In Real Simple magazine March 2013 edition, there is an article about forgiveness. That made me think of some examples of when I have forgiven someone or something.
When I was first diagnosed I was angry for a short time. I was angry that my life was going to change. Angry that I would not be able to do things. Angry that my plans for my life were being changed and it was out of my control. Then I realized that was not going to get me anywhere. All that anger wasn't healthy. I needed to forgive my body, my immune system and move on. Move to a better place. I started eating healthier, eventually left my toxic job, started my own business, started cooking my own food, and basically taking care of me. Now I am no longer mad at my body and my immune system. I know they are just out of whack but basically doing their job. They are just over-achievers!
A long time a go I had a friend from college. We were real close. She was in my wedding (story for another time) and we were real close. I moved out west and she moved to Ohio. She had some personal issues and I tried to be a good friend. We would talk on the phone. She came to visit. Then one day out of the blue, she didn't pick up the phone. I never heard from her again. I called and left messages to apologize for whatever I did because I didn't know what I did! I sent notes and cards and got nothing in return. Finally I had to stop. It was tearing me up. I finally forgave her for just ending our friendship like that without telling me why. It was horribly unfair. If I saw her today I would be happy to see her. It doesn't mean I wouldn't want to know what happened. I am just not mad anymore.
Have you had a reason to forgive someone or something?
Until tomorrow...
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
HOLIDAYS
Isn't it interesting which holidays are important holidays and which aren't? Over the years some holidays change in their importance. Different areas of the country have different holidays of importance.
When I lived back East, holidays like Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Lent and Good Friday were a big deal. Everyone would have ash on their forehead on Ash Wednesday and all businesses were closed on Good Friday. Easter was a huge holiday. I understand these are religious holidays and maybe folks are just outwardly more involved in organized religion on the East Coast. On the West Coast I don't see hoards of people with ash on their forehead or folks talking about giving up things for lent.
Now I live out West where there are holidays like Cesar Chavez Day, International Women's Day, Indigenous People's Day and Halloween. When I tell folks on the East Coast that we have Cesar Chavez day off, they go "what?" Many of them don't even know who Cesar Chavez is or that there was a grape picker's strike. Halloween is a big holiday around the country but no where as big as the West Coast. And not just for kids! It is a huge adult holiday too. I think it has to do with the weather! Back East you wouldn't be caught in a costume like you would on the West Coast. People out here plan all year to make the most outrageous and innovative costumes.
It is interesting to me that different holidays are bigger and more important in different locations around the country. With that I will wish you a Good Friday on Maundy Thursday.
Until Tomorrow...
When I lived back East, holidays like Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Lent and Good Friday were a big deal. Everyone would have ash on their forehead on Ash Wednesday and all businesses were closed on Good Friday. Easter was a huge holiday. I understand these are religious holidays and maybe folks are just outwardly more involved in organized religion on the East Coast. On the West Coast I don't see hoards of people with ash on their forehead or folks talking about giving up things for lent.
Now I live out West where there are holidays like Cesar Chavez Day, International Women's Day, Indigenous People's Day and Halloween. When I tell folks on the East Coast that we have Cesar Chavez day off, they go "what?" Many of them don't even know who Cesar Chavez is or that there was a grape picker's strike. Halloween is a big holiday around the country but no where as big as the West Coast. And not just for kids! It is a huge adult holiday too. I think it has to do with the weather! Back East you wouldn't be caught in a costume like you would on the West Coast. People out here plan all year to make the most outrageous and innovative costumes.
It is interesting to me that different holidays are bigger and more important in different locations around the country. With that I will wish you a Good Friday on Maundy Thursday.
Until Tomorrow...
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
YAWN
I wish I knew what was going on. Once again I am just really tired. Like exhausted. Like fall asleep at 2:30 in the afternoon tired.
I can't seem to get up in the morning and am tired at 10 pm. There doesn't seem to be a reason. I am taking all my meds. I haven't stayed up late or anything.
I need to test my B12 and see if it is low but I don't think so. Yawn!
Well, my Enbrel shot is tonight, maybe that will perk me up.
Until tomorrow...
I can't seem to get up in the morning and am tired at 10 pm. There doesn't seem to be a reason. I am taking all my meds. I haven't stayed up late or anything.
I need to test my B12 and see if it is low but I don't think so. Yawn!
Well, my Enbrel shot is tonight, maybe that will perk me up.
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
DAILY GRIND
My root canal went well. We had a long talk (as long as you can have with various instruments in my mouth) about my teeth grinding. I know I have talked about my teeth grinding before but I don't think I have explained it.
For as far back as I can remember I have ground my teeth. Even as a small child my mother used to wake me up because of my teeth grinding. When I got older I got the first of many night guards. Not soon enough to stop my teeth from being cracked.
