DVT & Taro Legs/Trunks

About a month ago I was due to go to a work conference interstate. The same day I got a call from my doctor. 

"You need to come urgently"
"Can it wait till I get back from my work trip?"
"No"

Okie dokie then. A day or so before I had done some blood tests and the results must've come in. So my Tarlini and I went in. We arrrived at about 1:30pm. I had to leave the doctors by 4pm to make my flight. 

So we get ushered to the doctor's office. One blood test called D-Dimer Innovance was slightly elevated and he was worried I may have something in my lungs and that I may also have DVT which meant there was no way I could fly. I was a little bit worried about not making the work conference but more worried because our family reunion was the following week... oh yeah and the whole dying thing blah blah blah. I needed an chest x-ray for the lungs and both my legs had to be scanned to check for DVT. 

Deep vein thrombosis

DVT is usually the formation of a thrombus in the deep veins of the leg, and may be referred to as proximal DVT or distalDVT. Occasionally, DVT also occurs in the veins of the upper extremities. DVT can occur spontaneously without known underlying cause (idiopathic thrombosis) or after provoking events, such as trauma, surgery or acute illness (provoked thrombosis).

Major veins of the lower extremity.
The most common type of venous thromboembolism isdeep vein thrombosis, which occurs most frequently in veins deep within the muscles of the leg and pelvis.

Major veins of the lower extremity

I was being extra nice to the receptionist and explained that I needed to be on a flight in 90 minutes. She was very helpful. I got into do the x-ray pretty quickly. She said put the robe thing on and stand by the machine for her. The robe thing was like a vest thing and there was a very minute chance that the bits that were supposed to meet together were going to do that. I laughed "These aren't made for polynesians are they?"  No response. Great, I've made the x-ray lady mad. I made her madder when I called her the x-ray lady because she spent many years to be a radiology technician. Whaaaaatevs! 

So that was done.. time for the leg scans. This poor little asian man ushers me in, introduces himself and tells me to take my jeans off and leave the undies on. I get on the bed and realise this poor guy has to handle my taro trunks. He sees my long undies and said I shouldn't leave the hot pants on. Aaaah buddy these are NOT hot pants..! (cue inside mormon joke).

So he starts the exam and pushes from the top of my leg right to my ankle. He uses the same scanner thing that I am familiar with for ultrasounds when I was pregnant.. but he doesn't warm up the gel or anything. Gosh - what happened to customer service! He pokes and prods to get the images he need. There are some moments where I have to clasp my hands together to fight my natural instinct to backhand him. He spends a lot of time in some areas and I ask if he can see something. He just says he's trying to see through the layers. Oh my gosh! He means layers of fat! dahahahahaha. I decide not to ask him any more questions and die a little inside as he starts on the other trunk. 

So at the end of the examination, he says I can get dressed now. I say "So it is a boy or a girl?" 

No response. Tough crowd! 

I got the all clear and made it to my conference! I made it to work - gave my results to my second opnion - aka Underwriters and it was all good. I admit when it was all happening it was a bit scary and I did a bit of pleading with the Lord and was blessed again. 

I was also reminded that you always got to find something to laugh about and grateful that no hair ever grows on my legs, so I didn't have to subject that poor man to that either! 

Hallelujah! dahahaha :) 

Conviction

conviction

kənˈvɪkʃ(ə)n/

noun

noun: conviction; plural noun: convictions

1. 1.   a firmly held belief or opinion.
2. "she takes pride in stating her political convictions"

   synonyms:

   belief, opinion, view, thought, persuasion, idea, position, stance; More

   • the quality of showing that one is firmly convinced of what one believes or says.

     "she had been speaking for some five minutes with force and conviction"

     synonyms:

     certainty, certitude, assurance, confidence, sureness, positiveness; More

     antonyms:

     uncertainty, doubt

I've been thinking about this a lot of the past week or so. 

We have been preparing for our Ward Primary Presentation. Most commonly know in most pacific island communities as White Sunday, each year each LDS (Mormon) Ward or Branch has a sacrament programme where the Primary children do a presentation. As Primary is the area which I serve, it's been quite a journey for us all.  The Sharing Time Theme this year is 'I am a child of God'. It's a simple, but powerful theme that speaks to us about our divine nature, who we are and essentially our potential. 

