Feeling Cruddy

We've had the air on for the last two weeks and I think it's been a little too cold in the house. I've adjusted the thermostat, but I think I'm a day too late. The cold air and my exposed chest were not a good combination, dang it!

I drank a hot toddy during work hours...not the wisest idea, but a necessity. That helped for a bit and then I realized a nap was inevitable, so I took a Sudafed a little while ago. That seems to be making more of an impact on my upper respiratory issues and throat drama.

My girls already know that I'm not feeling my best. If I did take a nap after work, I don't think they'd care much. I am happy that things seem to be going well for them, with the occasional argument only lasting a few minutes or so.

The babe had her hair permed yesterday for the first time in 5 years. That child has so much hair! It really is gorgeous. She wants the opportunity to learn how to style and manage her hair and I told her she could do that this summer. Anyway, she seems to be very happy so far and is running around with it down, around her shoulders. My only worry is that the chemicals will do what they did to mine; break down the integrity and cause massive amounts of breakage. Five years of natural hair has made her hair long, healthy and strong. I hope she handles it well.

Further on the hair front, I'll probably take down Indy's, sometime this week and redo her braids. They are looking cat-raggedy! My hair will be done on Friday evening and I am too thrilled. I'm sort of in need of a break.

I'm Married to Mister Utah 2010

I hate that I missed it! Hubby took his weight class and overall! I'm so proud of him! Thankfully, my sister and mother were there to cheer him on. Well, a slew of his friends were there to cheer. His sister came too, in fact, and brought along our niece and nephew. It's wonderful that he did so well, but haters prevail. He said he could hear people in the back talking about him, insisting that he must be on something. He was a light-weight contender and looked much heavier than he was because of his muscle mass. So what! Genetics rock! Besides, they make all the competitors take all sorts of tests before they can compete in a natural show to prove this very thing.

My daughters and I were down south in 80 degree weather just basking in all that gorgeous sunshine and red rock. I was so happy to be in shorts again. Unfortunately, the Babe became ill and I had to get creative with medications, so that she could compete in her show. She did so well, but the group after them (high schoolers, at least) were their competition. What the heck? Not again. You can't pit that kind of skill against 9 year-olds. No fair! We'll find out Wednesday how they ranked. This really makes me not want her to compete next year.

The snow has melted away and the rain is coming. When I drove home, yesterday, the sun disappeared and was replaced by overcasting clouds. The more north I drove, the cloudier it became. How sad. I was happy to see my hubby again. I missed him so much...even more so because I was without him during my anniversary. I really, really hated that. The plan is to get away together, once he's done with all this competing. It can't happen fast enough.

I'm very happy about reverting back to my old schedule, next week. Last month, I spent so much on gas and extra babysitting that I thought I would just break down and cry. Hubby insisted that I calm down about it because this is just what we had to do. Rational, my man. I calmed but I still wished for that money to magically reappear in my purse...especially with hospital bills arriving soon. Tax rebate? Do you hear me? Time to make an appearance.

Can We Just Be Done with February, Please?

Sort of getting my wish, since this is the last week of the month. Wow! I can't believe it, but I'm glad. It's been nuts and looks to get even crazier. Last week, we had our biannual faculty meeting. Over 700 people now working for my company. I remember when there were only 40 of us. Crazy! During my tenure at the meetings, I came down with what I thought was a cold. Thursday, I croaked my hellos to out-of-towners I haven't seen in months. I even gave and received big, bear hugs (I love bear hugs).

By Thursday night, I was feeling wiped out and not good. Friday morning, I put on my game face (and enough make-up to hide the truth) and went back to the hotel to prepare for my trainings. I was to host three training sessions in a row...each forty-five minutes long. I apologized to each group for the frog taking up residence in my throat. I croaked out details of our department and was glad to have my boss and co-worker there to translate all my croaking. I stayed till 3:00pm,. then left for the doctor's. I just couldn't hang anymore.

Diagnosis? Bronchitis....again. Dang it! I don't ever get colds anymore, just this blasted bronchitis. So, I'm on the Z-pack (which is oddly making me nauseated, this time), codeine for the cough, an inhaler to clear my lungs and an oral. I worked part of the day, then took cough syrup and a nap for the second half. I'm supposed to go into the office tomorrow and Wednesday. I hope I'll feel well enough to make it in. Big things are happening this week (I think).

I've also been preparing myself for my new plan. I think I'll start on Wednesday (I've been detoxing and tomorrow is the last day of detox). Best to start with a clean slate, right? I wonder if the detox and antibiotics are at odds? I hadn't thought about it, till just now. Hubby has been so supportive and I'll need to do some "healthy shopping" this week to get going. I will be eating "clean" again and, as of right now, there ain't a whole lot of "clean" foods in my house. The process will take about 6 weeks.

Whoa, Nelly. Whoa!

February is running hard and fast - straight forward at break-neck speeds with no brakes. I'm hanging on as tight as I can! Ever since the babe told me that a girl in her class had pneumonia last week, I've been holding my breath. Last night at the doctor's (where she informed me her saturation level was at 86 before the nebulizer), I was afraid we would be headed to the children's hospital. "By ambulance," she added. Thanks, doc. Thanks so much. Of course, she did tell me this after the albuterol treatment. The babe's saturation levels shot up to 97 which is above normal. Thank goodness!

