I was noticing that my niece's site meter counter is almost caught up to mine. And I was thinking she's just so much more popular than I. That's okay. I'm not bitter about that!
Then I got to thinking. I'm a 60-plus person. In my age group, few people use computers, and even fewer read BLOGs. So, what can I expect? Also, since we moved to this community we've lost so many of our friends and neighbors who MIGHT have looked at my BLOG. I'm also at an age when I am definitely losing readers because of their passing on.
Also, I turned off the site meter counter to block out the times I go into my site to read comments or do corrections or things like that, and I'm sure my niece has done that as well. Maybe I should turn it back on so it looks like a lot of people are reading my BLOG.
So, again I ask, why is it that her counter is almost caught up to mine, and she's only been BLOGging for a couple of months, whereas, I started the site meter last March. I figure that it's because she's young, funny, has lots of computer savvy friends, and frankly her BLOGs are more interesting than mine.
So, if those of you who read this BLOG want to give me a boost in my self esteem, click into my BLOG, from a fresh start, several times a day, not necessarily to read it, just so my site meter clicker will advance, and I'll feel popular.
mtf
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Whew!
Well, today was busy. I first visited three -- count them -- three drug stores or pharmacies -- I don't know what the politically correct name for drug stores is any more. I was looking for a hat. That's what they call that thing you put under the toilet seat so when you're a woman you can collect the urine into that thing and then pour it into the 24-hour jug. It looks like a hat, so I suppose that's why they call it that.
Well, none of the three "chain" drug stores had them in stock. I was told to go to the outpatient clinic at various hospitals and see if they would give me one. Yeah, right!
So, now, I'm hitting the small pharmacies, but I'm letting my fingers do the walking this time, because walking to the back -- that's where the windows for the pharmacist and assistants are -- is hurtful to my legs and knee.
After that I went over to sit with Ellie. Who, once again, went into her crib, and I didn't hear a peep out of her. At least today, I saw her for a few minutes before she went to nap time. She's so cute. The cat (Pippin) wanted to cuddle with me. As did Fair Mare (still don't know how to spell that). Now, I'm allergic to cats, so cuddling with a cat is not my idea of a good time, and by the time I left Cyndi's my throat was itchy and burning, but that's as far as it went. I know I'm not nearly as allergic as I was as a teenager and young adult. While listening for a peep to come from Ellie, I read Martha's newest Living magazine, and by that time the children and Cyndi were back home, as were both Shandons. The family was heading out to do some shopping, as was I.
Off I went to Hobby Lobby. 50 percent off scrapbooking supplies was too good to resist. And I had $100 in cash, and I spent 101.24. Not bad, especially since if everything had been full price, it would have cost me over $200. But I got all the supplies I need for the Christmas Card makers, and other craft events for the Christmas season.
I hurt so bad by the time I was through that I thought I was going to be sick. Did you ever hurt that bad? But, I got home, laid down for about an hour, and was fine.
And, ta-da, this is the third day in a row that I cooked a really good dinner. I generally get one good meal a week prepared, but this week, I'm three for three! Tomorrow won't be good, I know that because I'm out of supplies again, and, of course, I didn't' think ahead to getting more fresh meat.
However, if the Alexandria Pharmacy has a "hat", tomorrow I'll pick it up and go next door to the butcher. I need to remind him (the butcher) that I need my duck for Thanksgiving, and it's coming up fast.
So, journal/diary, that's today. I'm seeing quadruple right now, which means I'm really, really tired. I'm off to la-la land, and to sleep, per chance to dream.
ttfn
Well, none of the three "chain" drug stores had them in stock. I was told to go to the outpatient clinic at various hospitals and see if they would give me one. Yeah, right!
So, now, I'm hitting the small pharmacies, but I'm letting my fingers do the walking this time, because walking to the back -- that's where the windows for the pharmacist and assistants are -- is hurtful to my legs and knee.
After that I went over to sit with Ellie. Who, once again, went into her crib, and I didn't hear a peep out of her. At least today, I saw her for a few minutes before she went to nap time. She's so cute. The cat (Pippin) wanted to cuddle with me. As did Fair Mare (still don't know how to spell that). Now, I'm allergic to cats, so cuddling with a cat is not my idea of a good time, and by the time I left Cyndi's my throat was itchy and burning, but that's as far as it went. I know I'm not nearly as allergic as I was as a teenager and young adult. While listening for a peep to come from Ellie, I read Martha's newest Living magazine, and by that time the children and Cyndi were back home, as were both Shandons. The family was heading out to do some shopping, as was I.
Off I went to Hobby Lobby. 50 percent off scrapbooking supplies was too good to resist. And I had $100 in cash, and I spent 101.24. Not bad, especially since if everything had been full price, it would have cost me over $200. But I got all the supplies I need for the Christmas Card makers, and other craft events for the Christmas season.
I hurt so bad by the time I was through that I thought I was going to be sick. Did you ever hurt that bad? But, I got home, laid down for about an hour, and was fine.
And, ta-da, this is the third day in a row that I cooked a really good dinner. I generally get one good meal a week prepared, but this week, I'm three for three! Tomorrow won't be good, I know that because I'm out of supplies again, and, of course, I didn't' think ahead to getting more fresh meat.
However, if the Alexandria Pharmacy has a "hat", tomorrow I'll pick it up and go next door to the butcher. I need to remind him (the butcher) that I need my duck for Thanksgiving, and it's coming up fast.
So, journal/diary, that's today. I'm seeing quadruple right now, which means I'm really, really tired. I'm off to la-la land, and to sleep, per chance to dream.
ttfn
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
How stupid is this?
Last night my sister called me and asked if I knew what kind of critter had taken up residence under my niece's (Lori's) patio. She (Lori) had been BLOGging about this problem and even has a poll-taker on her BLOG giving us all the opportunity to guess what the critter is. Is it a skunk (my guess), a badger, a fox, or some other creature of the night?
You see, Lori's computer crashed and is in the shop being repaired -- which she thinks might take weeks, and after only an hour of thinking about not having a computer she (Lori) was going into withdrawal, or so she wrote in her last BLOGging effort.
So Lori is without a computer for a while, and we are wondering what kind of critter has taken up residence under that patio of hers.
In order to find out what the animal is, I wrote her an e-mail asking her. Now for the stupid part.
If she doesn't have a computer to write a BLOG to let us know about the animal, she certainly doesn't have a computer to reply to any e-mails. DUH!!!!!
How stupid is that?
mtf
You see, Lori's computer crashed and is in the shop being repaired -- which she thinks might take weeks, and after only an hour of thinking about not having a computer she (Lori) was going into withdrawal, or so she wrote in her last BLOGging effort.
So Lori is without a computer for a while, and we are wondering what kind of critter has taken up residence under that patio of hers.
In order to find out what the animal is, I wrote her an e-mail asking her. Now for the stupid part.
If she doesn't have a computer to write a BLOG to let us know about the animal, she certainly doesn't have a computer to reply to any e-mails. DUH!!!!!
How stupid is that?
mtf
Bad night, good day
Well, today is the day I shall get all my card stock cut into sizes for cards. Then on Thursday I'm going to Hobby Lobby -- all scrapbook supplies are 50 percent off this week -- and I'll be stocking up on Christmas stickers. I hope they still have some left. I wish I could go an earlier day, but I can't. So it will be Thursday afternoon, after I watch Ellie May while her sister and brothers go to gym class at the sports center.
