GOINGS ON
Sorry for the lack of updates recently. Here's a quick rundown:
1. The temp job lasted four days. Then they said they were all caught up and thank you but today is your last day and yes we know it's a quarter to four and we made this decision this morning but hey you're just a temp so piss off.
2. But the hourly wage was awesome, so I wrote a nice email to the HR person the next day and told her to please keep me in mind for future positions. Maybe just not in the legal department. Okay, definitely not in legal...at least, not with the people I was working with before. So she called me this week to work a three-week assignment starting next Monday. I don't want to work over spring break - the kids were already shafted by last year's spring break [Tnk's accident kept me at the hospital all week] and I really wanted to spend time with the kids this year. So I told her I was booked up through the 26th but to please call me if anything comes up after that time.
3. Kids are happy I'm home when they get off the bus.
4. I was very sick last week, so I was glad to be home, too.
5. This week, no sickness. So I finally painted the kids' bathroom. So long, ugly-ass wallpaper!
6. My soon-to-be-ex sister-in-law is bringing my nephew to town tomorrow night. I can't wait to see them. Unfortunately, they're leaving Saturday afternoon, so the visit will be much too short.
7. After a two-month absence, our lawn guys finally showed up today. Yes, we may be spoiled, but I do love not having to weed the damned gardens. I am so not a green thumb.
8. I pity the lawn guys for the dog crap in the backyard, though. Sorry, LGs.
9. The garage door opener quit working two weeks ago. This is a major tragedy. I've had to cart groceries all the way from the driveway to the front door, which, let me tell you, is a real PITA.
10. Yep, definitely spoiled.
11. Garage door fixer-man is due here within the next hour or two. Our springs need adjusting before we can replace the opener (the door will not stay up by itself), and that's not a job for a regular joe. Sixty-five bucks for the guy to tweak the spring. Ahhh, the humanity. I'm going to have to kick my Grocery Game savings into high gear in order to make up for the costs incurred this week.
12. Grocery game savings last Sunday: a little over 51%. Shelf price: $81; my cost: $39.
13. I've got lots of cleaning to do before my SIL gets here tomorrow night. Naturally, here I sit at the computer...
14. I have decided to do a little NaBloPoMo of my own for March. I slacked off so much in February that I decided to kick myself into gear this month. A post a day is my plan. Think I can do it?
15. How've y'all been?
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Saturday, February 17, 2007
PASS THE BUCK
Here in these parts, and maybe in other parts, too, there exists a shopping establishment called "The 99-cent Only Store." The concept is fabulous - everything is 99 cents. Or less, sometimes, which kinda makes the store name misleading. But I'm not complaining.
Their advertisements run weekly in the Houston Chronicle. Now, popular belief would dictate that with everything costing less than a buck, the store wouldn't have a very big marketing budget. But their ads are definitely eye-catching - and often funny as hell.
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A few weeks ago, when David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy soccer team, this was their ad:
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I wasn't sure if they'd be able to top that, but this week's Valentine's Day ad was a two-parter that made me choke on my coffee:
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Hope you all had a Valentine's Day full of Good Choices!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
So I got tired of talking about my vajayjay and "the twins" and decided to head in a new direction with this post. Fortunately, I've got new stuff to say.
I got a job.
Yes, really.
I'll be working at an established company in their Legal Department, which I've never done before. Fortunately, the duties, as they were described to me, sound right up my alley. I'm proficient in Word, familiar with Excel, can probably do various other tasks as requested (what does that MEAN?), and am darned professional-lookin' when I gussy myself up.
The beauty of this job is that it's a temporary position. Meaning, I could be employed two weeks or two months or two parsecs (I'm taking Star Wars liberties with the latter word being used to describe time instead of distance). Anyway, I got a call today from the HR person to whom I'd sent my résumé a couple of weeks ago. She asked if I'd be interested in temping for them. Which is the same company DH works for. And they'd pay me a whopping amount of money per hour.
Uh, yeah, I think I can handle that.
Starting tomorrow.
[gulp]
I'm still going to be able to take off for my mammogram on Monday, too.
I'm excited and very nervous at the same time. It's cool that hubby and I will be able to make use of Houston's HOV lane, thus bypassing all the poor drivers on the main lanes. We should be able to get to work and home in near-record time. Hubby's mom even volunteered to come over and meet the kids' school buses every day - which was a load off my shoulders, let me tell you.
On the other hand, I'm nervous as hell about how I'll do in a business environment after all these years.
Tomorrow's the big day, so I'd better get off here and decide what to wear. The attire is "business formal," which in plain English means "pantyhose required."
Oh crud, do I even have any pantyhose?
Wish me luck!
So I got tired of talking about my vajayjay and "the twins" and decided to head in a new direction with this post. Fortunately, I've got new stuff to say.
I got a job.
Yes, really.
I'll be working at an established company in their Legal Department, which I've never done before. Fortunately, the duties, as they were described to me, sound right up my alley. I'm proficient in Word, familiar with Excel, can probably do various other tasks as requested (what does that MEAN?), and am darned professional-lookin' when I gussy myself up.
The beauty of this job is that it's a temporary position. Meaning, I could be employed two weeks or two months or two parsecs (I'm taking Star Wars liberties with the latter word being used to describe time instead of distance). Anyway, I got a call today from the HR person to whom I'd sent my résumé a couple of weeks ago. She asked if I'd be interested in temping for them. Which is the same company DH works for. And they'd pay me a whopping amount of money per hour.
Uh, yeah, I think I can handle that.
Starting tomorrow.
[gulp]
I'm still going to be able to take off for my mammogram on Monday, too.
I'm excited and very nervous at the same time. It's cool that hubby and I will be able to make use of Houston's HOV lane, thus bypassing all the poor drivers on the main lanes. We should be able to get to work and home in near-record time. Hubby's mom even volunteered to come over and meet the kids' school buses every day - which was a load off my shoulders, let me tell you.
On the other hand, I'm nervous as hell about how I'll do in a business environment after all these years.
Tomorrow's the big day, so I'd better get off here and decide what to wear. The attire is "business formal," which in plain English means "pantyhose required."
Oh crud, do I even have any pantyhose?
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
PAPS ARE JUST AS MUCH FUN AS I REMEMBERED
Today I went for the first female checkup I've had since Clinton was in office. Fortunately, my doctor is the nicest person ever to scrape my cervix.