Before this, I worked all day, picked up the babe from school, drove 20 miles to another town to get my oil changed at the dealership (coupon, you know...). On the way was when the babe announced that, not only had she coughed all day, but her chest was hurting. I called the doctor and they said they could get me in at 6:30pm that evening (did I mention the doctor's office is in Salt Lake)?

Oil change over sooner than expected, I called the doctor back and asked if I could get in earlier. No dice. Drove the 20 miles back home, fed the dogs and tried to get the babe to eat something. Meanwhile, Indy was bouncing off the walls (that's what happens when you don't have a nap) and was trying to get into everything. Forty minutes later, we're back in the car and headed into Salt Lake. Darkness falls. The skyline is so beautiful at night. I'd forgotten.

Head to the office and wait for only five minutes in the waiting room (but thirty minutes in the exam room). After the visit (it's now 8:00pm), I head home only to drop off the kids and head to the pharmacy for meds. There's a cop-car in the parking lot which has pulled over a sedan. The man is being talked to outside of his car. Not a good sign.

Walgreens 24-hour pharmacy was like the club Monday night. What the hell?! "Your prescription will be ready in 45 minutes to an hour." Thanks! Off to Barnes and Noble to browse and buy books (always fun). The cop-car now has a friend with "Paramedic" stamped on the side of this car. Uh, oh.

Barnes and Nobl.e offers a good "cure" book and a nice book for a 4th grader. The discount rack has a Michael Jackson tribute book with lots of pictures. I still can't believe he's gone. I just knew he'd be old, gray and wearing Kleenex boxes on his feet. Oh, well.

Back to Walgreens and now, three cop-cars. Sweet! Thirty more minutes to wait and the line is huge. A chatty guy tells me he just came from the emergency room and it's packed there, too. He waited two hours for the emergency doctor to tell him he had a double sinus infection. Yuck! What was up with illness and Monday?! I finally get the scrips and some candy (for stress). The suspect in the parking lot's car is being hella searched and there's crap all over the street, his car and the cop's car. Yeesh!

Home at last (about 10:30pm). I've called in and told the boss-man that I gotta play home-nurse tomorrow (today). So, that's what I've done. The Babe is world's better and is going to try school tomorrow. She's even going to try dance. We'll see...

So, what else is happening in only the first nine days of February? Life-changing stuff. Hubby and I have talked and I'm getting ready to "do something." Can't say what it is, yet. The Enchantress site is going to go through some changes to reflect what's coming, once I have time this week to get it ready. The stall on my weight loss is about to end (fingers, toes, eyes all crossed). Hubby will be helping and supporting, but not training me (not quite ready for him to do that again). I'll need to prepare myself mentally for that.

Oh, and the Babe's speech went marvelously! So many compliments! One gentleman said that she was more poised and well-spoken than some of our teenagers who are asked to speak. For real?! My mom even raved, and she's picky about everything! The services are recorded each Sunday, so mom picked up an extra DVD for me to keep. I can't wait to see my girl working the podium again.

The Pig Flu Tangos Around the Office

So, one of my new co-workers is home fighting the hog ailment. She has the same symptoms I did and informed us that her parents are recovering from the same. They were actually tested for pig's disease and so...there you have it! Truly, the media does a number on us. We've been hearing about this thing for months. They'd have us believe it's a revisit of the bubonic plague, but it's just a nasty, pain-in-the-ass flu. Do what you're supposed to do when you get sick and you're golden! Be an idiot and run around in a T-shirt in 39 degree temps (our temperature yesterday, if you can believe that) and risk the inevitable.

My new spot in the office totally sucks. I'm right by the door which leads to the restrooms. Major "in and out" action all freakin' day. It's only four months, I keep telling myself, but it's little comfort. Only ten feet away is the blasted break room door. We're also now located on the floor with marketing and our enrollment counselors, many of whom are college age (or very close to it). They chatter incessantly and talk about the most inane things. Was I ever like that? Ugh! We try and keep the door closed but, inevitably, some wise ass opens it up and then we have to hear about the gay-love that isn't happening frequently enough in the bedroom or the too-high gas or how black men are the best lovers (which is true, but why do I have to hear it at work?).

The weather was crazy, yesterday. Wednesday, we ended with a high of 86 degrees. It seemed like we were going into an Indian summer, then an Arctic blast hit us from the northwest, sending our temps into the 30s. The thirties! By yesterday afternoon, the mountains were covered in a blanket of snow. I could no longer see the beautiful reds, oranges and golds of fall. I hope this early freeze doesn't kill them all. Those colors are the best part of fall.

(The picture was taken in my yard, yesterday. It's of the mountains directly east of my house).

The Flu

That's what the doc said I had. The flu. My flu came with a cough (still coughing a bit). No flu I've ever had came with a cough. The guy at the emergency room, who examined my daughter earlier this year, said that the cough was the "different"symptom with H1N1. So, did I have it? Pig flu? Could it be? I'm being a good girl, laying off the strenuous exercise, drinking my juice, resting. I've sucked on about a thousand cough drops, but things are improving. In fact, I've felt better today than I've felt in a bit, aside from the sore throat.

It all began Thursday, September 24th. I went home with my throat feeling like it was going to close up. I initially thought it was something I ate and I was having some sort of reaction. I took some benadryl and called it good. The next day, aside from the lingering benadryl effects, I felt okay. I worked without trouble but by 2:30pm, things started to go south. I felt like stir-fried crap and it only got worse. I took some meds then went to see A Chorus Line with my mom, sister and daughter. It was great, but I sneezed through a big portion of it.

