You really worry about some people, don't you? (Click on pics for larger image.)

Yesterday's pajama day was a complete success, almost too much of a success because I really had a hard time getting out of bed this morning, wanting another one. But, alas, I'm here at work now. *sigh* My really good friend Sandi (that works here) has been "loaned" to another organization for 2 months and today will be her first day. I'm so sad, I'm really going to miss going over to visit her and seeing her every day. We'll talk via the phone and e-mail but it won't be the same. She's such a huge support to me... I don't even think I can bring myself to go over and see her empty cubical without tearing up. One thing that cheers me up a little bit, is this is short week! Woohoo! I get paid for Friday, which means I don't have to work on Thursday! 4-day weekend!! TTFN for now... I better tackle my work e-mail to see what I've got to do today!

Its OFFICIAL! I've declared today PAJAMA DAY. How pathetic am I? LOL! I got up, showered and got right back in some jammies. I am hurting from yesterday's video/DVD cabinet putting-together-adventure and all the moving around I did. At least I'm guessing that's why I'm hurting. So... I'm behaving completely today and the only way I can make myself do that is to stay in my pajamas. Gotta have that mentality even though I don't feel like doing anything. I took a pain pill and its helping ease the pain, and of course making me feel goofy (yes, goofier than normal, hard for you to imagine, I know!). I'm going to lay in my recliner, snuggle with my cat and watch movies. Have a fantastic day!

My Dad helped me put my video/DVD cabinet together, and it only took us from 8:30am to 11:45am. MOST of the time was trying to figure out how to put the damn hinges on. No lie. It took us nearly 90 minutes to get them right. The instructions were just "diagrams", no written at all. You'd think that two people with common sense could put hinges on, but we kept getting them wrong. It started getting funny! But we finally managed to finish it. Its a lovely cabinet and I was so excited to get it in my room and filled. I spent most of the afternoon doing just that, and re-organizing my videos and DVDs. Now, since I'm a new DVD owner my videos outnumber my DVDs by a long shot, so I did leave room for my DVD growth inside the cabinet. I discovered a bunch of movies that I hadn't seen in so long and actually forgot I had! I'm planning on watching a couple tonight, just don't know which ones yet... hard to decide. There was one pesky problem while I was in my room today. There is a teenage girl who keeps driving her scooter around and around and around the block. She is driving me friggin' nuts. (It actually started last night for 2 hours - so my nerves were sick of it anyway.) I listened to her whiz by about 3 times, then I decided to go outside and ask her to PLEASE quit driving past our house. I went out to discover that she is giving her little brothers, sisters and neighborhood kids rides on said scooter IN THE ROAD, with no helmet or protective equipment on, and the kids she was giving rides to were STANDING on the scooter in front of her, not sitting. I just about came unglued! I can't believe that this IDIOT girl was doing that. I waved her down and asked her to #1 stop driving by and #2 asked her what the hell she was thinking giving these kids rides like that! She just shrugged and sped off with the kid (about 6 years old!). I was so mad! She kept driving past every so often for the next 3 hours too - probably just to piss me off... and she did. Little shit! If she's out tonight on that damn scooter she better pray that its faster than my car - I'll run her ass over. (KIDDING OF COURSE) I went inside the house and talked to my Mom about it I was so close to calling the police. She said that she and my Dad were going to see if they could find this girl's parents to see if they even know what their daughter is doing - let alone the parents of all the kids that she's giving rides to, but the parents weren't home. I don't know if it will do any good though, in this neighborhood, it doesn't seem like anyone gives a shit about their kids and their safety. They're always letting their play and ride their bikes in the roads. I forget, aren't roads for CARS???? The parents are the worst drivers as well, running stop signs, speeding, etc., Dad said he was going to call the city on Monday and tell them what's going on. This has got to stop. Lives are too precious not to do something - I may even start my own little campaign "Save your kids lives from your own stupidity!" Its pretty sad when someone who doesn't have kids seems to care more about safety than the ones that do have them, isn't it???

Got this quizzie from Beverly. Hmmm... imagine my surpise to my result! LOL!
You are an Amethyst. You are quiet and tend to be
shy. You don't like attention to be pointed
towards you, yet your beauty and uniqueness
draw people to you.

What Jewel Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

I found this at Pam's site. Enter your birthdate and it tells you some things aobut yourself. Here's what it said about me: Strong muscular adaptable takes what life has to give happy content optimistic needs enough money and acknowledgment hates loneliness passionate lover which cannot be satisfied faithful quick-tempered unruly pedantic and careless.

Happy Birthday to Colin's wife, the Lovely D and to Maggie!

Woohoo! Telemarketers are going DOWN! Don't get me wrong, I know it would be an awful job to have to make phone calls all day, trying to make a living. But I HATE to be bothered on the phone. If they wanna sell me something, do it via the mail. Anyway... I just registered at www.donotcall.gov to have my numbers put on a list so telemarketers will not call me. I found the initial story at Kevin's site - thanks Kevin!

