Ho hum. 2006 is drawing to a close. Allow me to take a moment to recap my year...
*I attempted to try my hand at dog-agility classes, by enrolling Bootsy. This was not a smashing success by any means. We dropped out, half way through the 7 week course. Actually, we were asked to drop out. While it was a small blow to me ego, it was also a relief, as neither Bootsy or I were having as much fun as I'd anticipated.
*Olivia finally graduated from obedience school for the umpteenth and final time. Then went on to test for and receive her Canine Good Citizenship certification. I had high hopes of going on to train her to be a therapy pet, but I'm thinking now that isn't going to happen, because she's just a bit skittish about certain things and freaks out from time to time in certain situations.
*We went camping twice this year... both times the weather played havoc with our plans, but hey!, a bad day camping is better than a good day at work, so who am I to complain?
*While attempting to bathe Oliva back over the summer, she decided to take a flying-leap and I attempted to catch her. In hind-site, I should've let her fly... but a mother's instinct is to protect her child, and that's what I felt I was doing. As a result, I've been in therapy since mid-August... physical therapy that is. The therapy has helped some, but therapy alone can only do so much.
*I had an MRI done yesterday morning, in preparation of having an MUA done. However, the results from the MRI were not what I expected, and certainly not what I wanted to hear. The MUA is out of the question, and it now appears that surgery is the only thing that will help my back. I get nauseated just thinking about it.
*I'm awaiting a call from the doctor, even as I write this, to see what the next step is. Right now it's a hurry up and wait. Also, as a result of all this, I've had to forego my nightly walks with my gal-pals, which really has me bummed out. I was doing really well (I felt) on my weight-loss/healthy living venture, and I see this as a major set-back. Depressed? Absolutely! Giving up? Not on your life!!
On the plus side, 2006 has...
*Brought new friends into my life, either from the bunco group or just by new neighbors moving in, and rekindled a few friendships from my school days. I had my 20th class reunion, and have had fun catching up with everyone.
*I've taken up the hobby of scrap-booking... I only wish I had the creativity to make mine visually appealling. But I'm not a decorator, either on paper or on a wall.
*I've seen some of my dearest friends grow their families... my gal-pal behind me gave birth to a little girl back in April...
So, looking forward to 2007...
* My gal-pal across from me is expecting her first child this coming April. Thus I get to be "Auntie Kimmie".
*I'll be turning 39 in a few short weeks. I'm at the leaping off point of turning 40. How did I get to be so old?
*I presume back surgery will take place in the early part of the year. I'm not looking forward to it, but by that same token, I would like some relief from the constant P.I.T.A. (pain in the ass).
*I look forward to 2007 being a new, wonderful year, full of opportunities and surprises (hopefully of the good kind).
Happy New Year everybody!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Name from the past
Yesterday, I was opening up the mail that had arrived at work. Among the items there was a letter from a software company based in Pennsylvania. Normally, I just "file 13" these items without even bothering to open them. But, for some inexplicable reason, I opened this one, and actually started reading the letter inside. It was from a sales rep, introducing himself and his product, blah, blah, blah. I didn't even finish reading it. I was making a move to trash the whole thing, when something made me shift my eyes down to the name and signature at the bottom of the letter.
Imagine my surprise when I not only recognized the name, but the scribbled signature as well. It brought back a rush of memories from my days of working at the cemetery. "Sam" used to work for the company that owned the cemetery. He was one of the regional manager-types that passed through the area from time to time and would stick his head into the office, sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes for a few days. If my memory serves me correctly, he lived in Ohio. He left the company (not his choice as I recall) about 3 or 4 years before I did (not my choice either). Sam did come back to visit though on one occasion. He was in the area, working for a new company, and just popped in to say "hello".
I'd always gotten along well with Sam, and wished him well in his new endeavors.
So now Sam is working for yet another company. He's old enough to retire, so I dont' know why he doesn't. Probably because he'd make his wife crazy if he sat around the house reading the paper everyday and getting in her way. ; )
I mailed the letter back to Sam's company, to his attention, and just wrote a little note on the letter to say "hello".
Of course doing this means he'll probably start pestering me (my boss) to buy his software. Sorry 'bout his luck, that's not going to happen.
Imagine my surprise when I not only recognized the name, but the scribbled signature as well. It brought back a rush of memories from my days of working at the cemetery. "Sam" used to work for the company that owned the cemetery. He was one of the regional manager-types that passed through the area from time to time and would stick his head into the office, sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes for a few days. If my memory serves me correctly, he lived in Ohio. He left the company (not his choice as I recall) about 3 or 4 years before I did (not my choice either). Sam did come back to visit though on one occasion. He was in the area, working for a new company, and just popped in to say "hello".
I'd always gotten along well with Sam, and wished him well in his new endeavors.
So now Sam is working for yet another company. He's old enough to retire, so I dont' know why he doesn't. Probably because he'd make his wife crazy if he sat around the house reading the paper everyday and getting in her way. ; )
I mailed the letter back to Sam's company, to his attention, and just wrote a little note on the letter to say "hello".
Of course doing this means he'll probably start pestering me (my boss) to buy his software. Sorry 'bout his luck, that's not going to happen.
Helping me
As most of you know by now, I've been under the weather for the past week+... my husband has done his best to help out around the house, in areas he'd normally not help out, not because I've asked him to, just because he wanted to "help".
**sigh**... I know he means well, but sometimes he creates more work when all is said and done.
I'd like to know just one thing... why is it, that if our men folk know where the dishes and other kitchen items are stored, when they want to use them (meaning, they go directly to the proper cabinet and remove the item), but when it comes to putting the item away, they have absolutely no clue where it goes?
My husband, on occasion, will attempt to put clean dishes away. Some he'll put in one cabinet or another, regardless as to whether or not it's the correct cabinet, and at other times he'll just leave the clean dishes stacked up on the counter for me to put away.
Grrr, why not just leave them in the dishwasher/dish drainer?? And half of what he does put away is put in the wrong spot. Six months later, after having given up looking for it and finally buying a new one, I'll stumble across the "lost" item. I believe this is why we have 4 pizza cutters and 7 spatulas.
**sigh**... I know he means well, but sometimes he creates more work when all is said and done.
I'd like to know just one thing... why is it, that if our men folk know where the dishes and other kitchen items are stored, when they want to use them (meaning, they go directly to the proper cabinet and remove the item), but when it comes to putting the item away, they have absolutely no clue where it goes?
My husband, on occasion, will attempt to put clean dishes away. Some he'll put in one cabinet or another, regardless as to whether or not it's the correct cabinet, and at other times he'll just leave the clean dishes stacked up on the counter for me to put away.
Grrr, why not just leave them in the dishwasher/dish drainer?? And half of what he does put away is put in the wrong spot. Six months later, after having given up looking for it and finally buying a new one, I'll stumble across the "lost" item. I believe this is why we have 4 pizza cutters and 7 spatulas.
The law?
On my way to work this morning, I was sitting at the traffic light at the off-ramp of I-71 and Hwy 53. The light turned green, and I, along with the car(s) in front of me, proceeded to make a left turn into the intersection.
Fortunately, I was where I was, and not one car forward in the line. Somebody was definately looking out for me this morning. The blue blazer that was in front of me pulled into the intersection (same as I'd have done had I been in her position), and seemingly out of nowhere, a white sedan sped into the intersection and broadsided the lady in the blazer.
As it was, I had already started into the intersection and came to an abrupt halt. I would've been further into the intersection, except that I had seen the car coming with no signs of slowing, much less stopping, and I stopped before I too became a victim. The blazers door took the full force of the hit. The sedan was crumpled enough that the drivers door wouldn't open.
I parked my Saturn and much to the annoyance of the cars in line behind me, got out of my car and went over to the two crumpled cars to check on the occupants.
The offending vehicles driver was only shook up, and was eventually able to crawl out the passenger side of her car. The driver of the blazer was more rattled, and thought her knee might be broken.
I called 911 to report the incident, and stayed around 'til the police arrived to give my name/number as a witness.
I was thankful that I hadn't actually been involved in the incident, but was terribly appalled that none of the other drivers (and there were several of them) that had been present had stopped to either offer assistance, or stay to give witness info to the police.