The night was awful, that throbbing sciatic nerve was just pulsing all night long. Ouch! It seems to have settled down for now.
Since I did my grocery shopping yesterday, I'm all set in that regard for at least a week. I have enough lemons to last me 8 days. Lemons were 4 for a dollar at the produce store -- what a bargain! Why do I mention lemons? My way of keeping from getting a cold is to eat at least 1/2 a lemon a day -- it seems to be working -- I haven't had a really bad cold for three years. Praise God! Nor flu! Nor bronchitis! Whereas, my dear husband seems to be plagued with bronchial problems 365/24/7.
Another great thing -- I'll be getting the craft kits for the Christmas week party in a couple of days and I will make the samples to make sure they are "child friendly" and the children will be able to work without much help from me or the moms.
I have three more Creative Memory events before the New Year and then I'm taking a leave of absence. I just can't handle it any more. The supplies are heavy, and you just can't have a get together without carrying about 40 pounds of equipment -- at least I can't.
Now, on Monday I'm doing a Christmas card/tag event and that will be with kits, already made up, which won't weight too much. And the rest of the supplies are already in the clubhouse. If I find my legs don't work well on Monday, I'll just move the event to my home -- it's big enough to accommodate 16 women, and we've never had that many attend any of our scrapbooking nights.
So, I'm off to start cutting card stock into card sized pieces. And, making samples, and then the ladies will choose which "card" or "cards" they want to make.
ttfn
The night was awful, that throbbing sciatic nerve was just pulsing all night long. Ouch! It seems to have settled down for now.
Since I did my grocery shopping yesterday, I'm all set in that regard for at least a week. I have enough lemons to last me 8 days. Lemons were 4 for a dollar at the produce store -- what a bargain! Why do I mention lemons? My way of keeping from getting a cold is to eat at least 1/2 a lemon a day -- it seems to be working -- I haven't had a really bad cold for three years. Praise God! Nor flu! Nor bronchitis! Whereas, my dear husband seems to be plagued with bronchial problems 365/24/7.
Another great thing -- I'll be getting the craft kits for the Christmas week party in a couple of days and I will make the samples to make sure they are "child friendly" and the children will be able to work without much help from me or the moms.
I have three more Creative Memory events before the New Year and then I'm taking a leave of absence. I just can't handle it any more. The supplies are heavy, and you just can't have a get together without carrying about 40 pounds of equipment -- at least I can't.
Now, on Monday I'm doing a Christmas card/tag event and that will be with kits, already made up, which won't weight too much. And the rest of the supplies are already in the clubhouse. If I find my legs don't work well on Monday, I'll just move the event to my home -- it's big enough to accommodate 16 women, and we've never had that many attend any of our scrapbooking nights.
So, I'm off to start cutting card stock into card sized pieces. And, making samples, and then the ladies will choose which "card" or "cards" they want to make.
ttfn
Monday, October 27, 2008
Great time was had by all, I think
Well, I worked it all out. I got all the housework done in time, and the set up for my Creative Memories Croptoberfest party last night (Sunday, 10/26). I had 10 ladies come. And they were not all my neighbors. I had a wide spread in ages as well. A young mother who is expecting her fourth child in March, another younger woman and her mother, said mother being one of my neighbors. A lady younger than I am who is the sister of one of my neighbors. The sister came as well. And my best bud neighbor who does scrapbooking. And all these ladies are so very talented.
The project was to make an album out of a pack of fall paper (paper especially made for Croptoberfest activities) and covers which I made out of card stock. They glued, and stuck pieces of paper to the edges to bind the pages, and they tore paper sheets, or cut them, and came up with the most precious albums ever. I wish I had taken pictures, but my camera is worthless right now.
I did, however, order the part to my camera that I lost at the wedding, and hopefully will be back in business by the end of this week.
So, we had a great time. And while I was exhausted after everyone left, and I didn't clean up last night, it was a good exhaustion. I was able, by having the event here, instead of at the clubhouse, to reach any and all products the ladies needed to see or use very easily. Which is interesting, because I've been trying to make sure that I have duplicates of everything at the Clubhouse, but every month, when we get together as a community, I find that SOMETHING is missing, and being in the state of non-walkability that I am I can't run home and fetch the missing items. And I feel bad because the ladies don't have all they need to complete their projects.
Next Monday -- the day before the Election -- is the next Clubhouse event, and we're making Christmas Cards. I'm preparing kits, so that I don't have to run home if something is missing. Each kit will have a card, an envelope, several stickers (my storehouse of previous years' stickers will also be available if they want to switch out), and a saying they can glue into the inside.
Last year's Christmas Card events were well attended and the ladies really did enjoy making those cards. So, we'll see what comes from this year.
I'm feeling very well today, which is unbelievable. My doctor's nurse just called and told me to up my water intake to 64 oz a day -- which is what I've been doing, but she said that I have to be religious about the water intake and that is in addition to coffee, tea, or fruit juices, including cranberry juice. Ugh! I've been feeling like I'm drowning for three months now, and was hoping that I had been taking enough fluids, but apparently not. If I can't process what I've been ingesting at this point, why would I process even more? I don't get it.
So, journal I close again on a down note, but I think I did well at the top of this day's entry with the account of the album making party.
Things I have to do today are: put away the left over papers and all my punches, stencils, and cutters; go to the produce market; and do laundry. I wonder how much I'll actually get done!
mtf
The project was to make an album out of a pack of fall paper (paper especially made for Croptoberfest activities) and covers which I made out of card stock. They glued, and stuck pieces of paper to the edges to bind the pages, and they tore paper sheets, or cut them, and came up with the most precious albums ever. I wish I had taken pictures, but my camera is worthless right now.
I did, however, order the part to my camera that I lost at the wedding, and hopefully will be back in business by the end of this week.
So, we had a great time. And while I was exhausted after everyone left, and I didn't clean up last night, it was a good exhaustion. I was able, by having the event here, instead of at the clubhouse, to reach any and all products the ladies needed to see or use very easily. Which is interesting, because I've been trying to make sure that I have duplicates of everything at the Clubhouse, but every month, when we get together as a community, I find that SOMETHING is missing, and being in the state of non-walkability that I am I can't run home and fetch the missing items. And I feel bad because the ladies don't have all they need to complete their projects.
Next Monday -- the day before the Election -- is the next Clubhouse event, and we're making Christmas Cards. I'm preparing kits, so that I don't have to run home if something is missing. Each kit will have a card, an envelope, several stickers (my storehouse of previous years' stickers will also be available if they want to switch out), and a saying they can glue into the inside.
Last year's Christmas Card events were well attended and the ladies really did enjoy making those cards. So, we'll see what comes from this year.
I'm feeling very well today, which is unbelievable. My doctor's nurse just called and told me to up my water intake to 64 oz a day -- which is what I've been doing, but she said that I have to be religious about the water intake and that is in addition to coffee, tea, or fruit juices, including cranberry juice. Ugh! I've been feeling like I'm drowning for three months now, and was hoping that I had been taking enough fluids, but apparently not. If I can't process what I've been ingesting at this point, why would I process even more? I don't get it.
So, journal I close again on a down note, but I think I did well at the top of this day's entry with the account of the album making party.