"As man now is, God once was; as God is now man may be."      Lorenzo Snow 

What does this have to do with conviction? I think if we were all truly convinced about that statement then the priorities in a lot of our homes would change. Our focus would change and though there would still be battles, we would have an increased, hope, faith, belief that there are lessons in every trial or triumph. We are a family - the kids fight, sometimes we miss do Family Home Evening or scripture study but the world doesn't fall apart. We just get up the next day and try again. Sometimes people are called to serve in areas of church because there's a lot they need to learn or be convinced of and I am most certainly one of those people.





Now the other reason I've been thinking about this word 'conviction' is that we've really started focusing on healthier living at home, work and play. It's may seem like it's been quite the eye-opener but really it's something I've known about for a while. There's a selection of statements you can pick in your self assessment that go something like a) I know i'm not eating right, but I don't want to change b) I'm happy with my eating habits c) I'm not happy and I need help to change. I selected c) because I do need to change, but if I was being totally honest I would've selected a).  When I think about it, there has always been this inner battle with myself about the whole food thing. I'm fine with the exercise. I will do an hour each morning every work day and that will be fine... and then I kill it with the food. 

Am I truly convinced I can do this? 

Again, if I was then my priorities would change and I would stop stop sabotaging my efforts with excuses etc. Truly believing in yourself is really 90% of the battle.

Our family scripture study tonight included this little gem: 

Matthew 6:21: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  

This one's easy - my family is my treasure. It's simple: I want to be with them forever. I want to be with them on this earth for as long as possible. This I know for sure! It's time to just get out of my own way and get on with it and walk the talk. And that's a lot of walking! 

Amen!  

 

Team Tapusoa Forever!

The family reunion has come and gone and it's taken me nearly a week to recover, but we did it! Yeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I must admit the lead up days before the reunion was very stressful, with some very last minutes spanners thrown in the works, but thankfully it all worked out. 




Our first stop was Aunty Lagi's house to all meet together and sort some last minute admin stuff out. I saw her and cried. I think it was just the relief of seeing her again. I lived in their home for almost a year and It was so good to see her again. I told the kids that if anyone had questions about their Gramps growing up, she was the best one to ask. I know the reunion meant a lot to her and as the matriarch of the family, it was good just to hug her again. 




We arrived at Motu Moana Camp and paid up the final bill. I have been emailing with the camp for the past 18 months, so when the bill was paid, I did a double pump fist and hugged Tony. Relieved as! It was great accommodation for the family and they recommended some really great activities. 

One of the best things was that it was catered and we didn't have to worry about the food. Loaves & Fishes were our caterers and they were awesome! No polynesian food, but there was plenty of it and the menu was delicious. The owner Helen was a delight to deal with and they were very helpful. No one was ever hungry, which is bonus points for any island family! 



We did many activities - one of the highlights being the abseling Saturday morning. Not everyone was brave enough to give it a go, but those that did were amazing! My Bourne cousins were so funny. None of the boys were going to have a go, but as soon as their sisters went up - the boys were up that wall so fast. 



The flying fox got a good work out as well. We had a carnival for the kids, talent night and on Sunday most of us went to church. Although not everyone goes to church regularly, most of us went to sacrament that day. Blockhouse Bay Ward got a bit of a shock I think, and the overflow had to be opened.  It was great to be at church together, even though some of us were struggling to keep our eyes open! Chelynne tapped me during closing prayer because she thought I was going to snore. Rude!! 

Family Home Evening was a night to be remembered. My Dad has nine siblings - 6 brothers and 3 sisters. In attendance were his two sisters Aunty Lagi & Aunty Amelia and one of his baby brother's Uncle Faatau. He is in the heavens with his parents and two baby brothers Uncle Auro & Uncle Finesi. Uncle Amani was unable travel. Our Aunties, my Mum and Uncle told us stories about when they grew up and how they met each other. It was so funny and a bit of an eye opener. I think some of us were a bit traumatised (esp the night clubbers dahaha), but it was great to hear their stories. I cried a fair bit that night hearing stories about my grandparents, Dad and his siblings. They were tears of joy because I know how blessed I am to be part of this family. 








It was good to be there to represent our Dad with my sisters and my mum. 









Monday was our time to say goodbyes and we had a bit of a paparazzi day. The first two are all of the cousins. Plenty of laughs. These are the cousins I grew up with and we visited each other often when we were growing up. We'll always keep in contact with each other, I'm sure. 

Cousins

This is a photo of the next generation - all our children. 

Next Generation

Saying goodbye sucked. My boy cousins openly cried and the kids didn't want it to end. It was so good being together again. It was disappointing that not everyone could make it, but I'm sure everyone will be there at the next one. 

