Went to A&L's Halloween party last night. We didn't stay for long, as usual. J likes to get to bed pretty early these days. Besides, chasing him up and down the stairs was getting tiresome.
J dressed as a frog. L&P were already there with the girls when we arrived. L and her girls were all dressed as princesses. Andrew managed to get a picture of the princesses with the frog, which we will post if we receive a copy. Priceless!
The height of cuteness was when 4-year old Izzy, in her beautiful Cinderella princess costume, came into the living room carrying J, the frog. She had him under his armpits, and he was just hanging there kind of limply, his feet not quite reaching the floor. She deposited him on the couch and told us that he was too close to the stairs.
She did this twice, by the way.
It was adorable!
J stuffed his face with junk; mostly chips and chocolate cookies. I didn't wish to argue. At least he was eating something, for a change. He seemed to have a nice time, eating junkfood, chasing A&L's cats about, and socializing with his friends. We had fun too. It was good to have a break from school work.
But I must continue to hit the books. I'm almost through 7.4 now. Still have a lot of catching up to do, and a fair bit of Module 7 left to complete.
How many more years of school do I have ahead of me again? Five? Six? How will I possibly get through this?
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Still to do
5.7, 6.6, 6.7, 8.9.
My midterm is nearly 60% complete now. It's due in a week and a half. The next part is on Module 7, and there's a small component on Module 8. Quiz due in a week and a half is on Module 8. Once these things are done, I'll have to go back and complete the unfinished modules while simultaneously trying to prepare myself for the last quiz, on Modules 9 and 10. I ran out of time on Modules 3, 5, and 6, so have left stuff undone. So far, these unread sections are roughly a full module.
Accordingly, I am now one module behind. Crumb!
Update: Module 3 is now complete; modules 5, 6, and 8 have pieces undone. I am getting caught up, and am now only half a module behind.
Exam December 8. Will start the freaking out soon.
My midterm is nearly 60% complete now. It's due in a week and a half. The next part is on Module 7, and there's a small component on Module 8. Quiz due in a week and a half is on Module 8. Once these things are done, I'll have to go back and complete the unfinished modules while simultaneously trying to prepare myself for the last quiz, on Modules 9 and 10. I ran out of time on Modules 3, 5, and 6, so have left stuff undone. So far, these unread sections are roughly a full module.
Accordingly, I am now one module behind. Crumb!
Update: Module 3 is now complete; modules 5, 6, and 8 have pieces undone. I am getting caught up, and am now only half a module behind.
Exam December 8. Will start the freaking out soon.
Friday, October 27, 2006
J likes black olives
In particular, J likes black olives on his pizza. He is picky about them, though. He only likes the olive slices if they form a complete circle, so that they fit neatly around his chubby little fingers and he can play with them before he eats them. If the perfect circle of the olive piece is broken, it is no good and must be fed to the cats.
The cats do not like olives.
The cats do not like olives.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Exhausted
J awoke screaming this morning, after having bitten his bottom lip and drawn blood. It was a bad start to an otherwise good day.
Free breakfast, due to having had to endure unbearably poor service about a month ago. Food and service were both wonderful today. Nice tip left.
Went shopping. For J. Of course. J needed some new pants. And he also needed some toys more appropriate for his age and interests. A violin with bow that converts into an electric guitar and plays music appropriate for each instrument (the bow is particularly cool). A Mega Blocks remote controlled racecar that converts into a plane, snowplow, or boat. And the Mr. Potato-Head farm (a barn with all the pieces for Mr. Potato-Head, Mrs. Potato-Head, Mr./Mrs. Carrot-Head, Potato/Carrot-Cow, and Potato/Carrot-Pig). J enjoys his new toys. H and I enjoy them almost as much. Or maybe more. I don't know. But I do know that I love "Once Upon A Child". I spent far less than I had anticipated. Yes!
Studied a bit, but didn't get a heck of a lot done. Still not over this blasted cough. And my head hurts. Tired. Very tired. And I can't focus at all. I'd hoped to get through to the end of Module 6.5 today, and then I'd only have two more sections to finish. My quiz is due by Wednesday at noon. I need to complete most of the module to write the quiz. But I've just fizzled out partway through Module 6.4, and both 6.4 and 6.5 are long.
The quiz is complete in draft. I have tomorrow night and Tuesday night left to finish it. I'll submit it Tuesday. No point in rushing these things.
Very tired. Have drifted off a couple of times already. Must rest. Must be in good shape for tomorrow. And must somehow get rid of this stupid cold that keeps me coughing, coughing, coughing. My voice still isn't entirely back. I'd hate to lose it completely again. I'm not out of the woods yet.
And to that end, I am now going to bed. Good night, all!
Free breakfast, due to having had to endure unbearably poor service about a month ago. Food and service were both wonderful today. Nice tip left.
Went shopping. For J. Of course. J needed some new pants. And he also needed some toys more appropriate for his age and interests. A violin with bow that converts into an electric guitar and plays music appropriate for each instrument (the bow is particularly cool). A Mega Blocks remote controlled racecar that converts into a plane, snowplow, or boat. And the Mr. Potato-Head farm (a barn with all the pieces for Mr. Potato-Head, Mrs. Potato-Head, Mr./Mrs. Carrot-Head, Potato/Carrot-Cow, and Potato/Carrot-Pig). J enjoys his new toys. H and I enjoy them almost as much. Or maybe more. I don't know. But I do know that I love "Once Upon A Child". I spent far less than I had anticipated. Yes!
Studied a bit, but didn't get a heck of a lot done. Still not over this blasted cough. And my head hurts. Tired. Very tired. And I can't focus at all. I'd hoped to get through to the end of Module 6.5 today, and then I'd only have two more sections to finish. My quiz is due by Wednesday at noon. I need to complete most of the module to write the quiz. But I've just fizzled out partway through Module 6.4, and both 6.4 and 6.5 are long.
