I had a regular dental cleaning appointment this afternoon. I haven't had any major problems, but I did mention I've had periodic sensitivity in the top left teeth. Nothing overwhelming. I figured it was a small cavity.
"Which one? Second from the back or third from the back?"
I'm not sure. Can't really specify.
"Oh...it looks like you have a hairline crack across both of those teeth."
WHAT?!?
Oh yes, since I clench and grind my teeth at night, I have created two new cracked teeth. (My first cracked tooth resulted in my first crown earlier this year.)
And it gets better! Since the other crown was also in this calendar year, I'm nearing the end of what my insurance will cover. I have to pay an additional $2000 out of pocket for these lovely crowns.
"The sooner you get this done, the better."
How soon is soon?
"Tomorrow wouldn't be a bad idea. If you wait, they may crack deeper, requiring root canals. The deeper the divide goes, you may not even be able to save the tooth with a root canal and that would require extraction."
I am too young to have a partial! I have an appointment tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. And I am NOT a morning person.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
Happy Monday
I called my mom this morning to wish her a happy birthday. She and my dad are in Niagra Falls, and she sounded so happy. She had told my dad she wanted to go to either Niagra or the Grand Canyon, and about a month ago, it didn't look like either one was going to work out. Fortunately, it did, and they are enjoying the Falls and their time together.
Birthdays are a great time to reflect how much someone means to you. My mom is such a special person to her family and friends. She's an organizer, from making lists to getting people together. She's incredibly loyal to her family. Her sweet demeanor and polished appearance hide a lioness ready to protect those she loves. She's an incredibly hard worker. I've seen her not only at home but also in an office situation, and she's well respected for her diligence and persistence.
And she's a Baby Boomer. She was conceived after her dad came home from WWII, and I think they must have been delighted with this petite, darling, blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby girl after their firstborn was a beautiful son. Now, she definitely fits the description of Boomers that state "60 is the new 40."
Happy Birthday, Momma.
Birthdays are a great time to reflect how much someone means to you. My mom is such a special person to her family and friends. She's an organizer, from making lists to getting people together. She's incredibly loyal to her family. Her sweet demeanor and polished appearance hide a lioness ready to protect those she loves. She's an incredibly hard worker. I've seen her not only at home but also in an office situation, and she's well respected for her diligence and persistence.
And she's a Baby Boomer. She was conceived after her dad came home from WWII, and I think they must have been delighted with this petite, darling, blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby girl after their firstborn was a beautiful son. Now, she definitely fits the description of Boomers that state "60 is the new 40."
Happy Birthday, Momma.
Friday, October 13, 2006
A Noise in the Night
Texas has a lot of pests. Mosquitos are one of my least favorite.
One night, shortly after we had turned out the lights to go to sleep, both Steve and I heard the telltale whining noise of a mosquito buzzing around our heads. Steve said, "It's a mosquito! Quick, turn on the light!" I did, and he successfully killed it. I was so relieved. I don't think I could have easily fell asleep waiting for that bug to feed on my blood and leave a whelp.
Sometimes, Steve wakes up in the middle of the night for an hour or two. He gets up and watches TV in the living room. He did this a few weeks ago, and as he was lying on the couch, he heard a loud whining, buzzing noise. It was louder than the one we had heard before. This thing must be massive! He turned off the volume on the TV in order to locate the bugger.
Last month, we celebrated my cat Sabrina's 13th birthday. For her special day each year, she gets wet cat food and a catnip toy. This year, I also splurged on an electronic litter box. Fifteen minutes after the cat leaves the box, a metalic rake combs the litter and moves any waste into a receptacle. It also rakes once every three hours.
As you've probably figured out, the noise Steve heard that night, his "massive mosquito," was Sabrina's new litter box!
One night, shortly after we had turned out the lights to go to sleep, both Steve and I heard the telltale whining noise of a mosquito buzzing around our heads. Steve said, "It's a mosquito! Quick, turn on the light!" I did, and he successfully killed it. I was so relieved. I don't think I could have easily fell asleep waiting for that bug to feed on my blood and leave a whelp.
Sometimes, Steve wakes up in the middle of the night for an hour or two. He gets up and watches TV in the living room. He did this a few weeks ago, and as he was lying on the couch, he heard a loud whining, buzzing noise. It was louder than the one we had heard before. This thing must be massive! He turned off the volume on the TV in order to locate the bugger.
