I wasn't able to attend the Wasatch Camera Club meeting tonight due to me feeling like poo.  My blood sugar dropped to 32 just before lunch today and despite me eating lunch AND a donut, it only got up to 80.  I felt rotten so I went home early to rest and do some work from home.  On the way home, I stopped and got a burrito, thinking the protein would help, which it did - a little.  My blood sugar went up a whole 10 points.  I am reactive hypoglycaemic and I've done well with controlling it by eating small meals five times a day but I don't know what happened yesterday but it hit me hard. 

After spending the evening feeling sorry for myself (LOL), I got a call from my friend, Darlene, who told me that she was bringing home a ribbon for me!  My photo of Eli, named "Sleeping Beauty" won 3rd place!  W00T!!  I'm so happy and excited - and of course, honored!  Darlene is bringing my ribbon to the pool this morning and I'm excited to show it off!  Darlene deserves part of the ribbon for helping me and encouraging me!  Thank you, Darlene!  You ROCK!  

I want to congratulate Darlene on placing 2nd with her photo!  WOOHOO!  We're both winners!   

Here is the photo of the Sleeping Beauty, Eli.  

 

Eli's mommy, Sara, sent me a photo of Eli eating her first veggie, sweet potatoes and to announce her first tooth finally broke through.  How cute is she?! 

I just love this little bug to pieces and it makes me feel good to have an active role in her life.  I love her daddy, Travis, as I would a son and her mommy like a daughter.  They love me for who I am and support me in whatever I do. 

Travis does me proud when plays practical jokes.  Speaking of jokes, I haven't heard how the letter did yet but I imagine Kent will get the letter today *evil grin*

Much happened to me and to those I love recently; some was rough, however, most made me smile.  I'm grateful for the good things and for everyone in my life.

My dear friend, Emma, finished a huge project that she began in December; she wrote a bookazine for children on gardening.  I am immensely proud of her and praise her for all her good and hard work. Congratulations, Emma!  You deserve a huge celebration because you worked so hard and you are an amazing lady. 

A few weeks ago, my dad's neurologist prescribed Aricept for Dad's memory and confusion (it's mostly used for Alzheimer's but also works for Lewy Body Dementia).  The past two weeks, MY DAD, the man I love with all my heart, began to reappear after 18 months of slowly disappearing.  I can see him coming back just by the look on his face as well as his sense of humor. 

Dad cracked me up Saturday night when we got home from my nephew Adam's wedding.  I brought the mail into the house, sorted it, and handed his mail.  Dad got an advertisement from a hearing aid company and he told me to "Trash that," then he waited a couple of seconds then asked me, "Say what?!"  He and I busted out laughing and Mom came in to see what we were laughing so hard about.  He's such a hoot.

My nephew Adam got married on Saturday to a lovely young lady, Shalise.  I'm so happy for them and they're such a beautiful couple.  I'm so proud... my little buddy grew up to be such an incredible young man.  Shalise is sweet and I know she loves Adam very much and he's in good hands.  (click on photos to EMBIGGEN)

They didn't have a traditional reception (YAY - Utah receptions are grueling), instead they had a big dinner for family and close friends.  It was perfect and everyone had a great time.  Taking photos outside was freezing, especially for Shalise!  Here is a photo of Adam, Shalise, my brother J Dee, SIL Patti, all their children, grandchildren, and my parents. 

Besides the wedding, there was exciting news to celebrate.  My cousin Teria and her husband are expecting their second child in September, her little sister, Lindsay, is getting married in August, and my nephew Jason is getting married in September.  Jason is J Dee and Patti's last child at home... at last, they'll have a honeymoon period.  It's great to see them so much in love still.  Patti asked me to take a photo of her and J Dee in front of the Bountiful Temple yesterday and I was honored to.

I got to see and hold cute little Eli and while my hands were full of her, my sister, Susie grabbed my camera and took a photo of Eli and me.  Geez.  That's the last time I leave my camera within her reach!  LOL  I might be persuaded to post it for Wordless Wednesday this week  ;-). 

My friend and partner-in-crime, Linda, is moving to my building at work!  We're both so excited.  We worked in the same building for almost 10 years before my organization moved to our current building, which is across the base (Hill AFB).  We used to play jokes constantly... especially the remote-controlled fart machine.  Ah, those were the days...  and NO - we'll never grow up.  We bring the best out in each other, that's for sure! 

