2017 RESOLUTIONS HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE

Happy New Year's Eve!  I am heading off to a neighborhood party despite not feeling very well all day.

I made my resolutions for 2017.  Here they are:

• Have the patience to fine the right child for me
• Remember this process is for the good of the child
• Work on having patience with difficult clients
• Remember your joy!
• Do things to bring joy!

Happy New Year!

Until tomorrow...

SMOG CHECK CAR

Today was the day to smog check the car.  I dropped it off and then went to the doctors.  I came back and picked up the car.

My stomach is upset again.  Ugh.

Until tomorrow...

UPSET STOMACH

Not feeling well today.  My stomach is acting up again.  Ugh.

Until tomorrow...

DONATED MY USED COAT

I took my old winter coat to Burlington Coat Factory to donate it.  It was a black wool coat and it was practically brand new.  It was a few years old but I rarely ever wore it.  I recently had it cleaned.  It was so easy to donate it.

If you have a coat that you don't want and it is in good condition, please donate it to a Burlington Coat Factory during their coat drive.  It is really easy and you get a tax deduction and a 10% certificate for future shopping.

Until tomorrow...

DONATED 9 BOXES OF STUFF

I took 9 boxes of stuff to a place to donate today.  There were clothes, books, audio books, office stuff, and other stuff.  It completely filled my car.  I was so happy to get rid of the stuff.

Now I need to get rid of three boxes of shredding and a box of paint.  I also need to get rid of a steam cleaner.  I am thrilled to clean the stuff out of the garage.  It feels so good to clean it out.

Until tomorrow...

HIDDEN FIGURES

Today I went to see Hidden Figures.  It is an awesome movie.  It should be seen by all kids to show how if you want to do something, you should go do it and let nothing stand in your way.  It was the first movie in a long time where the audience applauded and cheered.

Hidden Figures is about three African-American woman who are super smart and work at NASA as "computers".  This was before computers were machines but were very smart people.  All three women do a different part of putting the John Glenn space ship into space.  It is a fascinating movie and the story is really interesting.  I thought it was one of the best this year.  At least one of the women will win an award.

I also walked across to the mall and bought a winter coat.  Since I lost the weight, my winter coat looks huge on me.  I got a great wool coat that looks like it was made for me.  I am going to donate my old coat. 

Until tomorrow...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Today is my favorite day: Christmas!  I woke up with the dogs and we opened our presents.  The dogs got a new big bed and some toys.

I got some great stuff from family.  One of the best things is from my aunt: a big jar of like about 30-40 different tea bags.  Some really awesome favors too.

Until tomorrow...

CHRISTMAS EVE

I went to the movies to see Lion.  It was a wonderful movie.  Lion is a movie about a about a guy born in India who was separated from his family when he was about 3 years old.  He didn't know his family name or where he was from.  He was adopted and brought up by a family in Australia. When he is in his 20's he decides to find his biological family.  It is a super great movie.  It should win all kinds of awards.

I went to a theater that has the new lounger seats that recline.  They are awesome.  I worry that if I am tired, I will fall asleep.  

Until tomorrow...

COMBATING A BULLY

I had a pretty bad interaction with a client today.  Some times people can bully other people.  I don't think it is right and some times it is hard to take.  There are different ways to combat a bully.  Sometimes talking to the bully works.  Other times standing up to the bully is the way to handle the situation.  Then there is flight; running away. 

In this situation, I have to figure out what I am going to do.  Things can not remain this way.

Until tomorrow...

FRIEND HOSTED PARTY

My friend R came back today with her baby I.  She is using my home to host her friends.  They came over to see the baby for the first time.  There were supposed to be a lot more people but the flu is going around so many people stayed away so the baby didn't get sick.  The baby has not had all her shots yet.  Only a few folks showed up to mingle.

Until tomorrow...

SEEING MY FRIENDS BABY

My friend R is in town and she and her baby I came over for the afternoon.  We hung around for a while and then we went out for burgers.  The baby slept for most of the time we were eating so that was nice.  The baby was so good the whole time they were over.  The baby is cute and happy.

My dogs were so jealous.  They wanted to be the baby.

It was nice to see them both.

Until tomorrow...

JUST A LITTLE CLEAN UP

I need to get my house ready for the upcoming events.  My friend R comes twice this week and I am hosting her friends to come see the baby.

The house is still set up from my party so I just have to clean up.  R is bringing food and drinks.

Until tomorrow...

HYDROGEN BREATH TEST DAY

I had the test today.  It took from 7:45am - 11am.  I show up and drink this disgusting drink.  Then they have me breathe into this thing.  I have to breathe hard enough to fill a balloon type thing.  Then I am left alone for 15 minutes.  Then I have to breathe again.  Every 15 minutes for 3 hours.  I brought all these things to do but honestly I fell asleep.  She says most people fall asleep.  I was in this Barka lounger type chair.  I brought my iPad and started watching a TV show but promptly fell asleep.  She would wake me up to breathe and I would doze off again.

I will find out the results in a few days.

Until tomorrow...

HYDROGEN BREATH TEST PREP

Today is the prep for the Hydrogren Breath Test.  I am forbidden to eat beans, nuts or granola.  I am a vegan.  What does that leave me?  Oh, I am allowed to eat rice.  Woo Hoo!

The hydrogen breath test uses the measurement of hydrogen in the breath to diagnose several conditions that cause gastrointestinal symptoms.  In humans, only bacteria - specifically, anaerobic bacteria in the colon - are capable of producing hydrogen. The bacteria produce hydrogen when they are exposed to unabsorbed food, particularly sugars and carbohydrates, but not proteins or fats. Although limited hydrogen is produced from the small amounts of unabsorbed food that normally reach the colon, large amounts of hydrogen may be produced when there is a problem with the digestion or absorption of food in the small intestine, that allows more unabsorbed food to reach the colon.

I am not allowed to eat after 7 pm.  The test is supposed to take hours.  I am super interested in the how the test works and nervous at the same time.

Until tomorrow...

ROGUE ONE A SECOND TIME AROUND

I went to see Rogue One a second time!!  It is so awesome.  I won't tell you anything about it but it is so worth seeing it.

I am so tired because of the party last night.

Until tomorrow...

PARTY!!

Today was my holiday party.  It was a small intimate affair.  I invited a larger group than arrived.  I think Friday was a hard night to have a party.

The folks that came seemed to have a good time.  There was great food:

Veggie and Hummus Swirls

Hummus stuffed tomatoes

Peanut Butter Cups

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip mini muffins

There were also Polenta Fries, BBQ Cauliflower bites, and veggie with dip.  The cauliflower bites were a hard sell at first but once a person tried one, they were gone pretty fast.

Until tomorrow...

ROGUE ONE THE FIRST TIME

Rogue One!!  It is so good.  I have been waiting for this movie.  It doesn't disappoint.

I have so much to do for my holiday party tomorrow. I came home from the movie and made mini Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.

I have to get to sleep.

Until tomorrow...

MADE MY VEGAN "REESE'S" PEANUT BUTTER CUPS

I have been getting ready for my party.  I already made the "Reeses" peanut butter cups.  They taste really good.

I finished decorating.  I decided not to get a Christmas tree until after the party.  It was too much stress to try to buy and decorate a tree in the next two days.

Until tomorrow...

TSA

Today I went to the airport to get my TSA approval for my Global Reentry.  If you don't know what that is, it allows you to take the TSA PRE line when you fly.  I got the international PRE because it doesn't cost that much more and if I go internationally, I don't want to stand in the long line.  If I am going to go through the long process, I feel I might as well get everything I can get.

It was an easy process.  You do the first part online, then you get an appointment (mine was about 6 months later) and you show up and they look at you, check your documents and, in my case, approved me.  Then about a week later I got my card in the mail.

Until tomorrow...

BACK TO SFO

I got up and drove back to near the airport and hung out until it was close to my flight.  I had a lot of time to kill.  My flight didn't leave until 6:40 pm.  It was nice to just relax.  I actually took a nap.

I had a nice flight and got home to my babies by 11 pm.

Until tomorrow...

DAY FOUR IN FLORIDA

This morning was the brunch.  I think I was one of the few people who was wide awake and chipper.  This was one of the times that not drinking alcohol and caffeine helped me a lot. 

I said goodbye to my family and headed back to S house.  I called her and told her to help me find some food.  As usual there was no real food for me to eat from Friday lunch to Sunday dinner.  I was starving and told her if she found me food I would buy her whole family dinner!  She found me Chinese food and I pigged out.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE IN FLORIDA

Today is the big day.  The Bat Mitzvah.  But first I went to a spa with S to get massages, reflexology and facials.  It was fun because S's mom and sister showed up and we just had a big ol' party.

