Aug. 30: Updates on the ouchies

Except for complaining about being tired and complain-y, I haven’t blogged much about my health lately. I guess this is mostly because it’s same-old, same-old, and I was determined not to turn my blog into all-cancer-all-the-time after my diagnosis. Still, there are people who come here specifically to read about what’s happening with me health-wise, so I feel a bit obligated to give updates when I have them.

Ever since I started my follow-up chemo regimen in May, my joint pain has been 5-7 on the pain scale. My oncologist said it was probably well-managed on my CHOP-R regimen with the “P” (prednisone) and the steroid in my new regimen (decadron) doesn’t do the same trick. The interesting thing is that the major component of my new regimen is “R” (Rituxan), which is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Seems strange that my joint pain would return, doesn’t it?

The pain isn’t unbearable every day, and it’s not even close to what it was like before I was diagnosed with “an unspecified auto-immune disorder” in 2005. Still, it’s uncomfortable. Wakes me up at night. Makes it hard to stand up after being seated for a while. Makes it really uncomfortable to sit in a car for very long. Worst of all, it makes me not want to exercise. Exercise would help the pain, but it hurts too much to exercise. That, my friends, is why I’m quite sure God is a big ol’ practical joker.

My oncologist had kinda blown off my comments about joint pain, so even though I felt she should make some suggestions, I knew I needed to see my rheumatologist if I wanted a doctor who would listen and help me manage the pain. He’s always scheduled quite a ways out, and between the day I made the appointment and today, the day of the appointment, the pain nearly disappeared for a while. I considered cancelling but I’m glad I didn’t.

What I appreciate so much about this doctor is that he asks questions about a lot of areas of my life, not just pain and how I manage the pain. He asks how I am emotionally, what kinds of stresses I have in my life, what my husband would say about me if he were there, etc. He knows that the kind of pain I have can be dramatically changed by things that seem unrelated.

He, too, wondered why Rituxan wasn’t doing a better job with my inflammation. He said Naprosyn was fine if needed (it takes the edge off the pain; I just try not to take it often) and suggested some deep water exercise. I’ve been wanting to do that anyway, so I’m hoping to start next week when the kids are back in school. He also suggested some specialty rehab. I’ll call this week to get that started. I was glad he didn’t just suggest drugs—I don’t want any more drugs.

He also encouraged me to see a shrink. He recommended one when I first saw him in 2005, right after my dad died, and my visits to that therapist became a couple years’ worth of grief counseling. I found it very beneficial. I’m going to try a different doctor this time. I liked the other one but I’ve seen him at functions at my kids’ school and that’s weird now.

The other thing Dr. Rheumy recommended was seeing a mental health nurse practitioner to get my medications figured out. I haven’t talked about depression and anxiety much on my blog—except in a joking way because, like cancer, you gotta laugh at it or it’ll gitcha—but here’s the fact: I deal with depression and anxiety. If you’re gonna go all Tom Cruise on me and tell me what I’m doing wrong, you can fully expect that I’ll flip you off five thousand times as I walk away from you forever. If you think people who take antidepressants are crazy, you are also cordially invited to go screw yourself. If you haven’t dealt with depression and/or anxiety, just do the world a favor and shut your big, fat mouth. And if you’ve been diagnosed with a killer disease and you have to… oh… say… go home to your young children and tell them Mommy might die, you are totally allowed to feel both depression AND anxiety. So says I.

(…Thinking I think I might need to talk to that mental health nurse practitioner about my pre-emptive anger issues too...)

Finally, we spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out what’s gone wrong with my left hand. He did not seem impressed that my oncologist blew it off with a “you probably slept funny.” Although the rheumatologist thinks physical therapy would be good for the long term, he suggested we start with a shot of cortisone. It’s kind of a band-aid fix, but the pain has been severe enough that we need to get rid of that part first. I was lucky enough to get an appointment for tomorrow, so as soon as I’m done with chemo I’ll get my hand poked all over again but with something that should make it hurt less.

He also asked why I didn’t get a port when I started chemo. So I screamed and tore everything off the walls and jumped up and down and cried and screamed some more and then calmly sat down and quoted that guy at the dump on the muffin tops episode of Seinfeld: “That’s what I’d like to know about it.”

