It is that time again.
Time for me to blog. It happens so rarely.
Today is a day for joy, except I am not feeling it. I feel fat, bloated, ugly, and have not done my eyebrows in way too many weeks. I feel like a sasquatch.
However, I must prevail and summon up the happiness, for the occasion is ripe with pickings.
Today, The Boy was pronounced cancer free. He received great news from the Mayo Clinic and his Oncologist. It's fabulous. Now, he will start his two year maintenance regime.
Last Saturday, I got engaged. The Boy asked me to marry him, all right and proper, too. Down on one knee with a ring, purchased by a generous benefactor (his mom). He used a Scrabble board to propose. It was quite thoughtful and sweet. My ring did not fit and is being resized. I cannot find anything like it online so you will all have to wait until it's on my hand.
I found some excellent snowboots that have great grips in the slippery snow. This is not an easy task as for some reason those who manufacture and or design boots seem to not come from snow climates. I do not understand. Also, I am not ready to show for a swimsuit or sandals. Put those away and give me mittens and gloves until March. Really people.
I decorated my cubicle for the holiday season and while I did not win the decorating constest, I think I won anyway. The Boy and I spend hour cutting, coloring, and creating a winter snow people scene complete with Christmas tree, presents, hats, windows, stockings, and so much more. So, mine's better. Ha.
Well, that's all folks. I hope you enoyed today's reading. Until next time on... Reading Rainbow...
I love me some Lavar Burton.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Turn it On
I complained on Wednesday because our small town did not have any water. They were making necessary repairs and while doing that, more things broke. Of course, you say. We had been warned that we wouldn't have water on Tuesday and by 7 O'clock that night, we had water coming out the pipes. Then, by 10 O'clock the same night, they were dry once more. The next morning they weren't on either and I had to shove off to work un-showered. I felt unawake all day, foggy and groggy. Showers are my morning coffee. I also felt greasy and gross. I am not one of those lovely girls who can wake up the next morning and look okay not showering, be okay not showering.
So, I went to work in my unshowered outfit. It's fine to choose not to shower one weekend day when I am not going to leave the house, but work? Bleh. So, I went. Then, while I was at work I took a peek at what was happening in the world by going to CNN's website. There, I see an article that is wrenching, is horrible that happens, that there is such a disparity. I am morbidly obese. I am fat- It's not a mean, cruel comment. It just is. And there are Zimbabwean women, mothers choosing which child will die by means of starvation. There is not enough food to feed them all, so they much choose which they thing will survive. In America, that's called murder. In Zimbabwea, that's called life.
If I could give up some of my caloric intake and know that it would go to someone in need, I would. In fact, I did. We had a food drive at work and I added my cans and boxes to the mix. Sadly, we cannot give fresh products and we wonder why those who are poor are heavy. Cheap food is unhealthy food. Ramen noodles are less than twenty cents a pack while apples are at least a dollar a pound. You choose.... you have a dollar and two kids at home. What do you buy?
Sadly, those women in Zimbabwea don't have a choice of food, just of which child dies. Sadly, I complained about no water, but I merely meant it in humor. I went home and showered off the filth as soon as I could as the weight came back on at noon on Wednesday. But I can't rinse away those women who must choose. It's sad that I am so entrenched in modern ammenities, I nearly didn't know what to do without the streaming liquid coming from the faucet. I really don't know what those women do to make that choice either, a much harsher reality than a few hours of the water being shut off.
So, I went to work in my unshowered outfit. It's fine to choose not to shower one weekend day when I am not going to leave the house, but work? Bleh. So, I went. Then, while I was at work I took a peek at what was happening in the world by going to CNN's website. There, I see an article that is wrenching, is horrible that happens, that there is such a disparity. I am morbidly obese. I am fat- It's not a mean, cruel comment. It just is. And there are Zimbabwean women, mothers choosing which child will die by means of starvation. There is not enough food to feed them all, so they much choose which they thing will survive. In America, that's called murder. In Zimbabwea, that's called life.
If I could give up some of my caloric intake and know that it would go to someone in need, I would. In fact, I did. We had a food drive at work and I added my cans and boxes to the mix. Sadly, we cannot give fresh products and we wonder why those who are poor are heavy. Cheap food is unhealthy food. Ramen noodles are less than twenty cents a pack while apples are at least a dollar a pound. You choose.... you have a dollar and two kids at home. What do you buy?
Sadly, those women in Zimbabwea don't have a choice of food, just of which child dies. Sadly, I complained about no water, but I merely meant it in humor. I went home and showered off the filth as soon as I could as the weight came back on at noon on Wednesday. But I can't rinse away those women who must choose. It's sad that I am so entrenched in modern ammenities, I nearly didn't know what to do without the streaming liquid coming from the faucet. I really don't know what those women do to make that choice either, a much harsher reality than a few hours of the water being shut off.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Ms. Lister
Hello all,
No one seemed to care for my last entry so we'll make it a bit lighter. Not to mention, I'll be making a list, which everyone knows I adore!
1. What started out as a cute quirk, Norris the dog, likes to pick up shoes. At first, he just picked them up and put them in the middle of the living room. A wee bit dangerous, but endearing. Then, he started chewing on the plastic ends of the shoelaces. And then, oh and then..!! he chewed my leather boot. My boots may be about seven years old or so, but no one would have known. And now, at the top which no one sees but me or a few others is chewed. Naughty puppy.
2. However, it's still cute that he drug my two pound boot from the doorway to the living room considering the shoe only weighs three pounds less than he does.
3. I think I am becoming completely someone I never thought I would be... I asked for a complete spice rack for Christmas. I used to never even use salt or pepper and now I want a spice rack. Well, I still hate salt. It's gross for the most part. If I could have fries, nuts, chips, and other food products without salt I would, all except for soup. Soup is icky without salt. Ever tried the low salt chicken soup? Yeah, don't do it.
4. I went to see an endocrinologist and I do not have any weird, rare hormonal dieseases. This is good in some ways and bad in others. It means that I just have to live with the symptoms of Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome. This diagnosis was confirmed.
5. I need new flooring in my house. Anyone want to chip in?
6. People don't seem to realize that The Boy is not my pet, not my child, or any other subordinate in the house. I cannot make him lose weight. I mean, really, we're focusing on overcoming leukemia. The weight loss will have to wait (ha ha ha) since he won't really lose enough to make a difference on his own anyway. That's the whole reason he has gastric bypass surgery planned/scheduled. Leukemia just put a speed bump on things. So, don't lecture me about how he should eat, he should try to lose weight, etc. I'm not his keeper.
7. The endocrinologist asked if I had ever thought about lap band surgery. I have but I don't know what I'd do as a "skinny" person. Eat less?! Ha ha. Not sure, I may consider it but not right now. We're still doing the leukemia dance.
8. Hurley is quite contented and spoiled living with my parents. She shall have many happy days there as it's her permanent home now.
9. Gagging is not fun, especially if it happens for nearly two weeks for reasons you can't figure out.
10. I had allergy testing done. I am allergic to cats, which is fine since I don't like them anyway. I am allergic to Red Alder trees, which is annoying in the spring time. I am also allergic to cockroaches. Odd since we generally don't have cockroaches in this part of the country, but he asked if I've ever been down south or to the coast, I replied yes to both. There go my plans for inner city living and a move to Georgia.
11. I dislike cookie cutter houses. They are icky.
12. I learned how to start our snowblower in case I have to use it this winter if The Boy is unable to do so. Wee! Watch out, or I'll blow you to the rooftops.
13. My grandmother is in the hospital again. She had a UTI that went to her blood.
14. My nun costume from Halloween is ungodly hot-get it?!
15. There's nothing else. I just didn't want to end it on a weird number.
No one seemed to care for my last entry so we'll make it a bit lighter. Not to mention, I'll be making a list, which everyone knows I adore!
