Gimme A Break

Hello everyone...

I am going to take a break from journals for a while.  I have turned off my alerts, too.  This year didn't start off as well as I hoped it would, and I need to just 'be' for a while.

It also seems silly with the computer acting up to keep getting alerts that I can't keep up with at this time. 

I welcome emails though, and will try to stay on top of those as best I can.

Stay safe and happy, and please email me if you think there is something I need to know about in someone's life.

be well,
Dawn

Tags: break, computer problems, pain, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus

The Storm

My internet is still wacky.  I have tried to catch up on some journals... forgive me if I haven't been to yours yet.

My weekend was full!  Shopping, bowling, nose blowing, needing to use my cane because my hip/leg was sore, playing UNO, watching a movie with the kids, breakfast Sunday with Ilene & Bob and kids, and Pumpkin's Piano Recital, too.

The town library received a donation of a restored Steinway!  Our recital was the first to play on it!  Very exciting!

Here is the video... enjoy!

Isn't she marvelous???

be well,
Dawn

Tags: piano, recital, shopping, kids, pain, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, cold, bronchitis, uno

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Music to My Ears this Thankful Thursday

Wonderful news...

Libby's biopsy shows that everything is benign!!!  And, only 10% chance of regrowth at all!

I am so relieved.  We are all so relieved. 

Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes...

It is Thankful Thursday and this is what I am most thankful for today.  Amen.

My internet connection is still not right.  Soon, I hope.

be well,
Dawn

Tags: biopsy, benign, Thankful Thursday

Bad Day

Well, I don't know how long my internet connection (not aol) will be stable, but I wanted to pop in anyhow!  Thank you everyone again, for all your support with Libby, Pumpkin's Meme, and the congrats on being Guest Editor! 

What bad timing for my computer to act wonky!  Ugh!

Libby is doing well.  It is obvious that she is not 100%, but after such a big surgery, that is normal.  Still no biopsy results.  <sigh>

I am sick again.  How can that be, you ask?  Well, I figured out that each time I got worse and better, coincided with the Enbrel shot.  It suppresses my immune system, and since I felt better at the end of each week, I did the shot.  Apparently, the virus was not completely gone and would then flare back up!  This time it is in my chest/bronchitis.  Ack.

So, no shot this week.  By next week, it should be safe.

Well, I hope this goes through...

be well,
Dawn

Tags: computer, connection problems, enbrel, Libby, surgery, recuperation

Computer problems...

Having computer problems everyone!! I will get back when I can... hopefully soon!  This sucks!

Libby is doing fine.  She ended up getting a rash all over from whatever they washed her with before the surgery, so she is on benedryl too since then. 

And... GO GIANTS!

be well,
Dawn

Libby is Home!

I am so sorry that Pumpkin and I haven't gotten to visit all the meme's you have done for her!  We will soon!  Things have been hectic here today!

We got the call this morning to pick up Libby at 1pm.  They brought her to us in an exam room and she went wild!  Typical lab, you would never know she had a 6 inch incision on her chest!  She just about jumped into Hubby's arms!!!  Her demeanor was totally, 'Yay!  Let's get outta here!' 

The doc came in and we went over the meds we have to give her and then we headed out.  Libby dragged us to the car!  No stopping to pee there!  Get me to my house!

She was equally excited to see the kids.  Now she is trying to rest, but she is apparently very sore, and keeps moving from spot to spot.  Poor baby.

Here is a picture:

Ouchie, right?

I am going to go jump in the shower, and hopefully she will sleep for a bit. 

I promise, Pumpkin and I will do our rounds soon, either later today or tomorrow before the Giants game!

be well,
Dawn

Tags: yellow lab, dog, surgery, sore, tired

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Libby Update

They only started Libby's surgery at 3pm.  There were emergencies and sicker dogs; we had been warned that might happen.

 

The surgery itself turned out to be more involved.  There was the outer fleshy tumor.  Unfortunately, there was also a separate second tumor just underneath her flesh, in her breast.  Neither tumor infiltrated bone or lung, but the doc did say the second tumor was 'a little worrisome'.   The biopsy results won't be back until the middle of next week.

 

They also required a much larger incision area, too, than originally expected.  So, they are keeping her overnight.  They will give her antibiotics and pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs.  We will also have to give her those at home as well.

 

We have to call tomorrow at 9:30am to make arrangements for her to come home. 

 

I know it is the best place for her to be, but I hate her not being here.

 

Thank you everyone for all your prayers and good wishes.  It really helps to not feel alone. 

 

be well,
Dawn

 

Tags: dog, surgery, tumor, thanks

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Hound Dog

Here are two pictures I took tonight of Liberty, the sunny, never un-funny, yellow lab that brightens our world!

 

Just look at that gorgeous face, and those sweet eyes!!! 

(Yes, she was begging for food, but she's a lab; she can't help it!)

I am so worried about her surgery tomorrow!!! 

On one hand, I can't wait to get that ugly blob of tumor thingy off my beautiful baby!  On the other hand, I am so worried about it being cancerous!  And, of course, I am worried about the procedure, the anesthesia, the healing... you get the idea. 

