Me, not my Dad.
I finished the thing for my class and shared it with the students. Two of them have already sent me feedback. Woo--over achiever students--I love them. I'm going to have to work really hard to stay 10 steps ahead of them since this is the first time I'm teaching this class. These guys are ready to go! It will be fun and good for me though.
What else...?
Oh...
What did the Lawyer name her daughter?
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Sue
heh.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Holidaze
Here's a start on x-mas lists for the girls. (This is more for me than usual. I do use the blog as a way to keep track of things. I'll be adding to this as time goes on and will probably move it up.)
T
Airplanes. Right now, she is obsessed with them. I think getting something that "flew" (she's probably too young, but she would LOVE it) would be fun. MWH gave me the "you're insane" look when I suggested it.
K
She says she wants new covers for her bed.
N
Nothing specific yet. Dinosaurs!
T
Airplanes. Right now, she is obsessed with them. I think getting something that "flew" (she's probably too young, but she would LOVE it) would be fun. MWH gave me the "you're insane" look when I suggested it.
K
She says she wants new covers for her bed.
N
Nothing specific yet. Dinosaurs!
Learning
I just finished some stuff in preparation for my class. I don't love it, but it's better than it was before. If I do this class again next year, it will be even better.
I don't like being the "new kid on the block" teaching. I am though. I've been a professional for 10 years, but teaching, while related to what I do, is new. I'm so glad I taught at [local state] university before doing OLU! I don't know why I like teaching. It takes a lot of time. It is rewarding, but also, some people don't like you. Some people do and some don't. It troubles me when my students don't like me. It is wonderful when I can help them. Teaching sucks me in and motivates me to learn more than anything else.
We are still learning all the stuff wrong with my Dad. When we learn new stuff, I am amazed that he's doing so well. PF, EP, CHF, D, and A are just some of the issues. (PS, note how vague. Hopefully I'll remember what they all mean.) I need to determine when it makes sense to go home.
MWH's Mom got the report back from the surgeon. It's not "the best" news, but it's not the worst either. We'll have to see what the other doctor recommends.
I don't like being the "new kid on the block" teaching. I am though. I've been a professional for 10 years, but teaching, while related to what I do, is new. I'm so glad I taught at [local state] university before doing OLU! I don't know why I like teaching. It takes a lot of time. It is rewarding, but also, some people don't like you. Some people do and some don't. It troubles me when my students don't like me. It is wonderful when I can help them. Teaching sucks me in and motivates me to learn more than anything else.
We are still learning all the stuff wrong with my Dad. When we learn new stuff, I am amazed that he's doing so well. PF, EP, CHF, D, and A are just some of the issues. (PS, note how vague. Hopefully I'll remember what they all mean.) I need to determine when it makes sense to go home.
MWH's Mom got the report back from the surgeon. It's not "the best" news, but it's not the worst either. We'll have to see what the other doctor recommends.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
TIRED
My new class... We have an early morning section of it. It officially starts in a week and I am dreading it.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I just realized
I missed my own Blogoversary. Here's last year's post. The official day was 8/20/08 and now it's 3 years!
It looks like I'm a little behind in the number of posts for this year, 'cause for 2008 I only have 262 entries here, but remember, I have "the other" blog now too. I try to post to it a great deal, so I imagine I'm blogging a little more now than I was last year.
I still love blogging for all the reasons I listed in the first year's Blogoversary post.
I feel like I should write a longer post to honor me, but I'm just tired. Too much going on, and not in a good way.
It looks like I'm a little behind in the number of posts for this year, 'cause for 2008 I only have 262 entries here, but remember, I have "the other" blog now too. I try to post to it a great deal, so I imagine I'm blogging a little more now than I was last year.
I still love blogging for all the reasons I listed in the first year's Blogoversary post.
I feel like I should write a longer post to honor me, but I'm just tired. Too much going on, and not in a good way.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Why
Why can't I go to bed early?
Why must I stay up late?
oNe (6.6) started first grade and I am the parent that takes her. MWH is less of a morning person than me. I will be getting up at 7:30 for the rest of the year. Only 176 more days, but who is counting?
Dad update:
We still don't know everything. The woman managing his care is probably not that good. I still think she's better than the hospital, but not by much now. I could go on about how non-compliant he is, but I won't. This sucks.
twoK's (4.25) had some great quotes lately, but I can't remember them. She's really doing a lot of drawing too. I must do an art post (probably on the other blog) soon. (Leave me a comment if you want to see the other blog and don't have access.)
oNe's teacher told oNe that she wrote her story so well that she (the teacher) could picture what oNe was trying to say in her (the teacher's) mind. (That means oNe used a lot of descriptive words.) Pretty impressive praise. Perhaps she'll make a guest blogging appearance someday.
oNe's teacher also told everyone to do their assignment just like N______. This was because oNe did such a nice job on the pictures they were supposed to draw and then oNe labeled the pictures. The labeling part wasn't in the directions, but oNe thought it would be good to do it and the teacher agreed. oNe likes her new teacher and from oNe's reports, the new teacher likes her. I think I'll call the teacher Miss FG (Miss First Grade) ... Boy, I am good at the nickname thing, eh?
Coincidentally, my Zumba teacher told the whole class to do one of the wiggle things we were doing, just like I was doing. Woo! oNe and I must be related.
Did I tell you I'm thinking about getting certified to teach Zumba? But not until January (at the earliest). Did I tell you l <3 Zumba? Heh.
Why must I stay up late?
oNe (6.6) started first grade and I am the parent that takes her. MWH is less of a morning person than me. I will be getting up at 7:30 for the rest of the year. Only 176 more days, but who is counting?
Dad update:
We still don't know everything. The woman managing his care is probably not that good. I still think she's better than the hospital, but not by much now. I could go on about how non-compliant he is, but I won't. This sucks.
twoK's (4.25) had some great quotes lately, but I can't remember them. She's really doing a lot of drawing too. I must do an art post (probably on the other blog) soon. (Leave me a comment if you want to see the other blog and don't have access.)
oNe's teacher told oNe that she wrote her story so well that she (the teacher) could picture what oNe was trying to say in her (the teacher's) mind. (That means oNe used a lot of descriptive words.) Pretty impressive praise. Perhaps she'll make a guest blogging appearance someday.
oNe's teacher also told everyone to do their assignment just like N______. This was because oNe did such a nice job on the pictures they were supposed to draw and then oNe labeled the pictures. The labeling part wasn't in the directions, but oNe thought it would be good to do it and the teacher agreed. oNe likes her new teacher and from oNe's reports, the new teacher likes her. I think I'll call the teacher Miss FG (Miss First Grade) ... Boy, I am good at the nickname thing, eh?
Coincidentally, my Zumba teacher told the whole class to do one of the wiggle things we were doing, just like I was doing. Woo! oNe and I must be related.
Did I tell you I'm thinking about getting certified to teach Zumba? But not until January (at the earliest). Did I tell you l <3 Zumba? Heh.
Monday, August 25, 2008
The new look
The new profile pict is compliments of www.befunky.com. I love the cartoon-y tool.
The new colorful banner is by me. I am not a graphic artist, but I had fun playing. If you hate it, don't tell me.
The new colorful banner is by me. I am not a graphic artist, but I had fun playing. If you hate it, don't tell me.
well?
colors? yay or nay?
Done for now @ 4:06 pm. (I am supposed to be doing other stuff, can you tell?)
Okay, really done for now @ 4:35.
No, really done for now @ 4:43...
Except, oNe likes this version better. What do you think? I like the crazier font myself.
