DEADLY DISASTER BY NUMBERS

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-05-26-china-earthquake-mainbar_N.htm?csp=34

"ANXIAN, China (AP) — China grappled with backed-up rivers and reservoirs in danger of collapse, along with looming storms heralding the start of rainy season that threatened Monday to compound damage from the country's worst earthquake in three decades.
Two weeks after the magnitude-7.9 earthquake centered in Sichuan province, the confirmed death toll rose to 65,080, the Cabinet said. The government has said the final number of dead is expected to exceed 80,000.

Many of the disaster victims were children, prompting officials to clarify the country's strict one-child policy guidelines.

The Chengdu Population and Family Planning Committee in the capital of Sichuan province said Monday that families whose children were killed, severely injured or disabled in the quake can get a certificate to have another child."

DEADLY DISASTER BY NUMBERS
Latest facts about the May 12 earthquake that struck a city in China's Sichuan province, the country's worst in 30 years:

Magnitude: 7.9 (U.S.); 8.0 (China).

Disaster area population: 20 million.

Missing: 29,328.

Injured: 288,431.

Homeless: 5 million.

Classrooms destroyed: 6,898.

Orphans: 4,000.

Tents needed: 3.3 million.

Animals killed: 12.5 million.

Company losses: $9.5 billion.

Reconstruction: $10 billion government fund.

Sources: Chinese government

China: 40,000 dead, 5 million homeless after quake

I cannot believe all the earthquakes, tornadoes, and crazy storms the world has ben having lately. I just ask for you to join me in praying for everyone that has been affected by this catastrophe. -Me

"CHENGDU, China - Rescuers freed a 60-year-old woman Tuesday who was trapped for more than 195 hours after last week's earthquake and had survived by drinking rainwater, while the confirmed death toll rose to more than 40,000."

"The tales of survival came after the confirmed death toll from the disaster rose to 40,075, according to the State Council, China's Cabinet. Officials have said the final number killed by the quake was expected to surpass 50,000.

Five million people lost their homes in the quake, said Jiang Li, vice minister of civil affairs.

The government was setting up temporary housing for victims unable to find shelter with relatives, but there was a "desperate need for tents" to accommodate them, she said.

Nearly 280,000 tents have been shipped to the area and 700,000 more ordered, with factories working triple shifts to meet demand.

"Despite generous donations, the disaster is so great that victims still face a challenge in finding living accommodations," Jiang said.

In Washington, President Bush and his wife, Laura, visited the Chinese Embassy to sign a condolence book for quake victims and said the country was "ready to assist in any manner that China deems helpful."

"We stand with you during this tragic moment as you mourn the loss of so many of your loved ones and search for those still missing," Bush wrote, before pausing for a moment of silence.

China has said it will accept foreign medical teams, as the relief efforts shift from searching for survivors to caring for the homeless. A growing number of countries responded to the call, dispatching doctors to the quake area Tuesday.

A Russian medical team with a mobile hospital arrived Tuesday in the Sichuan provincial capital of Chengdu, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said. A 37-member medical team sent by the Taiwan Red Cross organization also arrived in the disaster zone.

A 23-member medical team from Japan also departed Tuesday for China, replacing a rescue team in the disaster zone, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

Crews of doctors were also en route from Germany and Italy, Qin said.

At the West China Hospital in Chengdu, staff were trying to find relatives of victims being treated. A relief tent in the courtyard doubled as a bulletin board displaying about 50 snapshots of people who had not been claimed by families, mostly elderly patients or children."

"Nearer the epicenter in the town of An Xian, a crew of volunteers arrived from Tangshan, the Chinese city that suffered the country's worst quake in 1976 that killed at least 240,000 people"

- http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080520/ap_on_re_as/china_earthquake

Mother's Day!

52 total tornadoes in OK, MI, & GA over the weekend

"In all, 22 people were killed in the tornado outbreak in Oklahoma, Missouri and Georgia."

"National Weather Service assessment teams determined the twister that hit Picher had an EF-4 rating, the second highest rating, and was 1 mile wide at its widest point, meteorologist Mike Teague said Monday.