Saturday, I stayed around the house. I left only to pick up juice and lunch for my hubby and his friend (who, thankfully, installed our new water heater and dish washer). I rested and played The Price is Right (I'm really loving that game).

Sunday, was a bit better. I was on Sudafed and cough drops. Same with Monday, but the afternoon was hard (probably because the air conditioning went out and it was hot as hell in our offices). That never helps with the healing process.

I went to the doctor, thinking I may have strep when the sore throat came on with a vengeance this morning. The good news was that I was feeling more like myself. He checked me out; no swollen glands, chest sounded good, no fever, lungs clear and a negative on the strep test. I'll just keep being a good girl and get better. Wonder if one of my snotty-nosed kids or their friends gave this to me? Well, maybe now I'm immune.

Aging Parents

My parents are very different. In fact, I used to wonder as a child how they ever got together in the first place. I see there differences multiply further the older they get. My mother, the consummate diva, would rather die than give up her fabulous new size 6 and size 8 clothes, so she works out like a crazy person to keep the pounds from creeping back on. She's also careful about what she eats and keeps active with her dog. She is a career woman and revels in the accolades she receives from her peers. My father can barely walk now, uses a motorized chair to get around (or a cane), is diabetic and probably suffers from high blood pressure as well. (He'd have to, with the kind of foods he eats.) He is a minister, but hasn't had a real job in I don't know how many years. I honestly am unaware of how the bills are paid each month. His M.O in the past was to rob from Peter to pay Paul. (BTW, my mother is six years older than my father).

Earlier today, my sister called and informed me that he has just had a stent placed in his coronary artery. She had no idea, until she called to just see how he was doing after, what she thought was a regular doctor's visit. He's resting and she encouraged him to seek out a home-nurse for a while (his wife is older than he is and is having her own issues). She asked if he has medicare and what sort of insurance he uses (she is in the medical field now and was trying to be helpful). She couldn't figure out why he was so hesitant to talk to her about such things. He just kept saying, "I'm fine," and encouraged her to stop worrying. I told her that it would be a cold day before he'd give up that kind of information. My father has always been incredibly paranoid and doesn't share personal information freely. She didn't understand this, and I told her I was just as in the dark about it myself.

I think we're faced with issues now that we really weren't prepared to deal with until much later. My grandmother (his mother) was placed into long-term care earlier this year and is approaching 90. With the depression from being there, I don't know how long she'll hang on. What happens if she passes? I would be heartbroken at losing her, but she's lived a long and happy life. But what if her own son's failing health gets the better of him, is it back to Nashville for me for his funeral? I know I probably sound very insensitive, but I just hate waste. If my father passed, I would be more angry at him than hurt at the loss. He knows better. In fact, he spent a big part of my childhood working out and following good eating habits. Vitamins were all over the house and at 3, I knew who Jack Lalane was.

Perhaps it was his lifestyle as a musician that kept him working so hard at his physique and health, or maybe it's where he lives (everyone in Nashville seems so large to me, now that I don't live there anymore). The temptation to eat out and eat horrible things is everywhere. Southern-style, deep-fried, grease dipped cuisine is everywhere and no one is really concerned that you weigh 300 pounds plus. It's not like L.A. where a perfect-body culture drives people to look good and think thin (of course, this type of thinking can also drive folks to the other extremes, unfortunately). I'm so flummoxed about it all. I think I need to think on things a bit.

An Unforgettable Mother's Day

Friday started the weekend with an emotional bang. I woke up, began work and my day as usual for a Friday. I then prepared the girls for their day. I noticed that the Babe wasn't looking all that well, even after Thursday's day of rest and regrouping. I gave her some IBU for some achenes she was feeling (attributing it to growing pains). I later took her temp and discovered it was 103.5! Freaking the hell out, I took her to the emergency room...convinced she was the first Swin.e Flu discovery for our county. We later discovered she had strep (something curable, much to my relief).

I spent the day tending to her like any good nurse, making sure she was trying to eat (even if just a little bit) and was drinking her fluids. I checked her temp regularly (where, at it's highest, it was 104.9...never in my life have I seen temps that high before). She rested all day, never getting out of bed unless she had to go to the bathroom. I was pleased with her obedience (despite her desire to go to school).

That evening, we risked a show to see the Lipizzaner Stallions which she enjoyed immensely, but I could tell she still wasn't herself. My mother had already paid for our tickets and both of us wanted to go. I figured sitting for a couple of hours wasn't too extraenous for her. It was also quite an opportunity that I didn't want her to miss.

Saturday was her last competition. I explained that she didn't have to go, but with all the meds, she felt up to it. We went, she performed and back home to the bed she went. She was looking loads better and feeling better as well. Her performance was a smash and I think she felt good about her contribution to the team. I was very proud of her.

Sunday was nice, although I did end up giving her a Naproxen at church (it was all I had). She begin to feel achy during service and I had a low-dose sample in my purse. By benediction, she was looking like herself again. Being ill puts her into a complacent state (a welcome change for her mother). She was so much so that she listened to the sermon. Wow! We actually had dialogue about it in the car, upon our departure. We went to breakfast, where my sister treated us. Nice! The rest of the day I spent finishing the Sookie books I have (discovering, to my delight, that there is yet another one to read before the new one that just came out this year- I have that one on reserve at the library :) ) and starting a new book entitled Moon Called, which I'm still not certain about. The genre is the same as the Sookie Stackhouse books and I like all of the supernatural aspects, but the verdict is still out on this author's style (I'm a little over half-way through the novel).