I am just plain worried.  I can't sleep.  I moved to the bedroom with the laptop to try to at least get more comfy and maybe it will help me start to settle down.  I can actually hear my heart beat.  Not conducive to easing into sleep. 

I know there are some out there who won't get it, but Libby is my baby!  She just was adopted and has a lot hair, but I am her mommy, too!

I am going to play some Free Cell or Solitaire in an attempt to numb my brain from thinking any thoughts.

Wish me luck!

be well,
Dawn

ps... This is soooooo Libby!  LOL

Tags: worried, dog, yellow lab, surgery, family,

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What's Your Name?

Your mission, should you chose to accept it, is to complete Pumpkin's Meme!

Here it is: (no answers filled in because she already knows mine!)

(By the way, her favorite color is purple)

Pumpkin's Meme - Who are you?

1.   What is your name?
2.   How old are you?
3.   Where are you from?
4.   Do you smoke?
5.   Do you drink?
6.   Do you have a family?  Please explain, if yes.
7.   What are your hobbies?
8.   What is your favorite ice cream?
9.   What is your favorite animal?
10.  Do you wear glasses?
11.  What nationality are your ancestors from?
12.  What color is your hair?
13.  What are you wearing now?
14.  What is your favorite color?
15.  What teacher do you remember most from your childhood?
16.  What are your pets and their names?
17.  What is your favorite food?
18.  What is your job?

So, there you have it!  Inquiring 10 year olds want to know.  And, so do the boys.  lol 

Pumpkin wants everyone to do it!  And I quote, "Especially all the men bloggers that never do it!"  Did you hear that all you men?

Don't disappoint my baby!  ;-)

be well,
Dawn

Tags: Pumpkin's meme, survey, questions, do it please!!!!

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Thankful Thursday

Thursday again!

1.     My kids.  I am so happy that my kids love watching educational and entertaining shows, like Mythbusters on Discovery!  We tivo bunches of shows on the educational channels and love to watch them as a family!

2.     Being a Stay At Home Mom.  On days like today, when my hands are burning with pain, my wrists ache, etc etc etc (I won't bore you with the complete list), I am so relieved that I can have a jammie day, and not go anywhere or do anything.  (Well, yes, I got the kids up and to school this morning, but aside from that, I mean.)

3.     Hammer.  He gave me the most wonderful shoulder and upper back rub earlier while I drank my first cup of coffee.  He could tell today was a 'sore' one, and he is just so sweet and caring.

4.     Coffee.  I am really enjoying my cup of joy right now!

5.     Pharmaceuticals.  If my meds hadn't kicked in to help, I wouldn't be typing this right now, at all.

6.     Music.  It colors our world, enhances our lives, and touches our souls. 

7.     My sweet pets.  Unconditional kitty and puppy love is so wonderful! 

Okay, I am going to take my baseball hands and rest for a bit. 

Stay out of trouble, my dear J-Land friends!  I have a meme that Pumpkin Muffin made up for us all to do!  I will probably do it tomorrow, maybe later, we will see...

be well,
Dawn

ps... My fur babies

 

Tags: thankful thursday, blessings, family, kids, love, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, pain, chronic illness, sahm, coffee, mythbusters

Pieces of Me

Thanks for all the comments and concern for Paul's wife and brother, if you go back and visit today, you can see that Paul updated late last night!  Both patients did great and are on the road to recovery!  Yay!

Finally, I found a meme out there in the blogosphere worth repeating!  Yay!

A meme to peel away the layers of you.

LAYER ONE:
-- Name: Dawn
-- Birth date: 42 years ago last November
-- Birthplace: Hackensack, NJ
-- Current Location: my kitchen
-- Eye Color: blue
-- Hair Color: blonde
-- Height: just under 5'6"
-- Righty or Lefty: righty
-- Zodiac Sign: Scorpion

LAYER TWO:
-- Your heritage: 7/8 German, 1/8 Italian, 100% American
-- The shoes you wore today: Purple Paws Slippers
-- Your weakness: Only one?  I can't choose...
-- Your fears: And, this is plural.  Hmm, spiders and something bad happening to my kids/family
-- Your perfect pizza: I am addicted to frozen Mystic Pizza.  I may have to search out a 12-Step Program soon.
-- Goal you'd like to achieve: Eating better, and possibly losing weight.  I would also like to exercise, but the diseases (RA/Lupus) hold some sway over that.

LAYER THREE:
-- Your most overused phrase: 'Am I speaking Chinese' <--- to the non listening kids
-- Your first waking thoughts: "Ouch" because it hurts reaching for the alarm clock
-- Your best physical feature: eyes
-- Your most missed memory: Shopping on Saturdays with my Grandma

LAYER FOUR:
-- Pepsi or Coke: diet pepsi, but I will drink coke too
-- McDonald's or Burger King: McD's
-- Single or group dates: Anydate with myHubby
-- Adidas or Nike: ...meh. What's on sale?  For me, Merrells.  They are amazing.  I never get sore feet with them.
-- Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: I prefer brewed from teabags, any company, I won't drink canned/bottled, too sweet, diet or regular.  Ick.
-- Chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla Ice Cream.  Chocolate chocolates.  lol
-- Cappuccino or coffee: Yes, please.  AND, another.  Thanks.

