment

Well, what an exciting day yesterday was =D
Chris and I fasted for his back to heal and for us to know what apartment we should move into. The last one seems sort of silly to ask for, but we have had lots of problems with choosing apartments and we just want to move into a nice and quiet sanctuary! We haven't slept through the night since January and we've had to sleep with a fan blowing every night to try and reduce some of the noise. We are so excited to be moving into a quiet, upstairs apartment! The cool thing was that when we broke our fast we went to go look at one of the apartments we were debating about. We knocked on the door and the couple said they were actually not moving out. This was kind of disappointing because we really liked that apartment, but it really confirmed all the good feelings Chris has been having about the other apartment. We decided that was probably an answer to our fast, so we'll be moving down to Nevada Circle on January 8th!! And hopefully that means we'll get some sleep, too!
Last night we went to a live nativity thing and drank some delicious hot chocolate. It was really cool to see all the little kids dressed up. I loved getting to see some of my Young Women in a non-church setting, and to talk to some fabulous people from the ward. We're finally starting to love this ward and I'm so grateful the bishop has asked us to stay. We have learned and grown so much this year, both individually and as a couple. =D
Well, I'm off to study Nutrition! 4 more finals to go =D

I'm graduating!!!!! Here's a copy of the letter I sent out to family! I'm so excited =D


Hi Family!

I'm sending this email to let you guys know about my upcoming graduation!! I realize it's really early, but I wanted to give enough time for those who are flying to find awesome deals!

I'll be graduating August 11&12

Exact schedules for these two days are not up, but they usually follow the same timeline. You are free to pick and choose which activities to go to, but I will be at them all =D

On August 11:

3pm: Commencement Ceremonies in the Marriott Center

friends and family gather in the Marriott Center and wait

at 3:15, graduation procession - this is where all the graduates line up and walk while friends and family take dazzling pictures.

At 4, the commencement exercise begins. This is usually a two hour event where an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints addresses graduates and their guests.

Tickets are not required for this event

On August 12:

Convocation Exercise

Each college has their own convocation ceremony. Times and locations are announced a few months before graduation. During this time, I get to walk across the stage, shake some hands, and receive my diploma. Tickets are not required. 

Here is a website for more information, if this is not enough =D

http://saas.byu.edu/registrar/graduation/whattoexpect.php

I decided to walk in August to give plenty of time for family and friends to stay and visit. You are welcome to come as early and stay as long as you would like. I will be in classes until August 8th, and have finals August 10th. My school schedule for that term is super easy, and I will have plenty of time while I'm in classes to see everyone =D After graduation, I won't begin teaching until August 25th so I hope to be able to spend time with you guys then too =D

Love,

Aubrey

P.S. You can forward this to whomever you like!

Thoughts

Times like these tend to have very mixed emotions. Chris is gone for the night while he does a blood draw in Ephraim. It's hard because I really miss him and hate having to sleep without him. At the same time, I think we both realize how much we love and need each other. I realized how much I enjoy his company, and how he always makes me laugh as we settle down for the night. I sure do miss him, but I know that tomorrow will be amazing as we sit and talk about our past couple days =D

It's also finals time. Surprisingly I'm not that stressed this time around! I only have four finals - Nutrition, Teaching Methods, Multicultural Education, and Chronic Disease. The only one I'm stressed for is Nutrition, and I've already started studying for it a bit so I'm feeling prepared! I'm excited for this semester to be over because it has been sooooo stressful! The first part of the semester was crazy with 3 block classes and out of my whole time here at college it was by far the hardest. But it's almost over! Thank goodness!

New Blog!

I created a new blog!

(obviously)

My plan is to add stories that have happened to us in the past, while talking about the present.

(cuz we could really sue a lot of people - and the stories are good!) 
I'll date all our past posts on the day stuff happens, so that you can follow our lives!

I also want to follow Elder Ballard's charge to spread the gospel online.

Well, that's my goal. Here goes nothing!

Apartment!!!!

Today we found out we can get the apartment for $600!!! 


Here's the specs:
HUGE space
Dishwasher
Washer/Dryer
Garage
Pantry
2bdrm 1bath
free internet


The landlords originally asked for $650 and we asked if we could pay $600 instead! I didn't think they would say yes since it was $50 less, but they totally said it was okay with them!! We're super excited, and will decided on Sunday if this is for sure where we want to move to! I hope we do, mostly because we'll be right next door to our really good friends, The Davis's! It's going to be a blast =D

D.C.!!

I got an email today saying I've been accepted to go to Washington D.C.! We leave in March, and are staying at this gorgeous place. We'll be there for five days! The purpose of the trip is to advocate to legislatures for increased spending in Health areas. For instance, I might advocate for an increase budget towards High School Health. Or we might advocate for an increased spending in cancer research. It just depends on what the theme of the conference is. I'm super excited because it will provide me with a great opportunity to see a beautiful place, and I will get experience that will be invaluable for my career! I can't wait!!