Well... I can now say that I understand how my ex-students felt. I have decided that I am a personal failure at knitting. My GIL attempted to teach me how to knit and I personally feel as if I have no more clue how to knit than I did when I started. Just when I felt I MIGHT be able to understand what we were doing, we needed to do something else. I was reaching the point where my frustration was greater than the feeling of success I might have felt for doing things right in the first place. I needed to give it up and my appreciation for all those knitting people in the world has grown exponentially.
Did I mention that I really don't care if I ever try that again? I personally think maybe I should stick with those crafts I already can do without poking myself in the eye with needles! But, GIL is a great sport and she really wanted me to succeed. Just for her, I'll keep practicing. Hopefully, not unlike learning the guitar, it will get easier quickly and I feel less flustered soon.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
I Blog. You Blog. We ALL Blog!
I just got off the phone with my mother. She, for the first time, has read my blog. I realized, quickly, after the fact, my mother in law will have to become an avid reader, too. Everyone who reads probably gets a better idea of "Kristin" when they read what I write because I am amazingly honest when I write and this is the "real" me. No one to tell me that my feeling as not worthy or no one to tell me that my feeling are abnormal. Oh, well. Onto the blog topic for today... my trip to get my new meds at WalMart!
Many of you know about the CVS story (they messed up my meds and almost sent me home with someone else's medication). So, I decided to change my medications to WalMart. It is also cheaper by $2 to take it to WalMart. So, I took it in. The lady there told me that I had to go to CVS and sign something releasing the med to WalMart. We (MIL, GIL, and myself) trudged over to CVS and THEY said they would not call WalMart. WalMart needed to call them! So, I went back to WalMart and a new pharmacist aide tells me that he made a call to CVS and not to worry. Despite the fact the company policy is for CVS to call.... he did it anyways. I have my new meds and we are home free. I like WalMart!
I have to end my post sooner than normal. My GIL is trying to teach me to knit. Will probably blog again later.
Many of you know about the CVS story (they messed up my meds and almost sent me home with someone else's medication). So, I decided to change my medications to WalMart. It is also cheaper by $2 to take it to WalMart. So, I took it in. The lady there told me that I had to go to CVS and sign something releasing the med to WalMart. We (MIL, GIL, and myself) trudged over to CVS and THEY said they would not call WalMart. WalMart needed to call them! So, I went back to WalMart and a new pharmacist aide tells me that he made a call to CVS and not to worry. Despite the fact the company policy is for CVS to call.... he did it anyways. I have my new meds and we are home free. I like WalMart!
I have to end my post sooner than normal. My GIL is trying to teach me to knit. Will probably blog again later.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Wonderful World of Sports
I think most people of my generation can remember the opening scene of ABC's Wonderful World of Sports. It usually came on just as the cartoons were ending. In my household, unlike most of my friends, Wonderful World of Sports meant to turn the TV off for the day. Unlike my friends, whose fathers would come down and watch sports on ABC after cartoons were over, my dad had very little interest in those sports. But, that is not the point of this post... really, it isn't! The point of the post is thus... this house is beginning to remind me of a bad Wonderful World of Sports "episode"/"event". My MIL gets home last night AFTER my FIL and husband left to pick up the in law's car from the dealership where it was being repaired. Nearly two hours later, about an hour after my FIL had returned, my husband appears. Hey, guys... we normally have dinner at 5:15ish or 5:30! It is now 7:00! Unfortunately, my FIL must have missed the baton hand off while my husband was gone because, as soon as husband had returned, we had to wait dinner on my FIL because HE LEFT again. It was at least 7:15 before we got a chance to eat our rather slurpy spaghetti.
The whole thing continued to remind me of WWofS as the evening wears on. Jane was trying to clean the house (her mother arrives tomorrow... YAY!). First roadblock in the way of her winning the HouseCleaning 200 was "The BROKEN dining room chair"! Yes, the new suite is BROKEN. They have had the darn thing for approximately 2 months. She finds a bolt on the floor and the chair NEAR falling apart. This causes her to lose concentration and go into a mini venting session over the chair. I attempt to calm my cleaning team mate... but no avail. I think the Wenzel Women's Cleaning team is again destined to lose the HouseCleaning 200! Just when I think she is calm, she finds her next stumbling block. But, what is it??? It looks like a vomited piece of... WHAT the heck is that? I get called in as judge because it is suspected it came from my cat. Ummmmm.... no way in hades did something THAT large come from a cat. It is solid, and yellow, and vomity. It looks like a really large pepper... like the ones PapaJohn's sends with their pizza. Being the mother figure, Jane, like my mother would do, tackles this object head on... sniffs it, pokes at it, tries to cut it open. She comes to the conclusion it looks like a really large apricot. Looking at the dog, we figure someone (not naming names *coughFILcough*) has fed the dog apricots. Ok, problem solved, at least for now. Let's vacuum! Jane then begins the vac-ing portion of the Cleaning 200 while I self-centerly continue to look at the vomit and complain that the cat gets blamed for all vomit now-a-days. So, I become disqualified from the Wenzel Women's team. Not that I care... the lack of food has caused me to feel like I'm going to faint. Where are those team medics when I need them???
