Jenny

Yes, for shame I don't blog regularly much any more. An apology to you if this is the main way we keep in touch. I graduated from U of A in May with my Master's in Public Health. I have moved back to Phoenix and started a job with the state health department. My official title is: HIV Incidence/Surveillance Epidemiologist for the Arizona Department of Health Services. yay for sounding official! but I understand if you have no idea what that is. In light of recent press in HIV news, I thought I would share with everyone...

...What I do:

Surveillance involves tracking new and current cases of HIV in Arizona (and no, it does not involve cameras, wire-tapping or trench coats...not that kind of surveillance :). Cases are tracked so we can connect people with care services and drug assistance as well as so we know what is going on in the state. Incidence is specifically tracking new infections of HIV. It is useful to know how many new infections occurred recently so we can tell how well prevention methods and education are working. It answers questions like, "Are there any unexpected increases in new infections?" or "What populations should we be targeting prevention efforts to?"

In the 1990's incidence was first estimated by counting the number of new AIDS cases and working backwards to estimate how many new HIV cases occurred. This was done because AIDS reporting was mandatory, but HIV reporting was not. This is problematic, because there is always going to be a lag time between a person being infected with HIV and converting to AIDS. When highly-active anti-retroviral therapy (effective and expensive drugs) came on the scene, this lag time increased substantially. The number of new HIV infections began to be estimated instead by counting the number of new HIV diagnoses, which now must be reported (though isn't...but that's another topic). The problem with using new HIV diagnoses is that people maybe living with HIV for years prior to getting tested, so it is difficult to know how many truly new infections occurred.

A new test was developed, called a STARHS (serologic testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversions...because you wanted to know that) test, that tests the blood used to diagnose a new HIV case and determines if the infection occurred within the last 5 months or not. 22 states started sending off samples to be tested in 2006 and we are getting our numbers from it now. There was a good article about it in the tribune and more info from the CDC here and here on the results. Basically, the CDC used data and test results from these 22 states and estimated the number of new infections occurring in the nation. The previous methods for estimating new HIV infections apparently underestimated the numbers. So now there is a more accurate way of keeping track of everything.

An important chunk of my job is getting the samples from labs in Arizona to the CDC lab for the STARHS test, summarizing and de-identifying the results for the CDC and figuring out why we didn't actually get what we needed (are certain labs or counties not sending samples? how much time does it take for an investigation?). Now that this article has been released, we will start working on Arizona specific statistics.

I do other things around the office including other stat projects, helping out in the drug assistance program and shake my head at the amount of bureaucracy there is. And, as more of my coworkers have babies and take month long vacations, I am learning what everyone in the office does and plan on taking over soon.

If you're curious about current HIV trends and numbers in Arizona (and who isn't???) ADHS has good summary here. Skip to page 8.

So there you go. There is much more to it all, but hopefully this gives you a basic idea. Questions are welcome here or in person :)
A real life update will be coming at some point. no, really.

I am pleased to announce the arrival of my niece, Rachel Jean Williams. She was born today, December 16, 2007 at 3:24pm. She is a beautiful 7 pounds, 15 ounces and a perfect 19.5 inches long. Her mom and dad are tired, but doing well. Scott managed to get some pictures out to the family. As you can see, she is in fact, the cutest little girl you've ever seen.

Starbucks is missing out on a lot of money this week. I've been to 4 different coffee places in the last few days spending precious credit on caffeine and munchies and none of them have been starbucks. I wouldn't mind spending hours there (I have gift cards!), but I need internet, and there is no reason to pay for it. Also, the food selection at other places is better and maybe even healthier (may I recommend the Ultimate Vegan Sandwich at Bentley's or the Hummus plate at Ike's?). I prefer not to total the amount of money (or hours) I've spent at: Ike's, Bentley's, Coffee Xchange, and Java City lately, but be assured it's more than I probably should have :)

end procrastination

I've been writing a paper on food borne illness. But apparently my fingers think it should be on food bourne illness. now I'm left questioning that when in my past did I write about Jason Bourne so often that I developed muscle memory in my fingers?