I went spending when I got my tax return and bought a DVD-Recorder/VCR combination and a new camera lens.  The DVD Recorder, I used for dubbing a VHS tape of my family in 1990 and 1991.  I cracked up at most of it but there definitely treasures on the tape.  My late grandma and late SIL, Lisa were in parts... it took me back to that time and it felt as if they're not gone but when the tape was over, it hit me again that they are gone.  BUT - the great things are their memories and the fact that their memories are brought to life again.  I am excited to share them with my family.  I chatted with my niece, Morgan, Saturday, who was only 5 years old when her mom died.  This will be a chance for Morgan to see her mom in action and to hear her voice; she has all sorts of photos but nothing like a video.  It made me feel really good to see the look on Morgan's face when I told her. 

The video that cracked me up royally was my nephew Adam when he was 5, singing a naughty/kids version of the "Popeye the Sailor Man" and the camp song, "Scab Salad,"  while hanging upside down, eyes covered, and a pair of eyes and a nose painted on his chin.  I need to splice it and post it one of these days...............  Adam actually remembers doing it and how much fun we had.  There are more videos to be found and put on DVDs... now to find them! 

The camera lens I bought is a Olympus Zuiko 50mm Macro Telephoto lens and it is ooooo so lovely.  Here are photos of a mini purple calla lily, black jelly beans, tiny water droplets on foil.  I SO love this new lens!!   Now, if the snow would melt off the lawn and flower gardens so the lovely spring flowers can grow.  (The calla lily is in my house)

     

I got through my first time of "teaching" The Leadership Challenge Workshop last week.  My co-teacher said I did well but need to work on my confidence level.  He's right and next time, I should do better.  This week is Interviewing Skills and the Mock Interview is my section and I always have so much fun with it.  I appreciate all your good thoughts my way - it's great having my own cheer leading squad. 

The last thing is a bit sad.  My sexy man hurt his leg (at work - injured it twice) and had surgery on Saturday to reattach the thigh muscle to the bone.  I told him that I was kidding about both of us needing wheelchairs...  Sheesh.  *snicker*  Let your mind go where it will... it made him laugh.  He should be back to work in ten days and will have to wear a brace for a few weeks.  Hmmm... that means behaving.... at work, I mean.   

It's a good thing I went to my doc today because the cellulites (skin infection) isn't the only issue.  The numbness and swelling of my foot and ankle area is a type of thrombosis.  Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is when a major vein has a blockage/blood clot and I had that in 2003.  This time, it's a thrombosis of the smaller veins where blood flow isn't getting through the smaller veins as it should and it causes pain, numbness, and swelling. 

My blood protime (thickness/thinness of my blood) was a little low (thick) when tested last week so that's most likely the cause.  The only thing other than the blood thinners I'm already on is compression.  By compression, I mean the sexy Ted-hose.  Ack.  I have to wear them until I'm done with the antibiotics or longer if the symptoms return.  I have to get my protime tested again in two weeks so that will gage if the dose of coumadin needs to be increased/decreased. 

My doc wasn't surprised the ER doc didn't catch this because he didn't know me like my doc knows me and my history and it's a good thing the ER doc made it a point for me to see my doc today.  My doc was a bit upset that the ER doc and/or the radiologist on duty did not listen to the tech who did my ultrasound because she told me that area was "sluggish" for blood flow. 

I think the world of my doc and I owe him my life because he saved it a time or two.  He's so good with Dad and Mom too so I wanted to do something for him as a "you're appreciated" gesture.  He grew up in a small town in Idaho and his grandpa was a Forest Ranger in the Big Springs, Idaho area and my doc used to go on his runs with him and he loved it up there.  I gave him one of my photos of the old railroad bridge at Big Springs and he was so thrilled and he knew exactly where it was and he has stood there many times.  It really made his day.  He always tells me I make his day by coming in anyway but this time was extra special, and that makes me feel good.   

Friday morning I was so excited to tend my grandniece, Eli. I arrived early because traffic was nice for a change and it gave me a chance to visit with Travis and Sara before they had to leave for work. Eli and I got along fine, which I had no doubt about. I'm not one to change poopy diapers - never have - and I almost always throw up LOL However, a baby who is nursed is manageable, which is good because she had THREE poopy diapers. I did not even gag - GO Auntie Karen. There was a casualty of the cutest Eeyore outfit due to one of the diaper issues, but everything else was fine. She smiled a lot and squealed a lot too, which is a new thing. She didn't nap much, only 30 minutes then 45 minutes. I took my small camera with me that takes videos as well and here is one of the cutest while she was in her swing.



The bridal open house for my niece-to-be, Shalise, went well and we had a nice time visiting with family and friends. She is such a sweet lady and I know she and Adam will be so happy. We laughed about the fact that although Adam is living in their new house and has virtually nothing, he cannot use all the gifts until they're married and Shalise moves in. *evil grin*

I also had reports to complete for work on Friday and I managed to get them all done; I did three while watching Eli and then finished them after the open house... I was up until 2am but that was fine because I knew I could sleep in since D had such a late night.