The quiz is complete in draft. I have tomorrow night and Tuesday night left to finish it. I'll submit it Tuesday. No point in rushing these things.
Very tired. Have drifted off a couple of times already. Must rest. Must be in good shape for tomorrow. And must somehow get rid of this stupid cold that keeps me coughing, coughing, coughing. My voice still isn't entirely back. I'd hate to lose it completely again. I'm not out of the woods yet.
And to that end, I am now going to bed. Good night, all!
Overheard in Caucus
Peter MacKay: And I think we should enact a statute prohibiting women from owning shoes.
Stephen Harper: No. They need shoes.
MacKay: Why? Women should be barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen. Shoe ownership only encourages dissent.
Harper: They need shoes. What if they walk through a puddle of water or something? If they have no shoes, their feet will get wet.
MacKay: But why should they walk through a puddle of water in the kitchen?
Harper: They can't stay in the kitchen all the time. Sometimes, they have to go grocery shopping.
Note: Statements were not published in Hansard and are therefore unofficial. So I guess it never really happened.
Stephen Harper: No. They need shoes.
MacKay: Why? Women should be barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen. Shoe ownership only encourages dissent.
Harper: They need shoes. What if they walk through a puddle of water or something? If they have no shoes, their feet will get wet.
MacKay: But why should they walk through a puddle of water in the kitchen?
Harper: They can't stay in the kitchen all the time. Sometimes, they have to go grocery shopping.
Note: Statements were not published in Hansard and are therefore unofficial. So I guess it never really happened.
Steel Magnolias
This is a sad post. Just saying.
**********
Tonight, H and I went out without J. We went to see "Steel Magnolias". I'd never seen either the play or the movie, and I didn't know the plot. H had seen the movie, but he didn't enjoy it all that much. But my sister-in-law was in the play, so we went. And it was very well done. (As an aside, it's always nice to have an evening out!)
I am glad that I went. And I am glad that I didn't know the plot ahead of time. If I had known, I probably would have elected not to go. And that's not right; it's family, after all. And it's a really good show, besides.
Now don't get me wrong here. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the plot. There is just a problem with me watching that particular plot. It's a very sad show that made me think about things on which I prefer not to focus.
The problem with me and Steel Magnolias, you see, is that it's a little too real and a little too close. In fact, it's far too real. Far too close. I cried. I cried too much, really. And then I tried to think about mundane, everyday occurrences to try to block it. But that doesn't really work. I can't block this. Not really.
It was her story. It was the same in virtually all material respects. It contains phrases of explanation. Phrases that I have heard myself say a hundred times over. She was my friend. I miss her. I still miss her. I will always miss her.
She left on October 20, 1993. She was survived by her new husband, her two beautiful children, her parents, her siblings, and her friends. Really, she was survived by almost everyone she ever knew. Because she was only 22 years old. And maybe it should have been expected because she'd been sick for so long ... because she'd known of her condition for nearly her entire life. But it wasn't expected. Not by me. Not by her. Not by any of us.
She was a beautiful, caring, giving person. A mother. A new wife. A young woman, full of promise and with a lot more living to do.
And then, she was gone.
I miss you, 'Chelle. You, and the kids. I don't even know where they are any longer. I have no way to find out. But I think of them often. Anytime I think of you, they are right there with you. In my thoughts. In my prayers. I hope that they have heard all about what a wonderful and amazing woman you were. I hope they have at least that much.
I miss you, 'Chelle.
**********
Tonight, H and I went out without J. We went to see "Steel Magnolias". I'd never seen either the play or the movie, and I didn't know the plot. H had seen the movie, but he didn't enjoy it all that much. But my sister-in-law was in the play, so we went. And it was very well done. (As an aside, it's always nice to have an evening out!)
I am glad that I went. And I am glad that I didn't know the plot ahead of time. If I had known, I probably would have elected not to go. And that's not right; it's family, after all. And it's a really good show, besides.
Now don't get me wrong here. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the plot. There is just a problem with me watching that particular plot. It's a very sad show that made me think about things on which I prefer not to focus.
The problem with me and Steel Magnolias, you see, is that it's a little too real and a little too close. In fact, it's far too real. Far too close. I cried. I cried too much, really. And then I tried to think about mundane, everyday occurrences to try to block it. But that doesn't really work. I can't block this. Not really.
It was her story. It was the same in virtually all material respects. It contains phrases of explanation. Phrases that I have heard myself say a hundred times over. She was my friend. I miss her. I still miss her. I will always miss her.
She left on October 20, 1993. She was survived by her new husband, her two beautiful children, her parents, her siblings, and her friends. Really, she was survived by almost everyone she ever knew. Because she was only 22 years old. And maybe it should have been expected because she'd been sick for so long ... because she'd known of her condition for nearly her entire life. But it wasn't expected. Not by me. Not by her. Not by any of us.
She was a beautiful, caring, giving person. A mother. A new wife. A young woman, full of promise and with a lot more living to do.
And then, she was gone.
I miss you, 'Chelle. You, and the kids. I don't even know where they are any longer. I have no way to find out. But I think of them often. Anytime I think of you, they are right there with you. In my thoughts. In my prayers. I hope that they have heard all about what a wonderful and amazing woman you were. I hope they have at least that much.
I miss you, 'Chelle.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
School stuff
Just for my own basis of measurement:
I have completed 39% of my midterm assignment. It is due in 2.5 weeks.
I have begun work on Module 6, but have not gotten very far yet. The Module 6 quiz is due in approximately 4 days. I must get cracking. I will get back to my midterm after I complete the Module 6 quiz.
I have to go back and finish reading Modules 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, and 5.7.
I still have 4 modules and 2 quizzes to complete after I finish Module 6. And then, I have two weeks of exam prep time.
