BACK PAIN DAY #8

I spoke to the doctor's office today and they are sending my physical therapy paperwork to the office on Monday.  I hope to get an appointment soon.  I still have a hard time getting out of bed and some nights I wake up several times a night in pain.  It doesn't bother me too much during the day unless I have to lift something or sit too long.

Today is my last day with my long term client.  I am super happy.  I am always happy to start with clients and I love my work but when I am with clients for too long it starts to feel like a job.  I start to feel like an employee with that client and then it is time to leave.  I like to be a guest instead.


Until tomorrow...

BACK PAIN DAY #7

Today I went to do my genetic testing for hereditary cancer today.  I was supposed to spit in the tube and get 1/2 inch of saliva.  I drank a ton of water before I got there.  I brought my water with me.  I filled out the forms and told the nurse that I had a problem with Sjogren's and she said the directions said I can't drink water.  Since I can't drink water I can't do the saliva test.  She did some problem solving and she found a blood test that I can do instead.  So I went down to the lab and gave some blood.  I should get the results in about a month.  The test checks for BRCA1, BRCA2 and gene mutations.  It checks for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome.  So we wait and see.

Then I went to see my therapist for the last time with insurance.  My insurance from The-insurance-company-who-will-not-be-named has decided they will not pay for my therapy anymore.  I guess having RA, a foster child I don't have in my home and the regular stresses of every day life are not enough going on for therapy. 

I stopped by my primary doctor to see about the outstanding bill from 2018 that has gone to collections to see if that has been resolved yet.  I can't imagine what is taking so long. 

While I was there I checked in on my physical therapy forms.  They were not ready yet but I was assured they would be walked down personally by the front desk person.

That was pretty much my day.

Until tomorrow...

BACK PAIN DAY #6

I woke up this morning and my back was killing me.  If I didn't have things to do today, I would have stayed in bed.  I had to run some errands like picking up packages at the post office, getting my Orencia from the pharmacy, and returning DVDs to the library.  I got some items for my friend's kids driving test.  If he passes I have a sign and confetti.  Everyone deserves a celebration!

I downloaded my photos from my vacation to Florida finally.  Then I called the hotel in Florida to get my credit card reimbursed for the night they charged me when I already paid.  They apologized.  Then I relaxed.

Until tomorrow...

BACK PAIN DAY #5

I got an email from the doctor and he thinks I should do physical therapy.  I am waiting for the paperwork to go through.  I just want to put my pants on without having to hold onto my leg.

I got my credit card statement and I found a charge on it from the hotel in Florida.  How is it possible to be charged 4 times for the same nights in a hotel?  This time I was only charged for one night.  I need to call and get it fixed.  They are very nice just super incompetent.

Until tomorrow...

BACK PAIN DAY #4

I got up today and went to work. It was my last day at my clients office. I am still working there until Friday but I may not return again to their office. 

While I was there I got two emails, one from a previous client asking to finish an old project and one from a potential new client setting up a phone meeting. This is good news! 

I also heard from my doctor. I sent him an email asking what to do about my back. Obviously I hurt myself worse then I thought. He asked me if I want an MRI or PT. I asked him which he thought. 

Until tomorrow...

BACK PAIN DAY #3

Another day of laying around but I graduated to the couch. I took another long hot bath and that seemed to help. I have just been binge watching shows: Grace and Frankie, The L Generation, Sex Education, The Ranch, Family Reunion, and some stuff on Acorn TV.

Until tomorrow...

BACK PAIN DAY #2

I woke up this morning and could hardly move. My back is killing me. I decide as soon as I fed and let the dogs out I was going to take more Advil and get back in bed. I took a long hot bath and used the heating pad once I got out.  Thank goodness I made that soup!

Until tomorrow...

BACK PAIN DAY #1

Today I was in my office figuring out what bills need to be paid, when my calendar fell behind my desk. I got down on the floor to reach behind my desk to get the calendar and OUCH! I hurt my back. I hurt it in the same place as I did when I fell over Christmas. I couldn’t sit or walk without pain. I got into bed with some Advil and the heating pad.

The jogging is not going to happen for a while. I’m concentrating on walking.

Until tomorrow...