Dr. M did not judge me for waiting so long between appointments, which I really appreciated. Her comment was, "you're here now; that's what's important." She apologized for having cold hands during my breast exam, then again for taking 20 seconds to finish the pap smear and HPV test. Doc, I completely forgive you.
The urinalysis results showed that I have an infection, about which I was completely unaware. Therefore, I have a prescription to fill for antibiotics. Whee, orange pee, here I come.
The tactile breast exam showed two lumps in my left breast, and one in my right. The doctor said she's truly not concerned, yet she scheduled me for a mammogram next Monday. Now, I'm pushing 40, so I was going to have a baseline done this year anyway, but on the order form for the mammogram, she didn't check the "routine screening/asymptomatic" box. Instead, the scarier "diagnostic imaging/consultation" box is checked. She also asks, under "Additional Services," for a "breast ultrasound" of both breasts.
What freaks me out the most is that she drew in little masses on the preprinted breast diagram. Yep, two on the left; one on the right. Check.
After my exam, I was sent in for bloodwork. I had a feeling they'd go ahead and order blood screens today, so in preparation, I did not eat beforehand. In fact, I hadn't eaten since 6:30 last night, so by this time (11:15ish a.m.) I was feeling kinda weak. Somehow, the blood draw didn't seem to help that feeling.
I stopped for a baked potato on the way home because I was starving, but when I got here, I was only able to finish half of it. I'm actually feeling sick right now, and I've got a mother of a headache brewing. I can't get comfortable, which is really frustrating.
On the up side, I've lost six pounds since the last time I saw Dr. M. She made my day by saying, "yeah, like you needed to lose weight." Told you she was sweet.
Today I went for the first female checkup I've had since Clinton was in office. Fortunately, my doctor is the nicest person ever to scrape my cervix.
Dr. M did not judge me for waiting so long between appointments, which I really appreciated. Her comment was, "you're here now; that's what's important." She apologized for having cold hands during my breast exam, then again for taking 20 seconds to finish the pap smear and HPV test. Doc, I completely forgive you.
The urinalysis results showed that I have an infection, about which I was completely unaware. Therefore, I have a prescription to fill for antibiotics. Whee, orange pee, here I come.
The tactile breast exam showed two lumps in my left breast, and one in my right. The doctor said she's truly not concerned, yet she scheduled me for a mammogram next Monday. Now, I'm pushing 40, so I was going to have a baseline done this year anyway, but on the order form for the mammogram, she didn't check the "routine screening/asymptomatic" box. Instead, the scarier "diagnostic imaging/consultation" box is checked. She also asks, under "Additional Services," for a "breast ultrasound" of both breasts.
What freaks me out the most is that she drew in little masses on the preprinted breast diagram. Yep, two on the left; one on the right. Check.
After my exam, I was sent in for bloodwork. I had a feeling they'd go ahead and order blood screens today, so in preparation, I did not eat beforehand. In fact, I hadn't eaten since 6:30 last night, so by this time (11:15ish a.m.) I was feeling kinda weak. Somehow, the blood draw didn't seem to help that feeling.
I stopped for a baked potato on the way home because I was starving, but when I got here, I was only able to finish half of it. I'm actually feeling sick right now, and I've got a mother of a headache brewing. I can't get comfortable, which is really frustrating.
On the up side, I've lost six pounds since the last time I saw Dr. M. She made my day by saying, "yeah, like you needed to lose weight." Told you she was sweet.
Monday, February 12, 2007
THANKS
- To Katie, whose blog post made me list my own confessions, including the one in which I admitted that I'm years overdue for a pap.
- To Pez, for persuading me to schedule an appointment.
- To hubby, for taking the new job with the rockin' insurance and low co-pays.
- To my favorite doctor, for being available tomorrow morning at 10:10 a.m.
- To me, for finally taking care of myself. It's about time.
- To Katie, whose blog post made me list my own confessions, including the one in which I admitted that I'm years overdue for a pap.
- To Pez, for persuading me to schedule an appointment.
- To hubby, for taking the new job with the rockin' insurance and low co-pays.
- To my favorite doctor, for being available tomorrow morning at 10:10 a.m.
- To me, for finally taking care of myself. It's about time.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL, RIGHT?
Katie may or may not be a good influence. No matter; today I am copying her blogging idea - confessions. None of these are earth-shattering, but they do impact my tiny little world. And here we go...
- I wear my jeans for a long time between washings. We're talking weeks here - possibly a couple of months. If they get visibly dirty, I toss them into the laundry; otherwise, I just toss them over the box fan that's sitting in my closet and call it all good.
- My closet is huge, and also messy. The aforementioned box fan is not plugged in nor useful. It's purpose is apparently to serve as a small horizontal surface that I can put crap on top of. I have an old stereo in there that serves the same purpose.
- My kiddos, save K, do not shower every day. They're all capable of doing it all by themselves, but I hardly ever think about it in time to remind them before bed, so they don't. Twice a week is pretty good around here. K, who hit puberty last year and apparently discovered that teenagers sweat and thus stink, showers every single night. Pey and Ry aren't far behind him in age, so I figure they'll start showering regularly soon enough.
- It's been like six years since I've visited the dentist. Fortunately, I seem to have naturally good teeth. (Hope I didn't just jinx myself there.)
- It has been much MUCH too long since I've had a female exam. I am deeply ashamed, and promise to make an appointment soon, sis.
- My kids are old enough to make their own lunches, clip their own fingernails, and do know our address, so I can't make those claims. Anymore. heh
- I throw out my kids' schoolwork and artwork all the time. Not everything; but definitely most things. Apparently I also feel guilty about it because I still wait until the kids aren't home to start purging - and then I top the artwork with used coffee filters or waffle boxes or some other non-transparent item so that they don't notice.
- I hate doing laundry with a passion. I mean, you won't find another person on this planet who hates it more than I do. Thursday night, Ry told me he had no jeans to wear the next day. So I pulled out a couple of pairs of jeans for each kid (from the enormous mound of laundry sitting three feet from the washing machine) and did a load of jeans. Friday, K said he had no more underwear. This time, I started a whole load, but when it came time for K's shower, I just pulled out two pairs of clean underwear from the washer and tossed them into the dryer with the aforementioned jeans...Oh man, please tell me I'm not the only one who's done that.