I thought it was a law that you weren't supposed to leave the scene of an accident??
At the very least, I'd think it's common courtesy. My goodness, I would hope had I been one of the victims, that someone would've stopped to offer help instead of driving around the mess.
Fortunately, I was where I was, and not one car forward in the line. Somebody was definately looking out for me this morning. The blue blazer that was in front of me pulled into the intersection (same as I'd have done had I been in her position), and seemingly out of nowhere, a white sedan sped into the intersection and broadsided the lady in the blazer.
As it was, I had already started into the intersection and came to an abrupt halt. I would've been further into the intersection, except that I had seen the car coming with no signs of slowing, much less stopping, and I stopped before I too became a victim. The blazers door took the full force of the hit. The sedan was crumpled enough that the drivers door wouldn't open.
I parked my Saturn and much to the annoyance of the cars in line behind me, got out of my car and went over to the two crumpled cars to check on the occupants.
The offending vehicles driver was only shook up, and was eventually able to crawl out the passenger side of her car. The driver of the blazer was more rattled, and thought her knee might be broken.
I called 911 to report the incident, and stayed around 'til the police arrived to give my name/number as a witness.
I was thankful that I hadn't actually been involved in the incident, but was terribly appalled that none of the other drivers (and there were several of them) that had been present had stopped to either offer assistance, or stay to give witness info to the police.
I thought it was a law that you weren't supposed to leave the scene of an accident??
At the very least, I'd think it's common courtesy. My goodness, I would hope had I been one of the victims, that someone would've stopped to offer help instead of driving around the mess.
Green stuff
This blog falls under the category of TMI!... it's rather graphic, and you probably won't want to read it. But if you do, and you're grossed out afterwards, then you've only yourself to blame.
I just really want to know how one person can produce soooo much phlegm, mucus and snot in 10 days time??? You'd think with all the crap I've coughed up and blown out my nose that I'd have lost 10-15 pounds by now. Honestly, where is it all stored??
Okay, that's my gross thoughts for the day.
I just really want to know how one person can produce soooo much phlegm, mucus and snot in 10 days time??? You'd think with all the crap I've coughed up and blown out my nose that I'd have lost 10-15 pounds by now. Honestly, where is it all stored??
Okay, that's my gross thoughts for the day.
Friday, December 22, 2006
I feel a little draft...
I, saw mommy kissing, Santa Claus...
Oh, wait, that's not the correct words. No, I think in this situation, it goes like this...
I, saw Santa bend and... rip his pants,
at the children's hospital this week...
He didn't see me stare,
at the big unsightly tear,
His jewels were there for all to see
if they only dared.
Yes, I saw Santa bend and... rip his pants,
as he tried to hug a little girl...
He felt a sudden chill,
and wondered, "what the hell?"
He didn't know his ass was bare
or maybe he didn't care...
Okay, there is a bit of truth in those lyrics. Perhaps I stretched the truth a bit, but, what fun would the plain ol' truth be??
My dear husband just loves playing dress-up. Fortunately, it's not in womens clothing though. No, over the years he's been a stork (for a baby-shower), Sparky the fire dog, Santa Claus, and I'm thinking there was something else. Santa is his favorite I do believe. He had a gig this past Sunday at the fire departments childrens party, and then one on Monday at Kosair Childrens Hospital. This was his first time working the hospital. Considering what happened, we'll have to wait and see if they invite him back next year.
Yes indeed, he did bend to give a girl a hug and his breeches did rip. But fortunately, he had on a pair of shorts underneath, so his family jewels weren't exposed for all the world to see. Although some children may wonder why Santa wore little blue shorts with a maltese cross on them. I'm guessing nobody was traumatized, as I haven't heard of any of the children having to be admitted to the mental-trauma ward as yet.
Oh, wait, that's not the correct words. No, I think in this situation, it goes like this...
I, saw Santa bend and... rip his pants,
at the children's hospital this week...
He didn't see me stare,
at the big unsightly tear,
His jewels were there for all to see
if they only dared.
Yes, I saw Santa bend and... rip his pants,
as he tried to hug a little girl...
He felt a sudden chill,
and wondered, "what the hell?"
He didn't know his ass was bare
or maybe he didn't care...
Okay, there is a bit of truth in those lyrics. Perhaps I stretched the truth a bit, but, what fun would the plain ol' truth be??
My dear husband just loves playing dress-up. Fortunately, it's not in womens clothing though. No, over the years he's been a stork (for a baby-shower), Sparky the fire dog, Santa Claus, and I'm thinking there was something else. Santa is his favorite I do believe. He had a gig this past Sunday at the fire departments childrens party, and then one on Monday at Kosair Childrens Hospital. This was his first time working the hospital. Considering what happened, we'll have to wait and see if they invite him back next year.
Yes indeed, he did bend to give a girl a hug and his breeches did rip. But fortunately, he had on a pair of shorts underneath, so his family jewels weren't exposed for all the world to see. Although some children may wonder why Santa wore little blue shorts with a maltese cross on them. I'm guessing nobody was traumatized, as I haven't heard of any of the children having to be admitted to the mental-trauma ward as yet.
Miss me?
Hello boys and girls in blogger-reader-land. Have you missed me?
Probably not, as it's the holidays and most people are too busy to check their emails, much less take time out to read blogs. But just in case anyone has noticed my absence, I thought I'd fill you in. (For those of you that read the communal blog, you can probably skip this, as most of it's a repeat... emphasis on "most").
I started coming down with a touch of "whatever" on the 14th, but continued to ignore the warning signs until it was too late. Typical of me when it comes to my health. I wasn't feeling too awfully bad, so I feel, "if I ignore it, maybe it will just go away". Sometimes that works, sometimes not. This time, definately not.
By Sunday evening, I was ready to go to the Promptcare, but waited until too late and they were already closed. Now I had to suffer until Monday morning. I shouldn't have put it off... by Sunday night, I was running a fever of just over 101 degrees. The weight of three quilts did little to fight off the chills. The chills left me and the sweats set in. I kept a bottle of ice water close at hand for close to a week. I drank countless gallons of the icy liquid. As a result, my kidneys are functioning nicely. I was unable to participate in my nightly walking with my neighboring gal-pals, but I didn't lack for exercise, as all the water I drank kept me running to the toilet to pee every 30 minutes or so. It made it difficult to get a good nights rest, as I'd no sooner doze off then the urge to pee would hit me again.
I did go to the doctor on Monday. He never really said what was wrong with me, but gave me three prescriptions and said they'd cover pneumonia and bronchitis. Of course now it's Friday, and although today I'm probably equally as sick (or better) as I was on Monday, the three days in between I was definately worse, so I don't know how much good those drugs did me. The antibiotics are completely gone now, there's about 1 dose of cough syrup left, and I have such a hard time swallowing the other horse-pills, that I think I'll just resume taking o.t.c. meds tomorrow. Can't do any worse than what I'm taking now.
Tuesday, I had a dox appt. at 2:30, that I'd had scheduled for several weeks. While I really would rather have stayed home and slept, I forced myself to get up and go, as those appointments are too hard to come by and I didn't want to have to reschedule. I stopped for a fish sandwich on the way, and while eating it, I lost part of a filling. Gee, now I can add a trip to the dentist to my list of things to do. I called my dentists office, sure, they could work me in. They had an opening at 2:30. Um no, sorry, I'm already committed elsewhere at that time.
They couldn't work me in until the next morning. Grrrr, okay, fine, now that's one more day I won't get to just lay around in my jammies and vegitate. Even though I wasn't feeling pain from the gaping hole in my tooth... yet... I didn't want to put it off any longer than necessary, as I feared it might start hurting. So I got up early and ventured into the dentist office. As it turned out, he didn't even need to numb the area. He just packed the hole with a temporary filling compound, and I was good to go in less than 5 minutes. I didn't even have to wait for "X" number of hours before eating, I could eat right away. As it turns out, this is the same tooth I just had some work done on, and will be having more work done on in a few weeks.
Thursday, I vegitated most of the day, right up until late afternoon when it was time to go to the chiropractor's office. I'd cancelled my Monday appointment, so I really wanted to keep this one. As the injection I received in my back last week did little (if anything) to aleve the pain from my sciatica, now Dr. P. wants to send me to yet another doctor and have an MUI done. I'd think it would be called MUA, but I guess I'm going braindead on what the "I" stands for. It's Manipulation Under Anesthesia. Maybe it should be "maninpulation under the influence".