HEARTY LEMONY SOUP

I feel a bit better today and even went to an appointment today.  After the appointment I came home and stayed inside. 

I called the alarm company since that still had not been fixed.  They sent someone right over.  It's funny, he remembered being at my house before.  He fixed the problem (it turned out that two batteries had died at the same time and the previous guy only replaced one set of batteries) and fixed the problems that the last tech caused.  My phone no longer rings through my alarm system. 

Then I made soup.  I was supposed to make it yesterday but I was not feeling well enough.  I made Lemony Kale, Leek and White Bean Soup.  I added the orzo to add more bulk.  This is always a great soup. 

Until tomorrow...

NOT FEELING TOO GOOD

I woke up today with a massive headache.  Not a migraine but a headache.  My head felt hot but I didn't have a fever.  Just to be on the safe side, I spent the day on the couch with Lucky curled up next to me.  I drank tea and ate some soup.  I just to need to rest.

Until tomorrow...

ERRANDS I WAS SUPPOSED TO RUN

Today I ran some of the errands I was supposed to run yesterday instead of going to the movies.  I went to the supermarket and the library. 

I had an interesting time at the supermarket.  I was checking out and bagging my groceries.  I went to pay and the guys behind me were standing in front of the credit card machine.  The cashier said to them "are you paying for her groceries?"  The guy says NO.  I said then you need to move back and give me privacy.  Instead of moving backward in line, he stepped backward into the candy display so he was standing behind me while I was paying.  So rude.

I came home and started to feel tired.  I did some work and then rested.  I didn't make the soup that I was going to make. 

Until tomorrow...

DAY TWO OF RUNNING

I woke up and after I fed the dogs, Lucky and I went jogging.  I realized I should call it jogging and not running since I really am not running yet.  We went around the block again but we went faster and this time we jogging up the hill, slowly, but we jogged. 

Then I went to see Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker.  I missed it when it first came out due to my accident and then my trip to Florida.  I sat next to a young boy who was so funny during a scene where the characters got sucked down in some sand.  He yelled out loudly "well, this was the shortest movie!".  Then when two characters kissed he yelled out "Ewwww!" really loud.  Both times the audience laughed. 

Until tomorrow...

RUNNING

Today I started a new thing.  It all started from a movie I watched.  The movie is Brittany Runs a Marathon. 

I know it is a movie but it is based on a real story.  It is based on a story about a woman who realized she was in bad shape and decided to do something about it so she started running.  She started by running one block very slowly.  In the end she runs the NY Marathon. 

Now don't get excited, I am not planning on running the NY Marathon or any marathon.  I just thought I have never been a runner.  In fact I hate running.  But she did it very slowly, so why can't I?

Today I got my sneakers on and put Lucky on her lead and off we went.  She wanted to GO!  I had to pull her back.  I started out running slowly until I got to the uphill portion ( I live on a hill so there will always be an Uphill) and then I started walk/running.  But we made it around the block with no incidents and I feel fine.  I probably could have gone farther but I know that is the worst thing I could do.  Overdoing it is a beginner mistake.  Starting slow and staying steady.  Taking Lucky is good too because she is the energizer bunny. 

I put the signs from my last two Women's March's on my house. 

Until tomorrow...

WOMAN'S MARCH 2020

Today I participated in the Woman's March for the fourth time.  The weather was lovely and there was a great crowd. 

Here was my sign for this march:

I got lots of "thumps up" signs, people telling me "great sign" and had lots of photos taken.   Some construction workers, very tough looking guys, and tourists all gave me positive feedback which I thought was great.  I don't carry a sign that is funny or puny.  My signs are a little more thought provoking. 

After the march I came home and got in a bathtub of epsom salts.

Until tomorrow...

LONG AWAITED VISIT

Today I got to see my foster son after a two month hiatus.  I can't talk about the where's and why's and wherefore's.  I was just happy to see him.  He kept saying I missed you.  I missed him too.  We kept hugging and holding hands.  We played games: Uno, Go Fish and Battleship.  The time went fast and he didn't want me to leave but I will be back soon.

Until tomorrow...

