Practice Drama

Ok, I figured I better post something again. And since I said I'd post something about the practice, I guess I should stick to what I said.

So, anyway. The practice. It's been pretty smooth sailing so far. It seems like business has been pretty steady. The staff is great and know what they're doing, and thus it's been pretty easy to take over, and run your own business. I'm glad we chose to buy a practice instead of starting from scratch. It's nice to have a steady income and stuff like that. Of course, the debt-side of it all is a bit freaky, but again - so far so good.

Henry's already had a few funny and/or crazy patient encounters - anything from people accidentally drinking their contact lenses to real emergencies ( a kid whose eye started bulging out more and more, and who had to be rushed to UC Davis in Sacramento to save his eye). Fun times.

Buying the practice though wasn't as fun. It went from pretty smooth at first to pretty sour over time. Just before we bought, we almost walked away from it all - mostly over being unable to agree on a price for the building which we also wanted to buy. In order for the practice purchase to go through, we needed to get an agreement on either a rental price for the building (lease) and/or a purchase price for the building. And in both cases we felt the seller was asking way too much. I mean, we live in the friggin' middle of nowhere. The real estate agent we were working with was giving us general ideas of rent in this town, and what the seller asked for was easily 1/3 more than what most people paid. It seemed ridiculous.

At some point, after much back and forth debating, we decided along with the seller that the only way to resolve the dispute was to bring in an appraiser, and settle the matter of whatever the appraisal comes up with. The cost of the appraisal was to be split between seller and us. So, that's what we did. Little did we know that the appraiser guy wouldn't even use any rental prices from the area we actually live in (he only used rental prices from Redding - a city 1 hour away), and he also did some other things that were a bit strange.

Anyway, when the appraisal came in, the purchase price was exactly along the lines of the price we had already negotiated. His rental price was just a wee bit lower than what the seller wanted ($150 less). But we were still not happy. When Henry looked over the appraisal he noticed that the purchase price was calculated using a variety of rental prices. The rental prices that were used, however, weren't reflective of what's normal for our area (since they were all based in Redding). Even better, they partially consisted of rental prices of buildings that were not being rented YET, and it was only an average asking price being used. Well, to make this short, when Henry adjusted the calculation for either what is paid in rent for medical building in Redding on average, the purchase price of our building would have dropped by almost $40,000.

Which again, confirmed what we had figured all along - that the purchase price was way too high. And the rental price as well (the seller who now owns a practice in Redding where she's renting the building pays less in rent than we do...even though the building are about the same size....). So, Henry was still not willing to really agree on the purchase price/rental price, and let's just say the seller wasn't happy about it all. Things got pretty grumpy. In the end, she dropped the price by another $5000, and we agreed on that, and the appraisal rental price. And bought the practice.

But, of course, at that point, any kind feelings that may have existed between Henry and seller at some point were, urm, gone...long gone. Henry was pretty frustrated, feeling the seller was just being ridiculous and greedy. The seller probably thought something similar of Henry. Who knows. The she was supposed to come up here, and clear out her office, and take all her person stuff. More drama. Per contract, the seller was supposed to provide Henry with a list of everything personal she had removed from the practice. She refused, for a long time, to provide that list. Henry had lost any trust in her at that point, and wanted that list to make sure she wasn't taking any stuff she wasn't supposed to. The staff commented on how she had taken all the water bottles from the fridge, which weren't actually her's but belonged to one staff member. And little stuff like that made it feel like things were getting petty, and she may take any little thing she could get away with. Not fun.

Then I made the mistake of commenting about that on facebook. And before you knew it, Henry had gotten an email from the seller regarding my posts on FB. To this day I still haven't figured out how she got wind of that. Neither Henry nor I were friends with the seller on FB, nor with anyone from the area, or anyone else we may possibly have in common. Yet, somehow she heard about it. Urgh. More drama.

I'm telling you - business can get ugly when money is involved. Luckily by now I think we've managed to smooth a lot of things over, and have gotten back to a more amicable place. Thank goodness. Now the only drama we still have to deal with at times is the staff. Except, they're all really awesome and pretty drama-free. But we did have to replace someone who retired, and train a new biller. And now one other staff is quitting and switching to work for the Physical Therapist a few buildings down the road. It makes you wonder if she had issues with Henry, but oh well. Then another staff member may be leaving soon, because she's trying to separate from her spouse. And another one is in the middle of a divorce and now is hard-pressed for money, and we're worried we may lose her at some point simply because she needs more hours/money and we can only offer so much.