Things I have to do today are: put away the left over papers and all my punches, stencils, and cutters; go to the produce market; and do laundry. I wonder how much I'll actually get done!
mtf
Saturday, October 25, 2008
I know you're all dying to know...
I did sleep last night. Alas, I didn't get to sleep until around 4:30 a.m. That's when I finished the book I'd started on Thursday night.
I did get my kitchen floor cleaned and the rest of the kitchen washed down and wiped out, so at least that part of my house is cleaned and ready for "party inspection". Now, I'm waiting on Alan to finished watching football before I can vacuum. I must dust, and clean the guest bathroom. The the GB is best left until tomorrow afternoon.
I'm heading out to pick up a bunch of meds -- one social security check's worth -- for me and Alan, our monthly pick-up. I could have them delivered via a mail service, I suppose, but I'm afraid that they wouldn't get delivered in time, and the prescription that would be missing would be the life-saving one -- not that I'm yet on life-saving medicines, as Alan is.
In just a couple of days all the crafts I ordered for the grands for Christmas will be arriving, and I can't wait to dive into that box and sort that stuff out. I can then get a schedule of when I'm going to do each craft with the kiddies.
I think they're as excited as their grandma about the "party in Tennessee" -- a six-day party. Will I survive? Probably two days of it. Then I'll poop out and have to take a day off, then I can enjoy two more days.
I know it's early in the day, so there may be more mundane things to pass on later in the day. I'll keep you, my dear diary, in the loop.
mtf
I did get my kitchen floor cleaned and the rest of the kitchen washed down and wiped out, so at least that part of my house is cleaned and ready for "party inspection". Now, I'm waiting on Alan to finished watching football before I can vacuum. I must dust, and clean the guest bathroom. The the GB is best left until tomorrow afternoon.
I'm heading out to pick up a bunch of meds -- one social security check's worth -- for me and Alan, our monthly pick-up. I could have them delivered via a mail service, I suppose, but I'm afraid that they wouldn't get delivered in time, and the prescription that would be missing would be the life-saving one -- not that I'm yet on life-saving medicines, as Alan is.
In just a couple of days all the crafts I ordered for the grands for Christmas will be arriving, and I can't wait to dive into that box and sort that stuff out. I can then get a schedule of when I'm going to do each craft with the kiddies.
I think they're as excited as their grandma about the "party in Tennessee" -- a six-day party. Will I survive? Probably two days of it. Then I'll poop out and have to take a day off, then I can enjoy two more days.
I know it's early in the day, so there may be more mundane things to pass on later in the day. I'll keep you, my dear diary, in the loop.
mtf
Friday, October 24, 2008
Ok, so Today's the 24th
And we showed up for our doctor's appointments -- he, his; me, mine. Got up at 6:30 (again) and headed out around 8:15 -- it was a very rainy, dreary, morning. And the doctor overslept -- her alarm didn't waken her, and she was late and finally showed up for my 9:00 a.m. at 9:45 a.m., almost on time for Alan's 10:00 a.m. But, since we were both together it didn't really matter to me, anyway.
My appointment was basically -- give me more pain meds and take a blood sample to show that my kidneys are working well again and I can take anti-inflammatories so I can walk.
Well, she told me I could take another arthritis medicine that isn't an anti-inflammatory but which was causing me nausea last spring. But, we forget to get the Rx for it, so that I'll have to do without until I complete the 24-hour urine test I'm doing next week (day of my choice), then when I show up at her office again -- I feel like I'm living there -- I'll pick up the Rx for the arthritis meds. Clear?
Anyway, she also gave me an Rx for the Pain Institute thinking that they can do something with the chronic pain I'm enduring on a daily basis. We'll, see. I don't really want to go the epidural route, but that's probably what it means. Maybe they'll x-ray my leg and find out that I do, in fact, have several broken bones around the knee and that's what's causing all this pain. Who knows? Who cares?
I came home and went to bed and got up at 7:00 p.m. That's the longest I've slept in weeks -- 7 straight hours. I missed Rush!
I can almost guarantee all that afternoon sleeping that means I won't sleep tonight (again), but I have a plan. If I don't fall asleep, I'll clean the bathrooms and the kitchen floor in my house-cleaning marathon to prep the house for my scrap-book event I'm hosting on Sunday night.
So, as I am awake now, and I still see that my daily-read BLOGs (except for one) haven't been updated, I guess I'll read some more of the book I started yesterday, and if I don't get hooked into that until 4:00 a.m., then I'll clean the house.
Or maybe, just maybe, I will sleep some more!
ttfn
My appointment was basically -- give me more pain meds and take a blood sample to show that my kidneys are working well again and I can take anti-inflammatories so I can walk.
Well, she told me I could take another arthritis medicine that isn't an anti-inflammatory but which was causing me nausea last spring. But, we forget to get the Rx for it, so that I'll have to do without until I complete the 24-hour urine test I'm doing next week (day of my choice), then when I show up at her office again -- I feel like I'm living there -- I'll pick up the Rx for the arthritis meds. Clear?
Anyway, she also gave me an Rx for the Pain Institute thinking that they can do something with the chronic pain I'm enduring on a daily basis. We'll, see. I don't really want to go the epidural route, but that's probably what it means. Maybe they'll x-ray my leg and find out that I do, in fact, have several broken bones around the knee and that's what's causing all this pain. Who knows? Who cares?
I came home and went to bed and got up at 7:00 p.m. That's the longest I've slept in weeks -- 7 straight hours. I missed Rush!
I can almost guarantee all that afternoon sleeping that means I won't sleep tonight (again), but I have a plan. If I don't fall asleep, I'll clean the bathrooms and the kitchen floor in my house-cleaning marathon to prep the house for my scrap-book event I'm hosting on Sunday night.
So, as I am awake now, and I still see that my daily-read BLOGs (except for one) haven't been updated, I guess I'll read some more of the book I started yesterday, and if I don't get hooked into that until 4:00 a.m., then I'll clean the house.
Or maybe, just maybe, I will sleep some more!
ttfn
Thursday, October 23, 2008
How stupid can a person be?
Today was Alan's and my appointment with Dr. Caoili. WRONG. Today is NOT the 24th. Today is the 23rd.
Well, Alan and I showed up on time -- that time being 8:45 a.m. Now, you have to realize that our normal wake-up time is around 9:30 or 10:00 p.m., so being up and ready and out the door by 8:15 is almost a miracle.
I pulled into the doc's parking lot. Parked the car right near the door. Went in. Signed in. And...
I was told that my appointment was for the 24th. And I said, "Yes, that's correct." And the receptionist told me: "Tomorrow is the 24th." And I said, "That's a joke, right?" And she said, no, today is the 23rd.
How I got it in my head that Thursday was the 24th, I don't know, but it isn't. Today is my daughter Cyndi's birthday -- not yesterday as I thought.
I'm all confused. What day is it? Thursday. What is the date? October 23. Okay, so I sent my cousin a Happy Anniversary note on the wrong date, as well.
As my mother used to say: "Stupid, stupid, stupid." And tomorrow we get to do it all over again!
ttfn
Well, Alan and I showed up on time -- that time being 8:45 a.m. Now, you have to realize that our normal wake-up time is around 9:30 or 10:00 p.m., so being up and ready and out the door by 8:15 is almost a miracle.
I pulled into the doc's parking lot. Parked the car right near the door. Went in. Signed in. And...