Grateful there were only very few dramas, but nothing that didn't get smoothed over. So sorry to the Police Ten 7 producers - nothing to see here!  

Totally love my family and all the hard work truly paid off. 

Team Tapusoa Forever! 

It's Our Time: Kia Ora, Talofa !

Next weekend the children and I are heading to Auckland for my family reunion. It's for my Dad's family and I'm really looking forward to it. It's been 2 years in the making. Organising a reunion when you're based in another country is way crazy and it has been extremely hard work. But it's for Dad. 

Over the past two years, he's probably been in the heavens with his brothers and his parents both laughing and cursing. Most probably in the same breath dahahaha. 

When we get together next weekend, I'm looking forward to laughing and eating and laughing and eating and having heaps of fun together. It's catered so no one is stuck in the kitchen and that's my favourite part about it all. Mostly because being in the kitchen is not one of my strengths! 

When I get back, I'm hoping to post many photos about the whole event. 

My Dad's family has always been close. We always saw each other. Most school holidays we saw each other. Travelling to Flaxmere to see my Aunty Lagi, Aunty Amelia and Uncle Auro or going to Gracefield and then Naenae when Uncle Finesi and his family moved. I loved going to Gracefield, picking the berries in the gorse filled hill and just hanging out with the cousins. 

We had some mean as fights when we were kids, including against each other. But the moment someone tried to mess with one of us, everyone would turn on that unsuspecting soul and it would be an old fashioned beat down. We would go to Flaxmere and take over the neighbourhood in Scarborough Road and then a few streets over in Peterhead Avenue. At the back of my family home in Justine Street, Cannons Creek is the local school. The climbing frame was extensively used and I have fond memories of playing with my cousins there. 

There was a notable difference when the Aunties were in the house compared to when the Uncles were in the house. My Dad had a great reverence for his sisters and his brothers were his best friends. It didn't matter who was in the house, there were lots of laughs.  Then the card playing would start and if the uncles were around then the parties would begin. 

We didn't have much, but we did have each other and I couldn't fathom a childhood without my cousins being around. 

We believe that families can be together forever. Spending time together like this is a great warm up to the eternities.

Hopeully next weekend, there won't be too many dramas. We're adults now so I'm sure we're past the fist fights dahahaha.. It will be good to be together again and it's not because we are mourning someone. It's sad that not everyone can make it, especially Uncle Amani who is sickly at the moment. 
    
This is, and has always been, for you Dad.

Watch out West Auckland - Team Tapusoa is heading your way! 

Knowing Is Better

Over the past week or so I have been determined to be better. Better at home, church, work.. everywhere. Better at exercising and better at eating. 

The eating has been better than normal but it's something that I need to work on a bit more, but that's a whole new story.

The exerising has been great. I've stepped up and hit the gym every morning before work. Midweek I hit the treadmill and ran a few minutes non-stop (which is momumental for me). As it was happening, I could literally see my brain ticking over in slow motion as it registered - You can do this.  It changed everything! The next day I tried a bit longer and the next day longer still. 

Sometimes, getting out of my own way is the best thing I can do for myself. 

I was catching up with the member of our Bishopric that looks after Primary and remembered I needed a Temple Recommend interview. This is the first of two interviews to get a recommend so I can get into the LDS temple. It is a great time to reflect and check how I am doing spiritually. These interviews are held every two years and although you may need another interview within those two years, every time I prepare to go inside the temple, it's a good good to check if I still feel worthy to go. We are blessed to have local leaders who are so accessible and sacrifice so much for us all. I walk away from these interviews knowing that I need to work on things or that I need to continue doing what I'm doing or even more. 

At work, a milestone. My probation period is coming up and as I sat with my boss it was a great time to see how I am going there. Last time I had to do a probation interview over 3 years ago, it felt like I wrote a thesis on why I should be accepted by the firm. This time it was a short discussion and all went well. I am grateful for a boss that only lingers on things when necessary, and lets us get on with it. 

For me, knowing is better. I know where I am and what I need to do to get where I want to be. I would rather someone told me things need improving than being left in the dark. Some say they don't want to know when their kids are being naughty or something has gone haywire in relationships etc. 

I want to know. 

If you don't know, you can't make changes or help to make things better.  There are many times you can check yourself at the door for any area in your life. You may not like it but at least the decision is yours about what to do with the knowledge. 

And sometimes you will find that it takes a while for the brain to register, but
when it does it's amazing. Knowledge is power and wisdom is applying it. KAPOW! 

Following Through

My son (11yrs) is banned or grounded. 