I just had a neighbor from across the street come and ask me about the party my neighbors had last night I don't think he believed me when I said I slept through it--I don't think he's ever lived in a dorm. Normally, this would be very neighborly and fine, but the door bell rang at 10am on a Saturday. Granted, he has probably been up for 3 hours, read the paper and mowed the lawn. But does he really think that collegish (I'm still claiming that term) students would be up and around before noon on a saturday? The only reason I'm out of bed is that I have a paper due--but that doesn't require me to be out of my pj's. Last year, we had some Jehovah's witnesses come around at 9am on a saturday. Way to know your audience. I just don't get it.

I think this is awesome, but I couldn't help but wonder if my bibliophile friends would love or shudder at this idea: how to make a purse out of a book. Thoughts?

yes I haven't posted lately...working on it?

When I was in my undergrad I bought my books from the bookstore. I had friends who would buy them second hand or online, but I always coughed up the cash for the bookstore. Sometimes they would come bundled with class notes or keys for online resources. And when it came time to sell it back, it would be the right edition. At least those were my reasons/excuses for convincing myself to buy the shiny and clean books.

But then I would never sell them back. I think I might have sold a few of the boring ones (lit. type classes) and maybe a pysc book when I was short on cash. But with every book, I asked myself if I could ever need it again. Usually I could come up with a reason or scenario to hang on to them. So I've moved with at least 2 boxes of textbooks for the past few years. I think that so far in my grad school career I've used about half of them. On one hand, its good--yay for prudent decisions! On the other hand, do you realize how many papers I've written and how many citations I've made? Ugh, that is time I can't have back*. Thankfully, I still haven't found a reason to crack open organic chemistry book :)

*You may have figured out that I spend 8 hours today trying to hammer out a 6 page paper. I used to be better than that :(

You may remember about a year ago a post I made about my excessive tomatoes and recipes I found to use them up. Well the same friend has had a windfall (hee!) of apples--thank you Daniel!. He has tons of galas and red delicious up for grabs. I went for the galas for baking. I didn't want to do a pie (I've done a lot of pies lately...maybe later you'll hear about my fresh raspberry and blackberry sour cream pie :) But I did find a recipe for apple dumplings, and our friends Ed and Lindsay asked us over for dinner tonight.

I'll post the link to the recipe below, but let me give you the highlights. Peel and core some apples. Stuff the middle of the apple (where the core was) with butter and brown sugar. sprinkle more brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Wrap the apple in a square of pie crust. Put in pie pan. Make and boil sauce of sugar, butter, vanilla and water. Pour over dumplings. Bake at 400 degrees.

Oh my.

I've stopped washing my face with soap.

No really. I've never been terribly happy with my skin. It's been flaky. It's been oily. It's been bumpy. I've tried a lot of different cleansers and brands. I think I've found something that I'm satisfied with. I wash my face with oil :) Here is a link explaining the basics.

My personal mixture includes equal parts extra virgin olive oil and castor oil, with a few drops of lavender oil for scent. Massage it in, steam with an electric kettle, wipe off with a warm washcloth. Every other day or so I use some brown sugar as a scrub. I've been doing this for 1 month. Here are the results, up close and make-up free.



Now I get that this isn't for everybody and granted, I didn't have extremely problematic skin to begin with (though I've read that using the oil actually helps oily skin) but it has evened out my color --less irritation-- and smoothed it out. In my case, its given me a confidence with my skin--I don't feel like I need to cover it up.

I'll wrap this commercial up. Here's one of my favorites that my roommate (thanks Kristi!) took for me to show-off celebrate.

You may remember a post from about this time last year about the population of mosquitoes in Tucson.
Well they are back. with a vengeance. regarding my ankles apparently.
grrrrr.

(speaking of, I haven't seen the 4th die hard movie yet...must remedy this soon)

This is just awful!
http://www.lamanaphotography.com/walmart2.htm
Warning, potentially nauseating images in that link.

The basic story is that a woman bought some sandals at walmart that gave her a serious chemical burn.

Ouchie!

I'm struggling right now.

Similarly to many students, my struggles are centering around money. I'm enjoying my internship this summer. I'm applying classroom concepts and completing my goals. I'm supported by my boss. But the minimum wage thing, while a blessing to even have, hurts. I managed to save a little last semester in anticipation for this summer, but that money is gone.

Due to an accounting error on my part I lost some money to over-draft fees last week. I was able to convince the bank to give me some back, but I still essentially threw away a chunk of perfectly good money. I had to transfer money out of my dwindling savings so the rent check could clear.