The tornado's winds were estimated at 165 to 175 mph, and the damage track stretched 74 miles - 29 in Oklahoma and another 45 in Missouri, where 15 people were killed.

"These storms are fairly rare to be that strong. The devastation was nearly complete in a few areas," Teague said. "Albeit isolated, there were some sections of neighborhoods where houses were just completely taken off the foundation. Gone."

The tornado could be the ultimate incentive for those 800 or so residents who have been reluctant to leave, now that most of their homes have been ruined, Sparkman said."

52 Total Tornadoes over the weekend in Ok, Mi, and Ga!

-http://www.ktva.com/topstories/ci_9235294

Blood clot

Yesterday when I first got in my chair, I felt bad and blood was coming out of my catheter. So my first reaction was to drink tons of water. Well after an hour and a half, I still didn't urinate at all. I started havind AD (Autonaumic Dysreflexia) which is the symptoms spinal cord injury persons get instead of pain. It involves sweating, hot flashes, chills with goosebumps, clammy/cold hands, pounding headache, and jusst an overall bad feeling. It feels like my body is sweating on the inside.

Anyway, I realized my catheter was clogged. So we used this syringe type thing that flushes out the catheter. We put some water in it and flushed out my bladder. And this big blood clot and tons of calcium deposits came out. Calcium deposits are from me not using my legs... I loose calcium which looks like sand granules. I immediately started feeling better but it was so scary.

Summer School!

I just enrolled in summer school @ CCCCD! Wish me luck!

Edgefest 17

We went to 102.1's Edgefest 17 on Sunday. I went with Billy, his brother Daniel, and his gf. It was fun but cold with a strong wind. We saw Miser, Chevelle, Finger Eleven, Filter, and Seether.

My Aunt Becky came in town!

My Aunt Becky (mom's sister) and her boyfriend Hobbdog came up from La Grange, Tx (near Austin) and spent the weekend with us. On saturday, we all went to my Uncle Marty's in Mesquite for a fish fry. I got to see all my fam again... we never turn down his food either. It was good to see everyone.

The trip went really well. We had no problems or anything. The flights are just sooo long and then theres the 3 hour lay over. I didn't sleep at all on the way home. When we went to the DFW baggage claim, there was Billy with a huge smile and my DAd wAS so happy! Its the best feeling ever. We got in wednesday night at about 9 pm. All I can say is it feels so good to be home.

Trip 4 Update #2

We are soooooooooo ready to leave! Omg for real. I need some normal food. I'm going crazy. Atleast I have Edgefest to look fwd to April 27.

So we haven't been doing much; just been doing therapy and getting massages everyday. My therapists only understand certain words so we've been messing with them... actually everyone else too. They fall for things so easily. Everyone here drinks vodka everyday all day... its funny. I wish I could really explain this clinic and Russia but it is all just so unexplainable. I honestly don't know where to begin.

Saturday, we went to the Hard Rock Cafe; ate some cheeseburgers and french fries. The burgers and all the food here would be good if they would just season it! Everything is so bland. Once you go into the city, it is really cool and different. Everyone is so fashioned in every way, and the buildings are just so unique and detailed.

I got my second injection yesterday; it went well. Wow my doctor told me he wanted to perform procedure execution yesterday. I said execution means death... He doesn't really speak well english. Well we are coming home tomorrow; I'm so excited! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers - T xo

Russia Trip 4

April 4 - 16

So we’re in Russia... freakin Russia... Mom and Tacha came this time. We arrived saturday. The flights went so well; everything worked out. They had this new option where there was a tv screen on the seat in front of you and you could choose your own movies, tv shows, music, games... it was awesome. I watched juno, national treasure 2, and house!

We went to the market yesterday... didn’t see one smile but that’s no surprise. The doctors came in today and he hit my knees with something to check the reactions and the nerves in my left thigh reacted and made my thigh tighten up and flicker. That definitely didn’t happen last time.