Over the years I have woken people up with my teeth grinding, woken myself up, and woken up with a sore jaw. Once years ago, I woke up with almost lock jaw. I rushed to the dentist when I could not open my mouth. He gave me some muscle relaxers and a few hours later I was good as new. But that was scary!
People always say I am too stressed but I don't think my teeth grinding has anything to do with stress most of the time. I have ground my teeth for so long I think it is habit.
So, today I had the root canal prep for my gold cap. No porcelain for me. Teeth grinders can crack porcelain. A mouth full of gold caps. For now I have a temporary for two weeks.
Until tomorrow...
For as far back as I can remember I have ground my teeth. Even as a small child my mother used to wake me up because of my teeth grinding. When I got older I got the first of many night guards. Not soon enough to stop my teeth from being cracked.
Over the years I have woken people up with my teeth grinding, woken myself up, and woken up with a sore jaw. Once years ago, I woke up with almost lock jaw. I rushed to the dentist when I could not open my mouth. He gave me some muscle relaxers and a few hours later I was good as new. But that was scary!
People always say I am too stressed but I don't think my teeth grinding has anything to do with stress most of the time. I have ground my teeth for so long I think it is habit.
So, today I had the root canal prep for my gold cap. No porcelain for me. Teeth grinders can crack porcelain. A mouth full of gold caps. For now I have a temporary for two weeks.
Until tomorrow...
Monday, March 25, 2013
FLAGS ARE BEING FLOWN
On the eve of the Supreme Court listening to arguments on Prop 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act, a CNN poll said 53% of Americans support same-sex marriage and 57% say they have a family member or close friend who is gay. I guess the tide is turning.
My partner and I went to San Francisco during the Winter of Love 2004 to get married. It was moving to see the lines of people waiting to get married. In the rain. In the dark. In the cold. Sleeping in their cars. Strangers from all over the world sending flowers to couples standing in line. People cheering when each couple came out of City Hall.
It will be an interesting couple of days hearing the arguments. Then a anxious couple of months waiting for the judgments.
Have to have a root canal tomorrow. Ugh! Better a root canal than a broken tooth!
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, March 23, 2013
BILLY ELLIOTT REDUX
I went to school for a short period of time in England and learned about the coal miners strike. The strike was different than a strike here in the US. In the US the strike would be between the coal miners and a coal mining company. In the UK the strike was more political. Coal mining was nationalized and managed by the National Coal Board. In 1984 the NCB announced there would be 20 pits closed. Unbeknown to miners, the Thatcher government put a plan in place that included stock piling coal supplies. The miners went out on strike. The strike was violent and there were ten deaths. The lack of coal hit the miners very hard during the winter months since much of the country' power stations had been switched over to petroleum but not the miners homes. After one year there was a vote and the strike was ended. This was a terrible blow to the National Miners Union and a win for Thatcher's government.
The group cried at the end of the movie. If you have not seen Billy Elliott, rent it. It is a great movie.
Until tomorrow...
Friday, March 22, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
SPRING TIME
I remember as a kid how excited I was when spring came. I love to see flowers in bloom. When I was very young we had a large field behind our house that was part of a farm. The farm grew soybeans and always had wild flowers blooming. It is funny that I grew up next to a soybean field and I became a vegetarian. When I got older the farmer sold the field and houses were built. No more flowers.
When I was in college I was lucky enough to travel to Holland. It was in the spring when the tulips were blooming. Just field after field of tulips. One of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Imagine a whole field of white or red or pink. Beautiful!
When I got married the first time, I had lots of flowers. I have always felt that we have lots of flowers two times in our lives: weddings and funerals. Since I won't be around for my funeral, I had plenty of flowers at my wedding.
I try to by flowers when I can. They brighten up a room and a day!
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
WHAT A DAY!
First, happy birthday Dad!
Yesterday morning I downloaded an update to the Walgreens app on my smartphone. If you have a smartphone you know this is something you do almost everyday. Some days I download a bunch of updates. The Walgreens app kept trying to download all day. I have my phone set to only download when the wifi is turned on. I finally set the phone to airport so it would stop downloading. This morning the phone began turning on and off by it self. I was convinced it was possessed. I went to my dental appointment (only to hear that my teeth grinding is going to cost me another $1,300 in root canals and cracked teeth. Yippee!) and tried again to make the constant downloading of the Walgreens update stop. No luck. Even with no wifi the app keeps looking for a wifi to download it and when it can't find one, it turns off the phone.
When I came home from the dentist, I called tech support and we spent 2.5 hours over the phone trying to fix it, backing everything up and then trying to reset it back to the factory default. It was supposed to take 5-15 minutes to reset to factory defaults. 3 hours later, the little Android guy was still on the screen. It was now 4 pm and I was getting desperate. No phone, no contacts. Yikes!