LAYER FIVE:
-- Smoke: Never
-- Cuss: Shit, yeah! (my favorite word lol)
-- Sing: Yes, but I lose my voice if I do it too long due to damaged vocal chords
-- Take a shower everyday: feh, every other
-- Do you think you've been in love: why yes, I am
-- Want to go to college: done that
-- Liked high school: ...not as much as I liked college
-- Want to get married: this one is good thanks
-- Believe in yourself: yes
-- Get motion sickness: not much, occasionally on a boat
-- Think you're attractive: I used to be
-- Think you're a health freak: Uh not even close
-- Get along with your parent(s): Yes, they rock
-- Like thunderstorms: I love them, unless someone is out in them, then I worry
-- Play an instrument: I can play a little piano, I tried, flute, clarinet and guitar as a kid.   Oh and recorder.  Remember those?  lol

LAYER SIX: In the past month...
-- Drank alcohol: yes, some white zinfandel
-- Smoked: no
-- Done a drug: only my many prescriptions lol
-- Made Out: uh yes, I am married
-- Gone on a date: I think Hubby and I did go out to dinner once alone in the last month, so yes
-- Gone to the mall: yes, for about 2 minutes for a gift
-- Eaten an entire box of Oreos: No, eww.
-- Eaten sushi: NO EWW EWW EWW
-- Been on stage: no
-- Been dumped: no
-- Gone skating: no
-- Made homemade cookies: no
-- Gone skinny dipping: No, definitely not in the last month!
-- Dyed your hair: Yes, finally another yes!  lol
-- Stolen anything: no, unless you count zzzzz's  lol

LAYER SEVEN: Ever...
-- Played a game that required removal of clothing: yes
-- Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: yes
-- Been caught "doing something": yes
-- Been called a tease: yes, teasingly by Hubby!
-- Gotten beaten up: nope
-- Shoplifted: no
-- Changed who you were to fit in: probably a little, I think we all do during those stupid teen years

LAYER EIGHT:
-- Age you hope to be married: forever
-- Numbers and names of children: Hammer, 15, Fuzzy, 12 1/2, Pumpkin, 10 1/2 (about 3 weeks shy of 11!)
-- Describe your dream wedding: 11/9/91
-- How do you want to die: very old, very healthy, and in my sleep  lol
-- Where you want to go to college: been there, done that
-- What do you want to be when you grow up: Is growing up required?
-- What country would you most like to visit: It changes, but right now, Bahamas, or any Carribean nation!

LAYER NINE:
-- Number of drugs taken illegally: none
-- Number of people I could trust with my life: 4
-- Number of CDs that I own: maybe 60
-- Number of piercings: two in each earlobe
-- Number of tattoos: zero
-- Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper: ...lots, our town paper printed names a lot for school stuff!  Once in the last few years, by the NY TImes as Hammer's mom, when the Cassini probe landed and began to send back its first images, we were at AMNH in NYC for the live feed.
-- Number of scars on my body: around 10, I think
-- Number of things in my past that I regret: None.  I don't believe in regret.  If you change something from your past, it may change where you end up, and I am very blessed and fortunate to have a wonderful loving Hubby and three fabulous kids, and I would NEVER mess with that outcome!

That was fun!  Now, please, copy and paste and fill in your own answers, okay!  And, let me know so I can visit!

My brood is out to the Boy Scout meeting right now, so I am enjoying some much needed, and rarely found alone time!  LOL

Ahhhh....

be well,
Dawn

Tags: meme, questions, survey, boy scouts, kids, alone

Give a Little Bit

Paul, I send you the above lolcat to help you find your bucket.

Everyone else, go read Paul's blog, Aurora Walking Vacation, and leave good wishes.  Paul's wife, Pat, is in surgery today, donating a kidney to her brother. 

And, although Paul does not believe in prayer, Pat does, but everyone, even Paul, believes in good wishes.

Paul was one of the first people to call around to my blog back in March 2005 when I first began blogging.  Many of you may remember Paul from when he hosted the CarnivAOL blog.

We had a quieter more efficient morning here, which was to be expected.  Punishments will do that.

Hubby and I have always been so strict on the bedtime schedules, but this year we loosened up some.  At 5th and 7th grade, so many of the events and activities they do now run late.  It is a transitional time for them, really.  <sigh>

It was easier when they were in kindergarten and the younger grades, with less activities, or early ones and less social life, but the only thing for certain is that everything changes.

My head cold is flaring back up, so I moved one of Hammer's appointments until next week.  I should know better than to try to do two in one day, anyhow.  Ack.

I need to find some meme's... lol

be well,
Dawn

Tags: Paul, aurora walking vacation, wife, kidney transplant, live donor, kids, family

Another Brick in the Wall

No, kitty, there was no snow day today, because the snow didn't show. :(

And, from the moment I woke the kids this morning, it was all downhill from there.  Overtired, cranky, ornery kids, who decided to give me hell and fight me for an hour.