What an ablsolutely crazy day I've had which means of course I over did things. But now the errands, cleaning, etc., are out of the way I can relax and enjoy the rest of the weekend. I got up early, cleaned and went to the doc. My blood test for the blood thinners and things are right on target. See him again in 2 weeks. He wants me to keep taking the water pills, but cut the dosage back to the normal and keep wearing the sexy hose for a couple more weeks. went to lunch with Mom to the diner where my sis Susie works and she cooked us an omelet and hashbrowns. Mmm, Mmm good. The doc gave me the orders I needed for the ultrasound I need for the density in my boob, so after lunch, Mom and I went to the hospital to have it done, got registered, and went to radiology as I was told to. When I got to radiology, they said, "Oh, we don't do breast ultrasounds here. You have to go the Women's Center upstairs and you have to schedule and appointment." Nice. So I go upstairs. They look my records up, and discover I haven't had a mammogram since 2001. OK... which would be correct. So they tell me that since I have a density then I need to have a mammo before I can have the ultrasound. OK... better safe than sorry. So they call my doctor to get his OK, but they're out to lunch. OK... so I tell them just to schedule me an appt for both the mammo and ultrasound, and call my doc after lunch and have him fax the order. No big deal. They finally agreed and I'm scheduled in 2 weeks to get both done. I felt like I got the royal run-around at that place today! After that adventure, Mom and I went grocery shopping which is yet another adventure, at least it is with Mom. LOL! She's such the shopper. Then we stopped off to get some prescriptions and the pharmacist and the assistant (who know me well!) had to ask what happened to my face. They told me that I couldn't have any secrets from them. LOL! They got quite a chuckle out of it and teased me about being a klutz. So true. My face looks so much better than it did yesterday, its bruised a bit and has road rash but its not as swollen. I am SO sore though between bruises on my knees (and one on my shoulder that I discovered!), and the sore muscles. I still have to laugh about it. Probably the best trip I've had. tee hee I bought a new video/DVD cabinet and was going to put it together tonight but I best not. My ankle has started to swell from so much walking today, so its an early bed night for me. I'll ask my Dad in the morning if he would like to help me. He has me to read the instructions to him while he does the assembling. I like doing stuff like that with him, always have since I was little and I think he liked me to help him. I hope everyone had a great day - and I'll be around tomorrow to visit you all!

Bruce Almighty is one funny movie! I laughed so hard!! It was so great getting out again, its been ages since I'd seen a movie in the theatre. After the movie, Renate and I went to that one pizza place and I got my ham pizza with the alfredo sauce... mmmm... heaven. Still have half of it for tomorrow! I just finished paying my bills - oh joy. In my account then right back out. Now I'm gonna crash and go cuddle with my cat!

My face is getting lots of attention today. After several questions, I decided to mess with people a bit and tell them I got in a bar fight last night. I really had a few people going! I've done a lot of blog hopping since I've actually run out of things to do. Actually I'm waiting on an invoice so I can finish my financials... I found out I won't get it until next week. Sigh. I'm so caught up on other stuff so I decided to goof off a bit. I have 30 mins left then I'm done for the week! Yahoo! Busy day tomorrow though between cleaning, running errands, doc appts. I hope to go get the ultrasound of my boob tomorrow to get that over with. I have to have my general doc write the order since my gyno isn't on the insurance "preferred" list so they won't pay for anything she orders. I've got all the documentation I need from her though, to give to my general doc so it shouldn't be a problem. My uncle is a ob/gyn and he's sending me samples of the pills that I have to be on whiile I'm on the blood thinners. Saving more money! Does any woman out there use Ortho Tri-cylcen?? I have 3 months worth (not opened!!) I hate to throw them away.

Just Call Me Grace...

Just Call Me Grace... First of all, before I get into the "Grace" thing, I wanna wish Colin good luck today on his biopsy - I'm thinking of ya bud! I hope everything turns out OK. Now, for the Grace thing... my Mom always said she should have named me Grace. I stopped off for gas this morning, and all was hunky dory. I wanted some juice so I went to pay inside. As I was walking, the pavement seemed to jump out in front of me and caught the tip of my toe. I stumbled for about 5 steps trying to catch myself, but finally to no avail, I fell down on my knees, then my elbow, then hands, then yup, you got it. My cheek. Right below my eye. I hit it harde. I scraped the skin so it was bleeding all over. The nice guy at the gas station gave me some towels and directed me to the restroom. I was so embarrassed! I wonder if he thought I was drunk. It is red and swollen now, and I'm sure its gonna bruise. I do believe I've given myself my first shiner. !! I'm icing it to help with the swelling and it hurts like a bugger! But ya know, I can't help but laugh at myself. I'm such a clutz! Hey - its THURSDAY! My "FRIDAY"! Yahhoooooo! I only have to work until about 2:30 then I'm off to see a movie (Bruce Almighty) with my friend Renate, then we'll grab a sandwich or something after. I'm looking forward to it - its been ages since I've seen a movie in the theatre. Renate is a great lady so we should have some fun. 3 for Thursday is up if you'd like to go play. Have a great day everyone! I gotta get busy...

