So I don't know how many of you are like me...I'm always up for a road trip. Especially when I'm going through states I've never been to. There's not many states I haven't been to at some point but this trip is hitting a few of them. We started off in Mendon this morning and then hit St. Louis, Mo; Blytheville, Ak; Memphis, Tn; and came to rest in Southaven, Mississippi. Now I've been all over the great state of Tennessee but Arkansas was new to me. We really barely clipped a corner of the state and I was kind of disappointed to find it looked no different then Missouri. After 7 hours, two gas/potty breaks and a ton of 80's music we checked in to our Holiday Inn before going out to chow down on some BBQ (we are just south of Memphis after all!).
Here are some brief glimpses of our day:
After a stop in Arkansas for gas, I asked the attendant how to get back to the highway. Another gentleman joined the conversation and then I headed out to the car where the kids already were.
Sean: Were you talking to people in there?
Me: Um. Yeah. I was getting directions.
Lu: Mother!! Stranger Danger!! Stop talking to strangers.
Me: They weren't that strange...
Sean: You're hopeless...
While driving:
Lu: Can I see the Atlas?
Sean: No.
Lu: please?
Sean: Ask me again in six minutes.
Lu: (waiting) Can I see it now?
Sean: No. You still have two minutes.
Lu: How about now?
Sean: No.
Lu: But you said ask you again in six minutes.
Sean: Yes. But I never said I was going to give it to you...
After dinner we came back to the hotel room and Lu decided to take a shower so she could sleep in a bit later tomorrow. She takes her stuff into the bathroom and we hear the shower start, immediately followed by a thump, an "oh shit!", and strange noises. We couldn't tell if she was laughing or crying.
Sean: do you think she fell?
Me: no. the thump wasn't that loud.
(Lu is still making the noise) I go to the bathroom door and knock.
Me: Are you okay in there?
Lu: (muffled) Yes.
She opens the door and she is laughing so hard she's crying (so it WAS both). She points at the floor and I see it's flooded with water!
Lu: The shower head was pointed out into the bathroom and I didn't see it before I turned the shower on!
Leave it to Lu!
I'm so happy to be back below the mason-dixon line where the only acceptable beverage is sweet tea, everyone says "y'all" and "yes ma'am", and grits are a staple. But I am going to let them keep their fried pickles. Those were just gross dude.
Well tomorrow will come early and we have another 8 hours on the road before we hit the gulf. Good night y'all.
♥Spot
Friday, March 25, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The one where we get some good news...
I haven't blogged much in the past few months and there are a variety of reasons for that. We've had some health issues at our house and to be honest, it sapped my energy. In many ways, we are still feeling the effects of Mike's accident even after nine months. He was back on the job so quickly that many folks, including us, forget that it was such a serious accident. To say it has changed our family would be putting it mildly. A lot of good has come out it, but there are the bad things too. Mike has had more sinus infections and then the stay in the hospital last month. This is hard on a guy who got sick once a year (maybe) before this and hardly ever slowed down for it. But eventually we started noticing other changes in him as well. He seemed to be having lots of trouble with his short term memory. He got frustrated very easily. And then got frustrated that he was frustrated. For those of you who don't know him well, Mike was one of the most laid back guys on the planet. As one young man we know put it a couple of years ago, "Mike's so slow to anger, that if he yells at you, you better believe you f**ded up bad!"
And while he still manages to contain the frustration and not yell at people, it's simmering on the inside. He also tires much more easily and doesn't seem to enjoy things (even hunting) as much. We were both a little worried. So we went to see a neuropsychologist in Springfield. And after an hour long interview, Mike spent the next 5 hours being put through a series of tests designed to test mental functioning. Then we waited two weeks for results. I was nervous about the results. Yesterday we went back to her office. Most of the tests Mike aced. Especially the problem solving one. Which isn't surprising. Solving problems is a big part of his job. But there were some short term memory issues. The doctor's diagnosis was Prolonged Post Concussive Syndrome. Which means Mike had a mild traumatic brain injury from the accident. The symptoms showed up late and are staying late. Probably the stress of work exacerbates them. The good news is they'll go away on their own. He doesn't need any treatment except patience and his brain will heal itself.
I don't know if you can imagine what a relief this was. It's not a tumor. It's not Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's not a worse brain injury. It's not permanent. Things will be fine. She gave us some tips on how he can help himself remember things. She gave us tips on things I can do to help him. She told him he absolutely has to give himself down time occasionally to de-stress and rest. She said even the frustration is a symptom and it will go back to normal. She completely concurred that him skipping this vacation is the right thing to do since he'd only stress more about all the things he wasn't getting done. And she told us we were a great couple who communicated better than most people she knew. (Score us!) And then she wished us well.
And so I try to remember to be patient because this too shall pass. And some day the accident will be completely behind us. I only hope we don't forget the lessons we learned.
Conversation earlier today:
Me: We never got a bill from the hospital for your stay last month.
Mike: Are you going to call them about it?
Me: Are you kidding? And remind them about it? Um. No. I'm just going to assume that we had enough frequent flyer miles built up with them that this trip was free.
Enjoy your day today readers. Each one is a gift.