My weekend didn't turn out as I expected it to. My sexy man worked 23.5 hours Friday, starting at 5am and not getting home until 3:30am Saturday. He called me at 11pm Friday night, on his way home, to tell me about his day and it was a rough one and he was really hurting. He thought he might be able to move by Saturday afternoon but he was in bed still when I called to check on him about 3pm. Poor guy. So, we planned for today, however, I had to cancel because something that was bothersome since Friday was a lot worse so I ended up going to the ER. I thought it was a blood clot due to discoloration of my calf, numbness on top of my foot, and a lot of pain that was different than RA pain. After spending about five hours there and having an ultrasound and blood tests, the news was no blood clot (whew) but cellulites, which is a skin infection. This is the third I've had since my fall back in Sept. The doc put me on more antibiotics and gave me some stronger pain pills and sent me home. I have to stay off of it as much as possible but I should be OK to go to work - I just have to keep it elevated while I'm sitting. David was relieved it wasn't a blood clot but when I told him how serious the infection is, he's worried about me. I will call my doc tomorrow and make an appt for Tuesday to make sure it's not spreading - if it is, it may mean hospitalization and/or IV antibiotics.

So... that was my weekend! How was yours?

The past few months, I have struggled with finding energy to do all I want.  I know a large part of my lack of energy is due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and other auto-immune diseases fatigue, however, I wonder if some of it has to do with not being in school and not having the drive to get more done.  I find that as difficult as it was to adjust to go to go school that it's just as difficult not to go to school. 

Before I had the auto-immune diseases, I did not have a clue about how exhausted one could be.  Back then, being tired was fixed by a 15 minute power nap or sitting down for a bit.  Pain was something I could take an Aleve and it would go away.  Ah, those were the days. 

Since I was diagnosed with RA eight years ago, my eyes were opened to the horror that people who suffer any of the auto-immune disease, such as MS, RA, Crohns, Lupus, UC, and the list goes on.  I never imagined the pain and fatigue I was going to face and it's a good thing I did not know then.  I no longer sympathized but emphasized with others who suffer the same ailments. 

Friday morning, I went to the physical therapy pool and worked out for two hours then had a nice sit in the hot tub.  If I have not mentioned this before, the pool is my Friday morning 'ME TIME" addiction.  I wish I could go every day or better yet, had a pool of my own.  As much as I love the pool, it's a bugger getting out, which I call "reality hitting."  I feel so good in the water, virtually no pain at all; it feels as if I don't have RA. 

As I was sitting in the hot tub, a new lady entered the pool and we said hello to one another.  We talked about why each of us was there and it turns out, we were there for the same reason.  She has RA and is in a lot of pain and is amazed at how wonderful the pool makes her feel.  We exchanged info about medications and other remedies since she's only had RA for a year or so and was grateful for all I told her.  She said that she's so afraid that she's going to be in pain forever and never get relief. 

I fear the same.  However, I am fortunate that Remicade, prednisone (EVIL drug), and Imuran are working well for me.  I'm on a high dose and as of Wednesday, a notch higher, which is one notch away from maximum dose.  In 2003, I was almost in a wheel chair and the medications made it possible for me to live a decent life and for that, I'm eternally grateful.  The medications I take also treat the ulcerative colitis and have given me that part of my life back.  I fear for the future; as well as I am doing now, what if the unthinkable happens?  What if the RA spreads to my organs?  What if I get more auto-immune diseases?  I try to stay focused on here and now but those questions are always in the back of my mind. 

When I was first diagnosed, I was angry at God for yet another hurdle I had to over come and I wanted to know why I was being punished.  I was angry at the world.  I was angry.  I put myself on a pity pot and stayed there until others helped me and that I began to see that having RA was not the end of my life.  I began to say, "There is NO way was I letting my life end at 32."  I struggled for a while longer, had ups and downs, but slowly, more positive thoughts entered my mind.  I learned to allow myself a pity pot day on occasion and get the negativity out because those feelings were hurting me bottled up and setting them free allowed the positive back in.

I believe everything happens for reasons and although I may not be thrilled with the reason I have auto-immune diseases, I am thrilled that I have an incredible support network.  Two main supports are my dear friends Vickie and Dawn and although I wish they did not have the diseases to understand what I go through, I'm grateful to have them in my life.  They know the fatigue I deal with because they face it themselves.  Both ladies are inspirations to me with their positive and kick-ass attitudes; they never let me down and are always there no matter how tired they are.  We usually have a few laughs along with a few tears.

Vickie and I laugh about that fact that when we call and ask how one another is, undoubtedly, "tired" will be the answer for at least one or both of us. When we say "tired," we mean, bone tired, barely have the strength to hold the phone to our ears, tired.  However, the laughter has a magical way of pumping some breath into our lungs and it spreads to the rest of our bodies.