I need one of these t-shirts!

YYAAAWWWN!!! I got a really good night's sleep but I think I could have slept for another 4 or 5 hours! I'm so glad it is Wednesday, one day closer to the weekend. I'm feeling so much better about things today - thanks again for all your support, hugs and thoughts. You all never cease to amaze me... I've got to work on my financials today. I was able to get quite a bit done yesterday, mostly finding mistakes that corporate made, putting things against the wrong project numbers, etc. so I'll have to submit changes which is a pain in the butt, but its got to be done. I know no one is perfect, but come on - these types of mistakes shouldn't have been made if the person could READ. Anyhoo... I better get my database stuff done so I can get working on the financials! Have a wonderful day everyone - and I'll try and stop by to say hello if I get/need a break!

I'm not feeling quite so fragile now, I know I can face what I need to. Just got overwhelmed, ya know?! I hate to complain and be "down" but let's face it, we all are there at times, no matter how hard we try to keep that positive attitude. Thanks for all your kind words, hugs and support. You guys are just the best! A friend of mine just sent me these pick up lines and they made me laugh so I thought I'd share: Pick up lines with comebacks! 1.)Male: Haven't I seen you some place before? Female: Yes, that's why I don't go there anymore. 2.)Male: Is this seat empty? Female: Yes, and mine will be if you sit down. 3.)Male: Your place or mine? Female: Both. You go to yours and I'll go mine. 4.)Male: So, what do you do for a living. Female: I'm a female impersonator. 5.)Male: Hey baby, what's your sign? Female: DO NOT ENTER. 6.)Male: How do you like your eggs in the morning? Female: Unfertilized. 7.)Male: Your body's like a temple Female: Sorry, there are no services today. 8.)Male: I would go to the end of the world for you. Female: But would you please stay there? 9.)Male: If I saw you naked, I'd die happy. Female: If I saw you naked, I'd die laughing!

Warning: Rant and women stuff ahead! My life is just full of good timing lately. Its a damn good thing I had an appt with my gyno yesterday. She gave me lots of interesting news. She was quite dismayed about all the health problems I've had this year and the blood clot really is complicating things. I'm also quite PISSED at my team of doctors for not disclosing, thinking, or letting me know the risks of the blood clot could have on my body - my entire body. Being on blood thinners, if I were to have a period (which would have been in a matter of days!!!!!!!!!!), I could hemorrhage. Not a good thing. So Dr Wheeler put me on new pills and I'm not to have a period until I'm off the blood thinners (that I'm not too upset about, tee hee). When I'm off the blood thinners, no more birth control pills for me. Lovely. I've been on birth control pills for years for mostly medical reasons and I don't want to go back to the severe cramps, etc., grrrr, but this is my life and with the severity of the blood clot, I don't have a choice. I don't want more blood clots forming. With my history of endometriosis and other damage that was done while I was younger, I was told I'd probably never have kids. OK, I've lived with that and am at peace with it, and I've never really been in a position to have any either. Dr W told me that if I were to get pregnant, by chance, it could kill me because of the blood clots. It just seemed so final and hit me like a ton of bricks. So... I need to think about my options there. I'm not making any hasty decisions for now though since I'm not even seeing a man right now. Even though I do monthly breast exams, she found a lump in very bottom of my right breast. I've had a history of fybroids so that's probably all it is, but I'm having an ultrasound to be sure. I'm not messing around. If its a fybroid they'll watch it, and after I'm off the blood thinners I'll probably have it removed like I did the others I've had. I guess I'm having a Karen's health pity party. I was so upset on my way home from Salt Lake last night, my eyes kept tearing up. When I got home, my Mom was standing in the kitchen and I just broke down. I felt better after her hugs and support but honestly, I am so tired of having so many health problems, just when I think I've got a handle on things, something else crops up. I'm tired. So tired. I know I need to keep things in perspective - there are so many people out there worse off than I am... and I'm sure by the end of today I'll feel much better, just gotta work through these feelings. I am so grateful that I do have such good doctors - even though the other doctors didn't even mention anything about the potential complications. It shows that there are definite problems with the health care system, all have their own "specialties" and its up to us, the patients to make sure ALL the doctors know all of your history and are kept up to date on everything. Don't take your health for granted.