Sucky. The lamest part about the staff who's leaving now is that the area we're living in is soon going to be part of something called "enterprise zone". It's a program trying to revive the areas here, and promote business with all kinds of incentives. The biggest one is that if your business is in the "zone", you can get huge tax credits for any new employee you hire (about $40,000). It's huge! It should all be through in January, and then anyone we hire after that we'd get that credit. But now we may lose 2 employees before this happens, and may not be able to wait until we're part of the zone to rehire someone else. In other word, not only would we be losing 2 good employees, but we're also missing out on the tax credit - again. ( We were hoping the whole zone thing would already be through in the summer when we bought, and then all of our employees would have been 'new employees' because we just bought the business, and we could have gotten the tax credit for each one of them).

Oh well. I guess it's just money. Anyway, that's all the drama for now. That's if we ignore the several pairs of shades we've had stolen, or stuff like that (we've installed security cameras now).

Here are some pictures of the practice for those who were curious.

Chicken Farming

At last - my post about chicken farming. Basically, I just had to make sure I didn't let the experience of raising chickens go undocumented.

When we got here to Burney, we had a couple from the ward, who had to move a few months after we came. They happened to have 4 chickens, and they couldn't take them with them. Henry had been wanting to raise chickens before (the way he's been wanting to raise a cow for milk, a sheep for milk, and a goat for who knows what), and he jumped at the opportunity. For only $40 we could have the 4 chickens, the coup, any left-over feed, any supplies they had, and...we took them.

Henry arranged for an agreement with his dad that he'd provide the fencing we'd need for our little back-yard chicken area, and we'd take care of the chickens, and share the eggs they'd lay.

By the time we could pick up the chickens, however, only 2 were left. The other 2 got eaten by "something". Oh well. Two is better than none. But it turned out that the one chicken stopped laying once it got moved to our house. So, we basically only had one chicken laying eggs, and we decided that 6 eggs a week weren't worth all the hassle. Thus, Henry set out to get more chickens.

In May, he picked up 2 chickens that were supposedly 10 weeks old. Egg-laying chickens don't lay eggs until they're about 6 months old or so. So, we still had to wait on our eggs for a while, but at least we were expanding the flock. You also need to know that you cannot just add an uneven number of chickens to an "old herd". Chickens can be sort of, urm, cliquish, and they'll peck the newcomers if they're not matching them in number. So, we had to get at least 2. But, before you knew it (I think 2-3 days into it), one of the new chickens had disappeared. Henry thought it had somehow gotten outside the fencing, and gotten lost. No prob - he quickly bought 2 more chickens (also about 10 weeks old), and voila - we had a nice crowd of chickens now (5 total, in case you can't keep track of the numbers).

The non-laying old chicken, however, was a meanie and harrassed the newbies. Thus, we cast her out of the chicken area, and let her just roam free in the back yard. Well, "we" wouldn't be correct. Henry let her. I didn't mind at first, but when she started pecking the windows on the door to the back yard, and would poop right in front of it (thus occasionally having the kids step into bird poop when going outside) - I was getting less enthused about that free-range chicken of ours. I wanted her gone. Henry didn't know how to slaughter a chicken though, and so we just hoped to find someone who'd take her. I hung up a sign, but no luck. Time passed.

One Sunday, we got home from Church, and...meanie chicken was gone. We couldn't find her anywhere. We couldn't find a trace of her. And she didn't return at night. We'd tried before for her to 'just get lost'. But somehow she'd always come back at night and wander into her little cage ( chickens roost at night, which means they want to come somewhere inside/sheltered and hop on a bar or something and sleep?). I was so happy we had finally resolved the pooping, wandering free-range chicken issue.  But my happiness wouldn't last.

A few days later, another chicken disappeared. And it happened to be the only one who was laying eggs at the time. That didn't make me happy. And now our flock of chickens had dwindled from 5 to 3 in just a few days. Chicken No. 2 also disappeared without any signs, so we started to wonder if some hawk or something was snatching the chickens out of their area. We started paying better attention, and actually closing the coop at night. But a week later, when we had forgotten to close the coop, we were only greeted by 2 chickens in the morning.

Arghhhhhh....months of feeding those silly chickens, getting basically no eggs, buying more chickens, and...now we were basically back to square one. It was so frustrating. But hey, we still had our 2 chickens.

Then one morning, when I walked over to Henry's parents' house, past our 2 chickens, I heard a sound. A sound that I wasn't supposed to hear if I ever wanted to get eggs out of those chickens - I heard a crow. A rooster crow. And the crowing sound came very clearly from our chicken coop.

Yup, our one little hen was a rooster. Fantastic. NOT! Those rooster are so loud. Chickens don't really make any noise at all, but that freakin' rooster would wake up the kids every morning with his crow. Alba would start crowing back from her bed early in the morning and silly stuff like that (ok, that part was actually pretty cute). Henry wouldn't believe it at first. He insisted it was a hen, and that she'd only get excited in the morning when he opened the coop and got some food. Sure, Henry. That huge, strutting, feather-fluffing, aggressive, fighting hen with a huge comb on its head that happens to crow early in the morning when the sun gets up is ONLY excited to see you...I named the rooster "Henry's Little Hen", because, ya know..

