Certain kinds of nostalgia are good. I was thinking about Christmases past recently, remembering with some sadness the mouse on the clocktower in my former home town, a houseful of family and friends, how my brothers were pretty good kids most of the time and especially at Christmas. *grin*
Then I got home and got a clothing catalog all full of '70s retreads. Ewww. Gauchos were ugly then, they're ugly now. That kind of nostalgia you can keep far from me!
Right now, I'm listening to Kevin Gilbert's rock opera "Shaming of the True" and noticing how full it is of '80s references. I wonder if he would have updated it if he'd lived, how it would have sounded, who would have performed in the movie if there was one...
Disjointed thoughts, but that could be the result of the Vicodin. That stuff also gives me dreams so vivid they damn near qualify as hallucinations. It made the possum nightmare really bad Thursday night. *shudder* Hopefully, no dreams tonight, unless I am dreaming of someone buying out a Lush store's Christmas inventory for me.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Embracing my inner whatever
Over the weekend, it was my inner drama queen, as I dealt with episodes of dizziness and was just positive it was the MS returning. Then I found out I've got an ear infection. *blush*
Earlier today, I embraced my inner cheapskate, as I whined about $210 worth of dog shots. Yes, it was time for the Annual Torturing of the Hounds. Dr. Bob said Bigfoot was a complete gentleman from start to finish, and Littlefoot behaved himself until it was time for the blood draw to test for heartworm, Lymes disease and erlichiosis. He decided Dr. Bob was going to use the needle to amputate his foot and he wasn't going to let it happen. Apparently, even though he was muzzled (at my insistence, the staff at the vet hospital have blanket permission to muzzle either of my dogs--they're too big to take chances with), he howled, thrashed, snarled and heaved his body all over the exam room. Brat.
Of my two former co-workers with MS-like symptoms, one apparently had some abnormalities in her spinal MRI and the other has no lesions whatsoever but disturbing symptoms. Both have follow-up appointments at the Cleveland Clinic, and hopefully will get some answers. I've had nothing but stellar care at the Mellen Center there (especially with Nurse Tardy retired *grin*). I wish them all the best and the amazing luck I have had.
Right now, I am embracing my inner raisin, after a long soak in the tub. It was, of course, a Lush bath, specifically one-fourth of a Blue Skies bubble bar. This one is pretty old--the nice blue color has faded, and there weren't many bubbles, but it still smelled great, and now so do I. And uh-oh, Lush has all kinds of new stuff out...good thing I don't have real credit cards, or I'd be embracing my inner bankrupt in about 20 minutes!
Earlier today, I embraced my inner cheapskate, as I whined about $210 worth of dog shots. Yes, it was time for the Annual Torturing of the Hounds. Dr. Bob said Bigfoot was a complete gentleman from start to finish, and Littlefoot behaved himself until it was time for the blood draw to test for heartworm, Lymes disease and erlichiosis. He decided Dr. Bob was going to use the needle to amputate his foot and he wasn't going to let it happen. Apparently, even though he was muzzled (at my insistence, the staff at the vet hospital have blanket permission to muzzle either of my dogs--they're too big to take chances with), he howled, thrashed, snarled and heaved his body all over the exam room. Brat.
Of my two former co-workers with MS-like symptoms, one apparently had some abnormalities in her spinal MRI and the other has no lesions whatsoever but disturbing symptoms. Both have follow-up appointments at the Cleveland Clinic, and hopefully will get some answers. I've had nothing but stellar care at the Mellen Center there (especially with Nurse Tardy retired *grin*). I wish them all the best and the amazing luck I have had.
Right now, I am embracing my inner raisin, after a long soak in the tub. It was, of course, a Lush bath, specifically one-fourth of a Blue Skies bubble bar. This one is pretty old--the nice blue color has faded, and there weren't many bubbles, but it still smelled great, and now so do I. And uh-oh, Lush has all kinds of new stuff out...good thing I don't have real credit cards, or I'd be embracing my inner bankrupt in about 20 minutes!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Bulbs, baths and burnt boobs
Saturday was a beautiful fall day in Ohio. I woke up early, got a month's worth of grocery shopping done, then came home and planted my last sixty-two bulbs and seven perennials. After I'd thrown away my old tennis shoes (one of which actually fell off my right foot while I was gardening!), it was only noon and I decided I'd earned a very special bath.