Done for now @ 4:06 pm. (I am supposed to be doing other stuff, can you tell?)
Okay, really done for now @ 4:35.
No, really done for now @ 4:43...
Except, oNe likes this version better. What do you think? I like the crazier font myself.
Thinking out of the box
Last night, I forgot to go to the store, so again, no bread. Actually bread, but old bread. I didn't want to send stale bread in oNe's (N: 6.5) lunch today. I was up as early as I could manage (after staying up until 1:30 am) and debating about whether I had time to run to the store, buy bread, get back and make lunch, and get oNe ready for school on time. I didn't think I could do it.
I stood wishing I had bread frozen in my freezer. Instead, I looked in the freezer and saw a frozen pizza. I made it and sent two slices with oNe, for lunch.
Heh. Thinking out of the pizza box.
I stood wishing I had bread frozen in my freezer. Instead, I looked in the freezer and saw a frozen pizza. I made it and sent two slices with oNe, for lunch.
Heh. Thinking out of the pizza box.
old / new
New -->(see sidebar)
Old picture
That was old... A year... Time flies.
This one was also an option, but I liked having me and the girls holding hands.
Old picture
That was old... A year... Time flies.
This one was also an option, but I liked having me and the girls holding hands.
Update
So Dad wasn't really getting better. He'd have good days and not so good days. On Thursday, my brother called and asked me to google to see if I could find anything. Since we were traveling, I didn't get a chance to google until Saturday. Saturday night, I read about a LOT of scary stuff. This nearly kept me from sleeping. On Sunday morning, I called and Mom said Dad was doing well. I breathed a sigh of relief.
On Sunday night, Mom and Brother D thought Dad was awful. We all had decided he must have an abscessed tooth. We got him to the Dentist this morning and yup. Dad is now minus another tooth, but hopefully he can get better now. He's still being very non-compliant about his medicine. I am so thankful I have brothers there to help.
More good thoughts for him please.
On Sunday night, Mom and Brother D thought Dad was awful. We all had decided he must have an abscessed tooth. We got him to the Dentist this morning and yup. Dad is now minus another tooth, but hopefully he can get better now. He's still being very non-compliant about his medicine. I am so thankful I have brothers there to help.
More good thoughts for him please.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
18
That's what it costs to rent 2 single strollers at D*is*neyland. We're here. I hadn't really wanted to take the little girls until they were older, but then we had a wedding to attend (more about that later -- it was fun) and, well, here we are.
D*is*neyland is fun, and the girls are being good considering how tired they are, I was hoping I would have more fun. I don't love the crowds, nor the heat. Give me a Zumba class, or an Internet connection anyday. (Boy, I sound humbuggy, eh?)
The girls are enjoying themselves. They are cute and loving the experience. I'm even acting like a kid (no, I'm not whiny, I'm silly and fun). Right now K (4) is asleep in her $9 carriage and I am thumb-typing.
I think I'll have more fun now that the sun is setting and it's cooling. I really don't like the heat.
Oh, one more thing, if you are fair, and are wearing a tank top, USE SUNSCREEN! It's gonna hurt tomorrow.
Sent via my BlackBerry
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Not lost!
All week, one of T's blue crocs has been missing. I looked a few times, but didn't spend a lot of time because I haven't had a lot of time (N3nny is out getting ready to get married!). Anyway, this morning, just in time, it appeared! Woo! I'm glad I didn't scour the house since it just magically came back. Thank you croc elves!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
errrr
Tired.
Stressed.
N starts first grade tomorrow. Poor MWH has to run to the store for me to buy bread. We have some bread, but it's "old" in my opinion. I don't want N's first-day-of-first-grade-PB-sandwich to be on old bread. (Yea, we'll go with irrational on that one. It's okay. I'm good with the label in this case. I deserve it. He's indulging me and going to the store. What a guy!)
I think I'm more freaked about first grade than Kindergarten. Or not more freaked, but very freaked. It's ALL day. They prepared us more for kindergarten. We met all the teachers. They made us feel welcome. For first grade, I don't even know all the rules about drop-offs and pick-ups.
We didn't get the teacher we wanted. N was disappointed. (I was too.) You can find out who the teacher will be the night before school starts which is nice. Then you don't have to be sad on the morning of the first day. (You can be sad the night before.) I didn't see many names in the first grade class list that I recognized either. Just one girl and one boy. I guess when you have 120 kids and you divide them up into 5 classes you aren't going to have very many you had the first year. Sigh. N is a little sad.
N doesn't have a "best friend" at school yet. I hope she makes some new ones she likes. She loves her sisters. They are all best friends right now and LOVE to play. They call each other best friends. It's very cute.
Dad gets his echocardiogram tomorrow. Then he also gets a trip to another specialist on Monday. We'll know more after tomorrow. I sure hope he doesn't have congestive heart failure. Good thoughts for him please. He continues to be difficult regarding taking his medicine. It's probably because it's the only place where he sees that he still has some control in his life.
Sigh.
MWH's Mom had her surgery and we'll know more when the lab reports come back. It's nice to know that she came through surgery fine, but still, we wait.
We have another trip to take. A fun trip. To N3nny's wedding. However, I just don't want to deal with packing. I'm tired. Here's an example of how tired and stressed a friend and I are. I was in P's office today. We were trying to divide 22,000 by 110. We rounded down to 100 because we just needed a rough estimate and we still couldn't do the math. We dug out the calculator. We got our answer of 220. Then I said, "Divide it by 10." She did with the calculator. Then we were both VERY EMBARRASSED and we swore we'd never tell a soul about our ineptitude. Then we laughed and I said I'd blog it. Heh.
My friend PS has stress in her life too. She has to make a decision about genetic testing. She is at higher risk for breast cancer because of her heritage and familial incidence. She's trying to make her decision now. Someday (not today) I have to think about that testing. I really want the data, to know what my genes are. My friend wants the data but is worried about the potential denial of services by insurance companies if she has the test and is found to have the genes that increase the likelihood of cancer. I know I don't have that many readers, but does any one have experience with BRCA testing? If so, are you worried about insurance in the future? I am very interested in the testing because I have two second degree relatives on the same side of the family (my father's) one who had ovarian cancer and one who had breast cancer.
Sigh.
I'll tell you about 24 soon. I am making another change to my eating habits. Aren't you excited?
My class hasn't started yet, but I am emailing students and posting stuff in the online system. It's crazy how much time it all takes. (I do like it though.)
Stressed.
N starts first grade tomorrow. Poor MWH has to run to the store for me to buy bread. We have some bread, but it's "old" in my opinion. I don't want N's first-day-of-first-grade-PB-sandwich to be on old bread. (Yea, we'll go with irrational on that one. It's okay. I'm good with the label in this case. I deserve it. He's indulging me and going to the store. What a guy!)
I think I'm more freaked about first grade than Kindergarten. Or not more freaked, but very freaked. It's ALL day. They prepared us more for kindergarten. We met all the teachers. They made us feel welcome. For first grade, I don't even know all the rules about drop-offs and pick-ups.
We didn't get the teacher we wanted. N was disappointed. (I was too.) You can find out who the teacher will be the night before school starts which is nice. Then you don't have to be sad on the morning of the first day. (You can be sad the night before.) I didn't see many names in the first grade class list that I recognized either. Just one girl and one boy. I guess when you have 120 kids and you divide them up into 5 classes you aren't going to have very many you had the first year. Sigh. N is a little sad.