VISIT TO MY RA DOCTOR

I went to my RA doctor today.  Last week I needed a refill on my prednisone and when I called his office, I was told that I would not get a refill until I saw the doctor.  It was a Friday afternoon and I was not able to go the weekend without taking prednisone for the whole weekend.  It is dangerous to skip dosages of steroids especially for days.  The RA doctor's office staff kept telling me there was no way they were going to give me a refill and the doctor was gone for the day and would not be back until Monday.  I was at the pharmacy and explained the situation to the pharmacist and she agreed to give me a partial prescription to cover me until Monday.  Then my primary doctor called me back and gave me a month's worth of steroids. 

Today when I saw the RA doctor he said his staff should have called him and not told me they would not refill my prescription.  He said he would have a word with them.  He seemed very concerned that I was told I would not get the meds for 4 days.  He also seemed happy that my primary stepped in and refilled the prescription. 

We talked about if the Orencia is working and I told him with all that has gone on in the past few months I have been on and off the meds.  The past four weeks I have finally been on the meds continually.  I think I feel better but it is hard to know.  A lot is going on with my trip to Florida and my mom in the hospital and of course my fall.  I think after one more month of continuous meds and I will be able to tell if it is working.  Then I can start getting off the prednisone.  I can't wait.  I will be happy to get off the steroids after 15 years of taking them.

Until tomorrow...

FINALLY GOT IT DONE

I got my least favorite task done tonight.  I needed to invoice my client for last month.  I finally got it completed this evening and sent it off.  Some months it doesn't take very long but other months I am not so good at keeping track of my time and I have to recreate my calendar and that takes time.  Those are the months I procrastinate.

Until tomorrow...

ONLY GAINED .5 POUNDS

I went to see my nutritionist for my quarterly check-in.  Meeting with him helps keep me on my path to eating right and staying at the weight I am.  Or better lose weight.  That hasn't happened lately but life is working against me with the fall and the injury.  Laying in bed for almost two weeks doesn't make you lose weight!

I am back to cooking better food now that I am back from my holiday.  All that good food on the trip and I basically stayed the same weight.  I think I gained 1/2 pound in one week on vacation.  It was all that driving around.  One day I just up and went for a walk and people in their cars were just staring at me.  Like "did her car break down?"  It is so weird that the weather is so nice but no one walks in Florida.

Until tomorrow...

ALARM COMPANY

Well, I have to call the alarm company back.  The alarm is still saying there is a battery dying.  I know the guy came out last week and "changed the battery" but now I am not sure what he did.  He acted like he was a trainee.  I have to call the alarm company and see what they say.  Such a waste of time.

Until tomorrow...

DELICIOUS SOUP

My bird needed his beak to be clipped so today I took him to get it clipped. He doesn't like getting his wings, beak or nails clipped but his beak was particularly long this time.  Sunny has a horrible under bite so he looks funny when it grows out.

He also has a broken left foot and now it looks like he has injured his left wing.  The thing about domestic birds is that they can live with these issues.  In the wild, they would die.

Today Sunny went to get his under bite trimmed and while he was there he got his wings clipped and his nails trimmed.  He has been quiet most of the day because he hates getting this done.

I made soup.  It is Chickpea, Kale and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup.  It is very tasty.  I didn't use all the spices, well, I used all the spices but not all the amounts.

Until tomorrow...

TO ATTEND THE PARTY OR NOT

I was supposed to go to a party tonight.  I was torn about whether to go or not.  A person was going to be there who I had a falling out with and I didn't want there to be any uncomfortableness for anyone.  Then I thought I should go and see the host who was nice enough to invite me.  I went back and forth all day.  Then around 5pm I found the invitation and saw the party started at 3pm.  Oh.  This yearly event was usually in the evening and this year I guess it changed to an earlier party and I didn't realize.  Oops.  Well, that made up my mind.  I sent a text saying I was sorry to miss the party and put a movie on.

Until tomorrow...

FRIENDS?

I saw a friend that I have not seen in awhile.  We had a misunderstanding a few weeks ago and things have not been the same since.  It is hard to act the same way towards someone when the person has betrayed your trust.  You can say "Let's move on."  But acting the same and speaking the same way is hard.  The pristine shell of the friendship has been cracked just a little bit and there is no going back.