1. What started out as a cute quirk, Norris the dog, likes to pick up shoes. At first, he just picked them up and put them in the middle of the living room. A wee bit dangerous, but endearing. Then, he started chewing on the plastic ends of the shoelaces. And then, oh and then..!! he chewed my leather boot. My boots may be about seven years old or so, but no one would have known. And now, at the top which no one sees but me or a few others is chewed. Naughty puppy.
2. However, it's still cute that he drug my two pound boot from the doorway to the living room considering the shoe only weighs three pounds less than he does.
3. I think I am becoming completely someone I never thought I would be... I asked for a complete spice rack for Christmas. I used to never even use salt or pepper and now I want a spice rack. Well, I still hate salt. It's gross for the most part. If I could have fries, nuts, chips, and other food products without salt I would, all except for soup. Soup is icky without salt. Ever tried the low salt chicken soup? Yeah, don't do it.
4. I went to see an endocrinologist and I do not have any weird, rare hormonal dieseases. This is good in some ways and bad in others. It means that I just have to live with the symptoms of Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome. This diagnosis was confirmed.
5. I need new flooring in my house. Anyone want to chip in?
6. People don't seem to realize that The Boy is not my pet, not my child, or any other subordinate in the house. I cannot make him lose weight. I mean, really, we're focusing on overcoming leukemia. The weight loss will have to wait (ha ha ha) since he won't really lose enough to make a difference on his own anyway. That's the whole reason he has gastric bypass surgery planned/scheduled. Leukemia just put a speed bump on things. So, don't lecture me about how he should eat, he should try to lose weight, etc. I'm not his keeper.
7. The endocrinologist asked if I had ever thought about lap band surgery. I have but I don't know what I'd do as a "skinny" person. Eat less?! Ha ha. Not sure, I may consider it but not right now. We're still doing the leukemia dance.
8. Hurley is quite contented and spoiled living with my parents. She shall have many happy days there as it's her permanent home now.
9. Gagging is not fun, especially if it happens for nearly two weeks for reasons you can't figure out.
10. I had allergy testing done. I am allergic to cats, which is fine since I don't like them anyway. I am allergic to Red Alder trees, which is annoying in the spring time. I am also allergic to cockroaches. Odd since we generally don't have cockroaches in this part of the country, but he asked if I've ever been down south or to the coast, I replied yes to both. There go my plans for inner city living and a move to Georgia.
11. I dislike cookie cutter houses. They are icky.
12. I learned how to start our snowblower in case I have to use it this winter if The Boy is unable to do so. Wee! Watch out, or I'll blow you to the rooftops.
13. My grandmother is in the hospital again. She had a UTI that went to her blood.
14. My nun costume from Halloween is ungodly hot-get it?!
15. There's nothing else. I just didn't want to end it on a weird number.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
It's a Memory.
The time I spent working as an Americorps VISTA gave me a chance to see a world that I hadn’t experienced since elementary school. That world is called Poverty.
It’s not a place people wish to visit, it’s not a tourist destination anywhere, it doesn’t have fun rides or good food, and it’s not a place most people want to or think they will wind up. With the economic crises around the world, Poverty is going to become even more crowded than it already is.
Elementary school gives me a few memories of dirty faces, dirty clothes, mention of someone who didn’t have indoor plumbing (most likely because the water had been shut off), and a sense of making due.
Some of the kids I met while working as a VISTA have left permanent marks and memories. It was not their poverty that keeps them in mind. It is their spirits. It is they who keeps me thinking about them. They stick with me more than kids from high school, more than other student and professors in college.
It is how much they were themselves that still catches my thoughts. It was how they pretended to be nothing less and did not feel less, most of the time. You could catch those who were being broken down by their poverty. You could see it in their posture and in their eyes. They were hunched and ready to fight. Their eyes were angry and hateful, but so sad. They are the pennies, thrown in the garbage, those dropped on the streets and not picked up, those coins left behind because they aren't worth much. The tarnish shows on the children and pennies alike.
There are two in particular whom I hope for but am not sure hope will help. I hate to say too late, but it could have been for them. Brother and Sister, hungry for food, hungry for attention their mother cannot give. In need of clothes that fit, shoes that aren't falling apart and smelly, in need of some enormous tiny gestures of love.
There is the girl who is a boy. Her hair is short and often covered in a baseball cap. She wears boys baggy jeans, t-shirts, and plays with the boys. She has not a girly bone to her, it seemed. Yet, her name was that of a flower and she liked it. She could not stand being called a "He." She is someone I wonder about for she did not apologize for wanting the best of both worlds. She was tough for a tough world. She put forth her strength in short hair, in sports, in being masculine. Yet, she knows she's a girl and doesn't deny it. She merely hides it so she is not so vulnerable.
So, what becomes of them? I don't know and I shall probably never know. Except for one. I expect great things from her. I hope she is one of those Cinderella stories on Dateline one night. Rags to Riches, by using her brain and her kindness. I want to see her on tv campaigning for her next election. She could bring all kinds of worlds together, that girl.
It’s not a place people wish to visit, it’s not a tourist destination anywhere, it doesn’t have fun rides or good food, and it’s not a place most people want to or think they will wind up. With the economic crises around the world, Poverty is going to become even more crowded than it already is.
Elementary school gives me a few memories of dirty faces, dirty clothes, mention of someone who didn’t have indoor plumbing (most likely because the water had been shut off), and a sense of making due.
Some of the kids I met while working as a VISTA have left permanent marks and memories. It was not their poverty that keeps them in mind. It is their spirits. It is they who keeps me thinking about them. They stick with me more than kids from high school, more than other student and professors in college.
It is how much they were themselves that still catches my thoughts. It was how they pretended to be nothing less and did not feel less, most of the time. You could catch those who were being broken down by their poverty. You could see it in their posture and in their eyes. They were hunched and ready to fight. Their eyes were angry and hateful, but so sad. They are the pennies, thrown in the garbage, those dropped on the streets and not picked up, those coins left behind because they aren't worth much. The tarnish shows on the children and pennies alike.
There are two in particular whom I hope for but am not sure hope will help. I hate to say too late, but it could have been for them. Brother and Sister, hungry for food, hungry for attention their mother cannot give. In need of clothes that fit, shoes that aren't falling apart and smelly, in need of some enormous tiny gestures of love.
There is the girl who is a boy. Her hair is short and often covered in a baseball cap. She wears boys baggy jeans, t-shirts, and plays with the boys. She has not a girly bone to her, it seemed. Yet, her name was that of a flower and she liked it. She could not stand being called a "He." She is someone I wonder about for she did not apologize for wanting the best of both worlds. She was tough for a tough world. She put forth her strength in short hair, in sports, in being masculine. Yet, she knows she's a girl and doesn't deny it. She merely hides it so she is not so vulnerable.
So, what becomes of them? I don't know and I shall probably never know. Except for one. I expect great things from her. I hope she is one of those Cinderella stories on Dateline one night. Rags to Riches, by using her brain and her kindness. I want to see her on tv campaigning for her next election. She could bring all kinds of worlds together, that girl.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Thursday, October 02, 2008
There is a contest going on at work: The Biggest Loser. It is a la the style of the television show and I have entered. I've always been a big girl. Taller, thicker, broader than the rest. Now, I feel just flabby. So, hopefully this will motivate me to start working on the healthy lifestyle.
Also, The Boy's sister gave us an elliptical machine. Those suckers really give you a work out and you can go fowards or backwards on them. This allows for a unique workout and lets you work muscles you didn't know you had. So, maybe I'll become just a little smaller, a little less broad, and more toned.
I don't dream of being a waif or even a size ten. My body is not meant to be that small. I just want to be healthier. It's such an easy statement to make, but such a hard action. Habits are easy to make, but hard to break. It should be interesting to see how it goes. I don't think I've ever really tried very much to lose weight. I did it twice on accident, one by working at a hotel as a maid and the second time by pooping out everything I ate. That was an easy twenty pounds. :o) Not enjoyable, but easy.
So, wish me luck.