I must run the self-tests for each of the 10 modules. I would like to listen to all of the audio lectures, if I have time; however, if I run short on time, this will be the area that I neglect. Sometimes, you just can't do it all. I must at least run the exam review audio lectures, as these are most helpful. And I must do as many practice exams as possible in preparation for the final exam.
My final exam is on December 8.
I am officially at the start of crunch-time. It would be later, but the blasted midterm assignment and quiz 4 are due on the same day! I wish they would stagger the two as due in alternating weeks. It would be far more practical.
**********
Yes, it is the start of crunch-time. Yes, I missed swimming with J this morning. Yes, I feel sad that I missed swimming with J this morning. Yes, I spent the time with my textbooks instead of with my son.
But today, I took some time before the boys left for swimming to snuggle and play with J. I sat him on my lap on the living room floor and fed him toast with peanut butter and milk. We played "Block the Baby" (where I attempt to use minimal effort to keep J from going places where he oughtn't; "Block the Baby" is one of J's favorite games, when he is happy). We cuddled, and watched cartoons, and ate, and played, and laughed. And then I got him into his little coat and hat, and he left for swimming with H. And I worked on my midterm for the next two hours.
So yes, it is shaping up to be a very good day. And I really hope the rest of the day proves to be both fun and productive.
I have completed 39% of my midterm assignment. It is due in 2.5 weeks.
I have begun work on Module 6, but have not gotten very far yet. The Module 6 quiz is due in approximately 4 days. I must get cracking. I will get back to my midterm after I complete the Module 6 quiz.
I have to go back and finish reading Modules 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, and 5.7.
I still have 4 modules and 2 quizzes to complete after I finish Module 6. And then, I have two weeks of exam prep time.
I must run the self-tests for each of the 10 modules. I would like to listen to all of the audio lectures, if I have time; however, if I run short on time, this will be the area that I neglect. Sometimes, you just can't do it all. I must at least run the exam review audio lectures, as these are most helpful. And I must do as many practice exams as possible in preparation for the final exam.
My final exam is on December 8.
I am officially at the start of crunch-time. It would be later, but the blasted midterm assignment and quiz 4 are due on the same day! I wish they would stagger the two as due in alternating weeks. It would be far more practical.
**********
Yes, it is the start of crunch-time. Yes, I missed swimming with J this morning. Yes, I feel sad that I missed swimming with J this morning. Yes, I spent the time with my textbooks instead of with my son.
But today, I took some time before the boys left for swimming to snuggle and play with J. I sat him on my lap on the living room floor and fed him toast with peanut butter and milk. We played "Block the Baby" (where I attempt to use minimal effort to keep J from going places where he oughtn't; "Block the Baby" is one of J's favorite games, when he is happy). We cuddled, and watched cartoons, and ate, and played, and laughed. And then I got him into his little coat and hat, and he left for swimming with H. And I worked on my midterm for the next two hours.
So yes, it is shaping up to be a very good day. And I really hope the rest of the day proves to be both fun and productive.
Things you never thought you'd hear yourself say
"Don't run over the cat with your car!"
"Can I see what you have in your mouth?"
"Can I see what you have in your mouth?"
Friday, October 20, 2006
A sleeping baby
J sleeps. He fell asleep in the car while we were driving. We were going to a friend's housewarming party this evening. We decided that we should not wake the sleeping J for partying and then try to get him to go back to sleep later. Better to miss the festivities and let J have a good night's sleep.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
We got home. J awoke as we pulled up to the house. He cried briefly. I cuddled him close, and carried him upstairs. I kissed him goodnight, and then put him in his little crib with his bear, monkey, blankie, sippy, and sucky-thing.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
I covered J with his blankie, so he would stay nice and warm. He curled up on his tummy, with his knees pulled up under him and his little bottom sticking way up in the air, just as he always does when he's really tired. He went to sleep right away. And I rubbed his back and told him how much I love him.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Then I retired to the office to work on my course. I intended to read through more of Module 6, but I opted instead to get busy with my midterm assignment. It is due in two and a half weeks, and I will run out of time pretty quickly if I don't get moving on it. I made a good start, and feel pleased with my accomplishment.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Soon, I will go to bed myself. I will go and check on J. I will find that he has moved to the opposite end of the crib, has kicked his blankie off, and has spat out his sucky-thing.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
J will awake briefly in the dead of night crying frantically because he can no longer find the sucky-thing. I will get up and find the sucky. Once he has his sucky back, he will likely fall asleep again and go straight through the night. But he'll probably wake up around 6:00 am and want to cuddle in the big bed for a bit. It's his routine. It's familiar.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Last week, I spent so much time at doctor's offices. I am behind in my studies again. I must work hard this weekend and get caught up.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Tomorrow, I have to skip out on swimming. It is unadvisable to spend time splashing around in a pool while recovering from a kidney infection. H will go swimming with J, while I continue with my studying. I must get through Module 6 this weekend so that I can write my quiz. It's due by Wednesday at noon.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
I feel deprived. These days, I don't get to spend as much time with J as I would like. I spend a lot of time at work, and then I have to study. J usually gets tired and grumpy shortly after I get home, and then it's time for him to go to sleep. Typically, I get a brief period of play time, and then some cuddles. But it's never enough.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Never enough. ... I look forward to my weekends. Then, I will get to spend more time with J. Except that I don't get to spend more time with J at all. Instead, I have to hole up in the office and study. I miss all the playing. I miss all the cuddles. I miss my baby. Very much.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
And tomorrow, I will miss swimming too!
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
I am tired of studying. It keeps me away from my child. And I just want to hold my baby.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
I am his mother. I should get more time to be with him. I want quality time with my child. I just dearly want to hold him. And cuddle him. And play with him.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
But I want to hold him! Right now!!