Sometime between feeling faint and Jane power vac-ing, FIL arrives home from wherever he went to go to the store (must have been a neighboring country because he was gone A LONG TIME for just a gallon of milk). We then sit down to eat... in which FIL, my husband, and I all are disqualified from the spaghetti neatness event when we all slop sauce and spaghetti water all over our clothing. Jane comes out the winner in that event, although she doesn't seem to appreciate this fact... she wants a shower and to get pj's on. To do this, however, she has to finish the last leg of vac-ing! So, as a last minute substitute for dishwasher, I step in to clean up the kitchen so she can vac! I pull my loyal team member husband to help. He pouts and we lose valuable time arguing over who is going to wash and who is going to dry (or why he has to help in the first place). The gold star is denied the team because we did not use our time wisely and failed to get out of the way before the Tennis Ball Kicking team took the field after dinner.
Just when I am thinking that the HouseCleaning 200 needs to occur as often as the Olympics, magically clean teammate Jane appears. She settles in for the last event of the evening. Relaxing in front of the TV because the work (HAHAHAHA) is done. Unfortunately, this event is quickly canceled in favor of a minor debate on where the screw went for the broken chair (in which every member of the house is interrogated over this missing object. Once again, the cat is blamed.) and a lively disagreement over word usage. At this point, I give up acting like a human being, grab a bowl of popcorn, and decide this may be more interesting to watch than participate in. Jane quickly loses interest in the CSI on the TV and begins to snooze, as is her right. She has worked all day and participated in a hugely unpopular competition in which she had NO HELP and lots of stumbling blocks to overcome. I decide that Jane watching is not a good sport and decide to watch House episodes on my laptop. FIL continues to grumble and grouse about the women of the household. And, my favorite team member, my husband, is noticeably absent... hiding in the storage room in the basement. He says he was studying for a final exam ... but I don't believe him. He was just hiding from the shame of defeat. Or was that hiding from conflict.
And here we hear Jim McKay say, "Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sport… the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition… this is ABC's Wide World of Sports!" *ROLL CREDITS*
The whole thing continued to remind me of WWofS as the evening wears on. Jane was trying to clean the house (her mother arrives tomorrow... YAY!). First roadblock in the way of her winning the HouseCleaning 200 was "The BROKEN dining room chair"! Yes, the new suite is BROKEN. They have had the darn thing for approximately 2 months. She finds a bolt on the floor and the chair NEAR falling apart. This causes her to lose concentration and go into a mini venting session over the chair. I attempt to calm my cleaning team mate... but no avail. I think the Wenzel Women's Cleaning team is again destined to lose the HouseCleaning 200! Just when I think she is calm, she finds her next stumbling block. But, what is it??? It looks like a vomited piece of... WHAT the heck is that? I get called in as judge because it is suspected it came from my cat. Ummmmm.... no way in hades did something THAT large come from a cat. It is solid, and yellow, and vomity. It looks like a really large pepper... like the ones PapaJohn's sends with their pizza. Being the mother figure, Jane, like my mother would do, tackles this object head on... sniffs it, pokes at it, tries to cut it open. She comes to the conclusion it looks like a really large apricot. Looking at the dog, we figure someone (not naming names *coughFILcough*) has fed the dog apricots. Ok, problem solved, at least for now. Let's vacuum! Jane then begins the vac-ing portion of the Cleaning 200 while I self-centerly continue to look at the vomit and complain that the cat gets blamed for all vomit now-a-days. So, I become disqualified from the Wenzel Women's team. Not that I care... the lack of food has caused me to feel like I'm going to faint. Where are those team medics when I need them???
Sometime between feeling faint and Jane power vac-ing, FIL arrives home from wherever he went to go to the store (must have been a neighboring country because he was gone A LONG TIME for just a gallon of milk). We then sit down to eat... in which FIL, my husband, and I all are disqualified from the spaghetti neatness event when we all slop sauce and spaghetti water all over our clothing. Jane comes out the winner in that event, although she doesn't seem to appreciate this fact... she wants a shower and to get pj's on. To do this, however, she has to finish the last leg of vac-ing! So, as a last minute substitute for dishwasher, I step in to clean up the kitchen so she can vac! I pull my loyal team member husband to help. He pouts and we lose valuable time arguing over who is going to wash and who is going to dry (or why he has to help in the first place). The gold star is denied the team because we did not use our time wisely and failed to get out of the way before the Tennis Ball Kicking team took the field after dinner.
Just when I am thinking that the HouseCleaning 200 needs to occur as often as the Olympics, magically clean teammate Jane appears. She settles in for the last event of the evening. Relaxing in front of the TV because the work (HAHAHAHA) is done. Unfortunately, this event is quickly canceled in favor of a minor debate on where the screw went for the broken chair (in which every member of the house is interrogated over this missing object. Once again, the cat is blamed.) and a lively disagreement over word usage. At this point, I give up acting like a human being, grab a bowl of popcorn, and decide this may be more interesting to watch than participate in. Jane quickly loses interest in the CSI on the TV and begins to snooze, as is her right. She has worked all day and participated in a hugely unpopular competition in which she had NO HELP and lots of stumbling blocks to overcome. I decide that Jane watching is not a good sport and decide to watch House episodes on my laptop. FIL continues to grumble and grouse about the women of the household. And, my favorite team member, my husband, is noticeably absent... hiding in the storage room in the basement. He says he was studying for a final exam ... but I don't believe him. He was just hiding from the shame of defeat. Or was that hiding from conflict.
And here we hear Jim McKay say, "Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sport… the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition… this is ABC's Wide World of Sports!" *ROLL CREDITS*
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Sometimes I Really Wonder...