♥Spot
And while he still manages to contain the frustration and not yell at people, it's simmering on the inside. He also tires much more easily and doesn't seem to enjoy things (even hunting) as much. We were both a little worried. So we went to see a neuropsychologist in Springfield. And after an hour long interview, Mike spent the next 5 hours being put through a series of tests designed to test mental functioning. Then we waited two weeks for results. I was nervous about the results. Yesterday we went back to her office. Most of the tests Mike aced. Especially the problem solving one. Which isn't surprising. Solving problems is a big part of his job. But there were some short term memory issues. The doctor's diagnosis was Prolonged Post Concussive Syndrome. Which means Mike had a mild traumatic brain injury from the accident. The symptoms showed up late and are staying late. Probably the stress of work exacerbates them. The good news is they'll go away on their own. He doesn't need any treatment except patience and his brain will heal itself.
I don't know if you can imagine what a relief this was. It's not a tumor. It's not Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's not a worse brain injury. It's not permanent. Things will be fine. She gave us some tips on how he can help himself remember things. She gave us tips on things I can do to help him. She told him he absolutely has to give himself down time occasionally to de-stress and rest. She said even the frustration is a symptom and it will go back to normal. She completely concurred that him skipping this vacation is the right thing to do since he'd only stress more about all the things he wasn't getting done. And she told us we were a great couple who communicated better than most people she knew. (Score us!) And then she wished us well.
And so I try to remember to be patient because this too shall pass. And some day the accident will be completely behind us. I only hope we don't forget the lessons we learned.
Conversation earlier today:
Me: We never got a bill from the hospital for your stay last month.
Mike: Are you going to call them about it?
Me: Are you kidding? And remind them about it? Um. No. I'm just going to assume that we had enough frequent flyer miles built up with them that this trip was free.
Enjoy your day today readers. Each one is a gift.
♥Spot
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Then one where Lu finally picks a name...
Bless me readers, for I have sinned, it's been one month since my last blog post. Sorry. Forgiven? I'm just going to go with "yes" on that one since I can't really hear your answer. And I'm going to dive right in with the good stuff. And apparently Lu's love life is the "good stuff". How do I know? Because a friend of mine related this conversation the other day:
KK: So I read the blog. Please tell me the guy Lu was seeing wasn't M!
MM: It was.
KK: What was she thinking?!
MM: I don't know. But it's over. The end.
KK: Thank God!
MM: Do you ever wonder why we're so invested in Lu's love life??
Don't worry guys. I get it. It's like a soap opera. So the update on that is that Lu and the baby's father are on very friendly terms. They aren't what one would call officially reconciled but that's because Lu wants to take things slow and make sure that the previous issues are on their way to resolution. But he's very involved with the pregnancy now. He and his mom were both at the sonogram where we found out it's a boy! And things seem to be progressing between them in a positive direction. And frankly, it's nice to see her happy. They did work together to choose a name: Dylan James Flanagan. Personally, I was partial to Milo. Her belly is ginormous. But she makes pregnancy look adorable. And thankfully, she takes after me and has a very easy pregnancy. I hope her delivery is the same. All the screenings have come back with negative results so the baby seems extremely healthy and on track. Her platelets dipped but then went up on their own. And she finally gained some weight. Here's a picture:
Isn't she adorable??!
Sean is still working as a telemarketer and comes home daily with the funniest stories ever. He meets and works with some interesting characters that's for sure. Some of his stories are funny, though kind of sad in a way. Sad that people feel the need to self medicate with drugs and alcohol to the point that they do. Even to get through the work day. I was going to share one, but suddenly I'm not in the mood. He's looking forward to vacay. And to getting to quit his job. He's working for the boy scouts again this summer and camp callahan and then travelling.
Mike is, of course, submersed in work. Always a ton of projects to do and the usual getting camp ready for summer. In fact, he'll be missing our vacation. Don't worry about him too much though. He's not a big fan of the ocean. He calls it the big puddle.
Mike: have fun visiting the big noisy puddle.
Me: Noisy?
Mike: yeah, it's constantly making that noise.
Me: You mean the sound of the waves? The one people find soothing and they put on those machines to help people relax?
Mike: yeah. It's so annoying. Give me silence any day.
Me: You just get weirder every time I talk to you.
Don't worry. I will enjoy it. I love that sound. And I'm very excited to be visiting a state I haven't yet been to. Alabama. And drinking sweet tea and saying y'all without anyone laughing at me. I'll keep you posted.
The heart wrenching part though? We aren't taking CJ. I just can't do that without Mike. I'm already having a fibro flare up and not getting enough sleep would make it worse. Also, we considered that we aren't sure how he'll do on an eight hour car trip two days in a row. Or being out of his routine for 10 days in unfamiliar surroundings. I know in my heart that we've made the right decision but that doesn't make me any less sad. But I will be taking him to my sisters in the next month or so. We'll see how he does there and keep working to get him ready to go on a vacation with us. And Mike has promised to go somewhere with me in the fall when his work slows down some. Alaska anyone?