I got a double dose injection tuesday, which went well. I had a headache in the night and the next morning however which is a side effect. My therapy has been different this trip. I've been getting on a bicycle that uses a motor to move my legs and I have been getting in a standing frame working on balancing. I had some weird test done yeserday by a man that honestly looks jussst like Mr. Bean. It was odd. I pointed to him and saiid Mr. Bean? And he said "No, ...Roland!" Omg it was sooooo funny. I'm pretty tired of the food already seriously! Plz keep praying 4 us! :)

Garage Sale Success!

Thankyou to EVERYONE that generously helped in anyway! Really means alot. We made alittle more than $2400! Thanks again, love T

The GARAGE SALE is in 2 days!!

Just wanted to sincerely thank everyone that has helped thus far!! The garage sale is scheduled for this saturday (and possibly Sunday), March 29! Make sure and come by!

Happy Easter!

Yesterday was Easter Sunday; a very special day. Jesus rose. Happy Easter everyone!

Vote 4 Hillary Clinton!

Go Hillary, you've got my full support!! To learn more about the candidates, you can visit my debate page!!

Good Friday

Tomorrow is good friday. Remember Jesus and every drop of blood he shed for you and me this weekend.

2 Good Movies

Vantage Point & Never Back Down!

Tacha's Birthday!

Tacha, my sister turned 30 on March 4! We went out to eat to Rick's Chophouse in downtown McKinney. It was awesome. So happy birthday Tacha!

Need Mary Kay? MK Fundraiser

Need Mary Kay? Contact Tammy DeWet (or me) and profits go to me!!

Tammy de Wet

Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant

972-824-7116

Have you tried the virtual makeover at www.marykay.com/tdewet

Thanks, love, T

Jason Kidd is official!

I just read the Mavs blog, and its official they said. I know Kidd is good but we let Harris and Diop go omg!!

"You knew it was coming. You just didn't know how it was going to get there. Just like one of his trademark passes, the trade of Jason Kidd to the Mavericks was delivered in unexpected fashion. The eight-time All-Star point guard returns to the franchise of his NBA birth after the seven-player deal with New Jersey was finally consummated Tuesday. After six days of twists and turns, the Mavs dealt Devin Harris, Gana Diop, Trenton Hassell, Moe Ager, Keith Van Horn, a pair of draft picks and cash to acquire Kidd, Malik Allen and Antoine Wright from New Jersey.

The Mavs re-signed Van Horn, who hasn't played since the 2006 Finals, to make the deal work financially. To make room for Van Horn, rookie forward Nick Fazekas was waived."

-Dallas Mavericks - http://www.mavs.com/

Garage Sale Fundraiser

I'm having a Garage Sale Fundraiser Saturday, March 29, 08'. Any help or garage sale donation would be greatly appreciated!! Come check it out! Email me with info or questions: tonya_is_gorgeous25@tx.rr.com
<3 T

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash wednesday; Jesus began preparing for the days to come and his cruxifiction. In 40 days will be Easter, the day Jesus rose. Know that Jesus died for you; He was torturd, criticized, had to carry His cross, had nails nailed deep into His hands and feet.. ALL FOR YOU, and your sins so that in return, you would bow down your life before the Lord, in aww and gratefulness. Jesus is the way, the only way. Everyone sins, know that. But Jesus died and paid the ultimate price, died from excrutiating pain, so that you would have eternal life? When the day of evil comes, the only thing that will protect you is the armor of God (Phillipians). Which side will you fight for and where do you want to spend eternal life? Just something to think about. My accident has strengthened my faith and made me so very thankful to be alive and to live as His child. If He had not saved me, I would definitely be in the pits of hell. I care about all of you, so just think about all of this. PS God has unconditional love for you.

I Met Jason Terry!

Jason Terry of the Dallas Mavericks was at Wingstop in McKinney, probably 2 months ago and I got his autograph! Me n Billy got Mavs tickets for Christmas too; we went January 19. They played the Seattle Supersonics and won so yay!

NEW & EXCITING PROGRESS!!!