In other news!!!! One of my very good friends had her baby, a girl! I find it funny that she has a daughter now since Mommy used to have the name of Vicky-not-a-girl-girl. How things change. Also, another friend is now living in Montana, which has been her dream for a couple of years now. And she found a new job. So, it's excitement all around.
My excitement... I killed a bird while driving this morning. It flew right into my hood. I watched it in the rearview mirror, spin beak over claws until it slapped down on the road of the interstate. Sad.
Also, The Boy's sister gave us an elliptical machine. Those suckers really give you a work out and you can go fowards or backwards on them. This allows for a unique workout and lets you work muscles you didn't know you had. So, maybe I'll become just a little smaller, a little less broad, and more toned.
I don't dream of being a waif or even a size ten. My body is not meant to be that small. I just want to be healthier. It's such an easy statement to make, but such a hard action. Habits are easy to make, but hard to break. It should be interesting to see how it goes. I don't think I've ever really tried very much to lose weight. I did it twice on accident, one by working at a hotel as a maid and the second time by pooping out everything I ate. That was an easy twenty pounds. :o) Not enjoyable, but easy.
So, wish me luck.
In other news!!!! One of my very good friends had her baby, a girl! I find it funny that she has a daughter now since Mommy used to have the name of Vicky-not-a-girl-girl. How things change. Also, another friend is now living in Montana, which has been her dream for a couple of years now. And she found a new job. So, it's excitement all around.
My excitement... I killed a bird while driving this morning. It flew right into my hood. I watched it in the rearview mirror, spin beak over claws until it slapped down on the road of the interstate. Sad.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Fundraiser
Eric Lutheran
September 27th
In July, fellow pool player, and all around
great guy, Eric Lutheran, was diagnosed
with Acute Promyelocytic Luekemia.
Eric and Amber have been fighting this
disease and its many complications in
Rochester, and Grand Forks. Eric has
recently received the great news that
his Luekemia is in remission. Eric has
been out of work since being diagnosed,
and will continue to have many travel
and medical expenses.
BROKEN DRUM
Sign up from noon to 1:00 pm start
Field must close at first 32 players
Entry fee $15.00
($5.00 goes directly to benefit)
If you are unable to shoot,
please stop by and join in the fun!
Many great
door prizes & raffles
Fun!
Friends!
& Food!
A huge thank you to all
who have contributed :
Broken Drum Cenex 32nd & Demers
TJ’s Pool Hall Holiday Inn
KC Club Americ Inn
I.F. Lafleur & Sons FedEx Kinkos
Slapshot Pizza
If you are interested in getting involved further by
donating a prize for raffle, or food item for lunch,
please contact John Lutheran at 218-779-4802
for
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Hair We Go
It's Saturday and I long for a shower. For some reason, sleeping in hospitals makes me feel extra dirty. Perhaps it's the germs floating around in the air or because I am seeing other people than just Eric or myself in the mirror. Why does short hair make you look like such a monster after sleeping? And why do movies never portray the short hair syndrome? It's stick up all over and makes odd shapes in the back of your head. If you didn't look mutant before, you sure do after sleeping with short hair. Guys usually don't have this issue since some how they look cute with hair sticking up all over. Not sure why that is. Must be something testosterone does.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Scribbles
I received high praise the other day from two women my dad used to work with before he retired. They read the Caring Bridge site for Eric and because of my small posts and updates there, they believe I should be a writer. My dad also fell into agreement with them because of some papers I'd written in college.
Well, now. How about that? It's something I've always wanted to be, a writer, a professional. However, I lack ideas. I read novels frequently and never identify with the main characters. I am not sure if that makes me so strange or if the main characters in American fiction today are so off base that we all sit there going... Who DOES that? Maybe it's just me and I am too fussy for my own good.
I also talked to a doctor the other day who was impressed with my medical knowledge and thought I ought to give med school a try. Or nursing school since I can finish that so much faster than med school. Perhaps I shall be the next Cook or something. I can write all kinds of horrible medical mysteries. Or, hell stick to real life. It seems more interesting lately than any fiction I've read.
I've come more and more to realize that marriage is not something I need to have or want. It just seems so much more complicated than it needs to be. Who knows, I could change my mind the minute that sparkly ring appears out of its box. Mind you, there is no box and no sparkly ring, it was just a thought.
Well, my knee hurts and precludes me from typing any more. I do not type with my knees, but I am special so knee pain means that this entry is over. Not that anyone reads this anyway. However, I enjoy putting "down" in cyberspace.
Well, now. How about that? It's something I've always wanted to be, a writer, a professional. However, I lack ideas. I read novels frequently and never identify with the main characters. I am not sure if that makes me so strange or if the main characters in American fiction today are so off base that we all sit there going... Who DOES that? Maybe it's just me and I am too fussy for my own good.
I also talked to a doctor the other day who was impressed with my medical knowledge and thought I ought to give med school a try. Or nursing school since I can finish that so much faster than med school. Perhaps I shall be the next Cook or something. I can write all kinds of horrible medical mysteries. Or, hell stick to real life. It seems more interesting lately than any fiction I've read.
I've come more and more to realize that marriage is not something I need to have or want. It just seems so much more complicated than it needs to be. Who knows, I could change my mind the minute that sparkly ring appears out of its box. Mind you, there is no box and no sparkly ring, it was just a thought.
Well, my knee hurts and precludes me from typing any more. I do not type with my knees, but I am special so knee pain means that this entry is over. Not that anyone reads this anyway. However, I enjoy putting "down" in cyberspace.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Oregon Trail
Today, I bought a shop-vac. This purchase has a purpose other than sheer desire. Our washing machine leaks out the bottom of it. It's sitting inside a plastic tray, but the water is also sitting in the plastic tray. It's quite gross looking. So, I am going to suck up the water. Then, I am going to vacuum my car with it.
Maybe with a vacuum in hand and at-hand, I'll be more apt to keep my car clean. Somehow I doubt this, but there is always room for change. Just like those ideas in my head that some day I'll exercise, be healthier, eat right, and will change the world by being more in the world.
My world is small at the moment. It's amazing how small one's world because when something happens. The wagons do circle and they block out other parts of the world at times. They shade you from the burning issues of life while you focus on your compadre, they water your garden of love and trust by listening to you cry in the night, and they slowly wheel themselves apart allowing the world to come back to you slowly, so seeing what's behind the covered wagons isn't a shock.
Slow the white sea is parting and the pioneers donning their caps and bonnets, ready to wish me a farewell.
Maybe with a vacuum in hand and at-hand, I'll be more apt to keep my car clean. Somehow I doubt this, but there is always room for change. Just like those ideas in my head that some day I'll exercise, be healthier, eat right, and will change the world by being more in the world.
My world is small at the moment. It's amazing how small one's world because when something happens. The wagons do circle and they block out other parts of the world at times. They shade you from the burning issues of life while you focus on your compadre, they water your garden of love and trust by listening to you cry in the night, and they slowly wheel themselves apart allowing the world to come back to you slowly, so seeing what's behind the covered wagons isn't a shock.
Slow the white sea is parting and the pioneers donning their caps and bonnets, ready to wish me a farewell.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Some days I am just tired and weird, little things annoy me.
Here is a list of what has been bugging me lately.
1. Celebrities and how much they date/sleep around. It's just gross not to mention I frankly don't care who Reese Witherspoon is eating dinner with at the last hotspot.
2. People who cannot accept their bodies as they are and don't understand acceptance when they hear it. I am fat. This is not mean. I am. I weight 265 pounds and am 5'8". That makes me fat and it's okay. It's the way I am, it's about the way I've been since the second half of seventh grade. I do not plan on being smaller, toned, taut. That's okay.
3. I can't make The Boy do anything he doesn't want to... I am not his keeper, I am not his mother. So, stop trying to see if I can talk him into something.
4. I am tired of being poor. It's irritating and I don't understand how other people in similar situations do not struggle as we do. Maybe I'll blame it on the celebrities.