Once we were done with the spa, I had to drive back to the hotel where my family was staying and change for the party.  First we went to Temple and our family was given a part of the ceremony.  Then we went to the appetizer hour.  After a bit the curtains were pulled back and we entered the lovely main room.  It was so beautiful.  Purple, silver and black.  All things about NYC. There was a DJ and MC.  There were freebies for the kids: light up glasses, rings and hair pieces, hats and shirts painted on with your name.  There was a photo booth.  The kids had a special room where they served sliders.  There was non-stop dancing.  It was a fun event.

Until tomorrow...

DAY TWO IN FLORIDA

Today I went to see my nephew's college.  Then we went to lunch.  We had a little bit of time before we had to get ready for temple and dinner.  At the temple there was this awesome speaker from the Religious Action Center in Washington, DC.  This was the first event of the weekend. After temple I drove to S home.

Until tomorrow...

FLY TO FLORIDA

I got up early and took a flight to Florida.  The flight was uneventful.  I landed and went to my cousins house to see the family.   Her daughters were so cute trying to figure out how we were related since we had never met.  After a short time with them, I went to see my friend S.  I stayed with her.  She was a gracious hostess.

It was a long day.

Until tomorrow...

SING

I went to see Sing tonight.  It is an awesome movie.  I loved it!  Think animals and American Idol.  It is so funny.

I recommend this movie.

I also took my shoes to the cobbler a few days ago and today I went to pick them up.  The shoes were not ready.  I was furious.  I kept my cool and didn't yell.  I told them I needed them today because I leave tomorrow for Florida.  They said can you come back in a few hours?  Ugh.  Yes!  

Until tomorrow...

GUT DOCTOR

I went to see my gut doctor today.  I got to see my regular doctor this time.  She agreed with me that stopping all tests until I come back from my trip was a good idea.  If I am still feeling icky when I come back, there are more tests to run.

She seems not too concerned.  She is less flap-able since we have been through this before.  My gut will get worse and get better.  Who knows?  I will say it again, I think it is part of my RA.  I think it is something in my gut that is connected to my RA but "they" just have not named it yet or discovered it yet.  Every year some researcher or doctor discovered some new disease or illness.  Someone could discover this and I could be cured!

Until tomorrow...

HAMILTON TICKETS!

My friend H and I tag teamed this morning and after being in the 800s and 1000s, H finally got through and bought us two tickets to Hamilton!  I left my place in line and it took me 2 hours and 15 minutes to get through despite the window that said it would take "more than 15 minutes".  

I am just so excited that we have tickets to see the prized Hamilton in this century and the tickets didn't cost the price of my house.  H and I agreed on a price and dates before he got through and we texted while H was buying the tickets.  It was a very coordinated and strategic plan.

Now I can't wait for May!

Until tomorrow...

RUNNING AROUND

Running around to get last minute items for my trip to Florida.  Vegan snacks, food for the dogs, food for the bird, do some laundry, clean the house and finish up some work.  Busy busy week.

Until tomorrow...

HOLIDAY PART FOR FOSTERS

Today I went to a holiday party for all the foster/adopt parents and children.  It was fun to meet up with the folks from my class.  Everyone is at a different place in the process.  Usually I would make a super fun side dish but I was rushed and I googled a simple pasta dish.  It was so simple.  It was so gone really fast.  Everyone loved it.  I guess complicated isn't always the best!

Until tomorrow...

HAIRCUT FOR THE TRIP

Time to get my haircut for the upcoming Bat Mitzvah.  I need to make sure my hair is just the right length next week.

I have been getting everything in order for my trip next week.  Finishing up the decorating, last minute shopping, getting the house in order.

Until tomorrow...

BEING OKAY

I have been falling behind in everything with being sick and too much work and this upcoming trip.  Plus all the stuff with the foster/adoption.  I have gotten behind with everything.

I just have to be okay with being behind and get to it when I can.

Until tomorrow...

NOT SO HUNGRY

I called my regular doctor today because I still have this horrible taste in my mouth after taking the antibiotics.  The antibiotics gave me a metallic taste and it was supposed to go away once I stopped taking it.  So far it has not stopped.  I thought I had thrush again because I had some white on my throat.

The doctor said I have some disease I can't remember what he called it.  It makes you have a bad taste in your mouth for weeks (sometimes months) after the antibiotics have stopped.  Food tastes horrible, you aren't really hungry because food tastes horrible.  Hopefully this will end soon.

Until tomorrow...

CLEAN AS A WHISTLE

The colonoscopy showed that my colon is healthy!  Clean as a whistle. Yippee!  My question is how many colonoscopies should a person have in their lifetime?  I think I am entering my max.

Now they want to do other tests on me that you do not want to know about.  Checking me for this and that.  We will see what those tests tell me.

Until tomorrow...

TIME TO DECORATE

Today I started decorating for Christmas.  I had my assistant come and help.  If I don't decorate before I leave for Florida, I will not have enough time to do it when I get back.  My holiday party is four days after I get back from Florida.

I have four big tubs of Christmas stuff: everything from ornaments to lights to framed pictures to wreaths to shiny things that get strung by the fire.  I have rugs and stockings and blankets and cookie jars and shower curtains.  I have so much Christmas stuff.  I just love Christmas.  I like to be festive.

Until tomorrow...

ROGUE ONE TICKETS

We got Rogue One tickets!!  I will be seeing Rogue One twice.  I am so excited.

I also went shopping to get ready for the trip to Florida for my cousin's daughter's Bat Mitzvah. It is a big event that is New York City in Florida.  I need three outfits for the three day event.

I got silver slacks and shoes for the Friday night event, a black and silver outfit for Saturday night and I am wearing an outfit I already have for the Sunday brunch.  I am all set.

Until tomorrow...

BORING DAY

Just running errands all day.  Boring.  It is a rainy day.  Ugh.

Until tomorrow...

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING

Most people are shopping.  I would not set a foot in a store today.  I did laundry, made mashed potatoes, walked the dogs, watched a Lifetime Christmas movie and my annual Thanksgiving movie "Freebirds", and some other things.  I puttered around.

It was a icky day out.  Overcast and a little rainy.  Cold.

The hardest part of the day was getting Happi to put her brace on her leg so she could go on a walk.  She just dislikes that brace.  She just sees it and she goes and hides.  Treats don't work,   After some finagling I got it on her by lifting up her front end and putting it on her leg.

Until tomorrow...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

This Thanksgiving is not going to go as planned.  I was going to make mashed potatoes and stuffing on Wednesday and on Thursday I was going to relax, walk the dogs and go see a movie.  I did almost all of it.

I slept in a bit.  I lounged around a bit.  I made stuffing around 11 am.  I went to see Moana in the afternoon.  As soon as I got home my phone began ringing and spoke to family until 8:30 pm.

Moana was a really good movie.  It has a really good story and just the right amount of singing/music.  It was picturesque.  The kids in the theatre seemed entertained.  My only question is why do people bring infants to theatres and if they do, why do they let them cry for 20 minutes in the theatre?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Until tomorrow...

COLONOSCOPY

Well, that was fun!  I had to get up at 7:30 in the morning and take my second batch of Prep.  I only got through 1/2 of it.  I just could not do it.  I was already nauseous so drinking more of that stuff was not going to happen.

After 9:30 am I was not allowed to drink anything.  I got ready since my neighbor was going to drive me to the test.  The test went well.  I was told they found nothing.  When I was coming out of the anesthesia I had a dream that I missed the test because my alarm clock didn't go off.  A reoccurring dream since college.  I almost missed a final when I woke up, turned off my alarm clock and fell back asleep.  I probably woke up  30 seconds later but I had that dream that I missed the final because I overslept.  I woke up in a panic.

My neighbor came and got me and brought me home.  I got into bed and slept for a few hours.  I watched some more TV and slept again.

Until tomorrow...

URGENT PROCEDURE NEEDED

Today my doctor called and decided that I needed an urgent colonoscopy.  There just happened to be an opening tomorrow (the day before Thanksgiving).  Imagine, there isn't a rush of people desiring a colonoscopy the day before Thanksgiving.  I can't imagine!

I didn't get the phone call until about 1 pm so I had already eaten a little bit but the doctor said it didn't matter.  I had to rush down to the pharmacy to get the prep before 5pm, when I had to start taking it.  I also needed to stop by the supermarket and get some apple juice since you have drink only clear liquids.  One can only drink so much water for 18 hours.

Here is the prep I had to drink.  I am part way through.  It is some rough stuff.  It is SO salty.  I can't stand how salty it is.  I basically go myself all settled in downstairs with movies, drinks, my pajamas, and the dogs.  I set up my iPad and TV to sync the same movie so no matter what room I am in I could watch the same movie with no interruption.  It was nice to have something to keep my mind off what was happening.  Just in case you were interested, I watched Money Monster.  It was good with enough action to keep my attention.