Funny for a Monday

The Washington Post's Style Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are this year's winners: 1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with. 2. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly. 3. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future. 4. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid. 5. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period. 6. Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high. 7. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it. 8. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late. 9. Hipatitis: Terminal coolness. 10. Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.) 11. Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer. 12. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you. 13. Glibido: All talk and no action. 14. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly. 15. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web. 16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out. 17. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a grub in the fruit you're eating. And the pick of the literature: 18. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.

Monday Already?!

I really can't believe its Monday already, this weekend really went by quickly. I'm ready to face my week though. Its my financial and reporting week, but I'm not stressing about it. I was able to get caught up on so much last week, its a great feeling. I got some new CDs over the weekend via one of the clubs I belong to, so I'll have some good tunage to listen to. Footloose soundtrack (yeah, I know, stuck in the 80's), Alice in Chains Greatest Hits, and a 3-CD set compilation of Women in Rock. I hope everyone has a great Monday! I need to get started on my day!

Nothing too exciting going on today... I'm just going to relax more and stay off my leg. I sure hope it doesn't flare up again when I got to work tomorrow. I'll keep it elevated so hopefully it will be OK. Oh shit. I've got my "Yearly Grand Opening" appt with the gyno tomorrow afternoon... lovely as if I haven't been poked and prodded enough lately. tee hee Wish it were a different kind of poking *sigh* Yeah, there I go... too much information again. I'll have to drive down to Salt Lake to my appt, I hope my car behaves. I watched two movies last night, The Road to Perdition and Serving Sara. I really liked both of them. There was a movie that premiered last night on HBO called Frailty that I taped, but it didn't tape all of it because due to the stupid boxing screwing up the schedule it came on early. Its on again Thurs night so I'll retape it then. Its got that yummy Matthew McConaughey in it. That man... ohhhhh... that man just does something to me. My vacuum storage bags came yesterday! YAY! I'm so excited! I tried one small bag putting some of my afghans that I've made in them and it worked great! I've already saved half the room in one drawer! Hopefully next weekend I'll be up to doing more. I've got a lot of big quilts that I use during the winter, lots of sweaters, etc., there's even one that will store hanging up clothes, so I'll use that one for my winter coats and jackets. So much fun! LOL! Ya think I need to get out more, don't you?! tee hee I probably do... Anyhoo... have a great day everyone! *hugs*

Good Morning!

I stayed in bed until 7:30 this morning (which I hardly every do!!), got up, took a shower, put on my sexy sox and here I am. My leg/foot/ankles are looking so good this morning! YAY! I know that still doesn't mean I can get up and putter about, but there is a huge improvement. There should be an improvement as far as the water retention since I peed more yesterday and last night than I have all week! Hmmm... too much information? Probably... I watched a movie last night, Hot Chick starring Rob Schneider. It was pretty funny, but remember I've got a goofy sense of humor, I'll have to watch it again later. I still have two movies that I haven't watched yet, The Road to Perdition and Serving Sara. I rented one movie called Charly. I hadn't seen heard about it in the theatres, but the video/DVD is in just about every store around here. Well, I found out why. Its a movie based on a book about a woman that comes from New York to Salt Lake City and gets involved with a Mormon guy. Ummm... yeah... no wonder its everywhere! LOL!! I got through about an hour of it and that was all I could stand. I let Mom and Dad have it to watch so it didn't go completely to waste (they loved it). All well and good - it was a pretty good story, it was just missing something. I also watched Just Married which was OK, but not as funny as it looked. I doubt I'll see it again. I got my hospital bill yesterday... can we say $8919?? Holy Shit. Good thing I was sitting down. That includes all the labs, room, meds not the doctors. My insurance will pay 85%, BUT I've reached my out of pocket expense limit as well as my deductable, so they should pay 100%. I called them to verify this fact but I won't rest easy until I see the actual explanation of benefits. It really should be fine though - each Remecade treatment statement I've received, the costs are about $5200 and at the bottom it says patient's portion a big fat $0.00. My insurance just loves me this year! Thank God I've got really good coverage. Too bad it all starts over in January though. I'm approved for 10 Remecade treatements between April of this year and next year. I've had 3 so far. Most of the treatments will be done this year since the frequency is tapered off. I'll have to come up with $250 deductable plus $1250 out of pocket expense, which will probably be raised... but that's how things are. I've rambled on enough! I'm going to blog hop a bit and go lay down for a while. TTFN!!!

Thanks everyone for your concern! You are all so great! I just got back from the doctor. My blood is a bit thin, so he adjusted my meds, every 3rd day taking half a pill. The swelling in the ankles and calves is most likely the normal circulation problems associated with the DVT and water retention. He's doubled my dose of Lasix and pottasium and has told me to stay off my feet and keep my legs elevated (laying down is preferable), as well as wear the sexy support hose. I go back next Friday unless things get worse. So... guess what I'm gonna be doing this weekend? Yup, you got it. Squat. I shall entertain myself with TV, DVDs, my good book, crocheting, naps (YAY), and the computer. But I can't over do the sitting at the computer. Must_be_strong. tee hee Have a fabulous day!