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Oh, what do you know, anyway?
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
We got home. J awoke as we pulled up to the house. He cried briefly. I cuddled him close, and carried him upstairs. I kissed him goodnight, and then put him in his little crib with his bear, monkey, blankie, sippy, and sucky-thing.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
I covered J with his blankie, so he would stay nice and warm. He curled up on his tummy, with his knees pulled up under him and his little bottom sticking way up in the air, just as he always does when he's really tired. He went to sleep right away. And I rubbed his back and told him how much I love him.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Then I retired to the office to work on my course. I intended to read through more of Module 6, but I opted instead to get busy with my midterm assignment. It is due in two and a half weeks, and I will run out of time pretty quickly if I don't get moving on it. I made a good start, and feel pleased with my accomplishment.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Soon, I will go to bed myself. I will go and check on J. I will find that he has moved to the opposite end of the crib, has kicked his blankie off, and has spat out his sucky-thing.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
J will awake briefly in the dead of night crying frantically because he can no longer find the sucky-thing. I will get up and find the sucky. Once he has his sucky back, he will likely fall asleep again and go straight through the night. But he'll probably wake up around 6:00 am and want to cuddle in the big bed for a bit. It's his routine. It's familiar.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Last week, I spent so much time at doctor's offices. I am behind in my studies again. I must work hard this weekend and get caught up.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Tomorrow, I have to skip out on swimming. It is unadvisable to spend time splashing around in a pool while recovering from a kidney infection. H will go swimming with J, while I continue with my studying. I must get through Module 6 this weekend so that I can write my quiz. It's due by Wednesday at noon.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
I feel deprived. These days, I don't get to spend as much time with J as I would like. I spend a lot of time at work, and then I have to study. J usually gets tired and grumpy shortly after I get home, and then it's time for him to go to sleep. Typically, I get a brief period of play time, and then some cuddles. But it's never enough.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Never enough. ... I look forward to my weekends. Then, I will get to spend more time with J. Except that I don't get to spend more time with J at all. Instead, I have to hole up in the office and study. I miss all the playing. I miss all the cuddles. I miss my baby. Very much.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
And tomorrow, I will miss swimming too!
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
I am tired of studying. It keeps me away from my child. And I just want to hold my baby.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
I am his mother. I should get more time to be with him. I want quality time with my child. I just dearly want to hold him. And cuddle him. And play with him.
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
But I want to hold him! Right now!!
Do not wake the sleeping baby.
Oh, what do you know, anyway?
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Random Crypticness
Just for entertainment, walk around your office saying "I'm all out of Percocet". Entertaining. But sadly, true. Ow.
A very smiley J, wearing pastel green and blue one-piece pajamas with feet, a brown faux leather aviator jacket, and a red and black felt Elmer Fudd hat with ear flaps ran up to me tonight as I lay on the couch and demanded "Uppie". He makes me happy.
Why is my course site down? It's been down for most of the evening. I'd like it to come back up again. Very much. Behind. Been working with the site down. But I need it.
Friends and family are expecting. I am very happy for all of them. But my glee is tempered by a terrible loss to those nearest me. Near and dear. Sudden and tragic. RIP.
Happy. Sad. Frustrated. Pained. It's a rough kind of night for mood.
A very smiley J, wearing pastel green and blue one-piece pajamas with feet, a brown faux leather aviator jacket, and a red and black felt Elmer Fudd hat with ear flaps ran up to me tonight as I lay on the couch and demanded "Uppie". He makes me happy.
Why is my course site down? It's been down for most of the evening. I'd like it to come back up again. Very much. Behind. Been working with the site down. But I need it.
Friends and family are expecting. I am very happy for all of them. But my glee is tempered by a terrible loss to those nearest me. Near and dear. Sudden and tragic. RIP.
Happy. Sad. Frustrated. Pained. It's a rough kind of night for mood.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Urgent. Urgent. Emergency
Well, so much for the thought that I'd caught the bladder infection in time.
Last night around 11:00, we had to get someone to come and look after J for us while H drove me to Emergency. I was in so much pain I couldn't get up off the floor. It was unbelievable how much my lower back hurt. It radiated around to the front, and my abdomen was extremely tender. I was in so much pain, I was throwing up from it. I never thought anything would hurt more than labour. But this honestly did. I couldn't believe the amount of pain I was experiencing.
I couldn't drive, and I didn't want to wake J. I tried to just get someone to drive me to the hospital so H could stay home with J. But my dad (bless him) wouldn't hear of it, and he looked after J for us while H took me to Emerg.
Just getting me into the car was an adventure. I couldn't stand up straight, and I walked into Emergency bent double at the waist. The triage nurse got me a wheelchair and a heating pad, and things started to improve. H gave her my medical history; I was busy vomitting. We jumped the queue for priority sequence, and I was looked after pretty quick.
I have a kidney infection.
Take the new antibiotics. Drink lots. Stay off work for two days and rest (I particularly hate that direction, but will comply). Take heavy duty pain pills for the next two days (they'll make you sleep; really, don't go into work). I got a shot of morphine and gravol while we waited for my results and, upon being discharged, I was even able to walk out of the hospital, standing erect and without puking.
I'm glad it's just a kidney infection. I thought I was dying.
So I will be home resting for the next two days. I certainly don't want to play around with something like this. I don't want it to get worse (though my little brain can't quite wrap itself around that concept).
The good thing about the trip into Emergency is that I got a doctor's note for work. So I can feel justified about staying home. The bad news? I have deadlines at the office, and I need to be there!! I'll have to get some stuff reassigned so no deadlines are missed.
Took my pain medication, and I'm going back to bed now. The pain is returning, so I guess sitting up is not okay.