Until tomorrow...

FINALLY GOT TO THE SUPERMARKET

I finally went food shopping.  I had so little food in the house it was shameful.  I have been not feeling well for so long, I ate all the "sick" food.  All the soup, bread, etc. is gone.  I needed to go to the supermarket badly.  Today I stocked up.  I got a bunch of soup, potatoes, bread, rice.  All the staples for when I don't feel well. 

I got some ingredients for Thanksgiving that I will cook on Wednesday.  Mashed potatoes and stuffing.  I am not having a regular Thanksgiving.  I plan on going to the movies.  I will heat up the stuffing and mashed potatoes and make some broccoli if I am feeling well. 

Until tomorrow...

FOOD SHOPPING FAILURE

I attempted to go food shopping today.  I drove to the supermarket and could not find a parking spot after repeated circling.  I finally gave up and came home.  I really wanted soup so I decided to make a batch.

I took some veggie broth, crushed tomatoes, garbanzo beans, celery, carrots, frozen peas, frozen green beans, onion powder, salt, and pepper.  It turned out delicious.  It was such a rainy day, all I wanted to eat was nice hot soup.

Plus my stomach is still giving me problems and soup and toast is the best thing to eat.  I it while watching the movie Just Go With It starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.  Pretty good laugh.

Until tomorrow...

DO HAPPI AND I HAVE THE SAME THING?

Went to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.  Awesome movie!  I really recommend you see it if you liked the Harry Potter series (and who didn't like the Harry Potter series?)   We saw it with our free tickets.  That made the movie even better!  I won't say anything about the movie because I don't want to ruin anything but go see it.

During the day I assisted my friend and neighbor K with the hook up of her older DVD player and her new TV.  We thought it was the DVD player but it turned out it was the TV.  Once we figured that out I left thinking she was going to have to return the TV.  She googled the situation and found out she needed to reset everything and, Voila!, the TV and DVD player worked.  She is really happy.  Another satisfied customer.  Maybe I should start a side job of setting up older DVD/VCR players with new TVs.  I seem to be pretty good at it.

Health update:  Happi seems to be okay, no worse no better.

I am still not much better but not worse.  I still think we have the same thing.  Is that weird?

Until tomorrow...

SICK AND TRASH UPDATES

The doctor says she thinks I have some sort of virus.  I am on two antibiotics and we will see if this makes me feel better.  Last night I got quite ill again.  I had been feeling so much better and then last night. Ugh.  The fact that Happi has E.Coli didn't help either.  Hopefully this will do the trick.

I also went to see my breast cancer doctor and tomorrow I go to have my mammogram.  I hear women all over are rushing to get their mammograms before January 20th.  I thought I would have a long wait but I would say a less than 24 hour wait is not a long wait.  I have to get out my tiara!

That was basically the whole day.

Oh, the trash is all gone from yesterday.  Half of it was taken by some guy who drove by and the rest was picked up by the garbage company this morning.  Whatever, it is gone from my garage! 

Maybe this weekend I can do a run to Goodwill and get rid of another stack of stuff that is taking up room in the garage.

Until tomorrow...

DINNER WAS A BUST

Just when I think I am feeling better, I'm not.  I have some medicine from the doctor I think I am going to take and see what happens.  I can't feel worse...

Today I arranged to have some big items taken out of the garage and put on the sidewalk.  They are ready for an early morning pick-up by the garbage company.  There was some leftover insulation, a TV stand and a bookshelf.  We lugged the stuff out and labeled it for pickup.  One hour later a guy drove by and picked up the insulation and loaded it in his truck.  I guess I will see what is left by tomorrow morning.  I am just so happy to get it out of the garage.  Now that I have been clearing out, I am addicted to more clearing out and making more space.  I have a load to go to charity, a batch to shred and a batch to go to e-waste.  Once that is gone, I will have a bunch more real estate in the garage.  Makes me so happy.  When we were clearing out things today we found a box of more paint cans.  I need to dispose of them too.

I met my friend for dinner tonight at 6pm.  We arrived at the restaurant and it said open and the lights were on but the door was locked and no one was inside.  We banged on the door but no one answered.  After a few minutes we went to another restaurant.  We were really disappointed because we had planned this three course dinner (mine being vegan) for almost a week.  We ended going somewhere else and I had a cup of soup that has upset my stomach.  I can not eat onions and it had onions in it.  So much for a fantastic dinner out.

Until tomorrow...

HAPPI AND E. COLI

I got the test results for Happi.  She has E. Coli in her urinary tract/kidneys.  I guess this is more common than you think.  That is why the urinary tract infection has not gone away.  Now she is on another type of antibiotic for another month.  I am also supposed to get her cranberry pills for her to take.

She has been a bit clingy and lethargic so I hope these antibiotics work soon.

Until tomorrow...

LOTS OF UPDATES

I went to a specialist today for my stomach issues.  The doctors are split on what is wrong with me.  Some think it is a cyst/woman thing and some think it is my Crohn's issue.  I decided to see the gastrointestinal doctor and see what she thinks. 

She is very clear that I have a gastrointestinal issue.  She ran some blood tests to see if I have an infection.  The results have already come back that I am blood healthy.  There are other tests that I am waiting to hear about and will take a few days.  Depending on those results, I may have a CT scan to see what my belly holds.  The doctor said it was very sensitive and loud.  So I wait and see.

Update on Happi: The doctor called and her urinary tract infection (UTI) culture has not grown enough so we have to wait until tomorrow.  Then they will be able to tell us more information.

Once I am feeling better I want to start walking her with her new brace.  I just have not felt like walking anywhere.

Enterprise Rental Car: I finally have a resolution to the Enterprise Rental Car credit car charge.  To recap: I rented a car for one day back in September.  I returned the car.  I got my credit card bill last week and I had a $600 charge.  I was shocked.  I thought it was fraud.  Turns out that it was Enterprise's fault.  When I returned the car someone entered the same car number on the next rental so the computer charged it to my credit card.  All $600.  I finally spoke to the right person today after speaking to many people at Enterprise.  He felt horrible and immediately credited me back the entire amount (including the amount of my rental).  Since my rental was paid for through my car dealer, I got free money!  I call it pain and suffering money.

Enough for today.

Until tomorrow...

A RAINBOW OF ROSES

My friend R sent me a wonderful present.  She and her baby daughter sent me flowers to celebrate getting certified.  It was such an exciting surprise.

I heard from my home study worker and she was quite impressed that I finished the screens so quickly.  She said she is already working on my report.  Once it is done and I sign it I can move forward. 

I am still feeling quite ill.  It all started about 10/8 and I have been feeling ill on and off since then.  I have an ultra sound scheduled for next week but I called my gastroenterologist today and I am going to see her colleague tomorrow.  I can't wait to get some answers.  I am tired of feeling horrible.

Until tomorrow...

MORE SHOPPING

I went to do the rest of the shopping for the Bat Mitzvah today.  I bought a pair of black pants that I could wear with flat shoes.  I also bought two pairs of shoes.  I bought the one pair I saw yesterday.  A pair of black flats with rhinestones on the toes.

I also got another pair for some whimsy.  They are silver sparkly flats.  They were on the clearance rack and they just happen to be in my size.  For $25 they seemed like fun.  I plan on wearing them at the Bat Mitzvah.  Sparkly shoes, doesn't that sound fun!

I can wear the black shoes on Saturday with the black slacks and the black and silver tank top and sweater.

I can wear the silver sparkle shoes with the secret pants on Friday night.

I also have a black sparkly bag to use.  I think I am set.

Until tomorrow...

SHOPPING AND TROLLS

Today I went shopping for clothes for my cousin's daughter's bat mitzvah.  It is a New York theme so I need to have fancy clothes in black and silver.   I had an idea of what I wanted to get so I just needed to find it.  I wanted to have the clothes now so I was not rushing before I had to go. Not to mention the clothes in the stores are about to change to heavy clothes and I didn't want to get stuck with wool pants.

I got some great stuff that made me happy.  There are three events: Friday dinner, Saturday Bat Mitzvah, and Sunday brunch.  I need three ensembles.  I got a black and silver tank top and a black sweater with rhinestones for Saturday.  I got some fun slacks for Friday night that are a surprise that I will wear with a purple top that I already own.  For Sunday I am going to wear an outfit that I already own that is blue patterned pants and a white top and red shoes.