I started this post as an explanation of how tired I am and why I haven't been around to visit much - if at all.  I apologize for that and I am hoping with all my might that my energy will return and I can begin visiting.  Right now, I get home from work, answer my email, eat dinner (which is usually cereal because I'm too tired to cook LOL), shower, then head to bed and watch TV/talk on the phone until I fall asleep.  My weekends are filled with things I don't get done during the week.   It's a vicious cycle... one that I WILL break.

Now to change the subject... 

Most of my day yesterday, I spent getting some photos ready for a competition at the Eccles Community Art Center to be submitted on Friday.  I need help in deciding which four to submit and if it's not too much trouble, could you come back tomorrow and vote for the four you like best to help me decide?  

Speaking of Eccles Community Art Center, I received a letter Saturday announcing that my English/Art teacher bought me a membership for 2008.  Carol-Ann is definitely one teacher I shall never forget; she's more than a teacher, she's my friend.  I called to thank her and we talked for over an hour catching up.  I'm going to attend the open house on February 1 when they'll announce the winners of the black and white photo contest.  I am excited to be a part of this art center and learn more about art and photography.   

Welcome to the Gee Whiz Itchy and Scratchy edition.  What is this, you may ask?  I've got the itchies and scratchies due to a reaction to either the anesthetic or the pain medication.  I'm banking on the anesthesia but the surgical center nurse thinks otherwise because I didn't have the reaction directly after surgery.  She seems to think she knows my body better than I do.  If there's anything that is different from the norm, it's me.  With a lot of my allergies, the initial reactions are delayed 12 to 24 hours.  I asked what anesthetic they have me and it was the same as October and I'm sure I've had it before that for other minor procedures.  I tried to find the meds online but nothing came up on Biprovan and Seva.

I'm taking Benadryl and as of this morning, am finally getting some relief.  Between the Benadryl and the pain meds, I'm really out of it.  I am able to write somewhat coherently (or so I think I am!) now because I haven't taken my meds yet.  ;-)

Gee whiz, yesterday was quite a trip.  Have you ever gone potty when you are sleepy and fallen asleep on the toilet for a few minutes?  I have!  And five times between yesterday morning and last night at midnight.  I felt like such a dork but I had some giggles over it - and so did Mom.  She caught me three of the five times when she came down to check on me and she kept asking if I had a tummy ache.  Ummm...  no... I just took a short nap because my toilet is so comfy.  I'm not getting any cheap thrills as I've gotten at Hula's house on her toilet and its cooling system.  If this keeps up, I may have to hook up my own toilet cheap thrill system again! 

Which leads me to another problem.  My kidneys are very overactive and so I have to go potty... a lot.  It gives a whole new meaning to gee WHIZ!   There's not much chance of blood clots forming in my legs with as much as I have to get up.  Fun, fun, and more fun... there's never a dull moment around me. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

I just got home from the surgical center and my surgery went fine (extending my right leg calf muscle).  I'm quite loopy with two shots of morphine and two percocets to get the pain under control... wooo.  Fun stuff. 

I have to behave and keep my leg iced and elevated so I won't be at the computer much and it's probably best that I don't write much in my current state *snortle*

Have a great week!   

It's back to work I go, where there's work to be done, and hopefully some fun, hi ho, hi ho. 

I'm actually looking forward to going back to work but will miss sleeping in and having afternoon naps.  It's only for two weeks then I'll have my right calf muscle extended and will be off work until after Thanksgiving.  It's a hard life, I know.  I'm sad that I haven't been able to take many photos of the fall leaves since it was too hard to get in/out of my car.  

I've enjoyed going through some of the photos I took towards the end of summer though, since my school work got in the way.  I took some photos of my dad in September while he was outside sweeping and cleaning out the road gutters, without him knowing.  They didn't quite have the quality I wanted so I changed them to black and white - voila.  I'm still learning "people photos" but I like the way these turned out.   

I better get my behind to work!  Have a great day, everyone!   

Raggedy gave me the The I'm Fabulous Award over the weekend.  She named some Totally fabulous people on her post and now I'd like to point out some now.  You all, of course, are all fabulous.

Steelcowboy is completely fabulous; he is one-of-a-kind, genuine, honest, and down-to-earth guy who has a way of touching lives through his words.  He is a friend to many and deserves recognition and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him for touching my life and making me want to be a better person.  He is a good friend and I have always enjoyed his sense of humor and his sense for showing kindness when it's needed. 

