World AIDS day

My passion is HIV research and I have been studying the sociocultural impact of HIV (such as stigma) for about 5 years now. December 1 is World AIDS day- Do you know your HIV status? If you don't, I encourage you to get tested. It is a simple test. I pray that in my lifetime, there will be a cure for this disease. There have been many scientific breakthroughs such as the antiretroviral drugs for treatment, prevention of mother to child transmission and many others. However, it is still sad that HIV is still being transmitted to newborns and sometimes by people who are not even aware of their status.

This is coming late, since thanksgiving was in November. I believe everyday should be a day to give thanks. Therefore, I am thankful for the following:

1. Life- Being alive and well

2. Love- For my selfless husband and the love he constantly showers me with. 

3. Family- I love my family and the close bond we all share.

4. Baby- I am thankful to God for this incredible gift he has given us. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for this wonderful child growing inside me.

5. My health

6. Education- I am thankful for my program of study and how God planned it in such a way that I am located tin this town. This is for another write up. Just the fact that I am in this town and studying what I am studying has opened my eyes to so many things that have had a positive impact on my life.

On another note, I failed my 1 hour glucose test that I did last week by a couple of points. That means I have to go for the 2 hour test. I pray that I pass that one. Otherwise, nothing new has been happening here. Still applying for jobs. One of my dissertation papers got accepted for publication and that's exciting news. I am looking to schedule my dissertation defense for sometime in February, which means I will be working like crazy all of December and January to put together my entire dissertation.

Pregnancy wise, we are 17 weeks today. My symptoms have greatly reduced, although I still take my afternoon naps. Hopefully if baby cooperates we should know the sex before Christmas. I hope to be able to put in one more blog post before the end of the year, so we'll see about that.