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You all were with me 3 months ago when I wound up at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to fight this fatal lung disease. 

Friday, at my annual checkup, my lung function was down 40%, which basically means I am here again for a 2 week minimum stay. 

I am also now on the adult floor (no more pediatrics since I turned 21, which means no more familiar faces). 

It’s not all bad though, the food this time around has been rather tasty. For the meals that are not as delicious, I was intelligent enough to pack speghettio’s and beef ravioli. 

Funny Story Time:

My pillow, which I got from a previous job, says DNI on it- (which means Do Not Inventory).  The nurses all came in today with concerned looks in their eyes.  One of them sat down and wanted to know if I wanted to be (if in the event of emergency) resuscitated.  Of course I said I want to be kept alive as long as possible. 

They then pointed to my DNI pillow and asked, “What’s that mean then?” After explaining it they laughed, “In the hospital that means do not intervene in the event of sudden death.” 

So, at least there’s comedy. 

My teacher’s do not know I am here yet, I emailed them all via SAIL so hopefully I know what to expect this week academically. 

Hope everybody is doing alright.  I’ll miss Iowa Western that’s for sure.  Sometimes we all take the little things for granted. 

So the hustle and bustle of beginning the semester is dying off.  It is now becoming routine. 

I have been fortunate this semester to meet a lot of very inspiring students. However, I did not plan on it or even intitailly want to. 

It all started when I got accepted into the Leadership Academy.  It basically means that in addition to a scholarship, I am entitled to go to at least 15 activities per semester. 

15 activities per semester.  It was the only part of this academy that terrified me because I am naturally shy.  I was dreading these activites. 

I am relatively shy, being the first problem.  However, I was fortunate enough to meet some people and go to the game last night.  It was sooooooo much fun!!!!  I am really glad I am starting to break down the shyness barriers and go out.  I highly encourage all of you who may be feeling the same way, to just call up somebody you have met- and go somewhere. 

So, now I am 1 activity into the total 15.  Whew!  Wish me luck with the other 14, but I am slowly beginning to look forward to it!

Wow.   What a week! First of all, I am now officially giving tours to prospective students.  So many interesting people out there.  I have had quite a blast with it and was able to make some really great friends.  Secondly, classes are definitely in full swing. Almost every class has had their first test.  I am only worried about one class, but after a much needed epiphany I think I can still move that from a B to an A grade.  I was granted a scholarship through the school, so am now part of the Leadership Academy!I am officially down 10 pounds and 2% body fat!  Which is making me feel a lot healthier.  Hopefully with this working out and eating better I will prevent going back to UIHC for treatments.  Well, now that the school semester is in full swing again- hope you all are buckling down to ensure your own academic success. 

Hello,  As part of a marketing class project I am trying to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  We all know somebody that cancer is affecting.  For most of us, this is something with a very strong emotional tie.  I am not asking for large donations, but rather any amount that you feel comfortable with.  $1-$500, anything helps and we all know it.  If you live on campus, or near campus I can deliver the following products to you (as long as I get payment by February 10) around March 10th. If not, contact me at k.elsbury@gmail.com and I will set up a way for you to make a donation in any amount.  Every penny raised goes directly to them.   If you have questions, need information, or want to help me by letting others know to contact me, I would appreciate it.  I want to help the American Cancer Society, but I can’t do it alone.  Here are the choices if you live on campus:   $12- a bunch of daffodils in a beautiful vase$15- a replantable pot with daffodils for your desk, office, or home!$25- A teddy bear and bunch of daffodils or anonymous delivery of teddy bear to a local child with cancer or anonymous delivery of daffodils to a local adult with cancer$75- A bouquet of 6 bunches of daffodils (approx. 60 total) in a beautiful blue vase$250- perfect gift of 250 flowers to hand out to clients, friends, coworkers, students    Again, if you don’t- just email me and we can set up a donation for you.  For every $25 raised, a child in a local hospital does get a teddy bear.  Thank you so much!