Friday, February 09, 2007
127
That's the number of scrapbook pages I completed at last weekend's crop. That sounds like a lot, and it is, but believe it or not it only got me up to May 2006. I'm still behind (like 400+pictures-behind), but this is the most caught up I've ever been. I even won a prize for Most Completed Pages. Alert the Pulitzer committee.
8.5
That's the number of hours sleep I got last weekend, divided up thusly: 3.5 hours Friday night (Saturday morning, actually); 5 hours Saturday night (Sunday, actually). I took five meal breaks at approximately 12 minutes each (the food was catered, so there was no prep/cleanup time involved; thank you, paid help). I left the hall for about 20 minutes Saturday afternoon to take a shower because I was feeling crop-grungy, then I left once more for 35 minutes to drive home and get some warmer clothes and socks.
2135
The number of minutes I cropped over the weekend. That's a lot of minutes, and it works out to what, about 35 hours? Daaaaang.
5
The number of hours I'm going to work on scrapbooks tonight. My friend, a Creative Memories consultant who set up last weekend's crop, is apparently a glutton for punishment. She's hosting a five-hour gathering at her house tonight, and I am apparently insane because I'm looking forward to it.
2.25
The number hours until Pey's Brownie troop gets here for our monthly meeting. Up until 8:15 last night, I had no idea what we'd do at today's meeting, but then another leader mentioned a Valentine's Day party. No working toward a patch or anything otherwise formal; just fun. Sounds perfect to me. Maybe I can catch a nap while they decorate cards...
That's the number of scrapbook pages I completed at last weekend's crop. That sounds like a lot, and it is, but believe it or not it only got me up to May 2006. I'm still behind (like 400+pictures-behind), but this is the most caught up I've ever been. I even won a prize for Most Completed Pages. Alert the Pulitzer committee.
8.5
That's the number of hours sleep I got last weekend, divided up thusly: 3.5 hours Friday night (Saturday morning, actually); 5 hours Saturday night (Sunday, actually). I took five meal breaks at approximately 12 minutes each (the food was catered, so there was no prep/cleanup time involved; thank you, paid help). I left the hall for about 20 minutes Saturday afternoon to take a shower because I was feeling crop-grungy, then I left once more for 35 minutes to drive home and get some warmer clothes and socks.
2135
The number of minutes I cropped over the weekend. That's a lot of minutes, and it works out to what, about 35 hours? Daaaaang.
5
The number of hours I'm going to work on scrapbooks tonight. My friend, a Creative Memories consultant who set up last weekend's crop, is apparently a glutton for punishment. She's hosting a five-hour gathering at her house tonight, and I am apparently insane because I'm looking forward to it.
2.25
The number hours until Pey's Brownie troop gets here for our monthly meeting. Up until 8:15 last night, I had no idea what we'd do at today's meeting, but then another leader mentioned a Valentine's Day party. No working toward a patch or anything otherwise formal; just fun. Sounds perfect to me. Maybe I can catch a nap while they decorate cards...
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
195
That's how many pictures I finally uploaded to Snapfish from my digital camera. (How sad is that.) I am having them printed and shipped to me, and am hoping that they'll arrive before Friday, which is when I leave for my scrapbooking weekend. I've gotten emails that the order has been completed already, so hopefully the postal service will get them to my mailbox quickly.
In other news, I am seriously considering applying for a job opening that just popped up. I am actually excited at the prospect of going back to work, believe it or not. The kids are older now, and I recently realized that my days are spent doing absolutely nothing except hanging around the house in between school bus departures and arrivals. I mean, I do the laundry and such, but for the most part, I do ... well, not much. It's not that I don't want to do more; I just have little motivation. That is completely and totally a personal problem, I know; but it doesn't change the fact that I'm not exactly overwhelmed with my life right now.
I think the best thing to do first is hit my knees and pray about this. In my heart and gut it feels very right, but checking in with the big guy is always a good idea, too.
That's how many pictures I finally uploaded to Snapfish from my digital camera. (How sad is that.) I am having them printed and shipped to me, and am hoping that they'll arrive before Friday, which is when I leave for my scrapbooking weekend. I've gotten emails that the order has been completed already, so hopefully the postal service will get them to my mailbox quickly.
In other news, I am seriously considering applying for a job opening that just popped up. I am actually excited at the prospect of going back to work, believe it or not. The kids are older now, and I recently realized that my days are spent doing absolutely nothing except hanging around the house in between school bus departures and arrivals. I mean, I do the laundry and such, but for the most part, I do ... well, not much. It's not that I don't want to do more; I just have little motivation. That is completely and totally a personal problem, I know; but it doesn't change the fact that I'm not exactly overwhelmed with my life right now.
I think the best thing to do first is hit my knees and pray about this. In my heart and gut it feels very right, but checking in with the big guy is always a good idea, too.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
CROP!
Kimmer, I just read your blog and wanted to let you know that I feel ya on the scrapbooking - I'm going to a crop this weekend, and I can't wait! I leave Friday afternoon and don't come home until Sunday afternoon. Meals and lodging all included. Of course, the best part is hanging out with other moms like me. Wait, that's not right. The best part is someone cooking and cleaning for ME! lol
I try to do a weekend crop once or twice a year. It helps me make significant progress on my scrapbooks, but more than that, it helps me recharge my batteries. It's nice to not have to worry about anyone else for a couple of days. And I think hubby enjoys the "pass" it gives him to just hang out with the kids and not do anything productive for awhile. He works hard, and definitely deserves downtime.
It sounds weird to say that hubby's spending a weekend alone with the kids is "downtime." But our kids are old enough now (13, 10, 9) that they're not as much effort to take care of as they once were. That's nice in SO many ways...but I'll admit that sometimes I do miss their babyness.
Which brings me back to the crop. I can enjoy their cute little faces in photographs all weekend! :)
Kimmer, I just read your blog and wanted to let you know that I feel ya on the scrapbooking - I'm going to a crop this weekend, and I can't wait! I leave Friday afternoon and don't come home until Sunday afternoon. Meals and lodging all included. Of course, the best part is hanging out with other moms like me. Wait, that's not right. The best part is someone cooking and cleaning for ME! lol
I try to do a weekend crop once or twice a year. It helps me make significant progress on my scrapbooks, but more than that, it helps me recharge my batteries. It's nice to not have to worry about anyone else for a couple of days. And I think hubby enjoys the "pass" it gives him to just hang out with the kids and not do anything productive for awhile. He works hard, and definitely deserves downtime.
