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...

HAPPI'S WRIST COMPARISON

Today I was able to finally get a photo of Happi leg to show you what has happened to her "wrist".  To explain it as best I can, she has pronated her wrist.  It has bent backward.

If you have a dog or cat and can look at their "wrist" you will see that Happi's goes backward.

Here is photo of my deceased dog Taiko to compare.  You can see Taiko's wrist doesn't bend backward.  Still no word from the specialist.

I spent almost the whole day with my friend D. We went out for Indian Food and then I went to her home to hook up her TV, VCR and DVD player.  The equipment is a little older so I had to figure it all out without any manuals.  All pre-HDMI.  I got the VCR and TV working but I could not figure out the DVD player.  I could get the DVD player to run but there was no picture on the TV.  It took one trip the hardware store.  I will have to find the manual online and go back to finish the job.

Until tomorrow...

WHAT A RENTAL CAR!

Today I took my car in to finish the work on it.  It needed some belts that the dealer had to order.  I needed to go somewhere so I got a rental car.  When I arrived at the rental car place, I told them I wanted a small car.  The guy comes back with a black 2017 Ford Mustang convertible.

Let me tell you, that is a fun car!  It is really powerful.  I had to watch my speed; without realizing it I was going 85 miles an hour.  It is also a magnet.  People look at it everywhere you go.  Folks with other fast cars look at you.  I had a guy with an older Mustang pull up along side me and rev his engine because he wanted to race!  No one ever wants to race me in my VW!!  In my VW people always say "what a fun car!"  This is a muscle car and boy was it a lot of fun to drive for a day. 

I really liked the mustang horse that lights up on the ground outside the doors when you park the car.  How cool is that? 

Unfortunately I had to give it back.  But I got my baby back and since it will be a nice weekend, I may have the top down all weekend.

Happi News: Still no word from the specialist.  He left town for the weekend.  Happi's doc tried to talk to him again but the specialist left another message saying he really wanted to talk to Happi's doc.  No message saying Happi is OK means there is something the specialist wants to convey. Not sure why the specialist can't leave a message.  Guess he has not heard of a new invention called "voicemail".  Now we have to wait until Tuesday.  I have been instructed to keep Happi from going downstairs as much as possible.  Going upstairs is fine.  How do you go up without going down?  Can anyone solve that riddle? 

Until tomorrow...

CAR NEWS

Yesterday I took my car into the shop to get it checked out.  It was time to see my car husband.  That is what I call my service tech guy.  He has been my service tech for 25 years so I started calling him my car husband. 

If you can believe it, I have never put oil or water or windshield wiper fluid in my car.  I have never put air in my tires.  I used to never wash my car but then the drought hit and now the shop doesn't give free car washes anymore.  <sad face>  I bring my car in and my car husband does these things for me.  Sometimes he doesn't even charge me to do these things.  Most times he charges me some discount. 

I hit 75,000 miles and it was time to take the car in for service.  The car is 14 years old but I don't drive very far and I don't have very many miles on it so it is in very good condition.  I needed the oil changed, add fluids, rotate tires, change/add brake fluid, check the brakes, check the hoses and belts, etc.  Most of it was fine.  There was one belt that was worn but since the car is so old, they had to send away for the replacement.  I have to bring it in tomorrow to have it replaced.   I was happily surprised there was nothing serious wrong.  Always good news!

Until tomorrow...