The fibro flare was really bumming me out. I've felt so well for such a long time that it sucks to be reminded you have a chronic illness that can put you on the bench from time to time. I was throwing myself a real pity party for a couple of days. The klutziness was really getting to me. I have thrown my phone across the kitchen (not on purpose, it just slid out of my hand), dropped a dish of cat food upside down on the floor, spilled a very full glass of red juice all over the carpet, dropped and broken a glass cookie jar and sliced my thumb open on a can lid requiring an ER visit and tetanus shot. Talented, huh? I've grounded myself from using glass glasses for the duration. But the pity party ends today. Because I happened to see a show that reminded me that there are far worse conditions to have. I may be typing awkwardly with my bandaged thumb, but at least the rest of my appendages are responding to my brain signals. I may be dropping things, but I'm still able to clean up after myself. I may be forgetting things and having trouble coming up with the right word now and then, but I can still speak and see and hear and walk. And I have people who love me and forgive me when I'm moody and sick. People who take care of me willingly when I need it. A job doing what I love. A roof over my head, plenty of food to eat and a grandson on the way. I am a blessed woman.
Thank you all for sticking with me like you do. And a big shout out to my kindle readers!! You have not gotten your money's worth this month and for that I apologize sincerely. I'll try to do better.
♥Spot
KK: So I read the blog. Please tell me the guy Lu was seeing wasn't M!
MM: It was.
KK: What was she thinking?!
MM: I don't know. But it's over. The end.
KK: Thank God!
MM: Do you ever wonder why we're so invested in Lu's love life??
Don't worry guys. I get it. It's like a soap opera. So the update on that is that Lu and the baby's father are on very friendly terms. They aren't what one would call officially reconciled but that's because Lu wants to take things slow and make sure that the previous issues are on their way to resolution. But he's very involved with the pregnancy now. He and his mom were both at the sonogram where we found out it's a boy! And things seem to be progressing between them in a positive direction. And frankly, it's nice to see her happy. They did work together to choose a name: Dylan James Flanagan. Personally, I was partial to Milo. Her belly is ginormous. But she makes pregnancy look adorable. And thankfully, she takes after me and has a very easy pregnancy. I hope her delivery is the same. All the screenings have come back with negative results so the baby seems extremely healthy and on track. Her platelets dipped but then went up on their own. And she finally gained some weight. Here's a picture:
Sean is still working as a telemarketer and comes home daily with the funniest stories ever. He meets and works with some interesting characters that's for sure. Some of his stories are funny, though kind of sad in a way. Sad that people feel the need to self medicate with drugs and alcohol to the point that they do. Even to get through the work day. I was going to share one, but suddenly I'm not in the mood. He's looking forward to vacay. And to getting to quit his job. He's working for the boy scouts again this summer and camp callahan and then travelling.
Mike is, of course, submersed in work. Always a ton of projects to do and the usual getting camp ready for summer. In fact, he'll be missing our vacation. Don't worry about him too much though. He's not a big fan of the ocean. He calls it the big puddle.
Mike: have fun visiting the big noisy puddle.
Me: Noisy?
Mike: yeah, it's constantly making that noise.
Me: You mean the sound of the waves? The one people find soothing and they put on those machines to help people relax?
Mike: yeah. It's so annoying. Give me silence any day.
Me: You just get weirder every time I talk to you.
Don't worry. I will enjoy it. I love that sound. And I'm very excited to be visiting a state I haven't yet been to. Alabama. And drinking sweet tea and saying y'all without anyone laughing at me. I'll keep you posted.
The heart wrenching part though? We aren't taking CJ. I just can't do that without Mike. I'm already having a fibro flare up and not getting enough sleep would make it worse. Also, we considered that we aren't sure how he'll do on an eight hour car trip two days in a row. Or being out of his routine for 10 days in unfamiliar surroundings. I know in my heart that we've made the right decision but that doesn't make me any less sad. But I will be taking him to my sisters in the next month or so. We'll see how he does there and keep working to get him ready to go on a vacation with us. And Mike has promised to go somewhere with me in the fall when his work slows down some. Alaska anyone?
The fibro flare was really bumming me out. I've felt so well for such a long time that it sucks to be reminded you have a chronic illness that can put you on the bench from time to time. I was throwing myself a real pity party for a couple of days. The klutziness was really getting to me. I have thrown my phone across the kitchen (not on purpose, it just slid out of my hand), dropped a dish of cat food upside down on the floor, spilled a very full glass of red juice all over the carpet, dropped and broken a glass cookie jar and sliced my thumb open on a can lid requiring an ER visit and tetanus shot. Talented, huh? I've grounded myself from using glass glasses for the duration. But the pity party ends today. Because I happened to see a show that reminded me that there are far worse conditions to have. I may be typing awkwardly with my bandaged thumb, but at least the rest of my appendages are responding to my brain signals. I may be dropping things, but I'm still able to clean up after myself. I may be forgetting things and having trouble coming up with the right word now and then, but I can still speak and see and hear and walk. And I have people who love me and forgive me when I'm moody and sick. People who take care of me willingly when I need it. A job doing what I love. A roof over my head, plenty of food to eat and a grandson on the way. I am a blessed woman.
Thank you all for sticking with me like you do. And a big shout out to my kindle readers!! You have not gotten your money's worth this month and for that I apologize sincerely. I'll try to do better.
♥Spot
Monday, February 14, 2011
The one where I try to get back on track...no really, I mean it this time.