For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have the required energy to go about my day. This is a good thing, I guess. But, I really wish, with this increased energy awareness I suddenly am regaining, that lack of muscle fatigue would also appear, too. Sigh!
Getting onto the topic of the post for today. Sometimes I really wonder about life. Things don't ever seem to happen the way they should. I have been waiting for over a year for my Workers Compensation case to be finalized, which would allow me the opportunity to go back to work and start having a paycheck again. Last time I checked, I'm not even on the schedule for a hearing, my lawyer has no intentions of doing anything to "get the ball rolling", and the school district has no intentions of paying me back pay until the case is settled. This case COULD be in limbo for a whole additional YEAR! Not sure how Stephen and I plan on living for another year on what he makes, but it is either drop my case or put up with limboland.
Another thing I don't understand is the phantom emailer. That's right. Our family has a phantom emailer. We are receiving odd emails, strange free samples, and vacation information from Midwestern states. The Mormons paid the house a visit last weekend to bring us a Bible. J. very nicely thanked them for coming and explained phantom emailer to them. She didn't take the Bible, though. I thought very bad for these poor guys who trudged out here to "Spread the Word of God" to us. I mean, getting free stuff isn't a crime. But, wasting the time of those poor young witnessing Mormons was cruel. I really wish this would stop.
On the same topic, I don't understand the male portion of the human race right now, either. My husband and father-in-law have gone temporarily ignorant during this holiday season. Neither of them seem to realize how much of a mess they leave in their wake. I have tried to help J. keep the house clean... but these two seem to have made it their mission to self-destruct whatever effort is made to clean. It took me 45 minutes to wash the kitchen floor yesterday. It was painstaking scrubbing. My back hurt for hours after the fact. It took my father in law 5 minutes to have mud, dirt, and dog slobber ground into the floor. FIVE MINUTES to undo 45 minutes of work! How is it possible? My own husband seems to think cleaning does itself and then looks "put out" when I ask for assistance. I sometimes get the feeling that, because I'm home all day and on leave, he thinks because he is a student AND works at Party Co., the greater responsibility should be on me to clean. I personally think if we both spent 15 minutes a day, we'd have things under control. Oh, well. I may never understand men. I love both of the guys though. They make it near impossible not to.
I am hoping that my mother in law follows through on her threat to hide in a room for two days after Christmas. This sounds cruel, at first read... doesn't it? What I mean is, the poor lady has had NO DOWN time since August. She needs some relaxation time for doing NOTHING. I hope she finds some great videos, a nice warm place to read, and just "chills" for a couple days. She needs it BADLY!
Countdown to my parents visit: T-minus 5 days!
Countdown to my grandmother in law getting here: T-minus 2 days!
Getting onto the topic of the post for today. Sometimes I really wonder about life. Things don't ever seem to happen the way they should. I have been waiting for over a year for my Workers Compensation case to be finalized, which would allow me the opportunity to go back to work and start having a paycheck again. Last time I checked, I'm not even on the schedule for a hearing, my lawyer has no intentions of doing anything to "get the ball rolling", and the school district has no intentions of paying me back pay until the case is settled. This case COULD be in limbo for a whole additional YEAR! Not sure how Stephen and I plan on living for another year on what he makes, but it is either drop my case or put up with limboland.
Another thing I don't understand is the phantom emailer. That's right. Our family has a phantom emailer. We are receiving odd emails, strange free samples, and vacation information from Midwestern states. The Mormons paid the house a visit last weekend to bring us a Bible. J. very nicely thanked them for coming and explained phantom emailer to them. She didn't take the Bible, though. I thought very bad for these poor guys who trudged out here to "Spread the Word of God" to us. I mean, getting free stuff isn't a crime. But, wasting the time of those poor young witnessing Mormons was cruel. I really wish this would stop.
On the same topic, I don't understand the male portion of the human race right now, either. My husband and father-in-law have gone temporarily ignorant during this holiday season. Neither of them seem to realize how much of a mess they leave in their wake. I have tried to help J. keep the house clean... but these two seem to have made it their mission to self-destruct whatever effort is made to clean. It took me 45 minutes to wash the kitchen floor yesterday. It was painstaking scrubbing. My back hurt for hours after the fact. It took my father in law 5 minutes to have mud, dirt, and dog slobber ground into the floor. FIVE MINUTES to undo 45 minutes of work! How is it possible? My own husband seems to think cleaning does itself and then looks "put out" when I ask for assistance. I sometimes get the feeling that, because I'm home all day and on leave, he thinks because he is a student AND works at Party Co., the greater responsibility should be on me to clean. I personally think if we both spent 15 minutes a day, we'd have things under control. Oh, well. I may never understand men. I love both of the guys though. They make it near impossible not to.
I am hoping that my mother in law follows through on her threat to hide in a room for two days after Christmas. This sounds cruel, at first read... doesn't it? What I mean is, the poor lady has had NO DOWN time since August. She needs some relaxation time for doing NOTHING. I hope she finds some great videos, a nice warm place to read, and just "chills" for a couple days. She needs it BADLY!
Countdown to my parents visit: T-minus 5 days!
Countdown to my grandmother in law getting here: T-minus 2 days!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Sigh!