5. My car is messy... it's like a digusting dive bar you hate going to but once you're in there, it's not too bad.
6. I don't like not being in the loop. I want to know what's going on, want to help if there's something for The Boy, wants to be a part of it in some way instead of being shut out.
7. I cannot stand some attitudes I've recently noticed... this is new a notion to me, but it's just standing out more.
8. This list... so I shall end it.
So, life is moving along. Eric is doing okay and is continuing his treatment for leukemia. He was told he is in Remission last Tuesday, but still requires more treatment. He will have two more rounds of IV chemo and a few more weeks of oral chemo. But the Remission news was excellent. We celebrated with lunch and with the doctor's permission, Eric had two beers.
Here is a list of what has been bugging me lately.
1. Celebrities and how much they date/sleep around. It's just gross not to mention I frankly don't care who Reese Witherspoon is eating dinner with at the last hotspot.
2. People who cannot accept their bodies as they are and don't understand acceptance when they hear it. I am fat. This is not mean. I am. I weight 265 pounds and am 5'8". That makes me fat and it's okay. It's the way I am, it's about the way I've been since the second half of seventh grade. I do not plan on being smaller, toned, taut. That's okay.
3. I can't make The Boy do anything he doesn't want to... I am not his keeper, I am not his mother. So, stop trying to see if I can talk him into something.
4. I am tired of being poor. It's irritating and I don't understand how other people in similar situations do not struggle as we do. Maybe I'll blame it on the celebrities.
5. My car is messy... it's like a digusting dive bar you hate going to but once you're in there, it's not too bad.
6. I don't like not being in the loop. I want to know what's going on, want to help if there's something for The Boy, wants to be a part of it in some way instead of being shut out.
7. I cannot stand some attitudes I've recently noticed... this is new a notion to me, but it's just standing out more.
8. This list... so I shall end it.
So, life is moving along. Eric is doing okay and is continuing his treatment for leukemia. He was told he is in Remission last Tuesday, but still requires more treatment. He will have two more rounds of IV chemo and a few more weeks of oral chemo. But the Remission news was excellent. We celebrated with lunch and with the doctor's permission, Eric had two beers.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Things you will know
Things I Know
1. No one in this town has any faith or trust in the one hospital we have here.
2. I lost mine about a month ago.
3. I can cry and shop for a new shirt at the same time, especially when there are bodily fluids contaminated with chemo the old shirt.
4. I want to teach adults.
5. My grandmother walked around for two months with a broken hip. I knew she was tough, but damn.
6. It is okay to cry even in public, even in front of other people, and even when there is nothing to cry about.
7. Some people love a crisis and will come out of the woodwork to "help" you, but mostly to help themselves feel better and so that they can try to look good. These are dangerous people.
8. Some people are so self-absorbed that when you tell them someone is in the ICU they mention how they are getting their hair cut shorter.
9. The English language needs a gender neutral term other than "it" for he and she so that I may be grammatically correct, but still not give away information.
10. I know who Eric's true friends are even though I haven't met many of them.
11. That Orange is my new favorite color because I am going to tell everyone about leukemia.
12. That humble doctors are much more tolerable and easier to listen to than those who think they are more than human.
13. I can get stuff done. I will scream, fight for things, and push to get things down.
14. I love my parents. They are supportive and have been so great through all of this. I can't imagine what I would be like if it weren't for them. I also love them for taking my millions of calls all day long, especially when I have nothing to say but just don't want to be alone with my thoughts.
15. My parents actually love my dog. But she is cute as a button.
16. My brother may have glimpsed real life this summer.
17. I am more brash than I believed myself to be.
18. Nurses often have more attitude than doctors.
19. I can get my RN degree in two years.
20. I have thought about Med School but am unsure I am smart enough. I don't want to be a doctor who allows people to lose their faith in medicine.
21. I am not a spiritual person. Reaching heavenward to guide me through this never even occurred to me.
22. Some days you just need a drink.
23. I am not sure if it's love unless you can wipe the other person's ass.
24. Some people do not know how to talk in family waiting rooms at hospitals.
25. Caring Bridge is a wonderful organization.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Hard
Eric had been in the ICU from Wednesday to Saturday. He moved back down to the oncology floor on Saturday afternoon, but he still hasn't been up and out of bed much. He is so bruised all over and he sleeps all day. One of the doctors said that his body has been through a lot and that it's normal to sleep a lot, to feel tired.
I plan on going home today, which I think is a good thing as I now have a full-blown cold. Before it was just the sniffles and a tickle in my throat. I wote a mask when I was in his room, but now I think it would be better if I went home for a few days to recover. I do NOT want to make The Boy sick. He's got enough on his plate.
It's so hard to watch him be sick. The feeling of helplessness is dragging. When he is awake I constantly ask him if he wants or needs something, which is not what he wants. He just wants to wake up and see me there. I do help him when he asks, but mostly he just wants our emotional support. The nurses and doctors are there for his physical support.
I met a very nice woman whose husband is here receiving treatment for leukemia. She is nice, but that did not prevent me from wanting to punch her in the face, not to mention her husband's. I heard him say "That colored guy told me to go..." What the F? It is not 1950 and the word colored describes objects not people. I had been on the phone in the family room with my parents talking about Eric's status.
When I got off the phone she said it sounded like we were having problems too. I said yes, that he just got moved down from the ICU. She said her husband has blood cancer, she couldn't think of the word leukemia. I said that Eric did too. Then she goes on to say that he probably isn't as bad as her husband who has acute leukemia. I said, yes that's what Eric has too. Then she asked me what the ICU is... wtf.
Okay, first off don't assume your husband who is up, walking, talking, and being faily jovial is worse off than The Boy who just came down from the Intensive Care Unit since his blood pressures was around 40/20 and they couldn't find a pulse, and whose kidneys weren't working. Don't even assume that shit. And the ICU, what the hell... that's a common term.
She's exactly the person I never want to be. We are all here with problems or we wouldn't be hanging around the Mayo clinic.
As I watch the staff here work, I know I want to go back to school. I am still not sure if I want nursing or med school, but the university in the town Eric and I work in has both options. So, I can look into it when I get back and maybe start something when Eric is well again.
I plan on going home today, which I think is a good thing as I now have a full-blown cold. Before it was just the sniffles and a tickle in my throat. I wote a mask when I was in his room, but now I think it would be better if I went home for a few days to recover. I do NOT want to make The Boy sick. He's got enough on his plate.
It's so hard to watch him be sick. The feeling of helplessness is dragging. When he is awake I constantly ask him if he wants or needs something, which is not what he wants. He just wants to wake up and see me there. I do help him when he asks, but mostly he just wants our emotional support. The nurses and doctors are there for his physical support.
I met a very nice woman whose husband is here receiving treatment for leukemia. She is nice, but that did not prevent me from wanting to punch her in the face, not to mention her husband's. I heard him say "That colored guy told me to go..." What the F? It is not 1950 and the word colored describes objects not people. I had been on the phone in the family room with my parents talking about Eric's status.
When I got off the phone she said it sounded like we were having problems too. I said yes, that he just got moved down from the ICU. She said her husband has blood cancer, she couldn't think of the word leukemia. I said that Eric did too. Then she goes on to say that he probably isn't as bad as her husband who has acute leukemia. I said, yes that's what Eric has too. Then she asked me what the ICU is... wtf.
Okay, first off don't assume your husband who is up, walking, talking, and being faily jovial is worse off than The Boy who just came down from the Intensive Care Unit since his blood pressures was around 40/20 and they couldn't find a pulse, and whose kidneys weren't working. Don't even assume that shit. And the ICU, what the hell... that's a common term.
She's exactly the person I never want to be. We are all here with problems or we wouldn't be hanging around the Mayo clinic.
As I watch the staff here work, I know I want to go back to school. I am still not sure if I want nursing or med school, but the university in the town Eric and I work in has both options. So, I can look into it when I get back and maybe start something when Eric is well again.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Kemia Chemo
I read my last post and would be willing to return to the bathroom problem if we could take back what has happened.