So, there we were. Months later. Still no eggs. Lots of dead chicken of which we got to eat none, and we were down to 1 hen and a rooster. We were getting a bit tired of trying to raise chickens. It seems a lot easier to just spend 3 bucks at the store and buy a dozen eggs or so than going through all this hassle. But we still had that one chicken. For maybe a week. Then, one night, Henry and I both woke up in the middle of the night because we heard these crazy loud noises coming from the back yard. Henry ran out in a dash...but he was too late. Something had taken the last chicken.

And the rooster was literally the last man standing. I was done. So, when a guy from Church was over at Henry's parents house and said he'd know someone who'd take the rooster, I didn't think twice.

I figured we were done with chicken farming. I was done. But Henry is not one to throw in the towel after going "only" through about 8 chickens. A few weeks ago, he bought more. 3 little chickens, which the owner guaranteed are not roosters, or we can bring them back. We put them in the coop, and the next morning...we were already down to two. Henry was ready to rip out his hair, and I could only laugh.

However, it turned out that we only were dealing with an esacpee. This chicken has gotten out a few times by now and roamed around. I've named her "Houdini" since. As of now, we still have all 3 chickens. They're also younger ones, so they won't lay for a few more months. But, at least they're still alive. However, after watching them for a few weeks now, Henry, his mom and I have a sneaky feeling, we've got another rooster in the mix. Again.

We'll know when we hear the first crow. So, if you're trying to figure out whether it's worth raising chickens...don't ask me. Their manure is great for gardening. The kids love the chickens, and they're actually (to my own surprise), sort of fun and cute little back yard friends. And if you can keep them alive, those fresh eggs may be a real perk. I just wouldn't know about that...yet.

A Family of Graduates

We did it!!!! Honestly, we're all sighing with relief and happiness that Henry's schooling is over. I think Sophia is glad to have her daddy back, Alba will be glad to actually get to know her dad, I'm happy to have support at home again and a husband to spend time with, and Henry is just glad to be done. We've learned a lot. We've grown a lot. We all had to make sacrifices for this to happen. So, it's a proud and happy day for our whole family.

Mostly, I just feel incredibly grateful though for Heavenly Father's gracious blessings in helping us through the hard times, and giving us strength where it just all felt like a battle we couldn't win. And, of course, I'm grateful for Henry hanging in when sometimes all he wanted to do was quit. Oh, and all of our dear family and friends who supported us - that was nice, too. :) Wooooootttt! We're done - and added two more degrees to the ones we already have (Henry did a Master's of Vision Science simultaneously with his Doctor of Optometry). Henry and I both agree that it's my turn now to pursue more education. I was getting all itchy again as I watched all the graduation circus. So, I think I'll be looking into different ideas once we have figured out where we'll move, and have our financial situation figured out a bit. Lastly, honorable mention goes to Sophia, who's graduated from her diapers. Also a very happy day for all of us.

Henry's Optometry Class during their convocation

Henry receiving his Master's of Vision Science from one of his committee members, Dr. Earley.

Henry receiving his hood for his Doctor of Optometry degree

Sophia emphatically clapping for everything and everyone, making herself bounce on the chair.

A happy dad and daughter - after convocation

A happy family - after convocation

A big happy family - still after convocation

University Graduation - with all the colleges in the Buckeye Stadium

Can you find the College of Optometry (among the other 9000 graduates)? They are the most visible - on purpose!

The College of Optometry

Henry in line to actually receive his diplomas for his OD and MS

We're not dead!

Last time I posted was Easter Sunday. Some of you may have thought that we were translated or something that special day, since it's been so long that I've posted. Then again it seems that my readership has kind of disappeared anyway (don't worry - I think I know who still checks in regularly! There's a reason I have that feedjit thing going on!). Anyway, so yes. We're alive. Quite alive really. We've  almost doubled our family size since Easter. My sis-in-law arrived from Germany with her 2 girls, and so I've just been busy having funfunfun every day with a bunch of blond-haired, blue-eyed kids. It really has been fun. I think Sophia has just been loving having "friends" here all the time. I'm sure she's also enjoyed the introduction to nintendos, polly pockets, and songs from Rolf Zirkowski (or however his name is spelled). Having so many people in our little 2-bedroom apartment has been like a constant party - a party I wish we could have more often. But who knows, this may just be my future - quite a few people thought those were all mine, seeing how it worked age-wise (6, 4, 2 and 2 months) and all of them looking kind of alike.