Last month, we celebrated my cat Sabrina's 13th birthday. For her special day each year, she gets wet cat food and a catnip toy. This year, I also splurged on an electronic litter box. Fifteen minutes after the cat leaves the box, a metalic rake combs the litter and moves any waste into a receptacle. It also rakes once every three hours.
As you've probably figured out, the noise Steve heard that night, his "massive mosquito," was Sabrina's new litter box!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Flipping a House
All last week, Steve has been in Virginia working on his rental house. I joined him last weekend to finish it up. It's amazing how much work he got done in a little over a week, and it's horrifying to see how much filth and damage the tenants had created.
We expected to paint and clean. Steve was even aware of the garage door which had been accidentally smashed by the tenant and needed replacing. But what we weren't prepared for was the overwhelming stench of cat urine in every room.
Although according to the lease agreement pets were not allowed, the former tenant let his cat use the house as his large personal litter box. That smell is so rank! Steve had professional carpet cleaners do their best, and while it lessened the odor, it was still noticeable. So he pulled out all the carpet and used Kilz to seal all the floors. New carpet has been ordered and should be installed in the next two weeks.
We also found that they must have had a small fire. There was smoke damage in the master bedroom and the adjoining hallway, and we found a spent fire extinguisher.
Then there was the filth. It appeared to me that these people had shook up soda cans and allowed them to spray on the walls and doors. The cobwebs in the corners of the ceilings were so laden with dust even the spiders had moved out. Everything was just disgustingly dirty, so it was amazing to see the transformation when we were finished.
Fortunately, Steve had help from his neighbor, who offered all his tools, and his dad, who can fix anything. They replaced faucets, fixed leaky sinks and toilets and did other repair jobs. We are also SO grateful that he already found new tenants! It's the sheriff's son, who is a policeman, and his fiance, who is an EMT. They are so excited about the house, they offered to help us clean and paint! We are hopeful that they will take better care of the place, and they promised to treat it as their own.
Steve and I often watch TV shows about flipping houses. Now, we know we could do it.
We expected to paint and clean. Steve was even aware of the garage door which had been accidentally smashed by the tenant and needed replacing. But what we weren't prepared for was the overwhelming stench of cat urine in every room.
Although according to the lease agreement pets were not allowed, the former tenant let his cat use the house as his large personal litter box. That smell is so rank! Steve had professional carpet cleaners do their best, and while it lessened the odor, it was still noticeable. So he pulled out all the carpet and used Kilz to seal all the floors. New carpet has been ordered and should be installed in the next two weeks.
We also found that they must have had a small fire. There was smoke damage in the master bedroom and the adjoining hallway, and we found a spent fire extinguisher.
Then there was the filth. It appeared to me that these people had shook up soda cans and allowed them to spray on the walls and doors. The cobwebs in the corners of the ceilings were so laden with dust even the spiders had moved out. Everything was just disgustingly dirty, so it was amazing to see the transformation when we were finished.
Fortunately, Steve had help from his neighbor, who offered all his tools, and his dad, who can fix anything. They replaced faucets, fixed leaky sinks and toilets and did other repair jobs. We are also SO grateful that he already found new tenants! It's the sheriff's son, who is a policeman, and his fiance, who is an EMT. They are so excited about the house, they offered to help us clean and paint! We are hopeful that they will take better care of the place, and they promised to treat it as their own.
Steve and I often watch TV shows about flipping houses. Now, we know we could do it.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Amazing Devastation and Hope
One of my friends (and a fellow coworker) suffered a tremendous loss a little more than a week ago. She and her husband awoke in the middle of the night to a raging house fire. It completely destroyed their home and most of their possessions, including her car. Fortunately, both her and her husband were able to get out safely with their two dogs and cat.
On Saturday, several additional coworkers and I went over to the demolished house to help her clean up. Thankfully, she had renter's insurance, and they already made plans to buy a house (which they've now closed on). But the loss of so many things makes you ponder. She lost all her clothes, Christmas decorations, antique family lamps, mementos from trips, including their honeymoon...
It was strange to see how some things were left unscathed. She was grateful that the fire skipped their office, where all their photos and documentation were kept. And all the electronic equipment in that room was also not touched by the fire, but it was ruined by the water.
Our clean-up on Saturday was to remove and take to the dump any and all personal items. The house will likely be torn down, but the insurance company requires that all of their items be removed. We rifled through roofing material mixed in with the ashes to throw away burned and soaked clothing and tossed furniture out of the second story window. There were at least 14 people there, and we got the job done in about two hours.