I over did things a wee bit today! I got all the files moved and organized in the vault like I wanted to, but it was a bit too much for me to do, and it was so hot in there with no air con. I was drenched by the time I was done. UGH. I hate that. I rested at my desk for a while and cooled off. I went to lunch with Wendy and we had fun, she's such a sweetie. The pizza was sooooooooo good. I have half of it left for lunch tomorrow! Mmmm! I'm telling you - if you get a chance to try alfredo sauce on pizza it is heaven. I got off work at 1:00, and decided to run my errands. Bad Karen. Between this morning and the errands I *really* over did things. I'm paying for it now, but not to worry, I'm sitting here in my jammies (actually got in my jammies at 3pm when I got home! LOL!!) and am about to go back and lay down on my bed and watch a movie or two that I rented. I rented 5 movies, so I'll be entertained and forced to rest this weekend for the most part. The last few days, my ankle and foot has been really swollen. I called the doc on Tuesday and he said it was normal and would do that over the next month or so. Its sooo swollen, I feel like I've got an elephant's foot! I'm starting to think something is going on though, because my right ankle and foot is swelling some too, not as bad as the left though. I see the doc tomorrow so he can SEE how bad it is. I sure hope nothing is wrong and it is just part of the healing process. I don't want to be paranoid, but I've learned that its best not to ignore things. I remembered last night that my RA doc told me last week that it might be a good idea to get me some support stockings (like they give people to wear after surgeries). DUH. So I stopped and bought some today. Of course my foot is so swollen I can't get them on LOL! So I'll have to wait until the morning when the swelling is pretty much gone and put them on. LOL! Tight white thigh-high stockings, woooo baby! Too bad I don't have a man to impress with how sexy I am!

YAY for THURSDAY!!!!

Its actually my Friday and I only have 7 hours to work and I'll have my 40 hrs in for the week The main thing I have to do today is do some organizing and filing in our storage vault. Things that have been moved from our old building finally and things are a mess. I spent about an hour yesterday going through 3 boxes but I know there is a lot more in the vault I'll have to organize. I wore jeans today so I could really dig in and get this done. I'm going to lunch with my friend Wendy today, and looking forward to it and catching up with her. She told me I could choose where to go, and I'm thinking of a pizza/pasta place. They will put alfredo sauce on a pizza instead of the tomato sauce (which isn't nice to my stomach) and its sounding really yummy. I best get started on my day! Have a great day everyone and if you want to play 3 for Thursday the questions are up.

Life...

Life sure has a way of teaching us how important our loved ones are, after we forget how precious they are. I received an e-mail last week from my friend Linda, who I've been on the "outs" with for a few months. Long story - some of you might remember the story of how it all started. Anyway, the e-mail she sent me told me that she and her husband had been in Australia visiting his parents. His Dad has been ill for years, but while they were there, he had to be hospitalized and had surgery on a blood clot, and had other things wrong. They'd gone through hell while there, but it made her realize just how important and precious family and loved ones are. Two days after they arrived home, her FIL passed away. Her husband flew back to Australia but she couldn't go because she was taking her Mom to Nebraska for a family reunion over the weekend, and because of finances. Yesterday, they spread her FIL's ashes in a park near where he lived, that was what he wanted. She wrote me an e-mail and told me what was going on and it truly broke my heart. She said some very thought-provoking and very insightful things in this e-mail. I realized - even more than I did from last week's e-mail just how precious life is. Even more than my experiences as of late - we need to concentrate on the good things in life, treasure them and don't forget how fortunate we are to have our loved ones in our lives. We need to look for the good where ever we go, however small the good. Even when we are so overwhelmed with bad things, as we all do if we can just concentrate on seeing a glimpse of something positive, it will help us overcome the bad. As soon as I got the e-mail from Linda yesterday, I called her. But she didn't answer the phone, she was having a real struggle and couldn't bring herself to answer the phone. She did return my call last night though and we talked for over an hour! It was so great actually talking to her, instead of e-mails. She told me how much she cherished me and our friendship and how much she loved me. We've still got some talking to do, some mending of hearts, etc. but we've started talking and that's the important thing. We bring out the silly side of each other, and I really miss that. I sincerely hope we can get back to where we once were, or close to it. I don't want to have to be afraid to tell her certain things in my life. I want to be able to trust her completely again. We were so close for 7 years, and despite all the hurt lately, I really don't want to throw it away. We've both done a lot of changing over the past year or so, some good, some bad. Now it looks like more good is coming. I know I'm guilty of not being compassionate and more understanding with my sister Kathy and her situation, and most of that is coming from her not doing anything to help herself, take care of her daughter, and taking complete advantage of my parents. Maybe one day we can rebuild our relationship because I do love her. For now I need to keep my distance because the situation isn't good for my health. I know that does sound selfish, but its what I've got to do. Enough about that situation, I want to concentrate on the good things! I've also rambled on and on this morning... I need to get to work! Happy Hump Day and tell at least one person in your life how much you love and cherish them. Here's a laugh for the day... damn - my teeth have a lot more fun than I do! I gotta do something to change that! LOL!!