Dr. Rheumy gave me five different recommendations for a new primary care physician, so I shouldn’t have to go back to Dr. Jackass again. He also very subtly suggested that I could change my oncologist if I want to, but I really don’t want to. I’m not thrilled with absolutely every move she’s made, but I do trust her with handling the cancer.

My favorite part of the whole appointment was at the end, when the doctor said, “So, we’re NOT sending reports to [Dr. Jackass] anymore then?” and I got to say HELLS YEAH. But I didn’t actually say that because he’s too nice to say the h-e-double-hockeystick word in front of. Also, Jack was with me and he would have told Vic that I said a naughty word. So I said, “No, we don’t need to.”

It was awesome.

So that’s the latest on my health stuff. I’ll have more to say tomorrow after chemo #14 and my cortisone shot.

Aug. 30: Daybook

daybook

Today…

Outside my window... the weather is cooler today than it’s been in a long time. I’m loving it. Very pleasant. We might even get rain, which will be great for the yard but exactly what my car doesn’t need—unless it’s a LOT of rain, and who wants that today? Not me.

I am thinking... that this week is going to be better than the last few. I want it to be. Desperately. It will be, right?

I am thankful for... safe travels for friends and family. Sunshine and Cindi are home from their trips, and Katie had an uneventful flight by herself to Denver on Saturday.

I’m also thankful for the new frozen yogurt place nearby—Divine. It is, well, DIVINE. The other day I got a lemon cheesecake mix, and yesterday—at their grand opening where there was very little that was GRAND because where’s our free stuff, dammit?—I had fruit punch sorbet. Best part: sittin’ by my Val.

I am creating... the new PTO web site. It’s taking forever because I have a picture of it in my mind and it has to match that picture perfectly or I’ll cut someone. A couple very cool things so far: I found an online calendar system that embeds onto one of the pages, and I think the form for collecting directory info is a winner too. The new mailing list service I’m using (on Deanna’s recommendation, THANK YOU DEANNA YOU ARE LOVELY EVEN THOUGH IT HAS A MONKEY) is the most amazing thing EVER. It’s called Mail Chimp, and if you have a mailing list and you’re not using Mail Chimp you are a ginormous loser, my friend. Here’s how good it is: I hate chimpanzees and there’s one on every page but I still love this service. (I know, right?)

I am going... to the doctor (my super-dude rheumatologist) this morning. Gotta figure out how to manage my joint pain now that I’m not on the potent steroids. Also, my left hand is still totally wonky. Also, I want a new drug.

(I don’t really want a new drug. I was just thinking of Huey Lewis and I cracked myself up.)

(I’m an idiot.)

(I’m an idiot, but I know that I’m the only one laughing, so don’t cry for me, Argentina.)

(There I go again.)

(These parentheticals are downright Kim F’n-like!)

(If you’re her Facebook friend, you know of what I speak.)

(Not so much “speak,” though, as “write.”)

(Or, to be even more accurate, “type.”)

Still reading? NOW who’s the idiot???

I am hoping... to keep hearing good news about Loveliest Lori. I sure do miss that girl. Having one of your favorite people in ICU and without her Blackberry for more than a week really, really sucks. The rumbly in my tumbly when I think about her is not from hunger; it’s from nerves and I feel like I’m gonna hurl, often. I know you wanted to know that.

For reals, that’s all I want right now: good news about Loveliest Lori.

I am hearing... the silence of my text message alert way too much today… I need info, people!

I’m also hearing the puppy tear around the house, and the other dogs letting him know how much he irritates them with his energy and youth. We, on the other hand, are loving this little guy. He’s a cuddly, sweet boy.

Around the house... it seems so quiet without Katie. I know she’s having a blast with my sister in Colorado, so I’m very excited for the adventure she’s on. We miss her, though. We miss our child who does not need to be reminded to brush her teeth or get dressed or feed the dogs or close the door behind her. Good thing Jack makes us laugh, or we’d drive him out to the country and leave him to be raised by one-toothed folk.

One of my favorite things... does not include the puppy surprise-French-kissing me after he’s given his nethers a good cleaning. Not my favorite thing at all.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Chemo tomorrow, football practices for Jack, a welcome back lunch at the school, other PTO doodies, a trip to Salem when (if) I’m allowed to see Lori, and Katie coming home Saturday evening.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I love the name of this boat!