Deni is another who is completely fabulous; she always thinks of others before herself.  She has a heart of gold and has a brilliant sense of humor.  I have enjoyed not only reading her blog but also getting to know her through emails.  She has become a great friend and I bless the day that I was introduced to her.  She is always there when others need her - no matter what.  Thank you, Deni for your friendship and for all you've done for me.  You are truly special. 

My friend Dave is one heck of a guy.  He has been a friend to me for so long and I appreciate his friendship and always being there.  He's got a brilliant sense of humor and a very sexy yellow Corvette, which is now put away for its winter hibernation, and a genuine, giving heart.  He has a private blog... and I think many people are missing out on him because it is private *uh hum... HINT*  Thank you, Dave - for always being there and for always putting up with my teasing... oh but wait... you give it right back.  ;-) 

A fabulous couple is Colin and his lovely wife, D.  Colin and I met through a friend at work; Colin worked at Hanscom AFB in MA and I work at Hill AFB.  Colin and I were instant friends and his wife, D, is as wonderful as he is.  I first met them face-to-face at Logan Airport in Boston on my way home from England in 2002 and they were as genuine and kind as I knew they would be. 

Then in 2003, I traveled to Hanscom AFB for work and were able to see them again.  The second trip's fun was delayed a bit due to a flight cancellation, otherwise I would have been able to stick my feet in the Atlantic Ocean.  But the next day, Colin and D spoiled me rotten; they took me on a DUCK Tour, to lunch at Dick's Last Resort, and to the Prudential Building Observation Deck.  The Duck Tour was SO much fun, Dick's was a blast (where Colin was named "Big Pig" for stealing some of D's lunch), and the observation deck was incredible.  They gave me memories for a lifetime that day. 

They've since retired and are living the life they dreamed of all their married lives - they're together.  They keep tabs on me and are always there when I need them.  Thank you, Colin and D, for your friendship and all you've given me.  Lub & hugs to both of you!  

I consider myself blessed to have so many incredible and fabulous people in my life - and that means all of you! 

Onto other things, I had a nice weekend - mostly vegging and keeping my leg propped up.  It doesn't like sitting at the computer for long - even though I prop it up.  I can't imagine how hard it will be to go back to work and I think only two weeks is pushing it a bit.  I see the doctor today to get my stitches out and I'll see about extending my time off work by a few days.  

I'm also officially done with school WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!  I'm just impatiently waiting for my grades. If I bit my nails, I'd have ten bloody stumps on my hands.  I'm sure I've got an A in Visual Arts but it's my Music grade I'm worried about (I mixed some things up on the final).  If I get below a 175/260 on the final, I will earn B, and a 3.8975 GPA, which isn't enough for Magna status, however, if I get an A, I will have a 3.816 and Magna Cum Laude status.   Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, the waiting........... I hate waiting!   I emailed my professor last night, begging him to give me my grade on my final) but I have yet to hear from him.  GAH! 

P.S.  Let's hear it for the Colorado Rockies who are one game away from sweeping the Arizona Diamond-Backs for a turn at the World Series.  W00T!  Go Rockies!! They've won 20 out of the last 21 games and they deserve to go to the series! 

P.S.S.  Another of my beloved teams, the Boston Red Sox are playing Cleveland Indians.  Each team has won a game so the next three games are critical and I'm hoping the next three games will be Boston's.  Saturday's game went 11 innings and it was a close game until the 11th when it fell apart and Boston lost (boo). 

If these two teams end up playing in the World Series, it will be hard to choose one team to cheer for so I'll cheer for both and be happy with the team that wins.   

Life is an adventure and the fun never seems to end.  A couple of months ago, my foot doc told me that my calf muscles are too short and they're causing problems with the balls of my feet, which will get worse.  There's a fairly new procedure to lengthen calf muscles and it's not major surgery.  I thought about it and decided I would have it done to help with my current problems as well as prevent future problems. 

I had surgery on my left leg last Tuesday and it went well.  The doc attempted to do it via scope but there was a problem with the scope so he had to cut a larger incision, but it's only three inches (the scope incision is only an inch) and won't cause much delay in healing.  I will spare you the graphic photo of the incision, which I think looks pretty cool, but I know not everyone is fascinated by stitchery when it comes to incisions.  ;-)  Like I was when I had my hysterectomy , I used the mirror in the hospital tray to look at my incision across my lower tummy.  I giggled and thought it looked like a big smile with braces (the staples).  However, morphine makes anything funny.  

This is the larger of the two incisions; the smaller incision is on the outer part of my leg and isn't much to see.   The exciting (NOT) part of the healing, is that I get to wear a big, black, sexay boot for four weeks!  I feel like Darth Vader when I've got it on... now all I need is a light saber.  Gee whiz, I wonder where I could get one.  *snortle*

 I saw the doc on Thursday and he is very happy with how my incisions look and how well I'm doing.  I have my stitches taken out on Oct 15 and he said if I'm doing as well then, I won't have to wear the boot for a full four weeks, but only two weeks.  I shall continue to behave since I'd love to return to work on Oct 16 without the boot.