Last night around 11:00, we had to get someone to come and look after J for us while H drove me to Emergency. I was in so much pain I couldn't get up off the floor. It was unbelievable how much my lower back hurt. It radiated around to the front, and my abdomen was extremely tender. I was in so much pain, I was throwing up from it. I never thought anything would hurt more than labour. But this honestly did. I couldn't believe the amount of pain I was experiencing.
I couldn't drive, and I didn't want to wake J. I tried to just get someone to drive me to the hospital so H could stay home with J. But my dad (bless him) wouldn't hear of it, and he looked after J for us while H took me to Emerg.
Just getting me into the car was an adventure. I couldn't stand up straight, and I walked into Emergency bent double at the waist. The triage nurse got me a wheelchair and a heating pad, and things started to improve. H gave her my medical history; I was busy vomitting. We jumped the queue for priority sequence, and I was looked after pretty quick.
I have a kidney infection.
Take the new antibiotics. Drink lots. Stay off work for two days and rest (I particularly hate that direction, but will comply). Take heavy duty pain pills for the next two days (they'll make you sleep; really, don't go into work). I got a shot of morphine and gravol while we waited for my results and, upon being discharged, I was even able to walk out of the hospital, standing erect and without puking.
I'm glad it's just a kidney infection. I thought I was dying.
So I will be home resting for the next two days. I certainly don't want to play around with something like this. I don't want it to get worse (though my little brain can't quite wrap itself around that concept).
The good thing about the trip into Emergency is that I got a doctor's note for work. So I can feel justified about staying home. The bad news? I have deadlines at the office, and I need to be there!! I'll have to get some stuff reassigned so no deadlines are missed.
Took my pain medication, and I'm going back to bed now. The pain is returning, so I guess sitting up is not okay.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Why so dumb, chum?
I fed J some apple pieces the other night. He decided that he only likes the juice, and he spat out the chewed up pieces once he'd gotten the yummy juice out. Then he tried to give them to me in a most unpleasant way, resulting in a new episode of "Things You Never Thought You'd Hear Yourself Say":
"Mommy does not want to eat your regurgitated apple bits.
**********
I went to the doctor last Monday. I said that I appeared to have developed a bladder infection. A urinalysis showed nothing. I was on antibiotics for the bronchitis, so shouldn't have developed a bladder infection. I was told to drink cranberry juice and go back to see them on Friday if I still didn't feel better.
I decided that this meant I had developed a severe case of hypochondria. There is nothing wrong with me. And if I simply ignore it, it will go away.
Friday.
Saturday.
And on Sunday, I was in such tremendous discomfort that I could no longer ignore the situation. It's real, dang it! I went back to the doctor. But if it's real, and it's not a bladder infection, what could it be?
I had roughly three hours to ponder that while I waited in the doctor's office for it to be my turn. I was not bored, for I got to run to the bathroom every ten minutes. I was even given a little cup by the nurse so that they could check in the office rather than sending me out to a lab. "But it's not a bladder infection" I thought inwardly; "we've already established that". Confident that my urinalysis would reveal nothing, and that it wasn't all in my head either, I waited to discover just what the heck else might be causing the symptoms I'd been exhibiting.
Saw the doctor.
It's not all in my head. I should have known that. Because it appears that there is nothing in my head.
I have a severe bladder infection. It's resistant to the antibiotics I was taking. I needed new antibiotics. Five-day course. And if it's still like this at the end of the treatment, I will need to take an anti-spasmodic drug to finish the job.
It hurts. A lot.
I feel foolish. I should have trusted myself. Shouldn't have waited so long. Should have persisted after the first test showed nothing. Probably should have just made them redo the test. But I did none of these things. And now, I will have to endure this intense discomfort for a longer period of time.
At least I went back before it worked its way up into my kidneys. That's a good thing, right?
"Mommy does not want to eat your regurgitated apple bits.
I went to the doctor last Monday. I said that I appeared to have developed a bladder infection. A urinalysis showed nothing. I was on antibiotics for the bronchitis, so shouldn't have developed a bladder infection. I was told to drink cranberry juice and go back to see them on Friday if I still didn't feel better.
I decided that this meant I had developed a severe case of hypochondria. There is nothing wrong with me. And if I simply ignore it, it will go away.
Friday.
Saturday.
And on Sunday, I was in such tremendous discomfort that I could no longer ignore the situation. It's real, dang it! I went back to the doctor. But if it's real, and it's not a bladder infection, what could it be?
I had roughly three hours to ponder that while I waited in the doctor's office for it to be my turn. I was not bored, for I got to run to the bathroom every ten minutes. I was even given a little cup by the nurse so that they could check in the office rather than sending me out to a lab. "But it's not a bladder infection" I thought inwardly; "we've already established that". Confident that my urinalysis would reveal nothing, and that it wasn't all in my head either, I waited to discover just what the heck else might be causing the symptoms I'd been exhibiting.
Saw the doctor.
It's not all in my head. I should have known that. Because it appears that there is nothing in my head.
I have a severe bladder infection. It's resistant to the antibiotics I was taking. I needed new antibiotics. Five-day course. And if it's still like this at the end of the treatment, I will need to take an anti-spasmodic drug to finish the job.
It hurts. A lot.
I feel foolish. I should have trusted myself. Shouldn't have waited so long. Should have persisted after the first test showed nothing. Probably should have just made them redo the test. But I did none of these things. And now, I will have to endure this intense discomfort for a longer period of time.
At least I went back before it worked its way up into my kidneys. That's a good thing, right?
Friday, October 13, 2006
Got my coin
It was a lovely awards luncheon. And my voice is almost entirely back to normal now, so I was able to converse with the folks at my table. I am happy about that. They were all very nice, and it was a pleasant afternoon. I was so glad to be able to attend. Many award winners were unable to attend the awards luncheon. What a shame!