Then later that night I went to the movies to see Trolls.  It was cute.  I just don't like movies that have singing for no reason.  I understand movies that have singing and I don't have any problem with them.  I just don't like movies where they throw in a song for no reason.  The main character picks up a rock and starts to sing about finding a rock. It just drives me crazy.  Trolls has about 1-2 songs too many and for no reason.  Other than that it is a cute story and very vibrant.  Up beat.  Fun.

Until tomorrow...

SCREENS ON ALL THE WINDOWS

I installed the screens on my windows today. This was the final item on the list for me to get my foster/adopt certification.  It required borrowing a ladder, hiring an assistant, buying the clasps and the two of us figuring out how to get the screens up into the windows in places where we could not always reach the clasps.  It required some strategy since all the windows were on the second floor and in awkward places.

We got it done with the help of items such as a tree branch, baton, and me hanging out of windows from the inside.

Until tomorrow...

HAPPI TEST RESULTS

Happi's UTI is not gone.  There are a few reasons why this can happen.  Most common is that the antibiotic was the not the right one.  They are now running a test to make sure the right antibiotic is being used. 

She has no symptoms.  You would never know she still had a UTI. 

Until tomorrow...

HAPPI RE-CHECK

I had to take Happi for her check up from when she had her UTI.  It feels like I took her to the emergency room about 6 months ago.  It was only about 9 weeks ago.  The doctor wanted to test her to make sure the UTI went away.  I guess with dogs it can sometimes be very difficult to get rid of a UTI.  Who knew?

I get the results tomorrow.

As we were leaving the doctor's office Happi got very woozy and laid down on the sidewalk.  I rushed her back inside and they ran a blood sugar test.  She probably worked herself up so much that she dehydrated herself.  I was very worried.

Until tomorrow...

VOTE

I think we are all in shock.  It doesn't matter who you voted for, it was still a shock whether your candidate won or lost.

Until tomorrow...

HOME STUDY #3 - THE FINAL CHAPTER

Today was my final home study visit.  If you have been reading my blog, you know I have been working really hard to get ready for this visit. 

It was a two hour visit. The first hour was questions about how I would parent, parenting techniques, etc.  I was asked a bunch of questions from a list about my house.  Did I put the locks on my cabinets, do I have one room per child, does the room have a closet, etc.

Then we walked around and checked that I have locks, a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm, etc.  She made sure the pond was filled in with sand.  Everything checked out but she forgot to tell me about the screens.  I didn't install the screens on my windows.  I have them but the lock things that hold the screens on the window broke off and I have to replace them.  I have a few weeks to put the screens on and send her a photo and she will accept it.  Meanwhile I have passed the inspection.  Yay!

It will take a few weeks (meaning the end of December) to write the home study report and then I move forward to the next step.  It will be a number of weeks of relaxation before things get going again.  So I can plan for the holidays. 

This is a happy day!  Thanks to everyone who helped me.

Don't forget to vote!!

Until tomorrow...

PAINT CABINET

I am ready for my last home study tomorrow.  The house is clean.  Everything is locked up.  My friend E came over today and put together my cabinet to hold and lock up the paint.  He was a champ.  The directions showed drawings but not too much in directions.  He got it together.  It looks good.

I am ready for the final interview.  I will give you an update tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

CLEARING OUT WASTE AND DR STRANGE

I woke up feeling slightly better.  I took it really slow in the morning.  I ate some toast and tea.  I watched some TV.  Then around 11 am I started to get things done.  The usual rounds of post office, bank, etc.  I went to the hardware store to buy a small lockbox for the refrigerator to lock up Happi's medicine that needs to stay cold. 

Then after a short rest, I loaded up my hazardous waste and took it to the dump.  I filled my car up with paint, hot tub chemicals, sealant, rose fertilizer, etc.  I drove very carefully to the dump.  They took it all and I asked if I could come back with the remaining cans of paint if I could make it back by closing time.  The guy said fine.  I think they only allow one trip per day but I explained I have a small car and could not safely fit the rest in.  He said if I could make it back by 4pm. 

I drove home and tossed the 5 remaining paint cans in the car.  I drove back and made it back at 3:59 I kid you not!  The guy was closing the gate.  I pleaded with him to open it up. It was another guy and he said no you can't come back again.  But I said the other guy said I could.  I looked for him and he said Let her in.   So they took my cans of paint. 

All my hazardous waste is gone.  Yay!! 

My carbon monoxide detector is hung.  Check.

My hazardous waste is gone.  Check.

My profile is done.  Check.

Tomorrow my friend is coming to put together my cabinet for the paint.  This is the last thing to do.

I went to see Doctor Strange tonight.  I thought it was good.  I went with my friend H and some of his friends who are becoming my friends.  It was a mixed bag on how much folks liked it.  I think I am easier to please sometimes.  I just like to be entertained.   Tonight was one of those nights.  I thought the special effects were cool.

Until tomorrow...

OH MY TUMMY!

I spent the night with a sore tummy.  Then I woke up and I was so ill.  My stomach was bloated and sore to the touch.  I could barely get off the couch all day.  At noon I called the doctor.  When he called back he thinks it is a Crohns attack.

Now there has been a lot of back and forth about whether I have Crohns or not.  First for years they told me I had Crohns and then one year they told me I didn't have Crohns.  Then last year they went back to telling me I had Crohns again.  I have decided to stop with the labels and just go with the way I feel.  I get these horrible pains in my lower abdomen that make me want to go to the hospital.  Just when I think I can't take it another minute it goes away.  I don't know what it is called but it is unpleasant.  The pain is so intense that I get chills, sweat, I get light headed, can't sleep, and can't put anything of weight on my stomach area.

The doctor says to rest and if it gets worse I am to go to the hospital.  I had to ask him what constitutes worse.  He said if I didn't get better by Saturday evening or got significantly worse feeling I should head to the hospital. 

On a happy note I went to my neighbors and he helped me put the photos on my profile for the foster/adoption.  The profile is my advertisement of ME!  It is the paper that everyone is going to see that "sells" me.  I also got to binge watch Transparent season 3 with all the time on my hands laying around.

Until tomorrow...

LIST TO DO BEFORE MONDAY

My list of things to complete before my final interview on Monday for my foster/adoption is short.  Hang a carbon monoxide detector, put together a cabinet to put paint in, take hazardous waste to the dump, put alcohol up high and finish my profile.

Tonight I hung the carbon monoxide detector.  Check!

Tomorrow my neighbor is going to help me finish my profile and I am taking the hazardous waste.

Saturday I am putting together the cabinet for the paint and hiding the alcohol.

Done! 

Then I can vote.  Ugh!  Not sure which is less fun.

Until tomorrow...

THE CUBS DID IT

It is ten minutes to 10 pm and I thought the World Series was never going to end.  I really didn't care who won.  Both teams deserved to win since neither had won in a long time and neither was my team.  But I started watching tonight since it was game 7 and boy, did they fight.  It was a good game but I really didn't think it would ever end between the hard hitting teams and the rain delays.  Congrats to the Cubs.  You broke your 108 year drought.  The goat is dead or gone or the curse is dead.

Update on Enterprise Rental car: My car husband at the car dealers volunteered to call over to Enterprise and speak to the manager and figure it out since my one day rental was a dealer rental.  The additional 20 days that I was charged was also a dealer rental from the same dealer by some other people.  When he spoke to Enterprise they found my rental in the computer.  Funny, when I called they could not find it!  Tomorrow the manager will come in and fix the problem.  I will be credited back $600. 

I put Happi's brace on her leg today and had her walk around for 10 minutes.  She hated it!  Hated it!  She walked around a bit and then laid down.

She is not happy about this brace.  It is too difficult to walk.  She also slid all over the floor because she could not get a grip on the floor.

Until tomorrow...

POND FILLED IN

Today was Fill the Pond day.  This is what it looked like this morning.  Empty.

The sand was delivered at 9 am.  3.5 cubic yards of sand.  The helpers showed up at 12 noon.  Three guys that worked out in the gym.  The first hour went fast and it seemed like they were going to finish early.  Then the fatigue kicked in and they slowed down.  They filled the pond and we put the plastic sheet on and then they put more sand over it.

Then we had more sand.  We had to put the excess sand in buckets, bins, anything we could find.  I am going to try to give it away.

The pond is filled and now I can move forward in the foster/adopt process.

On another note, I got my credit card bill and it had a $600 rental car bill.  Funny thing, I didn't rent a car long enough for $600.  I rented a car for 1 day at a special rate from my car dealership.  After a few phone calls to the credit card company and the rental car company, I found out that the charge is from the one day.  I returned the car and some idiot continued the charge on my charge card for the next person.  I paid for the next person's rental car.  How nice of me!!!  Since it is under my name, I am not sure how I can get this straightened out,  But I will!