Today, I'm dealing with TOM issues. I am glad it appeared a little earlier than I expected. This means I'll be bitchy around the time of my surgery and after, so hopefully the pain meds will just make me "babe complacent" for hubby and he won't have to deal with my hormones.

Getting Well and Enjoying Change

I'm nearly done with my antibiotics. Already, life is good. The cough syrup at night allows me to sleep, while the antibiotics is killing all the bad stuff. I'm actually looking forward to working out again because, despite putting on weight this Christmas season, I never stopped working out. I was going all gang-busters until the illness hit me.

Hubby has a new work schedule; four, 12-hour work days followed by four days off. He's currently on his days off and it feels like he just had days off. Wow! I am liking this. :) He's also trying to conserve money so, when he is off, he keeps the youngest at home with him. She's definitely growing up a different child than her sister. She's experiencing exactly what I wanted for my oldest; more home time than daycare time. I'm glad older sis turned out okay, though.

I watched a bit of American I.dol last night. I haven't watched religiously for a couple of years and I don't think I'll ever watch like that again; however, I did want to get a gander at the new judge. On first impression, I think she's a mite conceited and self-absorbed. The focus should be on the contestants (at least that's what has happened when the other judges are involved), but with her? It's all, "Me!Me!Me!" She even took the opportunity to try and out-sing one of the contestants. Lame. It got annoying quickly, so I just tried to tune her out. There's still everything you expect from the show; over-the-top auditions, diamonds in the rough, awesome singers who've never been discovered until now and the really terrible singers who you know have friends that say, "Oh, you have a great voice, Bill. You really should stand out in the rain all night and try-out. They'll pick you for sure!"

Is it Friday yet? This week just seems to be dragging along for me. I met up with a guy in the elevator who felt the same way. He said it could be because it's the second, full-week we've spent back at work since the holidays. I guess...that still doesn't help it move any faster. I am looking forward to the long weekend, though. No plans...just looking forward to it.

Sick again?

Yep! Bronchitis is the word. I had it only six months ago and it has reared it's ugly head again. Yuck! I left work early Thursday afternoon and missed work on Friday. The weekend was a blur, since I was high on toddies and tons of cold medicine most of the time. I did manage to go to church on Sunday. I also called and wished hubby a "happy boyfriend/girlfriend anniversary!" Twelve years ago Sunday, we became a couple. So sweet it's sickening, yes? He left work early to come home and take care me. He also surprised me with the sweetest card. I gotta give it to hubby, he's trying to bring the romance back and I'm oh, so happy he is. Wednesday is the anniversary of our first date.

Today I got up and worked half day, then called the doctor's office to see if he could see me. He confirmed my guess of bronchitis and told me that I may be a bit asthmatic. No surprises here. He listened to my breathing and there was a bit of a wheeze. He had me puff an inhaler to aid in my breathing and, I promise, I didn't cough for an hour afterwards! He also prescribed antibiotics (Z-Packs...gotta love 'em), codeine cough medicine and a pleasant afternoon. Hubby was off, so he took me to pick up my prescriptions. We then had a bit of lunch (can't take the meds on an empty stomach) and came home. Despite the illness, it's been a pleasant day. I promise I feel 75% better, even after just one pill. By Wednesday, I'm hoping I can get back on the fitness train (I was doing so well, too!).

I'm going to go pass out, now. The codeine is kicking in. A side effect this stuff has on me...it makes me horny. Yeah, weird I know. Who gets sleepy and horny? If it's bizarre, it's probably happening to me.

Recovering Cough Addict

Yep! That's me in a nutshell. In my Monday school essay of, "How Did You Spend Your Thanksgiving," I would begin with, "First, I took a dose of Vicks Formula 44." The cold crept in on Tuesday and I got to work, only to find that one of my coworkers had one too...well, truthfully, his looked more like a sinus infection. Anyway, he was miserable and on Zicam while I was miserable and on nothing. By Tuesday night, the Vicks was in full effect and I was in sedation-land. I spent Wednesday fussing at my kids for getting on my nerves and getting into everything. Truth be told, I have much more fun with nothing to do than they do. I did make the waffles and despite my sickness, they were terrific!

Thursday, hubby was home and helped with kid management a bit before he went to the gym. When he came back, it was pretty much time to go and I was feeling crappy. The meal was divine (as was expected): Turkey, cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes, squash, brown rice, macaroni and cheese, turkey gravy, collard greens and apple tarts with caramel for dessert. Yum! My girlfriend and her hubby made their appearance. She seemed very happy with the spread (I hope it wasn't an act). :)

We cleaned up (hubby on wash and it was beautiful), then settled in for a movie. Hubby was ready to go a lot earlier than I expected (but, to be fair, my sister was acting extra "special" and he could only take so much). We left at around seven and went to bed almost immediately. Friday, I found things for the girls to do, which gave me time to rest. Saturday, it was more of the same. I knew my vacation was coming to a close and felt bad that I'd spent most of it hacking and regurgitating through most of it. I wonder if my coworker was in the same boat? Guess I'll find out later today.