I was told that my appointment was for the 24th. And I said, "Yes, that's correct." And the receptionist told me: "Tomorrow is the 24th." And I said, "That's a joke, right?" And she said, no, today is the 23rd.
How I got it in my head that Thursday was the 24th, I don't know, but it isn't. Today is my daughter Cyndi's birthday -- not yesterday as I thought.
I'm all confused. What day is it? Thursday. What is the date? October 23. Okay, so I sent my cousin a Happy Anniversary note on the wrong date, as well.
As my mother used to say: "Stupid, stupid, stupid." And tomorrow we get to do it all over again!
ttfn
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Nothing to add
I have nothing to add to my "journal" today. I got up, did some clearing up of the clutter of scrapbooking, which is a never ending job -- picking up the clutter from scrapbooking, that is. And started getting my piles together in readiness for my next scrapbook event on Sunday night. I hope to have 10 women here for that. I have 8 confirmed so far.
I want to get rid of some stuff and that's one way to do it. Have some ladies come over, put the stuff out with price tags on them, and let them go at it.
We're making an album -- a small album -- which will hold 16-32 pictures, depending on how they are arranged. The papers are beautiful and full of fall colors and leaves and things like that. I think the ladies will love what they are given to work with. Then my next HOME crop will be in early December and it will be a Christmas event. Lots of goodies being set aside for that one as well.
My friend Stacia will be having a baby in a few days and I have to get an album set of stuff ready for her as a baby gift, which I'm way behind on. Her baby will probably be three years old before I get it to her, but my heart is in the right place.
So, life moves on. Walking doesn't move me much. Tomorrow is my youngest child's 36th birthday. I guess you know how old that makes me feel. I guess it could be worse. She could be 40 instead of 36, then I'd really feel old.
Actually, since I AM old, I don't feel old until I have to move, then I feel old. Otherwise, because my mind is still in my 20s, I feel like I could do anything, until reality sets in -- or rather bone pain sets in, and I realize I AM old and I need to deal with it.
mtf
I want to get rid of some stuff and that's one way to do it. Have some ladies come over, put the stuff out with price tags on them, and let them go at it.
We're making an album -- a small album -- which will hold 16-32 pictures, depending on how they are arranged. The papers are beautiful and full of fall colors and leaves and things like that. I think the ladies will love what they are given to work with. Then my next HOME crop will be in early December and it will be a Christmas event. Lots of goodies being set aside for that one as well.
My friend Stacia will be having a baby in a few days and I have to get an album set of stuff ready for her as a baby gift, which I'm way behind on. Her baby will probably be three years old before I get it to her, but my heart is in the right place.
So, life moves on. Walking doesn't move me much. Tomorrow is my youngest child's 36th birthday. I guess you know how old that makes me feel. I guess it could be worse. She could be 40 instead of 36, then I'd really feel old.
Actually, since I AM old, I don't feel old until I have to move, then I feel old. Otherwise, because my mind is still in my 20s, I feel like I could do anything, until reality sets in -- or rather bone pain sets in, and I realize I AM old and I need to deal with it.
mtf
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Weekend is Over
Well, the weekend is over, and it was very, very busy. Busy-ness means that I suffer.
First, one of the best things that happened this weekend was that Rosie climbed up on my lap and it didn't hurt! That's the first time I've held a grandchild on my lap in over 10 years. Thanks to the fibromyalgia meds I'm taking, I was able to have Rose on my lap and there was no pain. It came as a big surprise -- very pleasant -- to me.
Second, Alan and I took our granddaughter, Rosie, with us up to Goshen, IN for the weekend to attend my niece's (Emily's) wedding. She's a sweetheart, but she is strong willed and wants to do things her way right away, which isn't always possible, and she doesn't seem to understand that this grandmother and her husband cannot run, jump, skip, and can walk only with great difficulty. But we worked it out, after several pouting sessions, and I think she enjoyed the whole weekend even though some restraints were put on her wishes for activity.
My son, Phil and another one of my grandchildren, David, came to the wedding and they stayed in the same room as Alan, Rosie, and I. It was crowded, but it was only for one night. When you're 65 plus you forget that children don't put their disrobed clothes anywhere but where they removed them -- and when two people in a small room have difficulty walking, hoping they don't fall, it can lead to, well, hardship. But we got past that as well. And David cooperated readily when told that he needed to keep his lose clothing off the floor.
Check-out was like watching an old silent movie where everyone is running around in circles trying to get a task accomplished, but getting further and further behind. We DID make it to church and entered just as the Doxology was being introduced.
Lunch was at a buffet in Goshen, IN, and I just closed my eyes to what all the children were doing. They were well-behaved, I believe. I mean, we had 11 children, the oldest of which was 10, and he considered himself an adult, and didn't associate with the younger children. (LOL)
The ride home was very painful for me. The sciatic nerve was pulsing the whole way. It was a five hour drive, so when we got home, I laid down and fell right to sleep.
I know this sounds like it was a horrible weekend, but it wasn't. Except for a few minor glitches it was a wonderful time of sharing with family members, and cousins enjoying cousins, which makes me happy. I just can't wait until the next event. Really, I mean it. I get over the pain after each event and am ready to go again. I guess you could say, I'm a glutton for punishment. But it's my grandchildren, and I love them to bits. Can't get enough of them, no matter what.
Oh, yeah, Matthew (he's 3) came over for about an hour before we left on Friday, and he was so good. He and I are looking forward to another play date real soon.
mtf
First, one of the best things that happened this weekend was that Rosie climbed up on my lap and it didn't hurt! That's the first time I've held a grandchild on my lap in over 10 years. Thanks to the fibromyalgia meds I'm taking, I was able to have Rose on my lap and there was no pain. It came as a big surprise -- very pleasant -- to me.
Second, Alan and I took our granddaughter, Rosie, with us up to Goshen, IN for the weekend to attend my niece's (Emily's) wedding. She's a sweetheart, but she is strong willed and wants to do things her way right away, which isn't always possible, and she doesn't seem to understand that this grandmother and her husband cannot run, jump, skip, and can walk only with great difficulty. But we worked it out, after several pouting sessions, and I think she enjoyed the whole weekend even though some restraints were put on her wishes for activity.
My son, Phil and another one of my grandchildren, David, came to the wedding and they stayed in the same room as Alan, Rosie, and I. It was crowded, but it was only for one night. When you're 65 plus you forget that children don't put their disrobed clothes anywhere but where they removed them -- and when two people in a small room have difficulty walking, hoping they don't fall, it can lead to, well, hardship. But we got past that as well. And David cooperated readily when told that he needed to keep his lose clothing off the floor.
Check-out was like watching an old silent movie where everyone is running around in circles trying to get a task accomplished, but getting further and further behind. We DID make it to church and entered just as the Doxology was being introduced.
Lunch was at a buffet in Goshen, IN, and I just closed my eyes to what all the children were doing. They were well-behaved, I believe. I mean, we had 11 children, the oldest of which was 10, and he considered himself an adult, and didn't associate with the younger children. (LOL)
The ride home was very painful for me. The sciatic nerve was pulsing the whole way. It was a five hour drive, so when we got home, I laid down and fell right to sleep.