It sounds weird to say that hubby's spending a weekend alone with the kids is "downtime." But our kids are old enough now (13, 10, 9) that they're not as much effort to take care of as they once were. That's nice in SO many ways...but I'll admit that sometimes I do miss their babyness.
Which brings me back to the crop. I can enjoy their cute little faces in photographs all weekend! :)
Monday, January 29, 2007
WASSUP?
Nothing earth-shattering going on here, but I thought I should update anyway.
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Had lunch with my aunt last Friday. I only see her about twice a year, which is silly because we live in the same town and she works about ten minutes from my house. Anyway, it was great to visit with her, and I am looking forward to seeing her again before six more months pass by!
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Saturday afternoon I got a call from my soon-to-be-ex sister-in-law. She told me that she was bringing my nephew for a visit in March, and asked if they could stay with us for a couple of days. Needless to say, I am thrilled! I couldn't be happier that she still feels comfortable enough with our family to drive six hours for a visit. Yay!
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Last week sometime, I signed up with SparkPeople. It's a fantastic track-your-progress health and fitness site. You can keep track of what you eat, print healthy recipes, and even watch exercise videos right on your computer. I love it, and best of all, it's free. (I receive no kickbacks for referrals, y'all.)
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Sunday morning I made my weekly run to the grocery store. I bought:
Post Honey Bunches of Oats
Post Honey Bunches of Oats w/Almonds
1 lb. fresh green beans
1 head cabbage
1 large eggplant
Blue Diamond walnuts
Bottle of Propel water (free!)
Ragu spaghetti sauce
Quart of half & half
2 Blistex lip treatment (free!)
Large canister of Kroger oatmeal
2 The Works bathroom cleaner
2 Diet Big Red 2-liters
Dozen large eggs
2 boxes Nabisco whole grain Wheat Thins
2 boxes reduced-fat Ritz crackers
Fresh baby bella mushrooms
Kraft 3-cheese Crumbles
4 cans Grands biscuits
3 pkgs Philly reduced-fat cream cheese
4-pack Dannon low-carb yogurt
5 packages Totino's Pizza Rolls (all free!)
2 packs Birds Eye frozen green beans w/almonds
3 lbs ground beef
2 Glade Wisp starter kits
2 Glade Wisp refills
4 Glade aerosol room fresheners
Suave deodorant (free!)
4 Reach Max Fresh toothbrushes
Before card & coupons: $132.34
I paid: $49.49
Savings: $82.85
Nothing earth-shattering going on here, but I thought I should update anyway.
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Had lunch with my aunt last Friday. I only see her about twice a year, which is silly because we live in the same town and she works about ten minutes from my house. Anyway, it was great to visit with her, and I am looking forward to seeing her again before six more months pass by!
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Saturday afternoon I got a call from my soon-to-be-ex sister-in-law. She told me that she was bringing my nephew for a visit in March, and asked if they could stay with us for a couple of days. Needless to say, I am thrilled! I couldn't be happier that she still feels comfortable enough with our family to drive six hours for a visit. Yay!
--
Last week sometime, I signed up with SparkPeople. It's a fantastic track-your-progress health and fitness site. You can keep track of what you eat, print healthy recipes, and even watch exercise videos right on your computer. I love it, and best of all, it's free. (I receive no kickbacks for referrals, y'all.)
--
Sunday morning I made my weekly run to the grocery store. I bought:
Post Honey Bunches of Oats
Post Honey Bunches of Oats w/Almonds
1 lb. fresh green beans
1 head cabbage
1 large eggplant
Blue Diamond walnuts
Bottle of Propel water (free!)
Ragu spaghetti sauce
Quart of half & half
2 Blistex lip treatment (free!)
Large canister of Kroger oatmeal
2 The Works bathroom cleaner
2 Diet Big Red 2-liters
Dozen large eggs
2 boxes Nabisco whole grain Wheat Thins
2 boxes reduced-fat Ritz crackers
Fresh baby bella mushrooms
Kraft 3-cheese Crumbles
4 cans Grands biscuits
3 pkgs Philly reduced-fat cream cheese
4-pack Dannon low-carb yogurt
5 packages Totino's Pizza Rolls (all free!)
2 packs Birds Eye frozen green beans w/almonds
3 lbs ground beef
2 Glade Wisp starter kits
2 Glade Wisp refills
4 Glade aerosol room fresheners
Suave deodorant (free!)
4 Reach Max Fresh toothbrushes
Before card & coupons: $132.34
I paid: $49.49
Savings: $82.85
I also have $10 in Kroger Kash toward my next grocery trip - the Glade Wisp kits and refills trigger $3.00 and $2.00 coupons (respectively) instantly. Kroger also has a Kraft special going on - if you buy 8 specified products, it automatically deducts $7.00 off your bill at checkout. For this trip, my Kraft items were: the cheese crumbles, the 3 packs of cream cheese, the two Ritz crackers, and the two Wheat Thins.
Next trip, I'm already $15 richer - I've got a $5-off coupon from the Entertainment book for February, plus the $10 from this trip for the Glade products.
I love grocery shopping. And I just realized what a total nerd I am. Thank you, Grocery Game!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
THINGS ARE LOOKING UP
Excerpts from emails about MIL's brain tumor. Yay!
Neurosurgeon confirmed what the E.R. neurosurgeon told us which is, as far tumors go, this is a very mild one. He is almost positive that it's benign, slow growing and may have been there up to 20 or 30 years(!). It's growing down from the cerebellum into a cavity and is about 1 1/2 inches long but because it is not pushing on anything in the brain, it does not have "roots" that are attaching to any parts of the brain. It does not appear aggressive, and Mom passed her neurological exam with flying colors (absent shakiness on walking the "drunk driving test" walk), so the doctor does not think it should be removed at this time.
He felt very strongly that her blood pressure problems and tremors (which are like shivers or jerks from a chill) are not caused by the tumor based on the area of the brain it's in and his experience with this type of tumor. He recommended coming back in 4 to 6 months for another MRI and would be very surprised if the tumor grew. If it grows or she starts having poorer neurological indications, he would recommend surgery and felt it would be a very straight forward surgery - this is not something he would recommend for radiation, as that is usually for malignant tumors. He suggested going to a neurologist to look into her shivers.