N doesn't have a "best friend" at school yet. I hope she makes some new ones she likes. She loves her sisters. They are all best friends right now and LOVE to play. They call each other best friends. It's very cute.
Dad gets his echocardiogram tomorrow. Then he also gets a trip to another specialist on Monday. We'll know more after tomorrow. I sure hope he doesn't have congestive heart failure. Good thoughts for him please. He continues to be difficult regarding taking his medicine. It's probably because it's the only place where he sees that he still has some control in his life.
Sigh.
MWH's Mom had her surgery and we'll know more when the lab reports come back. It's nice to know that she came through surgery fine, but still, we wait.
We have another trip to take. A fun trip. To N3nny's wedding. However, I just don't want to deal with packing. I'm tired. Here's an example of how tired and stressed a friend and I are. I was in P's office today. We were trying to divide 22,000 by 110. We rounded down to 100 because we just needed a rough estimate and we still couldn't do the math. We dug out the calculator. We got our answer of 220. Then I said, "Divide it by 10." She did with the calculator. Then we were both VERY EMBARRASSED and we swore we'd never tell a soul about our ineptitude. Then we laughed and I said I'd blog it. Heh.
My friend PS has stress in her life too. She has to make a decision about genetic testing. She is at higher risk for breast cancer because of her heritage and familial incidence. She's trying to make her decision now. Someday (not today) I have to think about that testing. I really want the data, to know what my genes are. My friend wants the data but is worried about the potential denial of services by insurance companies if she has the test and is found to have the genes that increase the likelihood of cancer. I know I don't have that many readers, but does any one have experience with BRCA testing? If so, are you worried about insurance in the future? I am very interested in the testing because I have two second degree relatives on the same side of the family (my father's) one who had ovarian cancer and one who had breast cancer.
Sigh.
I'll tell you about 24 soon. I am making another change to my eating habits. Aren't you excited?
My class hasn't started yet, but I am emailing students and posting stuff in the online system. It's crazy how much time it all takes. (I do like it though.)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
slowly
Slowly, we're getting things done for my Dad. I feel very helpless not being there. Dad is not the most compliant patient. Heck, Dad might even be the most stubborn patient ever (TM). Sigh. (I know where K (4) gets her stubborn streak!) The rehab place is ordering an echocardiogram at the good hospital and that should happen in the next couple of days. They are putting him on a couple of diuretics, a beta blocker and an ace inhibitor. I'm reading all about them. My only experience with heart issues were with my cat, Beloved Kitty. At the end, he was on lasix. But his body was very weak. I know congestive heart failure can be managed for a while in humans, but I sure hope my Dad doesn't have it. It's not a good end.
My Dad was such a strong guy when I was a kid. It's really, really hard to see him weak. Aging sucks. The best thing seems to be keeping active and fit your whole life. I've got a growing stack of books, articles and web sites to read. As soon as my class is over, I do intend to tackle the topic.
My Dad was such a strong guy when I was a kid. It's really, really hard to see him weak. Aging sucks. The best thing seems to be keeping active and fit your whole life. I've got a growing stack of books, articles and web sites to read. As soon as my class is over, I do intend to tackle the topic.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Quickie
1. I got an email from a really sweet student in my class last spring. She was very nice in the email and discussed how great the class was. Was all the stress worth it? I do think the class helped people. That was the goal. I think, if I do it again, it will get better and potentially help more of the students more and I think I've determined some ways to reduce the load on me.
2. Little girls are going to gymnastics camp this week! It is super fun. Last summer, I had mixed feelings about it. This summer, the camp is better organized and the girls are a little older, so I'm really liking it right now. (I took my own folding chair today so I wouldn't have to sit on the hard benches and that helped too!) Next summer, I think I want to do gymnastics camp 3 or 4 times (with a week or two between the sessions). The girls love the bouncing and I think it's really good for them to get exercise. By next summer, I might even leave them on their own at camp (as it's supposed to be).
3. My Dad... We still have lots of questions. We didn't get him to a place that can do an echocardiogram. Today my Mom got really upset with something one of the nurses said, and then she got flustered and didn't ask the questions she had about getting him the echo and how to make it happen.
I tried to get my Mom to realize we don't need to "like" the nurses/doctors, we need to make sure they are doing a good job taking care of Dad and doing what he needs. If we like them, bonus. She disagrees. I get that feeling good about people is important to her, but sometimes, not everyone is your best friend and they are still helpful/good for you.
I agree that what my Mom said the nurse said wasn't very professional, but I also know that I don't know the whole context of the conversation. (Whoa, lots of saids there.)
It's really hard not being there to help/ask questions/be annoying until we get the answers we need. (I'm really good at the last one... heh.)
4. I've been preparing and preparing and preparing for my new class this fall. I feel like I'm close to being ready, and I'm losing steam just preparing by myself. Next up, I need to start making videocasts or podcasts as initial ways to help introduce my students to the readings.... I don't want them to be "lectures" but simply good introductions... Maybe 2-5 minutes per article / reading... I think that might be good. I'll do the first one and let you know how it goes.
5. Another student from my spring class just did the sweetest thing for me. She got me an article I wanted. She did Inter-Library Loan (or whatever it's called now) for me. I didn't have access and she did this for me and then sent it to me when it came in. (Many of my spring '08 students were awesome!)
Enough for now. Sleep!
2. Little girls are going to gymnastics camp this week! It is super fun. Last summer, I had mixed feelings about it. This summer, the camp is better organized and the girls are a little older, so I'm really liking it right now. (I took my own folding chair today so I wouldn't have to sit on the hard benches and that helped too!) Next summer, I think I want to do gymnastics camp 3 or 4 times (with a week or two between the sessions). The girls love the bouncing and I think it's really good for them to get exercise. By next summer, I might even leave them on their own at camp (as it's supposed to be).
3. My Dad... We still have lots of questions. We didn't get him to a place that can do an echocardiogram. Today my Mom got really upset with something one of the nurses said, and then she got flustered and didn't ask the questions she had about getting him the echo and how to make it happen.
I tried to get my Mom to realize we don't need to "like" the nurses/doctors, we need to make sure they are doing a good job taking care of Dad and doing what he needs. If we like them, bonus. She disagrees. I get that feeling good about people is important to her, but sometimes, not everyone is your best friend and they are still helpful/good for you.
I agree that what my Mom said the nurse said wasn't very professional, but I also know that I don't know the whole context of the conversation. (Whoa, lots of saids there.)
It's really hard not being there to help/ask questions/be annoying until we get the answers we need. (I'm really good at the last one... heh.)
4. I've been preparing and preparing and preparing for my new class this fall. I feel like I'm close to being ready, and I'm losing steam just preparing by myself. Next up, I need to start making videocasts or podcasts as initial ways to help introduce my students to the readings.... I don't want them to be "lectures" but simply good introductions... Maybe 2-5 minutes per article / reading... I think that might be good. I'll do the first one and let you know how it goes.
5. Another student from my spring class just did the sweetest thing for me. She got me an article I wanted. She did Inter-Library Loan (or whatever it's called now) for me. I didn't have access and she did this for me and then sent it to me when it came in. (Many of my spring '08 students were awesome!)
Enough for now. Sleep!
Today...
Today, we will hopefully get an appointment for my Dad at the good hospital to get an echocardiogram done on his heart. No real news... His legs are swollen (they have been for a while) and the antibiotic is making him sort of sick to his stomach (a known side-effect). It's hard to know whether I should go home and visit or what I should do. Sigh.