My friend's attitude is what really amazes me. She's such an optimistic person, and she has approached this just like anything else. She just doesn't dwell on the losses, and honestly says she's grateful they and "their babies" got out safely with a smile on her face.
She gave me a tour of the destruction, including her grill, which was melted down to a twisted mass of metal due to the intense heat of the fire. I'm thankful I've never had to experience something like that. If I ever do, I hope I can meet the challenge with the enthusiasm and optimism that she does.
Today, just to be on the safe side, I bought a fire-safe security chest for our important documents.
On Saturday, several additional coworkers and I went over to the demolished house to help her clean up. Thankfully, she had renter's insurance, and they already made plans to buy a house (which they've now closed on). But the loss of so many things makes you ponder. She lost all her clothes, Christmas decorations, antique family lamps, mementos from trips, including their honeymoon...
It was strange to see how some things were left unscathed. She was grateful that the fire skipped their office, where all their photos and documentation were kept. And all the electronic equipment in that room was also not touched by the fire, but it was ruined by the water.
Our clean-up on Saturday was to remove and take to the dump any and all personal items. The house will likely be torn down, but the insurance company requires that all of their items be removed. We rifled through roofing material mixed in with the ashes to throw away burned and soaked clothing and tossed furniture out of the second story window. There were at least 14 people there, and we got the job done in about two hours.
My friend's attitude is what really amazes me. She's such an optimistic person, and she has approached this just like anything else. She just doesn't dwell on the losses, and honestly says she's grateful they and "their babies" got out safely with a smile on her face.
She gave me a tour of the destruction, including her grill, which was melted down to a twisted mass of metal due to the intense heat of the fire. I'm thankful I've never had to experience something like that. If I ever do, I hope I can meet the challenge with the enthusiasm and optimism that she does.
Today, just to be on the safe side, I bought a fire-safe security chest for our important documents.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Regretful
While I was watching Jenn's kids, I made one horrible mistake. One evening, as we were sitting down to dinner and trying to get the kids away from the TV, the dog (Francesca) was chasing the cat, Claudio. Claudio escapes by jumping on the kitchen chairs and table, and there was a lot of chaos going on around that table. I asked my mom to open the door to the backyard to let the cat out, so he could have a respite from the dog.
That was Saturday night. Claudio hasn't come home still.
I feel awful. Claudio is a great cat, and I really enjoyed loving on him. I know Jenn loves him so.
I'm so sorry, Jenn. I wish I could undo that decision.
That was Saturday night. Claudio hasn't come home still.
I feel awful. Claudio is a great cat, and I really enjoyed loving on him. I know Jenn loves him so.
I'm so sorry, Jenn. I wish I could undo that decision.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Playing "Mom"
Last time I visited Anna and Colin, Colin kept mistakenly calling me "Jessica" -- his favorite babysitter's name. This time, he called me "mom" more than once, but I know I can't quite fill those shoes.
I don't know how Jenn does it all. I took two days off work, so I only had to focus on the very busy routine of raising a 3 and 5-year-old. She works, too!
Mornings are a little hectic. While Colin springs from bed ready to greet the world, Anna wakes more slowly. And Colin doesn't want to get dressed or eat breakfast, he wants to play or watch TV -- neither of which are in the tight schedule. Friday morning was a little crazy, but I managed to finally get them both dressed, fed and packed up, heading out the door...oh, but Anna doesn't have her shoes on! Ack!
Adding to the chaos is the dog, Francesca. She's so sweet, but she's very high maintenance. Jenn has been training her to walk on a leash properly, but she struggled with me. Still, we took a walk every day. Then there's the cat, hamster and chickens...
We had some great fun. On Friday after school, I took the kids to Dairy Queen for an afternoon ice cream. They had a blast running around the playscape, and then we drove to the airport to pick up Nana. Saturday brought a car trip to Waco, and lunch at Peter Piper Pizza. I ran around with the kids, playing all the games and trying to keep them together. I looked and felt exhausted at the end, but I think everyone had fun.
My favorite moment was on Thursday, my first full day with them on my own. Anna called to me from the bathroom, announcing she had "pooped in the potty." I went in, and she asked me to wipe her bum, which I reluctantly did. As she bent over, putting her head between my knees and wrapping her arms around my legs, she said very sincerely, "I love you, Auntie Emily."