We are of course very pleased to hear the good news we were hoping for, no brain surgery! - though since Mom has not felt well, we were hoping to find a solution to all her ails by removing the tumor - her shivers kept her up all last night and are tiring physically (she can't sleep and it hurts to jerk around). It is possible that her lightheadeness is also caused by her blood pressure problems, which may be exacerbating her general well-being. She is going to work with her internal doctor on her BP.
Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers - we are very grateful indeed! We are still a little nervous about her symptoms as they have been interfering with her enjoying life these past week so we hope that the neurologist can put our minds at ease.
We feel very assured that her tumor is not life-threatening (having seen it on the MRI, it is not touching anything else in the brain, it's not touching the brain stem) and she can live a long time with it. While I got the prayer train going, please pray that we do get to the bottom of the cause of her shivers and high blood pressure and open up the path to the right doctor to treat them.
Excerpts from emails about MIL's brain tumor. Yay!
Neurosurgeon confirmed what the E.R. neurosurgeon told us which is, as far tumors go, this is a very mild one. He is almost positive that it's benign, slow growing and may have been there up to 20 or 30 years(!). It's growing down from the cerebellum into a cavity and is about 1 1/2 inches long but because it is not pushing on anything in the brain, it does not have "roots" that are attaching to any parts of the brain. It does not appear aggressive, and Mom passed her neurological exam with flying colors (absent shakiness on walking the "drunk driving test" walk), so the doctor does not think it should be removed at this time.
He felt very strongly that her blood pressure problems and tremors (which are like shivers or jerks from a chill) are not caused by the tumor based on the area of the brain it's in and his experience with this type of tumor. He recommended coming back in 4 to 6 months for another MRI and would be very surprised if the tumor grew. If it grows or she starts having poorer neurological indications, he would recommend surgery and felt it would be a very straight forward surgery - this is not something he would recommend for radiation, as that is usually for malignant tumors. He suggested going to a neurologist to look into her shivers.
We are of course very pleased to hear the good news we were hoping for, no brain surgery! - though since Mom has not felt well, we were hoping to find a solution to all her ails by removing the tumor - her shivers kept her up all last night and are tiring physically (she can't sleep and it hurts to jerk around). It is possible that her lightheadeness is also caused by her blood pressure problems, which may be exacerbating her general well-being. She is going to work with her internal doctor on her BP.
Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers - we are very grateful indeed! We are still a little nervous about her symptoms as they have been interfering with her enjoying life these past week so we hope that the neurologist can put our minds at ease.
We feel very assured that her tumor is not life-threatening (having seen it on the MRI, it is not touching anything else in the brain, it's not touching the brain stem) and she can live a long time with it. While I got the prayer train going, please pray that we do get to the bottom of the cause of her shivers and high blood pressure and open up the path to the right doctor to treat them.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
JUST AS MUCH FUN AS I REMEMBERED
I have not bowled in two years, and it showed last night when hubby and I went to the lanes. I didn't do as awful as I thought I would - first game I bowled 112; second game I bowled 124. Only regret is that I didn't take my own ball (yes, I own my own personalized bowling ball - I'm a Texan, sue me!). The balls at the lanes were either too heavy or the finger holes were too small.
But it was SO much fun! Now I'm jonesin' to join a league. And hey, even if I don't play all that well, I figure I can still enjoy the awesome french fries that every bowling lane in America serves. Yum.
I have not bowled in two years, and it showed last night when hubby and I went to the lanes. I didn't do as awful as I thought I would - first game I bowled 112; second game I bowled 124. Only regret is that I didn't take my own ball (yes, I own my own personalized bowling ball - I'm a Texan, sue me!). The balls at the lanes were either too heavy or the finger holes were too small.
But it was SO much fun! Now I'm jonesin' to join a league. And hey, even if I don't play all that well, I figure I can still enjoy the awesome french fries that every bowling lane in America serves. Yum.
Friday, January 19, 2007
ROLLIN' ROLLIN' ROLLIN'
Y'all, I'm so excited - tonight I'm going bowling for the first time in ages! Hubby's co-workers are having a get-together after work today, and we signed up to bowl on a team. I was a little nervous at first about bowling on a team of people I hardly know, but then I thought, whatever. I'm a decent bowler, so hopefully I won't embarrass hubby too much.
Yesterday's lunch with Fish was so nice. We went to Cracker Barrel - yum. We were there for over an hour and a half just talking about stuff. Let's see, we covered family issues, The Grocery Game, and, of course, Steve. (By the way, Fish, I couldn't find downloadable music on www.steveburnsrocks.us, although I did see some of my very own famous pictures posted there, lol.)
We could have talked for hours more, but the place was getting quite busy and our waitress, while polite, definitely wanted the table freed up. My lovely dining companion bought lunch, and I felt like a cheapskate because I only left the tip. It was a good tip, though, so hopefully our waitress was happy. Next time, though, lunch is on me.
This morning I watched "Walk The Line," which was a pretty good movie. In my humble opinion, Joaquin Phoenix totally overacted, but Reese did well. Good on ya, Ms. Witherspoon. Last night we watched "The Interpreter," which I thought was okay because it was for the most part not predictable. I hate predictable movies.
T & J are coming over later to babysit the kiddos while hubby and I bowl, so I need to get the house straightened up a bit. Also, tomorrow afternoon we're hosting the annual "my side of the family" Christmas, which is just another incentive for me to drag out my Dyson.
Yeah, like I need incentive for that.
Y'all, I'm so excited - tonight I'm going bowling for the first time in ages! Hubby's co-workers are having a get-together after work today, and we signed up to bowl on a team. I was a little nervous at first about bowling on a team of people I hardly know, but then I thought, whatever. I'm a decent bowler, so hopefully I won't embarrass hubby too much.
Yesterday's lunch with Fish was so nice. We went to Cracker Barrel - yum. We were there for over an hour and a half just talking about stuff. Let's see, we covered family issues, The Grocery Game, and, of course, Steve. (By the way, Fish, I couldn't find downloadable music on www.steveburnsrocks.us, although I did see some of my very own famous pictures posted there, lol.)