Today, I was happy to learn that the 78% I got in my last course will not disqualify me from Top 10 New Member status when I graduate. Someday. In the very distant future. Apparently, it's the PACE level that really impacts whether I can get that particular honor. I have a long way to go to even reach the PACE level. I feel discouraged. I wish I could finish faster. Faster, and for less money. But I can't.
Those who work with me are happy that I received a scholarship. I am happy too, of course. But I am also tired of being a responsible adult. I want to revert back to childhood and be reckless and silly for a while.
The responsible thing to do with the scholarship money is to use it to pay off some of the debt I incurred in registering for this latest course. I am aware of this. And it is what the money is designed for. To do anything else would be pure foolishness. So that is what will happen to my cheque. But really, I just want to go shopping!
H and I have struck a deal. We need to keep a handle on our finances; it's too easy for us to overspend, and we do it far too frequently. And we really do need the money to pay for school. So I will use any scholarship money I receive to pay for my courses. But once I have my designation and my pay increases accordingly, I will be given back an amount equal to the scholarship money I have earned throughout school. (The accountant in me would like you to know that at that time I will be receiving the future value of the present amount invested at market rate.) And then, I will get to go shopping and just blow it all foolishly.
Doesn't that sound like fun?
Yes!
Do you think I'll do it?
No.
I am a responsible adult. I can be nothing else. So while I may take the money, go shopping, and spend it all, I am sure that I will buy extremely practical items that our entire household will get considerable use of. It's just who I am. And I will have many, many, many years to contemplate what those items will be, as I work towards my designation. And so all of the spontaneous joy that should come with a windfall is gone!
*sigh*
(Still, I can't be too broken up about it. Our debtload is $750 lighter now. Doesn't make much of a dent in the load, but it's still free money. And I worked hard to get it, and am really pleased that I got an award. So ... Woot!)
Cheques are always good. Unless you're the one writing them. Then, they suck.
Today, I was happy to learn that the 78% I got in my last course will not disqualify me from Top 10 New Member status when I graduate. Someday. In the very distant future. Apparently, it's the PACE level that really impacts whether I can get that particular honor. I have a long way to go to even reach the PACE level. I feel discouraged. I wish I could finish faster. Faster, and for less money. But I can't.
Those who work with me are happy that I received a scholarship. I am happy too, of course. But I am also tired of being a responsible adult. I want to revert back to childhood and be reckless and silly for a while.
The responsible thing to do with the scholarship money is to use it to pay off some of the debt I incurred in registering for this latest course. I am aware of this. And it is what the money is designed for. To do anything else would be pure foolishness. So that is what will happen to my cheque. But really, I just want to go shopping!
H and I have struck a deal. We need to keep a handle on our finances; it's too easy for us to overspend, and we do it far too frequently. And we really do need the money to pay for school. So I will use any scholarship money I receive to pay for my courses. But once I have my designation and my pay increases accordingly, I will be given back an amount equal to the scholarship money I have earned throughout school. (The accountant in me would like you to know that at that time I will be receiving the future value of the present amount invested at market rate.) And then, I will get to go shopping and just blow it all foolishly.
Doesn't that sound like fun?
Yes!
Do you think I'll do it?
No.
I am a responsible adult. I can be nothing else. So while I may take the money, go shopping, and spend it all, I am sure that I will buy extremely practical items that our entire household will get considerable use of. It's just who I am. And I will have many, many, many years to contemplate what those items will be, as I work towards my designation. And so all of the spontaneous joy that should come with a windfall is gone!
*sigh*
(Still, I can't be too broken up about it. Our debtload is $750 lighter now. Doesn't make much of a dent in the load, but it's still free money. And I worked hard to get it, and am really pleased that I got an award. So ... Woot!)
Cheques are always good. Unless you're the one writing them. Then, they suck.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
What is with this stupid bug???
Well, it started over two weeks ago now. It started with major muscle spasms. And then it turned into stomach trouble, combined with major muscle spasms. Then I developed a twitch in my right eye. Next came the sore throat. Then the runny nose, and then the bronchitis cough. And that's when I lost my voice completely.
I said enough. I went to the Medicentre. I got drugs to help fight this.
My voice is starting to return, and my eye has finally stopped twitching (knock wood). I'm still getting some muscle spasms and some stomach trouble, but it's not as severe as it was, and I am hopeful that it will go away soon.
But now, I have apparently added a urinary tract infection to my woes. And it hurts. A lot. It kept me up from around 3:00 on last night. It came accompanied by chills. It was not enjoyable in the least.
I've called in sick from work for the day. I almost never do that. But it's that bad.
How did this happen? I'm on antibiotics! This should not have happened!
I am hoping that my regular doctor can see me today. If not, then maybe someone else in his clinic will be available. I need to get whatever the heck mutant viral pest thing is causing this awful condition out of my system once and for all. I just don't know how to do that.
I said enough. I went to the Medicentre. I got drugs to help fight this.
My voice is starting to return, and my eye has finally stopped twitching (knock wood). I'm still getting some muscle spasms and some stomach trouble, but it's not as severe as it was, and I am hopeful that it will go away soon.
But now, I have apparently added a urinary tract infection to my woes. And it hurts. A lot. It kept me up from around 3:00 on last night. It came accompanied by chills. It was not enjoyable in the least.
I've called in sick from work for the day. I almost never do that. But it's that bad.
How did this happen? I'm on antibiotics! This should not have happened!
I am hoping that my regular doctor can see me today. If not, then maybe someone else in his clinic will be available. I need to get whatever the heck mutant viral pest thing is causing this awful condition out of my system once and for all. I just don't know how to do that.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Full marks on my second quiz!
My second quiz! On complex debt and equity instruments! A subject with which I was extremely uncomfortable! And I felt extremely stupid while reading about that stuff! Very ill! With bronchitis and laryngitis! And I got full marks!
If I weren't so darned tired, I would dance.
zzzzz...