I wonder if I tried to drive home after the procedure and got stopped by a cop, could they arrest me driving MUI? I'd hate to have that go on my record!!
Whatever it stands for, I talked to that doctor, Dr. J. today, and I'm supposed to meet him this Wednesday for a consultation. At that point we'll decide whether or not I'm a good candidate for this procedure. I'm a wee bit nervous, about being manipulated while under the influence, that is.
On the weight loss front... seriously, I haven't had any exercise to speak of since Sunday afternoon. And I stopped keeping my calorie-journal sometime Sunday as well, as it just became impossible to track the calories of all the little snacks I was consuming.... I tend to snack a lot when I'm sick, mostly just so I can help force down medicine, and rarely seem to eat a square meal.
I did weigh-in this morning, albeit 2 days late, and have managed to lose another 6 pounds since last weeks weigh-in. I've no doubt most of it is due to the illness and I'll probably gain most of it back and then have to lose it again, but hey, if I'm lucky, maybe not. That makes a total lost since Nov. 1st of 24.5 pounds. Yea for me!
Well, hopefully this crud in my head will be cleared up by Christmas Eve, or at least, at a tolerable level that I won't worry about making everyone around me sick.
Hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Probably not, as it's the holidays and most people are too busy to check their emails, much less take time out to read blogs. But just in case anyone has noticed my absence, I thought I'd fill you in. (For those of you that read the communal blog, you can probably skip this, as most of it's a repeat... emphasis on "most").
I started coming down with a touch of "whatever" on the 14th, but continued to ignore the warning signs until it was too late. Typical of me when it comes to my health. I wasn't feeling too awfully bad, so I feel, "if I ignore it, maybe it will just go away". Sometimes that works, sometimes not. This time, definately not.
By Sunday evening, I was ready to go to the Promptcare, but waited until too late and they were already closed. Now I had to suffer until Monday morning. I shouldn't have put it off... by Sunday night, I was running a fever of just over 101 degrees. The weight of three quilts did little to fight off the chills. The chills left me and the sweats set in. I kept a bottle of ice water close at hand for close to a week. I drank countless gallons of the icy liquid. As a result, my kidneys are functioning nicely. I was unable to participate in my nightly walking with my neighboring gal-pals, but I didn't lack for exercise, as all the water I drank kept me running to the toilet to pee every 30 minutes or so. It made it difficult to get a good nights rest, as I'd no sooner doze off then the urge to pee would hit me again.
I did go to the doctor on Monday. He never really said what was wrong with me, but gave me three prescriptions and said they'd cover pneumonia and bronchitis. Of course now it's Friday, and although today I'm probably equally as sick (or better) as I was on Monday, the three days in between I was definately worse, so I don't know how much good those drugs did me. The antibiotics are completely gone now, there's about 1 dose of cough syrup left, and I have such a hard time swallowing the other horse-pills, that I think I'll just resume taking o.t.c. meds tomorrow. Can't do any worse than what I'm taking now.
Tuesday, I had a dox appt. at 2:30, that I'd had scheduled for several weeks. While I really would rather have stayed home and slept, I forced myself to get up and go, as those appointments are too hard to come by and I didn't want to have to reschedule. I stopped for a fish sandwich on the way, and while eating it, I lost part of a filling. Gee, now I can add a trip to the dentist to my list of things to do. I called my dentists office, sure, they could work me in. They had an opening at 2:30. Um no, sorry, I'm already committed elsewhere at that time.
They couldn't work me in until the next morning. Grrrr, okay, fine, now that's one more day I won't get to just lay around in my jammies and vegitate. Even though I wasn't feeling pain from the gaping hole in my tooth... yet... I didn't want to put it off any longer than necessary, as I feared it might start hurting. So I got up early and ventured into the dentist office. As it turned out, he didn't even need to numb the area. He just packed the hole with a temporary filling compound, and I was good to go in less than 5 minutes. I didn't even have to wait for "X" number of hours before eating, I could eat right away. As it turns out, this is the same tooth I just had some work done on, and will be having more work done on in a few weeks.
Thursday, I vegitated most of the day, right up until late afternoon when it was time to go to the chiropractor's office. I'd cancelled my Monday appointment, so I really wanted to keep this one. As the injection I received in my back last week did little (if anything) to aleve the pain from my sciatica, now Dr. P. wants to send me to yet another doctor and have an MUI done. I'd think it would be called MUA, but I guess I'm going braindead on what the "I" stands for. It's Manipulation Under Anesthesia. Maybe it should be "maninpulation under the influence".
I wonder if I tried to drive home after the procedure and got stopped by a cop, could they arrest me driving MUI? I'd hate to have that go on my record!!
Whatever it stands for, I talked to that doctor, Dr. J. today, and I'm supposed to meet him this Wednesday for a consultation. At that point we'll decide whether or not I'm a good candidate for this procedure. I'm a wee bit nervous, about being manipulated while under the influence, that is.
On the weight loss front... seriously, I haven't had any exercise to speak of since Sunday afternoon. And I stopped keeping my calorie-journal sometime Sunday as well, as it just became impossible to track the calories of all the little snacks I was consuming.... I tend to snack a lot when I'm sick, mostly just so I can help force down medicine, and rarely seem to eat a square meal.
I did weigh-in this morning, albeit 2 days late, and have managed to lose another 6 pounds since last weeks weigh-in. I've no doubt most of it is due to the illness and I'll probably gain most of it back and then have to lose it again, but hey, if I'm lucky, maybe not. That makes a total lost since Nov. 1st of 24.5 pounds. Yea for me!
Well, hopefully this crud in my head will be cleared up by Christmas Eve, or at least, at a tolerable level that I won't worry about making everyone around me sick.
Hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Back to the back doctor
As it had been just over a week since I first saw the "other" doctor that my chiropractor referred to me, I called (per his request) to let him know whether or not the meds he'd prescribed had helped my sciatica.
They hadn't.
He asked me to come back into his office yesterday, and he'd give me an injection.
My appointment was for 5:15. I left work just before 4pm, sped home, changed clothes and felt I wasted no time getting back on the road. But either more time had lapsed than I realized, or it just took longer to get there than I expected.
I decided to take a different a different route in hopes of missing the Ford traffic on Fern Valley Rd. What was I thinking? The new route was longer, and I hit just as much traffic. Plus, it didn't help that I detoured onto the Outer Loop by accident, then had to find a place to turn around and rely on other commuters good humor to allow me to cut in line, in traffic.
I arrived at my appt. 4 minutes late. I hate being tardy. I hate it when other people do it to me, and I especially hate doing it to other people.
The doctor saw me right away, he questioned me about my aches/pains, finally gave me two injections. I was expecting to get them in the area of the offending hip, or buttock, but no, they were administered in my low back. While they didn't hurt, just the thought of getting a shot in an area like the back, where there's not a lot of excess muscle (like the butt), just makes me squimish. **blech**
He said it could take up to 3 days to notice any relief. **groan** He also said, if this makes it all better, Great!, but if it helps some, but not completely, we'd probably try another round of injections. If it didn't help at all, then we'd probably looking at having an MRI done.
He asked me if I wanted to have surgery. ?????? Is he nuts? Who WANTS to have surgery? Um, no, if it can be avoided, I'd rather stay away from it. I think I'd rather live with some discomfort &/or back pain if I'm still able to function, than to have to go through surgery.
As of right now, it's been about 20 hours since the shot, it hasn't helped yet.
We'll see what tomorrow brings.
They hadn't.
He asked me to come back into his office yesterday, and he'd give me an injection.
My appointment was for 5:15. I left work just before 4pm, sped home, changed clothes and felt I wasted no time getting back on the road. But either more time had lapsed than I realized, or it just took longer to get there than I expected.
I decided to take a different a different route in hopes of missing the Ford traffic on Fern Valley Rd. What was I thinking? The new route was longer, and I hit just as much traffic. Plus, it didn't help that I detoured onto the Outer Loop by accident, then had to find a place to turn around and rely on other commuters good humor to allow me to cut in line, in traffic.