We could have talked for hours more, but the place was getting quite busy and our waitress, while polite, definitely wanted the table freed up. My lovely dining companion bought lunch, and I felt like a cheapskate because I only left the tip. It was a good tip, though, so hopefully our waitress was happy. Next time, though, lunch is on me.
This morning I watched "Walk The Line," which was a pretty good movie. In my humble opinion, Joaquin Phoenix totally overacted, but Reese did well. Good on ya, Ms. Witherspoon. Last night we watched "The Interpreter," which I thought was okay because it was for the most part not predictable. I hate predictable movies.
T & J are coming over later to babysit the kiddos while hubby and I bowl, so I need to get the house straightened up a bit. Also, tomorrow afternoon we're hosting the annual "my side of the family" Christmas, which is just another incentive for me to drag out my Dyson.
Yeah, like I need incentive for that.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
IT'S MY MOM'S BIRTHDAY
(By the way, I'm not talking about my mother-in-law, about whom I've been posting the past few days.)
Mom would have been sixty years old today. After lunch (which I'm having with Fish today), I plan to stop by the cemetery. It's very cold and rainy here today, though, so maybe I'll wait until tomorrow so that the flowers I bring have a chance of survival.
Happy birthday, Mom. I hope today brings you chocolate cake and tons of purple roses in heaven.
I can't believe that this is the 9th year we'll celebrate your birthday without you. I miss you.
(By the way, I'm not talking about my mother-in-law, about whom I've been posting the past few days.)
Mom would have been sixty years old today. After lunch (which I'm having with Fish today), I plan to stop by the cemetery. It's very cold and rainy here today, though, so maybe I'll wait until tomorrow so that the flowers I bring have a chance of survival.
Happy birthday, Mom. I hope today brings you chocolate cake and tons of purple roses in heaven.
I can't believe that this is the 9th year we'll celebrate your birthday without you. I miss you.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC
Mom got a CAT scan while in the ER last night. The on-call neurosurgeon read the CAT scan, then he read the MRI results she had brought with her to the hospital. He says the tumor is almost definitely benign, has probably been there for about 10 years (based on the calcification of the tumor), and is very slow growing. He agrees it's most likely ependymoma. Based on where it's located, the area that affects coordination and involuntary movements, the tumor may be affecting her movements and may be causing myoclonic seizures, which are rare with a tumor but do happen - especially if your cerrebullum is particularly sensitive. He gave her some seizure medicine that he believes will work.
The good news is that as far as brain tumors goes, this is very small, most likely benign, very slow growing, and should be fairly easy to operate on. We were VERY encouraged hearing all this about the tumor but we are worried about her crazy blood pressure.
My SIL got home from the hospital at 1:00 a.m. They kept Mom because her blood pressure was very high - it went up to 170/100 over the previous reading of 162/111. Her face was puffy and she wasn't feeling well, but after they gave her a diuretic and some other meds, she started feeling a lot better.
They can't figure out why her blood pressure is doing what it's doing - the doctor was perplexed (never, ever a good sign) and said he's only seen it do that when someone was on steroid treatments or chemo. She was also still having minor twitches.
She was discharged from the hospital at 6:15 this morning - almost 16 hours after she got there. The main reason for the extended stay was because of her high blood pressure. They were afraid she might have a stroke and wouldn’t discharge her, and rightly so. It remained high every hour they checked. They wanted it below 140, so they eventually gave Mom some pills for her blood pressure and it dropped very low. In fact, she actually read a systolic 55 at one time. Of course, she was very groggy and they weren’t going to discharge her at that point, either.
The nurse later said it could potentially be that the part of the brain controlling blood pressure was affected by the tumor. Her blood pressure has been fluctuating greatly and was the highest it has ever been when she was having the tremors* caused by the tumor. After the blood pressure medicine wore off, and she had some coffee and walked around, her bp reached up to over 100 and they let her go.
She and Dad are extremely tired today, and on top of that, Mom's trying to adjust to her new meds. Next Monday is her official appointment with the neurosurgeon, at which time we'll hopefully learn beyond a shadow of a doubt that the tumor is benign. That's what we're all praying the hardest for.
---
*Tremors. That's what they're calling the episodes she was having yesterday. That term sounds a whole lot less scary than "seizures" or "convulsions."
Mom got a CAT scan while in the ER last night. The on-call neurosurgeon read the CAT scan, then he read the MRI results she had brought with her to the hospital. He says the tumor is almost definitely benign, has probably been there for about 10 years (based on the calcification of the tumor), and is very slow growing. He agrees it's most likely ependymoma. Based on where it's located, the area that affects coordination and involuntary movements, the tumor may be affecting her movements and may be causing myoclonic seizures, which are rare with a tumor but do happen - especially if your cerrebullum is particularly sensitive. He gave her some seizure medicine that he believes will work.
The good news is that as far as brain tumors goes, this is very small, most likely benign, very slow growing, and should be fairly easy to operate on. We were VERY encouraged hearing all this about the tumor but we are worried about her crazy blood pressure.
My SIL got home from the hospital at 1:00 a.m. They kept Mom because her blood pressure was very high - it went up to 170/100 over the previous reading of 162/111. Her face was puffy and she wasn't feeling well, but after they gave her a diuretic and some other meds, she started feeling a lot better.
They can't figure out why her blood pressure is doing what it's doing - the doctor was perplexed (never, ever a good sign) and said he's only seen it do that when someone was on steroid treatments or chemo. She was also still having minor twitches.
She was discharged from the hospital at 6:15 this morning - almost 16 hours after she got there. The main reason for the extended stay was because of her high blood pressure. They were afraid she might have a stroke and wouldn’t discharge her, and rightly so. It remained high every hour they checked. They wanted it below 140, so they eventually gave Mom some pills for her blood pressure and it dropped very low. In fact, she actually read a systolic 55 at one time. Of course, she was very groggy and they weren’t going to discharge her at that point, either.
The nurse later said it could potentially be that the part of the brain controlling blood pressure was affected by the tumor. Her blood pressure has been fluctuating greatly and was the highest it has ever been when she was having the tremors* caused by the tumor. After the blood pressure medicine wore off, and she had some coffee and walked around, her bp reached up to over 100 and they let her go.