It got to the point where I was feeling sick, exhausted and ready to scream, so I gave up.  I called them in sick.

Now, they are punished.  Fuzzy and Pumpkin are grounded all week, 'unplugged'.  That means no computer, no handheld video games, no console video games. 

New rules have been instituted for bed times throughout the end of the school year, and early wake-ups for weekend mornings, in order to keep them both on 'ready for school' schedule.

Yep, they shot themselves in the foot big time.  And, this is a milder version of the original punishment and plans that their Dad had for them. 

Hammer is not included in the punishments or restrictions as he never, ever, has pulled this difficulty.  Not with school when he did attend, or with homeschooling. 

Ugh.  Not a fun day at all.  No one said parenting was easy or fun all the time!  Nope, more like nailing jello to a tree.  <sigh>

However, it is now behind us and we are all moving forward. 

My dad and I went to finalize our kitchen plans with Lowe's and get our estimate from them today.  It was more expensive than we hoped/guessed, but not outrageously so.  We are waiting on another estimate also. 

That was the best part of my day!  LOL  I really enjoyed picking out the cabinet and countertop styles and colors!

Tomorrow will be a busy day.  I have two doctor appointments for Hammer.  First for his maintenance appointment at the Asperger's center, and then with the orthodontist. 

Pumpkin has piano lessons tomorrow, and will have homework and make-up work to do.  Fuzzy will also have much work to do afterschool.

Here's to better days for the rest of the week!

I am still so thrilled about the Giants making it to the NFC Championship Game!  Yay!

be well,
Dawn

Tags: no snow, kids, parenting, kitchen, long day

Welcome to the Jungle

So, here we are hopefully watching the Giants kick Cowboy arse!!!  Woohoo!

This is going to be a nailbiter! 

Did you see the blizzard that the Green Bay Packers played in yesterday?  OMG, it was wicked cool!!!  The way football is supposed to be!!  I was happy that they won, too!  Go Brett!

I was also pleased that New England won.  I know, there are many Patriot haters out there... but I just love Tom Brady.  To me he is a young Brett Favre.  A born winner, and a hard-working quarterback.

I was very surprised that Peyton and the Colts lost today.  Their defense was non-existent, and they just fell apart.  I don't think the Chargers looked much better, just luckier, and I think that the Patriots will eat them up next week.

Enough football.  Yesterday, Pumpkin and I went out for breakfast with Ilene and Peanut, her daughter.  Our hubbies and sons were away camping together, so it seemed right!  LOL

Then, Kathy and my nephew J arrived in the afternoon!  Yay!  We had a nice dinner at the Longhorn Steakhouse together, with my parents.   J was so excited to be sleeping at Aunt Dawn's and even got to sleep with Pumpkin, which really thrilled him!

Kathy had a rough night.  She couldn't sleep!  I felt so bad.  She tossed and turned.  Her day at school went good though, and she is set to start the last semester taking 2 classes for her Master's!  She will have 2 more classes but is taking one in the summer semester, and one in Fall. 

The boys trip was a lot of fun!  My Hubby, boys, Bob, and DogBoy were in the cabin with the Webelo group that Fuzzy was the Den Chief (mentor).  This group is going to bridge over into Boy Scouts in about 3 weeks.  Very exciting.

The boys (all of them) had a 5 mile hike on Saturday, and also started preparations for their Metalworking badge.  They also split wood on Saturday, and as a good deed, split enough wood for the next several weekends of campers at these cabins.

The big news for tonight is the incoming snow storm!!!  PJ's will be worn backward, and the kids are already making plans for their day at home.  We will see... Remember, our school year started late due to construction, so the Board of Ed is going to be very, very reluctant to shut school for snow!  Of course, the kids are convinced that they will have no choice.  4-7 inches isn't exactly a blizzard, although it will be nice!!!

In other news, my injection site was barely visible yesterday, and today it was gone.  No itching or swellling.  I am so relieved that it was much better this week. 

To those that asked, no, the shots are not having an impact yet on my disease.  That usually takes a few weeks, or even months, but I am hopeful still!

Well, back to the game!

be well,
Dawn

 

Tags: football, Giants, Packers, Patriots, Colts, Boy Scouts, friends, family, kids, snow, storm, snow day

Shake Rattle and Roll

This morning was ugly for about 20 minutes...

THE COFFEE MAKER WOULDN'T WORK!!!

It was off,  dead.  No lights, nothing.  Wouldn't do anything.

OMG... I was torn between panicked and completely defeated!!! 

Then, suddenly, I remembered!  There was a reset switch on the back!  I pushed the switch and VOILA!  It came back to life and began to heat up the water in the resevoir! 

Oh, thank you Coffee Gods!  I needed that coffee so badly!

Hammer looked scared for me!  LOL  Poor boy, thought he was going to be trapped in the house with mommy and no coffee!!!  (Hubby has the truck, lol)

I had to do my Enbrel shot.  I decided to take a benedryl 30 minutes before the injection.  Another reason I needed coffee so badly; caffeine countermeasures!