My husband and I are recovering from our respective bronchial difficulties. It is taking a really long time for both of us. But, with the three inhalers, steroids, and 3rd round of antibiotics (for me alone), I think we might have this one licked this time. For Stephen, he is still angry about Urgent Care (to the tune of 120 dollars) not being covered (Student Health Services wasn't open for him to go) and the 32 dollar box of mucinex Student Health Services gave him this week (along with the information he just has "The flu". I don't know about you, but I doubt he has only the "flu". Nearly a week of 100.4 temp., thick-hacking-deep cough, swollen glands? Oh, well. At least he IS now improving and hasn't held an elevated temp. in over 2 days. His glands are starting to retreat into his neck again, too. We are happy about that!
I FINALLY got into to see a Primary Care Physician! With the Workers Comp. claim, no one was willing to take me on. So, Jane's doctor finally relented and agree to work ONLY on the non-WC related health care. We are so happy that I finally can get the right allergy meds!
My sister in law stopped by yesterday. I was really glad to see her. She brightens up any room she enters. I was sorry to see her leave... but I figure I'll see her a couple times during the holiday season. The holidays are going to be busy around here. I have two doctor's appt. next week, my mother in law's mom is coming from Florida to visit, my parents will appear sometime closer to the holiday, I believe my mother in law is hosting breakfast on Christmas, and 3 of 4 house members are either just off antibiotics or are near finish. I've never seen so many cups of yogurt (Probiotics) in one place in my life. We are ALL downing it like we will never see another cup of yogurt.
Maybe now things can start to go right... hopefully we will all get better and things will start going the way they should.
I FINALLY got into to see a Primary Care Physician! With the Workers Comp. claim, no one was willing to take me on. So, Jane's doctor finally relented and agree to work ONLY on the non-WC related health care. We are so happy that I finally can get the right allergy meds!
My sister in law stopped by yesterday. I was really glad to see her. She brightens up any room she enters. I was sorry to see her leave... but I figure I'll see her a couple times during the holiday season. The holidays are going to be busy around here. I have two doctor's appt. next week, my mother in law's mom is coming from Florida to visit, my parents will appear sometime closer to the holiday, I believe my mother in law is hosting breakfast on Christmas, and 3 of 4 house members are either just off antibiotics or are near finish. I've never seen so many cups of yogurt (Probiotics) in one place in my life. We are ALL downing it like we will never see another cup of yogurt.
Maybe now things can start to go right... hopefully we will all get better and things will start going the way they should.
Monday, December 10, 2007
My Apologies
I truly apologize for my post yesterday. I have be dealing with a really bad reaction to the steroids they gave me for my lung infection. I kept telling them that I have a REALLY bad reaction and get very hostile and somewhat violent when on steroids. They told me they really didn't have any other options. So, 'roid rage runs deeply through my veins. Poor Stephen and Jane are taking the brunt of it. Yesterday, Stephen had not gotten much sleep. So, I pretty much refused to go anywhere via car with him. And, Jane had made some suggestions about going out and doing something. I didn't mind her canceling so much as she tried to shove me off on Bill and Stephen instead of just postponing. I was in a mindset where placing me with the two people I was most in a rage with was not her smartest move. That is right! Stephen and Bill get most of my rage directed at them. I don't honestly think Bill notices a difference. But, it really does hurt Stephen.
I really just want to feel better. I see, in my future, a trip to the ER in Columbia. This is not fair, in my opinion. I just want to feel better. Urgent Care says they can not do anything further. My family doctor is unable, for reasons beyond my understanding, to see me. They *meaning Urgent Care* want me to see a Pulmonary specialist... but they cannot refer me to one... has to be my family doctor who WON'T without seeing me, which he won't. So, Urgent Care tells me my only other option is the ER, get better treatment, and they (the ER) can refer me to a Pulmonary specialist. SIGH! I just want the steroid hell to end and I also want to feel like I can breathe. Wish me luck... and probably need to pray the family gets through this in one piece.
I really just want to feel better. I see, in my future, a trip to the ER in Columbia. This is not fair, in my opinion. I just want to feel better. Urgent Care says they can not do anything further. My family doctor is unable, for reasons beyond my understanding, to see me. They *meaning Urgent Care* want me to see a Pulmonary specialist... but they cannot refer me to one... has to be my family doctor who WON'T without seeing me, which he won't. So, Urgent Care tells me my only other option is the ER, get better treatment, and they (the ER) can refer me to a Pulmonary specialist. SIGH! I just want the steroid hell to end and I also want to feel like I can breathe. Wish me luck... and probably need to pray the family gets through this in one piece.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Promises
I have always hated the idea that, in my world, promises made seem to become promises broken. I really dislike when someone says they will do something and it doesn't happen. Usually it doesn't occur for a reason... and I can accept that... but I just really hate that it keeps happening over and over and over again. There are people in my life right now that I should just assume their word means about as much as a steaming pile of dog crap! Sorry.... just really annoyed right now.
I still feel really sick. After my doctor's appt. yesterday, it was suggested by the doctor that my next step is the local ER. I just really hate using the ER as a way to get seen by a specialist faster than how others get it. I wish there were a way insurance companies and doctors could all just get along.
With broken promises and the fact I feel so sick, I am thinking the best thing to do would be to curl up in a ball and just "lose touch" for a short time. I just don't want to do this game any more.
I still feel really sick. After my doctor's appt. yesterday, it was suggested by the doctor that my next step is the local ER. I just really hate using the ER as a way to get seen by a specialist faster than how others get it. I wish there were a way insurance companies and doctors could all just get along.
With broken promises and the fact I feel so sick, I am thinking the best thing to do would be to curl up in a ball and just "lose touch" for a short time. I just don't want to do this game any more.