Different
My back has felt, um, maybe a teeny bit better since starting the zyflamend. Did I really only start it on 8/14? It feels like it was a lot longer ago.....All the stress (from my father being sick) seems to be distorting time.
Anyway, my back still hurts, but I haven't had as much pain in my legs this week. A teeny bit, but not that much. I was sitting in a chair today and my back hurt, but no leg pain. Woo! In the car today, same thing. Yesterday, I drove MWH's car and that usually really hurts my back and my back didn't hurt. My back felt like it was thinking about hurting, but it didn't actually cross the threshold into real pain.
File this under back documentation.
Anyway, my back still hurts, but I haven't had as much pain in my legs this week. A teeny bit, but not that much. I was sitting in a chair today and my back hurt, but no leg pain. Woo! In the car today, same thing. Yesterday, I drove MWH's car and that usually really hurts my back and my back didn't hurt. My back felt like it was thinking about hurting, but it didn't actually cross the threshold into real pain.
File this under back documentation.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Three-a is almost 3!
I can't believe it.
Three-a facts:
She still has curly hair, but just barely. Just on the ends. However, when it's damp, it does get curlier. Tonight, when I brushed it, it was totally curly on the ends. Beautiful. I've not gotten her a hair cut because I don't want to cut off the curls.
She loves Thomas the Train. She has a Thomas the train swim suit (it's boy swim trunks) and she loves it. She loves her Thomas PJs too. I'm going to have to get her some more Thomas T-shirts. I wish they made Thomas the Train underwear for girls.
She starts preschool soon.
She is very funny.
I love it when we play "I love you so much with the _______ " at night. (Read more here.)
She now climbs into her crib and out of her crib. I need to take the side off and turn her crib into a toddler bed, but she doesn't want to do that. (I think I might have talked her into it... Now I need to try to do it. The last time I tried, she screamed.)
She tells me she wants my back to get better so I can carry her. If I say I need to exercise to help my back, she'll say, "so you can carry me?"
As she climbs into the crib she tells me she's doing it so my back won't hurt any more.
She loves to swim.
She loves gymnastics.
She does lots of "voices" and great imitations.
She can open the freezer and refrigerator door. While this is an achievement, and should be documented (heh), she often stands in front of the open refrigerator "looking" for something to eat. When she first opened it she was so excited and said, "My muscles are getting stronger!"
My baby!
Three-a facts:
She still has curly hair, but just barely. Just on the ends. However, when it's damp, it does get curlier. Tonight, when I brushed it, it was totally curly on the ends. Beautiful. I've not gotten her a hair cut because I don't want to cut off the curls.
She loves Thomas the Train. She has a Thomas the train swim suit (it's boy swim trunks) and she loves it. She loves her Thomas PJs too. I'm going to have to get her some more Thomas T-shirts. I wish they made Thomas the Train underwear for girls.
She starts preschool soon.
She is very funny.
I love it when we play "I love you so much with the _______ " at night. (Read more here.)
She now climbs into her crib and out of her crib. I need to take the side off and turn her crib into a toddler bed, but she doesn't want to do that. (I think I might have talked her into it... Now I need to try to do it. The last time I tried, she screamed.)
She tells me she wants my back to get better so I can carry her. If I say I need to exercise to help my back, she'll say, "so you can carry me?"
As she climbs into the crib she tells me she's doing it so my back won't hurt any more.
She loves to swim.
She loves gymnastics.
She does lots of "voices" and great imitations.
She can open the freezer and refrigerator door. While this is an achievement, and should be documented (heh), she often stands in front of the open refrigerator "looking" for something to eat. When she first opened it she was so excited and said, "My muscles are getting stronger!"
My baby!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Nicknames
The other day, I was thinking about nicknames for the girls on this blog. N, K, and T is functional, but maybe oNe, twoK, and Three-a might be better? What do you think? (Heh, only 3 years after starting this blog that I come up with an idea.)
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
More double s
Ugh. I'm thrilled my Dad is at the rehab place. The hospital where he was was NOT good. The hospital didn't do enough physical therapy. The hospital also missed the fact that he HAS pneumonia. Ummmm... He was coughing and I kept asking what they were doing about the cough. Mom said they had taken a chest x-ray. Somehow, with a chest x-ray they didn't catch pneumonia????
The rehab place caught it. That's the good news.
The not so good news is that it looks like his heart is enlarged. My Mom has requested all of his records from the hospital. We'll see what they have--hopefully they did do a chest x-ray. Theoretically they did an x-ray earlier this summer when he got the "cough." I'm guessing he's had pneumonia for a while. Sigh. We're trying to figure out if he's ever had an echocardiogram or not. The rehab place can tell his heart looks enlarged (from the chest x-ray), but they can't tell how bad it is. The rehab place can't do an echocardiogram for 2 weeks (they have to have a consultant come), but they can send him somewhere to have it done. I want my Dad to go to my Mom's cardiologist. My Dad wants to go back to the hospital where he just was. SIGH.
N (6.5) has a sore neck. She slept funny. I hope she's not getting sick.
T's birthday is coming up. I can't believe she'll be three. She's going to start preschool in a couple of weeks. We're not going to do a party. We'll just do some presents. I am so NOT up for a party. I'm not even going to pretend to do something little.
K got in to the 3-day afternoon program at her preschool. I'm THRILLED. See here if you want the backstory and there is another link back from there.
I'm exhausted. Emotional stress always makes me want to curl up and sleep.
The rehab place caught it. That's the good news.
The not so good news is that it looks like his heart is enlarged. My Mom has requested all of his records from the hospital. We'll see what they have--hopefully they did do a chest x-ray. Theoretically they did an x-ray earlier this summer when he got the "cough." I'm guessing he's had pneumonia for a while. Sigh. We're trying to figure out if he's ever had an echocardiogram or not. The rehab place can tell his heart looks enlarged (from the chest x-ray), but they can't tell how bad it is. The rehab place can't do an echocardiogram for 2 weeks (they have to have a consultant come), but they can send him somewhere to have it done. I want my Dad to go to my Mom's cardiologist. My Dad wants to go back to the hospital where he just was. SIGH.
N (6.5) has a sore neck. She slept funny. I hope she's not getting sick.
T's birthday is coming up. I can't believe she'll be three. She's going to start preschool in a couple of weeks. We're not going to do a party. We'll just do some presents. I am so NOT up for a party. I'm not even going to pretend to do something little.
K got in to the 3-day afternoon program at her preschool. I'm THRILLED. See here if you want the backstory and there is another link back from there.
I'm exhausted. Emotional stress always makes me want to curl up and sleep.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Update
Dad is in the Rehab place. After all of the drama of yesterday, it seems impossible to believe. Now, it's up to him to work hard. He seems to want to do it. Or at least that's what he said today on the phone. We'll see how it goes. I hope he does it.
MWH's kitty seems like he is feeling better. There are several things I still want to do, but it's nice to seem him walking around at night and asking for kitty-food. Asking for food is always a good sign!
I feel overwhelmed with how much work I want to do, but I shouldn't stress so much. Stress is bad for the brain. I leave you with this article.
Maybe tomorrow I can tell you about some of T's (2.99) cuteness in the morning. About how she came in yesterday morning singing "Good Morning..." in a high voice with false vibrato...who knows why, but it was so. darn. cute. Or how she and K (4.25) were farmers and wore these cute little hats... Or... Well, we'll see what I can post tomorrow.
My back is still sore. I started taking Zyflamend (google if you're curious) and we'll see what happens. (It was recommended to me by the ergonomics person at work.)