On Thursday, July 17th, Eric was diagnosed with leukemia. It's an acute and rare form. He is currently being treated by the knowledgeable staff at the Mayo clinic. He is in the ICU receiving dialysis since his kidneys are under- functioning. After a very scary Tuesday, his blood pressure and oxygen levels are better. He looks so fragile hooked up to all those tubes, monitors, and gadgets. And it's hard to see The Boy as fragile as he is a very big guy.
He's been sleeping a lot. I couldn't make it down here until Wednesday afternoon but am so glad I am here to be with him. Even if all I do is sit across the room and watch him. It feels so much better than sitting at my desk agonizing over how he's doing, how he's feeling, and what's going on.
Life takes on some new meanings when things become scary. Little things don't seem to matter so much anymore. Living is where it's at and living good is what it's all about.
Lately, I'd been talking about what I want to do with my life and having seen quality care in action, I want to go into medicine. I haven't decided if I want to be a nurse with the more hands on approach or a doctor with the scientific side being more heavily weighted. Whichever I choose, The Boy, said I had to do something in oncology. I think I can handle that.
Here's to chemotherapy, here's to the doctors and nurses, here's to all the people who care, and here's to living large and living hard (not hard living, but living hard).
To The Boy- I love you. That's all that needs to be said. I love you.
On Thursday, July 17th, Eric was diagnosed with leukemia. It's an acute and rare form. He is currently being treated by the knowledgeable staff at the Mayo clinic. He is in the ICU receiving dialysis since his kidneys are under- functioning. After a very scary Tuesday, his blood pressure and oxygen levels are better. He looks so fragile hooked up to all those tubes, monitors, and gadgets. And it's hard to see The Boy as fragile as he is a very big guy.
He's been sleeping a lot. I couldn't make it down here until Wednesday afternoon but am so glad I am here to be with him. Even if all I do is sit across the room and watch him. It feels so much better than sitting at my desk agonizing over how he's doing, how he's feeling, and what's going on.
Life takes on some new meanings when things become scary. Little things don't seem to matter so much anymore. Living is where it's at and living good is what it's all about.
Lately, I'd been talking about what I want to do with my life and having seen quality care in action, I want to go into medicine. I haven't decided if I want to be a nurse with the more hands on approach or a doctor with the scientific side being more heavily weighted. Whichever I choose, The Boy, said I had to do something in oncology. I think I can handle that.
Here's to chemotherapy, here's to the doctors and nurses, here's to all the people who care, and here's to living large and living hard (not hard living, but living hard).
To The Boy- I love you. That's all that needs to be said. I love you.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tick Tock
My life has begun to revolve around the bathroom. I shower in the morning, by the time I get to work I usually have to pee, then for some reason my intestines believe that they must expell all their contents.
I have had diarrhea every day since June 30. It's becoming unpleasant. I had some tests performed and they came back negative. So, I am still pooping and have no answers. My next test is to complete eliminate all dairy products. If that doesn't work and the medical community doesn't have any other answers, we're moving on to wheat gluten.
Hurley, our first puppy was spayed on Monday. When I went to pick her up at the vet's office, I nearly cried. She tried to lick my face just once, but wasn't up for it. I just held her in my arms and made a cozy place for her on my front seat. When I brought her in the house, I placed her on the loveseat with blankets. I sat with her most of the night just petting her head and stroking her back. She kept looking at me with these sad eyes that seem to say to me "Why did you let them do this to me? How could you?"
I left her on the couch all night, where I don't believe she moved. Norris, oh little Norris. I picked him up and let him sniff Hurley. Since she spent most of the day in a kennel with other animals around, she smelled a little funny. Well, apparently to Norris she smelled scary. He started shaking and looked terrified. Eventually, he came around and just sat next to his pal and sister all night. The next morning and definitely this morning, I knew she was better.
She still can't boing boing jump like she used to, but she's putting her front paws up on our legs like she always did. My sweet little girl will always be a little girl now. Well, I may be lying about the sweet part.
I have had diarrhea every day since June 30. It's becoming unpleasant. I had some tests performed and they came back negative. So, I am still pooping and have no answers. My next test is to complete eliminate all dairy products. If that doesn't work and the medical community doesn't have any other answers, we're moving on to wheat gluten.
Hurley, our first puppy was spayed on Monday. When I went to pick her up at the vet's office, I nearly cried. She tried to lick my face just once, but wasn't up for it. I just held her in my arms and made a cozy place for her on my front seat. When I brought her in the house, I placed her on the loveseat with blankets. I sat with her most of the night just petting her head and stroking her back. She kept looking at me with these sad eyes that seem to say to me "Why did you let them do this to me? How could you?"
I left her on the couch all night, where I don't believe she moved. Norris, oh little Norris. I picked him up and let him sniff Hurley. Since she spent most of the day in a kennel with other animals around, she smelled a little funny. Well, apparently to Norris she smelled scary. He started shaking and looked terrified. Eventually, he came around and just sat next to his pal and sister all night. The next morning and definitely this morning, I knew she was better.
She still can't boing boing jump like she used to, but she's putting her front paws up on our legs like she always did. My sweet little girl will always be a little girl now. Well, I may be lying about the sweet part.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Simply News
Hello all.
I simply have little news. I am not quite sure if I could dwindle it down to no news, but perhaps scant new shall work.
The Boy was approved by his insurance company for his weight loss surgery. This means he has a month and half to lose 50 pounds. I hope no other obstacles get in his way or he shall lose his way on this journey. He will seek refuge in the fridge and will no longer try to obtain this goal of weight loss surgery. He is having something done that is different. Here is a website if you feel like checking it out: http://www.duodenalswitch.com/
I, on the other hand, lost five pounds since weighing myself last. I am wondering if this is due to the constant diarrhea that I have. I went to the doctor for it since it lasted a week and I am frankly tired of spending many minutes, maybe even hours in the bathroom each day. I was the lucky patient who had to give a sample... yeah, that kind of sample. Now, they recommend that you get a bowl, such as a Cool-Whip or Margerine tub to use. One that's clean and has been washed. I knew I didn't have any of these at home so I headed to the dollar store where life's dreams can be fulfilled. Well, at least my need for a cheap throw-away bowl. They had four plastic bowls for a dollar. I scooped one pack up and went home.
I would have given the sample at the doctor's office, but there was literally nothing left in me. So, at home armed with my bowl, a spastic bowel, and a plugged nose I scooped my poop. The vials I received had little spoons attached to their covers. After I was done, I threw my quarter away. It was disgusting, but hopefully I'll garner some answers. It'll be a five day or so wait on the results so I'll just be sitting here (most likely in the bathroom) waiting for the answers.
In other lab news, my father is awaiting his results on the tests for lyme disease and West Nile Virus. He does not have Mono.
I simply have little news. I am not quite sure if I could dwindle it down to no news, but perhaps scant new shall work.
The Boy was approved by his insurance company for his weight loss surgery. This means he has a month and half to lose 50 pounds. I hope no other obstacles get in his way or he shall lose his way on this journey. He will seek refuge in the fridge and will no longer try to obtain this goal of weight loss surgery. He is having something done that is different. Here is a website if you feel like checking it out: http://www.duodenalswitch.com/
I, on the other hand, lost five pounds since weighing myself last. I am wondering if this is due to the constant diarrhea that I have. I went to the doctor for it since it lasted a week and I am frankly tired of spending many minutes, maybe even hours in the bathroom each day. I was the lucky patient who had to give a sample... yeah, that kind of sample. Now, they recommend that you get a bowl, such as a Cool-Whip or Margerine tub to use. One that's clean and has been washed. I knew I didn't have any of these at home so I headed to the dollar store where life's dreams can be fulfilled. Well, at least my need for a cheap throw-away bowl. They had four plastic bowls for a dollar. I scooped one pack up and went home.