"I love you, too, Anna." (that's why I'm wiping your bum.)
I don't know how Jenn does it all. I took two days off work, so I only had to focus on the very busy routine of raising a 3 and 5-year-old. She works, too!
Mornings are a little hectic. While Colin springs from bed ready to greet the world, Anna wakes more slowly. And Colin doesn't want to get dressed or eat breakfast, he wants to play or watch TV -- neither of which are in the tight schedule. Friday morning was a little crazy, but I managed to finally get them both dressed, fed and packed up, heading out the door...oh, but Anna doesn't have her shoes on! Ack!
Adding to the chaos is the dog, Francesca. She's so sweet, but she's very high maintenance. Jenn has been training her to walk on a leash properly, but she struggled with me. Still, we took a walk every day. Then there's the cat, hamster and chickens...
We had some great fun. On Friday after school, I took the kids to Dairy Queen for an afternoon ice cream. They had a blast running around the playscape, and then we drove to the airport to pick up Nana. Saturday brought a car trip to Waco, and lunch at Peter Piper Pizza. I ran around with the kids, playing all the games and trying to keep them together. I looked and felt exhausted at the end, but I think everyone had fun.
My favorite moment was on Thursday, my first full day with them on my own. Anna called to me from the bathroom, announcing she had "pooped in the potty." I went in, and she asked me to wipe her bum, which I reluctantly did. As she bent over, putting her head between my knees and wrapping her arms around my legs, she said very sincerely, "I love you, Auntie Emily."
"I love you, too, Anna." (that's why I'm wiping your bum.)
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
And Finally, Part Two
Sorry for the delay. When I wrote the "AHA moment," I was expecting to write the second part within a couple days. Then, this powerful, nasty cold virus knocked me on my a$$.
So, recognizing the Drama Triangle and the role you are playing is half the key.
The other half is changing how you react.
The opposite of Victim is Creator.
Instead of focusing on problems, which is how a Victim views the world, a Creator focuses on their long-term Vision or Outcome. They actively take baby steps towards making that vision a reality. They take full responsibility for themselves and their actions.
There are two other roles in the Creator Orientation, too: Challenger and Coach.
Again, a Challenger can be a person, situation or circumstance. Challengers may also be constructive or deconstructive. In the deconstructive state, they help you take apart a situation to learn from it. You may learn how you don't want to be. (This could be a Persecutor viewed in a different light.) In the constructive state, Challengers invite you to be your best, helping you to improve or develop. Challengers elicit a response, rather than Persecutors who provoke a reaction.
A Coach sees themselves as a Creator and views others similarly. They help facilitate progress by asking questions (not providing answers as a Rescuer would do).
To help remember the differences between the Victim and Creator Orientations, remember the acronym AIR:
Attention – Are you focused on a problem or your long-term vision?
Intention – Is your intention to get rid of (or get away from) your problems? Or is your intention to bring into being the outcomes you envision?
Results – In the Victim orientation, the results are temporary and reactive. In the Creator orientation, the results are much more likely to be satisfying and sustainable.
Good luck creating the life you want!
So, recognizing the Drama Triangle and the role you are playing is half the key.
The other half is changing how you react.
The opposite of Victim is Creator.
Instead of focusing on problems, which is how a Victim views the world, a Creator focuses on their long-term Vision or Outcome. They actively take baby steps towards making that vision a reality. They take full responsibility for themselves and their actions.
There are two other roles in the Creator Orientation, too: Challenger and Coach.
Again, a Challenger can be a person, situation or circumstance. Challengers may also be constructive or deconstructive. In the deconstructive state, they help you take apart a situation to learn from it. You may learn how you don't want to be. (This could be a Persecutor viewed in a different light.) In the constructive state, Challengers invite you to be your best, helping you to improve or develop. Challengers elicit a response, rather than Persecutors who provoke a reaction.
A Coach sees themselves as a Creator and views others similarly. They help facilitate progress by asking questions (not providing answers as a Rescuer would do).
To help remember the differences between the Victim and Creator Orientations, remember the acronym AIR:
Attention – Are you focused on a problem or your long-term vision?
Intention – Is your intention to get rid of (or get away from) your problems? Or is your intention to bring into being the outcomes you envision?
Results – In the Victim orientation, the results are temporary and reactive. In the Creator orientation, the results are much more likely to be satisfying and sustainable.
Good luck creating the life you want!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
An "AHA" Moment
As I take on a new role in my company, they are providing me and my compadres with leadership training. I've found the material to be very thought provoking and relevant not only to my work life but also to my personal life.