I've had a low balance before, and I've been able to cut back until things evened out and have been fine. What I am really struggling with right now is that I don't see an even-ing out in sight. There was the possibility of an awesome job on campus that would pay enough that I wouldn't need a loan next year, but they decided to cancel the position. The college of public health won't renew my scholarship next year due to lack of funds. I can still TA, but that only pays half of my tuition and a not quite livable stipend. At the moment potential solutions include more loans for tuition and an additional part time job for food.

I feel that I should be able to buy a cup of coffee once a week without guilt, or grab a burrito after work even if I haven't budgeted for it. The fact that I may have to live in this state for the entire next year is filling me with fear.

I like my program, and want to finish it. I think I will be able to put my education to good use eventually. I like Tucson. I know at one point that I was sure that this is where I needed to be. But right now all I feel is squeezed.



My mom shared some verses with me out of Habakkuk 3 that I am trying claim:

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.

As a reminder to all my friends living in Monsoon country.
Don't drive through flooded areas. Obey detours and avoid washes.
We had some bad flooding in Tucson today and had a fatality. Here's an article with the details.

Be safe!

We interrupt our Morocco reflections...

This is where I'll be this weekend (look under upcoming events). I'm super excited. I won't be doing all the events or classes, so if you'd like to hang out, give me a call.

A typical day in Morocco started around 6am. At least for the girls, the guys seemed to have a little later of a wake-up call. Breakfast was served at 6:30 and consisted of bread, peanuts, yogurt and hard boiled eggs. On fancy days there would be croissants or other pastries. Around 7am we all gathered for devotions. There was an Arabic room and an English room. Our team took turns leading the English room. I think I went on the second or third day. That day we read from 2 Corinthians 4, verses 1-12:

"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

Part of this passage was first pointed out to me by my mother when I was a having a difficult time as a camp counselor. While I was on the trip I took the time to read the context of the passage and felt it was particularly applicable to our work. It speaks of veiling the glory of God, which is a reference to Moses having to veil his face after meeting with God on the mountain and also shows how inadequate the old covenant was. While we were there, it seemed that we had to veil the glory of the gospel in order to work there. And we are able to share it, but our weaknesses in the work is an opportunity for God's power to be revealed. And we all felt some kind of weakness.

A lot of the work we did on the mountain was physical labor to provide houses for the people. Our projects included digging out trenches for foundations:


mixing and pouring concrete for foundations


and white washing and painting the trim on nearly completed houses.



Each day we woke up with a different part sore :) Did you know that your thumbs could get blisters? As the trip went on, our bodies became more tired, but God continually provided us with strength when needed and rest when needed.

One of our favorite parts of the day was tea time. Mid-morning, the man or woman of the house would set out a blanket and table and would bring out a teapot and cups. Often there was some kind of snack. Once we had something that was a cross between a tostada shell and a wonton...and it was delicious. At one house, we were actually invited into part of the old house for tea (men included...unheard of!).


The family was able to communicate their story through gestures. Their lives had been affected severely by the earthquake because they lost their father and provider. They were so excited and proud of their new house and kept trying to help with painting. It may not be the cleanest paint job, but the woman of the house seemed to be very satisfied with it. Around 1 or 2pm, everyone from different work sites would gather for lunch, and then head back out to finish off the day at 4. We'd get back to the house, "clean-up" (which really means change out of the dirty clothes and put on less dirty clothes) and eat dinner together. We would hang out a little, and slowly, starting around 9 or so, people would crash into bed, to be ready for the next day.

Despite the fatigue that construction days caused, we loved the opportunities to interact with the families. I was usually a little shy and unsure of how to act, but if eventually some kind of connection could be made, it was complete (for lack of a better word to communicate how I felt). When you shake hands with a Moroccan woman, sometimes she touches her heart. That connection is how we knew that "this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."

Further Reflections:

On the car ride to Al Hoceima I got to share a backseat with Melody, one of the long term workers. She filled us in on some of the background of the people and the area. I hope I have the facts right, but if you see mistakes, understand that this is a combination of my impressions and what I was told.

The area we were working in was in a town in the mountains above Al Hoceima, called Izmouren. Izmouren is home to the Rif people. The Rif people could be compared to America’s Native Americans. Their early history is actually rooted in Christianity and their symbol is a disguised cross. Eventually the Arabs settled in Morocco and converted the region to Islam. In Morocco it is illegal for Moroccans to be believers (a term that is preferred to Christianity). It is legal for foreigners to be believers, and is assumed that they are. However, foreigners are not allowed to evangelize or convert Moroccans.