I still had half a Ceridwen's Cauldron from Lush and my entire "crop" of lavender for this year (six sprigs). I opened up the muslin, added my lavender, and dropped the whole thing into the bath. It was just wonderful! Not only did I get all the moisturizing bath oil benefits, but I got to enjoy knowing a big part of the luscious scent came from my efforts in my garden. And since I planted two more lavender bushes (shrubs?), next year I'll have even more to play with.
The only problem with the whole day was when I bent over to pick something up off the bathroom floor and my right breast smacked onto the heated towel rack. It's not hot enough to burn if I brush my hand against the bare metal, but in this case, the body part hitting it was both more thin-skinned and pressed down from its own weight. Thankfully, a friend to whom I whined reminded me that there's a reason I keep that aloe plant which is about the size of a small warthog (not that I have measured a lot of warthogs, it's just an eyeball estimate). Repeated applications have made the burn a lot less uncomfortable than it could have been (it's a flattish oval about 2" long).
I sincerely hope that was the end of "Stupid Week" and not the beginning of new and more stupid things!
I still had half a Ceridwen's Cauldron from Lush and my entire "crop" of lavender for this year (six sprigs). I opened up the muslin, added my lavender, and dropped the whole thing into the bath. It was just wonderful! Not only did I get all the moisturizing bath oil benefits, but I got to enjoy knowing a big part of the luscious scent came from my efforts in my garden. And since I planted two more lavender bushes (shrubs?), next year I'll have even more to play with.
The only problem with the whole day was when I bent over to pick something up off the bathroom floor and my right breast smacked onto the heated towel rack. It's not hot enough to burn if I brush my hand against the bare metal, but in this case, the body part hitting it was both more thin-skinned and pressed down from its own weight. Thankfully, a friend to whom I whined reminded me that there's a reason I keep that aloe plant which is about the size of a small warthog (not that I have measured a lot of warthogs, it's just an eyeball estimate). Repeated applications have made the burn a lot less uncomfortable than it could have been (it's a flattish oval about 2" long).
I sincerely hope that was the end of "Stupid Week" and not the beginning of new and more stupid things!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
And now for something completely awful
When I woke up this morning, I couldn't find Littlefoot. He wasn't on my bed or on the rug beside the bed where he usually is. I looked in the guest bedroom, which is his third choice of sleeping area, but he wasn't there either. I gave up and headed to the breezeway to let Bigfoot out, and that's when I discovered that I'd left Littlefoot out on the chain all night long. He was thrilled to come in and eat breakfast, of course, and went willingly back out when it was time to feed Bigfoot. He's so sweet about everything that it just heaps coals of fire on my head. It doesn't help that I think Bigfoot tried to tell me that Littlefoot was still outside last night--he was whining and didn't want to settle down at all.
About four or five years ago, there was a story on the news about a woman who got tired of calling her dog to come inside and she went to bed. In the morning, she found the dog huddled against her back door, frozen to death. I had nightmares for months. And now I've done that, and it was sheer luck it wasn't freezing last night. I'm terrified it was a lapse due to the MS and that it will happen again on one of our sub-freezing Ohio nights, and I will be responsible for the death of my little JiffyPopButt.
Yes, I gave him extra cuddles all day, and even let him breathe stinky dog breath in my face.
And just to complete my day as the world's worst dog owner, I trimmed toenails just now, and clipped the quick on one of Bigfoot's nails. He bled all over the kitchen floor before I got some flour on the bleeding and a sock on his paw. He's six feet from me, looking at the sock and then me, and sulking. Nobody sulks like this dog--he deserves an Oscar.
About four or five years ago, there was a story on the news about a woman who got tired of calling her dog to come inside and she went to bed. In the morning, she found the dog huddled against her back door, frozen to death. I had nightmares for months. And now I've done that, and it was sheer luck it wasn't freezing last night. I'm terrified it was a lapse due to the MS and that it will happen again on one of our sub-freezing Ohio nights, and I will be responsible for the death of my little JiffyPopButt.