Last week, we reviewed a concept called "The Drama Triangle." It was coined by psychologist Stephen Karpman to describe a common model of human interaction. The model explains how two to three people interact in a dynamic or "game" with unsatisfactory outcomes for all. The game has three roles, which the individuals may shift between: Victim, Persecutor and Rescuer. Usually, someone has one role that they most often play and a second role that they switch to.
The Victim usually feels like others (Persecutor and Rescuer) are one-up on them. They don't take responsibility for themselves and usually react in a fight, flight or freeze behavior.
The Persecutor often finds fault and is critical, although he/she may feel inadequate underneath. They lead by threats and orders, and their main interaction is domination.
The Rescuer may show up as an enabler, protector, mediator or one who wants to "fix" the problem. They may have an unconscious need to take care of others, which is how they feel important and validate themselves.
In this model, the Victim feels overwhelmed by the Persecutor, which could be a person or a circumstance in their life. They may run to a Rescuer for help (flight), or they may decide to "fight" and become a Persecutor towards the original Persecutor. Unfortunately, this dynamic rarely ever solves the true problem.
Being aware of the game is half the battle to ending it...
Last week, we reviewed a concept called "The Drama Triangle." It was coined by psychologist Stephen Karpman to describe a common model of human interaction. The model explains how two to three people interact in a dynamic or "game" with unsatisfactory outcomes for all. The game has three roles, which the individuals may shift between: Victim, Persecutor and Rescuer. Usually, someone has one role that they most often play and a second role that they switch to.
The Victim usually feels like others (Persecutor and Rescuer) are one-up on them. They don't take responsibility for themselves and usually react in a fight, flight or freeze behavior.
The Persecutor often finds fault and is critical, although he/she may feel inadequate underneath. They lead by threats and orders, and their main interaction is domination.
The Rescuer may show up as an enabler, protector, mediator or one who wants to "fix" the problem. They may have an unconscious need to take care of others, which is how they feel important and validate themselves.
In this model, the Victim feels overwhelmed by the Persecutor, which could be a person or a circumstance in their life. They may run to a Rescuer for help (flight), or they may decide to "fight" and become a Persecutor towards the original Persecutor. Unfortunately, this dynamic rarely ever solves the true problem.
Being aware of the game is half the battle to ending it...
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Visit to Houston
Steve and I visited with the twins, Steph, Al and Nana & Grandad this past weekend. I was very anxious to show them the book I created for them. It's a fictional story with Paige and Graham as the main characters. I think they liked it...we had to read it 20 times!
See the video.
See the video.
Friday, September 01, 2006
What's Going On
I haven't posted recently. Sometimes it's hard to think of something witty to write or to put into words what I'm feeling.
This was a really stressful week for me at work. I somehow got put as the negotiator between two coworkers who were really at each other's throats. Not fun, but it seems to have finally been resolved. And we're having growing pains...lots of new business, but finding good people to fill open positions is taking more time.
Steve and I were planning on having his kids this weekend, but for many reasons, it didn't work out. For one, Declan is really sick. He caught a virus that's going around at school, and it developed into pneumonia. Poor kid. Now, Hayden seems to be coming down with it. So, I guess it's for the best that it didn't work out for this weekend, but it's still disappointing.
So...at the last minute, we've decided to descend upon my family in Houston! I'm so looking forward to seeing the twins and Steph. It's been since Easter that I saw them.
This was a really stressful week for me at work. I somehow got put as the negotiator between two coworkers who were really at each other's throats. Not fun, but it seems to have finally been resolved. And we're having growing pains...lots of new business, but finding good people to fill open positions is taking more time.
Steve and I were planning on having his kids this weekend, but for many reasons, it didn't work out. For one, Declan is really sick. He caught a virus that's going around at school, and it developed into pneumonia. Poor kid. Now, Hayden seems to be coming down with it. So, I guess it's for the best that it didn't work out for this weekend, but it's still disappointing.
So...at the last minute, we've decided to descend upon my family in Houston! I'm so looking forward to seeing the twins and Steph. It's been since Easter that I saw them.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Operation Remodel
Operation Remodel made steady progress last weekend with continued wallpaper removal, patching, sanding, priming and painting. The entrywall is now mostly complete (tape is still up for the painting of the trim), and two bathrooms are in the midst of overhaul. The entry hall is a lovely shade of creamy yellow, which the lady of the house was quite sure would be perfect. (The handyman was doubtful but came around once the paint was dry.)