I drove to the phone store and bought a new phone. The salesperson was very nice, a relief after my last experience. I was in and out in just about an hour. I have a very nice Droid Razor. I will miss my Droid 2. Although the reset to factory default failed and despite being turned off the phone is still looking to download the Walgreens app!
In case you are wondering, no I have not put the Walgreens app on the new phone!! Steering clear of Walgreens apps for the time being.
Until tomorrow...
Yesterday morning I downloaded an update to the Walgreens app on my smartphone. If you have a smartphone you know this is something you do almost everyday. Some days I download a bunch of updates. The Walgreens app kept trying to download all day. I have my phone set to only download when the wifi is turned on. I finally set the phone to airport so it would stop downloading. This morning the phone began turning on and off by it self. I was convinced it was possessed. I went to my dental appointment (only to hear that my teeth grinding is going to cost me another $1,300 in root canals and cracked teeth. Yippee!) and tried again to make the constant downloading of the Walgreens update stop. No luck. Even with no wifi the app keeps looking for a wifi to download it and when it can't find one, it turns off the phone.
When I came home from the dentist, I called tech support and we spent 2.5 hours over the phone trying to fix it, backing everything up and then trying to reset it back to the factory default. It was supposed to take 5-15 minutes to reset to factory defaults. 3 hours later, the little Android guy was still on the screen. It was now 4 pm and I was getting desperate. No phone, no contacts. Yikes!
I drove to the phone store and bought a new phone. The salesperson was very nice, a relief after my last experience. I was in and out in just about an hour. I have a very nice Droid Razor. I will miss my Droid 2. Although the reset to factory default failed and despite being turned off the phone is still looking to download the Walgreens app!
In case you are wondering, no I have not put the Walgreens app on the new phone!! Steering clear of Walgreens apps for the time being.
Until tomorrow...
Monday, March 18, 2013
NO SHARPS CONTAINER
Years ago when I was on holiday in Florida, I brought along Enbrel. I gave myself my shot and then realized that I didn't have a Sharps container to dispose of my needles. I had my dad drive my to the
After a bit of haggling and explaining the pharmacist came over and looked at my needles and saw the Enbrel logo. She gave me a lecture about traveling with a Sharps container and then let me put the needles in a container. What a difference from the West Coast. With needle exchange programs, big cities are happy to get the needles off the street. Sharps containers are free to anyone who asks.
So different from my trip to Hawaii. While in Hawaii, once again I forgot a Sharps container. The pharmacy in Hawaii was so much nicer. As long as I forked over a few dollars, I got a Sharps container. Amazing!
I went to see the RA Doc. No creatine retesting, no Plaquinel yet, and continue decreasing the prednisone. Sounds like a plan.
Until tomorrow...
After a bit of haggling and explaining the pharmacist came over and looked at my needles and saw the Enbrel logo. She gave me a lecture about traveling with a Sharps container and then let me put the needles in a container. What a difference from the West Coast. With needle exchange programs, big cities are happy to get the needles off the street. Sharps containers are free to anyone who asks.
So different from my trip to Hawaii. While in Hawaii, once again I forgot a Sharps container. The pharmacy in Hawaii was so much nicer. As long as I forked over a few dollars, I got a Sharps container. Amazing!
I went to see the RA Doc. No creatine retesting, no Plaquinel yet, and continue decreasing the prednisone. Sounds like a plan.
Until tomorrow...
Sunday, March 17, 2013
ONE MORE STEP
Today I was just going to relax but that didn't happen. First I went out and tried to put a band around the opening around the bottom of the hot tub. There is a little opening around the bottom of the hot tub and that is where rodents can get in. The guy at the hot tub place told me to put a band around the whole hot tub to keep them out or at least slow them down. Months ago I bought edging for a garden and tried to attach it. It wouldn't work. It was too thick and made with fiberglass. I went to the store and found some folks who helped me problem-solve another solution. I bought another plastic edging and Brenda and installed it. While I was at the store I also bought a pump so we can remove the water ourselves. We are anxious to clean the hot tub ourselves to save money. I bought some cleaner from the pool store and we will give it a try. I refuse to pay to get it cleaned monthly this time around. These companies put you on a cleaning plan and they come whether you use the tub or not. I think this is the last step in the hot tub renovation. Whew.
So my relaxing day didn't happen. Tomorrow I go to my RA doc. We will see what happens at that appointment!
Until tomorrow...
So my relaxing day didn't happen. Tomorrow I go to my RA doc. We will see what happens at that appointment!
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, March 16, 2013
ANIMAL RESCUE TRAINING DAY 1
Today was my first day of animal rescue training. It was at 9 am and I had to take a bus. I was not sure if there was any parking. I got there and there was plenty of all day parking. Oh, we'll, next time. It was such a nice day I enjoyed the walk.
