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Good morning. Argh, I hate the tiny type. OK, DS knows that. So today is my mom's first radiation session. She has thirty. Five a wee for six weeks. Ohhhh.... boy. She's already fairly not great and radiation in your head isn't great by itself.... Oy.... Me worry? Nah. *gnaws claws to nubs*
On happier notes, OMG, the cat situation here is in-freaking-sane. Maury (our cat, once Mom's) is 14, deaf, going blind, frail, and needs meds.... So why is that relevant? Well, the other two in our care at the moment (Lil Miss and Shadow) meow and hiss at him, but he can't hear, so he just stares at them, and it freaks *them* out. I had to recover LilMiss from atop the fridge, she was so upset that he didn't "respond". Shadow eventually cooled off abou tit and decided to just hiss and walk away, but Lil Miss is one of *those*. She can't not instigate. Or investigate. OMG. What a Miscreant.
So why do I have them in my house? Simple. Record horrible heat, and their owners left them out. So they came to me. So here they are. They wander home at night, then at 6:30 AM sharp, back to my house, inside, and out of the heat, and done. I'm time-sharing cats....
Meanwhile, Hubby is yelling at Muary, who is deaf. Uh, Hubby? Helllloooo? Deaf cat. Doesn't work. To get his attention, we knock on the floor and he responds to the vibrations on his paws. Not my first aged kitty, can you tell? Poor old dude. But he's comfy and medicated and groomed and only aware of other cats if his nose tells him, so.... Hey, we should all have such a good retirement, ribght?
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Today in 1057 the real Macbeth (claimed King of Scotland) was klled by the very real son of the very real and very dead King Duncan of Scotland. The real Duncan, btw, ruled six years and was nicknamed "Duncan An Tllarach" or "Duncan the DIseased". He followed his grandfather to the throne, died in battle in Moray against someone who may have been Macbeth, and his two sons eventually succeeded him. The elder, Malcolm, was not yet old enough to inherit when Duncan died (being maybe nine years old) and eventually grew up (in exile) and it wasn't nearly as cool as Shakespeare's Macbeth, but hey, that's history for you. On Malcolm's death (in the 1090s), his younger brother took the throne, died in 1099. I'll note, btw, that historically speaking, Macbeth and Duncan had the same claim to the throne of Scotland, both being grandsons of the sitting king (an earlier Malcolm), which was rather more legal basis than that which gave rise to the English Wars of the Roses. Welcome to the scenic wonderful romantic Medieval Era! It sucked, people. If leprosy, a scratch on your arm, war, disease, famine, cold, or an animal didn't kill you.... You might see 40. Royals had it better, but let's face it, it's like all those romantic notions of the Old (US) South. Who're wee kidding? Most people scratched for a living, barely made one. No, they all didn't live in glamour. That would be "Real Housewives".... Who, let's admit, are probably all 30 percent silicone implants or something... People's skin shouldn't look like that unless they have a disease. Which takes us back to Duncan the Diseased, no one knows what it was, but he could've just been "frail". Or have an STD. Or leprosy. Or asthma. Or acne, for that matter. Acne, smallpox, hey, in the 1000s, it was all the same to the "medical profession".
Wow, sorry, that was one wild tangential ramble there.
In 1848, the dental chair was patented. And, to this day, my dentists' chairs are ten times more comfy than anything I ever have at home, so at least they care if we're comfy while we're reallllllly uncomfy, so to speak?
Tdaoy in 1911, Crisco was introduced. What is it? Well, now, it's heavily hydrogenated fats, usually vegetable fats. Back then? Same thing. Cottonseed oil was the original. Now it's soybean. The problem? It still contains trans fats, folks. They have less than .5 grams per "serving", which allows them to say "zero" on the label. Anyway, Crisco is blamed fo r"killing lard" in US cooking. Not, however, in my family. Dad's side used bacon grease (yes, they saved it and re-used it), and Mom's side is Polish. Duh, they used lard or butter. Crisco? Pfft.