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Please Excuse My Absence
It's been a week since I last posted. (that sounds a bit like how they start confession, doesn't it?)
After 10 years of treatment, I decided to take a stab at going without antidepressants. I feel like I'm in a good place emotionally, and I have learned healthy skills to deal with different situations and stresses. But I didn't expect it to be this difficult physically.
There's actually quite a bit of dialogue and documented journal articles in the physician community about what they are now terming "serotonin discontinuation syndrome." The idea of how antidepressants work is pretty brilliant. Serotonin is one of the naturally occurring chemicals in your brain. In depression, it is diminished, so one of the major classes (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) of antidepressants helps increase those levels. The effect, for me, was finally feeling "normal." I actually thought, so this is how normal people feel! It doesn't make you high, and you still have ups and downs. What it did get rid of was the hopelessness, the unstoppable crying, and the lethargy.
Fast forward to now, when my life is basically running smooth. I asked my doctor about getting off of them, and after a few months of a reduced dose, she recommended I start taking it every other day. That was three weeks ago. Every other day (my "off" day), I would feel dizzy and nauseaous. The dizzy feeling is similar to if you've ever been really drunk and had the spins. I also noticed if I moved my head or eyes quickly, it felt like my brain would follow a few seconds behind.
After three weeks of feeling like crap, I called it quits, at least for now. I've missed several days of work (including today -- who can work when you're trying to keep your head completely still and not think about heaving?) and went to talk to my doctor again this morning. She agreed it's not working for now, so I will continue on my low daily dose, and we'll try an even slower withdrawal in a few months.
I'm thankful that these medications are available, and I know it's made my life more bearable (except for lately). For today, though, I'm just glad to be able to hold my head up without feeling pukey.
After 10 years of treatment, I decided to take a stab at going without antidepressants. I feel like I'm in a good place emotionally, and I have learned healthy skills to deal with different situations and stresses. But I didn't expect it to be this difficult physically.
There's actually quite a bit of dialogue and documented journal articles in the physician community about what they are now terming "serotonin discontinuation syndrome." The idea of how antidepressants work is pretty brilliant. Serotonin is one of the naturally occurring chemicals in your brain. In depression, it is diminished, so one of the major classes (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) of antidepressants helps increase those levels. The effect, for me, was finally feeling "normal." I actually thought, so this is how normal people feel! It doesn't make you high, and you still have ups and downs. What it did get rid of was the hopelessness, the unstoppable crying, and the lethargy.
Fast forward to now, when my life is basically running smooth. I asked my doctor about getting off of them, and after a few months of a reduced dose, she recommended I start taking it every other day. That was three weeks ago. Every other day (my "off" day), I would feel dizzy and nauseaous. The dizzy feeling is similar to if you've ever been really drunk and had the spins. I also noticed if I moved my head or eyes quickly, it felt like my brain would follow a few seconds behind.
After three weeks of feeling like crap, I called it quits, at least for now. I've missed several days of work (including today -- who can work when you're trying to keep your head completely still and not think about heaving?) and went to talk to my doctor again this morning. She agreed it's not working for now, so I will continue on my low daily dose, and we'll try an even slower withdrawal in a few months.
I'm thankful that these medications are available, and I know it's made my life more bearable (except for lately). For today, though, I'm just glad to be able to hold my head up without feeling pukey.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
BagLady
Some women love shoes. For me, it's all about bags.
I LOVE bags, from purses to suitcases. I've realized that I have a compulsion in this area, so I refrain from going to bag shops. I have at least a dozen of bags I've gotten free at conferences or other activites, and many other tote bags that were too cute to pass up.
I keep my bag urges in check, but sometimes, a girl's gotta have a new bag.
I found one yesterday that just HAD to come home with me. See, it's actually practical because it's a laptop backpack. I travel a lot for work, and my briefcase with laptop gets very heavy. My chiropractor has told me it's not good for my back since all the weight is on one shoulder. Plus, it's just not comfortable.
My new bag evenly distributes the weight across my back. Plus, it will come in handy when I take my laptop home and want to ride my motorcycle the next day. (It's just not feasible to carry a briefcase on the bike.)
In addition to the cleanliness and nice smell of a new bag, I love exploring all it's compartments and organizing my things. You may be shaking your head at my pecularity, but everyone has something. Mine just happens to be bags.