Yes, I gave him extra cuddles all day, and even let him breathe stinky dog breath in my face.
And just to complete my day as the world's worst dog owner, I trimmed toenails just now, and clipped the quick on one of Bigfoot's nails. He bled all over the kitchen floor before I got some flour on the bleeding and a sock on his paw. He's six feet from me, looking at the sock and then me, and sulking. Nobody sulks like this dog--he deserves an Oscar.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
A rare serious moment
On the drive home today, I was listening to the radio and snobserving the Stepford wife in the SUV behind me. People who pull and stroke one lock of hair make me a little nervous, especially when they're behind my little four-banger with a two-ton behemoth. My attention was drawn to the radio when an awful political ad came on.
It seems that something called "America's PAC" thinks that by dragging up Margaret Sanger's involvement with eugenics at the turn of the last century, they can claim the Democrats are trying to euthanize African-Americans. I sincerely hope that the rest of my fellow Buckeyes can see this for the desperate move of our very corrupt Republican incumbents, and resist the smear tactics.
Oh, and it's very interesting that the website of the group sponsoring this disgusting ad has been "having technical issues" for the last three days, just since the ad started airing. Slimeballs.
It seems that something called "America's PAC" thinks that by dragging up Margaret Sanger's involvement with eugenics at the turn of the last century, they can claim the Democrats are trying to euthanize African-Americans. I sincerely hope that the rest of my fellow Buckeyes can see this for the desperate move of our very corrupt Republican incumbents, and resist the smear tactics.
Oh, and it's very interesting that the website of the group sponsoring this disgusting ad has been "having technical issues" for the last three days, just since the ad started airing. Slimeballs.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Sunday Stats
Random stats from a random day.
Ounces of water consumed: 32 (yes, I know, I know)
Pounds lost this week: 1 :(
Bulbs planted: 45 allium, 16 white muscari, 30 daffodils
Bulbs left to plant: 15 Spring Starflowers, 20 Lavender Mountain Lilies, 15 Cool Shades Dutch Irises, 12 Azure Alliums and 25 Blue Grape Hyacinths.
Plants safely in the ground: 1 foxglove
Plants still to be planted: 1 hosta, 2 lavender, 3 lambs' ears.
Flower beds mowed & sprayed with Round-Up: 6.
Friendly-fire casualties of said Round-Up: 1 creeping phlox, 1 heirloom white lamium. :(
Chipmunks seen and conversed with: 2
Houseplants brought in: 12 (including a Norfolk pine which reaches my breastbone and has about fifty pounds of soil in the pot).
Houseplants still in garage & needing to be brought in: 5 (4 giant moose-like geraniums that are older than my nephews and one giant spider plant, even older).
Story rankings for "Night of the Darned": #1 on Literotica's Top List of Humor & Satire stories, #13 on Literotica's Top List of all stories.
Showers taken: 1 (including all the weekly girly stuff like exfoliating, deep-conditioning and hair removal).
Cuts sustained while shaving: 2 (one of which wouldn't stop bleeding for ages, ew).
Files backed up: 75.
Floors swept or vacuumed: 4
Friends flirted with: Lots. :D
A Sunday that is probably of interest only to me, but I had fun!
Ounces of water consumed: 32 (yes, I know, I know)
Pounds lost this week: 1 :(
Bulbs planted: 45 allium, 16 white muscari, 30 daffodils
Bulbs left to plant: 15 Spring Starflowers, 20 Lavender Mountain Lilies, 15 Cool Shades Dutch Irises, 12 Azure Alliums and 25 Blue Grape Hyacinths.
Plants safely in the ground: 1 foxglove
Plants still to be planted: 1 hosta, 2 lavender, 3 lambs' ears.
Flower beds mowed & sprayed with Round-Up: 6.
Friendly-fire casualties of said Round-Up: 1 creeping phlox, 1 heirloom white lamium. :(
Chipmunks seen and conversed with: 2
Houseplants brought in: 12 (including a Norfolk pine which reaches my breastbone and has about fifty pounds of soil in the pot).