Happy birthday to India! Independent from British imperialism this date 1947, when Pakistan also formed. (Technically, August 14 or 15 can be considered the date, depends who you listen to).
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OKI, gotta get going so I can harass an eye doctor into getting Mom her glasses so we know if her vision is deteriorating from Radition or from somethingelse or ... at all. *headdesk* When did I turn into such an administrator? Ack!
Merry Monday to all!
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Lately I've been feeling scared and full of anxiety. I recently found a lump under my nipple. I hurt my back too. I'm in the process of moving. I'm run down. Everything is hard
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Well, our drought isn't broken but our gutter is. Got two big storms rigth after each other and, wait for it, a tornado warning.Now, I was already running for my go-bag when I heard thunder. The air felt wrong. The sky was getting a color to the west. Been there, lived that, time to hide.No funnel touched down but the radar indicated rotation, and boy was it visible from the ground. Different...
Happy Monday.... not!
Leo, that's a heck of a lot of radiation for one old lady. But she's feisty, so she can handle it, right? I"ll be keeping you and your mom in my prayers. ((hugs)). Hey, my mom used to save bacon fat, too! She comes from a German / French / 1/4 Jewish / Scottish / English (you get the picture) family. lol. My husband's old cat who passed away shortly after we married was deaf, his name was Claw. He was a mean and feisty, old cat for being on the brink of turning 18. When hubby and Claw moved in I had to make him an outdoor cat and set up a little comfy living area for him on the back-patio, because all he did was fight the crap out of *my* cats (who stayed indoors) all the way till the end. Poor thing died of cancer. I felt bad afterwards because we didn't know he had it and I had him outside like that. My husband was pretty mad at me. Oh well.
I had back spasms from h*ll yesterday. I had some in the morning when I got up and just ignored them and went about my morning routine (nothing new, right?), getting ready for church. But by the time I was dressed and tried to sit at the table to eat, I had trouble getting the spoon to my mouth, so I skipped church. And if I thought that was bad, as the day progressed, so did the spasms. I was laid out in bed in total agony. Couldn't move a muscle. If I laid completely still they calmed down, but as soon as I moved even my head or arm or got up to use the bathroom, they came back in waves. I thought I was going to have to go to ER. I think it's been at least a few years since it's been that bad. I tried heat, then ice, took tylenol, then finally dug up some old baclofen and took it. When hubby came back from errands, he had locked himself out, so I had to GET UP and unlock the door. OMG. Then he asked me to help put groceries away. But I just stood there frozen (probably clenching the muscles on my face), waiting for the waves of spasms to stop. He finally figured it out and got me back to bed. Brought me some kava tea (is supposed to help) and some chocolate. I can't remember the last time I saw his compassionate side. It was refreshing.
My back is sore this morning from all that, but at least I'm not spasming at the moment. Holy cow. I have acupuncture today (perfect timing)! And I have appts every day this week through Friday. Some days double booked. Wish me luck. Yikes.
Back shortly....
Blue, I'm so sorry about your back. Yay for your husband helping you yesterday.
It was a quiet weekend around here. I swam and did exciting things like laundry and chores. I have to get cracking and get this place cleaned up after a weekend of my partner making a mess in the family room. My sister wanted to start a charm school for men at one point in her marriage (29 years and counting). She planned to make it a go there and stay experience/prison with fake remotes for the TVs. Each TV would be tuned into the Disney Channel, or a channel that women like watching with no ability to change the channel. The men would have to make all of their own meals and clean everything up afterwards or no more food would be forthcoming. They would also be given dolls that cry to take care of around the clock. Ignoring or losing the doll would result in a penalty. Of course there would laundry and housecleaning too. I could go on and on. You ladies get the idea. Sorry to you guys out there reading this. We are far from perfect but many of us have to work, look after the kids and the house too. Its overwhelming, exhausting and more men need to step up and share the responsibility.