Friday, December 7, 2007
On the subject of in-laws
My husband and I had a conversation late last night/early this morning. What EXACTLY is an in law? Websters defines it as "person related by marriage or by another legal tie". In early documents, particularly pre-1700, in-law might indicate any relationship under the law; i.e., a man's father in law might be his wife's father or might be his mother's husband (step-father). His brother in law might be his sister's husband, his wife's brother, her sister's husband, or his own step- or half-brother!
So, once again, what is an in-law? What part do they play? What was the intended part an in-law should play? I know that in some minds, an in-law is the outcast forced upon a family by a marriage. But, is that a fair judgment? What did the in-law do to become a "cast" off, "NON real" family member? I consider my in laws to be an extension of my family. Matter of fact, I think they ARE my family. My sister and brother in law are great people whom I admire greatly. My grandmother in laws' are great ladies whom I enjoy spending time with. My father in law, knowledgeable as he is, is a wealth of great information. And I enjoy the company of my mother in law. She is smart and friendly and we share a lot of the same interests.
I sometimes feel that the label "in-law" gives the wrong idea of who or what expectations people have. Before I married, I was warned time and time again about how I may like my future in laws then, but wait til I marry. They will morph into heinous, evil shrew like beings who resent my intrusion into their simple family. WAIT A SECOND? Does this mean I don't get to be a family member???? For the record, I am still waiting for the evil shrew people to appear 2 plus years later. I have given up hopes of capturing their likeness to send to the National Enquirer!
Family is family. We can love those who share our blood (as I do my biological mother) as much as we do those who don't (my parents, my cousins, my husband, MIL, FIL, SIL, and BIL). Adoption proves that blood isn't the end all to end alls to defining family. My cousins are just as much my family as I would have been had we shared a blood tie. No one ever treated me differently growing up because of the blood tie. Why should there be a different way to treat people due to a relationship by marriage? End of RANT!
So, once again, what is an in-law? What part do they play? What was the intended part an in-law should play? I know that in some minds, an in-law is the outcast forced upon a family by a marriage. But, is that a fair judgment? What did the in-law do to become a "cast" off, "NON real" family member? I consider my in laws to be an extension of my family. Matter of fact, I think they ARE my family. My sister and brother in law are great people whom I admire greatly. My grandmother in laws' are great ladies whom I enjoy spending time with. My father in law, knowledgeable as he is, is a wealth of great information. And I enjoy the company of my mother in law. She is smart and friendly and we share a lot of the same interests.
I sometimes feel that the label "in-law" gives the wrong idea of who or what expectations people have. Before I married, I was warned time and time again about how I may like my future in laws then, but wait til I marry. They will morph into heinous, evil shrew like beings who resent my intrusion into their simple family. WAIT A SECOND? Does this mean I don't get to be a family member???? For the record, I am still waiting for the evil shrew people to appear 2 plus years later. I have given up hopes of capturing their likeness to send to the National Enquirer!
Family is family. We can love those who share our blood (as I do my biological mother) as much as we do those who don't (my parents, my cousins, my husband, MIL, FIL, SIL, and BIL). Adoption proves that blood isn't the end all to end alls to defining family. My cousins are just as much my family as I would have been had we shared a blood tie. No one ever treated me differently growing up because of the blood tie. Why should there be a different way to treat people due to a relationship by marriage? End of RANT!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Popcorn Chicken and Tin Man!
As I am still ill (really great cough!), I am not into doing much cooking right now. My Stephen had a fondness for Popcorn Chicken. I really had never tried it before a couple months ago. I put it up there on the orange processed chicken "voluntary" ban I've had since college when I think I was living on the orangish chicken genre. Being ill has caused me to have a new respect for Popcorn Chicken. It is so easy to dump some in a bowl, zap it, and eat! And, that warmth makes me feel nice and comfy. Sad, isn't it!
I just finished grading tests for my mother in law as my Stephen and I compete in a coughing for distance contest (think about this one for a second). I don't know which one of us sounds worse. He sounds like he is coughing up a lung. I just sound like I'm trying to hack up a furrball and cannot breathe. My cough, unlike Stephen's, has a follow up rumble that sounds remarkably like thunder. I am still fighting with the insurance company so I can get follow up because they don't want me to go back to urgent care (my family physician won't see me). Wish me luck!
Did any of you see Sci-Fi channel's mini series Tin Man? I finally finished watching it yesterday. As a L. Frank Baum fan, the show was not a great show. But, if I looked at it as just a mini series... I really enjoyed it. It also gave me an opportunity to try and record using the new DVD player (old one BROKE due a Dark Shadows marathon a couple months ago). The characters in the mini series had recognizable plot traits to the old Wizard of Oz storylines. I did find myself looking forward to watching. I like Alan Cummings, as an actor. I also like Zooey Deschanel (as well as her talented sister Emily and mother Mary Jo). I would watch a movie with either Alan or Zooey any day.
I hope I feel better soon. It is getting harder to get motivated to move when one feels as if they are coughing up a lung.
I just finished grading tests for my mother in law as my Stephen and I compete in a coughing for distance contest (think about this one for a second). I don't know which one of us sounds worse. He sounds like he is coughing up a lung. I just sound like I'm trying to hack up a furrball and cannot breathe. My cough, unlike Stephen's, has a follow up rumble that sounds remarkably like thunder. I am still fighting with the insurance company so I can get follow up because they don't want me to go back to urgent care (my family physician won't see me). Wish me luck!