My first impression of Morocco was that it is a dark country. Melody explained to us that there is no reason to trust anybody. In Islam, Allah would be limited if his character was consistent or predictable. Since he cannot be limited, he cannot be predicted. The way to heaven is to follow the 5 pillars of Islam, but they are not a guarantee of eternity. It is a country without hope.

But the point of the trip was not to study the fundamentals of Islam; it was to get to know the people and to show them love. The man who started “Friends of the Rif,” the division of gateway medical alliance we worked with, moved there in 2001. He really wanted to work with these people, but he had no “in” with them. After not being accepted, he moved to Rabat. In 2004 Al Hoceima suffered a 6.5 earthquake. While the town sustained some damage, the mud and brick homes of Izmouren were devastated. People became trapped under the rubble of their homes. Reports of deaths in the area ranged from 600 to over 1000. The government of Morocco tried to help them rebuild, but it was big job. They ended up building unfinished houses, with no roofs or foundations and expected the families to finish. However, many of the families had lost their provider in the earthquake and did not move in. The government wanted people living in the new “houses” and began forcing people to live in them regardless of the state.

When friends of the Rif came in and offered to help build people homes, they were met with fear and resistance because people did not want to be forced in an incomplete home. Eventually one woman, Malika, let them help her. The houses they build have deep foundations, reinforced by rebar throughout the structure and are white washed to keep out insects. People saw the house and became more open to having the organization on the mountain. Relationships started to get formed.

Since the earthquake friends of the RIF has been able to build over 50 homes in the area and as one worker put it “We’re the hit of the mountain!”

For those who didn't know, I made it back safe and sound from Morocco! I got back to the states about a week ago and got moved back down to Tucson this weekend. (Fish and frog are still alive for those curious).
I had a great time and a lot of memories. I'd like to take some time in the next few entries to tell a little bit of the Morocco story. I'll quote a little from my journal while I was there and add in some details, and maybe the occasional picture.

Many of you heard about the problems we had getting there, but you may have missed some the essential details. Our flight from Phoenix to JFK was fairly uneventful. It was one of the guys on our teams first flight ever, and it was fun to see his forehead pressed against the glass and to listen to him point out the lakes we went over. Unfortunately our next leg of the journey had some bumps. We had some hassle checking in, but eventually made it through security and onto the plane for our 8:20pm departure. Except we were still sitting on the plane, untaxied, at 10pm. Eventually we were told that there were mechanical problems and they would have it fixed in the next two hours and we should wait in the terminal. After those two hours, we were informed that in fact the flight was canceled. This left a lot of passengers stranded at midnight (it was a 767 for those who know). Since our flight was now rescheduled to take off at 5pm the next day, we hoped they could find some place for us to stay, even though it was now midnight.

Luckily they found a hotel for us! in Connecticut :( To get there they provided shuttles! but not enough :( Because we were a large group, and shuttles were a hot ticket item, we had to take the last shuttle to fit us all. Here are Karen and I waiting outside:



So at 2am we piled into the shuttle. At 4:30am, the driver pulls off on the side of the highway, turns around and asks us the address of where the hotel is. For the record, we don't know, and we had assumed that he knew, especially after driving around for so long. He eventually got in touch with his dispatch and found out the address of the hotel! Unfortunately, they have already turned away 6 shuttles because there was no more room at the hotel :( and he has to take us back to JFK. At this point doubt, hopelessness and confusion are creeping in. Our leaders, Karen and Mike, didn't show it if they are feeling the same.

At 6:30am we arrive back at JFK. And we kind of smell. We end up getting a few rooms at the Marriott across the street to rest and clean up. We get a fantastic breakfast and crash. Once we smell a little better we gather for a little team time and worship. Eventually we get on the plane and it takes off to much applause.

We had some problems with baggage, but eventually we hop aboard a train to Fes. It was a little warm and sticky, but kind of a blur right now. In Fes we made an effort to adapt to the time change and went out to dinner. Melody, one of the women we worked with on the trip, showed us around the town. We began our cultural adjustments: no looking men in the eyes, avoid touching male team members, and keeping our hair tied down. The next morning we had some team time and worshiped with the windows closed. We grabbed some breakfast and then piled into some taxis and headed off to Al Hoceima. Looking back on the experience, it gave us a chance to bond and get to know each other in a less than optimal circumstance.