Leo - I hope that your Mom's radiation treatment goes OK. That is a pretty intense schedule. I hope that she/you can manage it. I hope that you can get her eye glasses soon. Rest up when you can!
AngelaJo - I hope that your pain settles down. I love the smell of coffee but I don't drink it very often. It doesn't seem to really agree with me and I don't want something hot to drink in the morning. Glad that your migraines are better! Hang in there!
TwinMom - Hey, don't let your husband pull you down into his abyss of misery. You don't need or deserve it. Keep doing things that make you feel better/good. He seems to lack compassion or any empathy which is a very sad way to live the one life that we have been given. You focus on trying to feel better, taking care of your lovely girls and doing things that give you hope. Hugs!
BBMom - I'm glad to see you on check in! I was a bit worried given your recent surgery. I'm sorry about Jake. It is hard to see a furry member of the household decline. I can't imagine driving a 31' camper. Just watching people pull those tiny homes on TV around gives me fits. I hope that Hubby snaps back to reality and gets his poop in group. My partner procrastinates and it makes me nuts so I feel your frustration. My knees are doing better but the rest of me not so much with the weather change coming in today. Thanks for asking and your nice comment on my picture. My friends aka the glam squad do a good job at applying spackle to make me look presentable lol.
Ida - Happy, Happy belated Birthday! Glad that you are home safe and sound and can get rested up. Wow, the boss is a nice guy! Getting a new well will be such a help to you guys! Take it easy today!
Warriorgirl - I'm sorry that you have so many appointments this week. I hate it when things stack up like that. I hope that you can get some help with your health issues. Have a good day!
Precious - Nice to see you on check in. I hope that your day is going OK.
Jamimik - Never, ever try to go off a medication without checking with your doctor first. Cymbalta requires weaning and it is very difficult to get off of it. You could have landed in the ER/hospital! Glad that you joined us on check in! I hope that your day is going well.
WooHoo- The airbag recall parts for my Honda are finally here! I've only been waiting since January. Getting that fixed on Thursday which is a relief. I had planned to call the dealership today about it to get a status report. It is now time to get some cleaning done; laundry is working as I type. I hope that all of you have a decent day with some time to do something just for yourself. Hugs!
Leo, radiation is exhausting. Will you be the one taking your mom to the treatments? Be strong. And don't forget to take care of yourself.
Kel, I hope you enjoyed the weekend and that you don't have too many lingering effects. Unless, those effects are good feelings!
AngelaJo, I don't drink coffee. I've tried, but it's just too bitter for me. I hope breakfast went well with mom. Please do all that you can to take care of yourself.
BBmom, I couldn't drive the truck with a camper attached. I struggle with steering just my little car ( my ribs and arms). I hope you can work things out with the hubby, congrats on the anniversary. Every year is an accomplishment. Marriage is hard work!
Twinmom, ugh lice. I know school is starting. I hope the girls adjust well and your family finds a nice rhythm to your days. Find something to treat yourself. You do sooooo much for those girls.
Fantod, cleaning tasks just never end. And yay on the car being done. Now you'll be sure of a safer ride.
Newbies, glad you checked in. This is a great community and all of the advice is so helpful. You are not alone.
Blue, does the acupuncture help you? It's expensive and not covered by insurance. I also understand the effects are not long lasting. I hope you find relief with yours. I want to scream when my back spasms. You simply cannot do anything when that happens! Nice the hubby tried to help you find relief.
Sugarbear, hope this finds you well and feeling a little better. I'm so ready for the heat and humidity to end.
Traveled this weekend and I drove. My ribs and arms are in terrible shape today. My hands are very achy too. Not sure if this is a new normal for me or not. I'm sure the arthritis is aggravated by the rain.
I made 31 cards (IdaJoy!!) over the weekend. So glad to have a ready stash. Visiting with my sisters was nice. We did some planning for next year's family reunion. My sister's church was a bit much for me--noise level and such It's so different from my church.