Want to blog your own Daybook? Here’s the info: The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Aug. 27: It’s Friday

It’s Friday, and while that usually means you get a post called I Don’t Care Enough About You to Write in Transitioning Paragraphs Friday, today is going to be different. Yes, different just like last Friday, but-cept with a theme:

HAPPY THINGS.

A lot of people I care about have been facing some big, sad challenges. I am one of those people I care about. I’m tired of feeling sad and worried and afraid and unhappy. I’m not feeling better about any of the things that have made me sad, worried, afraid, and unhappy, but I need something that can make me smile. We all need those things, facing challenges or not.


First, a video that my BFF and favorite author Pamela Ribon posted to Twitter this week. It’s kinda long, but so adorable. It makes me wish I lived in France or my kids spoke French or I knew this little girl, because I would hug her and hug her and hug her every time she said “crocodile” and “giraffe.”

 

I suddenly have the urge to watch Amelie again. Now, there’s a feel-good movie for ya.


I want to wear this to an event someday:


My Facebook friend Dana (who’s also my cousin’s cousin, and went to the same high school as me but a little earlier, which makes us all awesome-like, even though we’ve never met face-to-face) “liked” this on FB yesterday:

I have PMS and a GPS... which means... I am a bitch and I will find you.



Confidential to my sister: if you have ruined tortilla soup for me, I promise, I am going to like you much less.


Simon’s cat has a new movie!

You can see all of the Simon’s Cat movies here.



I don’t care if it’s a staged photo-op to make Obama look all light-hearted and fun—which I’m sure many people will insist—it still makes me laugh.

presidential-prank-of-the-day-675x450


My creed is that: Happiness is the only good. The place to be happy is here. The time to be happy is now. The way to be happy is to make others so. ~Robert Green Ingersoll


Puppies can usually be counted upon to bring about smiles. This little dude is insaaaaane.


Best wishes for a happy weekend.

Aug. 26: Hee haw

The rottenness of the past couple weeks continues, but as always, there are things here and there that make me smile—and sometimes, even laugh. I’m very thankful for those things, especially when they’re people. Ye know who ye be.

The Bloggess, one of my favorite bloggers, has also been having a rough go lately. (I just started to type out why, and it got me so bummed out, I couldn’t keep going. Just read the past several posts on her blog to find out, mmmkay? Thanks. Oh, and prepare to be totally bummed out like me. You’re welcome.) She appended her last post—about an unfortunate UPS delivery—with a reader comment that I absolutely LOVE:

This is what I like to do (besides black tar heroin) — Halloween time I buy one of those fake UPS or FedEx costumes and when either guy brings me a package I open the door in a rush and go “thanks I’ll take it from here!” and slam the door.  Will also get you a free pizza if you stock up on pizza company costumes. ~ Chris Illuminati

I’m off to find another distraction from the suckiness.

Aug. 23: Daybook

Today…

Outside my window... it looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day. Blue sky as far as I can see, and no clouds. Right now I have all the windows open and am loving the smell of the fresh air. It’s covering up the stench of puppy vomit quite well.

I am thinking... that it’s a mystery why dogs move around from one spot to another to puke. Why can’t they stay in one place, so I can scrub one spot of carpet? No, they make trails and then big spots and then more trails. Me no like.

I am thankful for... good rug cleaner.

From the kitchen... I would really prefer that you not mention food right now.

I am wearing... a robe. I would like to shower and put clothes on, but the puppy gets nervous when I’m out of his sight and I’m afraid his nervousness could induce more vomiting. That is why it’s 10:30 a.m. and I’m still not dressed. (I’m blaming it on the puppy today; on most days when I’m still not showered or dressed at 10:30 it’s just me being a lazy-ass.)

I am creating... a scenario in my mind in which all my PTO duties are done, the puppy has no accidents, and my Loveliest Lori is awake and on the mend. I am creating this because I am desperate to leave the horrors of last week behind, and thinking positive is hugely important in making that happen.

I am going... to Salem today, I think. I need to see my girl. I may have to wait until tomorrow, depending on her condition and the length of the line of people waiting to get in to see her. I know it will be long; Lori is quite well-loved.