I took the Enbrel out early to be sure it was room temperature too.  I also moved the injection to my thigh, as the stomach area is too easily bumped or irritated if there is a reaction.

I had Hammer come into the bathroom to do it with me, for moral support.  The jab didn't hurt at all.  It started to burn with pushing the medicine in, and I decided to go real slow to hopefully help avoid the site reaction.  It was not fun.

I started to feel dizzy, and even after it was over, I was not good.  For the first time ever, I was really close to passing out!  Good thing Hammer was there, he opened the window to cool me off, and rubbed my back while I had my head between my knees.

Ack.  That pisses me off!  I am Warrior Injection woman!  I have done this before!  I do not get light headed!  UGH!  I am watching the injection site.  It hurt for about 15 minutes, but now it seems okay.

My dad went and got me an iced Dunkin Donuts coffee!  That is making me feel better.

Hubby is on his way home, and he has to finish packing.  This trip leaves later, so he can eat dinner with us first!  I like that. 

Pumpkin has a friend over and they are playing Uno.  Fuzzy is playing Halo 3 since he can't all weekend, and Hammer is on the computer reading his Transformer's fanfic sites, since he can't do that all weekend.

I am looking forward to a nice Mommy and Pumpkin only night tonight!

be well,
Dawn

Tags: coffee, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, enbrel, camping, boy scouts, girl's night, fun, family

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Thankful Thursday

Wow!  I have been trying to do an entry for about 5 hours!  I hope this works!

Thursday is here again!  Wow... that was quick!

1.     Coffee.  Oh yes... thank you, thank you, thank you!

2.     Dayquil.  Day 5 of a head cold, which is more a nuisance than much else, but without Dayquil, I am sure it would be worse!  lol

3.     Kids.  Hammer pretended to ice skate across the room today, in his socks, hands behind his back and all, and it was my first belly laugh of the day!  :-)

4.     Father/Son Scout Weekend.  This weekend the boys will be gone!  Kathy is going to come up with J, spend the night on Saturday night, and since she has to go to school for the day Sunday (which is north of here, and she lives south), J will hang out with us for the whole day!  Fun!  I am looking forward to the quality time Pumpkin and I will share with them while the boys share their quality time!

5.     Libby.  My sweet labby is having her surgery next week! 

6.     Mystic Pizza.  Tonight's dinner.  Yum.

7.     The internet.  The support I get here in JLand and from my Rheumatoid Arthritis email loop is priceless and truly irreplaceable.  You keep my wits about me!

That is that. Week 2 of 2008, already almost gone!  Wow.

Many of you chastised me for not grabbing a camera yesterday morning when Pumpkin and I shared the beautiful sunrise.  I have to tell you, my mind, body and hands are just not that quick in the AM!  LOL

Maybe next time... but believe me, the entire memory of yesterday morning is permanently etched in my mind.  I smiled many times today thinking about it.

Big football games ahead this weekend!  Hubby was so worried about missing the Giants/Dallas game, but since it won't be until Sunday at 4pm, he will be home in plenty of time!  I am certain that he and several of the dad's would be bringing a tv along for the game if it ended up being on Saturday! 

Actually, since there are some good games on this Saturday, their may be a tv being smuggled in anyhow!  This trip they are in cabins that have bathrooms and electric, so it is possible!

I keep joking with them that this is the 'manly men' weekend!  Card playing, belching, and farting are the sports of choice!  LOL

Keep your fingers crossed that this entry saves!

be well,
Dawn

Tags: thankful thursday, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, kids, fun, camping, father/son, boy scouts

Under a Blood Red Sky

This morning before school, Pumpkin was playing her handheld video game (nintendo ds, for those who know) and called out to me.

I heard, 'Mom, come look at this guy!', and I had just sat down for a little break, so I asked her to show it to me, thinking it was the Kirby video game 'guy' she wanted me to see.

'No, Mom the sky!!!', Pumpkin said.

Duh!  I immediately got up to look with her, and found the most beautiful red, orange, and pink sunrise coming up in the east.  Just gorgeous.  We admired it for a minute, and then I told Pumpkin the old adage.

'Red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky at morning; sailors take warning!'  It was particularly accurate because I had just read that we had a wind advisory for gusts 40 - 50 mph, and a rain storm coming through in the morning.

I went back to sit down, and finished my coffee.  Soon, it was time to get ready, and I called Pumpkin to which she responded, 'In a minute, Mommy, you just don't see something like this everyday!' 

I went back to her to look again at the red sky!  It was gorgeous, and now wispy, cirrus, clouds were whipping across it, much like glowing galloping horses, refusing to be corralled.

You don't see something like that everyday, and we both just took it in, nature's morning show, just for us.  It was wonderful.

I am so grateful for that moment, and the memory of it will inspire me on many mornings to come.

Happy Hump Day! 

I hope you find some inspiration in your little world today. :-)

be well,
Dawn

Tags: sunrise, red sky, kids, moment, inspiration

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If Everyone Cared...

I am fortunate and grateful that you all do care... and if wishes made it so, I would be the healthiest woman around!  Thank you all!

