Per popular request...

I obviously took a blogging hiatus. I didn't think it was worth it in some ways. Then, on our trip to Utah, many people gave me a hard time. Also, lots of dear friends have moved from Ann Arbor. So, I will start afresh knowing that there are people outside of Ann Arbor who want to know what's going on in our lives.

Importance of writing in a journal

My wife has done an excellent job of showing through her example how important it is to write in a journal. There's something about living life, then analyzing it, that give you pause and helps you to clarify what you're doing in life and where you need to go.

I've been working as an intern at Blue Care Network over the past couple weeks. I've really enjoyed it and it's given me a good opportunity to get a sense of what the insurance side of healthcare is like. I've been learning a lot about risk arrangements, physician reimbursement, and a number of novel ways to help individuals live healthier lifestyles. The more I get involved, the more everything is starting to come together that I've learned these past two years. It's difficult to put my finger on it, but one of these days I'm going to sit down and write an essay on what my views are on healthcare and what I think should be done to fix this healthcare problem that we're having. It's sad because as I learn new things, there's no centralized place for me to write my thoughts. I know that's just an excuse and I'm going to do a better job of clarifying my thoughts and opinions.

I got a forward from my Mom today about President Obama. I thought it was outrageous that she forwarded it to the rest of the family, particularly because the contents of the letter were so defaming and untrue. A transcript of the letter can be found here.

Here is what I wrote her back in response:

Hi Mom,

I just finished reading this letter and wanted to share my two cents. It's definitely thought provoking, and I haven't written this much about politics in a while. Hopefully it does an adequate job in portraying what's on my mind.

I agree that we should stand up for our ideals, Mom, but if there's one thing that I've learned in graduate school, it's that there is almost always another point of view that isn't always apparent at first blush. One thing that I find difficult when discussing politics is that pundits always paint the picture either black or white. It's not always that simple. Life is complicated, and we as citizens need to do a better job of looking at both sides of the picture before making judgments of what is right and what is wrong.

Do you remember the musical "Wicked" and what your preconceived notions of the Wicked Witch of the West were before the play? Of course, before I saw the musical I thought of her as a heartless, ugly, bitter witch who didn't care for anyone but herself. Then, after seeing the musical, you see her in a different light, trying to do what's best for everyone.

I'm not trying to say that Obama is or has been the perfect President. However, I think sometimes we need to be skeptical about the things we listen to or read on the Internet, especially when it comes to matters of politics.

I think I remember telling you that Obama came to Ann Arbor to speak during this year's U of M commencement address. I particularly liked a portion of his speech when he discussed this hot political environment that we're in. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcNXFz_QCVU#t=6m06.

Needless to say, Mom, I love you. I know you have the best of intentions. I just think before spreading incendiary allegations and "fanning the flames" to the rest of our extended family, we need to step back, get a broader perspective, and take a look at the other side for a moment before making judgments.

Love you tons,
Jonathan

You know, it actually felt good to write that letter to my mom and help her understand where I was coming from. In fact, it makes me want to make sure I understand my stance on certain positions and be able to articulate them in a way that I'm pleased with. So often I get hung up on how people view me as a person. I need to be more forthcoming and actually communicate with others on what my views are.

A new blog address

Well, Jonathan decided that he wanted a blog for both of us. I only consented if he would merge all of my previous posts. He figured out how to do it, so maybe now the blog may have more postings.
Here is the new address so you can all update:

http://dunfordfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

University of Michigan

It's official! Jonathan was accepted to the Ross school of Business and Health administration program at U of M. He will be starting his dual degree this Fall so we will be in Ann Arbor for the next three years. We are very excited that he has been blessed with such a great opportunity and that we will be close to both sets of grandparents!! Congratulations Jonathan!!

Family expansion

Well, I think it is safe to announce that Jonathan and I will be having a baby at the end of the summer! We are very excited! I will post the first ultra sound picture. It looks like a peanut in the picture; however, when I was there it had little circles for arms and legs. It was really cute. When I saw it it all sunk in that this was real and that I really was pregnant. I wasn't just imagining all the sickness and whatnot. The second set will have to be another post because I think I need Jonathan's help to scan them and upload them into the computer.


The second set will have to be another post because I think I need Jonathan's help to scan them and upload them into the computer. They are much better than this one. The second ultra sound was for a genetic "first screen" where they determine early if the baby has Down Syndrome or another congenital defect. I agreed to go but I wouldn't do further testing if they found something wrong. They are some really cool pictures. We got some 3D pictures and the baby has everything! It opened and closed it's mouth, had shoulders, ears, eyes, fingers, toes and a little something that made the sonographer ask us if we wanted to know the gender. I didn't think she would tell us so I said, " why not" and she turned the screen around and showed us three different angles of the BIG possibility to have a little boy as our first baby. I of course took the news with a grain of salt considering the baby was only 15 weeks old and they can't be sure until 18-20 weeks or so. However, until they prove otherwise we are going to plan on having a baby boy. I think I need to follow Alicia's footsteps and find a blue background for my blog. I am going to try and document all that I can about the pregnancy. I need to take more pictures and talk about it. I haven't been a big talker. I just figure I still have 5-1/2 to 6 months left. (Actually, I don't really know...everytime I go to the doctor they tell me the baby is bigger than what I tell them. my EDD is Sept 4th but I think it will come sometime in August since I obviously miscalculated my LMP.) It makes me crazy not knowing exact details!

The school quest

Well, I may need to be changing the name of my blog because we are in the final stages of hearing back from the graduate schools Jonathan applied to. He has been accepted so far to UNC and U of M's Master's of Health Administration programs. He has even received some scholarship offers which is very exciting! We are still waiting to here back from business schools and will hopefully have made a decision by the end of March. It has been exciting to see all of the opportunities that has led Jonathan down this path. I feel that he will be very successful at this career and will enjoy finally going back to school!

Boring Blog

So, I am officially finished with school. I say official because I don't have to go to class anymore and hopefully don't have to retake any qualifying exams. All i have left is a semester of working with little kids at the Detroit Children's hospital. I am starting tomorrow and am very excited. I have realized for some time now that my blog was boring. I never have anything interesting to write...however, although my posts may be pictureless or boring I am going to try and be better this year. There is no reason not to post...I check Google reader every day to see what everyone else has to say. I can take a minute to say something. Wish me luck!