I arrived at my appt. 4 minutes late. I hate being tardy. I hate it when other people do it to me, and I especially hate doing it to other people.
The doctor saw me right away, he questioned me about my aches/pains, finally gave me two injections. I was expecting to get them in the area of the offending hip, or buttock, but no, they were administered in my low back. While they didn't hurt, just the thought of getting a shot in an area like the back, where there's not a lot of excess muscle (like the butt), just makes me squimish. **blech**
He said it could take up to 3 days to notice any relief. **groan** He also said, if this makes it all better, Great!, but if it helps some, but not completely, we'd probably try another round of injections. If it didn't help at all, then we'd probably looking at having an MRI done.
He asked me if I wanted to have surgery. ?????? Is he nuts? Who WANTS to have surgery? Um, no, if it can be avoided, I'd rather stay away from it. I think I'd rather live with some discomfort &/or back pain if I'm still able to function, than to have to go through surgery.
As of right now, it's been about 20 hours since the shot, it hasn't helped yet.
We'll see what tomorrow brings.
and the Parent of the year award goes to....
I witnessed a shop-lifting incident while I was at Wal-mart the other night. Did I confront the shoplifter(s)? Are you kidding? In todays society of people pulling weapons on other people with little or no provocation? I don't think so!
However, I knew I'd not be able to sleep easy that night or live with myself in general if I just stood by and let it happen. So I reported the incident to the closest cashier, trying to be as subtle as I could while telling him what I'd witnessed, and pointing out the offender.
Did Wal-mart do anything to apprehend the criminal? I don't know. After reporting the incident I quickly made my exit from the store, I didn't want to stick around and bear witness to the scene, should it turn ugly. But at least I know I didn't just turn a blind-eye to the situation, so my conscience is clear.
It was appalling enough that someone would so blatantly steal merchandise from a retailer, but what really pissed me off, was the fact that it was a husband/wife (or boyfriend/girlfriend) duo, and with their 3(?) year old daughter in tow. It was just despicable! What kind of parents are these people? How can they teach their daughter that it's okay to steal?
I know we should all be spending more quality time with our children, but honestly!, this is probably one situation where the child would've been better off staying home alone.
However, I knew I'd not be able to sleep easy that night or live with myself in general if I just stood by and let it happen. So I reported the incident to the closest cashier, trying to be as subtle as I could while telling him what I'd witnessed, and pointing out the offender.
Did Wal-mart do anything to apprehend the criminal? I don't know. After reporting the incident I quickly made my exit from the store, I didn't want to stick around and bear witness to the scene, should it turn ugly. But at least I know I didn't just turn a blind-eye to the situation, so my conscience is clear.
It was appalling enough that someone would so blatantly steal merchandise from a retailer, but what really pissed me off, was the fact that it was a husband/wife (or boyfriend/girlfriend) duo, and with their 3(?) year old daughter in tow. It was just despicable! What kind of parents are these people? How can they teach their daughter that it's okay to steal?
I know we should all be spending more quality time with our children, but honestly!, this is probably one situation where the child would've been better off staying home alone.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
We're living in an unfair society...
Obesity is on the rise in our country, this is a fact. What with all of the modern conveniences designed to make our lives easier, and the video games designed to lure our children into a sedintary lifestyle, it's no wonder we're putting on weight at such an alarming rate. Sure, we're a society on the move... we're constantly on the go, Go, GO!... but consider it, we're going, but we (the moms/wives) are sitting in the driver's seat of the SUV as we shuttle our families from one place to another.
We have so little time, that we eat on the go, which means fast food loaded with calories, fat and carbs. The doctors, fitness gurus and other health nuts preach to us about eating healthier, making smarter choices. Okay, fine... but that's a bit easier said than done.
Have you ever tried shopping for the healthier versions of some foods? They tend to cost more (sometimes, quite a bit more) than the "regular" or fat-laden varieties, and on many families tight-budgets, they have to stretch their food budget as far as they can, and if it means buying a jumbo sized jar of "regular" mayonnaise vs. buying a medium size jar of fat-free mayo, well, they have to go with what they can afford.... and that means consuming more fat, calories, sodium, etc., etc.
Another example: the healthier breads... if we want the whole-wheat, low cal breads, we usually have to pay around $2/loaf... but if we buy what our budget allows, we're buying the .68cent loaf that tastes good, but let's face it, it's not so very good for you.
The food manufacturers could help out our nations growing weight problem by lowering the cost of these healthier items, or, if they would start making some of these healthier versions available in larger packaging, that would help too.
So what's our option: be fat and have money in our pocket?, or be healthy/in shape and be broke?
We have so little time, that we eat on the go, which means fast food loaded with calories, fat and carbs. The doctors, fitness gurus and other health nuts preach to us about eating healthier, making smarter choices. Okay, fine... but that's a bit easier said than done.
Have you ever tried shopping for the healthier versions of some foods? They tend to cost more (sometimes, quite a bit more) than the "regular" or fat-laden varieties, and on many families tight-budgets, they have to stretch their food budget as far as they can, and if it means buying a jumbo sized jar of "regular" mayonnaise vs. buying a medium size jar of fat-free mayo, well, they have to go with what they can afford.... and that means consuming more fat, calories, sodium, etc., etc.
Another example: the healthier breads... if we want the whole-wheat, low cal breads, we usually have to pay around $2/loaf... but if we buy what our budget allows, we're buying the .68cent loaf that tastes good, but let's face it, it's not so very good for you.
The food manufacturers could help out our nations growing weight problem by lowering the cost of these healthier items, or, if they would start making some of these healthier versions available in larger packaging, that would help too.
So what's our option: be fat and have money in our pocket?, or be healthy/in shape and be broke?
Monday, December 11, 2006
Puppy breath
What is it about puppies breath that, while not a pleasant aroma to whiff, it's not unpleasant, and we (those of us that are dog-lovers), just "eat it up"!!!???
I went out to our breeders yesterday to pick up a load of dogfood, and to play with her litter of 9 pups that had just turned 7 weeks old. They were at that really fun stage... still small enough to pick up and cuddle in your arms and just too darned cute for their own good, yet big enough to romp, play and rough-house with.
I barged on into the kennel like I owned the place, brushed past the couple that was there visiting with their new puppy, and I plopped my arse down in the middle of the kennel floor. I was immediately swarmed by 36 little paws climbing all over me, 18 little eyes gazing at me while taking in this new "chew toy" in their pen, and 9 sets of very sharp teeth gnawing at my fingers, wrists, elbows, ankles, shoe laces, and anything else they could get a hold of. I was glad I'd worn a really old shirt and shoes. I was in puppy-heaven!!
I don't know why these people sat on the outside of the kennel (first time dane owners), just gazing in through the chain-link fence and poking their fingers through the fence to pet the puppies... my goodness!, enjoy the pup(s) while they are little, because it won't last for long!!
When we were getting our pups, I was all over the floor with them every chance I got.
This family was getting the one and only merle, an adorable little girl they are naming Gracie. Looks-wise, she was my favorite (but then, I'm partial to merles)... but my sentimental favorite is the little white boy, with just a few light gray spots. He's not as deaf as Olivia, but we believe he does have some hearing deficencies. But he's a cutie all the same!!
Two of the other puppies we've dubbed as "Bonnie & Clyde"... they're marked rather uniquely (they are pet quality ownly, having tan spots on a white background), and are as cute as can be.
It's a good thing I have a full house and an empty bank account, or else I'd be bringing three more puppies home with me.
Ah yes, every once in a while common sense does rule out over my heart, even when it's being tempted with puppy-breath.
I went out to our breeders yesterday to pick up a load of dogfood, and to play with her litter of 9 pups that had just turned 7 weeks old. They were at that really fun stage... still small enough to pick up and cuddle in your arms and just too darned cute for their own good, yet big enough to romp, play and rough-house with.
I barged on into the kennel like I owned the place, brushed past the couple that was there visiting with their new puppy, and I plopped my arse down in the middle of the kennel floor. I was immediately swarmed by 36 little paws climbing all over me, 18 little eyes gazing at me while taking in this new "chew toy" in their pen, and 9 sets of very sharp teeth gnawing at my fingers, wrists, elbows, ankles, shoe laces, and anything else they could get a hold of. I was glad I'd worn a really old shirt and shoes. I was in puppy-heaven!!