She came up to me and hugged me and I was caught off guard.  I hugged her back but I didn't feel it.  We went to get food together because we only had a few minutes to eat between meetings and that felt normal.  Maybe we can repair this friendship.

Until tomorrow...

BATTERY DYING

My house alarm battery was dying.  I called the company to figure out how to replace it.  They said a tech had to come out.  He came out today and he was useless.  He changed a battery but then he didn't know how to turn down the volume.  When he reset the system, the volume was loud.  I ended up looking it up in the manual.  Then he left and the system started flashing Low Battery again and he didn't reinstate the low battery signal.  Ergh.

Now I have to call them again and have them send out another tech.

Until tomorrow...

DOCTOR RE-CHECK

I went to a check up from my fall with my doctor. I passed! Nothing broken. Seems most of my bruises have faded. My spine still hurts but he says that will take some time. I have to go get my second flu shot. Every year I either get the double shot or two shots to protect me from the flu we hope.

I got to talk to my mother for few minutes today. She is still in the hospital.

Until tomorrow.

FLORIDA DAY 8

I am back home.  I am tired.  I should be in bed. I was awake this morning FL time at 4:15 am.  No excitement getting to the airport.  There was excitement leaving the hotel.  I checked out and asked for a receipt.  After the kerfuffle with me being charged twice for my hotel room, I wanted to make sure I was not charged for anything else.  I get the printout and it has charges for each day.  WHAT!?  I say to the girl behind the counter (and I say girl because she was 21 if she was a day) that this was a mistake and that I didn't have time to explain the whole situation and she didn't have the authority to fix it anyway.  Austin had to fix it and he would not be in for hours.  She said she would have Austin look at it and I took his direct phone number and left for the airport.  I am telling you this pre-paid nonsense has been a pain.

The flight was on time and I got in my seat.  Overall the flight was uneventful.  About halfway through I have on my noise cancelling headphones and I hear this noise.  It sounds like a video but I am on a plane so why would I hear a video?  I take off my headphones and I hear it louder.  I look back and in the seat behind me there are 10-12 year old kids watching some sort of video or movie without headphones.  I waved down a flight attendant and pointed it out.   He informed them that they needed to use headphones and he could give them some.  This brings up the discussion I have been hearing about the possibility of people being able to use phones.  That was just a video and I could hear it with noise cancelling headphone on.  I can't imagine someone on the phone next to me and how loud that would be.  Flight attendants will be run ragged. 

I arrived home and relaxed.  I received good news about my mother so I could relax a bit.  I unpacked most of the items and then ate some food.  Home Sweet  Home.

Until tomorrow...

FLORIDA DAY 7

Today is my last day in Florida.  I leave early in the morning tomorrow.  Very Early.  Today was filled with concern for my mother and her condition.  She is doing better but it is hard to not be with her even if it is just switting in a waiting room or holding her hand.  I know what it is like to be alone in a hospital for days at a time by yourself and it is not fun.  It is so nice to wake up and see a friendly face.  Seeing my friend's face meant the world to me since my family lives so far away. 

I went for a walk this morning and bought some vegan pastries and ate them in my room.  I also finally got the hotel to fix my billing problem. 

Then I called my father, who arrived in Florida, and decided to go see him rather than sit here and worry.  So I got some vegan "chicken" salad and went to my Dad's house.  We hung out and then went to dinner.  We caught up and then I drove back to my hotel room and packed.  Now I am relaxing before I go off to dreamland before I have to wake up at dawn and leave Florida. 

Until tomorrow...

FLORIDA DAY 6

Today had some highs and lows.  I met my cousin and aunt for brunch.  While we were at brunch we got an email that my mother was taken to the hospital.  It was quite a shock for all of us.  My mother is quite far away so none of us could go be with her.

After brunch my cousin and I went to the movies.  We went to see Uncut Gems.  It was a bit violent and depressing but a good story.  It was hard to concentrate with my mother in the hospital and various family members texting and calling.

I got an update about my mother that showed some improvement.  I offered right away to go to the hospital but my offer was declined.  For once I am the closest child in distance since I am on vacation.

I went to my cousins for some moral support and because my other cousin and her husband are doctors.  They convinced me to not run to the airport and to wait and see for 12 hours since the medicine seems to working.  I ate some dinner and decided to go back to my hotel.

