Tuesday, January 8, 2008

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: , , , , , ,

Posted by at 21 comments:

Monday, January 7, 2008

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

Posted by at 36 comments:

Sunday, January 6, 2008

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

Posted by at 18 comments:

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: , , , , , ,

Posted by at 21 comments:

Friday, January 4, 2008

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

Posted by at 26 comments:

Thursday, January 3, 2008

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: , , , ,

Posted by at 17 comments:

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!

Posted by at 18 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)