If I weren't so darned tired, I would dance.
zzzzz...
Saturday, October 07, 2006
I NEED TO SCREAM!!!
BUT I HAVE NO VOICE!! SO I CAN'T!!! SON-OF-A...!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT WAS REMARKABLY UNSATISFYING!!!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT WAS REMARKABLY UNSATISFYING!!!!!
The Sounds of Silence
Laryngitis. Rhymes with bronchitis. Ever notice that? Think it's a coincidence? It's not.
The good news is H & J are both feeling just fine.
The bad news is obvious.
My voice is completely gone. Don't phone; I can't speak above a whisper. If I try to talk louder, only dogs can hear me. But they can't understand me, since I am apparently speaking in Dolphinese.
And yet, H insists on hollering up the stairs, waiting for me to answer in like. But I can't do that! I can't speak; I certainly can't yell.
My voice left last night, after a day of coughing. I left work early, while I still had a trace of vocal capability left, but I was starting to squeak and I sounded pretty bad. It got worse through the evening, until I was left with only a whisper left, and sometimes not even that much.
H sent me to the Medicentre last night. Alone, because it was late and he thought we should try to get J to sleep. And let me tell you, it's not a lot of fun to try and mime your concerns to the Medicentre doctors and staff. I drew the line at "are you allergic to any antibiotics". I just nodded vigorously and pointed to the chart. Thank God I'd been there before! Otherwise, I'd have had to write down a littany of medications.
So the verdict is: Rest. Don't speak unless absolutely necessary. Take hot steamy showers three times a day and breathe deeply until my voice returns. Take my Ventolin asthma inhaler, 2 puffs 4 times a day. Take prescription cough syrup with codeine, 2 teaspoons before bed. Take heavy duty antibiotics, 1 honking horse pill twice a day.
What's the hardest of these instructions for me to follow? You guessed it. Rest.
This weekend, my niece is getting married. We have to run a couple of errands this morning before dropping J off with L&P for the day, then head to the church for the wedding. Then there's the reception, which we will be leaving early. And then back to get J. Convince J to sleep, and then I have to study, because I am STILL behind in my course.
Tomorrow is the gift opening. And a tea thing for my parents in honor of their 50th anniversary (don't let's go there). And Thanksgiving dinner with my family, including my brother's family, who are in from Vancouver for the wedding and who I otherwise will not get to see this year.
Monday is Thanksgiving with H's family, and there will be many preparations (don't let's go there). And somehow, between now and Tuesday evening, I still have to get through a module and a half of course work and write my quiz.
I don't think it's working out. I'll have to find the answers, write the quiz, hope for the best, and finish the readings as I can.
I hate being behind.
I hate being sick.
I keep coughing. I want more cough syrup. But it's not bedtime yet. And I can't even call the pharmacy to ask if I can take non-prescription cough syrup in-between doses, because no one can hear me talk! (Perhaps I can write down instructions and get H to phone for me.)
My cell phone's voice calling feature annoys me today. It can't hear me either.
I hate being sick.
The good news is H & J are both feeling just fine.
The bad news is obvious.
My voice is completely gone. Don't phone; I can't speak above a whisper. If I try to talk louder, only dogs can hear me. But they can't understand me, since I am apparently speaking in Dolphinese.
And yet, H insists on hollering up the stairs, waiting for me to answer in like. But I can't do that! I can't speak; I certainly can't yell.
My voice left last night, after a day of coughing. I left work early, while I still had a trace of vocal capability left, but I was starting to squeak and I sounded pretty bad. It got worse through the evening, until I was left with only a whisper left, and sometimes not even that much.
H sent me to the Medicentre last night. Alone, because it was late and he thought we should try to get J to sleep. And let me tell you, it's not a lot of fun to try and mime your concerns to the Medicentre doctors and staff. I drew the line at "are you allergic to any antibiotics". I just nodded vigorously and pointed to the chart. Thank God I'd been there before! Otherwise, I'd have had to write down a littany of medications.
So the verdict is: Rest. Don't speak unless absolutely necessary. Take hot steamy showers three times a day and breathe deeply until my voice returns. Take my Ventolin asthma inhaler, 2 puffs 4 times a day. Take prescription cough syrup with codeine, 2 teaspoons before bed. Take heavy duty antibiotics, 1 honking horse pill twice a day.
What's the hardest of these instructions for me to follow? You guessed it. Rest.
This weekend, my niece is getting married. We have to run a couple of errands this morning before dropping J off with L&P for the day, then head to the church for the wedding. Then there's the reception, which we will be leaving early. And then back to get J. Convince J to sleep, and then I have to study, because I am STILL behind in my course.
Tomorrow is the gift opening. And a tea thing for my parents in honor of their 50th anniversary (don't let's go there). And Thanksgiving dinner with my family, including my brother's family, who are in from Vancouver for the wedding and who I otherwise will not get to see this year.
Monday is Thanksgiving with H's family, and there will be many preparations (don't let's go there). And somehow, between now and Tuesday evening, I still have to get through a module and a half of course work and write my quiz.
I don't think it's working out. I'll have to find the answers, write the quiz, hope for the best, and finish the readings as I can.
I hate being behind.
I hate being sick.
I keep coughing. I want more cough syrup. But it's not bedtime yet. And I can't even call the pharmacy to ask if I can take non-prescription cough syrup in-between doses, because no one can hear me talk! (Perhaps I can write down instructions and get H to phone for me.)
My cell phone's voice calling feature annoys me today. It can't hear me either.
I hate being sick.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
More throat stuff
Throat. Sore. So sore.
Lozenges do not help.
Tea does not help.
Cold does not help.
Heat does not help.
Honey does not help.
Garlic does not help.
Fluids do not help.
Chewable vitamin C does not help.
Tylenol does not help.