MWH's kitty seems like he is feeling better. There are several things I still want to do, but it's nice to seem him walking around at night and asking for kitty-food. Asking for food is always a good sign!
I feel overwhelmed with how much work I want to do, but I shouldn't stress so much. Stress is bad for the brain. I leave you with this article.
Maybe tomorrow I can tell you about some of T's (2.99) cuteness in the morning. About how she came in yesterday morning singing "Good Morning..." in a high voice with false vibrato...who knows why, but it was so. darn. cute. Or how she and K (4.25) were farmers and wore these cute little hats... Or... Well, we'll see what I can post tomorrow.
My back is still sore. I started taking Zyflamend (google if you're curious) and we'll see what happens. (It was recommended to me by the ergonomics person at work.)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Thank you!
I got one of these cute little cards in the mail from my friend! She also sent real candy for the girls. Thank you Nino!
Did I tell you I got to meet her? In person? And she's as cool in person as she is online. And as beautiful. And her girls are darling. And I had 6 little girls in my house for a while. Crazy fun! It was too cool. I look forward to doing it again soon (or whenever we can make it happen).
More about meeting Nino in a future post.
Did I tell you I got to meet her? In person? And she's as cool in person as she is online. And as beautiful. And her girls are darling. And I had 6 little girls in my house for a while. Crazy fun! It was too cool. I look forward to doing it again soon (or whenever we can make it happen).
More about meeting Nino in a future post.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
not there
I am not where my Father is and I can't see how I think he's doing. One of my brother's thinks he's greatly improved and one of my brothers is very worried about him. (My other brother isn't there to be the tie-breaker.) I feel helpless. There's more, but nothing that I can really recall right now. Oh, we're discussing which place we'd like him to go for Physical Therapy (PT) to help him. Unfortunately, Medicare will only pay for a place we don't know. It's very frustrating. I'm calling tomorrow to talk with someone to see if they have ideas about the situation.
This is hard and it's extremely exhausting to me. I should probably go to bed for now.
(My back is really hurting tonight. I did Zumba today, and usually I feel better after it, but my back is really, really sore.)
This is hard and it's extremely exhausting to me. I should probably go to bed for now.
(My back is really hurting tonight. I did Zumba today, and usually I feel better after it, but my back is really, really sore.)
I am not surprised
I am delighted, but not surprised by these findings at all. I'm hoping I can do the research to extend these findings to Zumba!
(Thanks MWH for the link!)
(There's a lot I need to read about exercise, calorie restriction, and other related topics so that I can understand them better. Maybe after this class I'm going to teach in the Fall ends I'll have time to do this reading.)
(Thanks MWH for the link!)
(There's a lot I need to read about exercise, calorie restriction, and other related topics so that I can understand them better. Maybe after this class I'm going to teach in the Fall ends I'll have time to do this reading.)
Monday, August 11, 2008
And....
I'm slowly becoming addicted to Facebook. I've been a member since before it was really cool, but now I have to admit, I kind of like it. It's because there are more and more people I like there. I also am not at the point of having TOO many friends there... When I have x-zillion friends, how will I keep up with their status updates?
Swirly Documentation
Lots of thoughts swirling around...
First, even though sometimes I am stressed out by my job, or working, I must document that the structure of work helps me. I'll expand on this later, maybe.
Also, work related, they got me a charger for my computer at work! This may not seem that exciting, but it is! I don't have to remember to bring mine (I kept forgetting it). And! I'm not limited to only 2 hours or as long as my battery has a charge. It's the little things.
And still more work related... There are some more changes at work... Another colleague is leaving. It's okay. This colleague, is, um, a really nice person, but kind of sucking the energy out of me and my favorite colleague (TM). She and I are both a little relieved. We'll miss the other colleague, but when someone takes more energy than they should, it is hard to be around them. You know?
What else... As I prepare for my new class, I'm recharging and working hard to find a new niche for myself. I hope I can do it. I am worried I can't. I am working to find confidence more than anything. If I don't try, I'll never know. Did I mention that MWH is amazingly the best because he has been encouraging me to figure things out and he's being so supportive? I am very-very-very-very lucky. Thank you MWH.
Update on my Dad
He's probably getting released from the hospital soon. He needs to do some physical therapy, but my family and I think he can do it and get stronger. I think what we need is buy-in from him. He sort of wants to get a wheelchair and have people stop bugging him about walking. He has pain, and I don't know how bad it is, but my feeling is that if he takes a wheelchair, he's going to lose even more ability. It is sad because I don't know how to encourage him. I don't want him to not work hard. I know he's not a spring chicken, but I hope he wants to try. My Mom, she is feisty. She makes me proud. She has had so many health issues and has worked really hard to recover. She hasn't given up. She's a fighter. I want my Dad to fight a bit more. He says he wants to make it to 100, but I don't think he will if he takes a wheelchair now.
To end on an upbeat note... Today, I discovered a preference in my Calendar Software that I <3! I keep a To-Do list in the calendar. I can "cross things off" and then they stay there. My To-Do list was getting really hard to read because ALL I've done and crossed off just sits there. I discovered that I can now "cross it off" and then have it "hide" after X days. (I set X to 4.) Now, I get the satisfaction of seeing things crossed off, but also having a To-Do list be readable because the completed things "hide." It's also nice because I can unhide them if I want to see HOW many things I've gotten done, and then hide them again when I'm done feeling good about my accomplishments!
Woo! Go iCal. The software is working for me!
I could talk more about Zumba too, but I'll just document that I'm always talking about it. I talk about it, and do little steps at home so much that K (4) has been telling me, "I wish they had a Kids Zumba class!" Me too!
First, even though sometimes I am stressed out by my job, or working, I must document that the structure of work helps me. I'll expand on this later, maybe.
Also, work related, they got me a charger for my computer at work! This may not seem that exciting, but it is! I don't have to remember to bring mine (I kept forgetting it). And! I'm not limited to only 2 hours or as long as my battery has a charge. It's the little things.
And still more work related... There are some more changes at work... Another colleague is leaving. It's okay. This colleague, is, um, a really nice person, but kind of sucking the energy out of me and my favorite colleague (TM). She and I are both a little relieved. We'll miss the other colleague, but when someone takes more energy than they should, it is hard to be around them. You know?
What else... As I prepare for my new class, I'm recharging and working hard to find a new niche for myself. I hope I can do it. I am worried I can't. I am working to find confidence more than anything. If I don't try, I'll never know. Did I mention that MWH is amazingly the best because he has been encouraging me to figure things out and he's being so supportive? I am very-very-very-very lucky. Thank you MWH.
Update on my Dad
He's probably getting released from the hospital soon. He needs to do some physical therapy, but my family and I think he can do it and get stronger. I think what we need is buy-in from him. He sort of wants to get a wheelchair and have people stop bugging him about walking. He has pain, and I don't know how bad it is, but my feeling is that if he takes a wheelchair, he's going to lose even more ability. It is sad because I don't know how to encourage him. I don't want him to not work hard. I know he's not a spring chicken, but I hope he wants to try. My Mom, she is feisty. She makes me proud. She has had so many health issues and has worked really hard to recover. She hasn't given up. She's a fighter. I want my Dad to fight a bit more. He says he wants to make it to 100, but I don't think he will if he takes a wheelchair now.