I want to start out thanking everyone that *has and continues* to support me and see me. As I've said before, I'm amazed how many friends I have lost and that quit or never even came around. I mean its more than disappointing, it really does hurt. But those of you that I do see, just want you to know how much it really means to me.

Anyways, in Russia, they told me to use my mind and try my hardest to really concentrate on moving my fingers, legs, and toes... So I do that and I always feel tingling in the area I am concentrating on. Yesterday, I was exercising in my room and began to concentrate on my fingers... and one of them started moving- my left ring finger!! It must be wanting a ring! I haven't moved ANY of my fingers since June 16, 2005. Thats a long time let me tell you! So, wow I am so excited, thankful, and shocked all at once.

Thankyou for all the prayers and please don't stop!

UPDATE 2 RUSSIA TRIP 3- long one*

Today is SUNDAY!!! We finally made it a week! And thursday, we're blowin this Russian JOINT. So I had an injection tuesday and saturday and they both went well. Just been doin therapy and gettin massages (ps my massagist is def. into chicks and loves massaging my boooty but I sure don't mind haha). They have me doin more difficult therapy this time; more focused on strengthening my tricepts and back muscles. The doctor in charge of rehab came to our room wednesday wanting to examine me to check all my muscles out, how well i breathe, checked my wrists, my tricepts....

Anyways, he said I have more strength in my wrists, biceps, triceps, and back. He made me get on my stomach, back, and sides and told me to try and lift my head to see what muscles were working and how active they were. He said my top back muscles seem to be working now and that my very top ab muscles flinch when i try to lift my head and that these muscles were inactive last visit. He also said I seem to breathe somewhat better and that my hands/fingers have muscle development now- more in my left. My therapist told me that I sit up straighter in my chair this visit too. So YAY!

I sure did eat chef boyardeee wednesday! We've been killlling the market- bought ham, mayo, lettuce, american bread, cokes. And it is sooo cold outside (def. not 4 us Texans)!! Thursday we went into the old freakin hospital to do an EEG (brain) test. Haha Billy was trippin over how old it is. I did an interview thursday also- HOLLLLYWOOOOD!! We ate some McDonalds & ordered pizza too- not like home but it worked. MAN we are ready to come home! Haven't been doin much else except hiding from some of the odd patients here. MY friend from Baylor Rehab is here, Eric and we met some cool people from michigan... anyways- I'm out. love, T

RUSSIA TRIP #3

We arrived safely to RUSSSSIA on sunday. I hate that we are 9 hours ahead... We flew from DFW to Atlanta to Moscow, on Delta, with no flight delays or problems, no aisle chair transfer issues.. mainly b/c Billy and his strong arms came XO.

BUT one of our luggages was damaged and also our clinic driver wasn't there to pick us up. This was a first. He is usually there all eager to get us. SO my mom, Billy, and me were STUCK in the airpt not knowing the language... and all these Russians kept coming up to us asking us things. Omg it was a big wow moment definitely. Atleast we know the russian word for "NO" which is "Nyet".

Monday was a Russian holiday so we just chilled all day. Tuesday, I got my first injection (a double dose) and I had killer therapy. We've already had some odd food served... we keep getting bread with cheese slices or salami slices on it for breakfast. Haha Billys trippin out over that! And yesterday, they served salami olive soup with lunch. I refused to eat that!! Don't you guys wish you were here?! haha

5 Yr Anniversary!

Billy and I celebrated our 5th anniversary together on October 25! Happy Anniversary Billy!

RUSSIA TRIP #3

So our next trip is here already! We are actually leaving tomorrow morning. Our flight leaves at 11 AM. This trip, my mom and Billy are coming. Billy hasn't been yet. We are first flying to Atlanta, GA and then connecting to Moscow, Russia. We will be gone from Nov. 3 - 16. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. :) I will keep updating here while we are there.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

They celebrated their 22 anniversary September 21! And Happy b-day Uncle Marty!

Happy B-day Billy!

Billy's b-day was September 14! He turned 23! Happy b-day babe, love u! My Aunt Becky and her friends came down too... haven't seen tthem in over a year.