She and Dad are extremely tired today, and on top of that, Mom's trying to adjust to her new meds. Next Monday is her official appointment with the neurosurgeon, at which time we'll hopefully learn beyond a shadow of a doubt that the tumor is benign. That's what we're all praying the hardest for.
---
*Tremors. That's what they're calling the episodes she was having yesterday. That term sounds a whole lot less scary than "seizures" or "convulsions."
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
I'M SCARED
This post is partially borrowed from a few emails I've received from my sister-in-law today.
---
Mom started having convulsions around 5 a.m. this morning, and finally stopped around 10:30. Dad is with her and called the hospital at which her appointment is set for next week. They told him they couldn't do anything since she's not yet a patient with them and if he thinks it's an emergency to take her to an emergency room. (This was the same less-than-helpful woman Mom spoke with last week.) She couldn't even give Dad any idea as to what to look out for to determine whether she should go to an emergency room. Very compassionate advice.
My sister-in-law has e-mailed the neurologist we had contact with - perhaps he can tell us what to do. Other than that, MD Anderson does have an emergency room that we can camp out in and be pushy if the seizures start up again and worsen.
Mom and Dad don't think it's "serious" (OMG!!!!) and that it's just another symptom, and they are trying not to be concerned. Dad is also calling her GP to see if he has any advice.
---
Update from the aforementioned neurosurgeon...
This is obviously an emergency, although seizures are very unusual for posterior fossa tumors. I would be concerned that she was developing obstructive hydrocephalus from the tumor. She should go to an emergency room, probably Hermann or MD Anderson in the medical center. Bring her MRI films so they can be compared to any new films. If these are seizures, she should begin taking an anticonvulsant.
---
Hubby just called with a new update: Mom's now being taken to the ER. Please keep her in your prayers.
And thus the title of this post. :(
This post is partially borrowed from a few emails I've received from my sister-in-law today.
---
Mom started having convulsions around 5 a.m. this morning, and finally stopped around 10:30. Dad is with her and called the hospital at which her appointment is set for next week. They told him they couldn't do anything since she's not yet a patient with them and if he thinks it's an emergency to take her to an emergency room. (This was the same less-than-helpful woman Mom spoke with last week.) She couldn't even give Dad any idea as to what to look out for to determine whether she should go to an emergency room. Very compassionate advice.
My sister-in-law has e-mailed the neurologist we had contact with - perhaps he can tell us what to do. Other than that, MD Anderson does have an emergency room that we can camp out in and be pushy if the seizures start up again and worsen.
Mom and Dad don't think it's "serious" (OMG!!!!) and that it's just another symptom, and they are trying not to be concerned. Dad is also calling her GP to see if he has any advice.
---
Update from the aforementioned neurosurgeon...
This is obviously an emergency, although seizures are very unusual for posterior fossa tumors. I would be concerned that she was developing obstructive hydrocephalus from the tumor. She should go to an emergency room, probably Hermann or MD Anderson in the medical center. Bring her MRI films so they can be compared to any new films. If these are seizures, she should begin taking an anticonvulsant.
---
Hubby just called with a new update: Mom's now being taken to the ER. Please keep her in your prayers.
And thus the title of this post. :(
Sunday, January 14, 2007
POSTPONEMENT
Mom's appointment with the neurosurgeon is going to be on the 22nd. She was unable to get in to see the other doctor last Friday, as she had a previously-set appointment with yet another neuro for the 29th. The not-so-nice appointment booker said something about repetition...I don't know. Anyway, since they'd promised her she'd be seen last Friday and then reneged, they bumped her up a week to make up for it.
I will most likely be taking Mom to the appointment, which I am honestly dreading. Don't get me wrong - I'm extremely grateful that she's letting me help her - but I am deathly afraid of what we will hear.
We saw Mom today, and she said she was having a very good day. No dizziness or headaches. She was happy we came over, and loved on the kids as much as they'd let her. I think they'll be more receptive to all the hugs when we tell them what's going on. Which won't be until after the doctor's appointment on the 22nd.
I just realized that I'm more afraid of telling the kids than I am of hearing what the doctor has to say.
Mom's appointment with the neurosurgeon is going to be on the 22nd. She was unable to get in to see the other doctor last Friday, as she had a previously-set appointment with yet another neuro for the 29th. The not-so-nice appointment booker said something about repetition...I don't know. Anyway, since they'd promised her she'd be seen last Friday and then reneged, they bumped her up a week to make up for it.
I will most likely be taking Mom to the appointment, which I am honestly dreading. Don't get me wrong - I'm extremely grateful that she's letting me help her - but I am deathly afraid of what we will hear.
We saw Mom today, and she said she was having a very good day. No dizziness or headaches. She was happy we came over, and loved on the kids as much as they'd let her. I think they'll be more receptive to all the hugs when we tell them what's going on. Which won't be until after the doctor's appointment on the 22nd.
I just realized that I'm more afraid of telling the kids than I am of hearing what the doctor has to say.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
THANKS, PEZ AND FISH...AND AN UPDATE ON MIL
Pez, your comment on my last blog entry made a lot of sense. I'm usually the one of the siblings who physically jumps in to help everyone, and I guess I never realized that I do the same thing emotionally, as well. Hugs to you, as you do seem to know how I feel.
Fish, I've pencilled you in. For sure. Please do call.
---------
Hubby's mom: She will be receiving much-needed "expedited treatment" (my SIL's words) at the best hospital in Houston through two avenues: one, the chairman of hubby and SIL's company*, who sits on said hospital's board, and two, SIL's friend's Dad, a physician who has been very open and generous in talking to the family - a nice change from the very loud silence of Mom's original (and fired) doctor!
The physician agrees with the report that the tumor is an ependymoma tumor and that Mom will, therefore, need a cranial surgeon. He spoke with a cranial surgeon at the above-mentioned hospital, who is also the head of neurosurgery, and he said he can get her in this Friday. Thank God for that, because after Mom told him her symptoms (she is not feeling well today; has been hearing loud ringing and her balance is off), he said she needs to get in immediately. The report also indicated the tumor may have calcification, which he said generally indicates a benign tumor, which is encouraging. However, you are not in the clear just because it's benign - if the tumor has grown into a delicate area of the brain, it can be just as bad.
Please pray that the surgeon is able to get her in this Friday, that he correctly diagnoses her, and that he provides the best treatment plan for her. Please also pray that her tumor backs off for a bit so that she is able to make it in before it's too late. Feel free to add more prayers too!