I don't know why these people sat on the outside of the kennel (first time dane owners), just gazing in through the chain-link fence and poking their fingers through the fence to pet the puppies... my goodness!, enjoy the pup(s) while they are little, because it won't last for long!!
When we were getting our pups, I was all over the floor with them every chance I got.
This family was getting the one and only merle, an adorable little girl they are naming Gracie. Looks-wise, she was my favorite (but then, I'm partial to merles)... but my sentimental favorite is the little white boy, with just a few light gray spots. He's not as deaf as Olivia, but we believe he does have some hearing deficencies. But he's a cutie all the same!!
Two of the other puppies we've dubbed as "Bonnie & Clyde"... they're marked rather uniquely (they are pet quality ownly, having tan spots on a white background), and are as cute as can be.
It's a good thing I have a full house and an empty bank account, or else I'd be bringing three more puppies home with me.
Ah yes, every once in a while common sense does rule out over my heart, even when it's being tempted with puppy-breath.
Lost & Found & Lost again
I'm not the world's greatest house keeper (big understatement), and as a result, sometimes things get misplaced (okay, lost).
*When I started my new "healthy living" diet (again) on November 1st, I started a new Fat Lil' Notebook to track my calories and progress, but I wanted to look through my old notebook for some of the "tips and facts" I'd jotted down in it, so John & I practically tore the house apart looking for it, but without success. I finally came to the conclusion that I must've thrown it away.
Saturday night I was doing laundry and started digging through the pile of clothing on my dresser and getting fed up with the mountain of clothes, finally just throwing them all into the dirty clothes. Once the mountain of clothing was removed, I found an old duffle bag that's been buried for quite some time. Inside the dufflebag was my long lost notebook. I squealed like a child opening a Christmas present. I sat down and started looking through it.
Up until now, my former weight loss has seemed somewhat surreal... did it really happen? Did I imagine it?
No, now I had proof. My first entry was July 1, 2003, and the last was May 28, 2004. As I looked through those last few pages of entries, I saw that I entered some food/calories on May 20th, then nothing again 'til May 25th. Without even thinking about it, I knew exactly why there was a gap in my journal... we had decided on the evening of the 20th to have our beloved Kelsey put down the next day. Long story short, it ended up being put off until Monday the 24th. I was too overcome with emotion those few days to care about recording calories, and wanted to spend every possible moment with my little girl, and didn't want to sacrifice even a minute of time to record what little food I managed to consume that long weekend.
Once she was gone, I started my food journaling again the next day, but by the end of the week was sooo depressed, I stopped all together, and so began my "finding" of the 67 pounds I'd lost up to that point.
I'm once again on a mission or rather, a journey to lose those pounds and then some. And I hope never to find them again.
*When I started my new "healthy living" diet (again) on November 1st, I started a new Fat Lil' Notebook to track my calories and progress, but I wanted to look through my old notebook for some of the "tips and facts" I'd jotted down in it, so John & I practically tore the house apart looking for it, but without success. I finally came to the conclusion that I must've thrown it away.
Saturday night I was doing laundry and started digging through the pile of clothing on my dresser and getting fed up with the mountain of clothes, finally just throwing them all into the dirty clothes. Once the mountain of clothing was removed, I found an old duffle bag that's been buried for quite some time. Inside the dufflebag was my long lost notebook. I squealed like a child opening a Christmas present. I sat down and started looking through it.
Up until now, my former weight loss has seemed somewhat surreal... did it really happen? Did I imagine it?
No, now I had proof. My first entry was July 1, 2003, and the last was May 28, 2004. As I looked through those last few pages of entries, I saw that I entered some food/calories on May 20th, then nothing again 'til May 25th. Without even thinking about it, I knew exactly why there was a gap in my journal... we had decided on the evening of the 20th to have our beloved Kelsey put down the next day. Long story short, it ended up being put off until Monday the 24th. I was too overcome with emotion those few days to care about recording calories, and wanted to spend every possible moment with my little girl, and didn't want to sacrifice even a minute of time to record what little food I managed to consume that long weekend.
Once she was gone, I started my food journaling again the next day, but by the end of the week was sooo depressed, I stopped all together, and so began my "finding" of the 67 pounds I'd lost up to that point.
I'm once again on a mission or rather, a journey to lose those pounds and then some. And I hope never to find them again.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Diet update
Okay, it's been just over a month (5 weeks & a day to be exact) since I started my new healthy-living-lifestyle. It's been a few weeks since I updated my general reading population on my progress. My fellow dieters that are a part of our "communal blog" know of my progress, as we all report in each week (if not more often), so if they're reading this, they can pretty much skip this blog as it's old news to them.
I checked my measurements this past friday, as it was the first day of the month and was delighted to see some lower numbers...
I've lost three inches in the bust, one and a half in the waist line, two and a half inches in the hips, and one and a half in the thigh. I had the husband take new pictures of me, making sure I wore the same clothes as the first time, just to make it easier to tell if the changes were noticable to others... the pictures (below) are nothing to really look at (not yet), but I think you can see a bit of a difference.
Also, even despite a big Thanksgiving dinner, two days of baking sweet-treats, and the husband's company party, as of yesterday (official weigh-in day), I've managed to lose 17.5 pounds in these past five weeks. It's enough to keep me inspired to keep working at it.
The nightly walks with three of my neighbors/friends have basically become a necessity for me. Not just because of the physical exercise benefit, but it's been great having 30-60 minutes of "girl-time" (except the occasions when one or both of the "Jays" join us). We talk about anything and everything, sharing our success and pit-falls, venting our frustrations over men, work, health, dieting, shopping, anything from A-Z and life in general, sharing recipes, or stories from our youth. It's been a great stress reliever, and a fun-time. I get bummed when I have to miss, and if one of them misses, I miss their presence too.
Okay, on to the photos... I had to take in the margines a bit on these photos, which distorts them slightly, but I still think you can tell by the way the shirt fits (ie, hugs the rolls of chub or hangs) that there's a definite loss of inches. : )
The 2nd & 3rd photos were taken Nov. 1st, the others were taken on Dec. 1st.
I checked my measurements this past friday, as it was the first day of the month and was delighted to see some lower numbers...
I've lost three inches in the bust, one and a half in the waist line, two and a half inches in the hips, and one and a half in the thigh. I had the husband take new pictures of me, making sure I wore the same clothes as the first time, just to make it easier to tell if the changes were noticable to others... the pictures (below) are nothing to really look at (not yet), but I think you can see a bit of a difference.
Also, even despite a big Thanksgiving dinner, two days of baking sweet-treats, and the husband's company party, as of yesterday (official weigh-in day), I've managed to lose 17.5 pounds in these past five weeks. It's enough to keep me inspired to keep working at it.
The nightly walks with three of my neighbors/friends have basically become a necessity for me. Not just because of the physical exercise benefit, but it's been great having 30-60 minutes of "girl-time" (except the occasions when one or both of the "Jays" join us). We talk about anything and everything, sharing our success and pit-falls, venting our frustrations over men, work, health, dieting, shopping, anything from A-Z and life in general, sharing recipes, or stories from our youth. It's been a great stress reliever, and a fun-time. I get bummed when I have to miss, and if one of them misses, I miss their presence too.
Okay, on to the photos... I had to take in the margines a bit on these photos, which distorts them slightly, but I still think you can tell by the way the shirt fits (ie, hugs the rolls of chub or hangs) that there's a definite loss of inches. : )
The 2nd & 3rd photos were taken Nov. 1st, the others were taken on Dec. 1st.
Dessert social
We had our last get-together of the year on Sunday, 12/3. We lit the outdoor fireplace, gathered around the patio furniture, and I spent the day baking cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and added the left-over fudge and peanut brittle from the previous Sunday. Several of the neighbors came by and brought sweet-treats as well.
The temperature was in the mid-20's, and the wind blew non-stop, making the wind-chill who-knows-what! Most of us just huddled around the fire, ignoring the furniture. Some stayed for only a minute or two before deciding it was too cold. Others stayed for 2 or 3 hours. John & I were out there from 3pm - 8:30ish. And yes, we (or at least I) was frozen!! Actually, I had so many layers on that I stayed fairly warm, it was just my toes that were hurting from the cold. I was starting to fear frost-bite. I had to bale on our evening walk because of a combination of my sciatica and my frozen toes.
