Well, I've only been back to work for two days, but all my pampering and all the sweet lovin's I got from the kiddos seem worlds away. I'm already ready for another vacation!
The good news is, I had a friend start working for me on Monday, and I have another new coworker that starts next Monday. Both of them will help take some of my overwhelming workload.
Until they get up to speed, I'm battling my ever-growing email Inbox. I like to keep it under 100 unread. When I'm doing really well, I can keep it under 20 unread. Since yesterday, I can't seem to get it under 200 unread! The problem is, they keep coming in!!!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Rejuvenation
Today began my rejuvenation process. I awoke to little voices, got some hugs before they left for school, took a walk with the dog, then drove to Jenn's veterinary clinic. I got to watch a couple of minor procedures, and then we had lunch. In the afternoon, I had a manicure and pedicure at a spa Jenn recommended.
While a manicure and pedicure are normal routine for some, I can count on one hand how many times I've had either. I haven't always had good nails, due to a irresistible habit of picking at them, and my toenails aren't the type that will be featured in fashion magazines. But, I thought it would be good for relaxation.
I realized as I was there, having someone else very carefully taking care of me, that I have a difficult time letting someone else do things for me. It's one thing if I'm paying them (like today), but I even feel guilty when Steve does something for me/us. I have this overwhelming feeling of responsibility. I think this is something I need to let go of.
While a manicure and pedicure are normal routine for some, I can count on one hand how many times I've had either. I haven't always had good nails, due to a irresistible habit of picking at them, and my toenails aren't the type that will be featured in fashion magazines. But, I thought it would be good for relaxation.
I realized as I was there, having someone else very carefully taking care of me, that I have a difficult time letting someone else do things for me. It's one thing if I'm paying them (like today), but I even feel guilty when Steve does something for me/us. I have this overwhelming feeling of responsibility. I think this is something I need to let go of.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Nothing Left
Sorry my blog has been "anemic." I'm burned out, worn out, fed up, tuckered out. An incredibly hectic workload has just left me with no energy or creativity.
As one of my friends reminded me, if you're in an airplane, and the oxygen masks drop from the ceiling compartment, you have to put one on yourself first before helping others. If you don't take care of yourself, you'll have nothing to give to others.
So, I've taken a few days off from work and come to my big sis, Jenn. I've already gotten lots of hugs and lovings from Anna and Colin, and we just got back from a walk around the neighborhood and to the park where I got the honor of carrying Colin. :-)
As one of my friends reminded me, if you're in an airplane, and the oxygen masks drop from the ceiling compartment, you have to put one on yourself first before helping others. If you don't take care of yourself, you'll have nothing to give to others.
So, I've taken a few days off from work and come to my big sis, Jenn. I've already gotten lots of hugs and lovings from Anna and Colin, and we just got back from a walk around the neighborhood and to the park where I got the honor of carrying Colin. :-)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Compromised
I learned today that my debit card number was stolen. I got a call from Nordstrom's to confirm that the online order they had received for a $500 gift card was in fact valid. Thank God they called!
Of course, I immediately cancelled my card and alerted my bank. Add my name to the long list of those whose identity has been stolen...
(Sorry, I guess in my haste and frustration, I misspelled "compromise." It's now fixed.)
Of course, I immediately cancelled my card and alerted my bank. Add my name to the long list of those whose identity has been stolen...
(Sorry, I guess in my haste and frustration, I misspelled "compromise." It's now fixed.)
Friday, February 09, 2007
Appearances Do Count for Something
I always try not to "judge a book by its cover" (or a wine by its label, for that matter), but I do think appearances are important and can influence how others perceive you.
For example, when I got a grant for a date-rape prevention program that I presented to high school students while I was in college, one of the exercises I went through was to show the kids (girls and guys) different photos I had pulled from current magazines and catalogs. I asked them to call out what they thought about each one.
The girls were shocked when the guys said, "she's asking for it!" when they would respond, "oh, she's very fashionable." My point wasn't to say either was right or wrong -- I wanted each of them to realize that the opposite sex doesn't think the same way as they do about clothing. (I also emphasized that no matter what someone was wearing, rape was not an appropriate response.)
Another of my extra-curricular activities while I was at college was to participate in the university's pageant. It ended up not being successful for me, but I did learn some valuable tips from the organizers about paying special attention to your appearance especially while interviewing.
So, jump to now, when I work in an agency that often presents to various clients. I greatly respect the people I work with and have often remarked on the collective brain power of the employees here. But I was shocked at the appearance of one of my colleagues yesterday who was leading an in-person client meeting. The senior-level individual has never been what one would call "polished," but yesterday was particularly bad, including shoes that DESPERATELY needed a polishing (or at least a Sharpie!), no makeup (which could greatly reduce the general redness and can provide some definition to eyes and lips), broken buttons on the jacket (I know she can afford a needle and thread, or a new jacket!), and long unkempt hair that desperately needs coloring to hide the several inches of roots. She could definitely benefit from one of those stylist shows, like What Not to Wear.
For example, when I got a grant for a date-rape prevention program that I presented to high school students while I was in college, one of the exercises I went through was to show the kids (girls and guys) different photos I had pulled from current magazines and catalogs. I asked them to call out what they thought about each one.
The girls were shocked when the guys said, "she's asking for it!" when they would respond, "oh, she's very fashionable." My point wasn't to say either was right or wrong -- I wanted each of them to realize that the opposite sex doesn't think the same way as they do about clothing. (I also emphasized that no matter what someone was wearing, rape was not an appropriate response.)
Another of my extra-curricular activities while I was at college was to participate in the university's pageant. It ended up not being successful for me, but I did learn some valuable tips from the organizers about paying special attention to your appearance especially while interviewing.