Tomorrow begins the interviews. We will be bringing someone in who will supervise us. It's weird to me because I've worked for my boss for nearly eight years. Now, someone else will be hired to supervise and guess who'll most likely train him/her? I'm not sure how I feel about that. Truth be told, I could have applied for the position...but I did not want to give up my telecommuting option. That's been too good and I can't stop now. I'm praying that whomever we hire is a kindred spirit and will work out for us...all of us. My sick coworker thinks that they'll be moving my boss into some sort of non-managerial spot. I wonder if this is true? Hubby says that if this does happen, he hopes it's somewhere that's needed a not a position that they'll phase out in months because of "management changes". That would be very sad.

Barely Breathing and Birthdays

So, after visiting the babe's regular pediatrician, she ended up having pneumonia. That explains the zombie-like state and the lack of appetite. A little antibiotics, albuterol and prednisone later, she's 100% again. Her real doctor also diagnosed her with mild asthma. Well, I guess I can't say I didn't see it coming. She's had episodes with her breathing since birth. At least we can maintain her active lifestyle with regular treatments. She was really scared when he gave us the diagnosis, but has since grown used to the new schedule.

The party was sensational! Truly! She had so much fun. The girls arrived in their "diva gear" and went right to my kitchen table to eat (bagel bites, chips & dip, corn-dog bites, veggies and virgin daiquiris with whipped cream). The drinks were served in plastic wine goblets, which the girls just loved. After eating, they went downstairs to my newly, decorated diva-style basement and sang karaoke for about an hour. They sang alone, together, the same songs and the rest. Indy was running around all over the place. As soon as her sister had the mike, she'd try to take it, then she'd start to cry when her sister wouldn't give it to her. Drama (diva-drama). I video-taped all the girls as well to capture their "moments in the sun" for all eternity.

Once the singing was done, they danced for about ten minutes (disco ball and all), then came back upstairs for cake and present openings. What a haul! As if she didn't need any more crap in her room. I keep threatening to go in there and clean it out....hmm. Now, I think I may just have to.

The girls danced until their parents arrived and departed with super take-home gifts to boot. Ring pops, glow sticks, hair accessories and plastic bling. Why didn't they have parties like this when I was growing up? Each girl also got a prize for performing (most High School Musical and Hannah Montana garbage) Ugh! I'll be glad when she's over that stuff.

My best friend was here for the entire weekend and I nearly fell apart when I had to take her to the airport on Monday. Before she left, I downloaded and created DVDs for all the girls, including her, as a thank you for being there. She was great to have around for moral support (and crowd control). My girls were also thrilled to have their god-mother around. Hubby was great too, but of course, the daddies are different. Honestly, I'm just glad that the babe had a memorable 8th birthday party, I got time with my best friend and all the sick-voodoo seems to have left my house.

My Zombie Girl

The babe (my oldest) was complaining of illness this past Saturday. We ended up seeing the Mummy 3 and she was absent for most of the movie. She had stomach angst and overall, just felt crummy. She also had a low-grade fever that carried over into Sunday. We stayed for our first church service, then had to leave right after (she cried the latter part of the service because she just felt so bad). Through the week, the low-grade fever remained but she had periods of wellness, so I just assumed a small bug. Wednesday, we ended up at after-hours care...two hours later, some X-rays and a hungry toddler later, we left with little more knowledge than when we came in.

The babe has also lost four pounds (from where?!) and is extremely weak. She really hasn't eaten anything since last Friday and it's just breaking my heart, watching her drag herself from place to place...not wanting to do anything (and with her birthday only a week away!) Poor kid. The doctors at the after-hours place do the best they can, but I'm calling her pediatrician this morning and getting an appointment, post-haste! I would have earlier, but her doctor is 30+ miles away. My mom was like, "It may be time to change doctors," but I'm sure you all know what that's like.
She's got to have something more than a, "it's probably a virus so, drink more liquids and "eat lots of Popsicles" response. It's been nearly seven days! I told my hubby last night that when I had my bronchitis a month ago, the doctor told me he thought it was a virus. Still, he prescribed low-dose antibiotics because I'm sure he knew it would help boost my immunity. I felt better a half hour after the first dose. I'm praying her doctor (or the team at her clinic) will do the same. I just hate seeing her like this!

On the work front, my co-worker has turned in her resignation and it couldn't happen at a more inopportune time. Our schedule usually picks up mid August, then we get slammed in September. There's no way we're going to find someone to replace her and train before the rush. My other coworker doesn't' do all of the things that I do, which will make this even more interesting. I'm glad for her that she's doing something she needs to do, to get herself well (but it really sucks for us). I just hope the rest of the world can be somewhat patient with us while we compensate for the missing body. I told my boss to hire during the summer. I really wish he'd taken my advice on that point.

Strange and Unusual

My hubby has been sick for the past few days. It's quite the oddity in the house to see him hacking and croaking. He never gets sick (except every few years). I feel really bad for him because I know it's hindering him from doing all that he wants. I basically took care of the entire household last night while he struggled to talk and breathe. It was a stressful day and a reminder of just how much he does around here. I hope he recuperates quickly.

I think the astronomical weirdness before the eclipse had an effect on people, and not a good one. I really feel like they all went extra stupid a couple of days ago and it culminated, yesterday. Perhaps I'm just jaded...but I can't help but think that the planets and satellites really do have an effect on the earth-folk. If the moon can pull the tides, what the heck is it doing to us 80% bags of water?!

