Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Online Dating

So, since I work, bank and shop online, it seems natural to try to meet other professional singles online, too.

It's been a few years since I did this, but I swear I'm seeing some of the same faces and reading the same profiles I saw then! Many descriptions read alike. Here are some of my favorite clips:

"Scars r better than tats." - I agree.
"I'm back in the dating scene after a long relationship that didn't work out." - Great, can anyone say 'Rebound'???
"No emotional wrecks need apply."
"Not looking for a gold digger."
"I'm tired of the bar scene..."
"This is my first time doing this..."
"I promise not to tell our friends how we met."


Sunday, March 25, 2007

Forward Progress

Thank God for Care Now clinics, antibiotics, steroids, inhalers and decongestant/expectorants -- I'm on the mend! I haven't been this sick in years, and I'm so grateful to be feeling better and gaining back my energy.

My new bedroom furniture was delivered on Friday, and a new mattress to go with it was delivered this morning. I can't wait to go to bed tonight!

Better Late than Never - Pics from San Antonio



(Paige insisted on getting her temporary tatoo on her lumbar area!)
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Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Gross, and a little self-deprecating

Words I loathe:
mucus
phlegm
drainage

It seems my body has always produced an excessive amount of mucus. I remember my mom always telling me to blow my nose as a child because she could hear I was congested. We also had this conversation frequently:
Mom: Emily, do you want a mint?
Emily: No thanks.
Mom: Yes, you do.
Emily: No, I really don't want one.
Mom: Yes, you DO.
(bad breath due to drainage, I guess.)

I am one of those people who blows my nose everyday, no matter what the weather, allergy forecast or my health status. I have boxes of tissues in every room of my house, in my office and in my car. And thanks to the rosacea I got in my thirties, my skin is so sensitive, I have to use tissues with aloe or blisters will form on that tiny bit of skin separating the nostrils. And those aren't pretty. And they hurt. And I still have to blow daily.

So, now I have a virus. Mostly it's been a chest cold, which produces lots of fun coughing and hacking up stuff. But I also have been blowing my nose a fair bit. And now, I have a pimple INSIDE my left nostril! OUCH! I really don't need this. It's enough to suffer with the coughs and nose-blowing. Oh well, at least it's not visible from the outside, causing people to wonder if it's a whiffle booger that might fall on the next exhale...

Monday, March 19, 2007

What a Freakin' MONDAY!

So I got all my stuff moved on Saturday. I couldn't do much after the movers left. After all the boxing and lifting and fighting this virus I've caught, I was completely exhausted. On Sunday, I didn't feel much better, but I did manage to unpack most of my kitchen boxes.

Late yesterday afternoon, my god-daughter Annie brought over her pups, a teacup chihuahua and a chihuahua-Jack Russell terrier mix. They are adorable, and I agreed to watch them this week while Annie is on spring break in Florida.

I decided to wake up a little extra early this morning to take care of the dogs and get them packed up and ready for the office. One of the perks at my work is the ability to bring well-behaved dogs to work with you.

Not knowing how cold the morning might be, I decided to throw on a robe just in case. Out to the big back yard we went. These little dogs are in heaven in my large yard, and I enjoyed watching them chase each other. After a few minutes, I decided to head in for a shower...uh, oh...the door is locked behind me. I didn't realize when I came out that the HANDLE lock was set in the lock position! Ack! It's still dark out, and I have no keys or phone. Oh jeez...

I remembered my friend/landlord told me she had done this before and that the nice elderly couple next door had a key. I didn't see any lights on next door, so I decided to wait a bit and hope they woke up.

After a half an hour or so, I decided to go ring their bell and wake them up. I rang, I knocked, but no answer. Ok, so they're either hearing impaired or they're not home. Next?

I went across the street. At least there were lights on.

Imagine this: someone rings your doorbell and when you open the door, you see your brand new neighbor slightly disheveled, standing in her robe on your front porch.

Well, they say everything happens for a reason. I met my neighbors, who are SO nice, and they allowed me to use their phone to call a locksmith. They graciously gave me delicious Italian coffee and kept me company at their kitchen table while I waited for the locksmith, who called to say he was stuck in traffic and would be an additional 20 minutes.

Finally getting back into my house, I quickly showered and got to work, forgetting my security card and sweating most of my makeup off by the time I got to my office. Oh well. At least I had the puppies to keep my spirits up. Too bad my cat Sabrina doesn't feel the same way about them.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Bolstered by Good Lovin's...Heading Back

Sea World yesterday was a blast. The heavy clouds kept the weather cool for most of the day, and we wore out our feet trekking around the park. My back was the most sore, though, but I was happy to give many piggyback rides and carry weary toddlers.

I got such great lovings from all four of my nieces and nephews. They are so sweet. It definitely lifted my spirits and gives me a happy memory to chase away the sad emotions.