Yipeeee!!! I met with my boss this afternoon and went over my yearly appraisal! It was excellent - the only room for improvement I have is to go back to school and start getting my degree. He was very pleased with all the work I do and how responsible I am about getting the job done and caring about it. He also mentioned in the review that the gov't (the customer we're contracted to) has nothing but great things to say about me, which made me feel really good. I got a $1500 a year raise too ! That was more than I was expecting, so I'm happy. I'm sure most of it will be taken out it taxes, but its better than a kick in the ass! tee hee Its been a crazy day, and I'm beat... tomorrow shouldn't be quite as busy so I'll try and pop in to visit! TTFN!!

Well, its Tuesday! One more day closer to the weekend. Its going to be a crazy day here for me today. The July issue of the software journal my org publishes came early and I need to send out about 300 issues to the new subscribers. BUT I'm glad it came this week, because next week is my financial week so its actually going to work out better. I have lots of other stuff to do too, but I'm stressing out about it, one thing at a time. Have a great day everyone! I'll pop by and say hello if I need a break and/or get time!

I_AM_TIRED! I came home, changed right into my jammies, fixed and at dinner, checked my e-mail and now I'm headed for bed! I doubt I'll sleep for a while, but I'm going to curl up with my cat and cuddle and watch TV until I do fall asleep. Good night!

Back to Work!

It feels so great to be back to work! I love seeing everyone and they're all so nice asking how I am, and say they're happy to have me back. I'm being a good girl and getting up at least every hour and walking and moving about. I walked around the entire building outside this morning and it was a bit much to do every single walk, so I'll do that twice a day and just walk around the cubicals the other part of the time. I hope everyone is having a good Monday!

I'm having such a relaxing day today and am enjoying every bit of it. I go back to work tomorrow!!! YAY! Do I have a fever? Am I feeling all right? Yes, I'm fine. I'm looking forward to getting back to the old grindstone. I'm sure I'll have a lot to do, but I'll just take one thing at a time. I've really missed everyone at work too. The major priority this week is getting my review done. I've done my part, now its up to my boss the Timster to do his, then meet with me to discuss areas for improvement, etc., then he'll recommend a raise (after its approved by our division manager) and send it off to HR. I think that the raise should take effect on June 23. I hope our division manager has put aside a goodly amount for raises this year, that is a big factor in how much everyone gets - besides their performance. Tim really fights for me to get me more money and training every year. My Dad is really enjoying his Father's Day. Mom and I went in on a 20 foot flag pole that he's been wanting and he was so thrilled! Its been sitting in the back seat of my car since Tuesday and the suspense was killing him. I also found him a 2-DVD set of some old Gene Autrey westerns and he's upstairs watching them right now having a grand time. I am going to go upstairs now and help Mom in the kitchen. The rest of the family will be coming over soon for a buffet with ham, turkey, homemade rolls (Mom makes the BEST rolls!), potato salad (Dad's favorite), chips, etc., I'm getting hungry! TTFN!!!

Happy Father's Day!!!!!

Happy Father's Day to my Dad. He's the BEST I could ever ask for in a Dad. He's always made huge sacrifices for our family and is one of the kindest and funniest men I know. Ido believe I got my sense of humor from him. Here's a picture of him and my nephew Travis.
I wish all the fathers out there a great day too!!

My Mom and I talked a little more about what's going on around here this morning. We have both decided we were really being ornery today and to just let ourselves be ornery. Its OK to be ornery once in a while. We're both feeling better this afternoon though. I took a nice 2 hr nap after lunch, then have spent the last 2.5 hours going through old bills, statements, etc., that I no longer need to hang on to. I got one huge rubber maid container finished but there was a couple of years of stuff missing so I went hunting through my closet and sure enough, there was the missing stuff in a big box. Shit. Oh well, I've gone too far now to stop. I'm taking a dinner break and checking my e-mail then I'll get back to it. It will be so nice to get rid of all of this. Its very theraputic actually! I need to figure out how to burn the stuff though, because its waaaaaaaay too much to sit and shred. So far, I've filled up a large black garbage sack about 3/4 full. Pack rat extroirdinair. From now on, I will keep reciepts and statements for one year and one year only and shred them. The only things I'll keep are my bank statements, pay stubs, and tax information. Hmmm... is this a goal I can keep?! LOL!!! Time will tell... I've ordered some of those space saver vacuum storage bags. The ones you can put blankets, clothes, etc., into and suck the air out with the vacuum to store them and save room. I can't wait to get them. I have so many blankets, sweaters, etc., that are taking up so much room. If I like them, then I'll have to buy more and really get into saving some space. Getting organized is so much fun... sick, aren't I?! LOL!!