Did any of you see Sci-Fi channel's mini series Tin Man? I finally finished watching it yesterday. As a L. Frank Baum fan, the show was not a great show. But, if I looked at it as just a mini series... I really enjoyed it. It also gave me an opportunity to try and record using the new DVD player (old one BROKE due a Dark Shadows marathon a couple months ago). The characters in the mini series had recognizable plot traits to the old Wizard of Oz storylines. I did find myself looking forward to watching. I like Alan Cummings, as an actor. I also like Zooey Deschanel (as well as her talented sister Emily and mother Mary Jo). I would watch a movie with either Alan or Zooey any day.
I hope I feel better soon. It is getting harder to get motivated to move when one feels as if they are coughing up a lung.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Canceled Appt. and the Whole Dang Rigmarole
My mother in law called about 45 minutes ago to inform me, due to snow, I needed to call my doctor and cancel my appt. with him this evening. Sometimes I think it would be easier to cut off a body part than to get a call into Dr. A.! I called his voice mail and left a msg for him. I then called the main switchboard to make sure they handed him a paper msg (in case he doesn't check his voice mail). They made me talk to one of his "partners", who said that I was being "lazy" and "am not committed to my treatment". You know what? That hurt! I want nothing to get in the way of getting my treatments and, if the snow hadn't caused my mother in law to want to cancel, we would have been there EARLY.
I really would like to know how much more someone can be committed to their own treatment. I do whatever they ask of me. The family drives an hour ONE WAY to these bimonthly appointments. I just don't get it.
Although, I must admit, I really did need to see the doctor today. We really will have a lot to talk about when the appt. gets rescheduled. I just hope we can all cope until the rescheduled appt.
I really would like to know how much more someone can be committed to their own treatment. I do whatever they ask of me. The family drives an hour ONE WAY to these bimonthly appointments. I just don't get it.
Although, I must admit, I really did need to see the doctor today. We really will have a lot to talk about when the appt. gets rescheduled. I just hope we can all cope until the rescheduled appt.
Argggg!!! Where does the disrespect end?
Back to the rant about the treatment of in laws. My old friend read what I wrote yesterday and sent me yet another bashing mother in law story:
This one honestly sickens me. What must we do as a group to rid the world of the negative connotation in law screams to most people. I really don't think I am that unusual that I have in laws that I love and respect. I mean, J. and Bill are good people who deserve to be treated with respect from all that know them. I look forward to time spent with each of them. I look at the story above as helping to feed the negativity and I refuse to not comment on how wrong this is!
There was a married couple who were in a terrible accident. The woman's face was burned severely. The doctor told the husband they couldn't graft any skin from her body because she was so thin. The husband then donated some of his skin.
However, the only place suitable to the doctor was from his buttocks. The husband requested that no one be told of this, because after all this was a very delicate matter.
After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the woman's new beauty. She looked more beautiful than she ever did before! All her friends and relatives just ranted and raved at her youthful beauty.
She was alone with her husband one day, and she wanted to thank him for what he did. She said, "Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. There is no way I could ever repay you."
The husband replied, "Oh don't worry, Honey. I get plenty thanks enough every time your mother comes over and kisses you on your cheek!"
This one honestly sickens me. What must we do as a group to rid the world of the negative connotation in law screams to most people. I really don't think I am that unusual that I have in laws that I love and respect. I mean, J. and Bill are good people who deserve to be treated with respect from all that know them. I look forward to time spent with each of them. I look at the story above as helping to feed the negativity and I refuse to not comment on how wrong this is!
For The Love of Poptarts!
Here I was hoping that, by today, this blasted cough/chest tightness would go away. I mean, I just finished a round of steroids and antibiotics. One would think this crackling, hacking, cruddy cough would go away soon. Oh, well. I'll keep taking the Iophen at night and hope that the cough improves daily and NEXT week I can resume my life.
I have decided that, no matter how much I love Poptarts, Sunny D and PopTarts do NOT make a good meal more than once a day. I mean, it isn't like I am using a bad poptart flavor (I like unfrosted Cinnamon). All I wanted, while sick, was to be able to grab something and sit down and eat it. I have discovered that too many poptarts are not a good thing. You start to dread eating them and they begin to taste like the cardboard box the arrived in. I think that poptarts will be off my "diet" once I feel better because I really am at the point I never want to see another one.
My rant for today also includes the fact that I am getting tired of some of the Tony Award Winning Musicals from 1976 to present. I love Broadway. Have been to see Phantom on Broadway more than once/Les Miz once/and saw the Producers on Broadway sitting next to my husband's grandmother. Speaking of the Producers and Stephen's grandmother... I still get a kick out of the fact her favorite part was the "mock risque" behind the sofa sex scene between Leo and Ulla. The joy of the musical was listening to her talk about why she liked it. Anyway, back to my rant. I like Avenue Q and Putnam County Spelling Bee music. But, I am getting tired of constantly hearing "Magic Foot" and "Everyone Is A Little Bit Racist" every time I turn on the Broadway station. From 1976 to present, there have been MANY excellent musicals. I mean, I would expect to hear My Fair Lady (1976), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1986), and Miss Saigon (1991) along with the "current" winners. But, they focus on the last 5 years despite the channel title. I just want to hear something that is classic, for once.