I know this sounds like it was a horrible weekend, but it wasn't. Except for a few minor glitches it was a wonderful time of sharing with family members, and cousins enjoying cousins, which makes me happy. I just can't wait until the next event. Really, I mean it. I get over the pain after each event and am ready to go again. I guess you could say, I'm a glutton for punishment. But it's my grandchildren, and I love them to bits. Can't get enough of them, no matter what.
Oh, yeah, Matthew (he's 3) came over for about an hour before we left on Friday, and he was so good. He and I are looking forward to another play date real soon.
mtf
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Thursday, already
Well, I can't believe it's already Thursday -- the weekend is coming -- and I haven't gotten a whole lot accomplished this week.
I was able, I hope, to get my Medicare/medical insurance provider debacle straightened out. I was on the phone for nearly two hours accomplishing this feat. Man, dear.
I thought our medical insurance people were the primary providers, and they say they are, but Medicare says they are and my medical insurance people say they are. So, I hope we got it correct this time. I still have one more call to make to ascertain if all the phone calls I made relayed the correct information.
The thing is, I don't even want Medicare. I don't want to take money from the government as long as I am able to afford my own medical insurance. But the US Government won't allow me to be medicare free. I HAVE to receive the benefits. What benefits? Do you know that they pay $2.89 for a doctor's office visit? Do any of you know of a doctor that gets only $2.89 per visit? I don't. In fact, I can't recall even back in the 50s that a doctor's visit was that low. It was at least $5 back then. And so since March, when I qualified according to the government for Medicare, nothing has gotten paid. Medicare has paid nothing, nor has my health care insurance provider.
So, one more phone call, and hopefully, all will be set up.
mtf
I was able, I hope, to get my Medicare/medical insurance provider debacle straightened out. I was on the phone for nearly two hours accomplishing this feat. Man, dear.
I thought our medical insurance people were the primary providers, and they say they are, but Medicare says they are and my medical insurance people say they are. So, I hope we got it correct this time. I still have one more call to make to ascertain if all the phone calls I made relayed the correct information.
The thing is, I don't even want Medicare. I don't want to take money from the government as long as I am able to afford my own medical insurance. But the US Government won't allow me to be medicare free. I HAVE to receive the benefits. What benefits? Do you know that they pay $2.89 for a doctor's office visit? Do any of you know of a doctor that gets only $2.89 per visit? I don't. In fact, I can't recall even back in the 50s that a doctor's visit was that low. It was at least $5 back then. And so since March, when I qualified according to the government for Medicare, nothing has gotten paid. Medicare has paid nothing, nor has my health care insurance provider.
So, one more phone call, and hopefully, all will be set up.
mtf
Monday, October 13, 2008
Day 8
I blew it. I was just too tired and hurting too badly to climb today.
My dear, sweet Tori helped me shop at Kroger's. Here's how that works. I ride around in one of those carts they provide for people who have difficulty walking, and she pushes a shopping cart around near me and she pulls things off the shelves as I remember them. The thing is, I always forget something. Today it was butter. Oh, well. I'm not desperate, yet, but I will be out of the stuff in a couple of days of toast for breakfast. Oh, yes, I always have a list, and butter was on the list.
Then she came over and did some printing of items for a gift she is making for a friend.
I put the fridge food away but that was it. I don't know why some days I just can't seem to move at all. Today was one of them. I'm glad it's time for bed because tomorrow will surely be better.
Tomorrow is my day to watch (or rather listen for) Ellie while the other children are at their gym class down the road. Afterwards, tomorrow, I'm going to make Christmas cards with the boys and Tori if she wants to join us. I'm not sure she wants to make any cards this year, but the boys surely do.
I'll definitely get my stair climb in tomorrow.
mtf
My dear, sweet Tori helped me shop at Kroger's. Here's how that works. I ride around in one of those carts they provide for people who have difficulty walking, and she pushes a shopping cart around near me and she pulls things off the shelves as I remember them. The thing is, I always forget something. Today it was butter. Oh, well. I'm not desperate, yet, but I will be out of the stuff in a couple of days of toast for breakfast. Oh, yes, I always have a list, and butter was on the list.
Then she came over and did some printing of items for a gift she is making for a friend.
I put the fridge food away but that was it. I don't know why some days I just can't seem to move at all. Today was one of them. I'm glad it's time for bed because tomorrow will surely be better.
Tomorrow is my day to watch (or rather listen for) Ellie while the other children are at their gym class down the road. Afterwards, tomorrow, I'm going to make Christmas cards with the boys and Tori if she wants to join us. I'm not sure she wants to make any cards this year, but the boys surely do.
I'll definitely get my stair climb in tomorrow.
mtf
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Day 7
Well, I did it again, but this time it was at my son's home. He has several steps to get into the house, and then, because he lives in a bi-level, there are several steps to get up to the main living area where my granddaughter, Rose, was celebrating her 9th birthday. So, I got my 16 steps in, but, I tell you, it was difficult, mainly because their handrail doesn't go all the way to the top, so the top three steps have no means for me to support my weight -- which is what I use the handrail for. But I made it -- both up and then back down. Yippee!
It's a beautiful fall day here in Northern Kentucky. The leaves are finally turning, and falling in masses. Cleanup will begin later this week for those who have to do that kind of thing. Fortunately, we live in a condo community, so that's done by our "landscaper" and not by me!
I recall the children, when they were little, loving to jump into the piles of leaves that my husband and I had scraped up, thus spreading the piles around the yard so that we'd have to scrape up the leaves again. We didn't really mind, we knew it was part of our children's early lives and growing up experience. It was fun for them, that's for certain.
At this time I'm about to make dinner -- short ribs. Alan likes them and since he hasn't wanted to eat for the past few days, I thought I'd make something I know he will enjoy. So I'm off. ttfn.
It's a beautiful fall day here in Northern Kentucky. The leaves are finally turning, and falling in masses. Cleanup will begin later this week for those who have to do that kind of thing. Fortunately, we live in a condo community, so that's done by our "landscaper" and not by me!
I recall the children, when they were little, loving to jump into the piles of leaves that my husband and I had scraped up, thus spreading the piles around the yard so that we'd have to scrape up the leaves again. We didn't really mind, we knew it was part of our children's early lives and growing up experience. It was fun for them, that's for certain.
At this time I'm about to make dinner -- short ribs. Alan likes them and since he hasn't wanted to eat for the past few days, I thought I'd make something I know he will enjoy. So I'm off. ttfn.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Day 6 - climbing
Well, I got in my stair climbing at my daughter's today. Up and down her back steps (there are five of them, if you count the one that goes into the sun porch) -- up three times, down four times. I figure that's as many stairs as I have in my house, so it counts. I also had to walk across the grass field -- not easy to do when you have to walk like Peg-leg Pete -- which hurt like *(*#$ -- it hurt a lot.
And, I noticed as I was climbing my daughter's steps that it was so much easier than it was last Monday, which was day one. So, it must be working. Now, if I could only get the knee -- the bad one -- to bend in such a way so that I could go up and down steps like a normal person, and not like a 95-year-old bent over elderly person. Of course, I don't have much longer to go to get to that age -- 30 years -- which in elderly time is very, very, very fast.
I must add to this "diary" entry that Indiana is beautiful this year -- the leaves have changed and the colors are vibrant. It was a very, very pleasant drive out to Becky's and I'm really glad I went.
ttfn
And, I noticed as I was climbing my daughter's steps that it was so much easier than it was last Monday, which was day one. So, it must be working. Now, if I could only get the knee -- the bad one -- to bend in such a way so that I could go up and down steps like a normal person, and not like a 95-year-old bent over elderly person. Of course, I don't have much longer to go to get to that age -- 30 years -- which in elderly time is very, very, very fast.