Annie came up with this idea... so I played along. A. Age - 36 (UGH!) B. Birthday - Feb 2 C. Children - Cat, Ashley D. Diet - restricted E. Exercise - Looking forward to getting back to exercising after I get healthy. F. Favorite food - Cheese enchiladas, pizza G. Garden - parents garden. H. Home - Parent's basement. I. Illnesses - Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, Autoimmune Thyroid Disease. J. Job - Project Administrator. K. Keen on - Reading, blogging, TV, movies, crocheting, cookingetc. L. Location - Ogden, Utah (United States) M. Married - Never N. Name - Karen Jean O. Optimist or pessimist - Most of the time an optimist but have my pessimistic days. P. Pets - Ashley, the best cat in the world. Q. Quote - That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. R. Relationship - Single S. School - Graduated high school, then attended some college, less than a year. T. Talents - cooking, crocheting, sewing, crafty etc. U. Unfulfilled ambition - go back to school and get my degree. V. Vacation in 2003 - Boston twice, Indianapolis once. W. Wish - Peace and health for my family and loved ones. To find love. X. X-rays - Quite a few, don't remember all. Y. Years online - blog 2 years, e-mail about 8 years. Z. Zodiac sign - Aquarius.

Am I a bitch? I am just so fed up with my sister Kathy and her husband Ellis that I've got to let my frustrations out somehow. About a month ago, I got into the freezer to get out a box of my mini pizzas only to find the box totally empty. I'd only eaten about 4 out of the 12. I was furious. Ellis had gotten into them and eaten them all. I never said anything to Kathy and Ellis but I guess Mom did. Last night, Kathy all of the sudden asked me what I'd like her to buy me to replace the pizzas that Ellis ate. I replied, "Nothing. I hope he choked on them." and I walked off. I know it wasn't nice to say, but its how I felt. I'm sick and tired of walking on egg shells, not saying what I really feel and letting the anger and frustration build up inside of me. Mom and Dad's phone just rang at 6:30 am and it was Ellis' mother calling from Ohio trying to find him. He's of course out with his friends - which is OK with me, life is better without him in this house. I told Mom I wished his mother would send Ellis a bus ticket home to get rid of him. I shouldn't have said anything, it just came out. Now Mom told me that Kathy felt sooooo bad last night after I said what I did about the pizzas (ahhhh, pity!). I say tough shit. She's got to know how Ellis is effecting all of us and we are so tired of him taking advantage of everyone. She needs to get rid of him, he's bringing her down. I absolutely hate what she's become. She used to be so successful (PhD in pharmacology!!!) until he came into her life. Now she's jobless and trying to get disability and has been for 2.5 years. She COULD work. She COULD take care of their daughter. But she's become this lazy, selfish, disgusting person. She doesn't take care of herself - I do believe she takes a shower about once every 3 days, never does her hair, never wears a bra, is seriously overweight. Yesterday she was diagnosed with diabetes. Surprise, surprise. She has been warned for over 2 years and now she's got it. It just gets better and better - one more thing for her to use as an excuse not to work, not to take care of her daughter. More goes onto Mom and Dad. Mom and Dad have been really tough on them lately, but they need to really get serious. Maybe the only thing that will snap them into being responsible and getting jobs is to threaten to take the baby away. That would be really hard on my parents, but that little girl deserves the best. She doesn't deserve the parents she has. If it weren't for my parents taking care of her, I'm sure social services would have taken her away by now. I can't understand how Kathy and Ellis can't look into her face and not want to give her the world. They're just too selfish I guess. I shouldn't let myself get upset because it effects my health, but its so hard not to let things get to me. I'd like to have my parents around for a few more years, and not have Kathy and Ellis effect their health and shorten their lives. Kathy boobs and whines to my Mom and other sister Susie that I never talk to her and she's "scared to talk to me." Well, she better be scared to talk to me because if she does talk to me, she's gonna get an earfull. I've kept my mouth shut for quiet a long time now, out of respect for my parents. They've asked me to stay out of things and let them handle things. Damn, its hard. OK, bitchfest is over. I hate being negative and having this anger inside of me. I do feel better having let some of it out. My goal for the rest of the day is to be positive and concentrate on the good things in life. I've got a lot to be thankful for. My family is wonderful and I've got such great friends. Enjoy your Saturday!!

Happy Birthday to Kate!

It is Kate's birthday today - stop by and wish her a happy birthday!