I'm heading back "home" now, going to pack up more stuff and my cat and move them across town. The movers come on Saturday, but it will be awhile before I'm organized and settled into my new place. For now, I'm just trying to make do and get through. I feel numb in some ways, but I'm often on the verge of tears.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Sisters are the best medicine

And I mean "sisters" in the broader sense. My girlfriends have been a great support in Dallas, but when I heard both my sisters and their kiddos along with our cousin Beverly were going to be together in San Antonio, I decided I couldn't miss the opportunity to be with so many people I love.

The original plan was to go swimming today at the hotel, but the rain has ruled that out. Instead, Colin and I "explored" the lobby, Anna got her hair braided, and everyone except Colin got temporary tattoos. Paige insisted on getting hers in the lumbar section of her back! Everyone was chuckling as she sassily stuck her hip out and let the girl paint her pink and purple stars and moons.

We just got into the rooms, and the kids are thrilled. Colin walked around and around, pulling his wheeled suitcase and exclaimed over the "new soap!" Anna was thrilled about the TV and just had to call Dad at home to tell him about the beautiful room. Graham's first order of business was to unpack his "lovies," and Paige had to change into more comfortable clothes.

If the weather lets up, we will be visiting Sea World tomorrow.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Spring's New Beginnings

Sorry...long time no post.

Besides a busy work schedule where I'm trying to train two new people which will help me tremendously, I'm also turning my personal life upside down.

Steve and I have broken up. I'm temporarily staying with a dear friend, who graciously lives just 5 minutes from my work. (Not having that long commute is a huge blessing.) I've found a new place to live (another blessing) and will be moving my stuff next weekend. Janet helped me pack up at least half of my belongings this weekend. My body hurts and my hands have multiple scratches. I'm exhausted, physically and emotionally, but I've been sleeping soundly and feel like this is the right decision for me.

I'm trying to find myself again. I've been reading this delightful book called "Eat, Pray, Love" written by a woman after her divorce while she travels through Italy for the pursuit of pleasure, India to focus on spirituality, and Indonesia to find balance. I relate to her quest so much. Here's one passage that I can identify with:

"...I have boundary issues with men. Or maybe that's not fair to say. To have issues with boundaries, one must have boundaries in the first place, right? But I disappear into the person I love. If I love you, you can have everything. You can have my time, my devotion, my ass, my money, my family, my dog, my dog's money, my dog's time -- everything. If I love you, I will carry for you all your pain, I will assume for you all your debts (in every definition of the word), I will protect you from your own insecurity, I will project upon you all sorts of good qualities that you have never actually cultivated in yourself and I will buy Christmas presents for your entire family. I will give you the sun and the rain...I will give you all this and more, until I get completely exhausted and depleted..."

I'm working on it.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Philly, for Work

I arrived in Philly yesterday. I'm excited that I'm up here to train a new employee. She will be taking over a couple of my accounts that are in this area, and that will help my workload tremendously.

I arrived at the airport late afternoon. I always feel comfortable in airports. Guess it seems normal to me after living in an airline family. I find them easy to navigate.

The past times I've been here for work, I've taken taxis, but now that I know where the office is, I decided to rent a car. I remember when I was fresh out of college and travelling with my first job -- I wasn't old enough to rent a car! Nice not to have to worry about that now.

I always feel a little apprehension driving in a new place, but I've found my way around many cities. New Jersey is one of the most difficult because they don't allow left turns. Everywhere else, you can always turn around and backtrack if you need to. I've learned that I have a pretty good sense of direction, and I've also learned some of my coworkers couldn't find their way out of a paper sack!

It's cold up here, but I'm hot inside. Whenever I travel north during the winter, I've noticed how high they set the heat. So now, I'm sitting in a sleeveless mock turtleneck while the locals are dressed in long-sleeves. I also have to turn the air on in my hotel room to compensate for the heat that is rising through the building.

Someday, I hope I actually get to explore this city a bit. Every trip I've taken up here has been so dominated by work, I haven't had a chance to see all the historical sights.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Check it out...

One of the projects I've been working on for several months launched today. I have a sense of pride but mostly relief that it is done. I'm anxious to see how it is received by the public.

http://www.apositivelife.com

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Back to Reality

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!!!

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.

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. :-)

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.)

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.

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).

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.

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.
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.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

The EEG


Steve-patient
Originally uploaded by Gem-Em.
Steve got to wear a 21-probe EEG this weekend, and was he ever ready to get it off on Tuesday morning!


He wore a ballcap to work on Monday, but some of the gauze on his forehead was still visible. He didn't make a big show of it, and the front desk lady at his office actually asked his assistant if he'd had a hair transplant!


Here he reluctantly poses for a picture for me. Originally, he joked about doing a video for the blog lip-synching Mr. Roboto, but the EEG got old quickly.

Still no word on the results. Thanks for everyone's good thoughts & prayers!