Houseplants still in garage & needing to be brought in: 5 (4 giant moose-like geraniums that are older than my nephews and one giant spider plant, even older).
Story rankings for "Night of the Darned": #1 on Literotica's Top List of Humor & Satire stories, #13 on Literotica's Top List of all stories.
Showers taken: 1 (including all the weekly girly stuff like exfoliating, deep-conditioning and hair removal).
Cuts sustained while shaving: 2 (one of which wouldn't stop bleeding for ages, ew).
Files backed up: 75.
Floors swept or vacuumed: 4
Friends flirted with: Lots. :D
A Sunday that is probably of interest only to me, but I had fun!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Oops
Another 45 bulbs I forgot I ordered arrived today.
As of right now, this weekend I shall need to plant:
178 bulbs
2 lavender shrubs
1 white foxglove
3 lambs' ears
1 hosta
and bring in all the houseplants that are sitting in my garage marinating in spray-on bugkiller.
And I'm still thinking that next year, I need some of Mom's white columbines.
My name is Jammies, and I'm a gardening addict.
As of right now, this weekend I shall need to plant:
178 bulbs
2 lavender shrubs
1 white foxglove
3 lambs' ears
1 hosta
and bring in all the houseplants that are sitting in my garage marinating in spray-on bugkiller.
And I'm still thinking that next year, I need some of Mom's white columbines.
My name is Jammies, and I'm a gardening addict.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
I should not be allowed in Home Depot without a chaperone.
Sunday evening, I ran out to pick up a few items. I stopped at two craft stores and got some things I needed, then went to Home Depot. I wasn't expecting to spend more than $10, as all I needed was one bag of sand and two bags of limestone gravel.
Unfortunately, they had perennials on sale, so I got three lambs' ears, two lavender plants and a foxglove. I looked at a pussy willow, but put it back because it was $25. When I got to the register, there was a sign saying "33% off all trees, shrubs and bushes," so I went back and got the pussy willow, which wound up being $17.
I planted the pussy willow tonight, and now I have three lambs' ears, two lavender plants, a foxglove and one hundred and thirty three bulbs to plant before we get a really hard frost.
I definitely should not be allowed unchaperoned in Home Depot. *blush*
Unfortunately, they had perennials on sale, so I got three lambs' ears, two lavender plants and a foxglove. I looked at a pussy willow, but put it back because it was $25. When I got to the register, there was a sign saying "33% off all trees, shrubs and bushes," so I went back and got the pussy willow, which wound up being $17.
I planted the pussy willow tonight, and now I have three lambs' ears, two lavender plants, a foxglove and one hundred and thirty three bulbs to plant before we get a really hard frost.
I definitely should not be allowed unchaperoned in Home Depot. *blush*
Monday, October 09, 2006
For me
Since July 5th: 50 lbs.
Since August 3rd: 44 lbs.
Since August 23rd: 38 lbs.
Since September 7th: 21 lbs.
Since October 1st: 4 lbs.
Since August 3rd: 44 lbs.
Since August 23rd: 38 lbs.
Since September 7th: 21 lbs.
Since October 1st: 4 lbs.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
A Day at the Fair
Stan Hywet's Ohio Mart, to be precise. Aside from a few panicked moments at the beginning of the day when Mom couldn't find the credit card she'd given me to use at OfficeMax (I had put it in a safe place, oops), it was a wonderful day. We got to Stan Hywet bright and early, and chatted while we waited in line to get in. The weather was absolutely perfect, sunny and slightly cool. When they opened up, we went past all the junk food, and Mom headed straight for the bathroom (ahh, the joys of that third cup of coffee). There were three tents of booths, and at the very first one, Mom found Christmas presents for herself and all three of us. I did learn my lesson from the Savannah journal, and so I won't say any more and spoil a surprise for Bookworm Mathgeek. I did get her Christmas present from me, too, though. *grin*
I snagged some small gifts for Amy and Mallie, all of Mom's Christmas presents, and a Steelers piggybank and suncatcher for Marcia (who I like even if she is peculiar enough to root for the Steelers). Susan's done, Princess Bookworm is done, I have a great idea for Dad, another great idea for Chip, and Mallie and Jay are done. I have no idea what I'm getting either of my brothers (suggestions welcome). I've got one teeny present for sister-in-law Annabel, but I need more. Baby Mathgeek will be pretty easy--one year old is too young to say, "Awww, bummer, clothes!" Dip is difficult because I don't know exactly what kind of toys he's into right now. I foresee a long talk with his mom in the future (when she has some time to talk on the phone, which may wind up being AFTER Christmas, lol).