He's a smart kid. Probably one of the smartest kids in his school and that's not being biased either (really). He has always been part of the gifted and talented group at pretty much every school he's been to. We've moved a lot in his young life, so there is a few schools. Last term he was selected for a writers group and was published. Published, I say!  We've been told he's either going to be some genius (as in Big Bang Theory) or a criminal mastermind (as in Oceans 11-13). 

The natural man's reaction (ok, mine) first instinct was 'sweet!' Either way, I am going to be well taken care of! Hahahaha! 

But I digress..... The genius child is banned. We call it banned because that's what it is. He is banned from electronics and drawing. The things that he loves the most and the things that will make this whole experience cut to the heart. It started at the beginning of the school holidays and will last the whole two weeks. 

So, what happened? There's a bunch of boys in his class and they were being disrepsectful to their teacher. Not putting super glue on the teachers chair or making her cry like one of my siblings dahaha.. but talking whilst she was talking and stuff like that. 


Ah, I can hear you now. 

"Sheesh, that's a bit hard"
"Boys will be boys"

Sorry, not in my backyard. My Tarlini and I were raised with respect as being one of the founding principles of the family. I would never even consider the notion of being disrespectul when I was his age. Yeah, yeah, it was a different time back then. It was also a time when these issues were handled with jandals and jug chords and upper cuts. Being the youngest, I think my parents got tired of it all by the time it got to me, so I was spared the rod a lot! 

We are into Week 2 of being banned. He is hurting. I've had a few pleas to let him on the computer. A few long sighs and attempted debates. I must admit he nearly got me a few times. My Tarlini is tougher than me. It's that mother-son thing. 


I was watching Police Ten 7 the other night and it made me angry! People weren't wearing seat belts, others had cannabis on them and they were just let off with warnings. I watch Tonight Tonight or ACA (one of the two) about a lady who attacked her housemate, stomped on her head and she got 22 stitches in her head. The attacker got 50 hours community service. LIke why the face already! I'm not saying that is where son is heading, but we got to nip these little negative behaviours in the butt right now. 

We spoke tonight about this horrible ordeal that he's living. I reminded him that it's self inflicted and when he looks back, he will remember this and maybe check himself before he says or does something he will regret. Yes, I think he's already learnt his lesson, but the ban sticks. 

Only 4 more days to go, but worth it for this one life lesson. 

Family Matters

There are many family matters that we can go on about, but this one is close to my heart and believe it or not, it's not about church (but happy to discuss that at any time!). 

This is about taking care of your family at times when you get sick or hurt and can't work anymore or it's your time to head up to the heavens. Yep, the big D - as in Death. 

You guessed it, this is about insurance. Specifically Life, Trauma, Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) and Income Protection. 

I have been in the industry for about 5 years now and I am by no means an expert, but the stories you hear are incredible. Some can be incredibly amazing and some can be incredibly sad depending on each situation. 

The amazing stories are like those families who have been given cheques shortly after losing loved ones and how it has helped them. The incredibly sad ones are friends of advisers who have passed on and had no cover. 

Insurance is basically taking care of your family when you can't anymore for whatever reason. 

I have grown up in a culture where insurance is seen to be a non-essential. When people die, families and friend pull together and help the family in need through it. The community helps and that's how it has always been. We all know the money is just a small part of it all. Sharing grief, being there for each other and the strength of family is far more important. 

The reality is that after everyone has gone home, the bills still have to be paid. 

I know that if we include insurance as an essential, we can concentrate more on what we can offer emotionally rather than worrying about what you can give or what people will give financially. 

You will see and hear a lot of hype. There are a lot of companies out there selling similar products with various bells and whistles. The main thing is that you get the right advice for you. Do the research (read the fine print) or find a professional who will do it for you. Even if you do the research, get the professional advice you need. If you're unsure, ask questions and don't sign up to anything until you are 100% happy with it. 

The financial services industry is seriously regulated, so make sure the person you see ticks all the boxes. Be forthcoming when asking for qualifications etc. When they make recommendations to you, ask about the company's history, reputation with paying claims out and ask specifically why this company suits you compared to others.

Make sure the advice you get is personally fitted to you.

• Do the research or get professional advice
• Make sure the advice is personalised
• Ask questions

I know you are thinking I can't afford a professional but this can as important as having a midwife when you're having a baby. You may not like what is happening but the end result is worth it all. 

Whether you believe in a next life or not - there is peace of mind knowing that your family is being take care of when you are not around any more. 

This is about far more than the money. This is about taking care of your family matters, so they don't have to.