My MRI Memoirs

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a popular method used to image the soft tissues of the body. It works by creating a strong magnetic field instead of using ionizing radiation like an x-ray machine does. An MRI machine usually has a long slender tube that the patient has to lie perfectly still in for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of test being done. As you can imagine this is prone to make those with claustrophobic tendencies, such as myself, a little crazy and often these patients have to be sedated.

Classic MRI Machine
Classic MRI Machine

I had my first experience with one of these machines this week. My ankle has been “chronically sprained” for seven years now. I sprained it playing soccer the spring before Jason and I got married and it has never been the same. I went to a doctor a couple years after this mishap, due to my ankle’s refusal to behave normally, but the doctor diagnosed it as a chronic sprain and said there was very little that could be done about it besides wearing an ankle brace.

Since I have had to tolerate the swelling and pain of this injury for years now, Jason convinced me that it was time to get a second opinion. I went to an orthopedic doctor that specializes in chronic injuries and he was very helpful. He has already come up with several ideas as to cause, and options for treatment. To help him correctly diagnose what is going on with my ankle he recommended getting an MRI.

Altaire MRI Machine
Altaire MRI Machine

Thankfully, the MRI machine I used was an Altaire®. It had a more open design that was friendlier to the claustrophobic prone. I was also grateful that I didn’t have to wear one of those open-back hospital gowns; I got to wear scrubs instead. Who wants to be stuck in a machine for over half an hour with a breeze blowing up their backside?

However, it was much harder to lie perfectly still than one might imagine-and much more uncomfortable. Nothing makes you want to twitch more than knowing that you can’t. But now it’s all done and hopefully it will give my doctor some useful information.

Ode to Log Haven…and Jason

For our romantic Valentine’s Day evening together I took Jason up to Log Haven, a restaurant at the top of Mill Creek Canyon. I had never heard of Log Haven before but I wanted to go somewhere new and after doing some internet research I found that Log Haven got outstanding reviews and had won numerous awards. So I decided to give it a shot.

It turned out to be an excellent choice. The building was inviting and warm with multiple large fireplaces and a cabin like interior. I immediately noticed that the whole place smelled strongly of unusual cheeses. The food was great! It was very flavorful, and after going to La Caille last week, the mere $30 we paid per entre seemed like a bargain.

Jas with a pretty rose
Jas with a pretty rose

The company was also excellent! So many people have told me that they have nothing to talk about when they go out with their spouse. That it’s boring. That is definitely not the case with me and Jason. We laughed and blabbed all through dinner and had a wonderful evening.

Which I suppose brings me to the final point of this entry. Valentine’s Day is a good time to remember that special someone in your life. In keeping with that tradition I think it is appropriate for me to publicly embarrass my husband. He’s awesome! That boy would do anything for me; he’s a very selfless husband. And to top it off he’s smart, funny, charismatic, and oh so hot! After nearly seven years of marriage I am still absolutely thrilled to share my life with him. I’m a lucky girl!

So here’s to the perfect Valentine’s Day evening with the perfect guy!

Romance and Snow

It’s that time of year again: the time when guys stress about how to pretend to be thoughtful and romantic.

Jas up close and personal
Jas up close and personal

Yes, Valentine’s Day is next week. Jason and I generally do some sort of double-date or group activity the Saturday before or after Valentine’s Day and have our own romantic evening on the actual holiday. This year it was my turn to plan all our Valentine’s Day activities. I invited the Rowley’s to join us for our Saturday double-date.

Jas and Rae
Jas and Rae

We went cross-country skiing at Soldier’s Hollow. It was a perfect day for this outing.

Amber and Jeremy
Amber and Jeremy

None of us had any real experience cross-country skiing but for some reason the boys decided that it was a good idea to try a black diamond trail called the Roller Coaster. As you can imagine from the name, this trail was one steep hill after another.

Jason kicks butt!
Jason kicks butt!

Cross-country skis turned out to be quite different than normal skis to control so trying to stop and turn was a challenge, especially on this crazy trail. But we had fun despite the inevitable falls and crashes.

Amber, Rae, and Jeremy
Amber, Rae, and Jeremy

After our cross-country adventure we went to our respective homes to take showers and gussy up. And then we headed to La Caille. La Caille is the French restaurant in Sandy probably known best for its expensive prices and gorgeous grounds. We had heard mixed reviews from people regarding this restaurant but since none of us had ever been there we wanted to give it a try. The grounds were extensive and looked like they would be spectacular in the summer. The building itself was like a chateau. It was unique, romantic, and interesting. I found myself staring at different details in the room throughout dinner.

Yummy!
Yummy!

The food was well presented. The appetizers and desserts we had were amazing. However, my main course was a little disappointing. It was good, but not as good as you would expect when you are paying $60 for it. However, Jason’s main course, venison, was tender and delicious. So I guess you really need to choose what you order wisely at La Caille and take recommendations from the waiting staff.

La Caille was a fun experience and I would recommend it for a special occasion romantic meal. If you do go, plan on being there all evening-it’s more like an event than a meal.