Stephen's semester finally seems to be winding down. He is turning in projects and papers he has worked on all semester. Graduation seems so reachable. I try to remember what I was thinking when I reached this pregraduation point in my life. I realized quickly that my situation was WAY different. (A) I was working a 60 hour work week as a Intern Teacher. (B) I had already solidified the fact I was graduating... my coursework was DONE! (C) I had more to worry about in how to afford my apartment and food on the pay I got as an intern than graduation. I seem to remember MORE about how I felt at this point in getting my Masters. I was so ready for it to be over. And I was in the middle of writing a 500 page project/thesis on Reading and Literacy. I just wanted it to be written and get the final grade (was just hoping to maintain the 4.0, too) and march across the stage to get the degree. Hopefully Stephen will enjoy his last semester (Spring) and the walk will come quickly for him.
I have decided that, no matter how much I love Poptarts, Sunny D and PopTarts do NOT make a good meal more than once a day. I mean, it isn't like I am using a bad poptart flavor (I like unfrosted Cinnamon). All I wanted, while sick, was to be able to grab something and sit down and eat it. I have discovered that too many poptarts are not a good thing. You start to dread eating them and they begin to taste like the cardboard box the arrived in. I think that poptarts will be off my "diet" once I feel better because I really am at the point I never want to see another one.
My rant for today also includes the fact that I am getting tired of some of the Tony Award Winning Musicals from 1976 to present. I love Broadway. Have been to see Phantom on Broadway more than once/Les Miz once/and saw the Producers on Broadway sitting next to my husband's grandmother. Speaking of the Producers and Stephen's grandmother... I still get a kick out of the fact her favorite part was the "mock risque" behind the sofa sex scene between Leo and Ulla. The joy of the musical was listening to her talk about why she liked it. Anyway, back to my rant. I like Avenue Q and Putnam County Spelling Bee music. But, I am getting tired of constantly hearing "Magic Foot" and "Everyone Is A Little Bit Racist" every time I turn on the Broadway station. From 1976 to present, there have been MANY excellent musicals. I mean, I would expect to hear My Fair Lady (1976), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1986), and Miss Saigon (1991) along with the "current" winners. But, they focus on the last 5 years despite the channel title. I just want to hear something that is classic, for once.
Stephen's semester finally seems to be winding down. He is turning in projects and papers he has worked on all semester. Graduation seems so reachable. I try to remember what I was thinking when I reached this pregraduation point in my life. I realized quickly that my situation was WAY different. (A) I was working a 60 hour work week as a Intern Teacher. (B) I had already solidified the fact I was graduating... my coursework was DONE! (C) I had more to worry about in how to afford my apartment and food on the pay I got as an intern than graduation. I seem to remember MORE about how I felt at this point in getting my Masters. I was so ready for it to be over. And I was in the middle of writing a 500 page project/thesis on Reading and Literacy. I just wanted it to be written and get the final grade (was just hoping to maintain the 4.0, too) and march across the stage to get the degree. Hopefully Stephen will enjoy his last semester (Spring) and the walk will come quickly for him.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Patron Saint of Cheesecakes
I know this is an odd idea for a post. However, while I was on my rant about how the world makes MIL stories evil, I wanted to know why a majority of Sister In Law stories are also evil? Is it just a female thing that we are bred to be evil to other "less than worthy" suitors of our siblings? If that is true, am I ever glad my Sister In Law isn't like that in the least. I have a great SIL. She is, as the title suggests, The Patron Saint of Cheesecakes! Every holiday, birthday, or special event is christened with a cheesecake from this talented food artist. My husband looks forward to these cheesecakes in a way he looks forward to nothing else in this world.
When I met my SIL, my husband was unsure whether or not she'd like me. I had high hopes that she would like me. It turned out to be a non-issue. I adored her from the start and am pleased to call her my friend and hope someday that the use of "in law" will not be necessary. I always wanted a smart, intelligent sibling! I gained that and so much more when Stephen's sister accepted me. I also gained an awesome niece, two nephews, and a great brother in law who served as the "Best Man" at our wedding. Am I ever lucky!
Why is it that no one has nice things to say about in laws? Why am I the only one in America to recognize this is truly unfair!
When I met my SIL, my husband was unsure whether or not she'd like me. I had high hopes that she would like me. It turned out to be a non-issue. I adored her from the start and am pleased to call her my friend and hope someday that the use of "in law" will not be necessary. I always wanted a smart, intelligent sibling! I gained that and so much more when Stephen's sister accepted me. I also gained an awesome niece, two nephews, and a great brother in law who served as the "Best Man" at our wedding. Am I ever lucky!
Why is it that no one has nice things to say about in laws? Why am I the only one in America to recognize this is truly unfair!
The FIRST of Many!
I was sitting at my computer this morning when I received "it". "It" was an email from an old friend. Although my old friend meant well, she included mother in law jokes at the bottom.
-"What's the definition of mixed emotions?
When you see your new mother-in law backing off a cliff in your new Mercedes."
-"Last week my husband and I went car shopping. The salesman asked if I wanted a car with an Airbag. I said, "No thanks. I already have a mother-in-law."
Now, don't get me wrong. These are "kinda" funny, in general. I just don't understand the total disrespect for "Mother In Law". Anyone who knows me knows I have a really great Mother In Law. Jane is a great lady whom I love and respect. Heck, I don't think I could love her more if she WERE my mother! Why can't I log onto the computer and read site after site about people who absolutely adore their spouse's mother! I mean, I looked for about 10 minutes and the best I could come up with was some lady whose Mother in Law makes her husband biscotti and sends her some of her favorite, too. Ummm... Ernie K. Doe it isn't. But, it still seems sad that more people don't have great things to say about their in-laws.