I would have given the sample at the doctor's office, but there was literally nothing left in me. So, at home armed with my bowl, a spastic bowel, and a plugged nose I scooped my poop. The vials I received had little spoons attached to their covers. After I was done, I threw my quarter away. It was disgusting, but hopefully I'll garner some answers. It'll be a five day or so wait on the results so I'll just be sitting here (most likely in the bathroom) waiting for the answers.
In other lab news, my father is awaiting his results on the tests for lyme disease and West Nile Virus. He does not have Mono.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Reading Myself
I am not a neat person by nature. I leave plates, cups, and other dishes in the living room. I throw my dirty clothes on the floor in my room and leave them as they pile into big heaps. I let mail and clutter mount up on the dining room table.
I am not a patient person at times. I wish for things to hurry up. I read books so quickly that when they are over I wonder why I read so fast instead of relishing the moments. But it is in the slowly down that the details can really be seen.
I was starved for affection. I knew I loved human contact, but was too scared for a long time to let anyone that close to me. I used to tell people I didn't like being touched so they could never reject my reach. I used to tell people that I didn't mind being alone all the time, but I would hope that someone would walk by and at least say hello. The Boy fills my needs in that department. There are many I love you's, many hugs, kisses, hand holding, and other verbal and physical sentiments that allow me not to lie anymore.
My mind works in mysterious ways. Today I was thinking about dust mites that live in our mattresses and each our dead skins cells. My thought was, How do they get there in the first place? I read that the eyelash mites are spread by facial contact with those who have the bugs in their eyelashes. Nearly 96% of people do.
I am not trying to pretend to be someone I am not. I am being who I always was, but no one ever knew. Now they know. And now I know, too.
I am not a patient person at times. I wish for things to hurry up. I read books so quickly that when they are over I wonder why I read so fast instead of relishing the moments. But it is in the slowly down that the details can really be seen.
I was starved for affection. I knew I loved human contact, but was too scared for a long time to let anyone that close to me. I used to tell people I didn't like being touched so they could never reject my reach. I used to tell people that I didn't mind being alone all the time, but I would hope that someone would walk by and at least say hello. The Boy fills my needs in that department. There are many I love you's, many hugs, kisses, hand holding, and other verbal and physical sentiments that allow me not to lie anymore.
My mind works in mysterious ways. Today I was thinking about dust mites that live in our mattresses and each our dead skins cells. My thought was, How do they get there in the first place? I read that the eyelash mites are spread by facial contact with those who have the bugs in their eyelashes. Nearly 96% of people do.
I am not trying to pretend to be someone I am not. I am being who I always was, but no one ever knew. Now they know. And now I know, too.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Following
While we waited for the man to find a tire, we wandered around a bit looking at the old cars and thinking it was too bad that neither of us knew how to restore cars because there were some once beautiful cars that could be wonderful once more in the right hands.
When the man had asked if I wanted to go in the house to see the puppies, Eric saw me turn my head towards the living quarters. He later asked if I was actually thinking of going in and I said no, I was just wanting to be polite and show interest. I don't know if this is my Midwestern upbringing or an example of Minnesota nice, but it's a silly thought nonetheless (is that word hyphenated, I couldn't decide).
When the man finally found a tire that fit on our trailer, we paid him, and were oun our way to our free lawn mower it was well past ten o'clock. It was nearly eleven when we arrived at the house to pick it up. We easily pushed it on to the trailer, the man who gave it to us was very nice even at the late hour, and we were excited to see it was small and cute. We started on our way home. Things were swell once more.
Then, about an hour from home, another loud banging noise occurred. The other tire on the trailer blew. We were in the middle of no where, in the middle of the night, and this trailer was going no where. We pulled off the road onto a dirt road and followed that to another dirt drive. It led to a gravel pit and sand pile, which stated that no one should enter without some sort of training. We entered anyway and parked the trailer off to the side. We left it there with a note on the steering wheel saying we'd be back for it tomorrow.
Eric and his mom went back the next day after purchasing a new tire and retrieved our "free" lawn mower. Until yesterday, the mower sat at his parents' house untouched by his mechnic brother. Now, it's been moved to his brother's house where I am assume it is still untouched.
More Adventures to Come!
When the man had asked if I wanted to go in the house to see the puppies, Eric saw me turn my head towards the living quarters. He later asked if I was actually thinking of going in and I said no, I was just wanting to be polite and show interest. I don't know if this is my Midwestern upbringing or an example of Minnesota nice, but it's a silly thought nonetheless (is that word hyphenated, I couldn't decide).
When the man finally found a tire that fit on our trailer, we paid him, and were oun our way to our free lawn mower it was well past ten o'clock. It was nearly eleven when we arrived at the house to pick it up. We easily pushed it on to the trailer, the man who gave it to us was very nice even at the late hour, and we were excited to see it was small and cute. We started on our way home. Things were swell once more.
Then, about an hour from home, another loud banging noise occurred. The other tire on the trailer blew. We were in the middle of no where, in the middle of the night, and this trailer was going no where. We pulled off the road onto a dirt road and followed that to another dirt drive. It led to a gravel pit and sand pile, which stated that no one should enter without some sort of training. We entered anyway and parked the trailer off to the side. We left it there with a note on the steering wheel saying we'd be back for it tomorrow.
Eric and his mom went back the next day after purchasing a new tire and retrieved our "free" lawn mower. Until yesterday, the mower sat at his parents' house untouched by his mechnic brother. Now, it's been moved to his brother's house where I am assume it is still untouched.
More Adventures to Come!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Rolling on the River
Sometimes I get antsy and I want excitement in life. But then I remember in what forms excitement can come...
Eric and I went on a little journey one evening. We were going for two hour drive along the country side to pick up a free riding lawn mower. Now, that is correct. It is a free riding lawn mower so who wouldn't go pick it up. We didn't know if it worked or not, but free and fixing should be cheaper than new and working.
Along the way we chatted and life was swell. Then, a tire on the trailer we were pulling blew. I'd never experienced a blown tire before. The noise is incredible and the jerking of the car definitely grabs your attention away from the driving zone. We drove back to the nearest town, not even small enough to be called a hole in the wall. The only thing open in town was, of course, the bar. We called all over the area looking for places that were open and that had the tire size we needed in stock. No such luck.
But then Eureka! A man steps out of the bar and hears our dilemma. He tells us he lives in a junk yard and should have 40 tires like that, well at least 20, and when we finally are in the car with this man in greasy jeans and a dirty sweatshirt, the number dwindles to 15. We swing by the trailer, hitch it back up, and drive on the tire rim for about a mile. However, that mile took us deep into Deliverance country. Well, not quite but the backwoods of Minnesota, at the very least. And I do mean, the very, very back woods.
The man, whose name I never got, did indeed list in the middle of a junkyard. Rusted, half cars all around, a pile of rusty metal just waiting to give us Tetanus, a dead cat, and a trailer house with broken windows, dirty blinds. A place that conjured many visions of horror movies, a blonde girl in a baseball cap running in between the cars, hoping to find safety, only to fall down and find something awful under one of the cars.
The man goes off looking for a tire. He finds tires that are the wrong size. He tries to put them on. They do not fit. The man goes off looking for a tire. The man does not come back for an hour or more. It is getting dark. Eric tells me that he will lock me in the car when darkness hits.
The man tells me I can go into the house if I want to see the Rotweiller puppies. Not until much later, do I realize there is another man in the house. His voice suprises me when he answers the phone. The trailer was so quiet until his tenor voice carried out the broken window.
To be continued.
Eric and I went on a little journey one evening. We were going for two hour drive along the country side to pick up a free riding lawn mower. Now, that is correct. It is a free riding lawn mower so who wouldn't go pick it up. We didn't know if it worked or not, but free and fixing should be cheaper than new and working.
Along the way we chatted and life was swell. Then, a tire on the trailer we were pulling blew. I'd never experienced a blown tire before. The noise is incredible and the jerking of the car definitely grabs your attention away from the driving zone. We drove back to the nearest town, not even small enough to be called a hole in the wall. The only thing open in town was, of course, the bar. We called all over the area looking for places that were open and that had the tire size we needed in stock. No such luck.