I LOVE bags, from purses to suitcases. I've realized that I have a compulsion in this area, so I refrain from going to bag shops. I have at least a dozen of bags I've gotten free at conferences or other activites, and many other tote bags that were too cute to pass up.
I keep my bag urges in check, but sometimes, a girl's gotta have a new bag.
I found one yesterday that just HAD to come home with me. See, it's actually practical because it's a laptop backpack. I travel a lot for work, and my briefcase with laptop gets very heavy. My chiropractor has told me it's not good for my back since all the weight is on one shoulder. Plus, it's just not comfortable.
My new bag evenly distributes the weight across my back. Plus, it will come in handy when I take my laptop home and want to ride my motorcycle the next day. (It's just not feasible to carry a briefcase on the bike.)
In addition to the cleanliness and nice smell of a new bag, I love exploring all it's compartments and organizing my things. You may be shaking your head at my pecularity, but everyone has something. Mine just happens to be bags.
Monday, August 14, 2006
An Impromptu Visit
When I was able to catch an earlier flight back to Dallas from North Carolina, I called Anthony to see if it was okay if I drove down for the weekend. He said sure, so several hours later, I was pulling up to their house. It's funny how Anna and Colin differ in their reaction to my arrival. Anna runs up smiling and giggling, and Colin runs inside to hide. It's almost as if he's overwhelmed by the excitement.
His potty-training is going very well. No one had any accidents all weekend. He has a difficult time getting his pants back on after a visit to the loo. He just avoids putting anything back on altogether!
So after his morning wee, he came and snuggled with me on the couch. I "flew" him up in the air. His little body is so perfect and smooth. I was extra lucky on Sunday morning when he awoke WAY TOO EARLY and came to sleep with me for the last 90 minutes or so. He snuggled up against me and pushed his feet onto my leg. It was so sweet.
His potty-training is going very well. No one had any accidents all weekend. He has a difficult time getting his pants back on after a visit to the loo. He just avoids putting anything back on altogether!
So after his morning wee, he came and snuggled with me on the couch. I "flew" him up in the air. His little body is so perfect and smooth. I was extra lucky on Sunday morning when he awoke WAY TOO EARLY and came to sleep with me for the last 90 minutes or so. He snuggled up against me and pushed his feet onto my leg. It was so sweet.
An Impromptu Visit, continued
Anna is so sweet. She starts kindergarten tomorrow (Tuesday). I was amazed at how mature she looked when I drove up. Jenn told me she's been very conscientious at choosing new clothes for school, keeping in mind that she will be going to the bathroom by herself. Jenn said she chose to put back anything with zippers or difficult buttons.
I also enjoyed how much she and Colin enjoy each other's company. They do have the few spats over toys, but for the vast majority of the time, they play together very well.
Since I slept in Colin's room, they were both in Anna's double bed. They had a difficult time falling asleep, though, because they kept giggling and talking. Jenn finally separated them until they fell asleep, and Anna howled, "I miss my brother!"
I also enjoyed how much she and Colin enjoy each other's company. They do have the few spats over toys, but for the vast majority of the time, they play together very well.
Since I slept in Colin's room, they were both in Anna's double bed. They had a difficult time falling asleep, though, because they kept giggling and talking. Jenn finally separated them until they fell asleep, and Anna howled, "I miss my brother!"
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Rant
Here I am, back in North Carolina again for another new business pitch. I HATE the way we prepare for these presentations. We began almost 4 hours ago. It's just so unorganized, everyone interrupting everyone else. I'm ready to go, and yet I have to wait through all their silliness. It's now 10:45 here, and I'm exhausted. I haven't had a chance yet to unwind. And one of my coworkers laughed when I said I was tired, stating it's an hour earlier back home (so it should only feel like 9:45 to me). Does that really matter? I'm tired, dammit!
This is the same girl who earlier today, at the airport, asked if I wanted to get a Frappucino with her from Starbuck's. I settled for iced tea, saying I'm watching my calories because I've gained some weight. Instead of saying, "You don't look like you have" or "I think you look great!" or some other appropriate, supportive response, she said, "Not me! I'm down to 113!" [bitch.] I don't think I've been at 113 since junior high.
Do I have a sign on me today that says "Be an ass to me?"