I'm really not being very good about this whole posting on a regular basis thing, am I? I could give you the fifty million excuses I could think of, but lets just chalk it up to health issues and motivational fail. Mmmk?
First, thank you to all of you who follow my facebook and sent wishes and prayers while Mike was in the hospital last weekend. That support is so appreciated. It was appreciated the first day when he was so sick and they couldn't figure out what was wrong and then the next day when he was so grumpy, I wanted to thump him with something. You know how you can tell your kids are getting over an illness, because they start getting grumpy? Well apparently he never got the memo that kids do that, not grown men. I think over the last year, I've kind of proved I'm a patient person. So everyone should probably stop testing my patience.
Second, I got to hear the grand baby's heartbeat again. Lu is doing great and everything is going well with her pregnancy. Her platelets dropped about 20,000 but they are still well above normal. She gained a pound back. And her belly has really popped out finally. There's no mistaking she's pregnant. And it's adorable. Although, she really doesn't like people touching her belly. I told her she better suck it up and get used to it. Pregnant bellies are like magnets. You just have to touch them. Things did not work out with the guy she was seeing. But his behavior afterward certainly showed that she made the right decision. Obsessive much? Yes he was. The baby's father finally got in contact with her again. It's only been a few texts but that's a step in the right direction. Maybe they can at least salvage a friendship since they are sharing a baby.
I have about a zillion conversations to share with you. So here goes:
The last day Mike was in St. Louis he'd called to talk to me and towards the end of the convo he began to sound distracted and I heard him say:
Mike: I don't know what I did with my phone.
Me: (completely confused) What?
Mike: I can't find my phone. I hope I left it in my room.
Me: Um. You don't mean the phone that you're talking to me on, right?
Mike: Well hell. That's why it's not in my pocket!
And last night we were watching a movie and the characters were walking in a forest in England and came upon a place where animal skulls were hung from trees:
Mike: That skull is an American big horn. They don't have those in Europe.
Lu: Stop taking the fun out of it!
Sean: The movie was probably filmed in Oregon anyway.
Me: Yeah, they have those in Oregon.
Lu: *giggling* I can't believe they put the wrong skulls up. Geez, did they think no one would notice? How silly of them.
And the other day, while sitting in Mike's doctors examining room:
Me: I can't read any of those papers he has posted on the back of the door. I mean, I can read the large print but that's about it. I need to make an eye appointment because I'm pretty sure I'm going blind.
Mike: *starts reading off the fine print*
Me: Wow. Thanks. Way to make me feel inferior. Good job big guy.
Mike: *trying to make me feel better* Well it's kind of blurry and I have to concentrate to read it.
Me: Um yeah. It's kind of blurry to me too and I have to concentrate to make it look like words!
Which reminds me that I still need to make that eye appointment! I have an appointment with the Ear, Nose & Throat doctor tomorrow for some vertigo I've been having. The downside to vertigo is that everything spinning like that is slightly nauseating. And I did actually fall down once. The upside though is that no one has to take me to Six Flaggs this year. Just bending down makes me feel like I'm on an amusement park ride!
Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day! And that you are all in good health and good spirits.
Peace Out,
♥Spot
First, thank you to all of you who follow my facebook and sent wishes and prayers while Mike was in the hospital last weekend. That support is so appreciated. It was appreciated the first day when he was so sick and they couldn't figure out what was wrong and then the next day when he was so grumpy, I wanted to thump him with something. You know how you can tell your kids are getting over an illness, because they start getting grumpy? Well apparently he never got the memo that kids do that, not grown men. I think over the last year, I've kind of proved I'm a patient person. So everyone should probably stop testing my patience.
Second, I got to hear the grand baby's heartbeat again. Lu is doing great and everything is going well with her pregnancy. Her platelets dropped about 20,000 but they are still well above normal. She gained a pound back. And her belly has really popped out finally. There's no mistaking she's pregnant. And it's adorable. Although, she really doesn't like people touching her belly. I told her she better suck it up and get used to it. Pregnant bellies are like magnets. You just have to touch them. Things did not work out with the guy she was seeing. But his behavior afterward certainly showed that she made the right decision. Obsessive much? Yes he was. The baby's father finally got in contact with her again. It's only been a few texts but that's a step in the right direction. Maybe they can at least salvage a friendship since they are sharing a baby.
I have about a zillion conversations to share with you. So here goes:
The last day Mike was in St. Louis he'd called to talk to me and towards the end of the convo he began to sound distracted and I heard him say:
Mike: I don't know what I did with my phone.
Me: (completely confused) What?
Mike: I can't find my phone. I hope I left it in my room.
Me: Um. You don't mean the phone that you're talking to me on, right?
Mike: Well hell. That's why it's not in my pocket!
And last night we were watching a movie and the characters were walking in a forest in England and came upon a place where animal skulls were hung from trees:
Mike: That skull is an American big horn. They don't have those in Europe.
Lu: Stop taking the fun out of it!
Sean: The movie was probably filmed in Oregon anyway.
Me: Yeah, they have those in Oregon.
Lu: *giggling* I can't believe they put the wrong skulls up. Geez, did they think no one would notice? How silly of them.