At the hotel I ate my leftover food from last night and worked out my contingency plan if I have to go to the hospital.  I have a dog sitter.  I have flight options.

In the middle of all this my dad arrived in Florida a day early. I called him to see if he wanted me to come see him.  If things go better with my mom tomorrow, I will drive up to see my dad for a few hours.

Until tomorrow...

FLORIDA DAY 5

I woke up and made myself a leisurely breakfast in my room. I went to the store the other night and bought some groceries. It is nice to eat slowly in bed.

I met my cousin and we went to her apartment so I can freeze my Orencia freezer packs before my return trip. She is putting them in her freezer for me. The airline will not let me bring them back unless they are rock solid.

Then we went to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. When we arrived we went to the special exhibit which was Anime Architecture. It showed the cells for Ghost in the Shell. It was super interesting. Now I want to see the movie.

Then we walked the gardens. We saw bridges, Zen gardens, bonsai trees, waterfalls and animals. We fed fish, turtles and a small alligator.  Then we ate at the Cafe for lunch. It was a very tasty lunch.

We then went to the soccer field where the kids were helping out with a group showing how to play soccer to all levels of functioning kids. It was sweet seeing a kid in a special wheelchair kick a goal,

Then we went to my cousins home for a short period and went out and ate at a sushi restaurant. By now you should be asking what did you eat? There were a few udon noodle dishes and I asked them to make it all veggies and add tofu. It was good.

Now I am in my hotel bed and falling asleep. Until tomorrow...

VACATION DAY 4

After a good nights sleep, I went with my cousin to a restaurant with awesome vegan food.  I had this amazing stack with portobelo mushrooms, sweet potatoes, spinach and aioli.  I told her all about my Disney adventures.

After brunch I went back to the hotel to do some work and then take a short nap. She took her nieces and friends to bowl and play video games. I caught up with them for the video game portion.  Then we went to this place called Rocco’s Tacos.  At the restaurant there was a confusion about whether items were or were not gluten free. Turns out they were not but were being advertised as gluten free. What a mess!

After that I went home and fell asleep.

Until tomorrow...

FLORIDA DAY 3

Day 3 in Florida started very early.  I woke up at 5:45 am so we could get on the road at 6:30 am to Disney World.  It was a two hour drive from our location and we wanted to be there as early as possible to maximize the day.

We arrived and went directly to the Animal Kingdom.  We thought that would be the least busy park.  It was so much fun but there were lots of people there.  One ride had a 200 minute wait.  We did not get on the line.  In fact we didn't really go on any rides.  1) I don't like many rides and 2) I was not going to wait on line for 120 minutes for a 3 min ride.  That is crazy.  Even the Fast Track lines were long.

We did an animation drawing thing and went on a train ride.  We saw some macaw's fly.  We walked around and saw some animals.  We ate some African food and figured out how to put Mickey ears on our photos in Snapchat (with the help of some teens sitting nearby!)

Then halfway through the day we went to the Magic Kingdom and walked around there.  Both Kingdoms were decorated for the holidays.  We went shopping and saw the parade.  We went on It's a Small World (our only ride)  while everyone was at the parade.  We ate dinner and decided to head on home around 6pm.  We were cooked.  It was a long day.  My feet were burning.  It was a pleasant day weather wise but it was sunny all day so shade was at a premium and there were long lines for everything including water and ice cream/icees.  I never did get my pineapple whip.

Magic Kingdom Castle

 Then I had a 3 hour drive home.  I dropped my friend off at the 2 hour mark and continued on to the hotel.  I got the hotel and checked in.  I didn't realize until I was in my room and in my pajamas that the hotel charged me for the room.  I prepaid a few days before I arrived to get a cheaper rate.  I will have to deal with that in the morning.  It is a very nice room but I am not sure how I got the ADA compliant room?!

Overall a fun but exhausting day!  Until tomorrow...

FLORIDA DAY 2

Happy New Years!  2020 is here.

Today had a late start.  The party lasted long after I went to lay down. There was a lot of sitting around and talking.

We had bagels and I took a walk.  Then I drove to S house to have Chinese food.  I am staying at S house so we can go to Disney World in the early morning.  I have to go to sleep now.

Until tomorrow...