I will have my right leg done sometime in November or early December.

Onto more fun!  I have two finals this morning; Visual Arts at 8am and Music at 10am.  I can hardly believe it's finals week already.  However, this is just not the term's finals week but MY final week.  These are my last classes before I get my bachelor's.  WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!  

If you hear a faint WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO this week, you'll know that I've completed all my assignments and will be completely done. *shaking my bootay* 

First of all, he worked me in at noon on a Monday.

Second, he is very thorough and ordered an ultrasound to make sure there wasn't vein blood clots like I had in my other leg in 2003 (DVT, deep vein thrombosis) or to see if there were any bleeding pockets of blood.  He could hardly believe how my leg looked, even six days after he saw it last. 

Third, while I was waiting for an urgent care appointment for the ultrasound, he insisted that I eat lunch.  He gave me a taco salad from the lunch they have catered - how sweet was that?  Not many docs would think about having a patient eat lunch. 

The ultrasound didn't show any DVT - YAY. It did show a haematoma so wide that it couldn't be measured on the ultrasound screen; the tech had to measure it by hand then take four different shots of it. I'm the proud mother of a 12cm haematoma, 3.5 cm tall, surrounded by many little haematomas then down my leg and to my foot are a different type of haematoma (not as serious). 

I have antibiotics to take and I'll see him next week to follow up.  Until then, I am supposed to take things easy and keep my leg propped up as much as possible.  .  It's a good thing I have loads of homework to do at home as well as light duty work at work.   

Last but certainly not least, no more icing, heating, and wrapping.  He's the best doc ever.   

1.  Yesterday, the lovely Hula called me to see how I was after my "trip."  I explained that I was probably being punished for making fun and dreading seeing the choir on Sunday.  We laughed then she said, "That was definitely a 'Come to Jesus Meeting' that brought you to your knees!"  How true it is!  Gee whiz, Hula cracks me up every time... thanks for checking on me! 

2.  This past weekend, my dad has done some weird things during the night.  One night, he got up to go to the bathroom, which is next to their bedroom.  Mom noticed he didn't come back to bed right away and didn't remember hearing the toilet flush.  The bathroom light wasn't on so she began looking for him.  There he sat, in his recliner in the spare bedroom/his TV room holding Mom's Bra, poking and stretching it.  She left her bra on the inside doorknob of their bedroom door that night.  When she asked what he was doing, he replied, "Going potty."  She pointed out he wasn't in the bathroom then they had a good laugh and he did his business in the bathroom then went back to bed.  Mom hung her bra back on the doorknob and went back to bed too.  Later the same night, Dad did the same thing so they were really laughing about it the next morning.  He doesn't have a clue what he was doing with her bra... perhaps practicing how to unhook it?!  Or perhaps slingshot practice?  As I told Vickie this story, she said, "Maybe he was thinking back on the good old days."  Gee whiz... I cracked up.

3.  Dad did something else odd and Mom or I can't figure out why or how.  Mom went to use her disposable razor to shave the back of her neck a bit (she's got short hair) and there was something hard and pink between the blades.  The she realized it was denture adhesive.  She asked him about it but he has no clue.  He's always had wild dreams but since he got Parkinson's, his dreams are whacked!  Gee whiz, they're a good source of entertainment though!

4.  The outpour of caring and concern you all give me always makes me feel so good - thank you again.  My knee is much the same - looking sexier and sexier and more purple, which is part of the process.  I saw my internist on Tuesday and all is good (no blood clots in the veins - just in the tissues).  He gave me extra instructions and I'm behaving... well, as much as I can possibly behave.  Gee whiz, I'm such a source of entertainment for my doc; he gave me a couple of zingers as I was leaving.  But then he had to admit, he fell on his bike last week so I'm not the only klutz. I went to work yesterday and did OK - I had my heating pad and icepack and kept my leg propped up. 

5.  Monica's daughter is back home but please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, it's been a rough 10 days. 

6.  I am taking Sept 20 - 24th and running away to one of my favorite places - my aunt's cabin.  Gee whiz, I can hardly wait!   

7.  I will have two weeks (possibly three) off of work in October but the first few days won't be fun, I'm having some surgery then six weeks later, I'm having the second surgery.  No worries, I'll be fine.  My finals are hopefully on Oct 8 which will be great, then I'll have more time to study for my finals than I would have if I was working.  I'll probably be high on pain meds so I won't be stressing!  Gee whiz, sounds like a great plan to me!  