I am hoping... so many things right now. Almost every one of them has to do with Lori. Maybe a little bit about the puppy’s stomach settling, once and for all.

I am hearing... my phone beeping and ringing and buzzing, dogs snoring, the Wii and the kids playing it, and birds chirping outside.

Around the house... there are several extra-clean spots on the carpet.

A few plans for the rest of the week: football practices for Jack, lots and lots of PTO stuff and then more PTO stuff, work on Wednesday, and whatever I can do for Lori.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

Kim F’n, Loveliest Lori, and me—March 2010 girls’ weekend.
Sweet memories.
We’re going to make lots more!

Want to blog your own Daybook? Here’s the info: The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Aug. 20: Week from hell

It’s Friday, and usually that means you get a post called I Don’t Care Enough About You to Write in Transitioning Paragraphs Friday. But not today. I have enough to share about similar topics that I can easily transition my paragraphs. This has been one hell of a week.

It started with my mom visiting a friend out of town; while she was there, a middle-of-the-night visit from a police officer told Mom’s friend that her son had just been killed in an accident. Tragic situation.

A couple members of Vic’s extended family have had some serious health issues this week. One came through okay and it looks like he’s on the mend. The other one is still a wait-and-see.

Victor will never admit that he didn’t want to speak to me for a couple days this week, but it’s true. He wasn’t thrilled about the puppy thing. He’s adjusted to it fine, but it took him a while to come around, and during that time I annoyed the hell out of him by asking over and over if he hated me. (He may not have actually hated me, but he was not very happy with me. NOT AT ALL.)

I worked two days this week, which doesn’t sound like much, but it’s more than usual (which is NO days, lately) and I was surprised at how much it exhausted me. Add that to lots of PTO work and the typical stress of everyday life at the House of Manullang, and I was overwhelmed way earlier in the week than usual.

Katie got a new phone and was beyond excited for it to arrive. When it finally did, it didn’t work. Hours on the phone with tech support and customer service and a trip to a local store finally concluded that it was a bad phone. Poor Katie was so disappointed, and I felt so bad for her. I also felt bad for me—I was the one who spent all that time trying to figure out what to do.

Sunshine had a family member die suddenly and tragically on Wednesday. It was on the news. Heart-breaking, truly.

We got the new puppy yesterday, which was a mostly good experience. But… he puked in Petsmart. He cried a lot at bedtime last night. His first vet visit today was crazy-pricey. He had a few accidents in the house. Yes, typical new puppy things. Still, stressful.

Val planned a party and a bunch of us bailed on her at the last minute last night—many with good reasons, yes—and I think we all felt terribly guilty. I know what it takes to get the house ready for guests, to choose and prepare food and beverages, to psych one’s self up to play hostess. I hate that she did all that for nothing. She won’t ever tell us that we’re sucky friends, but I bet she was thinkin’ it last night!

Loveliest Lori is in the middle of a medical emergency right now. I’ll share more when I know more—hopefully tomorrow—but things are feeling way too uncertain for all of us who care about her. I thcloudink I won’t relax until she’s out of ICU, and that may not happen for a couple days yet. Positive thoughts for one of my dearest friends, please. If prayer’s your thing, that’ll work too. Thanks.

On the way up to Heather’s house for a meeting this morning—which is just around the corner from my house—I got bit by a dog. YES. I didn’t know the dog, nor the girl walking him, but he leaped at me as we passed and totally jabbed a tooth into my thigh. Let me say this: dogs do not bite me. I am nice to dogs. I like dogs. They know it. I was stunned that this happened. I still can’t believe it. A dog bit me!

Tonight I felt the clouds moving in way too smothery-like, and I decided I needed to run to Target for a new dog food container RIGHT. THAT. SECOND. You know those things can’t wait, right? And I walked around Target for way longer than I needed to, but it was nice to look at pretty things that had nothing to do with the heartache and frustration I’d seen so much of this week. On my way out someone yelled at me in the parking lot and I was all ready to give them my biggest frowny face EVER, until I realized it was Val and her husband. Yay! Nice people! We stood and talked for a few minutes and agreed that everyone we encounter is assholes but us. Totally fair, right? Also, the fact that Val talked to me without telling me I was a sucky friend was very, very nice of her. She’s not an asshole. Not even a little one.