And the other day, while sitting in Mike's doctors examining room:
Me: I can't read any of those papers he has posted on the back of the door. I mean, I can read the large print but that's about it. I need to make an eye appointment because I'm pretty sure I'm going blind.
Mike: *starts reading off the fine print*
Me: Wow. Thanks. Way to make me feel inferior. Good job big guy.
Mike: *trying to make me feel better* Well it's kind of blurry and I have to concentrate to read it.
Me: Um yeah. It's kind of blurry to me too and I have to concentrate to make it look like words!
Which reminds me that I still need to make that eye appointment! I have an appointment with the Ear, Nose & Throat doctor tomorrow for some vertigo I've been having. The downside to vertigo is that everything spinning like that is slightly nauseating. And I did actually fall down once. The upside though is that no one has to take me to Six Flaggs this year. Just bending down makes me feel like I'm on an amusement park ride!
Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day! And that you are all in good health and good spirits.
Peace Out,
♥Spot
Monday, January 31, 2011
The one where Lu saves the Polar Bears and we prepare for Snowmageddon...
Dude. Have you watched the weather forecast lately? Well if you're in any of the like 30 states that they are predicting this winter storm for, you probably have. It's supposed to be record-breaking. And I know a lot of you are like "Universe! Stop with the freakin snow already!". But not me. I'm like a kid on Christmas morning!! (yes, I do know that most of you think I'm certifiably crazy.) We are, without a doubt, going to get snowed in. You see they are predicting ice and sleet and snow for today. I don't particularly care for that wintry mix, but as long as both kids make it home from work safe, I'll take it. And tonight the snow is supposed to start. It's not going to end til Wednesday. Somewhere between 12 to 18 inches is predicted, but an inside source told me more like 24. Along with 45 mph winds which will make drifting and visibility an issue. We live on a gravel road off of another gravel road. And the 1/4 mile long drive to the mailbox and county gravel road drifts like you wouldn't believe. So without my hubby to clear the way, we will be stuck. And although he did make arrangements to have someone come and clear snow, I doubt they will be able to get to us until the other roads are cleared. But it's cool. Because I already grocery shopped, laid in firewood, stocked up on candles and matches. We will hunker down and enjoy the isolation. Sean will miss work, but I know he won't mind. (Because my children are crazy too, apparently). So, call me crazy, but I'm looking forward to Snowmaggedon. I hope the rest of you stay safe and warm as well!
And on the cold wintry theme, here's a convo from dinner the other night:
Lu: I have a great idea for how to save the Polar Bears! I'm going to go buy all the bags of ice at Walmart and take them to the North Pole to replace the melting ice caps.
Me: How are you going to get them there? I think they'll melt on the drive up.
Lu: In a refrigerated truck. Duh. Like the one they took Frosty the Snowman in.
Sean: You do realize that's not going to be enough ice, right?
Lu: I'll stop at every Walmart along the way.
Me: But how will you get it all the way to the North Pole? You can't drive there.
Lu: Sure you can. Haven't you heard of Ice Road Truckers?
Me: Um. Yeah, but there's no road. Maybe you could fly along and dump it out.
Sean: And you do realize that if the polar ice caps are melting, then your measly bags of ice are going to melt too. That's like dumping ice in a lukewarm drink.
Lu: Whatever, Sean. It will work.
Me: Do you think Polar Bears prefer crushed or cubed ice?
Lu: Crushed. Duh.
Sean: Well I'm going to shoot all your Polar Bears.
Lu: You can't shoot Polar Bears, they're extinct.
Me: I think you mean endangered, honey.
Sean: A. Polar Bears are not extinct. B. But if they were, you're right. You sure as heck wouldn't be able to shoot them.
By this time I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. Hope you are too.
Happy Snowmaggedon!
♥Spot
And on the cold wintry theme, here's a convo from dinner the other night:
Lu: I have a great idea for how to save the Polar Bears! I'm going to go buy all the bags of ice at Walmart and take them to the North Pole to replace the melting ice caps.
Me: How are you going to get them there? I think they'll melt on the drive up.
Lu: In a refrigerated truck. Duh. Like the one they took Frosty the Snowman in.
Sean: You do realize that's not going to be enough ice, right?
Lu: I'll stop at every Walmart along the way.
Me: But how will you get it all the way to the North Pole? You can't drive there.
Lu: Sure you can. Haven't you heard of Ice Road Truckers?
Me: Um. Yeah, but there's no road. Maybe you could fly along and dump it out.
Sean: And you do realize that if the polar ice caps are melting, then your measly bags of ice are going to melt too. That's like dumping ice in a lukewarm drink.
Lu: Whatever, Sean. It will work.
Me: Do you think Polar Bears prefer crushed or cubed ice?
Lu: Crushed. Duh.
Sean: Well I'm going to shoot all your Polar Bears.
Lu: You can't shoot Polar Bears, they're extinct.
Me: I think you mean endangered, honey.
Sean: A. Polar Bears are not extinct. B. But if they were, you're right. You sure as heck wouldn't be able to shoot them.
By this time I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. Hope you are too.
Happy Snowmaggedon!
♥Spot
Friday, January 28, 2011
The one where I finally get my life back...