The course was interesting. I sat next to a new person, R. My friend C showed up late so I could not save her a seat. R was hysterical. She is a smart ass like me so we joked the whole time. Not in a disruptive way but in a whispery way. The trainers were very funny but informative. I learned how to do doggy CPR, how to do the doggy heimlich, and various other first aid techniques. I have some homework: make a pet emergency kit, a pet "go bag" and read some chapters. My next class is not for three weeks so I have plenty of time to accomplish all this.
These animal rescue trainings are happening all over the country. After Hurricane Katrina, all states were mandated to come up with a plan to handle pet evacuations as well as human evacuations. During the Hurricane many people died either from not evacuating because they could not take their pets or from returning too soon to come back for their pets. In the San Diego fires in 2007, 10 out of 14 people died while returning to get their pets during the fire. Now during state mandated evacuations there have to be plans for all animals (not just pets). For some places this means there will be Red Cross shelters for people and since they can't allow pets (or reasons such as allergies and asthma) there may be an animal shelter set up nearby so folks can drop their pets off and come back to visit while they are in the shelter. All the states are using the same system. That is what I am learning. If there is an emergency, not just in my hometown, I could be activated and asked to go and help out.
Until tomorrow...
The course was interesting. I sat next to a new person, R. My friend C showed up late so I could not save her a seat. R was hysterical. She is a smart ass like me so we joked the whole time. Not in a disruptive way but in a whispery way. The trainers were very funny but informative. I learned how to do doggy CPR, how to do the doggy heimlich, and various other first aid techniques. I have some homework: make a pet emergency kit, a pet "go bag" and read some chapters. My next class is not for three weeks so I have plenty of time to accomplish all this.
These animal rescue trainings are happening all over the country. After Hurricane Katrina, all states were mandated to come up with a plan to handle pet evacuations as well as human evacuations. During the Hurricane many people died either from not evacuating because they could not take their pets or from returning too soon to come back for their pets. In the San Diego fires in 2007, 10 out of 14 people died while returning to get their pets during the fire. Now during state mandated evacuations there have to be plans for all animals (not just pets). For some places this means there will be Red Cross shelters for people and since they can't allow pets (or reasons such as allergies and asthma) there may be an animal shelter set up nearby so folks can drop their pets off and come back to visit while they are in the shelter. All the states are using the same system. That is what I am learning. If there is an emergency, not just in my hometown, I could be activated and asked to go and help out.
Until tomorrow...
Friday, March 15, 2013
TAXES COMPLETE
I went to see my tax preparer today and so that yearly task is checked off my list. Phew! I will get the results soon.
On the way home I stopped at the pool store. I got some spa cleaner so I can clean the hot tub. I also got some fragrances to make the water smell good. Then I got some spray that is supposed to neutralize vermin smells. Imagine someone made a spray that does that. I am glad they did but what made someone think of make a vermin neutralizing spray? I will spray the hot tub tomorrow.
I have to get to bed, I have my animal rescue course tomorrow.
Until tomorrow...
On the way home I stopped at the pool store. I got some spa cleaner so I can clean the hot tub. I also got some fragrances to make the water smell good. Then I got some spray that is supposed to neutralize vermin smells. Imagine someone made a spray that does that. I am glad they did but what made someone think of make a vermin neutralizing spray? I will spray the hot tub tomorrow.
I have to get to bed, I have my animal rescue course tomorrow.
Until tomorrow...
Thursday, March 14, 2013
3.14 - HAPPY PI DAY
Pi Day began in 1988 at the San Francisco Exploratorium, which is holding its 25th annual Pi Day today. Other groups across the country are celebrating, too—in Princeton, New Jersey, both Pi Day and Albert Einstein’s birthday (which is also on March 14) are honored with pie-eating contests and Einstein lookalike competitions.
I hope you had a piece of pie to celebrate!
I went to see my nutritionist (dietary specialist) today. I have been concerned that I have not been able to lose weight. We discussed my caloric intake and realized that I probably eat 1,600 calories a day. He said that was reasonable. I have a hard time going lower because of migraines if I skip meals or don't eat enough. We discussed how I need to exercise as I have been doing but also need to add in resistance and weight training. He said that since I was laid up for so long I have muscles that have atrophied. They are not burning off the calories like they should. I need to get my muscles back to their fighting weight! I was given this book with weight and resistance training exercises. I will start tomorrow. Tonight I went in the hot tub and took a soak.
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
TAX TIME
I have been working for days to get my tax prep ready for Friday when I see my tax person. I have my own business and that means lots of paper. Lots of receipts. I have thought about those systems where I could scan everything in but I don't know if that would help. Just one more step, one more thing to do. It is easier to throw the receipt in a file. Now if they could find a way to scan the receipt and have it put the total in a spreadsheet and add it all up at the end of the year, that would be something I would pay for!
I have it almost all done. Well, I have the tax prep all done but I still want to get all my business paperwork organized for the beginning of the year. I can't stand it when things are unorganized. And yes I know it is March, not exactly the beginning of the year. Hey we do the best we can.