Nothing helps.
There used to be a mouth rinse that you could get by prescription. It did nothing to heal the throat. But it contained a freezing agent and, if you gargled with it, it would numb the throat so you couldn't feel it anymore.
I wish I had some. But I don't.
Dinner tonight was soft-serve ice cream and fruit juice. I can't swallow anything more solid than that. I can barely even speak.
My glands are so swollen I can actually see them. My head is in a constant state of migraine. My ears are plugged and I can barely hear anything now. I feel exhausted. I cough 'til I gag.
And yet, I only took one day off of work to be sick. Now, I continue to go into work every day. I work a full day. And then I come home and study.
I am an idiot.
I realize this. I recognize my idiocy. But it doesn't stop me. Tomorrow, I will go in to work. I will work a full day. And then I will come home and study. Because I am an idiot, and it is what I do.
If I can't speak at all tomorrow, I may stay home. But I doubt it.
Idiot.
Lozenges do not help.
Tea does not help.
Cold does not help.
Heat does not help.
Honey does not help.
Garlic does not help.
Fluids do not help.
Chewable vitamin C does not help.
Tylenol does not help.
Nothing helps.
There used to be a mouth rinse that you could get by prescription. It did nothing to heal the throat. But it contained a freezing agent and, if you gargled with it, it would numb the throat so you couldn't feel it anymore.
I wish I had some. But I don't.
Dinner tonight was soft-serve ice cream and fruit juice. I can't swallow anything more solid than that. I can barely even speak.
My glands are so swollen I can actually see them. My head is in a constant state of migraine. My ears are plugged and I can barely hear anything now. I feel exhausted. I cough 'til I gag.
And yet, I only took one day off of work to be sick. Now, I continue to go into work every day. I work a full day. And then I come home and study.
I am an idiot.
I realize this. I recognize my idiocy. But it doesn't stop me. Tomorrow, I will go in to work. I will work a full day. And then I will come home and study. Because I am an idiot, and it is what I do.
If I can't speak at all tomorrow, I may stay home. But I doubt it.
Idiot.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Colour me self-involved
I'm sick. I have added a migraine to my tonsillitis issue. My throat is so scratchy that speech is difficult. But I'm still working away. Took yesterday off from the office, but went back today. And tonight, I attempted to study. With a migraine. Like an idiot.
Studying takes a lot of concentration when you have a migraine. It can't be done without excluding everything else in your life. And personally, I have a really hard time switching gears when I have a migraine. Case in point: Tonight, I was working on some of my quiz questions, when the phone rang, and one of my dear friends (DF) needed to talk to me. And the conversation went something like this:
So if the above conversation sounds kind of familiar to you, I apologize for my insensitivity and self-involvement this evening. And next time you call, I promise to try harder to remember to close my textbooks, turn off my computer, and listen to you. (And I'm sure your son is just fine!)
Me bad friend. Me sorry.
Studying takes a lot of concentration when you have a migraine. It can't be done without excluding everything else in your life. And personally, I have a really hard time switching gears when I have a migraine. Case in point: Tonight, I was working on some of my quiz questions, when the phone rang, and one of my dear friends (DF) needed to talk to me. And the conversation went something like this:
DF: My son fell.And it kind of kept going like that until my sweet, kind DF agreed to talk shop with me and we had a lengthy discussion about convertible bonds and hybrid classifications. We didn't really ever get back to what was important. I failed to see it at the time. I realize it now. But it's too late to phone!!
Me: Convertible bonds? Are they liability or equity instruments?
DF: I feel so bad!
Me: These are at the issuer's option ... with interest ... that's module 4.2, right?
DF: Do you think he's okay?
Me: Carry the 3 ...
So if the above conversation sounds kind of familiar to you, I apologize for my insensitivity and self-involvement this evening. And next time you call, I promise to try harder to remember to close my textbooks, turn off my computer, and listen to you. (And I'm sure your son is just fine!)
Me bad friend. Me sorry.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
John's tonsil nuggets
Stupid title, I know. But it covers all the bases. So ...
Saw Elton John last night. Fantastic! Worst seats I've ever had for anything in my life, but I was still thrilled to watch Elton John again. What an amazing pianist!
K&K were kind enough to watch J for us while we went to the concert. Judging from the pictures and video footage they showed us after, it looked like he had lots of fun playing with his little friend, D. They chased each other all over the place, and had lots of fun sitting in D's rocking chair. I'm glad J is becoming so sociable.
J wasn't a really happy little guy today. And tonight, I fed him chicken nuggets 'til he passed out. Literally. He passed out. With a piece of nugget still clenched in his hand. He sleeps now. I hope he sleeps through tonight. These days, he's taken to waking up at 2 am.
And in other news ... my tonsils are infected again. TADA!
Behind in my course. Tired. Grumpy. Need to study, but can't. Must go to sleep and let my tonsils heal. Again. (Why don't they just take them out, already?!?!)
'Night.
Saw Elton John last night. Fantastic! Worst seats I've ever had for anything in my life, but I was still thrilled to watch Elton John again. What an amazing pianist!
K&K were kind enough to watch J for us while we went to the concert. Judging from the pictures and video footage they showed us after, it looked like he had lots of fun playing with his little friend, D. They chased each other all over the place, and had lots of fun sitting in D's rocking chair. I'm glad J is becoming so sociable.
J wasn't a really happy little guy today. And tonight, I fed him chicken nuggets 'til he passed out. Literally. He passed out. With a piece of nugget still clenched in his hand. He sleeps now. I hope he sleeps through tonight. These days, he's taken to waking up at 2 am.
And in other news ... my tonsils are infected again. TADA!
Behind in my course. Tired. Grumpy. Need to study, but can't. Must go to sleep and let my tonsils heal. Again. (Why don't they just take them out, already?!?!)
'Night.
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