Mom and I spent 4 hours at Ohio Mart rather than the two we'd intended, and we both agreed that it was time well spent. Mom even thanked me for nagging her into going. :-D
Next year, we'll probably plan for a whole day, and I will for sure bring my tote bag instead of a teeny little purse!
I snagged some small gifts for Amy and Mallie, all of Mom's Christmas presents, and a Steelers piggybank and suncatcher for Marcia (who I like even if she is peculiar enough to root for the Steelers). Susan's done, Princess Bookworm is done, I have a great idea for Dad, another great idea for Chip, and Mallie and Jay are done. I have no idea what I'm getting either of my brothers (suggestions welcome). I've got one teeny present for sister-in-law Annabel, but I need more. Baby Mathgeek will be pretty easy--one year old is too young to say, "Awww, bummer, clothes!" Dip is difficult because I don't know exactly what kind of toys he's into right now. I foresee a long talk with his mom in the future (when she has some time to talk on the phone, which may wind up being AFTER Christmas, lol).
Mom and I spent 4 hours at Ohio Mart rather than the two we'd intended, and we both agreed that it was time well spent. Mom even thanked me for nagging her into going. :-D
Next year, we'll probably plan for a whole day, and I will for sure bring my tote bag instead of a teeny little purse!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Slow news day
Well, for me, not for Fox News (which, btw, keeps identifying Mark Foley as a Democrat instead of a Republican).
So, in the grand tradition of Scott and Brendan, here are some of the ways people find my blog:
canine ear exterior swelling fluid
Ugh. Your dog has a hematoma. Take him or her to the vet and have it lanced. Poor dog and poor you.
Canei Wine.
Ick. Eww. If you're willing to drink this stuff, you're too damn young to drink. Turn off the computer and go get your Mommy to fix you some hot chocolate.
Literotica author Colleen Thomas.
I'm sorry. Colleen died on May 26, 2006. There is more information in a thread on the Literotica message board where she posted.
Literotica Kitty Foreman.
Ick. Eww. If you are looking for celebrity porn involving Kitty Foreman, get away from me, that's all I have to say. Ewwwww!
Kellbran caramel popcorn.
Sorry, they don't have a website, I've looked. But you can buy it at Quaker Square in Akron.
Why Heparin bruises.
Because it thins your blood, and then your blood oozes out under your skin. I think. I'm not a nurse. :p
Mixing Darvocet and Phenergan.
My surgeon didn't have a problem with it. Maybe you should ask an actual doctor instead of looking for medical information in random blogs?
That's all for now--I'm off for an exciting dinner of Lean Cuisine fettucine alfredo.
So, in the grand tradition of Scott and Brendan, here are some of the ways people find my blog:
canine ear exterior swelling fluid
Ugh. Your dog has a hematoma. Take him or her to the vet and have it lanced. Poor dog and poor you.
Canei Wine.
Ick. Eww. If you're willing to drink this stuff, you're too damn young to drink. Turn off the computer and go get your Mommy to fix you some hot chocolate.
Literotica author Colleen Thomas.
I'm sorry. Colleen died on May 26, 2006. There is more information in a thread on the Literotica message board where she posted.
Literotica Kitty Foreman.
Ick. Eww. If you are looking for celebrity porn involving Kitty Foreman, get away from me, that's all I have to say. Ewwwww!
Kellbran caramel popcorn.
Sorry, they don't have a website, I've looked. But you can buy it at Quaker Square in Akron.
Why Heparin bruises.
Because it thins your blood, and then your blood oozes out under your skin. I think. I'm not a nurse. :p
Mixing Darvocet and Phenergan.
My surgeon didn't have a problem with it. Maybe you should ask an actual doctor instead of looking for medical information in random blogs?