Until tomorrow...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN AND THE CONTINUING SAND SITUATION

Happy Halloween!  It was a slightly rainy evening so there were only a handful of trick-or-treaters.  I have a ton of candy left for my candy bowl.  Lots of laffy taffy, bottle caps, gobstoppers, smarties, and sweettarts leftover.

The sand will be delivered around 9 am tomorrow.  I drained the pond the best I could.  I reserved the three people to come move the sand.  I moved my car into the spot where the sand will be delivered.  Everything is set. Now if Mother Nature will cooperate, it will not rain. 

I was just thinking about something that happened this weekend.  I wanted your feedback.  I was at a gathering where there were a small group of people who didn't know each other very well.  I brought vegetables and dip.  One of the people there started eating the vegetables and he started double dipping in the dip.  He would take a bite of the celery and then dip the part where he just bit in the dip.  He then picked up these bread sticks and started doing it with the bread sticks double dipping two and three times with each bread stick.  Also, when we arrived, he mentioned that his son was ill and he was coming down with it.

If I was at home and I was the only person eating my tub of hummus, in my opinion, it is fine to double or triple dip.  But in a group setting, in my opinion, it is inappropriate to double dip.  Especially if you are "coming down with something."  Sorry I don't want to eat dip with your germs on it.

What is your opinion on this riveting subject?  Many of you have compromised immune systems.  What would you do in this situation?

I didn't eat any of the dip or the vegetables.  When I was leaving there was dip and veggies remaining and I left it with the host.

Until tomorrow...

FOSTER/ADOPT GROUP MEETING

Today was the foster/adopt training group meeting.  It was many of the folks from our month long training on how to be a foster/adopt parent.  We got together to talk about where we were in the process, what to expect in the process, etc. 

As I suspected I was the furthest along.  There were others who had their first homestudy and others who just finished their paperwork.  Everyone had a ton of questions for me. 

We talked about who was going to the holiday party and that we needed to keep in touch.

I realized that I forgot to buy Halloween candy.  I had to rush out and get some vegan candy.  Laffy Taffy, Smarties, Bottle Caps, Gobstoppers, Nerds, Sweettarts.  Let's hope it doesn't rain.

Until tomorrow...

SAND, SAND AND MORE SAND

I finally ordered the sand to fill the pond.  I have 3.7 cubic yards of sand being delivered on Tuesday.  I have to hire some workers to move the sand from the street to the backyard but that can't happen until I know the delivery time.  I am just so excited that it is going to happen.   I had to chose the type of sand that I wanted.  Who knew there were so many types of sand?  I got the cheapest type of sand to fill the pond and will put the nice kind on the top to make it look pretty.

I met a friend D for tea and I watched the movie "Lucy".  It was a wild movie. 

Until tomorrow...

BRACE YOURSELF

Today is the day Happi got her wrist brace. We went to the orthopedic prosthetic specialist and she had made a little brace for Happi's front leg. It took a while to get it on Happi's leg. It reminded me of that movie , Dolphin Tale, where the dolphin was born without a tail and they put a prosthetic on his tail to allow him to swim.

It took forever to get the brace on Happi, she didn't like it, then she had to get used to walking with it on.  It took much longer than the doctor anticipated.  Poor Happi was getting tired but the biscuits kept her going.  Finally the brace fit and it was my turn to try to put the brace on her leg.   I would give myself a Grade C+.  I'm going to have to work on it.

This evening I met up with someone I have not seen for almost 15 years. It was super fun to catch up. We have vowed to stay I touch.  It was like the last 12 years never happened.

Until tomorrow...

EVIL SQUIRREL

The Evil Squirrel. 

Today I came home and rushed to let Happi outside.  She ran down the stairs.  I opened the door and she ran out on the deck.  She turned the corner and stopped short.  I saw a streak of gray go flying past.  Happi screamed and cried.  She ran back inside.  She ran up the stairs and went on her bed.  Her fur was up on her back and she was still crying.  I thought she was hurt.  She was not hurt so I went outside.  I had an idea what it was but I wanted to check it out.  Up in a tree was a mean squirrel.  The Evil Squirrel.  He jumped from branch to branch.  I squirted him with my Super Soaker and off he went to terrorize another animal.

I convinced Happi to come downstairs and carried her down to the backyard.  She was terrified.  I think she thought the Evil Squirrel would jump out and scare her again.  Once she peed she ran like a bat out of h*ll back in the house.  My poor baby.

Until tomorrow...

HOME STUDY #2

Today was my second home study for my foster/adoption.  Today's appointment was all about telling my story.  Who am I from conception to now.  Who is in my family.  Where did I work and go to school.  That sort of thing.  It was a longer appointment than last time probably because I had a lot to say.  I told her I would rather get it done faster.

I have one home study appointment to go.  It will include the inspection of the house.  I can't do it until I deal with the pond.  I have to fill in the pond.  I appreciate everyone's suggestions but they have told me I have to fill it with sand.  Now I am on a mission to find someone as soon as possible.

Then I have to get someone to take one photo and my neighbor will photoshop them into my profile.

Tonight my friend H and I went to a "special event" at a local movie theater.  It was a secret event and we had no idea what was going to happen.  We kind of assumed it would be a movie but it was not.  It was a viewer feedback session.  We watched a 10 minute pre-movie preview and then filled out a questionnaire.  The preview was the part of the pre-movie where they show the trivia questions, how they make the movies, commercials, etc.  In my opinion what they showed us was very chaotic.  I only liked the trivia part and the movie preview/how to make the movies section.  The rest I could have done without. 

After watching this 10 minute clip and spending 5 minutes filling out the questionnaire, we were each given 2 movies passes.  Now we are planning our movie watching before they expire on 12/31. 

Since we were done in 45 minutes, we went to get some food and talk.  

Until tomorrow...

LOCKS: THE FINAL CHAPTER

Today my kindly neighbor showed up to finish the Lock Project.  It has only taken four days to complete this project but all of my cabinets and drawers now have secure locks on them.  No human or dog will be getting in a cabinet or drawer they should not.  hurrah!

I also went this morning to the first of my two flu shots.  Due to having RA, I get two flu shots each year.  I get the first shot in October and then in December I get a "boost" shot that gets me through the rest of the year.  I have been doing this for years and other than this past year when I had meningitis, I have not gotten the flu. I guess it is working.

Until tomorrow...

LOCKS PART 3

Today we tried to install the magnetic locks again.  Unfortunately the new locks didn't arrive in time for installation.  This project feels like it is taking longer than my month of training!  Tomorrow we will try again.  Thank goodness I have a patient neighbor helping me.

Until tomorrow...

ICE CUBE TRAY CHOCOLATES

I decided to make Ice Cube Tray Chocolate Candy today.  Once I bought an ice cube tray, it was really easy.  They are really good.  I made smores and peanut butter.  In the smores I put marshmallow and graham cracker.  In the other I put peanut butter.  Yum!

I also had my helper come over and we worked on the garage again.  It is looking so good.  We found boxes of old stuff that can be shredded.  I love finding things to shred.  Get rid of it. 

Until tomorrow...

TRAINED TO SAVE A LIFE

Today I took a CPR/First Aid class for adults and pediatrics.  It was a day long class and hopefully my last day long course for a long time!  I feel like I have been in day long Saturday classes forever.  When you work all week and take day long classes on the weekend, the week never seems to end.

I now have free weekends for a while.  This was also my last course hurdle for my foster/adoption.

I learned how to do CPR, what to do if someone is bleeding, choking,and having an allergic reaction.

Until tomorrow...

LOCKS PART 2

My neighbor came for three hours today and installed 5 locks on my cabinets and drawers.  These magnetic locks have a steep learning curve.  They have to be installed precisely.  There is no room for error.  They are really cool.  The magnet unlocks the lock from the outside and the outside of the cabinet is not marred from the outside.

I ran out of the good locks and we will have to reconvene to install some more locks on Monday.

Until tomorrow...

POSITIVE REACTION FROM A COLLEAGUE

I went to a conference and ran into an old colleague.  Okay, maybe not a colleague but I am not sure what he would be called.  He is an attorney that worked on many cases with me with some clients over the years.  We got along very well and he liked my work.  We run into each other now and again.

When he saw me today he came right over for a hug.  I told him about my new plans of foster/adoption.  I was surprised by his reaction.  He was so excited for me.  He peppered me with questions and told me I had to keep in touch and let him know how the foster/adoption progresses.  It was nice to have someone be so positive that I have not seen in a long time.

Until tomorrow...

HOME STUDY #1

Today was my first home study for my foster/adoption.  It was a meeting between a social worker and myself.  She comes to my home and we talk.  She asked me questions about what a typical day is like, why I want to adopt, how I plan to adopt my typical day when a kid arrives, how my family feels about me adopting, what my neighborhood is like, etc.  What age and gender kid I was thinking of and why.