I took my eldest to see the Spider.wick Chronicles last Friday. She was so excited because late last year, we read the books together (the books are wonderful, by the way). The movie? Not so wonderful. Oh, there are neat special effects and the acting is decent, but the heart of the stories is missing. There was a tenderness that never found it's way onto the big screen and it's definitely too bad. The babe's opinion? "It was good until the scary parts." She also commented on how different the movie was from the books. She was waiting for things just like I was. I haven't checked professional reviewers opinions yet (but will make sure I do).

Everything else is pretty normal. I didn't do anything special on V-day, but I did spend quality time with hubby. That's all I ever really want, anyway. He's got six weeks until his next show and he's down to almost no carbs. I hope that his sweet, pitiful, sickly disposition doesn't turn into a monster-man because of it. I know how I am when there's not enough sugar in my diet.

Return to the Land of the Living

So it was Thursday afternoon that I felt my throat begin to close up a bit. I just thought it might be one of the three off-kilter things I'd had to eat that day. Perhaps my body wasn't ready for those peanuts. The day continued into evening and after some bad news between neighbors, I really started to feel kinda crummy. Into the night...up and down then down and up. Finally, I went for the Braun thermometer and within a few seconds was displayed a whopping 102. What in the world is going on? I was achy and felt like crap on a stick. I called my coworker and told him that I wasn't coming in, but that I wasn't abandoning him either. I would be online as much as I could, through drug-induced naps. My message left? Somewhere in the 1 am hour or so. I was delirious.

I worked, I slept. I worked, I slept. The following day? My hubby moved a new entertainment center in with a neighbor and friend. Then, he moved in some very large workout equipment. I drank apple juice, nibbled on crackers. Food was not a friend to my horribly sore throat. My tummy got crampy and I figured it was made about not getting the food it normally gets. Nope. TOM decided to make an appearance. Doesn't get much better than that.

Sunday, I went into the extended hour care center and discovered that doctor's still go on instinct. My gut was telling me strep. So was the doctor's, despite the negative strip test. "I'm going to get it cultured to be absolutely certain. In the meantime, I'm putting you on amoxicillin." Can we say horse pills boys and girls? Holy moly! My throat ran away in retreat when I put that pill to my lips. One half hour later, I started to feel more like me. I decided right then and there that I had strep.

That's twice in one year, folks. What the heck? Not cool. Not cool at all. I'm getting so healthy. What's the deal? Germs don't care if you're in super-duper health, apparently. They only want to invade a body...any body. Well, that's alright. I got my super, mongo antibiotics. I got my water in the 2.3 liter jug. I got my soup and I got my sanity. I'll get through this!

Still Churning, but Something's Different

I think it's the endorphins. I've been working out again (more regularly or maybe I should say "at all") and I think it's having an effect already. I've been feeling a bit more like the old me and, dare I say it, I think I'm feeling a difference in my body too. I'm by no means where I want to be, but I do feel like things are starting to tighten up. This is good...very good. Now, if my body could catch up with my brain and I could wear my groovy cool fall duds, I would be one happy chic. Next week, I have a lunch planned with friends and I may just bust out with my new leopard print shoes by Classified (can't find a picture, so I'll have to take one). I'm feelin' sassy!

Hubby and I are still on the outs, but we're planning to talk tonight. I hope we can resolve this drama before the weekend. I hate spending the entire week having him on my nerves on me on his. I'd much rather keep it peaceful, happy and loving...everybody liking everybody.

It's supposed to get down right frosty out here this weekend. The high for Saturday is something like 42 degrees. It was in the 40's last Saturday and we actually had snow falling in the valley. It was a little trippy to see snow on the mountains the last day of September. Most of it has melted in the lower mountain elevations, but the higher portions still look like a blizzard hit. I'm not ready for my big coat yet!

Sickety, sick, sick sick!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls...for those of you who may not be in the know or not aware of what is good and what is not so good, here's a news flash; Don't make pancakes with 10-month old batter. It will render you helpless and leave you shivering in the fetal position for days. Good thing I was the only one who ate that poison because I would have surely sent my kids to the emergency room if what was coming out of me all of sudden began to come out of them. So, why did I make pancakes from 10-month old batter? Because I don't like to waste food. Besides, I mixed it with the new Betty Crocker batter I bought at the store only two days earlier. Surely, that would justify good usage. Lesson learned.

I'm back in the office, up-right but not 100% yet. I haven't had an "episode" since Sunday but my guts are still churning something fierce. The pain isn't nearly what it was yesterday, but there are still pangs of unhappiness. I hope I can get through this with all my organs still intact. Jeez!

On other fronts, my babe has too much homework. I'm talking hours and hours of homework. We read, read, read...we have grammar, math and spelling homework. I'm spending more time on homework than I am spending time with her. It's ridiculous! The teacher sends home AR reports (Accelerated Reading). I'm not too clear on whether AR books and tests are mandatory, but I believe they must be. She puts so much stress on them. Anyway, my babe has .8 out of 5 total points. Dammit! She reads all the time! We check out AR books from the list the school district supplies on their website and read those till we're blue! At the bottom of her progress card she wrote, "Read more!" How the hell are we supposed to do that? I broke down and wrote her a one and a half page note about how much she's been doing, how stressful it is and any suggestions she has on how to best help her improve with AR (assuming it is mandatory).

I hope she doesn't see me as the psycho, cry-baby mommy. I just want to make sure I'm doing what's best. Perhaps my strategies are not creating the best possible results. We've even started doubling up on homework each day so that she's not overwhelmed. I also mentioned that both parents work full time in Salt Lake and that there isn't a stay-at-home parent to ease the stress. I believe that many of the teachers here just assume mommy is at home. Sorry to tell them, we don't live in that kind of world anymore.