I immediately felt better yesterday after getting it out on the blog.  Kind of like that primal scream therapy of the 70's; this is mine!!  I let it out, and begin to move forward again!

I am having a better day!

Funny thing, yesterday, I hit enter on that entry, to Hammer yelling, 'MOM!' and hearing him running up the basement stairs.  As he barrels past me and to the front door, he informs me, 'The bag is leaking!', which I could see, and out the door he went.

Hammer was changing the cat box and the liner, apparently, was slit open from the cats.  He realized it at the basement stairs, and instead of stopping and heading back to the box and bagging it in a garbage bag, he PANICKED and ran up the stairs and out the door. 

ACK.  You guessed it.  Litter everywhere. 

So, yeah, a lot of vacuuming ensued.  I did the foyer and hall, Hammer did the basement stairs.  We discussed how it would have been better handled.  Hammer, my brilliant genius child, can drop everything on a dime and explain relativity, string theory, and superposition of matter, but the common sense stuff is a little tougher. 

Such is Asperger's!  We laughed about it a little, and he told me today, that I had permission to share the story.  And, he wants me to use this lolcat we found that is about Autism/Asperger's on I CAN HAS CHEEZBURGER?.

If you have been reading my journal for long enough, then you know that Hammer likes to educate people about Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.  ;-)

Last night, at dinner we actually had a long discussion explaining the number phi (prounounce 'fee') which is the Golden Ratio, and how it is related to the Fibonacci numbers!  I have to say, I love this stuff too (which is probably where Hammer gets it), but everyone else tried to listen and follow along!  Fuzzy actually remembered the Fibonacci's from a NUMB3RS (tv show) episode! 

We always talk about all the 'neurotypical' stuff (we don't say 'normal' around here, that implies that Hammer is not!),  so it is really nice when Hammer gets to have a good conversation about the things that are important and interesting to him!

Anyhow, be sure to read the lolcat at the bottom, and remember to be patient with quirky people, sometimes it is just that their brains work differently than yours!

be well,
Dawn

Tags: grateful, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asperger's syndrome, autism, cats, patience

Honesty

So, here we are, Monday.

Remember when I had all that energy and was feeling good before Christmas?  Yeah, that was great.  It wasn't perfect, but it was better than right now.

Today, I had to literally psyche myself to get motivated to take a shower. 

Yesterday, I didn't want to shower because of the Enbrel injection site reaction.  It was so hot and inflammed; I didn't want to aggravate it. 

<sigh>

I hate feeling like this.  I am revisiting the 'anger' stage of dealing with a chronic illness again.  Today, I want to spit nails.   Yesterday, too. 

My Hubby had the gall to complain about doing something (I am being facetious here), and all I could think, actually scream inside my head was "HOW DARE YOU COMPLAIN!  EVERYTHING IS SO EASY FOR YOU!  AND, YOU HAVE NO FREAKING IDEA HOW LUCKY THAT MAKES YOU!"

Yeah.  Today is the same.  I bet lots of you got up today, maybe you had an ache or two or three, but it didn't stop you in your tracks.  You got into your shower, did your hair, put on your make-up, and went to work.  Or maybe you got your kids to school first, too. 

You just did it.  No thought, no plan of attack, no pausing to rest in between each step.  No running your hands under cold water.

I got up at 7ish, hit the snooze from 6:50 until 7:10 so I could get my left leg/ankle/foot moving because it seemed to be frozen in place.  I woke the 2 kids that go to school, limped away from them to the bathroom.  Thank heavens for the counter next to the toilet for balance and leverage sitting down, and getting up.

Woke the kids again.  Hobbled to kitchen, where I started a cup of coffee, and got out the ham to make a sandwich for Fuzzy.  Made Fuzzy's sandwich, packed the rest of the lunch up; drinks and snacks; hobbling a bit less.  Ran my hands under the cold water to help stop the aching, burning sensation from making the sandwich etc.

Sat down with coffee in kitchen.  Hugged Pumpkin, who was not happy to be up for Monday morning either.  Hugged Fuzzy who took his drink and pop tart and went to watch tv.  I guess I forgot to mention getting the kids drinks before the sandwich making.  Pouring the gallon sized Ice tea container hurts, like a b#tch in the morning.

Rest for a bit while talking to Pumpkin and while they dress.  Now, out to the car to drive them.  Putting on the pull over is annoying, but I can't find my zipper fleece jacket that I usually wear in the winter, which makes one step a little easier. 

I drive them to school and myself home, all the while cursing my right ankle/foot silently in my head because they are sore, too.  And, gripping the steering wheel, not fun.  So, I try to do it as lightly as possible. 

Once home I relax for a few minutes, checking email, and then head back to bed.

After I get back up, and waiting for my meds to kick in, I check some more emails and drink 2 cups of coffee, and mentally psyche myself up for my shower.  I actually sit there and tell myself all the good things about taking the shower, and try to ignore all the bad.

So, I get in there, and the water does feel good.  It is painful to wash and condition my hair, but I push through.  Can't shave the legs because bending irritates the injection site reaction, and I don't want to aggravate that at all.  I am hoping the hot water doesn't make it worse either.