I think I'm out of gee whizzes for this week... have a wonderful weekend!  I know I will... homework, homework, and hopefully a PJ Day.  

Sunday morning, I dragged my behind out of bed at 6am to go to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the 4,096th performance, for my Music class.  I got there about 8am which was 30 minutes early since I didn't know what to expect with traffic.  I took a few photos with my little camera I keep in my purse.  The photo to the right is the Tabernacle (click to EMBIGGEN), which was built in 1887, the pipe organ has over 12,000 pipes.  The choir was started on June 15,1929 and is the longest running worldwide radio broadcast.  The gardens are beautiful at Temple Square; filled with flowers and trees.  One of these days, I'll get my photos of Temple Square uploaded to my Flickr from when I took my parents down there for their 50th Anniversary on Aug 23. The photo on the right is the Salt Lake Temple which is so grand and beautiful.  The gold figure on top is the angel, Moroni. 

The doors to the Tabernacle open at 8:30 and the choir and orchestra were already in place where they rehearsed until 9:15 when the doors were closed and everyone had to be seated.  The photo to the right was taken right before the concert and broadcast that is held on almost every Sunday morning.  It was actually really nice; the acoustics were incredible and I enjoyed seeing the orchestra play and how it is all arranged.  So - I admit that it was much less painful than I thought it would be. 

I was taught that when I do something, to do it good and Sunday morning was no exception.  After the choir was done, I stopped off at the Visitor's Center to go potty.  As I walked (I use that term lightly!) through the two automatic opening doors, the tip of my right shoe caught on something (obviously I don't know how to pick up my feet!) and fell.  Flat on my face.  My right knee took the brunt of it as I went down then followed by my left hand/wrist and shoulder, and the finale, my face.  I laid there for a couple of seconds (which felt like 2 minutes) in shock of what happened.  Two ladies behind me were kind enough to make sure I was OK and to help me get up. It was quite embarrassing but they were very nice and concerned. 

The greeter/volunteer came over at that point asked if I needed security to check me out.  Normally, the thought of a sexy security guard would be fun, however, it would have been an older man LOL  I declined because I thought I was OK.  My knee hurt but I'm used to that and I was pretty numb all over, probably still in shock.  I went to the restroom and then walked to my car then drove home.  

When I arrived home, it was really difficult getting out of my car.  I generally stiffen up anyway but this was "holy cow" stiffness.  Then I went in the house and changed clothes and discovered what a lovely color purple my knee was and saw that it was swollen and hard as a rock - and hurt like hell.  I immediately iced it but it continued to swell and bruise.  About an hour later, I decided I better go to the local Instacare to make sure I didn't chip a bone.  Lovely, isn't it?

Mom and Dad were gone to my great-nephew's blessing so called my sister Kathy to ask her if she knew the number to the Instacare and the hours they're open on Sundays.  She said she just talked to Mom and Dad and they were on their way to pick up my niece Elyssa to bring her over here for a while.  I told Kathy that I fell so they better come home first and she panicked and said, "I'll call them right back and send them home," not giving me a chance to explain.  About five minutes later, Mom came running down the stairs to see if I was OK.  I felt bad that I freaked everyone out but Mom agreed that I better go get my knee checked so she took me.  

The doc was really funny and helpful; he ordered an x-ray and thank goodness, nothing is broken or out of place - just the usual RA stuff.  He gave me some pain meds to last a couple of days, through the worst of the pain, and told me to ice it and keep it elevated/comfortable. 

I had a nice surprise when I got out of the shower yesterday too; another bruise.... on my left boob!  Sorry - no photos of that one ;-) 

You know, I wanted to rest on Sunday and Monday but I didn't plan this kind of rest!  Gee whiz, it's no fun to rest when I have to.  I managed to watch some movies between naps so I can't say it was all bad.  My sister Susie is doing well after her knee surgery and she came over for dinner yesterday.  Between her and I, we're starting a chapter of the Gimp Squad LOL  Dinner was yummy, corn on the cob (a big no-no for me but I indulged), fresh cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden, and hamburgers.

The rest of the weekend, I did homework and read my textbooks.  The thought of being SIX weeks from being done is keeping me going.  I am enjoying both classes and getting lots of culture, there may be hope for me yet.  I need to write my report on the concert/performance but that will have to wait a couple of days.  I received my tickets in the mail on Saturday for my next concert; Andre Watts at Abravenal Hall on Sept 14, which I'm looking forward to (in a weird way). 

My Visual Arts class is interesting; each week we take a "webtour" of a couple of artists.  This past week, we studied James Turrell and I'm utterly fascinated and stunned by the beauty of his natural light projects, especially the "Roden Crater" and "Friends Meeting House" (there are video clips to watch).  We've had some lively discussions online about his art as well as others.