To end on an upbeat note... Today, I discovered a preference in my Calendar Software that I <3! I keep a To-Do list in the calendar. I can "cross things off" and then they stay there. My To-Do list was getting really hard to read because ALL I've done and crossed off just sits there. I discovered that I can now "cross it off" and then have it "hide" after X days. (I set X to 4.) Now, I get the satisfaction of seeing things crossed off, but also having a To-Do list be readable because the completed things "hide." It's also nice because I can unhide them if I want to see HOW many things I've gotten done, and then hide them again when I'm done feeling good about my accomplishments!
Woo! Go iCal. The software is working for me!
I could talk more about Zumba too, but I'll just document that I'm always talking about it. I talk about it, and do little steps at home so much that K (4) has been telling me, "I wish they had a Kids Zumba class!" Me too!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Double S
Stressed!
In my comments, my friend Ruth said:
If you tell your box of staples story I'll tell you mine...
I want to tell you my staple story... and I will, but first, I have to become a slight bit less stressed. My Dad was admitted to the hospital last night. His infection wasn't getting better. Hopefully now, with IV antibiotics, he will get better. I don't think the hospital he is in is the best, or even that good, but hopefully they will get him better. (I am worried though... )
Last night, they put him on one IV antibiotic and I asked what the name of it was (remember, I'm FAR away). I googled. I found out the antibiotic they first chose was pretty much the worst one for him. It's got some scary side-effects (see rupturing tendons). It's not good for people over 65 (he's over 80). I called back and got my brother to go talk to the doctor. When my brother spoke to the doctor in charge, and pointed out all the reasons why my Dad shouldn't be on that particular antibiotic, she agreed that it wasn't a good choice, apologized and changed it immediately. I just have to wonder, what if we hadn't noticed? Would she have noticed? I suggest to you, "Question everything! Google! Read! Make sure you agree with treatments!"
What else? We got a new Thomas the Tank Engine helmut for T (2.95) to wear when she rides her scooter. (Note to self: Must put pictures of girls riding their scooters on the other blog. If you want access, let me know.)
At some point I'll do a post about MWH's kitty... Hopefully he's going to hold steady for a few years. MWH is in DENIAL about C-kitty's illness. I don't blame MWH. I had a CRF kitty and I cried and cried. Then I got over my denial and I did everything I could to counteract the effects of Renal Failure. At some point, AGE and illness take over. It is very sad.
I am now helping as much as I can given what I know with MWH's kitty and I'll post about it. When Beloved Kitty was so sick, MWH supported me and let me do what I felt Beloved Kitty needed. I will do the same for MWH's kitty, but C-kitty is definitely MWH's kitty (he LOVES MWH!) and I can't make all the decisions. (Beloved Kitty was MY kitty and I was HIS girl!) (Our kitties were our kitties before we met. That's why I call MWH's kitty HIS kitty. Make sense?)
MWH's Mom is still waiting for more information and will have surgery in another week.
...
And that my dear friends is why I can't do the staples post right now. I'm not just teasing you... It's not like the plastic surgeon post....
I don't think I ever told you why I went to the plastic surgeon... A few of you guessed, but I didn't share why. I meant to, but then life got crazy--heh, crazier than usual. Anyway, I went to the plastic surgeon to have a mole removed. I was worried about it and I wanted it OFF and I wanted them to analyze it. They did. It was fine. I had the doctor GIVE me a scar for piece of mind. (Sort of the opposite of why people go to a plastic surgeon, but that's just me. Call me "opposite girl.")
I have a funny post started about the whole experience, but I doubt I'll ever find the right tone to finish it. Maybe I'll try later... Or not. I'll do the staples post before I go back and try to tackle the plastic surgeon post. There you go.
In my comments, my friend Ruth said:
If you tell your box of staples story I'll tell you mine...
I want to tell you my staple story... and I will, but first, I have to become a slight bit less stressed. My Dad was admitted to the hospital last night. His infection wasn't getting better. Hopefully now, with IV antibiotics, he will get better. I don't think the hospital he is in is the best, or even that good, but hopefully they will get him better. (I am worried though... )
Last night, they put him on one IV antibiotic and I asked what the name of it was (remember, I'm FAR away). I googled. I found out the antibiotic they first chose was pretty much the worst one for him. It's got some scary side-effects (see rupturing tendons). It's not good for people over 65 (he's over 80). I called back and got my brother to go talk to the doctor. When my brother spoke to the doctor in charge, and pointed out all the reasons why my Dad shouldn't be on that particular antibiotic, she agreed that it wasn't a good choice, apologized and changed it immediately. I just have to wonder, what if we hadn't noticed? Would she have noticed? I suggest to you, "Question everything! Google! Read! Make sure you agree with treatments!"
What else? We got a new Thomas the Tank Engine helmut for T (2.95) to wear when she rides her scooter. (Note to self: Must put pictures of girls riding their scooters on the other blog. If you want access, let me know.)
At some point I'll do a post about MWH's kitty... Hopefully he's going to hold steady for a few years. MWH is in DENIAL about C-kitty's illness. I don't blame MWH. I had a CRF kitty and I cried and cried. Then I got over my denial and I did everything I could to counteract the effects of Renal Failure. At some point, AGE and illness take over. It is very sad.
I am now helping as much as I can given what I know with MWH's kitty and I'll post about it. When Beloved Kitty was so sick, MWH supported me and let me do what I felt Beloved Kitty needed. I will do the same for MWH's kitty, but C-kitty is definitely MWH's kitty (he LOVES MWH!) and I can't make all the decisions. (Beloved Kitty was MY kitty and I was HIS girl!) (Our kitties were our kitties before we met. That's why I call MWH's kitty HIS kitty. Make sense?)
MWH's Mom is still waiting for more information and will have surgery in another week.
...
And that my dear friends is why I can't do the staples post right now. I'm not just teasing you... It's not like the plastic surgeon post....
I don't think I ever told you why I went to the plastic surgeon... A few of you guessed, but I didn't share why. I meant to, but then life got crazy--heh, crazier than usual. Anyway, I went to the plastic surgeon to have a mole removed. I was worried about it and I wanted it OFF and I wanted them to analyze it. They did. It was fine. I had the doctor GIVE me a scar for piece of mind. (Sort of the opposite of why people go to a plastic surgeon, but that's just me. Call me "opposite girl.")
I have a funny post started about the whole experience, but I doubt I'll ever find the right tone to finish it. Maybe I'll try later... Or not. I'll do the staples post before I go back and try to tackle the plastic surgeon post. There you go.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Oh yea....
And then there's the emotional stress.... My Dad doesn't sound good. He shouldn't be that sick... Heck, it's still hard for me to believe that he's getting older, but at well over 80, closing in on 90, he is.
Aura/back connection?
My back was hurting a lot today on my right side. Usually it's the left side that hurts. Maybe the pain from my back contributed to the aura? I have lots of pain in my legs too. The chair I sat in during the pedicure was really hurting my back. The aura started right after the pedicure. There was also the smell of all the chemicals in there too. I kind of noticed they were bothering me...
Putting these thoughts down on the blog because then I will have the data later if I want it. Who knows. Hopefully it will be 2 more years before I have another aura!
(I'm coming up on my 3 year blogoversary... Whoa!)
Putting these thoughts down on the blog because then I will have the data later if I want it. Who knows. Hopefully it will be 2 more years before I have another aura!
(I'm coming up on my 3 year blogoversary... Whoa!)
right now...
Right now, I have a headache. It's not that bad. It could be worse. I got a pedicure today so I can't complain too much... I also did Zumba* (and then didn't eat/drink right after which could have contributed to the headache) and Zumba was also a good thing. But now I feel all shakey and bleh because of the headache. The headache is related to the aura I had today. The aura lasted about 20 minutes.