I absolutely cannot believe that I have not blogged in almost two months. That seems crazy to me when it's one of my all time favorite activities. Not to mention, the way I connect with so many people near and far. Oddly though, I have noticed that several people took blogcations and went AWOL. Thank you to those of you who still commented or sent emails or kept up with me on Facebook. I'm still alive. And improved. Not new. Just improved. So I guess I'll just catch everyone up as best I can and go from there. This may take a while so grab a beverage, put your feet up and dive in.
I had some health issues while I was gone. Namely, pneumonia that played "musical lungs" and hung on from December 15th (my birthday) until about January 18th. Not being able to breathe pretty much sucks. And coughing so hard you actually crack a rib is not high on the list of fun stuff either. I would never have made it through Christmas (remember it was my year to host my mom's family) if I had not been oddly organized this year (I say odd because I'm never this organized at Christmas). I had bought most of my gifts early (yay for online shopping!) and had actually planned my days out so I could get things done. Also, Mike helped more this year with Christmas than he's ever, in our entire life together, helped. In fact, I may consider having pneumonia ever year. Or at least faking it. Cough. Cough. "I'm sick". And the kids pitched in too. And I finally gave myself permission to not sweat the small stuff. And to consider many things "small stuff". So Christmas came off with out a hitch. The cleanup was another matter. I didn't get the trees down until January 19th. I also had my gallbladder surgery. Finally. We'd had to keep rescheduling it due to the pneumonia. It wasn't bad as far as surgeries go and I've recovered rather quickly for me. So I'm finally feeling more or less normal. Better than normal except for a continuing cough. Surely it will be gone by March?
Mike is doing well. He's actually off to National Camp School for a week to head up and teach the Ranger portion. He was suggested by someone he'd met, they conferred with his bosses, talked to him and off he went. He was so nervous. Public speaking is not his favorite. But we went over his lesson plans and everything the other night and he's going to rock this gig. The new rangers are lucky to have him because he'll be a great teacher. But he hasn't been gone for a whole week in like 5 years. I'm going to really miss him. And I sure as hell hope we don't get snowed in. I have no idea how to drive the tractor and plow snow. Also, for those of you who are thinking "Ha! Her husband's gone for a week, lets rob the place", first, there's not much to take. Second, we have guns and Sean will shoot you. I much prefer sharp stabby things so I'll shank you with my vegetable knife. But worst of all...we have a pregnant Lu who will probably gouge out your eyes with her bare hands. Seriously. Those hormones are wild.
Sean is good. Still rocking the telemarketer world and keeping us all in stitches with tales of his daily worklife. He almost makes me want to get a job there. Sean and Lizzie did drop the "not dating" part and dated over Christmas break. Unfortunately, it was short lived. Now they really are not dating. So girls, he's up for grabs again. And he's racking up a tidy little nest egg. Although, I must admit he's pretty generous with his money. He's currently making his summer travel plans and seeing how he can fit some work in there too.
Lu is good. Her pregnancy is going well and she has the cutest little baby belly. She's really starting to show this last week and you can tell it's baby not pudge. She hasn't had any problems other than tiredness and some nausea at all. Her blood work is looking good and holding out high. We heard the baby's heartbeat at the last appointment and it was strong and 166. This leads me to believe it's a girl. The name picking is not going so well. She wants something uncommon, but not ridiculous. Maybe I should have a "name Lu's baby" contest. The baby's father is very much out of the picture. He can't seem to put aside his own feelings and realize that there's a baby involved, it's not really about him anymore. I think it's hurt Lu's feelings somewhat on behalf of the baby, but mostly she's relieved. There is someone else in the picture. He is ready to take care of both Lu and the baby. But they are taking it slow to see where it goes. With her hormonal mood swings, dating her is challenging. I won't say anything further because some of the baby's daddy's friends read my blog and it doesn't need to get back to him unless they get serious. You know who you are...and so do I. So don't go telling tales. She's still working at her retail job and planning to take online classes in the fall after the baby is born.
Well, bet you finished that drink, huh? If you made it through all this, then you are pretty well caught up. I can't wait to read some of your blogs and find out what's going on with the rest of you! And I do have some wickedly funny conversations saved up. It's good to be back. I've missed you all.
♥Spot
I had some health issues while I was gone. Namely, pneumonia that played "musical lungs" and hung on from December 15th (my birthday) until about January 18th. Not being able to breathe pretty much sucks. And coughing so hard you actually crack a rib is not high on the list of fun stuff either. I would never have made it through Christmas (remember it was my year to host my mom's family) if I had not been oddly organized this year (I say odd because I'm never this organized at Christmas). I had bought most of my gifts early (yay for online shopping!) and had actually planned my days out so I could get things done. Also, Mike helped more this year with Christmas than he's ever, in our entire life together, helped. In fact, I may consider having pneumonia ever year. Or at least faking it. Cough. Cough. "I'm sick". And the kids pitched in too. And I finally gave myself permission to not sweat the small stuff. And to consider many things "small stuff". So Christmas came off with out a hitch. The cleanup was another matter. I didn't get the trees down until January 19th. I also had my gallbladder surgery. Finally. We'd had to keep rescheduling it due to the pneumonia. It wasn't bad as far as surgeries go and I've recovered rather quickly for me. So I'm finally feeling more or less normal. Better than normal except for a continuing cough. Surely it will be gone by March?