Get out of shower (thank God for the handle/bar thingy).  Dry off, and now time for the blow drier.  It always feels like a thousand pounds at this point.  Dry hair halfway, as that is all I can do.  Get dressed.

Sit down at the computer.  Rest.  Yes, I have to rest after all that.  Most people feel invigorated and bounce out of their shower.  Not me.  <sigh> 

Some of you out there with chronic illness will understand.  Some of you may remember an acute illness that you had to deal with once, or for a time, that you felt this way.  This is all the time for me.  Sometimes a little better, sometimes a lot worse.  Sometimes, I am fighting tears in the morning, not wanting to upset the kids.  Sometimes the shower never happens.

That is why I am in my 'angry' phase again.  Doesn't seem fair does it?  Frustrating, too. 

be well,
Dawn

Tags: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fatigue, angry, frustrated

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Baba O'Reilly

I have posted lots of cat pics that were inside jokes for both Fuzzy and Hammer.   The one's in this entry are all for Pumpkin!

Pumpkin has a facination with the name 'Bob'.   It is her favorite name.  She names all 'silly' things Bob.  Christmas trees, things she draws, new stuffed animals, rocks, pencils, you name it - and it is already named Bob. 

Pumpkin even has a Bob dance.  The funny thing is also that we know many Bobs!!!  This makes for much silliness around here.  I know, it makes no sense... you just have to be here, I guess!

Oh and the entry name, The Who Song... Pumpkin calls it 'Bob O'Reilly' so there ya go.

I have a meme for you from Russ at Inner and Outer Demons .

You
Can
Only
Type
One
Word

1. Where is your cell phone? purse

2. Boyfriend/girlfriend? husband

3. Your hair? blonde

4. Your mother? upstairs

5. Your father? asleep

6. Your favorite thing? Keurig

7. Your dream last night? silly

8. Your favorite drink? coffee

9. Your dream car? limo

10. The room you're in? kitchen

11. Your ex?  forgotten

12. Your fear? spiders

13. Your favorite number? 11

14. Where were you last night? dinner

15. What you're not doing right now? cleaning

16. Muffins? chocolate

17.?  duh

18. GREW UP IN? same

19. The last thing you did? Gladiators

20. What are you wearing? pajamas

21. Your TV? strike

22.Your pet or pets? furbabies

23. Your computer? support

24.Your Life? kids

25.Your Mood? annoyed

26. Missing someone? Kathy

27. (not included so I added...) On your feet? Slippers

28. Your car? suv

29. Your work? home

30. (also not here, so...) Favorite flower? rose

31. Like someone? many

32. Your favorite color? sage

33. When is the last time you laughed? before

That was fun!  I hope some of you play along!

The football Wild Card Playoff Games were this weekend.  The Giants won today, so that was good!  Next week they take on the Cowboys, and hopefully win!

We watched American Gladiators tonight and it was fun.  They have some new challenges, and it is definitely harder than it was in the 1980's.

Heading to bed soon, tomorrow starts the week!

be well,
Dawn

Tags: meme, kids, silly, bob, fun, lolcat, icanhascheezburger.com, Giants

Pressure

I couldn't get my journal to let me do an entry all day yesterday and earlier today. 

Finally, AOL decided to let it work!  Ack!

First order of business, to give you the link to the author of the book in the last entry!  He runs a novelty website, and there are a total of three books!

Here it is: Ephemera

You can't help but laugh as you go through the sites items!

Yesterday was Caturday!

So here is a smattering of Caturday lolcats!

 

 

I just love the tic tac one... lol

Yesterday was bowling!  Fuzzy's friend Russ had his highest game ever, a 145!  Fuzzy and Pumpkin did okay.  Pumpkin got 2 strikes in one game for the very first time!  She was thrilled!

Fuzzy had a birthday party, so the four of us went to the Cheesecake Factory.  It was very good.  We split the Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake for dessert.  OMG... heaven.

Today we undecorated.  Hubby did most of it, with the kids help.  I hate taking the tree down, but don't mind the rest.   I had some ready to go in boxes, the village had to be done, and a few other odds and ends.  Hubby at all the big figures put away already.

Yesterday, before bowling, he and the boys undecorated the outdoors.  :-(  I miss all the lights already.

I did my second shot of Enbrel on Friday night.  I rushed it.  I did it when it was too cold, and now I am suffering for it.  I got my first ever site reaction.  A big red, hot, sore, itchy round spot.  I put on some cortizone cream and took a benedryl.  It has helped, but it is still there.  Ack.

Well, time to go for now... Pumpkin and I have been playing UNO like crazy, so this kitty is for her.

be well,
Dawn

Tags: injection site reaction, rheumatoid arthritis, caturday, uno, kids, bowling, enbrel

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The Bitch is Back

Thanks for this tag, Missie!  I love it!  Check my sidebar for a link to Missie's tags!

Remember in the meme I mentioned the 'Queen Bitch' book?  It is this fun, quirky little book with kitschy housewife pictures and funny sayings!  (about 50 of them)

I change the picture that is face out each day!

Check it out:

 This is the cover.

This is my absolute favorite!

But here are some more good ones!