I was surprised to see I haven't blogged about an aura since October of 2006. I guess I haven't had one since then. I thought for sure I had had some after my friend died last fall. I know I had tons of really bad headaches, but apparently no aura. I would have blogged about it, I think. Auras seem blogworthy to me. What do you think?
My aura was on the left side again. Lots of zig-zaggy lines of light. I was at a restaurant and trying to order and the words on the menu were hard to read because I couldn't see some of the letters. Also, the letters I could see were wavy. Good times.
Anyway, it was tons o' fun getting a pedicure with my wonderful smart friends. I hope my friend who is having a difficult time can find happiness soon. (It's not my story, so I'm not blogging it. I am sending her lots of good thoughts and hope it gets better in the way she wants it to get better.)
Here's a random fact for you.... Beavers are vegetarians. N (6.5) just asked me what they eat. I just looked it up.
K (4) got her toes painted today. And N3nny did her hair in a cute little up-do. K is such a girly-girl. She's wearing her frilly night gown.
T is watching a video right now. I have a feeling we're going to watch a little tv tonight given my head. (MWH is working late.)
Okay... The "staples" post will come soon. I know you're all just waiting, eh? My Dad is being stubborn and not going back to the doctor. It's so hard on my Mom. Sigh. MWH's Mom is waiting for her surgery. C-Kitty is still being C-Kitty. I'm going to have to run by the vet soon to find out some more information.
*Despite the headache, I still love Zumba. I love it so much that I'd go to a class right now if I could. Even with a headache. Okay, maybe not, but maybe. I <3 Zumba.
I was surprised to see I haven't blogged about an aura since October of 2006. I guess I haven't had one since then. I thought for sure I had had some after my friend died last fall. I know I had tons of really bad headaches, but apparently no aura. I would have blogged about it, I think. Auras seem blogworthy to me. What do you think?
My aura was on the left side again. Lots of zig-zaggy lines of light. I was at a restaurant and trying to order and the words on the menu were hard to read because I couldn't see some of the letters. Also, the letters I could see were wavy. Good times.
Anyway, it was tons o' fun getting a pedicure with my wonderful smart friends. I hope my friend who is having a difficult time can find happiness soon. (It's not my story, so I'm not blogging it. I am sending her lots of good thoughts and hope it gets better in the way she wants it to get better.)
Here's a random fact for you.... Beavers are vegetarians. N (6.5) just asked me what they eat. I just looked it up.
K (4) got her toes painted today. And N3nny did her hair in a cute little up-do. K is such a girly-girl. She's wearing her frilly night gown.
T is watching a video right now. I have a feeling we're going to watch a little tv tonight given my head. (MWH is working late.)
Okay... The "staples" post will come soon. I know you're all just waiting, eh? My Dad is being stubborn and not going back to the doctor. It's so hard on my Mom. Sigh. MWH's Mom is waiting for her surgery. C-Kitty is still being C-Kitty. I'm going to have to run by the vet soon to find out some more information.
*Despite the headache, I still love Zumba. I love it so much that I'd go to a class right now if I could. Even with a headache. Okay, maybe not, but maybe. I <3 Zumba.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
feeling helpless
With all the stuff (sick Mom and Dad and kitty) going on, I just feel helpless and sad.
No staples today
I know I promised the staple post, but soon. Don't be too disappointed.
1. N (6.5) loves to see the "o'clocks" on the clock. She's learning to tell time and loves it when it's the 00 at the end.
2. T (2.97) has mastered using the computer. She gets up in the morning and goes to play on the computer. She usually turns on a Thomas the Tank engine video, but sometimes she plays games. I didn't really want her using the computer so much, but around here, we use a computer a lot. She's the third baby. She's going to learn and do things sooner than her sisters because of her birth order status. I am glad she knows what she's doing. I wish she wouldn't get up quite so early to start. I am glad she doesn't come wake MWH and I.
3. MWH's kitty just went for his annual check-up. I've been wanting to get him in for a while. He's 16 and I know how important it is to monitor older kitties. The report: He's lost a bit of weight, has a slight heart murmur and his kidney functions are declining. I had a CRF kitty (Beloved Kitty). I learned a lot about the disease. I think I did all that I possible could for Beloved Kitty given what we knew about the disease then.
I started googling for C-kitty. Since Beloved Kitty died, they have made some progress on learning about new things to help kitties with CRF. That's good, but, still no fun. Sigh, it's so hard watching people/kitties age.
4. Besides C-kitty...MWH's Mom also needs good thoughts. She has surgery scheduled in a couple of weeks. More on that later. Send good thoughts!
5. My Dad had an infection. He's on antibiotics now. I hope he starts acting like his normal self soon. Sigh again.
6. K (4) and N got their hair cut today.
7. N is at acting camp this week.
1. N (6.5) loves to see the "o'clocks" on the clock. She's learning to tell time and loves it when it's the 00 at the end.
2. T (2.97) has mastered using the computer. She gets up in the morning and goes to play on the computer. She usually turns on a Thomas the Tank engine video, but sometimes she plays games. I didn't really want her using the computer so much, but around here, we use a computer a lot. She's the third baby. She's going to learn and do things sooner than her sisters because of her birth order status. I am glad she knows what she's doing. I wish she wouldn't get up quite so early to start. I am glad she doesn't come wake MWH and I.
3. MWH's kitty just went for his annual check-up. I've been wanting to get him in for a while. He's 16 and I know how important it is to monitor older kitties. The report: He's lost a bit of weight, has a slight heart murmur and his kidney functions are declining. I had a CRF kitty (Beloved Kitty). I learned a lot about the disease. I think I did all that I possible could for Beloved Kitty given what we knew about the disease then.
I started googling for C-kitty. Since Beloved Kitty died, they have made some progress on learning about new things to help kitties with CRF. That's good, but, still no fun. Sigh, it's so hard watching people/kitties age.
4. Besides C-kitty...MWH's Mom also needs good thoughts. She has surgery scheduled in a couple of weeks. More on that later. Send good thoughts!
5. My Dad had an infection. He's on antibiotics now. I hope he starts acting like his normal self soon. Sigh again.
6. K (4) and N got their hair cut today.
7. N is at acting camp this week.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
August...
I'm barely handling the fact that it's August and I get a catalogue in the mail with Halloween costumes in it! YIKES.
huh, what?
I feel like I am in a bit of a fog lately. I'm really sucked into the new class. I knew this would happen. It's good. Class hasn't even started yet. I'm just preparing.
And Zumba! It's good! My back feels better than it has for a while. It still hurts, and I should probably be icing, but for not icing, my back feels really good. I talked my friend into trying the Zumba class today. Woo! It is fun to work out with her. Supposedly Zumba can burn 500-800 calories an hour... Pretty cool, eh? I <3 Zumba!
The little girls are good. T (2.95) is getting so big and just cracks me up! It's almost her birthday.
I still need to tell you how good they were on the trip. This time, traveling was so much easier with them.
Right now, we're getting ready for N3nny to be gone for three weeks and go get married. I hate trying to figure out the schedule and who's going to help.... Argh. Did I mention that I <3 N3nny? She is so good.
Boy, I am really boring today.
Next up, I'll tell you about a box of staples. No, seriously. And it's a good story. Really. And I'll have pictures. (Why are you all running away?)
And Zumba! It's good! My back feels better than it has for a while. It still hurts, and I should probably be icing, but for not icing, my back feels really good. I talked my friend into trying the Zumba class today. Woo! It is fun to work out with her. Supposedly Zumba can burn 500-800 calories an hour... Pretty cool, eh? I <3 Zumba!