I must add to this "diary" entry that Indiana is beautiful this year -- the leaves have changed and the colors are vibrant. It was a very, very pleasant drive out to Becky's and I'm really glad I went.
ttfn
Friday, October 10, 2008
Day 5 stair climbing
I missed yesterday. Yesterday, however, I was cleaning house like a banshee. I was doing laundry, changing out the bed linens and installing the winter covers, washing the summer spreads, and finally putting away the stuff from our vacation the last couple of weeks. The mess was getting to me. And the mess in the kitchen was the worst. Now, anyone can come see me and at least the bathrooms and the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom are cleaned and ready to appear in Better Homes and Gardens. My office is still a mess, but I've got something coming today from Creative Memories which will help clear that up quite a bit.
Next week CM is starting a new almost give-away of organizers on the main webpage. I can't get these items at a discount for my customers, but they can get them at really big discounts. I'm bummed because I purchased the one organizer that is selling for $21 and I paid full price for it last month. Also, the sticker holders are going on sale for dirt cheap prices. So, after October 15 -- while supplies last -- and I dont suppose they'll last very long -- you can get these organizers at my website only: http://www.mycmsite.com/judihahn1
Now, I'm on my way to my stairmaster for today's workout and make-up for yesterday. I may be back, I may die on the way up, who knows.
ttfn
Next week CM is starting a new almost give-away of organizers on the main webpage. I can't get these items at a discount for my customers, but they can get them at really big discounts. I'm bummed because I purchased the one organizer that is selling for $21 and I paid full price for it last month. Also, the sticker holders are going on sale for dirt cheap prices. So, after October 15 -- while supplies last -- and I dont suppose they'll last very long -- you can get these organizers at my website only: http://www.mycmsite.com/judihahn1
Now, I'm on my way to my stairmaster for today's workout and make-up for yesterday. I may be back, I may die on the way up, who knows.
ttfn
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Day 3-- stair climbing
I made it! I did it, again. Three days. And today was much easier than the other two. I didn't huff and puff until the next to the last step, and it didn't hurt my legs at all this time. So, tomorrow, I'm going to try it twice.
I'm getting so excited about our trip to Tennessee with many of our grandchildren during Christmas week. I have ordered and bought wigs and costumes, I have asked the two oldest to help me with games, of which I have a long list. I want to keep them occupied as long as I can before they head over to the swimming pool, at which point I'll not see them until bed time.
My sister and I went to Dollar Tree and got a lot of really, really neat things -- squirrely hats for the boys, neon wigs for the girls, craft supplies, and several other items.
I'm like a kid in the candy store. My plan is to have boxes for each day we're down there with everything all laid out for each day. So, if we're doing a play with costumes -- the children will be given a topic and they will "write" the play -- I will have costume making supplies in that day's box.
As time gets closer to the actual time of the week-long party, I'll let you know some of the games/events we will be participating in.
mtf
I'm getting so excited about our trip to Tennessee with many of our grandchildren during Christmas week. I have ordered and bought wigs and costumes, I have asked the two oldest to help me with games, of which I have a long list. I want to keep them occupied as long as I can before they head over to the swimming pool, at which point I'll not see them until bed time.
My sister and I went to Dollar Tree and got a lot of really, really neat things -- squirrely hats for the boys, neon wigs for the girls, craft supplies, and several other items.
I'm like a kid in the candy store. My plan is to have boxes for each day we're down there with everything all laid out for each day. So, if we're doing a play with costumes -- the children will be given a topic and they will "write" the play -- I will have costume making supplies in that day's box.
As time gets closer to the actual time of the week-long party, I'll let you know some of the games/events we will be participating in.
mtf
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Day 2 of stair climbing
Yes, I did it again, only this time I did it at my daughter, Cyndi's, home. She has 18 steps and I went both up and down. Scarey, going down. My stairs at my house wind around so I don't have this long tube to look down, but a couple of short tubes, which is easier for me to handle, as my fear of heights is getting worse and worse.
It was a generally good day. My knee seems to be healing, finally. And I spent a couple of hours at Cyndi's listening for the sound of a crying child -- none to be heard. Ellie sure does sleep well. She is put down at 12:30 and wakes at 3:30 like clock-work.
Cyndi and I chatted while she and Tori put the groceries away, and again I thanked her for allowing me the privilege of helping her with her schooling duties and giving me the opportunity to see the children once a week (or more). It's been such a treat for me to spend even a little bit of time with them.
Jonah, who is always smiling, today wasn't. And I said, "Jonah, you need to smile. I've never seen you not smile before." And he did. His big gaping smile which I love so much. See the picture. isn't he just the most adorable thing you've ever seen? He looks like his mommy.
mtf
Monday, October 6, 2008
Day 1 of stair climbing
Well, I did it. I hope I can keep it up. I traveled up the stairs in our home once today -- no problems at all. There are 19 steps (high ceilings). I'm hoping that this "exercise", minimal as it might be, will improve my ability to navigate stairs. Of course, here I have a handle to hold onto. At my sister's I didn't, and that was my down fall (pun intended).
The rest of the day I spent putting stuff away, but didn't get very far. It seems I spent more time writing e-mails to my children in order to get some semblance of order in our Christmas events than I did anything else. This is okay, though. I know it's only the beginning of October, but as I get older, time flies by.
I know that in less than two weeks my niece, Emily, will be getting married -- boy did that come up fast! Then I have a scrapbook get together the following weekend, not to mention this weekend. The weekend after that I have another big scrapbook event. Then the following weekend is the annual community Thanksgiving dinner. And so, I'm trying to get all my Christmas card making events on my calendar before other things start cropping up. Do you see my problem?
Like today, I was down at the clubhouse getting some of my scrapbooking supplies for tonight's meeting -- which didn't happen -- and the ladies that were having their weekly knitting fest were already talking about Christmas and the yearly luncheon they put on -- which is NOT to be missed, and here we go. I already have half of December booked out, and it's only the beginning of October.
Do I feel another panic attack coming on?
The rest of the day I spent putting stuff away, but didn't get very far. It seems I spent more time writing e-mails to my children in order to get some semblance of order in our Christmas events than I did anything else. This is okay, though. I know it's only the beginning of October, but as I get older, time flies by.
I know that in less than two weeks my niece, Emily, will be getting married -- boy did that come up fast! Then I have a scrapbook get together the following weekend, not to mention this weekend. The weekend after that I have another big scrapbook event. Then the following weekend is the annual community Thanksgiving dinner. And so, I'm trying to get all my Christmas card making events on my calendar before other things start cropping up. Do you see my problem?
Like today, I was down at the clubhouse getting some of my scrapbooking supplies for tonight's meeting -- which didn't happen -- and the ladies that were having their weekly knitting fest were already talking about Christmas and the yearly luncheon they put on -- which is NOT to be missed, and here we go. I already have half of December booked out, and it's only the beginning of October.
Do I feel another panic attack coming on?
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Panic Attack
Early in the week I fell UP the steps. I wrote about this -- at least I think I did. Never mind, let's assume I did.