They were easy questions.  Nothing I was uneasy answering. 

Round two is next Wednesday.

Until tomorrow...

LOCKS

Today my neighbor tried to install the locks on my cabinets and drawers.  The locks I bought were not good enough.  I have to buy new locks.  These locks are magnetic locks.  The lock gets installed inside the cabinet so it doesn't mar the cabinet.  There is a magnet that you use to unlock the lock inside the cabinet.  Easy!

We have to reschedule the lock installation date. 

Until tomorrow...

GOOD HEALTH

It has been great that my health has been good though all this training.  I have been working crazy hours, going to trainings on the weekends and getting the house ready.  I am just amazed that I have stayed so healthy considering the weather has changed, I decreased my prednisone and I no longer take Enbrel. 

Until tomorrow...

VICTORIAN TOUR

Today my friend K and I went on a Victorian House Tour.  Unfortunately it was pouring rain through most of the tour.  My sneakers got soaked.  The tour was very interesting.  There were different types of houses.  Many were true Victorian but a few were not Victorian at all.  I loved the homes that were of the Victorian age and had items in them that were also of that age.  It felt like I was stepping back into time.  Some hid their TVs and Computers so it looked like were in the 1850's.  It was very cool.

I got home and took a long shower to warm up since I was drenched head to toe. 

Until tomorrow...

MORE WORK IN THE GARAGE

My taskrabbit came again today to continue the work on my garage.  She organized the rest of the paint cans and moved everything in the area under the stairs.  Now all my Christmas stuff is organized under the stairs which gives me much more real estate in the garage.

I am so happy to finally get the garage organized.  Even if it is still packed, at least it will be organized.  And I will be happy!

I met up with my friend S for tea.  We have reconnected in the last few months.  It is great to see her again.   It is nice to meet up with friends again.

Until tomorrow...

MISUNDERSTANDING PART 2

I let the misunderstanding sit overnight.  Last night I had a misunderstanding with someone and after some confusing communication, I decided to stop communication before someone said something they could not take back. 

Today I met the person and the person was very upset.  I explained my side and heard the person's side.  I think we both needed to explain our side of the misunderstanding and once we got it out, everything was okay.  We made an agreement about how to move forward.   I guess that mediation training paid off. 

Until tomorrow...

MISUNDERSTANDING

Have you ever had a misunderstanding with someone that you didn't realize was a misunderstanding right away?  I had one tonight.  Someone asked me for something that I am sure they thought would be a certain affirmative.  I said no.   The other person got very upset.  I was really surprised the person got so upset.  I didn't know how to respond so I waited to answer.  While I waited I began to get angry/frustrated. 

I responded and the other person got more upset and there was more miscommunication.  I decided that it was best to stop communicating and let everyone calm down.

Sometimes it is best to let everyone take a breath and a minute before anyone says something they can't take back.

Until tomorrow...

CLEARING OUT

Today my taskrabbit came to assist me in cleaning up the house before my homestudy happened.  She helped me clean up the backyard, and clean up the garage.  She helped me go through all the paint cans and figure out which can be recycled, taken to the paint recycling and taken to hazardous waste.  Believe it or not there were around 80 paint cans to sort.  Then there were the sealers, turpentine, and other items to sort through.  I can't wait to get all this stuff out of the house.

Until tomorrow...

GREEN DAY

I have fallen so far behind on this blog.  With work, home life and getting ready for foster/adopting a kid, I don't always have time to write.  I fall behind one day and then another and next thing I know I am a week behind. 

Today one of my favorite bands has come out with their first album (are they still called albums if they are CDs?) in 4 years.  Green Day released Revolution Radio this week and I am super excited. 

Don't you love when your favorite band puts out new music?  Don't you just love when the music is good?  Aren't you disappointed when it isn't? 

I am always disappointed when a band I like puts out music that is completely different than all their other music.  They are a rock band and now they are singing a pop song. 

So far Revolution Radio has not had a bad song. 

Until tomorrow...

DILEMMA

There is a dilemma in this country.  Is today Columbus Day or Indigenous People's Day?  I guess it depends on who you are and/or where you live. 

On the Left Coast it is most surely Indigenous People's Day and it is NOT a holiday. I remember when I lived on the East Coast it was a holiday with parades and such.   I am not really sure why we celebrate Columbus Day as Columbus Day.  Sure he crossed the ocean but he landed in the Bahamas by accident.  He was trying to get to Japan.  I get lost all the time and I don't get a parade.  I usually get in trouble for being late.

I like Indigenous People's Day.  They have been treated so poorly by our ancestors, they deserve a day, not just a US postage stamp.

Until tomorrow...

NEW FRIEND FOR LUNCH

I feel better today. I am a little weak and feel a bit like I need to drink ginger ale.  Other than that I feel fine.

I met a friend S for lunch.  It was nice to connect with her for the first time meeting outside of a business atmosphere.  We have a lot in common and I really like her company.  We ate, we talked and we walked.  We decided we would get together again soon.

Until tomorrow...

CONCERT TONIGHT

Tonight I went to a concert with my friend H.  I was really looking forward to this concert.  I went to get my haircut.  I started cleaning out a cabinet to get ready for my home study for my foster/adoption.  It was a hot and sunny day.  Maybe I got over heated.  Maybe I got dehydrated.  I don't know.

I got to the concert and I was feeling good.  We were standing in the second row in the center.  I was excited.  The opening act started and I began to feel woozy.  Light headed.  At the end of the opening act I went to the ladies room.  I began to feel better once I had some air and some water on my face.

I went back to the concert and now the main act was playing.  I lasted about 4 songs when I thought I was going to pass out.  I had pain in my abdomen,  I was sweating, I was hot, I was cold, I was faint.  I could not stand up.  I had to get out of the crowd.  NOW.  My friend saw me and took me out of the crowd to sit down.   I went to the bartender and asked for some ginger ale and he wouldn't let me pay for it.  My question is "how sick do you have to look to get free ginger ale at a bar?"  I guess I looked that sick.

After sitting for 30 minutes I felt much better.  I did feel bad that my friend missed seeing the concert.  We could hear the whole thing but we could not see the stage.  He was very sweet to take care of me.

Until tomorrow...

HAPPI'S PLAN FOR RECOVERY

The plan from the specialist for Happi is no activity for 5 weeks.  If she feels fine then she may go on short walks.  If she is 8 weeks with no pain, then she is fine to be with no painkillers and is fine.  Until the next time, I guess.

Now we wait for her cuff and then she can go on some walks.

Until tomorrow...

GOOD NEWS FROM THE SPECIALIST

Happi spent the day at the orthopedic specialist getting tests run on her wrist.  Since Happi is three legged, she relies heavily on her front leg.

The ride to the orthopedic office Happi was very stressed out.  Usually both dogs go together.  I left Lucky home and Happi as very anxious in the car.  She was crying and whining the whole way.  S.he was fine once we got there.

I came back at 2:30 to pick her up and the doctor wanted to speak with me.  The doctor asked me a lot of questions like: how long has her wrist been like this?  I brought up photos.  Do you think the pain was her back?  How clingy was she acting?

The doctor feels like the pain Happi was having was a pinched nerve in her back and not in her leg.  He thinks her wrist has probably been like this for years or at least since she was hit by the car and they removed her leg 11 years ago. He thinks she was injured then and she has adapted over the years.  Over the years her wrist has just gotten more weak.  He ordered the woman who makes prosthetics to make Happi a cuff to wear on her wrist to give her support.  We pick it up next week.

We have a plan of pain killers and time over which she starts to go on short walks and then longer walks.

Until tomorrow...

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY

Tomorrow is Happi's big day with the orthopedic specialist.  Tonight she can't eat past midnight and no food in the morning.

We are both excited to hear what the specialist has to say.  Okay, I am probably more excited than Happi is.

We have to go to sleep early tonight since we have to wake up at 5 am tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

GOT MY HOMESTUDY DATE

I got the call today.  I got assigned a social worker who is going to be with me through this foster/adopt process.  We scheduled my home study for a few weeks from now.

This means I need to get on the ball.  I called my worker to come and help me start clearing things out.  I have two weeks to organize and clean the house.   

Until tomorrow...

TURNED ON THE HEAT

The weather has been so mild for so long, this is the first time I have turned on the furnace since before I had meningitis.  Probably since before I went to Florida.  That was in January.  Today it rained for the first time in a LONG time, it got cold.  I am shivering.  I could put a sweater on but this chill is so cold that a sweater is not going to cut it.  Turning on the heat was a necessity tonight.