I am happy that my hands are better and it doesn't look like I am going to flare. But time will tell. I am just keeping a positive attitude.
Last night I got my emergency responders certificate renewed. Yay! Our group did the best in cribbing and triage. So we are good at rescuing people. I guess that is the point of emergency responders!
Until tomorrow...
I have it almost all done. Well, I have the tax prep all done but I still want to get all my business paperwork organized for the beginning of the year. I can't stand it when things are unorganized. And yes I know it is March, not exactly the beginning of the year. Hey we do the best we can.
I am happy that my hands are better and it doesn't look like I am going to flare. But time will tell. I am just keeping a positive attitude.
Last night I got my emergency responders certificate renewed. Yay! Our group did the best in cribbing and triage. So we are good at rescuing people. I guess that is the point of emergency responders!
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
FLOSSING
Flossing your teeth is the first thing your dentist asks you about when you see him. "How often do you floss your teeth?" if you are me, this is where you hesitate. Do I tell the truth? Do I tell a lie? Sure, I floss. How often? Not often enough!
Some people think flossing your teeth is gross. I don't understand that. I think NOT flossing your teeth is gross.
We were supposed to go to the dentist today but Brenda got an eye infection so we had to postpone our appointment. It just got me thinking about flossing.
Until tomorrow...
Some people think flossing your teeth is gross. I don't understand that. I think NOT flossing your teeth is gross.
We were supposed to go to the dentist today but Brenda got an eye infection so we had to postpone our appointment. It just got me thinking about flossing.
Until tomorrow...
Monday, March 11, 2013
PICKED UP SPEED TODAY
It was slow going this morning but the day picked up speed. I moved pretty slow this morning. I slept kind of late, 8:40! The dogs are confused with the time change so they slept late. No eyes wide open at 7:20 am today. Currently my hands are not swollen or hot. Yay! Fingers crossed that my fingers stay his way!
Until tomorrow...
Until tomorrow...
Sunday, March 10, 2013
PUFFY LIKE LA-Z-BOY RECLINER
I was having such a good weekend. Out to dinner, hot tub, got almost all my tax prep done, food shopped, hung the hooks for the towels, changed two lights, took a long walk with the dog, spoke to my friend in the Netherlands, cleaned up the backyard a little and then, crash. My hands are puffy, swollen, stiff. My knees hurt. I creak when I walk. I fell asleep on the couch at 8 pm and slept through Amazing Race.
Okay, I did too much? Maybe. Maybe it is just my time. Maybe it was being out in the sun this afternoon. I didn't wear a hat. Who knows. I just hope it doesn't last too long. I have been having a good patch for so long. It is funny how the mind forgets what it feels like. It has been a while since I had this feeling and it is like a surprise when it hits. Like having it anew all over again. A flare. Keep your fingers crossed (I can't right now) that this goes away quickly. I am sure tomorrow will be better. A good nights sleep will do me good. No more tax prep or typing tonight.
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, March 9, 2013
JUST A DAY OF TAX PREP
Today the plan was to work on my taxes and take my first soak in the hot tub. I know I have been going on and on about the hot tub and you all are probably sick of hearing about it. If I didn't have this horrible kink in my neck and terribly swollen joints I probably would keep my mouth shut about it.
I started the day with taking Little Lucky for a walk to run errands. It was a nice day so we walked a couple of miles. She is a great walker plus she is so small I can carry her into places dogs are allowed. She is really good when I am in the bank or the post office. Happi always wants to sniff everywhere. Lucky is too afraid to leave my side. Then I worked on my tax prep. I have my tax appointment on Friday so times a tickin'. To celebrate my birthday again, we went out to dinner. This time to PF Changs. I had a hankering for Chinese food. I was so hungry!
Then I came home and went in the ht tub! It was great. So relaxing and, uh, hot. The jets work better than I remember. My neck feels a little bit better. We realized that we no longer have a place to hang the towels since our reconstruction. So we need to find a place to hang wet bath suits (yes, we use bathing suits) and towels. I also boughs a few hooks to hang towels outside while bathing. Anyway, I had fun and am very happy. More tax prep tomorrow!
Until tomorrow...
I started the day with taking Little Lucky for a walk to run errands. It was a nice day so we walked a couple of miles. She is a great walker plus she is so small I can carry her into places dogs are allowed. She is really good when I am in the bank or the post office. Happi always wants to sniff everywhere. Lucky is too afraid to leave my side. Then I worked on my tax prep. I have my tax appointment on Friday so times a tickin'. To celebrate my birthday again, we went out to dinner. This time to PF Changs. I had a hankering for Chinese food. I was so hungry!