Here is what I wrote our night in Fes after our already extensive travels:
What an adventure so far! We haven't even gotten to our final destination and we have already seen God's provision, healing and presence in very real ways. I am surprised by my earlier doubt--I didn't think I would struggle so early on, but I am glad to have pushed through and stayed committed to the trip and team. I still don't know what to expect, but I am ready to see what is coming. Today I feel Anticipation!

Good news and bad news.
Remember the fish? Good news, they have names! We went Jack Sparrow, Jack Bristow and Jack Bauer. Bad news, they lived up to those names.
Picture what would happen if the three of these men actually got together. They started fighting and bullying each other constantly. Jack Bristow was the main instigator, and Jack Sparrow was not having it at all and fought back. Jack Bauer, the smallest of the three, took the high road and tried to keep away. However, it was just not the peaceful tank I wanted. So the Jack are back at the pet store.
Enter in the New Aquatic Life:
This is Prince William and Prince Harry

They took to the castle immediately, and therefore must be frog princes :)

I also got a male crowntail Betta fish. Keeping with the British thing, and because he is oh so Fancy, I present Sir Elton!


So far everyone seems happy and healthy. The frogs were a bit terrified at first and hid a lot, but they are starting to explore more and clown around. At the moment I'm feeding them with a turkey baster--the fish is a little greedy and eats all the food before the frogs can find it. I did get William to eat out of my hand today, though Harry is still a little skittish around me.

This is what Sir Elton looks like normally--without the flash or flaring

He is the ruler of the castle :)

Based on a new study it has been shown that noise pollution has a significant impact on overall health.

The house next to ours in unoccupied. It has been for sale/rent since I moved in, but I think the price has been pretty high for the area and there hasn't been a whole of interest. So the owners decided that building a guest house on the property would help. Unfortunately, they decided to build a guest house on the property :( I have been waking up with headaches most mornings lately, and Monday's decided to go for a full blown migraine. But yesterday I had no problems. Based on my brilliant deduction skills, I've decided it must be the construction. Yesterday I woke up at 6:45am, Before the construction started. In conclusion, my neighbors are mean.

Our house also backs up to an apartment complex. Over spring break, people who lived there discovered they really liked playing hip hop and rap really loudly, really late. They decided to continue the trend to week nights. Now, I enjoy 50 cent on occasion (you know, in clubs or at the gym). But I do not enjoy having to turn up the volume of a movie to drown him out at midnight on a Tuesday. Kristi hasn't been sleeping well and has been pretty tired lately (her room is closer to the offending complex) and we are pretty sure its because of the thumping base as she tries to fall asleep. In conclusion, my other neighbors are also mean.

On a more vengeful note...
The other night, I think other people in the complex decided to try their hand at revenge. Rather than the throbbing pulse we were accustomed to, we heard the styling of Garth Brooks for about an hour :)

I have fish! I have been so inspired by Danielle's aquatic children that I decided that I needed some of my own. That, and the roommates and I decided that we needed more men in our life. So I present to you my three little guppy boys:


Here is an up close one of the black one:


They don't have names at the moment, but that is where you can come in :) The roommies and I have come up with a few combinations, but haven't settled any in particular. You should know a little about them before naming them though I think.

The red and the yellow were very hyper when I first got them and zipped around the tank for the first day. The black one is a bit calmer, and wasn't afraid to explore all the nooks and crannies of the tank right away. The red one showed some signs of not being very smart yesterday...had some problems figuring out the whole food thing, but ate breakfast with out incident, so it may have been stress. The fish know who I am already, or at least know that they might get food when I am in front of them. They aren't very timid and like to show off.

So here are some combinations so far:

Vader, Jabba, and Bobo Fett

Amaretto, Limoncello and Sambuca (nicknames would include Limon and Sammy)

Mac, Frap and Java (short for macchiato and frappuccino)

Jack Bauer, Jack Bristow and Jack Sparrow

Alvin, Simon and Theodore

Cola, Pepper and Sprite

so please let me know what you think they should be named, or if you have any other combinations to offer. Thanks for your help!

**Disclaimer: having fish is a lot more work and money than initially expected to treat them well. Don't jump into it with out research :)