Unfortunately, our short, fun chat didn’t lift me completely out of my grumpiness. As I began to back out of my parking space, I saw a couple girls run past my car and I actually thought, “If I hit one of them I’m going to be so mad.” People who want to blame the pedestrian for being hit really should not be driving cars. I needed to get off the road, and fast. I went home immediately.

It was a rotten week. So rotten. I’m exhausted, I’m zapped, I’m nursing a friggin’ dog bite. It’s time to check out on this week, I do believe. Unfortunately, I can’t do that yet. I’ve got a visit to Loveliest Lori tomorrow and who knows what the rest of the weekend holds. I’d really like to hang with my puppy and forget about the rest of life for a while. Please, can I?

I hope wherever you are, you can do something as comforting and relaxing as that, at least for a bit.

xoxo

Aug. 19: Meet our baby boy

We have a new family member! This is _________, our new baby boy.

We say “_________” because we haven’t settled on a name. We wanted to call him George, but we all decided this evening that it just doesn’t fit him.

Now we’re trying on “Oliver” to see if that’s who he is. Oliver, Ollie, Ollie-Pop (Jack came up with that one), Ollie-wog… the nickname possibilities seem endless. So far it’s feeling more right than George did.

We got _________ from a friend I used to work with. He’s a rat terrier, was the first born of five, and was the largest pup. He has less white on him that most of his littermates. _________’s litter name was Arrow because of the unique mark on his back:

It looks like an arrow, yes, but it also kinda looks like a heart. Like a tattoo of a heart. A tattoo of a heart that totally says “Mom” in it. Cutest little thing, yes it is. And the heart completely defines his personality—this guy is such a little lover, and so far has spent most of his time in my lap. When he’s not chasing Katie and Jack around the backyard, anyway.

Scout is pretty “meh” about _________. Casey has been pouting since we brought him home. Millie is completely fascinated and can’t take her eyes off him. The dogs may not be thrilled about our new addition, but I think he and Millie have a great future of mutual torment ahead.

We’ll have better quality (non-phone) photos to share soon.

Aug. 16: Football. This is not going to go well.

As much as I hate football, I’m actually glad Jack is interested in playing it. Maybe it’s because I hate it that he wants to play—that wouldn’t surprise me a bit. He’s Mr. Contrary, but sometimes I benefit. This is one of those times.

I encourage him to go out for as many sports as he’d like. I don’t want him to grow up not knowing anything about sports, so whatever interests we can cultivate when he’s young are good, as far as I’m concerned. Of course, everything has to fit within Mom-approved boundaries of safety. I don’t want him playing tackle football—let’s make it to college without a brain injury, or alive, at the very least, thankyouverymuch—but he can do flag football all he wants. Also, gymnastics. And, uh… marching band.

About six months ago, a flyer came home in the kids’ backpacks about flag football, and he was SO EXCITED, MOM! Vic and I agreed it was a good opportunity, though we were a little disappointed that it wouldn’t start until late summer. I don’t know why they sent the info out so early. Everything they’ve done since then has been totally disorganized and chaotic.

Supposedly this group of football organizers has been around for a while, but you’d think this was their first season, the way they’re handling the scheduling and notifications. We didn’t get a registration confirmation, but an email with a tentative schedule of events—safe assumption we were registered, then, right?

Right. (Whew.)

Everything on the schedule, though, had a “time TBA” next to it—a date (in some cases), but no time. In several places it also said “location TBA.” Doesn’t exactly allow us parents to plan the rest of our summer very easily, does it? I cracked up when I read the very first scheduled event was marked MANDATORY and then “time TBA.” Yeah, I’m sure we’re gonna wait around all day to find out what time we should show up for this MANDATORY thing. Make a decision, somebody! Whatevs.

They also suggested that our summer vacation take place the week of Aug. 2-6, because there was no football scheduled that week. THANK YOU! I was hoping for permission from the Football League Gods to drive to the coast for a day; now I know I’m good. Oh wait, that was two weeks ago. Shit.

“VERY IMPORTANT DAY: Aug. 28, pictures/scrimmage/jamboree. Time TBA.” They haven’t decided what time to start? Shocking.