That's all for now--I'm off for an exciting dinner of Lean Cuisine fettucine alfredo.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Yay!
Literotica's Halloween contest has begun and my story has posted!
None of this is work-safe, but for anyone who is interested, it is here: Night of the Darned.
None of this is work-safe, but for anyone who is interested, it is here: Night of the Darned.
Getting my paws muddy
Yesterday morning was exhausting, but will definitely be worth it in the spring. Of the 233 bulbs I ordered last spring when I got my tax refund, 100 arrived the day I came home from surgery, and have been residing in my refrigerator. Last weekend, I planted sixty-odd bulbs from The Works from White Flower Farm, and yesterday I got out and planted the rest. It helped to have my new bulb planter this week, and it helped that the ground was softish from all the rain we've been having. I even wore my new yellow poncho over my sweats, and I'm fairly sure I looked like a giant demented duck.
*note to self* Do not run muddy paws through head-fur while gardening, no matter how much said fur is getting in your eyes!
Next weekend is reserved for weeding and mulching. I need to get out there and empty the trailer which is full of mulch, wash it out and put it away for the winter. By the weekend of the thirteenth, I should have the rest of my bulbs from Breck's, including the Blue Magic Garden, which is going in the back yard and the Pink Daffodil Collection and the White Magic Muscari, both of which are going in the new round bed in the front yard. Next fall, I definitely want to get an estimate for brush-hogging out the wilderness that is the west-side strip of my property. The kid next door isn't much interested in landscaping, so whether that strip is entirely on my property or only partially, I don't think he'll care when I ask him if I can clean it up. It will have to be a landscaping company, though, as there are both daffodils and bluebells planted in there, and I don't want to lose those, just the weeds, weed trees and dead wood. I'd also like to keep the blackberries in the wayback for the deer, the birds and me. Unfortunately, there's some big-leafed weed with burrs that's spread in the last two years, so I definitely need a pro to help out.
Today's chores are entirely indoor. I need to climb Mount Laundry and reduce it to nothing, and since Literotica's Halloween contest has started, I need to get a jump on reading stories and check obsessively to see if mine has been posted yet. I'm pretty damn impressed with "Night of the Darned" and for once, I even came up with a decent tagline (Some socks are going to dye). I was going to go to the grocery store, but I did a quick inventory, and I've got everything I need, and since I only lost two pounds last week, I decided I'm better off not being tempted to buy things I don't need because I'm discouraged about where I am weight-wise. I'll just run up and down the stairs doing laundry instead! :-D
*note to self* Do not run muddy paws through head-fur while gardening, no matter how much said fur is getting in your eyes!
Next weekend is reserved for weeding and mulching. I need to get out there and empty the trailer which is full of mulch, wash it out and put it away for the winter. By the weekend of the thirteenth, I should have the rest of my bulbs from Breck's, including the Blue Magic Garden, which is going in the back yard and the Pink Daffodil Collection and the White Magic Muscari, both of which are going in the new round bed in the front yard. Next fall, I definitely want to get an estimate for brush-hogging out the wilderness that is the west-side strip of my property. The kid next door isn't much interested in landscaping, so whether that strip is entirely on my property or only partially, I don't think he'll care when I ask him if I can clean it up. It will have to be a landscaping company, though, as there are both daffodils and bluebells planted in there, and I don't want to lose those, just the weeds, weed trees and dead wood. I'd also like to keep the blackberries in the wayback for the deer, the birds and me. Unfortunately, there's some big-leafed weed with burrs that's spread in the last two years, so I definitely need a pro to help out.
Today's chores are entirely indoor. I need to climb Mount Laundry and reduce it to nothing, and since Literotica's Halloween contest has started, I need to get a jump on reading stories and check obsessively to see if mine has been posted yet. I'm pretty damn impressed with "Night of the Darned" and for once, I even came up with a decent tagline (Some socks are going to dye). I was going to go to the grocery store, but I did a quick inventory, and I've got everything I need, and since I only lost two pounds last week, I decided I'm better off not being tempted to buy things I don't need because I'm discouraged about where I am weight-wise. I'll just run up and down the stairs doing laundry instead! :-D
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