Hubby and I had a blow out last night over money. It wasn't a typical argument, it was more me being really irritated with the tone he took with me; as if I were one of our girls. Please! I am not a child. If I forget something or don't remember it completely, that does not give him the right to talk to me like I'm five. He didn't see it that way and ended up going to the gym to work out his stress (I guess). Not before leaving big, broken glass in the sink. Was that supposed to be some sort of message? You broke a glass and left it for me to clean up? Is that aggression or did he just forget. Leave it to me to read more into it than there probably is.

On a happier note, I'm looking forward to the fall festivities. It's pretty chilly here now (it's 49 at present and probably won't get any warmer than the low 60s). The leaves are changing and that lovely fall scent is in the air. My oldest is excited about Halloween and keeps asking me if I have her costume (I do, but I never show it to her until the day of Halloween...otherwise, she would worry me to death about it!). She may see it earlier this year because hubby wants to do some costume-esque festivities. It would be nice to have her wear it more than once after the money I spent.

Dove and Steriods

After my little visit to the doctor, no new information was determined...well, I guess I've determined that I'm a freak of nature (but I already sort of new that). He said that the hives and the tastelessness I'm experiencing don't appear to be in correlation with the penicillin injection I received over ten days ago. He prescribed Prednisone for the next little bit in hopes that it will have an effect on the hives. I've heard from others that this is a temporary miracle drug that, if taken too long, will ultimately kill you. Nice. I remember we prescribed it to the animals, when I worked at the Vet's office, for decreasing inflammation. I suppose that is what this doctor had in mind.

I worked from home yesterday after I picked up my prescription. I was sort of embarrassed to go because the Pharmacy ladies know me now. Yes! They know me and now ask, "Is it for you or the baby?" Ugh! I'm a regular. That's so sad. Anyway, they joked with me and said that my visits wouldn't decrease until the kids were at least fifteen. Only fifteen? Why not make it twenty-four? It might as well be one hundred. Each visit for me is like the walk of shame. I can't seem to keep anyone in my family healthy.

The meds seemed to make a difference within an hour. My itching wasn't as bad and I could taste a bit of Indy's french fries...not well, but enough to enjoy them somewhat. My Healthy Choice breaded chicken meal wasn't too bad either. The breading had a lot of pepper and I could certainly taste that. By evening, I was feeling pretty good. I took a shower, hoped into bed and began to itch like a mad woman! I broke out the Cortaid spray and Aveeno Cortisone cream with a quickness. The itching never really subsided, even with the topicals. I had a thought: "What if I'm reacting to my new body wash?" It never occurred to me that this could be because I've used Dove forever! Seriously. The first body bar I was ever able to read at maybe four or five was D-O-V-E. Dove. That's what my family used. Not Zest, Irish Spring, Dial, Lava, Caress...just Dove. When they started coming out with their body wash line (around my college years), I began to buy those with just as much success as their bars.

A couple of weeks ago, we were shopping at Shopko and stumbled upon marked-down Dove body washes. Two were new: the Massage brand and Green Tea. I'd already had experience with the Green Tea bar and loved the fragrance so, we picked that without hesitation. The Massage one smelled nice and had these pearl massage beads included in the formula. It sounded heavenly. The new body wash made it's way into my shower quickly and I began using it right away. This morning, I took another shower but with my Dove bar, not the body wash. The itching went away. Bingo! Sadly, this wash will have to go for it seems I have determined the source of my speckled hivey loveliness.

In other news, I've been going through a Robert Altman phase as of late. One my early goals in my weight loss program was a movie from my half.com wish list. I chose a movie that I've been enamored with for years: 3 Women. It's a disturbing tale with some phenomenal acting by a very young Shelley Duvall and Sissy Spacek. I remember seeing it in high school really late at night, and later seeing it again as an adult. At that time, I taped the movie and try to watch it once a year. If I were a film professor, this would be in my stable of movies to teach. If you can netflix it, I highly recommend it. It will definitely stay with you...an unusual movie indeed.

This past weekend, I watched another of his masterpieces, Nashville, which was a little slow but very good. Being that this is my hometown, I was eager to see if I recognized anything...the turn of a highway, a landmark. So much has changed since 1975 but the Parthenon? Timeless. I knew it and Centennial park right away. The story revolves around 24 protagonist...seriously. You gotta keep up. It's a myriad of themes with the characters all coming together at the surprise ending. I really enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll own this particular Altman.

For the past two days, I've been watching snippets of Brewster McCloud with increased zeal and interest. Mr. Altman was definitely a man about metaphors. The inside and outside jokes, the oncologist narrator. It's one wild ride of a movie and one I hope to own someday. Next week, I think I'll try and find the original Mash and see what that's all about.

Why Me?