Well, we were returning to the place of THE FALL and during the last hour before our arrival at the place of THE FALL I was getting panicky. The closer we got to the place of THE FALL, the worse I got.
By the time we got to the place of THE FALL, I was sure I was going to have to spend the night in the van because I wouldn't be able to get up those three steps. Just three little steps -- well, not little really, but three steps up into the place we would be spending the night.
Well, God is so very good. I had been praying and praying and praying -- please God help me get through this. Well, one of the men who attends my sister's church was visiting the neighbor of the person who owns this place of THE FALL and he saw me struggling with my walker and recognized me from when I had attended my sister's church last spring. He came over and helped me up those steps (and Alan, too -- another reason for me to panic -- he's not good on steps either). Wasn't God good to provide that person just when I needed him? This morning, I was able to descend the steps with no problems and with the aid of Alan's arm.
For those of you who have never had a problem with falling UP the steps (let alone down the steps) you probably can't think of me as anything but a stupid elderly person with psychophobic inhabitions that are extraordinarily out of kilter with the rest of the elderly population.
Frankly, I never thought I would become as I have become. I'm having more and more panic attacks just because I get in situations where I can't get out of a chair -- you should have seen me trying to get off the couch the other night, or I can't get up a step without a railing unless I crawl on all fours, and then I get to a point where I can't get up from the all fours, and the list goes on.
I am thankful for each day the Lord allows me. I just pray that I can become more normal as I age, not less normal.
Anyway, thought you might like to know about my panic attack.
ttfn
Well, we were returning to the place of THE FALL and during the last hour before our arrival at the place of THE FALL I was getting panicky. The closer we got to the place of THE FALL, the worse I got.
By the time we got to the place of THE FALL, I was sure I was going to have to spend the night in the van because I wouldn't be able to get up those three steps. Just three little steps -- well, not little really, but three steps up into the place we would be spending the night.
Well, God is so very good. I had been praying and praying and praying -- please God help me get through this. Well, one of the men who attends my sister's church was visiting the neighbor of the person who owns this place of THE FALL and he saw me struggling with my walker and recognized me from when I had attended my sister's church last spring. He came over and helped me up those steps (and Alan, too -- another reason for me to panic -- he's not good on steps either). Wasn't God good to provide that person just when I needed him? This morning, I was able to descend the steps with no problems and with the aid of Alan's arm.
For those of you who have never had a problem with falling UP the steps (let alone down the steps) you probably can't think of me as anything but a stupid elderly person with psychophobic inhabitions that are extraordinarily out of kilter with the rest of the elderly population.
Frankly, I never thought I would become as I have become. I'm having more and more panic attacks just because I get in situations where I can't get out of a chair -- you should have seen me trying to get off the couch the other night, or I can't get up a step without a railing unless I crawl on all fours, and then I get to a point where I can't get up from the all fours, and the list goes on.
I am thankful for each day the Lord allows me. I just pray that I can become more normal as I age, not less normal.
Anyway, thought you might like to know about my panic attack.
ttfn
My worst nightmare
It came true.
For years and years and years I've had two worst nightmares. Well, one of them came true the other day.
Background: This particular nightmare involves me going into a public restroom, finding an available stall -- which, if you're a woman, is no small thing -- but -- and this is a big but (no pun intended) there is (1) no door on the stall; (2) one of the walls is missing; and (3) I'm exposed for the entire entourage in the restroom to see what I'm doing.
Now, for some of you that wouldn't be a nightmare. I mean this particular situation. But, as my husband puts it, I have bathroom issues. Yes, I do. I admit it. I won't go into one that is not clean. I will only frequent a restroom in a well-known restaurant -- no gas stations for me. When we moved to Cincinnati, I found every clean, well-scrubbed restroom in center city.
So, here's where my nightmare really started, I think. Before 1970, in school restrooms -- at least the girls' room -- the stalls were at least six feet high, with maybe a foot below that was open. I had no problems in school restrooms. But in the late 60s/early 70s they started making the restrooms with four-foot high walls (about the size of a 6-year-old munchkin). Being a teacher, this was just not something (as my sister-in-law puts it -- doing my duty) I wanted to do in front of other students or other teachers. I like privacy in this what I consider private action.
So, this nightmare began when I was teaching because here I was, faced with restrooms with really, really short walls, where anyone who was higher than a 6-year-old could see what I was doing and, if so inclined, view my "private" parts -- that's what that area of the body was called back then. The reason for this switch was because it was easier for supervision of the girls by the taller teachers. So, here I was, a teacher and I found myself with infection after infection after infection because I would just not bare myself to "the world."
Ladies, I know some of you might be able to relate to this, and some of you are saying, so what's the big deal here.
Well, here it comes. Yesterday, Alan and I went to a well-known chain restaurant for dinner -- okay, I'll tell you which one -- it was Ruby Tuesday's. This particular RT was located in some town in North Carolina. I went into the handicapped stall, because, frankly the potty is higher in the handicapped stalls and I can get off the seat without much pain to my knees. Those short things they have in all the other stalls are another nightmare for me to use. In fact, that same day -- and I'll get back to RT in a minute -- I was in a stall on one of the shorties, and it took me almost five minutes to figure out how to get off the pot -- finally I figured out that if I made like Solomon and tried to knock the walls down, I had enough pressure on my arms to relieve the pressure on my knees and could get off the seat. Talk about panic attack!
Back to RTs in North Carolina. So, I get myself situated on this higher-level potty. I had pushed the lock on the door and tested it -- another quirk I have -- the door to the stall must lock! It didn't open when I tested it. But somehow, a vacuum seal was broken when two other ladies came in from the hallway, and badda-bing the door to my stall sprung open and not only was I exposed to these ladies, but also the men in the hallway.
I am so very glad that I will never see any of those people ever again -- talk about being mortified -- and yes, my worst nightmare came true. I'm still blushing over this. And on the rest of our trek home today, I held it until I got to my daughter's home in Cold Spring -- a total of 6 hours -- and no cajoling from Alan could get me to use a public restroom on today's trip home from our overnight stop.
I am now in the habit of carrying towelettes because I hate those blower things. Now, I'm going to carry a roll of duct tape in with me, and make sure that the door doesn't every spring open on me again.
For years and years and years I've had two worst nightmares. Well, one of them came true the other day.
Background: This particular nightmare involves me going into a public restroom, finding an available stall -- which, if you're a woman, is no small thing -- but -- and this is a big but (no pun intended) there is (1) no door on the stall; (2) one of the walls is missing; and (3) I'm exposed for the entire entourage in the restroom to see what I'm doing.
Now, for some of you that wouldn't be a nightmare. I mean this particular situation. But, as my husband puts it, I have bathroom issues. Yes, I do. I admit it. I won't go into one that is not clean. I will only frequent a restroom in a well-known restaurant -- no gas stations for me. When we moved to Cincinnati, I found every clean, well-scrubbed restroom in center city.
So, here's where my nightmare really started, I think. Before 1970, in school restrooms -- at least the girls' room -- the stalls were at least six feet high, with maybe a foot below that was open. I had no problems in school restrooms. But in the late 60s/early 70s they started making the restrooms with four-foot high walls (about the size of a 6-year-old munchkin). Being a teacher, this was just not something (as my sister-in-law puts it -- doing my duty) I wanted to do in front of other students or other teachers. I like privacy in this what I consider private action.