I made a mistake at a client's office today.  Well, I made the mistake on Thursday but it came to light today.  It seemed like a big deal and everyone had a  conniption only to find out it was not a big deal after all.  But those two hours when everyone thought it was a big deal, you would have thought the heavens were going to open up and swallow me.  I apologized for making the mistake profusely.  I did my best to fix the mistake.  I problem solved it with another person and figured out how to fix the mistake.  The client "forgave" me.  It felt weird and hollow.  I really don't think I needed "forgiveness".  It was not an intentional act.  It was a mistake of a person who was doing a task for the first time and who was not being monitored on a super busy, hectic day.  The person who was supposed to be helping me told me she could not help me and to do it myself.  These are not excuses they are explanations.  I screwed up.  I fixed it but I screwed up. 

Thank you for "forgiving" me.

Until tomorrow...

STREET FAIR TODAY

I went to a street fair in my neighborhood today.  My plan was to go and walk around for a bit and come home.  Instead I got to the fair and ran into my dog walker.  We decided to go for a drink and hang out for a bit.  Then, since I got a late start, I walked home.  Once again I got very little of the items on my to do list accomplished.

Until tomorrow...

TWO MOVIES AND LUNCH

Calendars are very important.  I don't know how people can live without a calendar.  I have a calendar that is on my computer and phone that is color coded.  Different colors for work, medical, travel, fun, birthdays, holidays, etc.  It makes it easy to see in an instant if the thing I have scheduled is a work thing or a medical appointment.  I enter in reminders sometimes minutes ahead of time and sometimes days ahead depending on what it is.

Today I just got back from running an errand when I heard someone enter my home.  It was my dog walker.  He was calling out to the dogs.  He walked in and saw me and said oops! am I here on the wrong day?  Turns out he looked at the wrong Saturday.

Since he was not there to walk the dogs,  He said why don't we go to lunch?  We went to a local restaurant and had lunch.  It was very nice.  We have made plans for the future.

I watched the movie The 33 and John Wick.  I realized I watched John Wick before but I must have fallen asleep before the end.  It helped to see the end.  The 33 was really good.  Okay, we all know they get out since it is a really story.  The story was just so interesting.  There were moments that I got that little bit of claustrophobia fear and I was on my couch! 

Until tomorrow...

PROFILE ASSIGNMENT

I am working on my profile for the foster/adoption.  The profile is the advertisement of me.
I plan on having photos of me in action, my pets, my home, and me with the dogs.

Then I have to write about me with lots of adjectives.  I am going to put out a tweet asking for some input from the family and some friends.  I have to write about what I am like and how I am.  That is not easy for me. 

Until tomorrow...

MOVING ON

I just finished the training yesterday and today I got an email stating that my paperwork has moved to the next step and I will be assigned a home study worker very soon.  This is great news.  I am super excited to hear I am on my way!

Until tomorrow...

TRAINING DAY NUMBER FOUR

Tonight was my final foster/adopt training.  I am now done with training.  I am not sure I feel much more prepared but that is what they tell you.  The answer to every question is: It depends on the child you get.

Now I wait to get my home study.  That can take up to two months.  I have a bunch of things I need to fix and I know that already.

I also have my CPR/first aid training.  So lots to do still. 

My brother came today to go to lunch.  While he was here he helped me book tickets to a family member's bat mitzvah.  I decided to move ahead and book my trip since I don't think the foster/adopt will come through that fast.

Busy but satisfying day.

Until tomorrow...

UPDATE ON HAPPI

Today was another hot day.  Not quite as hot as the last two days but still hot.  About 90 degrees.  They says it will be over soon. 

I got a call from the doctor today.  He says that Happi has to be on the antibiotics for 2-3 weeks.  He says that older dogs can get a UTI and it can sometimes take a really long time to get rid of it so he keeps dogs on medicine for a long time.  She is feeling so much better I want to keep her feeling good.

One week until we see the specialist for her leg.  She has been spitting out the pain killers which is very unlike her.  She is the best pill taker.  I think she is tired of taking the pills and being drugged up.

Until tomorrow...

100 DEGREES AGAIN TODAY

It was HOT again today.  I was at a clients for most of the day so it didn't bother me.  In fact my client's office had air conditioning and I was freezing!  I know "can't this girl be happy?"  His office was so cold that my fingers turned blue! 

I had to drive around a lot today and I had the top down and the music on.  It was nice in the sun.  A bit hot. 

I love a sunny day in a convertible.

Until tomorrow...

100 DEGREES

It was 100 degrees today.  100 degrees.  SO HOT.  Lucky was just walking around trying to find a cool spot.  My downstairs is 20 degrees cooler than the upstairs so the dogs like to go down there.  I had doors and windows open, fans on, and blinds pulled down and still I was HOT.

There was a big fair going on and I used this time to run errands.  I bought dog food, bird food, etc.  I got the errands completed rather fast. 

I sat and tried not to get hotter.  I drank water and had an ice pop. 

Tomorrow is another hot day.  Ugh.

Happi update: she is doing a whole lot better.  She is not peeing as much anymore.  She is back to peeing regular.  The medicine is working.  She is much happier.  

Until tomorrow...

TRAINING DAY NUMBER THREE

I had my third foster/adopt training today.  It is just a fascinating training.  We went into loss and grief.  I only have one more day left.

I scheduled my first aid and CPR training.  That is the last big hurtle training-wise. 

It was a long day and I just want to eat and veg out. 

Until tomorrow..

MY POOR BABY

You know how you think everything seems fine? Then your dog can't sleep because she has to pee every fifteen minutes. That is what happened after my post last night. Happi went outside five times in a three hour period. She peed five times one time she went out and then nine times the next time. That is when I knew: she had a UTI. 

I bundled her up and rushed her to the emergency vet at 12:45 am. Of course Lucky wanted to go because she didn't know where we were going in the middle of the night. We were at urgent care for two hours. They ran some tests and $500 later they told me what I already knew: she had a UTI. 

They gave me some antibiotics and some wee wee pads and we came home.

Every hour we got up to pee.  My poor baby was barely squeezing out a drop.  She would pee five times each time she went out back. 

During the day she took a few antibiotics and she is feeling much better already.  I spoke to her regular doctor and he says it sounds promising that she is better already. 

I am tired and will go to bed early to be ready for my third training tomorrow. 

Until tomorrow...

GETTING THROUGH THE MONTH

In the middle of not feeling well, I had a HUGE project due for a client.  I have been working tons of hours to get this project done.  Today it was presented and it went okay.  Not my best work but I had limitations that were not of my doing.

Now I start the next project due next week.  I just want this month to be done!

Until tomorrow...

SURPRISING NEWS

The doctor called today and told me I have a UTI.  He said the culture has not come back yet but there is enough white count in my urine that he is sure I have a UTI.  I am back on antibiotics.  It is the antibiotics that come with the two page warning that says I could tear a ligiment or hear a popping sound that would not be good.  When the new pharmacist gave the prescription to me he asked me if I had a questions.  I said no, I would not be running any marathons this weekend so I should be good.  He gave me that strangest look.  He didn't know I was a frequent flyer at the pharmacy. 

The weird thing is that I didn't have any symptoms of a UTI.  I didn't even know I had any infection.  I guess a person can have an infection and not even know it.  These antibiotics will take care of it.

Until tomorrow...

I'M NOT CRAZY

Today I called the doctor and told him what is going on.  I thought he would think I was crazy when I told him I felt like I was having meningitis all over again.  Instead he said it is quite possible that I was having this thing that a very few (so of course I would get it!) people get where they have recurring symptoms.  When the patient has some sort of virus it sets off the meningitis symptoms all over again.  The headache, neck ache, back ache, over powering fatigue, vomiting, fever, etc. come back for anywhere from 2-3 days to weeks.  Fabulous! 

But good news!  If this is what I have there is an antibiotic that works for some people if I take it at the beginning of the symptoms.  I rushed down to the hospital to get some tests done so we can begin to find out what is wrong with me.  I should know some answers in a few days.

Until tomorrow...

FEELING A BIT BETTER

I feel a bit better today.  I was able to work today.  I still went to bed early and took it easy.  I didn't run the errands like I was supposed to.  I kept it easy.  If I don't feel better by tomorrow, I am calling the doctor.

My neck is still aching and the spot where I got my lumbar puncture hurts like I got the puncture yesterday.  My headache is mostly gone and I am not as tired.  My ears are ringing again and I have the weird eye thing happening where my vision is blurry.  I don't want to say it but it feels like I have meningitis again.  I know I don't but that is what it feels like.

Going to bed early.

Until tomorrow...