Mike is doing well. He's actually off to National Camp School for a week to head up and teach the Ranger portion. He was suggested by someone he'd met, they conferred with his bosses, talked to him and off he went. He was so nervous. Public speaking is not his favorite. But we went over his lesson plans and everything the other night and he's going to rock this gig. The new rangers are lucky to have him because he'll be a great teacher. But he hasn't been gone for a whole week in like 5 years. I'm going to really miss him. And I sure as hell hope we don't get snowed in. I have no idea how to drive the tractor and plow snow. Also, for those of you who are thinking "Ha! Her husband's gone for a week, lets rob the place", first, there's not much to take. Second, we have guns and Sean will shoot you. I much prefer sharp stabby things so I'll shank you with my vegetable knife. But worst of all...we have a pregnant Lu who will probably gouge out your eyes with her bare hands. Seriously. Those hormones are wild.
Sean is good. Still rocking the telemarketer world and keeping us all in stitches with tales of his daily worklife. He almost makes me want to get a job there. Sean and Lizzie did drop the "not dating" part and dated over Christmas break. Unfortunately, it was short lived. Now they really are not dating. So girls, he's up for grabs again. And he's racking up a tidy little nest egg. Although, I must admit he's pretty generous with his money. He's currently making his summer travel plans and seeing how he can fit some work in there too.
Lu is good. Her pregnancy is going well and she has the cutest little baby belly. She's really starting to show this last week and you can tell it's baby not pudge. She hasn't had any problems other than tiredness and some nausea at all. Her blood work is looking good and holding out high. We heard the baby's heartbeat at the last appointment and it was strong and 166. This leads me to believe it's a girl. The name picking is not going so well. She wants something uncommon, but not ridiculous. Maybe I should have a "name Lu's baby" contest. The baby's father is very much out of the picture. He can't seem to put aside his own feelings and realize that there's a baby involved, it's not really about him anymore. I think it's hurt Lu's feelings somewhat on behalf of the baby, but mostly she's relieved. There is someone else in the picture. He is ready to take care of both Lu and the baby. But they are taking it slow to see where it goes. With her hormonal mood swings, dating her is challenging. I won't say anything further because some of the baby's daddy's friends read my blog and it doesn't need to get back to him unless they get serious. You know who you are...and so do I. So don't go telling tales. She's still working at her retail job and planning to take online classes in the fall after the baby is born.
Well, bet you finished that drink, huh? If you made it through all this, then you are pretty well caught up. I can't wait to read some of your blogs and find out what's going on with the rest of you! And I do have some wickedly funny conversations saved up. It's good to be back. I've missed you all.
♥Spot
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The one where I can't seem to put it behind me...
So um. This is probably going to be completely random because I have no idea what I'm going to blog about. I had fifty thousand post ideas until I actually sat down at my computer and my mind went blank. So here I am staring at the blank screen and randomly typing.
Today is the 6 month mark from Mike's accident. He's doing great. He still has some occasional shoulder pain and he still doesn't have his stamina quite back but he's doing amazing for someone who almost died. He still says he only remembers bits and pieces of things after the accident. I have full recall of the entire day. Sometimes I wish I didn't. I can't pass a red truck without feeling a chill snake it's way down my spine. Every time anyone leaves the house I worry til I know their safe. If I start to say something and don't or if I don't get a chance to say "I love you" before they leave I spend hours freaking out, thinking what if something happens, will they know I loved them? It's ridiculous really, but I can't stop it. Even writing this I find myself tearing up. I have flashbacks to that trauma room and my husbands bruised and bloody body. He seems to have put it out of his mind for the most part. I wonder why I can't?
On a happier note- Lu's pregnancy is going really well. Other than the fatigue (you ladies know what I'm talking about- that bone weary tiredness of the first trimester), she hasn't had much trouble. Some headaches and passing nausea, but overall she's super healthy and doing great. I should take a picture of her baby bump to post. She sees the doctor for the first time on Wednesday and we're hoping they will be able to determine her due date for sure. Emotionally she's got a lot going on. She wants to have the first appointment be just her and I and the baby daddy is pressuring her to let him come too. I'm not sure why he can't seem to respect her wishes on this. Technically she doesn't have to let him come to any appointments but she's promised he could come to some. She's also helping a friend who's been through rehab for alcoholism and just got out.
Sean is, well, Sean. I haven't seen him much these last few weeks because he's got his father's work ethic. He had pneumonia and only missed one day of work. Then he stayed late several times to make up the missed hours. Then he took on a couple of side jobs with a friend. Between all that and his Lodge duties, he's gone a lot. I miss him. He's the one I can count on to lighten my mood. Lizzie (his "not" girlfriend) did visit with us over her Thanksgiving break and we all enjoyed that. Lu made us (and when I say "made" us, I mean MADE us. She's like the family game night Nazi) play games that night. Personally, I wish they'd drop the "not" status and just go back to dating. Sean found "the whole happy meal" in Lizzie and I like that she gives shit right back to him when he's dishing it out. Lu has asked them to be her baby's godparents.