Yes, I want The Boy to play football, but give me something to work with, Football People. Geez.Actual photo of football commissioner

And a practice schedule? Who knows? Commissioner Ralph Wiggum hasn’t gotten that far yet.

There was a Mom’s Night announced, but barely any specifics about where to meet, what was supposed to happen, how long it would last, anything like that. Those are things moms need to know, aren’t they? Effers.

They included an email attachment called “Coaching Code of Ethincs.” I don’t know if they meant “ethics” or “ethnics,” but they missed big either way. Idiots.

Vic got a voice mail today at 5:30 that said practice would start at 6. Way to give us a heads-up, Coach Pizzaface. Jack and Vic actually made it just in time, and came home with a game schedule: games will start at 8 or 9 or 10 or 11 every Saturday starting Sept. 11. See? Totally helpful, right? EFFERS!

I need to find an up-side, right? Um… if nothing else, Jack will end up with a cool football jersey. A very expensive one, if he ends up hating football or if Mommy decides she’s had enough of the league jackasses and forbids him to go. These cool jerseys are solid gold, right? Or at least some kind of precious metal?

Hallelujah! Holy shit! Where’s the Tylenol?

Aug. 16: Super terrific happy thing #19

Today’s super terrific happy thing:

The stuff in this etsy store!

An image caught my eye in a blog this morning, so I followed the link and it took me to a treasure trove of wall graphics. A treasure trove, I tell you!

audreyhepburn

Urban Expressions has tons of these wall decals, and they’ve got a gorgeous catalog that I’d kinda like to live in. Decor for kids’ rooms is adorable, and for adults, there are some beautiful quotes available. Those are my favorites—the word decals—but there are some gorgeous images too, like the botanicals and Partridge Family-like birds. Such fun!

Don’t you think you’d be a happier person if you woke up to a quote like the one above every single morning?

This decor idea reminds me a lot of what I did in Jack’s nursery…

…but looks way better than my handiwork did. I do love the way his room came out, but it sings “amateur!”

One more thing for my list of things to do today: find a room in which I can use one of these wall decals. I just gotta!

Aug. 16: Daybook

daybook

Today…

Outside my window... it’s sunny and beautiful, but also very, very hot. Supposed to be around 100° today, which is unfortunate because I need to be out in that a little today.

I am thinking... that I’ve got a lot to do this morning and should make this post quick.

I am thankful for... family and friends and air conditioning OMG the air conditioning!

From the kitchen... there are leftover chicken enchiladas from yesterday. The kids didn’t like them, and that means the kids are crazy, because they’re REALLY tasty. The enchiladas. Not the kids.

I am wearing... my bathrobe. Got up half an hour ago, still haven’t showered.

I am creating... a lot of extra stress thinking about the things I’d like to get done today. But once it’s done, OH BOY... then there’ll be lots more to do. Pffft.

I am going... to work this morning, like wearing real clothes and seeing people and stuff.

I am hoping... to find a parking spot in the shade when I get to work.

I am hearing... The friggin’ landscapers across the street. They’re not supposed to start with the blowers until 8 a.m. but they didn’t want to wait today, I guess. I’d run out and remind them but I’m in my bathrobe.

One of my favorite things... is my cozy bed. I loves it.

A few plans for the rest of the week: a meeting with Heather for some PTO things, doing a little bit of shopping, Mom might be coming back tomorrow, party at Val’s Thursday, house to myself for the weekend. All good things!

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

pooh

Want to blog your own Daybook? Here’s the info: The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Aug. 13: IDCEAYWTPFriday

It’s Friday, and that means you get a post called I Don’t Care Enough About You to Write in Transitioning Paragraphs Friday.