So, this nightmare began when I was teaching because here I was, faced with restrooms with really, really short walls, where anyone who was higher than a 6-year-old could see what I was doing and, if so inclined, view my "private" parts -- that's what that area of the body was called back then. The reason for this switch was because it was easier for supervision of the girls by the taller teachers. So, here I was, a teacher and I found myself with infection after infection after infection because I would just not bare myself to "the world."
Ladies, I know some of you might be able to relate to this, and some of you are saying, so what's the big deal here.
Well, here it comes. Yesterday, Alan and I went to a well-known chain restaurant for dinner -- okay, I'll tell you which one -- it was Ruby Tuesday's. This particular RT was located in some town in North Carolina. I went into the handicapped stall, because, frankly the potty is higher in the handicapped stalls and I can get off the seat without much pain to my knees. Those short things they have in all the other stalls are another nightmare for me to use. In fact, that same day -- and I'll get back to RT in a minute -- I was in a stall on one of the shorties, and it took me almost five minutes to figure out how to get off the pot -- finally I figured out that if I made like Solomon and tried to knock the walls down, I had enough pressure on my arms to relieve the pressure on my knees and could get off the seat. Talk about panic attack!
Back to RTs in North Carolina. So, I get myself situated on this higher-level potty. I had pushed the lock on the door and tested it -- another quirk I have -- the door to the stall must lock! It didn't open when I tested it. But somehow, a vacuum seal was broken when two other ladies came in from the hallway, and badda-bing the door to my stall sprung open and not only was I exposed to these ladies, but also the men in the hallway.
I am so very glad that I will never see any of those people ever again -- talk about being mortified -- and yes, my worst nightmare came true. I'm still blushing over this. And on the rest of our trek home today, I held it until I got to my daughter's home in Cold Spring -- a total of 6 hours -- and no cajoling from Alan could get me to use a public restroom on today's trip home from our overnight stop.
I am now in the habit of carrying towelettes because I hate those blower things. Now, I'm going to carry a roll of duct tape in with me, and make sure that the door doesn't every spring open on me again.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Frustration!
Today has been one of those. A day of frustration. I know it's because I had decided I was going to spend most of the day praying for Sarah Palin and her "performance" in tonight's debate. So, I've been on my spiritual knees most of the day, and of course, all kinds of things have kept me from my task.
Alan's health for one. He's very weak today -- it started last night, as soon as I started my 24-hour pray watch. He needs me to do everything for him -- well, everything I can -- I can't eat for him or do some other things for him, but I have to get him to the place where he can perform those tasks. And he's not a small man. So, I've been lifting and tugging and pulling him since last night.
You all would have laughed yourselves silly if you could have seen me trying to push him onto the bed and then get him into a position in which he would be comfortable. I finally gave up, and had him stand up next to the bed. Then I pushed him backwards and swung his feet around. I shoved a pillow under his head, and told him I was going into the other room to pray some more.
Well, I fell asleep, something I didn't I would do since I had slept a long time in the afternoon. But I did sleep, and I slept soundly until around 7 a.m. I pushed Alan into bed at 9:30 p.m.
Then, I decided to take a short walk with the walker and I exhausted myself so bad I thought I was going to have to call 911 to get back home -- problem -- I didn't take the phone with me!
It's just been little things. Now, tthe wireless system keeps boinking in and out and I don't know whether this will be posted or not. I've had trouble getting e-mails to send. And that my friends is very frustrating.
Well, I'm back to praying for another hour. By then the Debate will be in full swing and I'll be praying over every word Mrs. Palin speaks, praying that God's wisdom will eminate from her and the enemies mouth will be full of confusion and buffoonery.
mtf
Alan's health for one. He's very weak today -- it started last night, as soon as I started my 24-hour pray watch. He needs me to do everything for him -- well, everything I can -- I can't eat for him or do some other things for him, but I have to get him to the place where he can perform those tasks. And he's not a small man. So, I've been lifting and tugging and pulling him since last night.
You all would have laughed yourselves silly if you could have seen me trying to push him onto the bed and then get him into a position in which he would be comfortable. I finally gave up, and had him stand up next to the bed. Then I pushed him backwards and swung his feet around. I shoved a pillow under his head, and told him I was going into the other room to pray some more.
Well, I fell asleep, something I didn't I would do since I had slept a long time in the afternoon. But I did sleep, and I slept soundly until around 7 a.m. I pushed Alan into bed at 9:30 p.m.
Then, I decided to take a short walk with the walker and I exhausted myself so bad I thought I was going to have to call 911 to get back home -- problem -- I didn't take the phone with me!
It's just been little things. Now, tthe wireless system keeps boinking in and out and I don't know whether this will be posted or not. I've had trouble getting e-mails to send. And that my friends is very frustrating.
Well, I'm back to praying for another hour. By then the Debate will be in full swing and I'll be praying over every word Mrs. Palin speaks, praying that God's wisdom will eminate from her and the enemies mouth will be full of confusion and buffoonery.
mtf
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Massages
As you all know I'm "elderly". Old people fall a lot, it seems to me -- at least from personal experience. Alan and I seem to be down on our knees a lot -- and I don't mean that because we're praying. If I'm on my knees, it's a mistake. I can't get up from my knees, and my knees can stand the pressure of kneeling on them at all.
So after the fall I took last Saturday, I've been hobbling. Well, today, I had a leg massage. Wow! I need to do this more often. I need to find my own "personal massager" like I have a personal shopper -- or rather, had a personal shopper. So, I'm looking. Alan also had his legs massaged and it seemed to help him walk much better. Have I stepped into something here? (Pun intended)
Alan also had an upper back/shoulder massage as well. We paid for this luxury in 10-minute increments. The cost: $1 per minute. Well worth it.
The laughter index item for the day, though, is watching me exit the pool. Yes, I went swimming today as well. I was in the pool for one hour, doing aerobics the whole time. Getting out of the pool was a hoot though. I almost asked my pool ladies to give me a push from behind, but we finally figured out that if I grabbed hold of a towel while they held onto the other end I could leverage myself up that final step. I wouldn't have had any trouble except the handle on the pool was so slippery that I couldn't get a grip on it. I crawled up the bottom three steps, and then could crawl up the last one -- it was too steep, so we (the ladies and I) devised the towel trick.
I'm glad no one was taking pictures.
ttfn
So after the fall I took last Saturday, I've been hobbling. Well, today, I had a leg massage. Wow! I need to do this more often. I need to find my own "personal massager" like I have a personal shopper -- or rather, had a personal shopper. So, I'm looking. Alan also had his legs massaged and it seemed to help him walk much better. Have I stepped into something here? (Pun intended)
Alan also had an upper back/shoulder massage as well. We paid for this luxury in 10-minute increments. The cost: $1 per minute. Well worth it.
The laughter index item for the day, though, is watching me exit the pool. Yes, I went swimming today as well. I was in the pool for one hour, doing aerobics the whole time. Getting out of the pool was a hoot though. I almost asked my pool ladies to give me a push from behind, but we finally figured out that if I grabbed hold of a towel while they held onto the other end I could leverage myself up that final step. I wouldn't have had any trouble except the handle on the pool was so slippery that I couldn't get a grip on it. I crawled up the bottom three steps, and then could crawl up the last one -- it was too steep, so we (the ladies and I) devised the towel trick.
I'm glad no one was taking pictures.
ttfn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)