And me? Well, I'm working on Christmas stuff. I'm unusually ahead of the game this year. My shopping is nearly done, I'm starting my craft projects tomorrow, and I may wrap some today. I'm usually a last minute Christmas girl so I'm feeling pretty proud. My folks and sisters family will be coming here for Christmas, so I do have some carpet shampooing and cleaning to do. And I have to get it all done because I'm having my gallbladder out on the 30th. That conversation went like this.
*I'd seen the surgeon (yes, the same one who did Mike and Lu's surgeries. He's probably going to get to go on vacation from the money he's made on us this year!) And the nurse comes in*
Nurse: Doctor wants to take that out right away. He said tomorrow but we don't have any openings. How about next Thursday the 9th?
Me: Um. No can do. We have a wedding to go to on the 11th and a banquet.
Nurse: How about the next week. The 16th?
Me: Nope. Mike's work Christmas party.
Nurse: The 23rd?
Me: You're kidding right?
Nurse: *blank stare*
Me: I'm having company for Christmas. How about the 30th?
Nurse: But the doctor said right away.
Me: I've been in pain for months now. I'm pretty sure I can handle 29 more days. So the 30th works. Book it.
I know that my family would have been okay with a messy house and pizza for Christmas dinner. But I would never have healed enough to be able to have CJ home. This way I get Christmas out of the way, enjoy every one's visits and then take care of me. That's how we Mom's do it, right?
Hope you all are having an excellent month. If you have snow, send it my way. I'm ready for some!
♥Spot
Today is the 6 month mark from Mike's accident. He's doing great. He still has some occasional shoulder pain and he still doesn't have his stamina quite back but he's doing amazing for someone who almost died. He still says he only remembers bits and pieces of things after the accident. I have full recall of the entire day. Sometimes I wish I didn't. I can't pass a red truck without feeling a chill snake it's way down my spine. Every time anyone leaves the house I worry til I know their safe. If I start to say something and don't or if I don't get a chance to say "I love you" before they leave I spend hours freaking out, thinking what if something happens, will they know I loved them? It's ridiculous really, but I can't stop it. Even writing this I find myself tearing up. I have flashbacks to that trauma room and my husbands bruised and bloody body. He seems to have put it out of his mind for the most part. I wonder why I can't?
On a happier note- Lu's pregnancy is going really well. Other than the fatigue (you ladies know what I'm talking about- that bone weary tiredness of the first trimester), she hasn't had much trouble. Some headaches and passing nausea, but overall she's super healthy and doing great. I should take a picture of her baby bump to post. She sees the doctor for the first time on Wednesday and we're hoping they will be able to determine her due date for sure. Emotionally she's got a lot going on. She wants to have the first appointment be just her and I and the baby daddy is pressuring her to let him come too. I'm not sure why he can't seem to respect her wishes on this. Technically she doesn't have to let him come to any appointments but she's promised he could come to some. She's also helping a friend who's been through rehab for alcoholism and just got out.
Sean is, well, Sean. I haven't seen him much these last few weeks because he's got his father's work ethic. He had pneumonia and only missed one day of work. Then he stayed late several times to make up the missed hours. Then he took on a couple of side jobs with a friend. Between all that and his Lodge duties, he's gone a lot. I miss him. He's the one I can count on to lighten my mood. Lizzie (his "not" girlfriend) did visit with us over her Thanksgiving break and we all enjoyed that. Lu made us (and when I say "made" us, I mean MADE us. She's like the family game night Nazi) play games that night. Personally, I wish they'd drop the "not" status and just go back to dating. Sean found "the whole happy meal" in Lizzie and I like that she gives shit right back to him when he's dishing it out. Lu has asked them to be her baby's godparents.
And me? Well, I'm working on Christmas stuff. I'm unusually ahead of the game this year. My shopping is nearly done, I'm starting my craft projects tomorrow, and I may wrap some today. I'm usually a last minute Christmas girl so I'm feeling pretty proud. My folks and sisters family will be coming here for Christmas, so I do have some carpet shampooing and cleaning to do. And I have to get it all done because I'm having my gallbladder out on the 30th. That conversation went like this.
*I'd seen the surgeon (yes, the same one who did Mike and Lu's surgeries. He's probably going to get to go on vacation from the money he's made on us this year!) And the nurse comes in*
Nurse: Doctor wants to take that out right away. He said tomorrow but we don't have any openings. How about next Thursday the 9th?
Me: Um. No can do. We have a wedding to go to on the 11th and a banquet.
Nurse: How about the next week. The 16th?
Me: Nope. Mike's work Christmas party.
Nurse: The 23rd?
Me: You're kidding right?
Nurse: *blank stare*
Me: I'm having company for Christmas. How about the 30th?
Nurse: But the doctor said right away.
Me: I've been in pain for months now. I'm pretty sure I can handle 29 more days. So the 30th works. Book it.
I know that my family would have been okay with a messy house and pizza for Christmas dinner. But I would never have healed enough to be able to have CJ home. This way I get Christmas out of the way, enjoy every one's visits and then take care of me. That's how we Mom's do it, right?
Hope you all are having an excellent month. If you have snow, send it my way. I'm ready for some!
♥Spot
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)