Then I came home and went in the ht tub! It was great. So relaxing and, uh, hot. The jets work better than I remember. My neck feels a little bit better. We realized that we no longer have a place to hang the towels since our reconstruction. So we need to find a place to hang wet bath suits (yes, we use bathing suits) and towels. I also boughs a few hooks to hang towels outside while bathing. Anyway, I had fun and am very happy. More tax prep tomorrow!
Until tomorrow...
Friday, March 8, 2013
THE HOT TUB SAGA IS OVER
Well, the hot tub guy came today and fixed the last thing. Tomorrow we can use the hot tub. We could use it today but the water is too cold. I cranked the heater and it should be nice and hot tomorrow night.
The guy had to put more foam insulation in the spots chewed up by the vermin. Earlier this week I vacuumed out the chewed up insulation from the motor of the hot tub so it was all cleared out and ready for the new foam. Then the man sawed the foam insulation in order to fit the hot tub. Then he put the wood slates back on the hot tub. All fixed! See the photos below.
Today we had a browning banana and I thought Banana Cream Popsicle! I took the banana, soy vanilla yogurt and soy milk and put it in the blender. Mixed it all up and popped it in the Zoku. I am about to eat one and they smell terrific. Oh, I used my extra Popsicle sticks AND my new Zoku container that I got for my birthday! I also got the Zoku cookbook. Many different recipes of pops to make. Could keep me busy for months.
I am waiting for the Zoku tool kit to come in the mail so I can make fancy pops. I also bought a tofu press finally. I can't wait to make tofu.
Until tomorrow...
The guy had to put more foam insulation in the spots chewed up by the vermin. Earlier this week I vacuumed out the chewed up insulation from the motor of the hot tub so it was all cleared out and ready for the new foam. Then the man sawed the foam insulation in order to fit the hot tub. Then he put the wood slates back on the hot tub. All fixed! See the photos below.
Today we had a browning banana and I thought Banana Cream Popsicle! I took the banana, soy vanilla yogurt and soy milk and put it in the blender. Mixed it all up and popped it in the Zoku. I am about to eat one and they smell terrific. Oh, I used my extra Popsicle sticks AND my new Zoku container that I got for my birthday! I also got the Zoku cookbook. Many different recipes of pops to make. Could keep me busy for months.
I am waiting for the Zoku tool kit to come in the mail so I can make fancy pops. I also bought a tofu press finally. I can't wait to make tofu.
Until tomorrow...
Thursday, March 7, 2013
DO YOU HAVE STAPH? I DO!
I went to the doctor today and I showed him the red spots I had for the past few weeks. The spots have gotten better but I still have them. They don't itch or hurt. He said I have staph. Fabulous. He sent in a prescription for some topical cream. I am to see if that works and if it doesn't, I will have to take oral antibiotics. The doc said that going in the hot tub on vacation probably caused it or made it worse. Hot tubs are a bacterial wonderland. So maybe it wasn't the soap after all. I stopped going in the hot tub around the same time as when I stopped using the soap.
Then the doc looked at my alleged sinus infection. He said many docs don't treat sinus infections with antibiotics anymore. It is better to let the sinus infections run their course. He said the staph infection and sinus infection could be connected.
I am to monitor the situation and let the doc know how I feel in a week.
Poor Happi had another episode of shaking. We decided to give her a higher dose of medicine to make her sleep tonight. She just gets so rambunctious and we can't keep her still. She needs to stay calm and resting. Close to impossible with two dogs.
Until tomorrow...
Then the doc looked at my alleged sinus infection. He said many docs don't treat sinus infections with antibiotics anymore. It is better to let the sinus infections run their course. He said the staph infection and sinus infection could be connected.
I am to monitor the situation and let the doc know how I feel in a week.
Poor Happi had another episode of shaking. We decided to give her a higher dose of medicine to make her sleep tonight. She just gets so rambunctious and we can't keep her still. She needs to stay calm and resting. Close to impossible with two dogs.
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Have you ever wondered about Daylight Savings Time? Why did it start? Why Spring and Autumn? I will attempt to answer all your questions.
Daylight Savings Time (DST) is a way to increase sunlight in the evening. So we spring ahead and fall behind. Right now my sweet dogs are waking me up earlier and earlier since they wake up with the sunrise. So I can't wait for the clocks to move ahead one hour so the mornings get darker. The US has consistently used DST since the 1970s energy crisis.
From 1987-2006 DST was the first Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October. Then in 2007 DST changed to the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. The reason I know this is because when our house was renovated, the contractor got our thermostat on sale. Why you ask? Because the DST change had been announced and they were selling all the old thermostats. So, our thermostat automatically changes according to the OLD DST dates. Lovely! I have to change the thermostat four times a year; the old dates when i have to change the thermostat back and the new dates when I have to manually change the thermostat.
Proponents of DST say it saves energy, promotes evening outdoor activities and good physical and psychological health. Opponents state DST has not conclusive energy savings, can disrupt morning activities, and changing the clock twice a year is socially and economically disruptive and holds no benefits.