I'm getting really, really frustrated. I was frustrated in February, so I've about hit the edge with all this illness crap. So, Friday the 13th was my big poke with the penicillin needle to get rid of my Strep throat, right? Well, last Friday (042007), I sprouted a speckled red rash or hives in various places on my body. Saturday, some areas seemed to mellow out while others sprang to life. By Sunday, I was completely covered. And it's not kind. I itch and am miserable. Cortisone seems to do nothing except cause me to feel sticky and messy. Along with this side effect rash (or whatever it is) I have completely lost my sense of taste. You never know how much of a blessing that is until it's gone. There is absolutely no pleasure in eating now. Ugh! I hate it! (and I don't use that word often or lightly). I eat until I'm full, then I stop. Granted, it's great for my eating and figure but I really do miss the tastes of things. I ordered pancakes and ham for breakfast yesterday on the off chance that I might be able to taste it? Nothing. I could smell it and feel textures, but that was about it (and definitely not enough). I even tried rinsing my mouth out with warm salt water (really salty water), and nothing. My tongue burned and tingled from the salt, but I couldn't taste it. Dammit! I couldn't taste the salt at all!

So, today? I will call the doctor who stuck me and ask if this is normal. If not normal and they want me to come in, well, there's another sick day gone. Hubby thinks that they'll just say, "Oh, those are just side effects and they will pass." I seriously hope that he's right. Hope...hmmm. I'm really starting to loose that ability and it's so sad. I'm an extremely optimistic person, seeing the brighter side of most things, but now? Gosh, I dunno. I'm feeling a might helpless and it's scary. I don't know what to do if they tell me this is worse than what we (hubby and I) thought. Measles? Shingles? It may be time for therapy again...seriously. My happiness is fleeting.

On a lighter note, I did get "mine" last week with hubby, but now he seems to be suffering with a major cold. Hell must be freezing over because he never gets sick. He's been coughing and sneezing like there's no tomorrow. He even made one of my hot toddies last night, poor guy. The girls seem to be feeling better, though. I suppose that's the best thing of all. I'd much rather they were healthy and I was sick any day. Well, at the top of the list, we'd all be healthy and no one would be sick. What's this now? Month four? It really sucks.

Plagues of Bibilical Proportions

Thursday was a lovely day. Work was going by quickly and we were anticipating a fine lunch at my favorite Thai restaurant around the corner from our offices. At 11:30, we all climbed into my girlfriend's pathfinder and headed to lunch. We laughed and laughed, enjoying the the company and the amazing cuisine. We even got back to the office on time instead of ten or fifteen minutes late (which is usual whenever we all go to lunch). I sat down at my desk and began to work but noticed my throat felt a little constricted. The lunch I had was sprinkled with peanuts...not a big deal and I have no known allergies to peanuts, but I hadn't had any in a long time. I thought, "Hmm. Maybe I'm having a slight reaction to the peanuts." I continued on through the day, my throat closing up a little more with every passing hour.

Quitting time arrived and I headed out, but without the usual fervor I normally have when the day is done. I picked up Indy and headed home, thankfully through somewhat decent traffic. Hubby was working in the yard when I backed into the driveway. I opened the door, stood up and basically collapsed in his arms.

Now, I just assumed it was some sort of allergic reaction. I dragged myself into the house and took a Benadryl to help open my throat. Super-mommy had kicked in and the babe had to be at dance class (they begin sending notices home around this time of year to remind parents that missing class could potentially keep a child out of the recital. That last few classes are pivotal and the babe would die if she couldn't be in the recital. There was also a school skate party going on that I wanted to take her to after dance class (she'd had such an exceptionally good week and had received two awards for her behavior in school). I took a half dose of Benadryl and took my girl to dance class, then to the skate party. She was so excited to be there and see people she knew and I enjoyed watching her skate around, all the while my body began to ache without mercy.

We left the rink at around 7:30. Once we got home, I put Indy to bed and I fixed the babe something to eat. Hubby called and I told him that I didn't want anything but a hot shower and the bed. That night, I woke up every hour on the hour in miserable pain...taking everything from Ibuprofen to NyQuil. Nothing helped. My temperature was 101.1 and I felt like an Arctic wind was blowing through my house. I filled the tub with scalding hot water (at around 2am) and soaked for I don't know how long. I woke up, still in the tub, drained the water and got back into bed. I seriously felt like death was coming to take me...and in such a horrible way. By morning, I really thought I'd seen the last of my days. Hubby told me he would take the kids so that I could seek out emergency care.

Arriving first, I was quickly taken in by a nurse who reported my temp at 102.9 and elevated blood pressure. In the exam room, I detailed my symptoms repeatedly telling her how quickly they had come on and how I didn't believe it to be the flu. They swabbed my nasal cavity anyway to test for the flu. I didn't have it. The doctor came in and swabbed my throat for Strep. He indicated that the rapidness at which everything had occurred, led him to believe that it was what I had. Fifteen minutes later and a quick nap on the examination table, the tests results were in. Strep throat. Nice.

I could take ten days worth of antibiotics (I really didn't want to have to go through that song and dance again, not after doing it twice already this year) or a shot that would hurt. "Um, I'll take the shot that hurts, thanks." The nurse came in shortly after and injected Drano or something into my butt because it burned and burned. Ugh! I really didn't care at this point, though. All I wanted was to feel better.

I slept all day Friday and most of Saturday. Yesterday was the first day I really got up and out of the house for long periods of time. The babe was complaining a little of an ear ache, so I cleaned out her ear and told her to keep us posted on how it felt. Sunday night, 11:30pm - the babe awakened my hubby with cries and screams of pain in her ear. Off to the emergency room they went. The babe has a second stage ear infection.

So, I'm home again...now playing nurse instead of patient. The babe is resting and watching t.v., but Indy is inconsolable and won't lay down for a nap. Could she have something too? Oh, God. I hope not!