Onto other things...Dot tagged asked that me to list my five favorite smells... so I will, just for her and I have it on good authority today is her birthay so go over and wish her a great birthday.

1. Fresh baked bread

2. A good men's cologne

3. Vanilla  (especially Warm Vanilla Sugar from Bath & Bodyworks)

4. Leather *snicker*

5. Rain 

Speaking of birthdays... I believe it was Margie's birthday over the weekend so please go over and wish her a belated birthday.  *HUGS* to you!! 

I believe I've rambled on enough and better get to back to bed (I'm in too much pain this morning to go to work).  I hope everyone had a great weekend!!  

There are times that I get wrapped up in my own health issues and life stresses; this past week was a perfect example.  I have been in tremendous pain due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).  One thing about pain, is it wears a person out, not only physically but also mentally.  I was at my wit's end and exhausted. Wednesday, was my monthly Remicade treatment and I planned on asking my doctor for stronger pain medication; which I haven't done in the seven years that I've had RA.  My doctor wasn't in; he'd just left for two weeks and another doctor was filling in for the exam portion of the treatment.  I explained to her what was going on then asked for the stronger pain meds.  I do not want to get addicted so I am careful about taking them - even the darvocet (which compared to some pain medications is like Tylenol).  She wouldn't give me any; not even a two day supply of percocet (I didn't want anything stronger) until the Remicade kicked in and I got some relief.  She said I needed to be evaluated by a physical therapist.  OK, fine.  When I saw what was written on her orders, then looked it up on the internet, I wondered what on earth this woman was thinking.  She wanted an eval for a muscular problem that athletes get.  Hmmm, yes, this sounds like me! So, I humored her.  I found a therapist close to home and made an appt for 7:30 this morning, however, I decided I would do what I needed to to get out of pain; if the PT could do anything.   

 I'm getting ahead of myself though; I didn't intend this post to be a whine-fest.  Wednesday afternoon when I was feeling rotten, tears kept filling my eyes, I got a phone call from my dear friend, Vickie.  I was so relieved to hear her voice; she always calls me when I'm having a pity party.  I filled her in a little about me but I knew something was wrong but I hadn't read her blog yet.  Her sweet mother-in-law was hospitalized for the second time in May and immediately put in ICU.  She was supposed to have surgery yesterday but the doctors cancelled it at the last minute.  My heart sank; as I listened to all her MIL was going through - as well as what Vickie was dealing with, I wondered why on earth I was whining about my pain when there are so many others fighting for their lives.  I needed the wake-up call.  

I apologized to Vickie for going on about my problems but she wouldn't hear of it.  What she did say was, "Let's have our pity parties together; they're more fun that way."  Although we were both exhausted and heart broken, we managed to have some laughs about life. 

I realize that what we go through as individuals shouldn't be minimized as not important but should be put in perspective.  I see my dad fight every day to get back some normalcy and to do some of what he used to do but will most likely never be able to do again.  He makes jokes about taking off for a joy ride in the car since he can't drive any more.

There are so many amazing people who deal with cancer that don't know how much longer they will have on earth and they battle the side effects of the medications.  Monica's ex-MIL is in stage 4 of cancer now and there are several friends in the blogging community that fight with all they have.   I admire them for their strength and incredible attitude. 

Consider me put back in my place.  I do have a lot to deal with, however, I know how blessed I am to do as well as I am doing.  Please keep these fine people in your thoughts and/or prayers.  They need all the good energy and comfort they can get.

Back to this morning, the PT appt went well; I liked the therapist, C, right away.  She was thorough in her examination and explanations.  She actually listened, actually better than the doctor who referred me.  I don't have the sports injury... but are you ready for this?  I have RA!  I giggled when C told me... "Imagine that!"  Another part of the diagnosis is that my hip muscle is retracting/shrinking.  I've been in so much pain, I haven't been able to do my stretching exercises.  She gave me some heat therapy along with ultrasonic pulses and some ultrasound therapy.  I asked if I could have the machines in a portable form.  I definitely felt a difference.  She also showed me some better stretching exercises to do that I managed to do OK.  I will need to go a couple of times a week for a while.  I get to have aquatic therapy and some other things she wants to try. 

I almost found myself thinking, how on earth am I going to fit two more things in a week with my schedule?  Then I remembered, at least I have hope of easing some of my pain while others do not.  Two hours a week - I'm worth it.

On a side note, my lovely three week break from school is over already; classes start again on Monday and this weekend my textbook reading will start.  OK, I just had another thought... quit whining - at least you are able to go to school.  It appears I have my very own mother installed in my head ;-)

 Have a great weekend, everyone!