If you live in Mountain Time, in the winter it would be MST. In the summer it would be MDT.
This weekend is Dalight Savings Time, don't forget to turn your clocks forward Saturday night.
This week San Francisco's Bay Bridge was in the news with this amazing light art fixture on the bridge. If you want to see what it looks like, Click here.
Until tomorrow...
Daylight Savings Time (DST) is a way to increase sunlight in the evening. So we spring ahead and fall behind. Right now my sweet dogs are waking me up earlier and earlier since they wake up with the sunrise. So I can't wait for the clocks to move ahead one hour so the mornings get darker. The US has consistently used DST since the 1970s energy crisis.
From 1987-2006 DST was the first Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October. Then in 2007 DST changed to the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. The reason I know this is because when our house was renovated, the contractor got our thermostat on sale. Why you ask? Because the DST change had been announced and they were selling all the old thermostats. So, our thermostat automatically changes according to the OLD DST dates. Lovely! I have to change the thermostat four times a year; the old dates when i have to change the thermostat back and the new dates when I have to manually change the thermostat.
Proponents of DST say it saves energy, promotes evening outdoor activities and good physical and psychological health. Opponents state DST has not conclusive energy savings, can disrupt morning activities, and changing the clock twice a year is socially and economically disruptive and holds no benefits.
If you live in Mountain Time, in the winter it would be MST. In the summer it would be MDT.
This weekend is Dalight Savings Time, don't forget to turn your clocks forward Saturday night.
This week San Francisco's Bay Bridge was in the news with this amazing light art fixture on the bridge. If you want to see what it looks like, Click here.
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING COURSE
I went to my first recertification course tonight. I thought it was going to be two-hours long but it was three-hours long. We learned about what to do if there is a disaster. Next week we get to put all the training into action and put out a fire. Yippee!
Spoke to Happi's vet and he said to keep her on the meds for another week with limited activity. Hopefully this will prove to be the cure.
I ate a big piece of chocolate cake. Yum!
Until tomorrow...
Spoke to Happi's vet and he said to keep her on the meds for another week with limited activity. Hopefully this will prove to be the cure.
I ate a big piece of chocolate cake. Yum!
Until tomorrow...
Monday, March 4, 2013
UPDATES FOR THE WEEK
Today I called ad made the hot tub appointment. Friday is the day! I may have a hot tub this weekend. Yay!
Happi shook for a few moments today and that got us concerned. We had her lie down for a bit and then she seemed better. I speak to he vet tomorrow.
I made some food tonight and it took FOREVER. I made Farro and kale salad with white beans and sun-dried tomatoes and Butternut Squash Risotto with Pine nuts, Basalmic Drizzle and fried sage. Both dishes were so great. The risotto would have been thrown in the trash by Chef Ramsay! It was a little too liquidy but it tasted very good. The farro salad was delicious. I bet it would also taste good with wheat berries.
Tomorrow is my neighborhood emergency response course. I spent the evening studying. I don't want to look like an dunce.
Have you noticed that the kid in the Verizon commercial in the woods is the same kid from Moonrise Kingdom? Funny.
Until tomorrow...
Happi shook for a few moments today and that got us concerned. We had her lie down for a bit and then she seemed better. I speak to he vet tomorrow.
I made some food tonight and it took FOREVER. I made Farro and kale salad with white beans and sun-dried tomatoes and Butternut Squash Risotto with Pine nuts, Basalmic Drizzle and fried sage. Both dishes were so great. The risotto would have been thrown in the trash by Chef Ramsay! It was a little too liquidy but it tasted very good. The farro salad was delicious. I bet it would also taste good with wheat berries.
Tomorrow is my neighborhood emergency response course. I spent the evening studying. I don't want to look like an dunce.
Have you noticed that the kid in the Verizon commercial in the woods is the same kid from Moonrise Kingdom? Funny.
Until tomorrow...
Sunday, March 3, 2013
SO TIRED AND RAT UPDATE
Okay two weird things to write about but today was a weird day. I got up and went shopping to get ingredients to make some food today. When I got home I let the dogs out back. Happi ran down (yes, she is feeling much better) and ran up to something. I screamed for her to leave it. She walked away reluctantly. I ran down and it was a small rat. Not small like a baby small but smaller than the one I found dead. It seemed hurt or sick. I was able to walk within a few feet of it. I ran inside and got gloves, peanut butter and a rat trap and quickly set a trap. I was able to put it within a few inches of the creature with the help of a stick. I noticed it was bleeding. It rolled over on its side and looked like it was quite ill. I watched it for a while but it got tedious. I didn't want to see it die. Brenda wanted me to put a bucket over it but I couldn't. It was so sick I didn't want to frighten it or make it suffer anymore than necessary. It looked so vulnerable.