 

 

I just love stuff like this!  This is actually the second book that these writers have done!  I have GOT to get the first one of these days!  LOL

Happy Friday!

be well,
Dawn

Tags: kitsch, cute, funny, book, coffee, kids, family, gotta laugh

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Naughty, Naughty

This picture is for Cin.  It's okay if you don't get it... she will.  I would wager a bet that one or two others of my readers have perused Lovecraft as well!  LOL

Anyhow... you are all 'Naughty Naughty' because you are all being too dang quiet out there!!!  And, now you have done it because, I am going to go deep into my archives and redo a meme for you all. 

The Alphabet List of Things I can see from the Computer

A  -  African violets (silk, on my windowsill)

B  -  Back-scratcher

C  -  Cookie tin (and no, you can't say 'computer', duh)

D  -  Dog

E  -  Envelopes of open mail

F  -  Felt tipped marker

G  -  Garbage bag, waiting to go out tomorrow

H  -  Hamilton Beach classic drink mixer

I  -  ipods

J  -  'Junk' about covers the mess

K  -  Keurig, Coffee Machine Extraordinaire, and the K-cups that go into it

L  -  Loose change (which I will deposit into kids Tootsie Roll banks)

M  -  Munchkins, a treat from Dunkin Donuts from grandpa :-)

N  -  Nextel; Hubby's Blackberry/Cell

O  -  Oven

P  -  Pictures, of the kids, other family, and ones drawn by the kids

Q  -  'Queen Bitch' stand up book I got for Christmas (more on that in a later entry)

R  -  Red plastic drink cups, alternating with Green, used for Christmas

S  -  Shells from Wildwood in a plastic wine goblet, commemorating Beach Jam '07 with Ilene and Bob

T  -  Triscuits (thanks, Karol)

U  -  ugly cabinets, soon to be replaced ;-)

V  -  Vino, a half bottle of Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Savingnon

W  -  Wipes for eyeglasses

X  -  X-tra pencils for homework

Y  -  Yellow Senor Frog's magnet from Puerto Rico

Z  -  Zippers on kid's backpacks, which are ready and waiting for school tomorrow

Okay... you have to stretch a bit for x and z, but if I did it, you can do it!

Ollie ollie oxen free!!! 

Come out, come out, wherever you are!!!!!

be well,
Dawn

Tags: meme, too quiet in jland, kitchen, computer, silly

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Thankful Thursday

Is that so funny?  British cats don't do misspelled lol's!

Wow, Thursday already?  Also, the first Thankful's of 2008.

1.     My blog.  It brings me support and friendship from J-Land, and gives me a wonderful outlet for both my writing and my psyche!

2.     Coffee.  Yes, it is high on the list this week.  Telling, isn't it?

3.     Hubby.  How can you not love a man who knows before you do that the headache you can't shake is because you are finally going to get your period?  Yeah, he's that good.  AND, then he went out and got me Taco Bell.  I just love my man!!!

4.     Kids.  Fuzzy and Pumpkin had great nights sleep last night, and went to school semi-happily this morning.  Hammer is his usual happy, caring, self today.  He just made me a coffee.  <sigh>  I just LOVE that boy!

5.     My parents.  Dad is still home with me this week, doing some painting in his and Mom's hallway.  Today he made us Lipton Noodle Soup for lunch.  Yummy.  He still gives me a teaspoon, instead of a soup spoon, like when I was little.  It makes me smile.

6.     I CAN HAS CHEEZBURGER? .  Thank you, Russ.  I love this site, it makes me laugh and smile each day, and seems to always have situations that relate to my crazy life!

7.     Kathy.  Today is Kathy's birthday!  I am so happy that she arrived in this world, and subsequently became the sister of my heart, filling the void of the sister by blood that fate did notbring.  I love you dear Sis, and I hope that you wear your Ugg-like Bearpaw boots in good health and happiness, always!

Also having a birthday today is Bill from Comments on the events of my life!  Happy Birthday, Bill!  Please call around, as Bill has been feeling a little blue...

Update:  Also having a birthday is Tracy from in one*hip*mama's head who is apparently 39 again!  Yay! 

So, that is the first list of 2008.  There will be many more to follow.

A question:  Is anyone planning on watching the new American Gladiators?  We will be!  Hubby and I loved to watch the other show, and have caught some of the repeats that have been on recently.  Oh my, the bad 80's hair!!!  The mullets!!!  What were men thinking??  lol

Tv has been awful without new shows due to the writer's strike, so I think it will be fun to watch!  The kids can't wait either!  I think Sunday is the first episode.

Signing off for now, going to enjoy this cup of coffee, while sitting and doing nothing!  (I have cramps, my hands are swollen, and everything aches today... the period always aggravates the RA... sorry men, avert your eyes... lol)

be well,
Dawn

ps... My hubby follows my version of this quite often... 'Happy wife, happy life!' - advice given to us when away for our 10th Anniversary from a couple celebrating their 45th Anniversary!

Tags: Thankful Thursday, lolcats, coffee, kids, parents, hubby, love, rheumatoid arthritis, American Gladiator, birthday