But then Eureka! A man steps out of the bar and hears our dilemma. He tells us he lives in a junk yard and should have 40 tires like that, well at least 20, and when we finally are in the car with this man in greasy jeans and a dirty sweatshirt, the number dwindles to 15. We swing by the trailer, hitch it back up, and drive on the tire rim for about a mile. However, that mile took us deep into Deliverance country. Well, not quite but the backwoods of Minnesota, at the very least. And I do mean, the very, very back woods.
The man, whose name I never got, did indeed list in the middle of a junkyard. Rusted, half cars all around, a pile of rusty metal just waiting to give us Tetanus, a dead cat, and a trailer house with broken windows, dirty blinds. A place that conjured many visions of horror movies, a blonde girl in a baseball cap running in between the cars, hoping to find safety, only to fall down and find something awful under one of the cars.
The man goes off looking for a tire. He finds tires that are the wrong size. He tries to put them on. They do not fit. The man goes off looking for a tire. The man does not come back for an hour or more. It is getting dark. Eric tells me that he will lock me in the car when darkness hits.
The man tells me I can go into the house if I want to see the Rotweiller puppies. Not until much later, do I realize there is another man in the house. His voice suprises me when he answers the phone. The trailer was so quiet until his tenor voice carried out the broken window.
To be continued.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Time melts
Ah, hello good blogger folks.
The world has been spinning with greater speed lately on my spot on the world. I swear I was almost flung off this earth once already when the spinning seemed so fast that I didn't know it would ever stop.
Stop it did. Well, the car stopped. The car wasn't spinning, but the alternator died. Eric and I were in Minneapolis which is where he "doctors" (according to my grandma's vernacular) concerning his weight loss surgery. We had two appointments on Friday, but in order to make those appointments we had to rent a car, drive his dying car to the airport, pick up the rental car, make sure his car made it to the mechanic, and then get to his appointments, which we did. We were just an hour late for the first one, oops.
We picked up his car later that afternoon, dropped off the rental car, and pulled over to a park to play with the GPS unit we had borrowed. The car died again. This time it could not be coaxed to life. We called AAA who kindly picked us up, found a mechanic that was open past 5 o'clock on a Friday, and were just generally helpful. So, the car was fixed once more and for the day we were nearly 800 dollars poorer.
Another piece of what you could call machinery was seemingly on the fritz for about two weeks. Eric was experience bouts of dizziness, ligh-headedness, shortness of breath, and weakness. The doctor discovered he had an enlarged heart and after a number of test found out that there is nothing physically wrong with his heart. It is englarged due to his size, but when he exercising it makes him dizzy but he has to lose weight in order to have his weight loss surgery, but... viscious circle.
Our elder puppy, Hurley, is simply the devil. She has taken to tearing up and eating the linoleum in our kitchen, she has chewed on the handles of two of our good knives, she has ruined two dog beds, just last night she chewed through her harness (which I don't even want to know how she put herself into that pretzel position to do what she did), she's chewed a book, eaten plastic bags, etc. She's the devil but she's cute. Alas, I think I'll have to keep her. I just need new kitchen flooring. Anyone want to spring for it?
The world has been spinning with greater speed lately on my spot on the world. I swear I was almost flung off this earth once already when the spinning seemed so fast that I didn't know it would ever stop.
Stop it did. Well, the car stopped. The car wasn't spinning, but the alternator died. Eric and I were in Minneapolis which is where he "doctors" (according to my grandma's vernacular) concerning his weight loss surgery. We had two appointments on Friday, but in order to make those appointments we had to rent a car, drive his dying car to the airport, pick up the rental car, make sure his car made it to the mechanic, and then get to his appointments, which we did. We were just an hour late for the first one, oops.
We picked up his car later that afternoon, dropped off the rental car, and pulled over to a park to play with the GPS unit we had borrowed. The car died again. This time it could not be coaxed to life. We called AAA who kindly picked us up, found a mechanic that was open past 5 o'clock on a Friday, and were just generally helpful. So, the car was fixed once more and for the day we were nearly 800 dollars poorer.
Another piece of what you could call machinery was seemingly on the fritz for about two weeks. Eric was experience bouts of dizziness, ligh-headedness, shortness of breath, and weakness. The doctor discovered he had an enlarged heart and after a number of test found out that there is nothing physically wrong with his heart. It is englarged due to his size, but when he exercising it makes him dizzy but he has to lose weight in order to have his weight loss surgery, but... viscious circle.
Our elder puppy, Hurley, is simply the devil. She has taken to tearing up and eating the linoleum in our kitchen, she has chewed on the handles of two of our good knives, she has ruined two dog beds, just last night she chewed through her harness (which I don't even want to know how she put herself into that pretzel position to do what she did), she's chewed a book, eaten plastic bags, etc. She's the devil but she's cute. Alas, I think I'll have to keep her. I just need new kitchen flooring. Anyone want to spring for it?
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Spinning Jenny
Where I live, the snow has finally melted. What is left behind is a dirty, mucky mess topped with dried half-rotted leaves, and garbage blown by the fierce prairie winds that never seem to cease. I too, some days, feel as though I never seem to cease blowing around, being torn in one direction after another.
At work, we were moved back to our old job duties for two weeks and I did not enjoy this step. Thankfully, once they were all caught up, our team was able to return to our normal job duties. This was a welcomed return.
Second, We are torn between food, fuel, and medicine. This economy is cutting us thin, shaving our happy temperments into shreds. The commute is eating our money, the heating oil is eating our money, and we are eating our money. Perhaps someone should be tell those hungry monsters that it's time to stop chomping on the American people. If the Republican government had a backbone or a conscience, they would impose a cap on fuel prices, tax the oil companies for any profits over a certain amount, or something. But no, they stand idly by because they are making more money than ever-records profits for the past few years while the rest of America is falling into record debt.
I read an article about how someone blamed Americans for living beyond their means. I understand this and I agree to some extent. Some people bought houses too big and too expensive for their needs. They wanted the high end life on a middle priced budget. But I think we are living reasonably. I have a seven year old car, and I don't have a remote starter, I don't have power windows or power locks. My boyfriend has a ten years old truck because it's for his business and it's what he fits in. We bought an inexpensive house and skipped buying the stainless steel appliances insteading choosing the cheaper white ones. We have two small puppies who do not wear designer collars or have excess frills. We don't go to the movies, we don't have the internet, we don't have big screen tv's, we don't wear brand name clothing except for tennis shoes, we don't go on vacations, we don't do so many things and still we cannot make it.
It's a struggle month to month. And there is no reason for this except to line some oil man's pockets. I don't understand why cars in America don't have the same fuel efficiency that Europe's cars have had for decades, why we don't have all hybrid cars, why they aren't building more wind farms, solar energy cells, why the government isn't helping us tighten our belts like Jimmy Carter did in the 1970's by putting on a sweater and turning down the heat.
So far, they are just turning up the global warming heat and the heat on America's paychecks which are burning through faster and faster. I do not approve of this message.
At work, we were moved back to our old job duties for two weeks and I did not enjoy this step. Thankfully, once they were all caught up, our team was able to return to our normal job duties. This was a welcomed return.
Second, We are torn between food, fuel, and medicine. This economy is cutting us thin, shaving our happy temperments into shreds. The commute is eating our money, the heating oil is eating our money, and we are eating our money. Perhaps someone should be tell those hungry monsters that it's time to stop chomping on the American people. If the Republican government had a backbone or a conscience, they would impose a cap on fuel prices, tax the oil companies for any profits over a certain amount, or something. But no, they stand idly by because they are making more money than ever-records profits for the past few years while the rest of America is falling into record debt.