My vacation was now over. Time to head back to the real world. : (
I had John take all the left-over desserts to the bowling alley the next day and unload the stuff on the old folks. They ate it willingly!
The temperature was in the mid-20's, and the wind blew non-stop, making the wind-chill who-knows-what! Most of us just huddled around the fire, ignoring the furniture. Some stayed for only a minute or two before deciding it was too cold. Others stayed for 2 or 3 hours. John & I were out there from 3pm - 8:30ish. And yes, we (or at least I) was frozen!! Actually, I had so many layers on that I stayed fairly warm, it was just my toes that were hurting from the cold. I was starting to fear frost-bite. I had to bale on our evening walk because of a combination of my sciatica and my frozen toes.
My vacation was now over. Time to head back to the real world. : (
I had John take all the left-over desserts to the bowling alley the next day and unload the stuff on the old folks. They ate it willingly!
Pain issues
I had a 4pm appointment at the chiropractors on 11/30. John accompanied me, just to watch me being tortured I think.
Tortured I was.
By the time Dr. P finished I was literally in tears. I was having a hard time keeping from sobbing. Neither a massage of the area or using the vibracus (sp?) thing on me helped either. Each just brought on more tears.
Before I left, Dr. P gave the name & phone number of a real doctor (ie, MD) he wanted me to go see, and possibly get an injection in the area to help with the pain.
It was tuesday 12/5 before I could get into see that doc. He didn't give me a shot, but did prescribe some new medicine.
**See the blog written earlier today about me being "messed up"**
Also, as I was leaving therapy that day, one of the pt techs asked if I still had my tenz-unit at home. I said I did, but that I didn't have any of the electrode-pads (and I was be damned if I was going to pay $10 a piece to get some... I think I blogged about that incident back in September... one receptionist gave me a replacement set at no charge, the other woman wanted to charge me for the things, hmph!! I just stopped using it altogether!!). So the pt tech said "hold on, I'll get you some". Before I could say anything, he was gone. In the meantime, the receptionist that gave me a free set before, reached in her desk and whipped out a replacement set and again, gave them to me, no charge. The tech returned with three more sets and gave them to me, again, no charge.
I accepted them, thanked them both, and mentally cussed out the woman that had tried to charge me for them before.
By now, the nice weather we had been enjoying had turned crappy, rainy & cold, so we cancelled our walking plans. I didn't get to walk friday night either, and only managed to squeeze one lap saturday afternoon. By the time I got back to walking with the girls on Sunday, I felt like it had been an eternity since I'd seen them. I really do miss not walking with the girls when either I'm not available or they aren't.
Saturday night was my husband's company's Christmas party, held at the Galt House. ooh-la-la
I'd never been in the Galt House, only heard about it. It was indeed very nice. Our only complaint was paying $9.00 to park in the parking garage. We feel his employer should have either warned everyone ahead of time (so we could park elsewhere) or had our parking tickets validated. Hmph!
The food was good, but I behaved and limited myself to one plate for dinner, and passed on the desserts.
I only managed to dance one slow dance with my hubby, the rest of the time was spent either sitting at our table chatting with old friends (from my days at Coke) or running back and forth to the bathroom, as something was making me a bit ill. I'll spare you the details.
John won a door-prize, some kind of flashlight/radio/mini-tv/emergency unit combo. We really didn't need it (or want it), and he managed to find someone to trade gifts with him. So what did he trade "up" for? Something else we didn't need, nor did I want it. But it wasn't my gift to swap out. His new gift was a large PT Cruiser, decorated in Mello Yello yellow & green, remote control car.
GRRRR!!
He just bought another r/c toy less than a month ago that he didn't need, but he couldn't pass up a good bargain. These two new r/c toys are to go along with all of his other r/c's: the giant Hummer I bought him a couple of years ago, his nascar vehicle, the v/w bug car, the micro-mini, the two smaller pick-up trucks, and a couple of other cars I think he has. Honestly, he has about 10 of these things now.
Enough is enough! He hasn't even played with any of them in about 2 years.
Somehow, this vacation isn't ending as well as it started.
Tortured I was.
By the time Dr. P finished I was literally in tears. I was having a hard time keeping from sobbing. Neither a massage of the area or using the vibracus (sp?) thing on me helped either. Each just brought on more tears.
Before I left, Dr. P gave the name & phone number of a real doctor (ie, MD) he wanted me to go see, and possibly get an injection in the area to help with the pain.
It was tuesday 12/5 before I could get into see that doc. He didn't give me a shot, but did prescribe some new medicine.
**See the blog written earlier today about me being "messed up"**
Also, as I was leaving therapy that day, one of the pt techs asked if I still had my tenz-unit at home. I said I did, but that I didn't have any of the electrode-pads (and I was be damned if I was going to pay $10 a piece to get some... I think I blogged about that incident back in September... one receptionist gave me a replacement set at no charge, the other woman wanted to charge me for the things, hmph!! I just stopped using it altogether!!). So the pt tech said "hold on, I'll get you some". Before I could say anything, he was gone. In the meantime, the receptionist that gave me a free set before, reached in her desk and whipped out a replacement set and again, gave them to me, no charge. The tech returned with three more sets and gave them to me, again, no charge.
I accepted them, thanked them both, and mentally cussed out the woman that had tried to charge me for them before.
By now, the nice weather we had been enjoying had turned crappy, rainy & cold, so we cancelled our walking plans. I didn't get to walk friday night either, and only managed to squeeze one lap saturday afternoon. By the time I got back to walking with the girls on Sunday, I felt like it had been an eternity since I'd seen them. I really do miss not walking with the girls when either I'm not available or they aren't.
Saturday night was my husband's company's Christmas party, held at the Galt House. ooh-la-la
I'd never been in the Galt House, only heard about it. It was indeed very nice. Our only complaint was paying $9.00 to park in the parking garage. We feel his employer should have either warned everyone ahead of time (so we could park elsewhere) or had our parking tickets validated. Hmph!
The food was good, but I behaved and limited myself to one plate for dinner, and passed on the desserts.
I only managed to dance one slow dance with my hubby, the rest of the time was spent either sitting at our table chatting with old friends (from my days at Coke) or running back and forth to the bathroom, as something was making me a bit ill. I'll spare you the details.
John won a door-prize, some kind of flashlight/radio/mini-tv/emergency unit combo. We really didn't need it (or want it), and he managed to find someone to trade gifts with him. So what did he trade "up" for? Something else we didn't need, nor did I want it. But it wasn't my gift to swap out. His new gift was a large PT Cruiser, decorated in Mello Yello yellow & green, remote control car.
GRRRR!!
He just bought another r/c toy less than a month ago that he didn't need, but he couldn't pass up a good bargain. These two new r/c toys are to go along with all of his other r/c's: the giant Hummer I bought him a couple of years ago, his nascar vehicle, the v/w bug car, the micro-mini, the two smaller pick-up trucks, and a couple of other cars I think he has. Honestly, he has about 10 of these things now.
Enough is enough! He hasn't even played with any of them in about 2 years.
Somehow, this vacation isn't ending as well as it started.
Wednesday, 11/29
I'm slowly but surely getting you caught up on my vacation.
The week has been going well thus far. Beautiful weather to enjoy, and John & I have actually gotten along without arguing. Why can't all our vacations be like this? Perhaps we need to stop trying to get away while on vacation, and instead stay home in the future.
He was supposed to go to Lebanon to visit his mom/brother, but plans were cancelled.
After feeding the pooches, I'd gone back to bed in an effort to be lazy. I didn't get to be lazy for long as my cell phone rang, and I made the major mistake of answering it. It was my boss calling, asking me to come in and work a half day... on my vacation!!!!!
**groan**
A half day my ass! I arrived at the office at 9:45, only an hour fifteen later than usual, and literally spent the entire day there, working my arse off! I could've easily spent another full day there, trying to get things caught up. They had gotten slammed while I was off... people dropping like flies in this little town, and the paperwork was out of control!!
We were all cranky, all stressed, and it was not a good day.