Oh, and did I mention that Henry passed his Thesis defense on Monday? Yes. In other words, he's basically done with school, and can celebrate getting both his O.D. and M.S. in a few weeks. Even though these aren't actually my degrees, I kind of feel like I got 2 degrees as well - it was that much of a team effort. So, life has been pretty good the last weeks, and to top it all off, the sun has finally made an appearance as well. Ahhhh...Ok, enough of the boring, random post. I just wanted to post a few pictures.

Can you tell these girls are having a blast?

 Polly Pockets and Nintendo's

 Various outtings (above at the Conservatory, below at the Zoo)

I should mention that this was Alba's first time in a stroller. I think with it being 90 degrees or something, she was getting a bit hot in the carrier. So, I tried the jogging stroller, and she really liked it. Sophia got demoted to sit on the plastic foot rest in front of her, which also worked as a nice sun-block. I'm such a clever mom... :)

Just more pictures of Sophia. I liked them all, so I had to post them all. 

P.S. I should mention more stuff about Alba, so she doesn't become invisible. I should mention that she's so darn CUTE, and so chill. She started sleeping about 7-8 hours at night now. No need to mention how much I like that. She's been getting a lot of attention from her cousin Kaylee who literally wants to hold her ALL the time. That girl is clued to my heels with constant requests for holding/dressing/rocking/touching/kissing/whatever/andthensomemore the baby. It's cute.To a point. Alba also got her first round of vaccines 2 weeks ago. I was really dreading it, since Sophia didn't take well to her first shots (3-4 hours of straight screaming anyone?). So, I was pretty nervous when we got down to business, and really felt like I needed someone to hold me instead of me holding Alba. But, as I said - this kid is chill. She did well, and calmed down pretty much right after. Thank heavens. Urm, what else? We made it to 13lbs at 10 weeks I think. Her hair still seems to be brown. And she's still quite the little talker - I love our late evening chats we have. Ok, I have to sleep. More ramblings about my cute kids another time. Oh, and posts about controversial things. And maybe I'll try and be funny again. But not with the controversial posts.

Eternal Hugs

Henry and I celebrated our 5-year anniversary on Thursday. It felt more like it was my birthday, since Henry bought me 2 dozen of red roses, let me sleep in, made me the awesomest crepe breakfast (with Nutella, bananas, raspberries, lemon/powdered sugar, whipping cream, etc.), took me out for lunch in the park (we had a sunny day), and then let me nap, and finished the day with dinner at the Melting Pot. I got Henry nothing, and did nothing special for him - awesome wife that I am. :( Anyway, it was a great day. I can't believe it's already been 5 years. Then again, I can't believe it's ONLY been 5 years. I feel like we've known each other, well, for forever at least. I gotta say there is nothing greater than being married to your best friend. And, to me, there is nothing better than hugging that best friend.

I love you Henry! Here's to eternal hugging!

Hip Hip Hooray - Done with the VA

Today, Henry received his final evaluation for the VA, and it was quite good. Which means he passed. Deep sigh of relief. Seriously. Thanks for all the prayers and fasts on our behalf. We know they helped. Anyway, we figured this occasion warranted some celebrating and wasting of money on mediocre Italian food (Macaroni Grill). Really, I just didn't feel like cooking. Here's a picture of our party. And then some of Sophia and Alba. Sophia likes for Alba to cuddle with her, while we sing Sophia her bed-time songs.

And here is proof that our kids also take after me in a few areas of life...

Us Pattersons

So, we tried to take some pictures of us today, as a family of four. Not the best quality, but it makes me so happy to look at them and think of how much I love each person in those pictures...ehm, probably with the exception of me. I'm really not loving me as much as the other 3 people, but right now I'm feeling pretty good even about myself. I feel so incredibly blessed. Life has been so good to us. The last weeks have been so stressful and hard, with me having almost a constant knot in my stomach, and worrying 24/7. Oh and praying about every hour for Henry's success at the VA. But, now things are calming down. Henry's been getting great feedback from the VA, and we're pretty darn sure he'll pass - unless they're evil liars out there. We don't think so. We've been feeling so strengthened and up-lifted by all the prayers, and I really think a lot of things have worked out for us because of the prayer and faith of all our family and friends. Like Alba simply turning on her own, and not needing a version, like me going into labor at the most convenient time, like Henry succeeding despite little sleep and stress, like having the right attendings at the right time, or having the right thoughts, or...I could go on. I truly feel Heavenly Father's love for me, and our little family, and that we're carefully watched over. And I feel so happy marveling at my little family and the goodness of life. Thanks also to all of you who fasted, prayed and thought of us. Truly thank you! Henry will get his final evaluation on Wednesday. I expect it to be quite good. And then we'll go and party!