SO SICK AND TIRED

I am so tired I can't get off the couch.  I will probably call the doctor tomorrow.  If I get a fever, I will probably go to the emergency room.  Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

TRAINING NUMBER TWO

Today was the second day of foster/adopt training.  This day was all about what to do if...  Lots of scenarios and stories.

I had a hard time staying awake and I think I had a fever.  I have a massive headache and neck ache.  I went home and got into bed and fell asleep by 9 pm.

Feeling better tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

FATIGUE IS OVERWHELMING

I am super tired.  I can't really explain it but I can't stay awake.  I am literally falling asleep with my hands on my keyboard.

I need to get some sleep before my training tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

SPECIAL RIDER ON THE TRAIN TODAY

Today I boarded the train to go see the doctor.  I was comfortably seated and checking my phone when I looked around to see this:

A bird was riding in the seat next to me.  He was so well trained that he just sat there and spoke to some folks until his stop.  Then he hopped on his owners shoulder and they got off.  He was adorable.

Until tomorrow...

FEELING KINDA BAD

I have been trying to ignore it.  Trying to brush it off.  I have too much to do.  I am busy.

But I know the signs.  It has been a long time since I have had these signs.  When I was on Enbrel, I never had these symptoms.  I felt good.  I had energy.  I had no swelling.  No fatigue.  No pain.  No sore hands and creaky hips, knees and feet.

With Enbrel a thing of the past and I decreased the Prednisone to 5 mg, now I am only taking Plaquinel and I am not sure it is doing anything.  

If this feeling continues I am going to have to go see a doctor and get put on another medication.  I am not happy about this but if it makes me feel better, I gotta do what I gotta do.

Until tomorrow...

I GOT MY CAR BACK WITH NEW TIRES

I took my car to the tire place and I expected it to take all day.  I dropped the car off and before I got to my destination, they called to say the car was ready!  They have my business next time I need tires.  Even if it costs a little more, they are close, they carry my tires in stock, and they had the tires completed in record time.  They also will rotate the tires as part of the deal. And they were super nice.  They put my Mickey Mouse tire back with my jack (yes, my car has an actual jack) neatly in its place.  I was very surprised.  They even put my tire key back in the spot it is supposed to be. 

I am just so happy to get my car back.  I missed the old girl!  I even cleaned the windows I was so happy to see her.

Until tomorrow...

VEGAN SUSHI

This weekend I got vegan sushi for the first time.  It is tofu, spices, some veggies wrapped in seaweed.  I had the teriyaki flavor.  It was better than I thought but not good enough that I would buy it again.  Maybe I would buy another brand but this brand is not tasty enough for me. 

It is my first time eating sushi.  Maybe I just don't know what sushi should taste like.  Maybe this is what sushi should taste like.  Who knows? 

I just read my sister-in-laws post where she wrote about my brother eating sushi for the first (or almost first) time.  I guess we are eating sushi for the first time together.

Until tomorrow...

NO TIRES FOR ME

I tried to fix my flat tire today.  I drove to Sears to get two new tires.  The first time I drove there was 7 am but there was a sign on the door saying they open at 10 am.  I didn't want to sit around for three hours.  I drove back at 10 am and got in line.  The guy told me they didn't have any tires "exactly what I need" but they had some that were good enough in the Radar brand.  Huh?  Never heard of it.  I said forget it.  I don't want store brand tires.  I want name brand tires on my car. Not some cut rate tires.  This is tires not toilet paper we are talking about.

Now I have to find another place to get tires that is close by.  I have almost hit the limit on how far I can drive on my Mickey Mouse tire.

I can't get the tires tomorrow so I have to drive a rental car.

Until tomorrow...

TRAINING NUMBER ONE

Today was my first foster/adoption training.  I have been going through the process to foster/adopt a child.

The training was very interesting and informative.  The first half was all about what to expect.  What school would the child go to?  What would the child call you?  Those sorts of questions.

The second half was about race, culture, gender and nationality. This was very interesting.  Brought up a lot to think about like how to keep the child's culture intact while also introducing your own traditions.  What if the child speaks another language as well as English?  How will I assist the child continuing to be bilingual if I don't speak that language?

The group was very nice and so were the instructors.  I am looking forward to the next two training's.

Until tomorrow...

FLAT TIRE

I was driving on a bridge when all of a sudden there it was, a flat piece of metal. I could not avoid running over it. I tried but no luck.

At first I thought nothing happened. Then I heard it. Thump. Thump. I had a flat tire. I was in the third lane. I had to get somewhere safe. I pulled in the triangle at an exit. The exit was freeway on both sides. There were cars and trucks flying by on both sides. It was freezing.

I called AAA and they were sending a truck to get me. Then there was some back and forth with the folks at the bridge. Was I still on the bridge? I don't know.

I was still on the bridge.  The tow truck guy pulled up and changed my tire for free. Well, paid for with my taxes. He would not even take a tip.

Now I have a Mickey Mouse tire on my car. I need to go buy two new tires.

Until tomorrow...

MORE HAPPI NEWS

I know I am talking about Happi way too much these days but she is my baby and she is hurting.  It is hard to see your dog baby in pain and not be able to do anything about it. 

Today I called and scheduled a medical appointment with the specialist.  The first date they have available is the first week in October.  That is a month away.  I have to keep Happi from walking on her leg for a month.  The doctor is prescribing an anti anxiety medication that I can give her if I want.  It is supposed to make her drowsy.

If you have been a long time reader, you may remember I put my little dog Lucky on anti anxiety drugs a couple of years ago.  She had a bad reaction and almost died.  I am not a fan of giving dogs anti anxiety meds.  They can't tell you if they are having a bad reaction and you won't know until something happens.  I may or may not give her the medication.

Until tomorrow...

NEWS FROM THE VETERINARIAN

I finally heard back from Happi's vet.  He spoke to the specialist.  The specialist wants to see Happi as soon as possible but in the meanwhile, Happi has to stay immobile as possible.  I have to keep her drugged and off her feet.  Not easy with an active dog. The vet offered to give me some drugs to knock her out even more. 

The specialist said he looked at the x-rays and he feels confident that he could be conservative and not have to do surgery and fuse Happi's bones together.  He is leaning more towards splinting her leg.  This is a good thing considering the situation.

Next step is making an appointment with the specialist.

Until tomorrow...

TOP DOWN DAY

Today was a top down day.  I had to drive to and from a client's office and I had my top down both ways.  On the way to the meeting I had the top down and the seat heaters on because although it was sunny it was a tad chilly.  It was nice having the sun in my face.

On the way home it was 80 degrees and I had to wear a hat to keep from getting a sunburn.  It is such a great feeling to be in the open air on a sunny day. 

I just can't imagine going back to a regular non-convertible car on a sunny day.  How boring!

Until tomorrow...

PROCRASTINATING AGAIN

Procrastinating.  I am an expert at procrastinating.  Not always but I am best when I have to do something I  really don't want to do.  This weekend I had one main task I had to complete: invoicing my clients.  I am two months behind and I have been very bad at keeping track.  That means that I have to recreate many of the days in the last two months.  It is very hard for me and it is a task I dread. 

So, I found a million things to do instead.  I figured out how to transfer a computer program from my old computer to my new computer, I washed my clothes (something I also dislike so you can tell how much I can't stand invoicing), I helped my friend connect her TV, VCR and DVD, food shopped, I made lemonade and orzo salad, and cleaned the kitchen.  You will know I am really desperate if I iron the pair of pants that have been sitting on my dresser for three weeks.  That is probably the only task I dislike more. 

Most people say to me that getting the money should be a reason to get the task completed but sometimes the pay off doesn't make you do something you can't stand doing.  Like exercising to lose weight.  Some people hate exercising and it doesn't matter if you tell them they will lose 100 pounds if they do it, they will not do it.  That is how I am.  

I have three hours left in the day and I am diligently working to get at least one month completed.

Until tomorrow...

HELPING A FRIEND

I went to my friend D's home and finished the TV, VCR, DVD installation job.  She really enjoyed watching TV in bed last night.  I had to make 2 trips to the hardware store because I didn't bring enough money with me the first time.  Turns out the machine is so old it took composite hook ups.  Red, green and blue with white and red wires.  Well, it took me a short while to figure it all out mostly because the TV is mounted on the wall and the plug layout is on the back of the TV so I couldn't see it.  I had to plug cords in and test, plug cords in and test.  Finally I got a DVD to show up on the TV.  High fives all around.

D is having surgery in a few weeks and I wanted her to be able to watch TV and movies while she recuperates in bed.   Now she can.

I made a cool salad for Labor Day tomorrow.  It is a Greek Orzo Salad with Peas, Lemon and Kalamata Olives.  It is really tasty.

Until tomorrow...