That evening, I took a muscle relaxer as I was hurting, and when it was time to get up and go for my nightly walk, I was in soooo much pain, I had to bale-out on my girls. The first time I'd done that (without having a valid excuse of not being home) since we started our nightly walks.
All in all, wednesday was not a good vacation day.
The week has been going well thus far. Beautiful weather to enjoy, and John & I have actually gotten along without arguing. Why can't all our vacations be like this? Perhaps we need to stop trying to get away while on vacation, and instead stay home in the future.
He was supposed to go to Lebanon to visit his mom/brother, but plans were cancelled.
After feeding the pooches, I'd gone back to bed in an effort to be lazy. I didn't get to be lazy for long as my cell phone rang, and I made the major mistake of answering it. It was my boss calling, asking me to come in and work a half day... on my vacation!!!!!
**groan**
A half day my ass! I arrived at the office at 9:45, only an hour fifteen later than usual, and literally spent the entire day there, working my arse off! I could've easily spent another full day there, trying to get things caught up. They had gotten slammed while I was off... people dropping like flies in this little town, and the paperwork was out of control!!
We were all cranky, all stressed, and it was not a good day.
That evening, I took a muscle relaxer as I was hurting, and when it was time to get up and go for my nightly walk, I was in soooo much pain, I had to bale-out on my girls. The first time I'd done that (without having a valid excuse of not being home) since we started our nightly walks.
All in all, wednesday was not a good vacation day.
Still on monday...
After finishing the futon project, we left to grab some lunch and go to the bowling alley (as is John's usual monday routine) to watch the senior citizens bowl. John's dad, aunt, and several members that are also a part of the church's bowling league are there, so it's not like we were watching a bunch of strange old people bowl.
I took some of the fudge I'd made and unloaded it at the alley.
While we were eating our Taco Bell, one person (who shall remain nameless) proceeded to piss me off no less than twice (I know, you're shocked that someone would piss me off, but it's true!), when she threw a nickle at me (she was aiming at John, but she can't toss a coin any better than she can bowl), and hit me in the chest with it both times. Not only did it not feel good, but the first time the coin bounced off me and landed in my food. Yuck!!
She apologized after the first time, and you'd think after that, she'd have known better than to do it a second time, but I'm convinced she's brain-damaged, as she had the nerve to do it again. After the second hazing incident, I grabbed my purse and book, took John's car keys and went to sit in the car. It was such a nice sunny day, I actually took a nap while waiting for John to join me.
Aside from the brain-damaged woman that threw nickles at me, the remainder of the day was good.
I took some of the fudge I'd made and unloaded it at the alley.
While we were eating our Taco Bell, one person (who shall remain nameless) proceeded to piss me off no less than twice (I know, you're shocked that someone would piss me off, but it's true!), when she threw a nickle at me (she was aiming at John, but she can't toss a coin any better than she can bowl), and hit me in the chest with it both times. Not only did it not feel good, but the first time the coin bounced off me and landed in my food. Yuck!!
She apologized after the first time, and you'd think after that, she'd have known better than to do it a second time, but I'm convinced she's brain-damaged, as she had the nerve to do it again. After the second hazing incident, I grabbed my purse and book, took John's car keys and went to sit in the car. It was such a nice sunny day, I actually took a nap while waiting for John to join me.
Aside from the brain-damaged woman that threw nickles at me, the remainder of the day was good.
Futon
A couple of weeks ago, we went out and bought a futon at Furniture Liquidators. It has a metal frame, painted black, and a red mattress. Hideous colors, unless you're a die-hard U of L fan, but I wasn't concerned with it's looks, as we were buying it for the dogs.
It was time to get rid of the love-seat they (and those before them) had basically destroyed and I couldn't tolerate looking at anymore, and it was time for John & I to reclaim our recliners for our own use.
We opened the box out in the driveway and I read the instructions while John assembled it. Amazingly enough, we actually got it put together, correctly!, and with no extra parts left over. This was no small feat, as the instructions were less than clear and easy to understand, and many words were misspelled, making it even harder to understand. The best part of it all, we accomplished this without arguing or the mention of divorce.
Before taking the futon frame into the house, we had to remove the run-down love seat. This was the part I dreaded, simply because I was afraid a neighbor would see the condition of the crap we've had in our house. But then I realized, it's late morning on a work-day, all of our neighbors were at work. There was nobody around to see!
We drug it outside, got the futon inside and the mattress in place. New sheets covered the mattress and we finally let the big kids in from the back yard. The kids all loved it!!!!
I wish we'd thought of this a few years ago!!
I don't have to worry about them chewing up the frame since it's metal. Hopefully the mattress will last a long while, but can be replaced easily enough should it become to tattered.
Best of all, there's room for all three of them to lie down at one time. However, one usually still lies in the old green recliner, leaving plenty of room for the other two to sprawl out. In this picture, I was actually enjoying a moment of cuddle time with all of them... you can barely see my feet sticking out among the sea of canine, and Bootsy is barely visible. She's lying on her back, up against me.
It was another good day!
It was time to get rid of the love-seat they (and those before them) had basically destroyed and I couldn't tolerate looking at anymore, and it was time for John & I to reclaim our recliners for our own use.
We opened the box out in the driveway and I read the instructions while John assembled it. Amazingly enough, we actually got it put together, correctly!, and with no extra parts left over. This was no small feat, as the instructions were less than clear and easy to understand, and many words were misspelled, making it even harder to understand. The best part of it all, we accomplished this without arguing or the mention of divorce.
Before taking the futon frame into the house, we had to remove the run-down love seat. This was the part I dreaded, simply because I was afraid a neighbor would see the condition of the crap we've had in our house. But then I realized, it's late morning on a work-day, all of our neighbors were at work. There was nobody around to see!
We drug it outside, got the futon inside and the mattress in place. New sheets covered the mattress and we finally let the big kids in from the back yard. The kids all loved it!!!!
I wish we'd thought of this a few years ago!!
I don't have to worry about them chewing up the frame since it's metal. Hopefully the mattress will last a long while, but can be replaced easily enough should it become to tattered.
Best of all, there's room for all three of them to lie down at one time. However, one usually still lies in the old green recliner, leaving plenty of room for the other two to sprawl out. In this picture, I was actually enjoying a moment of cuddle time with all of them... you can barely see my feet sticking out among the sea of canine, and Bootsy is barely visible. She's lying on her back, up against me.
It was another good day!
Sunday, 11/26
John & I were now officially on vacation. We spent the day at my parents house. It was a day of baking and candy making. I made chocolate-peanut butter fudge (with John's assistance of holding the candy thermometer while I stirred), peanut butter brownies (didn't turn out as good as I'd hoped), no-bake cookies, bourbon balls, and I provided the ingredients for mom to make banana-nut bread. Only problem is that she'd lost 1/2 of her recipe, as it had ripped in half and somehow part of it was missing. She finally found a similar recipe on the internet and used it.
She also baked a variety of cookies, and my sister made some white-chocolate & peperment candy.
By the time I got home (where I then made some peanut brittle), I was so sick of looking at sweet-treats! Amazingly enough though, I ate very little of the sweets, and managed to give away most of the stuff or freeze some of the items.
I ended the day with a walk with my girls.
Another good day was had!
She also baked a variety of cookies, and my sister made some white-chocolate & peperment candy.
By the time I got home (where I then made some peanut brittle), I was so sick of looking at sweet-treats! Amazingly enough though, I ate very little of the sweets, and managed to give away most of the stuff or freeze some of the items.
I ended the day with a walk with my girls.
Another good day was had!
Let the shopping begin!
The day after Thanksgiving is the traditional kick-off to the Christmas shopping season. In the past 4 years +/-, I've gotten into the madness-craze and started going out on this day, before the crack of dawn even, and fought the crowds in search of a bargain.
This year, I didn't go alone. I took my friend "momma-lbjune26" with me. This was her virginal-shopping experience.
We hit Wal-mart at 5am. We went in different directions once inside the store. Once the sale officially started, we grabbed our goodies, and met up in the middle of the store about 5 minutes later, hit the check-out lanes. We were out of Wal-mart by about 5:10 a.m.
We were on a "high", having a good time with our success thus far.