I read an article about how someone blamed Americans for living beyond their means. I understand this and I agree to some extent. Some people bought houses too big and too expensive for their needs. They wanted the high end life on a middle priced budget. But I think we are living reasonably. I have a seven year old car, and I don't have a remote starter, I don't have power windows or power locks. My boyfriend has a ten years old truck because it's for his business and it's what he fits in. We bought an inexpensive house and skipped buying the stainless steel appliances insteading choosing the cheaper white ones. We have two small puppies who do not wear designer collars or have excess frills. We don't go to the movies, we don't have the internet, we don't have big screen tv's, we don't wear brand name clothing except for tennis shoes, we don't go on vacations, we don't do so many things and still we cannot make it.
It's a struggle month to month. And there is no reason for this except to line some oil man's pockets. I don't understand why cars in America don't have the same fuel efficiency that Europe's cars have had for decades, why we don't have all hybrid cars, why they aren't building more wind farms, solar energy cells, why the government isn't helping us tighten our belts like Jimmy Carter did in the 1970's by putting on a sweater and turning down the heat.
So far, they are just turning up the global warming heat and the heat on America's paychecks which are burning through faster and faster. I do not approve of this message.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Time and Again
Hey all in Blogger world!
So much to tell, so little space to tell it...
Maybe.
We have another addition to our family. His name is Norris. He is a pure bred Chihuahua raised by The Boy's mom. Norris was part of the last batch of puppies The Boy's mom was having. He weighs a whole four pounds and has lots of fun with his sister Hurley. Though, Hurley does get a little too rough sometimes for such a little guy. He was the only puppy without a home, so The Boy and I adopted him. I think he's good for Hurley who is quite hyperactive. Norris is named after Chuck Norris. After all, a four pound dog needs a tough name.
We now have a full house and are enjoying the puppies quite a bit. My parents met their Grand-Puppies a couple of weekends ago and loved them.
A funny story to tell about them....
The Boy and I enjoyed the wonderful weather outside yesterday. We grilled, took down the storm windows, put up the screens, watched the puppies frolic in the yard, and sat in the sun. Whlie sitting there watching the puppies, I noticed Norris who was not on a leash wander off to the side of the house. When he came back to where I could see him, he had something in his mouth. Norris must have thought it a real treasure since he pranced in front of a leashed Hurley just like a prince flaunting his new pony, just out of her reach. However, Norris's "I have something great and you don't" attitude was too much for him to handle. He had to show it off to Hurley, who promptly stole it from him once Norris was in Hurley's reach. Curiosity finally got the best of me and I went over to where they were playing. The object of their affection and admiration was a turb, yes one of Hurley's dried up winter turds.
I took it away from them and they were no longer the royalty of refuse, they went back to being their old selves.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Welcome to the Family
Meet Hurley, our new dog. She is a half beagle, half rat terrier cross. She's a cutie and she's already made her way deep into our hearts after only a week of being with us. If Hurley doesn't like us, it's too bad. We love her and she's stuck with us!
Monday, February 18, 2008
It's Chocolate Chip
I am a slacker.
However, folks. I have come up with a plan. I shall type my entries into word at home, then pop into the library and post a few at a time. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep up and catch up with you all.
I miss blogging quite terribly, and I realize how spot on it feels to do it. I feel so freed and invigorated. Not that I usually have anything to blog about. :o) Let's see what's been happening in the past few weeks, or has it been months?
It's been absolutely cold. So frigid that when I have to fill gas, I swear my face falls off. One day someone from out of state asked why I was pumping my own gas. I giggled and smiled, then though... ah, you haven't been here in the winter. NO ONE would want the job of pumping gas in the winter. No one. It's much too cold for that. I mean, come on, I am now faceless. :)
Let's see... my brother is making great leaps and bounds in this world. He's trying new meds, trying therapy, trying regular college, it's amazing. I am so proud and so happy he'd had the chance to experience what such a life can be like.
The Boy and I have puppy fever. We're on hold with this though since were not sure if his mom will give us one of the new puppies or not. I'd just like to know for once and all, to see if we should be loooking elsewhere. But I have been looking online and I am quite enamored with all the lovely dogs I see. So cute!
I broke a fingernail this morning trying to open my frozen car door and it didn't entirely gross me out. This is new. I got a haircut last week and I like it. I think it makes me look like a mature 12 year old, which is an improvement.
I hate the keyboard I am typing on. It has one of those little backspace keys and it's throwing me all off. Not to mention, I use one of the ergonomic keyboards at work and this keyboard is from the dark ages of computers.
I want to talk about trying right now. Not as in "these are trying times," but as in I'll give it a go. I met a man and emailed his wife about how impressed I am that they are giving something a go. This couple has eight biological children, why I don't know. His wife came from a family of 15 and he came from a large family, but not quite that massive. So, they wanted lots of kids to fill the house and recently they agreed to take on two foster kids. They receive no help from the government for their own kids nor will they get any for the two new kids. They will have these kisd for at least six months and may wind up with them forever as their single-parent mom was shipped off to Iraq. Before the mother left, things weren't going very well for her in the first place. However, now they have a happy albiet full home. The only problem is that they are lacking in clothing for the 9 month old girl since she came to them with few items. I did my best to give it a try and round up some items. Between my mother and I we purchased four shirts and two pairs of pants for the girl, and four shirt for the boy. I am ashamed that for all my trying, that is all I received.
However, I see them as an inspiration to give it a go and try something you want, something you know you can make better, make happier.
For now, I want to make a rescued dog better. I'm not read for children yet as I am so much of a child myself.
I still cry when someone else gets the last cookie. Speaking of.... where is my cookie?
However, folks. I have come up with a plan. I shall type my entries into word at home, then pop into the library and post a few at a time. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep up and catch up with you all.
I miss blogging quite terribly, and I realize how spot on it feels to do it. I feel so freed and invigorated. Not that I usually have anything to blog about. :o) Let's see what's been happening in the past few weeks, or has it been months?
It's been absolutely cold. So frigid that when I have to fill gas, I swear my face falls off. One day someone from out of state asked why I was pumping my own gas. I giggled and smiled, then though... ah, you haven't been here in the winter. NO ONE would want the job of pumping gas in the winter. No one. It's much too cold for that. I mean, come on, I am now faceless. :)
Let's see... my brother is making great leaps and bounds in this world. He's trying new meds, trying therapy, trying regular college, it's amazing. I am so proud and so happy he'd had the chance to experience what such a life can be like.
The Boy and I have puppy fever. We're on hold with this though since were not sure if his mom will give us one of the new puppies or not. I'd just like to know for once and all, to see if we should be loooking elsewhere. But I have been looking online and I am quite enamored with all the lovely dogs I see. So cute!
I broke a fingernail this morning trying to open my frozen car door and it didn't entirely gross me out. This is new. I got a haircut last week and I like it. I think it makes me look like a mature 12 year old, which is an improvement.
I hate the keyboard I am typing on. It has one of those little backspace keys and it's throwing me all off. Not to mention, I use one of the ergonomic keyboards at work and this keyboard is from the dark ages of computers.
I want to talk about trying right now. Not as in "these are trying times," but as in I'll give it a go. I met a man and emailed his wife about how impressed I am that they are giving something a go. This couple has eight biological children, why I don't know. His wife came from a family of 15 and he came from a large family, but not quite that massive. So, they wanted lots of kids to fill the house and recently they agreed to take on two foster kids. They receive no help from the government for their own kids nor will they get any for the two new kids. They will have these kisd for at least six months and may wind up with them forever as their single-parent mom was shipped off to Iraq. Before the mother left, things weren't going very well for her in the first place. However, now they have a happy albiet full home. The only problem is that they are lacking in clothing for the 9 month old girl since she came to them with few items. I did my best to give it a try and round up some items. Between my mother and I we purchased four shirts and two pairs of pants for the girl, and four shirt for the boy. I am ashamed that for all my trying, that is all I received.
However, I see them as an inspiration to give it a go and try something you want, something you know you can make better, make happier.
For now, I want to make a rescued dog better. I'm not read for children yet as I am so much of a child myself.
I still cry when someone else gets the last cookie. Speaking of.... where is my cookie?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)