I went to walk the dogs and while I was gone it tried to get to some water and it fell in the pond and drowned. By the time I got back with the dogs, it was dead. I think it got into my neighbors rat bait. The poison killed it. I fished it out of the pond and put it in a plastic bag and ditched it in a vacant house's garbage can. Garbage pick up is tomorrow morning. Farewell Rat. Another one gone. I don't think I am getting rid of them fast enough!
I am having a hard time staying awake. I am SO tired! I hope this isn't a flare. I am really stressed with all the things going on but I am not usually this tired. Plus I keep getting migraines for me a side effect of being really tired and not going to sleep. Last night I fell asleep three times while watching Alex Cross. I will take it easy this week.
Until tomorrow...
I went to walk the dogs and while I was gone it tried to get to some water and it fell in the pond and drowned. By the time I got back with the dogs, it was dead. I think it got into my neighbors rat bait. The poison killed it. I fished it out of the pond and put it in a plastic bag and ditched it in a vacant house's garbage can. Garbage pick up is tomorrow morning. Farewell Rat. Another one gone. I don't think I am getting rid of them fast enough!
I am having a hard time staying awake. I am SO tired! I hope this isn't a flare. I am really stressed with all the things going on but I am not usually this tired. Plus I keep getting migraines for me a side effect of being really tired and not going to sleep. Last night I fell asleep three times while watching Alex Cross. I will take it easy this week.
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, March 2, 2013
VACUUMED THE HOT TUB
Today I got the vacuum back from the repair shop. It had a broken belt. As soon as I got it home I went out back and vacuumed the rat remnants out of the insulation of the hot tub. The rats had torn up the insulation and made a home out of it. They also made tunnels. Since we decided this vacuum would be our "outside" vacuum I vacuumed all the rat stuffing out of the hot tub. Don't worry, I wore a mask, gloves and took a shower immediately after I was done.
Now that the hot tub is cleared out, I can have the company come and put new insulation in and glue the slats back on. Then we can hot tub, just in time for summer!!
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Tonight we went to a vegan restaurant for dinner. We had gone to this restaurants before and enjoyed it. This time not so much. It has a revolving menu depending on the season and the vegetables available. My starter was gnocchi and it was good. I had not thought to pan fry them. Brenda had fingerling potatoes and they were good. My main dish was okay. It was a red lentil curry dish with veggies and a rice cake. The lentil/curry sauce was good; not too curry-y. Brenda's was not too good. Well I am sure lots of folks thought it was good but we are not huge curry fans and it was a CURRY dish. She tried it but it wasn't her cup of tea. The server asked how the meal was and I told him I liked mine but Brenda's was not to her liking. They offered to make her another but we were almost done. Then he came back and told us we would get two free desserts. That was sweet! I had a pot du chocolate with mint chip "ice cream" and Brenda had three scoops of "ice cream" lavender, cardamon, and maple pecan. The cardamon was weird tasting. I added some of my chocolate and it tasted better.
It was a wonderful dinner but very rich. My Crohns is acting up now a few hours later. Glad we came right home to watch Alex Cross. Okay I dozed off during the movie but I tried to stay awake!
Until tomorrow…
Now that the hot tub is cleared out, I can have the company come and put new insulation in and glue the slats back on. Then we can hot tub, just in time for summer!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------–------------------------------------------------------
Tonight we went to a vegan restaurant for dinner. We had gone to this restaurants before and enjoyed it. This time not so much. It has a revolving menu depending on the season and the vegetables available. My starter was gnocchi and it was good. I had not thought to pan fry them. Brenda had fingerling potatoes and they were good. My main dish was okay. It was a red lentil curry dish with veggies and a rice cake. The lentil/curry sauce was good; not too curry-y. Brenda's was not too good. Well I am sure lots of folks thought it was good but we are not huge curry fans and it was a CURRY dish. She tried it but it wasn't her cup of tea. The server asked how the meal was and I told him I liked mine but Brenda's was not to her liking. They offered to make her another but we were almost done. Then he came back and told us we would get two free desserts. That was sweet! I had a pot du chocolate with mint chip "ice cream" and Brenda had three scoops of "ice cream" lavender, cardamon, and maple pecan. The cardamon was weird tasting. I added some of my chocolate and it tasted better.
It was a wonderful dinner but very rich. My Crohns is acting up now a few hours later. Glad we came right home to watch Alex Cross. Okay I dozed off during the movie but I tried to stay awake!
Until tomorrow…
Friday, March 1, 2013
NOT TOO PRODUCTIVE TODAY
I wish today was a better day. I had a migraine that lead to a upset stomach. I took an Imitrex, a nap with Happi but that didn't do much. I drank some tea, ate a pineapple Popsicle and some toast in the afternoon and felt a little better. I hate when this icky feeling takes all day to go away. I feel like the whole day is wasted because I can't really do anything productive.
Until tomorrow...
Until tomorrow...
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