Our next stop was Kohls. Gee, what a let-down that store was after our Wal-mart experience. I like to never have found the item I was looking for. Once I did, we again met up and then we picked one of two lines to get in. Both lines wrapped around from the front, all the way to the back of the store and crossed over one another. Such madness! It moved slower than a slug. No lying, we were in that line for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Ugh!!
Now that our shopping spirit had been dampened a bit, we decided to go to Panera Bread for breakfast and revive our spirits. I now have momma-lbjune hooked on the 4-cheese souffles at Panera. They are really good!
Spirits revived, we went to Target. Grabbed a buggy and weaved our way through the store. Before I had even put one item in my buggy, I saw that the line in Target also wrapped around the store, and not wanting a repeat of our Kohls experience, we left the store without even buying a single item.
Next stop: Michael's crafts.
We picked up several items, and then had to combine our purchase together, as some Scroogey-thief stole "mommas" 25%-off coupon right out of her buggy. How rude!!!
After leaving Michaels, we called it a day and went home. Actually, I took her home then headed back out to shop some more.
That afternoon, the beautiful weather still with us, I went walking with the "girls" (that would be the girls that I'm getting fit with).
I wish this kind of weather would be with us 365 days a year. It was great!!
This year, I didn't go alone. I took my friend "momma-lbjune26" with me. This was her virginal-shopping experience.
We hit Wal-mart at 5am. We went in different directions once inside the store. Once the sale officially started, we grabbed our goodies, and met up in the middle of the store about 5 minutes later, hit the check-out lanes. We were out of Wal-mart by about 5:10 a.m.
We were on a "high", having a good time with our success thus far.
Our next stop was Kohls. Gee, what a let-down that store was after our Wal-mart experience. I like to never have found the item I was looking for. Once I did, we again met up and then we picked one of two lines to get in. Both lines wrapped around from the front, all the way to the back of the store and crossed over one another. Such madness! It moved slower than a slug. No lying, we were in that line for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Ugh!!
Now that our shopping spirit had been dampened a bit, we decided to go to Panera Bread for breakfast and revive our spirits. I now have momma-lbjune hooked on the 4-cheese souffles at Panera. They are really good!
Spirits revived, we went to Target. Grabbed a buggy and weaved our way through the store. Before I had even put one item in my buggy, I saw that the line in Target also wrapped around the store, and not wanting a repeat of our Kohls experience, we left the store without even buying a single item.
Next stop: Michael's crafts.
We picked up several items, and then had to combine our purchase together, as some Scroogey-thief stole "mommas" 25%-off coupon right out of her buggy. How rude!!!
After leaving Michaels, we called it a day and went home. Actually, I took her home then headed back out to shop some more.
That afternoon, the beautiful weather still with us, I went walking with the "girls" (that would be the girls that I'm getting fit with).
I wish this kind of weather would be with us 365 days a year. It was great!!
Thanksgiving day...
I've got a lot of writing to do to make up for being away from the computer for the past 2 weeks, so I'll spare my kind readers the agony of reading one really, really long blog. Instead, I'll just write several short ones.
Thanksgiving day was spent at my parents house. The food was fabulous! Not just because mom did all the cooking, but because it was a "splurge" day for me on my diet, so I was free to make a glutton of myself, and that's exactly what I did, although not to the extent I wanted to, as my shrinking stomach simply couldn't/wouldn't allow me to eat as much as I'd normally do on such an occasion.
Oh well, I savored what I did eat. The day seemed to go by much to fast, and after we arrived back home, the evening weather was so fabulous, John & I decided to build a fire in the outdoor fireplace and sit outside and enjoy the evening.
The weather was just unbelievably fantastic!! A few neighbors stopped by to visit for a bit, and we ended our evening with a walk.
It was a good day!
Thanksgiving day was spent at my parents house. The food was fabulous! Not just because mom did all the cooking, but because it was a "splurge" day for me on my diet, so I was free to make a glutton of myself, and that's exactly what I did, although not to the extent I wanted to, as my shrinking stomach simply couldn't/wouldn't allow me to eat as much as I'd normally do on such an occasion.
Oh well, I savored what I did eat. The day seemed to go by much to fast, and after we arrived back home, the evening weather was so fabulous, John & I decided to build a fire in the outdoor fireplace and sit outside and enjoy the evening.
The weather was just unbelievably fantastic!! A few neighbors stopped by to visit for a bit, and we ended our evening with a walk.
It was a good day!
I'm not right
Pardon my French, but I'm just a bit F****d up today.
I went to a new doctor on Tuesday about my sciatica problems. He put me on a med-pak and strong pain killers. Directions on the pain-killers said take 1 or 2 pills every 4 hours. I finally got the medicine from the pharmacy yesterday evening, got home and took 1 of the pain pills right away (couldn't start the med-pak 'til this morning). The single dose did nothing for me. After I finished my 3 mile walk last night, I was getting ready for bed and took 2 of the pain pills. It still didn't do much for the pain, and didn't really make me sleepy (believe me, I was tired enough because of the long hours I'd put in the past two days at work).
However, it did hit me like a ton of bricks in that my arms felt as if they were made of lead. I could barely lift them up off the bed, and I just felt very "messed up". When I awoke this morning with John, I was still hurting, but initially felt fine otherwise, then while I was packing his lunch, out of nowhere, I started getting so light-headed it was unreal. Then the cold-clammy feeling came over me, and I knew I was seconds away from passing out if I didn't lie down pronto! I grabbed an ice-pack from the freezer and made it to our bed and stretched out for a few minutes (and hoped that the dogs didn't help themselves to John's lunch still laid out on the counter). After a few minutes, I got back up, managed to finish packing his lunch, but had to go back and lie down again.
On the drive into work this morning, I felt like a "balloon-head", and have continued to feel that way non-stop ever since. I did finally take 1 more of the pain pills (no more taking two at a time, that's for sure!!), but I've just been in la-la land ever since. My boss has had a few laughs at my expense this morning, and has all but accused me of being drunk. He even took my scissors away from me at one point, afraid I'd either hurt myself or him.
I hope I'm "sober" enough to drive to the p.t.'s office this afternoon.
I went to a new doctor on Tuesday about my sciatica problems. He put me on a med-pak and strong pain killers. Directions on the pain-killers said take 1 or 2 pills every 4 hours. I finally got the medicine from the pharmacy yesterday evening, got home and took 1 of the pain pills right away (couldn't start the med-pak 'til this morning). The single dose did nothing for me. After I finished my 3 mile walk last night, I was getting ready for bed and took 2 of the pain pills. It still didn't do much for the pain, and didn't really make me sleepy (believe me, I was tired enough because of the long hours I'd put in the past two days at work).
However, it did hit me like a ton of bricks in that my arms felt as if they were made of lead. I could barely lift them up off the bed, and I just felt very "messed up". When I awoke this morning with John, I was still hurting, but initially felt fine otherwise, then while I was packing his lunch, out of nowhere, I started getting so light-headed it was unreal. Then the cold-clammy feeling came over me, and I knew I was seconds away from passing out if I didn't lie down pronto! I grabbed an ice-pack from the freezer and made it to our bed and stretched out for a few minutes (and hoped that the dogs didn't help themselves to John's lunch still laid out on the counter). After a few minutes, I got back up, managed to finish packing his lunch, but had to go back and lie down again.
On the drive into work this morning, I felt like a "balloon-head", and have continued to feel that way non-stop ever since. I did finally take 1 more of the pain pills (no more taking two at a time, that's for sure!!), but I've just been in la-la land ever since. My boss has had a few laughs at my expense this morning, and has all but accused me of being drunk. He even took my scissors away from me at one point, afraid I'd either hurt myself or him.
I hope I'm "sober" enough to drive to the p.t.'s office this afternoon.
Monday, December 04, 2006
I'm baaaaack!!!
I'm back from vacation, physically, if not mentally. I am however, completely covered up here at work, and really don't have time to blog... so much to blog about, so little time!
If I get a chance later today, I'll bring everyone up to date, if not, it may be a couple of days before I get a chance.
I've missed everyone, truly I have!!
Love to all!
k
If I get a chance later today, I'll bring everyone up to date, if not, it may be a couple of days before I get a chance.
I've missed everyone, truly I have!!
Love to all!
k
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