---------
*Hubby and SIL both work at the same place; I don't know if I've mentioned that before. They both started there last October.
Pez, your comment on my last blog entry made a lot of sense. I'm usually the one of the siblings who physically jumps in to help everyone, and I guess I never realized that I do the same thing emotionally, as well. Hugs to you, as you do seem to know how I feel.
Fish, I've pencilled you in. For sure. Please do call.
---------
Hubby's mom: She will be receiving much-needed "expedited treatment" (my SIL's words) at the best hospital in Houston through two avenues: one, the chairman of hubby and SIL's company*, who sits on said hospital's board, and two, SIL's friend's Dad, a physician who has been very open and generous in talking to the family - a nice change from the very loud silence of Mom's original (and fired) doctor!
The physician agrees with the report that the tumor is an ependymoma tumor and that Mom will, therefore, need a cranial surgeon. He spoke with a cranial surgeon at the above-mentioned hospital, who is also the head of neurosurgery, and he said he can get her in this Friday. Thank God for that, because after Mom told him her symptoms (she is not feeling well today; has been hearing loud ringing and her balance is off), he said she needs to get in immediately. The report also indicated the tumor may have calcification, which he said generally indicates a benign tumor, which is encouraging. However, you are not in the clear just because it's benign - if the tumor has grown into a delicate area of the brain, it can be just as bad.
Please pray that the surgeon is able to get her in this Friday, that he correctly diagnoses her, and that he provides the best treatment plan for her. Please also pray that her tumor backs off for a bit so that she is able to make it in before it's too late. Feel free to add more prayers too!
---------
*Hubby and SIL both work at the same place; I don't know if I've mentioned that before. They both started there last October.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
I HAVE THE PERFECT SHIRT
It's a brand-new-with-tags, greenish-brown, ugly as sin, oversized t-shirt. On the front is a picture of Charlie Brown and the words "Sick and tired of everything." I bought it last March during all the family bullshit following Tnk's accident. I've never worn it, but that's about to change.
You all know about all the stuff that's going on in my family right now. Yesterday I told my sdad and one sister about my brother's impending divorce. I then called Tnk to let her know so that she wouldn't feel out of the loop, so to speak. She responded with a gruff "well, that's too bad, but I'm not surprised" and other things that we've all been thinking but have not voiced.
Today she called and said she was sorry she couldn't talk yesterday, but there were people around. I told her that I understood, and that I just wanted to let her know what was going on, as communication has been a big problem in our family in the past, and I am really trying to keep things open. She proceeds to gripe about our brother not calling her and her not having his cell phone number. "I have never had his cell phone number!" was one comment - and one which I seriously doubt, by the way. I told her I could email it to her if she wanted, but that I don't know it by heart. Which is true, because with my new cell phone I just press Talk and say "Brother" and it dials him (I may never know anyone's number again, heh). She responded that it didn't matter because they never talk anyway.
Then she starts asking me questions about his kids and visitation and such. I told her that I didn't think that was going to be a problem as the divorce seems amicable, but that I don't honestly remember all the details because this past week has been a very emotional one and I didn't retain much of the conversation. I said, "You know, this has been a very bad year so far. I guess I just didn't and don't want to hear about anything bad for awhile."
I can't believe she responded with a short, "Well, bad things are going to continue to happen! You'll just have to ... "
I cut her off with "okaaaay, I'm sorry, but I just can't continue this way. So much has happened...right now all I really want to hear are positive things and optimistic views."
She said fine and hung up. That surprised the heck out of me. It would have been more like her to say that she was sorry and that things were going to be okay. Even if she was lying, that would have been better than what she did. I didn't think I could be even more down than I have been, but she made that happen.
Thanks, Tnk. You just inspired me to expand my wardrobe... :(
EDIT: She just emailed me and said "Umm...All I was trying to say was: I guarantee there will be more bad things, but we're tough and we'll handle them." That makes sense, and I know she's right, but sometimes all you want is sympathy, you know? Because I sure don't feel tough right now.
It's a brand-new-with-tags, greenish-brown, ugly as sin, oversized t-shirt. On the front is a picture of Charlie Brown and the words "Sick and tired of everything." I bought it last March during all the family bullshit following Tnk's accident. I've never worn it, but that's about to change.
You all know about all the stuff that's going on in my family right now. Yesterday I told my sdad and one sister about my brother's impending divorce. I then called Tnk to let her know so that she wouldn't feel out of the loop, so to speak. She responded with a gruff "well, that's too bad, but I'm not surprised" and other things that we've all been thinking but have not voiced.
Today she called and said she was sorry she couldn't talk yesterday, but there were people around. I told her that I understood, and that I just wanted to let her know what was going on, as communication has been a big problem in our family in the past, and I am really trying to keep things open. She proceeds to gripe about our brother not calling her and her not having his cell phone number. "I have never had his cell phone number!" was one comment - and one which I seriously doubt, by the way. I told her I could email it to her if she wanted, but that I don't know it by heart. Which is true, because with my new cell phone I just press Talk and say "Brother" and it dials him (I may never know anyone's number again, heh). She responded that it didn't matter because they never talk anyway.
Then she starts asking me questions about his kids and visitation and such. I told her that I didn't think that was going to be a problem as the divorce seems amicable, but that I don't honestly remember all the details because this past week has been a very emotional one and I didn't retain much of the conversation. I said, "You know, this has been a very bad year so far. I guess I just didn't and don't want to hear about anything bad for awhile."
I can't believe she responded with a short, "Well, bad things are going to continue to happen! You'll just have to ... "
I cut her off with "okaaaay, I'm sorry, but I just can't continue this way. So much has happened...right now all I really want to hear are positive things and optimistic views."
She said fine and hung up. That surprised the heck out of me. It would have been more like her to say that she was sorry and that things were going to be okay. Even if she was lying, that would have been better than what she did. I didn't think I could be even more down than I have been, but she made that happen.
Thanks, Tnk. You just inspired me to expand my wardrobe... :(
EDIT: She just emailed me and said "Umm...All I was trying to say was: I guarantee there will be more bad things, but we're tough and we'll handle them." That makes sense, and I know she's right, but sometimes all you want is sympathy, you know? Because I sure don't feel tough right now.
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