I have 22 reviews to complete this week plus school planning. What I want to do is just sit and knit or read, but alas, not happening. My reading stack is getting higher and higher. Also my husband wants me to plan a trip to New England this next year. We never went on a honeymoon (his dad was in the hospital and then died during our planned time) and next year is 25 years for us. I told him. It has to wait until after I get all of this done. I have classes and seminars to plan as well. We've been wanting to go for years. I'm looking forward to it. He also let me know today that our fall trip has to be rescheduled. That throws a monkey wrench into everything! Now I have to move classes and such around on the calendar. At least I haven't posted them yet.
Off to do more chores and planning. Wishing everyone well.
Kel & Leo, I agree with the degree in parent care lol. In fact, there should be free classes offered in schools about care: child care, elder care, first aid, CPR, what to do should a fire or disaster occur, etc, and you have to fulfill x amount of credits in addition to your degree if you want to graduate. Similar to music or art class.
Angela, sorry you are in pain. Hope you take it easy today and rest some and that you feel better tomorrow. Sounds like it was a nice breakfast.
Twin, I can't believe that. If I found out my husband had faked it and didn't really believe in God, I would be devastated. Mostly because I realized he had deceived me about something so big. To me (and I don't know about others) that would be worse than lying about cheating. Because at least you can end an affair and repair something like that. It would take work but it's possible. But there's no "fixing" someone into believing that which deep down in his core he can't accept to be true. He must wrestle with God himself before he finds the truth. And the situation between the both of you will only begin to heal when he repents from his deception. Prayers prayers prayers (from me too)!
Bbmom, there you are! I think the supportive community is a great idea ;).
Ida, I'm glad you made it back for your birthday and did NOT get a feel up by TSA. Screw those guys. I have a few yucky TSA stories, too! I'm sorry you were too tired for your birthday outing, though. But you can always make up for it another day, right? I htink that vacation was enough hooha. Just rest for now.
WG, oh sinus issues, yuck. I have a good history of those. No fun, you're just trying to breath and not suffer through it. Hope the doc can get you relief. I have a lot of appts this week, too. Maybe if we band together, we can get each other through them! Ready? Set? Goooo! Oh cramp....
Fantod, sorry the stalker woke you. My spasms were doing the rain dance for you yesterday, couldn't you tell? Funny but not. lol. You know, it would be good if men had more classes / Bible studies in the churches on how to be real men and not slackers. It says in the Bible to take care of the widows, orphans, etc. What on earth do they think that means? It means to go there and care for them: do their yard, go get them groceries, etc. Maybe not 24/7, but pitch in once a week for those people who need some help. If it were common practice to train teens / men like that in the church across the nation, I'm sure when they get married, they would take better care of their families. The problem with today's mentality is, people are programmed to think all they have to do is donate a buck to an organization or church and they think they've done their part. They can sit back do nothing, and let their struggling, overtired wife at home do all the work while they watch football (or like my husband who goes out surfing and hiking 4x week). Sorry guys, not putting you down. I get a little disappointed in the church sometimes. Jesus didn't go around collecting money, he went around serving and healing. Ok, getting off my soap box now. Sorry.
Wow, Bobbii, your honeymoon is way overdue. You both really deserve one. So sad about your FIL and the rough timing. England sounds fun! Sorry you're so busy and hope you get to relax soon. The VA now covers acupuncture and massage therapy. But I have yet to convince them to ever get me some massages. The trouble with VA therapies in the past was that they would approve a few sessions and then that was it, you couldn't get anymore for like a few yrs. I heard it might be different now and I could possibly get more than a few sessions and MAYBE even get it renewed. So I'm hoping the acupuncture has a longer lasting effect this time. Yes, spasms are horrible aren't they? Trust me I wanted to scream, but screaming caused more pain. Besides, some of them knocked the wind out of me. Gee.
take care everyone...