I wish I understood the great Mother In Law debate. Mine is a wonderful person and I would guess that the large majority of MIL are really nice people who just want to see their children happy with the person who makes them happiest. Why would my MIL hate me if I make her son happy? That makes no sense! In my case, my husband (Stephen) makes me happier than I feel I have any right to be. Sometimes I think he could do a lot better than me. But, his mother has never treated me as if I was dirt on her shoes or anything less than worthy.
Before I close this first post, let me share one more MIL story... how I met my MIL for the first time.
I had known my future husband 6 years before I met his mother. I lived in another state and Stephen's relationship with me got the point where he was talking marriage. My parents had met him several times. I had no clue he had never MENTIONED me once to his family (his explanation was that he didn't want to mention something if it were not serious). Two days before my visit, he mentions to his mother that she might want to clean the house because he is bringing home someone to meet her. I cannot imagine how J. must have felt at that moment. Before meeting J., I asked Stephen if his mother would like me (the evil mother in law thoughts had crossed my mind... I wanted to be friends with this woman, if I could). He claimed he didn't know whether she would like me or not. Let me tell you, as a future daughter in law, the last thing you want to hear is that your in laws MAY not like you. And you suddenly wonder what it is about you that they won't like. The day I was to meet J., I was so nervous. I dreaded dinner (in which I had been invited to). I had met everyone else who was important in Stephen's life and they all "assured" me J. would like me. But, I kept thinking Stephen wasn't so sure. Therefore, when I finally did meet the kind J., I made a complete idiot of myself. Or in my own mind, I did. She told me I should have stayed with them (I was staying in a local motel). My response? "Thank you for the offer. But you all need time to discuss me without me being here!" *BANG HEAD AGAINST WALL* What was I thinking?
Needless to say, my mother in law didn't see this as being the unforgivable sin. After I moved to the area, I commuted with her to and from work. She sat by my side during an ER visit after a botched lumbar puncture. She helped me pick out music for the wedding. In general, she went out of her way to be friendly and helpful. I feel lucky to consider her family... as well as one of my friends. I am not always sure she feels the same way about me. But, we have a better relationship than the ones you view on the internet.
Now... if only I could teach my husband how to respond when I ask him if someone will like me!! Or maybe I need to learn how to be confident that people will like me because I'm an ok person!
-"What's the definition of mixed emotions?
When you see your new mother-in law backing off a cliff in your new Mercedes."
-"Last week my husband and I went car shopping. The salesman asked if I wanted a car with an Airbag. I said, "No thanks. I already have a mother-in-law."
Now, don't get me wrong. These are "kinda" funny, in general. I just don't understand the total disrespect for "Mother In Law". Anyone who knows me knows I have a really great Mother In Law. Jane is a great lady whom I love and respect. Heck, I don't think I could love her more if she WERE my mother! Why can't I log onto the computer and read site after site about people who absolutely adore their spouse's mother! I mean, I looked for about 10 minutes and the best I could come up with was some lady whose Mother in Law makes her husband biscotti and sends her some of her favorite, too. Ummm... Ernie K. Doe it isn't. But, it still seems sad that more people don't have great things to say about their in-laws.
I wish I understood the great Mother In Law debate. Mine is a wonderful person and I would guess that the large majority of MIL are really nice people who just want to see their children happy with the person who makes them happiest. Why would my MIL hate me if I make her son happy? That makes no sense! In my case, my husband (Stephen) makes me happier than I feel I have any right to be. Sometimes I think he could do a lot better than me. But, his mother has never treated me as if I was dirt on her shoes or anything less than worthy.
Before I close this first post, let me share one more MIL story... how I met my MIL for the first time.
I had known my future husband 6 years before I met his mother. I lived in another state and Stephen's relationship with me got the point where he was talking marriage. My parents had met him several times. I had no clue he had never MENTIONED me once to his family (his explanation was that he didn't want to mention something if it were not serious). Two days before my visit, he mentions to his mother that she might want to clean the house because he is bringing home someone to meet her. I cannot imagine how J. must have felt at that moment. Before meeting J., I asked Stephen if his mother would like me (the evil mother in law thoughts had crossed my mind... I wanted to be friends with this woman, if I could). He claimed he didn't know whether she would like me or not. Let me tell you, as a future daughter in law, the last thing you want to hear is that your in laws MAY not like you. And you suddenly wonder what it is about you that they won't like. The day I was to meet J., I was so nervous. I dreaded dinner (in which I had been invited to). I had met everyone else who was important in Stephen's life and they all "assured" me J. would like me. But, I kept thinking Stephen wasn't so sure. Therefore, when I finally did meet the kind J., I made a complete idiot of myself. Or in my own mind, I did. She told me I should have stayed with them (I was staying in a local motel). My response? "Thank you for the offer. But you all need time to discuss me without me being here!" *BANG HEAD AGAINST WALL* What was I thinking?
Needless to say, my mother in law didn't see this as being the unforgivable sin. After I moved to the area, I commuted with her to and from work. She sat by my side during an ER visit after a botched lumbar puncture. She helped me pick out music for the wedding. In general, she went out of her way to be friendly and helpful. I feel lucky to consider her family... as well as one of my friends. I am not always sure she feels the same way about me. But, we have a better relationship than the ones you view on the internet.
Now... if only I could teach my husband how to respond when I ask him if someone will like me!! Or maybe I need to learn how to be confident that people will like me because I'm an ok person!
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