The little girls are good. T (2.95) is getting so big and just cracks me up! It's almost her birthday.
I still need to tell you how good they were on the trip. This time, traveling was so much easier with them.
Right now, we're getting ready for N3nny to be gone for three weeks and go get married. I hate trying to figure out the schedule and who's going to help.... Argh. Did I mention that I <3 N3nny? She is so good.
Boy, I am really boring today.
Next up, I'll tell you about a box of staples. No, seriously. And it's a good story. Really. And I'll have pictures. (Why are you all running away?)
Sunday, August 03, 2008
addendum (class spring 08)
I got a thank you email from one of my students tonight. Obviously way after grades ... too late for kissing up... It was nice.
I got the written comments on my teaching and they were good. A couple of people offered good insights for me for the future. I love when I get comments that help me learn. Some commented on how the class was hard work and different, but they learned. I am glad that they felt the methods I used worked. It was a lot of hard work, but I think it was good for them.
I got the written comments on my teaching and they were good. A couple of people offered good insights for me for the future. I love when I get comments that help me learn. Some commented on how the class was hard work and different, but they learned. I am glad that they felt the methods I used worked. It was a lot of hard work, but I think it was good for them.
Right now...
Right now, I'm trying to understand something. I am not quite getting it, but I know when I come back and re-read the stuff tomorrow, I'll "get it." I find this fascinating. I love background processing.
I'm prepping for my class for OLU. It's a graduate level class and I'm a little scared. I know that I know a lot, but now I have to share it with people who also know a lot. Some of the people are older than me. I'm also comparing myself to the person who usually teaches this class and she is amazing. She's got a few years on me though so it makes sense that she knows more than me. I'm guessing she's 10-15 year older than me. Anyway.... Feeling overwhelmed... It will get better.
I'm prepping for my class for OLU. It's a graduate level class and I'm a little scared. I know that I know a lot, but now I have to share it with people who also know a lot. Some of the people are older than me. I'm also comparing myself to the person who usually teaches this class and she is amazing. She's got a few years on me though so it makes sense that she knows more than me. I'm guessing she's 10-15 year older than me. Anyway.... Feeling overwhelmed... It will get better.
I really <3 Zumba.
Really. I'm going to have to start a Zumba Category here. I think this was my eighth class, but maybe we'll only call it the seventh--I did one while we were on vacation, but it was really lame compared to the one where I live!
Anyway, I love it. It is such a good workout. It totally kicks my butt and works my abs. My back feels good because it really loosens up everything. I was going to look into a personal trainer, and I still should, but if I get in 4-5 workouts a week, I may not need/want one. (I know I should be doing more weights. Weights are GOOD for you.) (Zumba is good in one way and weights are good in another.)
Yea, I'm really boring, eh?
Zumba makes me smile!
Anyway, I love it. It is such a good workout. It totally kicks my butt and works my abs. My back feels good because it really loosens up everything. I was going to look into a personal trainer, and I still should, but if I get in 4-5 workouts a week, I may not need/want one. (I know I should be doing more weights. Weights are GOOD for you.) (Zumba is good in one way and weights are good in another.)
Yea, I'm really boring, eh?
Zumba makes me smile!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Honest
At night, T is still nursing. Granted, we're down to less than a minute total, but she still wants to nurse. I have been preparing her that at 3, we stop nursing.
Every night, I remind her, "You're almost 3... what happens?" She says, "Stop nursing." Tonight she said it and then I asked, "You're good with that?" She said, "No."
Every night, I remind her, "You're almost 3... what happens?" She says, "Stop nursing." Tonight she said it and then I asked, "You're good with that?" She said, "No."
Something, always.
Yesterday, K (4) got her toe smashed under a door. Sigh. It was very painful and the injury looked deep.
I called the doctor's office as soon as it happened. Note: I learned that I should not call the doctor's office when an injury is received, but go straight to the Urgent Care Clinic because the doctor at the doctor's office will only look at the injury and say, "Oh, you need to go to urgent care. She needs stitches and we don't do them here."
The doctor will do this after you waited for the appointment time (3 hours). It will annoy you! The doctor's office will collect your co-pay and then the Urgent Care place will too. Again, you will be annoyed! And, time will have been wasted! (The injury happened at 11:30, the doctor visit was 2:30, we arrived at Urgent Care at 3:10-ish* and we got home out of Urgent Care at 3:40. It took a long time. It would have been even longer if we'd needed stitches.)
(I thought I was doing the right thing because the injury wasn't that bad. I thought it was good not to go straight to Urgent Care when someone else might have something more urgent than K. I was wrong!)
(You may not want to read more if you don't like medical talk.)
K didn't need stitches in her toe, even though the cut was deep. I also learned that if the cut is deep, but not gaping, and not on the face, then they probably won't do stitches. At least that's what this doctor told me. Medicine is a practice and everyone practices differently so another doctor might have a different opinion. The nurse, who looked at the injury, said she didn't think the wound needed stitches because there wasn't anything to stitch the skin to--the door had scrapped off all the skin on side of the wound (as the door had opened).
This morning, K is running around looking fine! She has a band-aid, but that's all you can tell. (Oh and she can't go swimming for a week.)
*If you ever have to go to Urgent Care on a Friday... Try to get there as early in the afternoon as you can. Many people wait until right after work to go and then it's a LONG wait!
I called the doctor's office as soon as it happened. Note: I learned that I should not call the doctor's office when an injury is received, but go straight to the Urgent Care Clinic because the doctor at the doctor's office will only look at the injury and say, "Oh, you need to go to urgent care. She needs stitches and we don't do them here."
The doctor will do this after you waited for the appointment time (3 hours). It will annoy you! The doctor's office will collect your co-pay and then the Urgent Care place will too. Again, you will be annoyed! And, time will have been wasted! (The injury happened at 11:30, the doctor visit was 2:30, we arrived at Urgent Care at 3:10-ish* and we got home out of Urgent Care at 3:40. It took a long time. It would have been even longer if we'd needed stitches.)
(I thought I was doing the right thing because the injury wasn't that bad. I thought it was good not to go straight to Urgent Care when someone else might have something more urgent than K. I was wrong!)
(You may not want to read more if you don't like medical talk.)
K didn't need stitches in her toe, even though the cut was deep. I also learned that if the cut is deep, but not gaping, and not on the face, then they probably won't do stitches. At least that's what this doctor told me. Medicine is a practice and everyone practices differently so another doctor might have a different opinion. The nurse, who looked at the injury, said she didn't think the wound needed stitches because there wasn't anything to stitch the skin to--the door had scrapped off all the skin on side of the wound (as the door had opened).
This morning, K is running around looking fine! She has a band-aid, but that's all you can tell. (Oh and she can't go swimming for a week.)
*If you ever have to go to Urgent Care on a Friday... Try to get there as early in the afternoon as you can. Many people wait until right after work to go and then it's a LONG wait!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Su-prise
Last night, the girls threw a surprise party for me. They learned about surprise parties on our trip as we watched old home movies and we had a couple of surprise birthday parties recorded. So, I got home from work and the girls were hiding behind the couch. Then they jumped out and yelled "surprise!"
N (6.5) wrote a card telling me the parte was to selbraet h matche (much) we love you. (Awww!)
They took a piece of carrot cake from the freezer and decorated it with m&ms. N also made decorations out of molding clay. She artfully arranged the clay decorations around the cake plate. Oh, and she put a candle on the cake.
I am lucky.
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