  • This was a busy week. I’m glad it’s almost over. Tomorrow should be some nice relaxing with lovely friends and icy beverages, and I’m oh-so-happy about that.
  • Victor changed his anniversary on Facebook a few weeks ago—he took off the year. I got a notification, since it’s my anniversary too. No big deal. This last week he removed our anniversary date completely, and I was notified again. I said, “Y’know, I get a message whenever you fark with our anniversary on Facebook. If you don’t want to be married to me, there are other ways to let me know.” He didn’t realize his changes affected my profile too, and said he was just trying not to have too much info out there. But if you know me, you know I didn’t let it stop there. I continued to bother him about it until he put our anniversary back on FB. I don’t even care if our anniversary date is on FB, but it sure is fun messin’ with Victor. I haven’t stopped. “He shall pay” is pretty much my motto.
  • Sunshine shared this video on FB, and I’m sharing it here because I loved it.
  • I was hating computers yesterday, when mine was giving me all kinds of grief. At first it was just Access being difficult, and that’s a problem because most of my work is in Access. When I tried to find the problem and repair it, the whole system crashed and I thought I might too. It was a panicky few hours. I got everything running again, thank goodness. I mention this because it’s part of the reason I’m so glad the week is nearly over.
  • Words with Friends on the iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad: it’s the funnest. I’m JenSM and will totally play a game with you.
  • My niece/friend, Erin, was spotted on House Hunters! The episode’s interesting because it’s set in Portland, but the really good part—where you’ll see Erin—is in the very last minute.

  • The class historian from PAA’s Class of 1986 called me yesterday—apparently she needs to plan our 25th reunion, which is coming up next year. One of the unfortunate things about being good at keeping FBI files on your classmates is that people call you and ask you for them, and they figure while they have you on the phone they’ll ask you to be on the reunion committee. BUT, the class historian is my dear friend Lisa… so do I mind? Not. One. Bit. I love that girl!   And unlike many people, I love my reunions. I’m in!
  • This thing gave me the giggles:

  • Jack finished swimming lessons yesterday. He didn’t pass. I felt so bad for him—he has such a hard time putting his face in the water for more than a couple strokes. I still haven’t decided if we should make him try again in the next session (which starts Monday) or wait until next summer. More than anything, I don’t want him to be That Tall Kid Who Can’t Swim Because His Mom Gave Up On Taking Him To Lessons That Weren’t Doing Any Good Anyway.
  • So, um… this is a book and… well, it exists:

liberace

  • ‘Member how I started doing that 31 Days to to Build a Better Blog thing a couple weeks ago? I didn’t drop it, I didn’t. There were some exercises that were best done off-blog, and it kinda got me out of the habit, and then I got busy and then I didn’t feel like it and I’ll catch up, I promise I will. Maybe.
  • Victor and I went to a wedding last weekend and someone took this picture of us. I like it because I actually look like a normal, not-having-cancer person in it:

Amazing what some eye makeup and a wig can do.

  • The dandruff shampoo doesn’t seem to be working so well yet. I haven’t given up though. What would giving up on dandruff shampoo be, exactly? Shaving my head bald again? Or just living with the flakes? Don’t know. But I’m still using it, and I’m still doing everything I can to fix this problem. In the mean time, feel free not to ask me about it.
  • That’s enough for now. Have a fabulous weekend!

Aug. 12: Thursday Thunks #16

Thursday Thunks (TT) is a blog meme for those who need a little kick in the butt to find something to post about. Your blog posts/answers to TTs can be type or pictures, doesn’t matter! YOU pick, not us, we just give you the assignment (yep, just like English class... only we won’t grade your spelling and grammar).

  1. What radio personality bothers you the most?
    Does Rush Limbaugh have a personality? If so, it’s his.
  2. If abandoned alone in the wilderness, would you survive?
    Have you seen the episode of The Office when Michael goes out into the forest to prove that he can survive on his own, and nearly dies after just a few hours? I think I’d be a lot like that.
  3. If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew she was married, and neither her significant other or yours would never know, might you do the deed?
    No.
  4. Do you like to pursue or be pursued?
    Be pursued, if I remember correctly.
  5. Use three words to describe yourself.
    Tired, sleepy, exhausted.
  6. Do you think more about the past, present or future?
    The present.
  7. If your house was on fire, what would be the first thing, other than family or pets, that you grabbed?
    The wedding album, I guess. Even though I’d rather have all my scrapbooks and photo albums, I know exactly where the wedding album is—the other things are spread all over the house.
  8. Was your mom a cheerleader?
    No, but she was a majorette.
  9. Was your dad a jock?
    He liked to think he was. He was very “Al Bundy” when he reminisced about his days as an athlete.
  10. What’s your favorite junk food?
    McDonalds French fries.
  11. Do you believe in reincarnation?
    I don’t think I do. The concept is fascinating, though.

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