So, jump to now, when I work in an agency that often presents to various clients. I greatly respect the people I work with and have often remarked on the collective brain power of the employees here. But I was shocked at the appearance of one of my colleagues yesterday who was leading an in-person client meeting. The senior-level individual has never been what one would call "polished," but yesterday was particularly bad, including shoes that DESPERATELY needed a polishing (or at least a Sharpie!), no makeup (which could greatly reduce the general redness and can provide some definition to eyes and lips), broken buttons on the jacket (I know she can afford a needle and thread, or a new jacket!), and long unkempt hair that desperately needs coloring to hide the several inches of roots. She could definitely benefit from one of those stylist shows, like What Not to Wear.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
A Long Time Coming...
I should have posted this weeks ago, but it's still funny.
My mom is a petite woman - about 5'2" - and she and I joke that as she gets older and shrinks, I will eventually be able to carry her around in my pocket.
Maybe she's getting there: this video shows her three-year-old granddaughter Paige pedalling Nana on her two seater tricycle (one of Paige & Graham's Christmas gifts).
My mom is a petite woman - about 5'2" - and she and I joke that as she gets older and shrinks, I will eventually be able to carry her around in my pocket.
Maybe she's getting there: this video shows her three-year-old granddaughter Paige pedalling Nana on her two seater tricycle (one of Paige & Graham's Christmas gifts).
Sunday, February 04, 2007
A Good Weekend
Not sure yet if it's a temporary reprieve or not, but Steve has felt better this weekend than he has in the month since this mysterious condition began. The only two things we can attribute it to are time and possibly the clot-dissolving medicine he was given in the hospital.
Each of our friends with doctors in the family have been asking questions for us. Steve's friend from the Netherlands that recently came into town asked his stepfather about Steve's symptoms. He suggested it might be neurotoxicity from the sushi. If so, time will allow his body to detox and get back to normal.
One of the blood tests they ran in the hospital showed a slight elevation indicating there might be a clot in his lungs, although they saw nothing on the chest scan. As a precaution, they gave him two injections in his stomach (ouch) of a clot-dissolving medicine. If he did have a clot, that medicine might be the reason he's feeling better. Or, it may be due to all the positive thoughts and prayers everyone has been sending. Whatever the cause, we are thankful for the reprieve!
On Saturday, we went to the Body Worlds exhibit in downtown Dallas. It's fascinating. The exhibition displays human bodies that have been preserved by plastination. Almost all the bodies don't have skin, so you can view the muscles and organs. They are beautiful and intriguing, not at all grotesque or disturbing. Different poses show the abilities of the muscles, bones, vessels and nerves. I would highly recommend to anyone to go see the exhibit if it comes near you.
Today, we did our usual housework and then watched the Superbowl with our friends Cris and Joyce.
Each of our friends with doctors in the family have been asking questions for us. Steve's friend from the Netherlands that recently came into town asked his stepfather about Steve's symptoms. He suggested it might be neurotoxicity from the sushi. If so, time will allow his body to detox and get back to normal.
One of the blood tests they ran in the hospital showed a slight elevation indicating there might be a clot in his lungs, although they saw nothing on the chest scan. As a precaution, they gave him two injections in his stomach (ouch) of a clot-dissolving medicine. If he did have a clot, that medicine might be the reason he's feeling better. Or, it may be due to all the positive thoughts and prayers everyone has been sending. Whatever the cause, we are thankful for the reprieve!
On Saturday, we went to the Body Worlds exhibit in downtown Dallas. It's fascinating. The exhibition displays human bodies that have been preserved by plastination. Almost all the bodies don't have skin, so you can view the muscles and organs. They are beautiful and intriguing, not at all grotesque or disturbing. Different poses show the abilities of the muscles, bones, vessels and nerves. I would highly recommend to anyone to go see the exhibit if it comes near you.
Today, we did our usual housework and then watched the Superbowl with our friends Cris and Joyce.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Well, they're discharging Steve from the hospital. The stress test and CT scan of his chest showed no blockages or heart trouble. The doctor explained this hospital pretty much only deals with emergency or cardiac care, so there's not much more they can do for us.
I made a follow-up appointment with his neurologist for Monday morning. Maybe she can tell us more.
My sister Jenn called and suggested we go to the Mayo Clinic. I'm looking into it. We just need an answer. Steve continues to describe his overall feeling as "like a train has hit me."
So we're going home to make a nice fire and just relax.
I made a follow-up appointment with his neurologist for Monday morning. Maybe she can tell us more.
My sister Jenn called and suggested we go to the Mayo Clinic. I'm looking into it. We just need an answer. Steve continues to describe his overall feeling as "like a train has hit me."
So we're going home to make a nice fire and just relax.
Guess what we did last night? Back to the hospital...
Steve was having crushing chest pain and shortness of breath -- classic signs of a heart attack -- so we went back to the emergency room. They decided to admit him to the hospital for additional tests.
So far, everything heart-related is looking good. (Whew.) But I hope they continue to run tests and figure out once and for all what is going on. It's difficult to maintain this level of anxiety. We are both exhausted and frustrated, just wanting an answer.
I was pleased to see I can connect to the internet here at the hospital, so I'll post if anything happens.
Steve was having crushing chest pain and shortness of breath -- classic signs of a heart attack -- so we went back to the emergency room. They decided to admit him to the hospital for additional tests.
So far, everything heart-related is looking good. (Whew.) But I hope they continue to run tests and figure out once and for all what is going on. It's difficult to maintain this level of anxiety. We are both exhausted and frustrated, just wanting an answer.
I was pleased to see I can connect to the internet here at the hospital, so I'll post if anything happens.
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