On the plane, I was trying to review my presentation (I prefer to prep alone), and the guy sitting on the aisle was super-chatty. I made monosyllable answers and kept turning back to my papers, and he asked, "Are you taking a test or something?" I explained I was preparing for a presentation. Luckily, the middle seat occupant sat between us, and he engaged her in a full conversation. I got through my prep work and picked up the in-flight magazine, when he leaned over and said, "I hope we're not interrupting your PREPARATION."
No, I said, I'm done. (obviously)
I just like time to myself. I don't always like to talk. I like to think about things quietly, without interruptions. And I definitely need time to rest and get geared up before our morning pitch.
I wish I could be more assertive, like yelling, "LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!" but instead I try to be polite. Inside, though, I'm yelling.
I'm also really missing Steve. He's been on a business trip since Tuesday. I feel more grounded when I'm around him, I guess because he's my main and strongest supporter. And he balances my personality with his.
This is the same girl who earlier today, at the airport, asked if I wanted to get a Frappucino with her from Starbuck's. I settled for iced tea, saying I'm watching my calories because I've gained some weight. Instead of saying, "You don't look like you have" or "I think you look great!" or some other appropriate, supportive response, she said, "Not me! I'm down to 113!" [bitch.] I don't think I've been at 113 since junior high.
Do I have a sign on me today that says "Be an ass to me?"
On the plane, I was trying to review my presentation (I prefer to prep alone), and the guy sitting on the aisle was super-chatty. I made monosyllable answers and kept turning back to my papers, and he asked, "Are you taking a test or something?" I explained I was preparing for a presentation. Luckily, the middle seat occupant sat between us, and he engaged her in a full conversation. I got through my prep work and picked up the in-flight magazine, when he leaned over and said, "I hope we're not interrupting your PREPARATION."
No, I said, I'm done. (obviously)
I just like time to myself. I don't always like to talk. I like to think about things quietly, without interruptions. And I definitely need time to rest and get geared up before our morning pitch.
I wish I could be more assertive, like yelling, "LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!" but instead I try to be polite. Inside, though, I'm yelling.
I'm also really missing Steve. He's been on a business trip since Tuesday. I feel more grounded when I'm around him, I guess because he's my main and strongest supporter. And he balances my personality with his.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Project Completed
The nice thing about finishing a baby quilt after the baby is already born is that you have a perfect excuse to meet the baby!
This quilt was for Quinn, the new son of my friends Forrest and Kym. He's quite a cutie, with a full head of brown hair.
Their nursery theme is monkeys, so the black fabric has many jungle animals, including monkeys, and I decided to complement it with the banana material.
This quilt was for Quinn, the new son of my friends Forrest and Kym. He's quite a cutie, with a full head of brown hair.
Their nursery theme is monkeys, so the black fabric has many jungle animals, including monkeys, and I decided to complement it with the banana material.
New Project
So here's what Steve and I began to tackle this weekend. Our entry hallway had two layers of the tackiest wallpaper from the style of the 60s and 70s. We decided to splurge on a steamer to help remove it. But since it's slow work and only one person can really use the steamer at a time, I decided to tackle the popcorn ceiling. I sprayed and scraped the ceiling while Steve steamed and scraped the walls. It looks bad, but this is actually progress! Not sure why some of the drywall underneath the wallpaper has a brown stain to it, but all of it will be covered over eventually with a nice paint.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Overkill
So I've been having this pain in the middle of my foot for the past six months (I guess I have a pretty good tolerance for pain), and it's been getting worse. I decided to finally talk to my doctor about it and see if we can fix it.
She said it might be a stress fracture and sent me to the adjacent hospital for an x-ray.
I took my one-page request form from her office down to the hospital, where I was interviewed by an intake associate and asked questions such as:
Do you have an advance directive?
What is your religious preference, or do you prefer not to answer?
Point of contact in case of emergency?
This is just for a simple x-ray of my foot!
Yes, she nodded, while continuing with her procedures.
I even had to wear a hospital bracelet with my name!
(The x-ray technician let me view the pictures. I didn't see any obvious fractures.)
She said it might be a stress fracture and sent me to the adjacent hospital for an x-ray.
I took my one-page request form from her office down to the hospital, where I was interviewed by an intake associate and asked questions such as:
Do you have an advance directive?
What is your religious preference, or do you prefer not to answer?
Point of contact in case of emergency?
This is just for a simple x-ray of my foot!
Yes, she nodded, while continuing with her procedures.
I even had to wear a hospital bracelet with my name!
(The x-ray technician let me view the pictures. I didn't see any obvious fractures.)
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