Things were stressful yesterday around here. My lazy-assed, pain the butt sister Kathy and her husband were causing all sorts of problems again. My Mom pretty much had a melt down, though she really stuck it to Kathy about what she needs to do - not like its going to happen but Mom is standing up to her and not taking her crap any more. Dad has his moments, then he changes his mind and doesn't follow through with what he says. Grrrr. I'm so tired of all this I could just scream. Anyhoo... yesterday afternoon I went to get some DVDs. I rented Antwone Fisher (such a GREAT movie!!), Two Weeks Notice, Catch Me if You Can, and The Importance of Being Ernest. Should keep me entertained for the weekend. Nothing much going on, I'm behaving, really I am! LOL!! Probably why nothing much is going on. I have been working on my yearly review and think it explains pretty well just how wonderful I am. tee hee Have a great Friday!

I had a great time last night at J Dee and Patti's. They're so wonderful, and am so lucky to have them in my family. I got two big hugs from my nephew Adam and one big hug from my nephew Travis. Patti's two boys Trent and Jason were there too, but they're not the huggy types and that's OK. A little later, Patti's daughter Nichole came over and brought her little girl Mylee. She is the cutest little girl! She's 3 going on 20. She had us all laughing with her little antics. We all sat outside on the patio and just visited which was really nice, it seems like we haven't done that in so long, we're always rushing here and rushing there. I did behave yesterday - really I did, but when I got home my leg was really swollen so I went right to bed. Its looking mucho better this morning. I think it must have been just doing too much on Tuesday. I promise to be a good girl today, I don't want my leg swelling up again like it did. Todays plans include working on yearly review (UGH) which means saying how wonderful I think I am in my job performance! ROFL! I hate that! I'm thinking later I'll probably go rent some DVDs. Haven't done that in ages and it will give me something to do over the weekend. OK... I'm off! Everyone enjoy your day! 3 for Thursday is up if you would like to play!

I had a pretty good day today. I rested all morning - took a nice looooong nap then went to my RA doc appt. They've decided to leave my medications as is for now since my UC is starting to show some improvements. If we need to switch later then we can. Today is my brother J Dee's birthday so I'm about to head over to his house to see him for a few minutes. His back (from his fusing surgery) is doing well. He's still got a lot of healing to do, but he's doing what he's supposed to do - well, most the time. I do believe he and I are a lot alike in that department, and my Dad is the exact same way. LOL! Have a great night!

OK, so today I'm up really early or is it late, not sure which. I've been awake since 2:30am and its now 4am, just can't sleep any more but I can always take a nap later. Yesterday was my first actual day of freedom in a week and let me tell you, it was great! Even though I didn't do anything exciting, just being out was enough for me! I went to the bank and grocery store (quick trip) then to my general doc. My levels for the blood thinner were really good, so he doesn't need to see me for 10 days. He told me I could go back to work on Monday (YAY) but will have to get up every hour and take a walk. I try to do that anyway, but now I will have to make sure I do. Until then, take things easy and just do what I feel like I'm up for BUT not to over do. After that appt, I came home ate lunch, rested a bit then ran out to work for a while. I was there for about 1.5 hours - was only supposed to be there for an hour but everyone came to say hello and to tell me how much the loved the brownies. I work with such incredible people and am so fortunate. Anyhoo... after that I came home and rested more then Mom and I went to my gastro doc appt. I told the Physicians' Assistant Nate (who I see most of the time - not the actual doc) that Dr K had suggested another medication, but Nate said the medication is pretty much the same thing I'm on now, but he'd talk to Dr L and Dr B (RA doc) this morning to see what they thought. So, we'll see what Dr B says when I go in this afternoon. By the time we got out of the doc, it was dinner time, and I really didn't want to go home yet. It felt so great to be out, so Mom and I decided to go out to eat. We also decided to run by Sam's Club while we were in the area to get a couple of things. Then we went to IHOP for dinner. Mmmmm. We got home about 7pm, so it was quite a long day! But I loved every minute of it... of course I over did the walking thing. My leg didn't hurt too bad, but when I got home it was a bit swollen. I just never learn, do I? tee hee I'll be good today though, I promise. Well, I guess that's enough rambling for now... I'm off to do some blog hopping!

I'm up early, had a really good nights sleep which felt so great! I've got a busy day ahead of me between doc appts and running to work for an hour (tops). I've got a couple quick things to do at work, and I really want to see everyone. I made brownies yesterday for a thank you treat, which was really a no-no and have learned my lesson. I got them mixed and in the oven, then it hit me. I didn't even make it down the stairs, I had to crash on the couch in the living room. Mom came home from downtown while they were baking and she wasn't too happy with me. She was going to make the brownies for me. She came in to the living room, saw me laying there and said she couldn't leave me alone for a minute (she'd gone downtown for a few minutes) and I start misbehaving. tee hee Well, I best get my behind back in bed for a while and rest some before I have to get ready for my day. I'll be around to visit all of you as I can! Hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!

Snagged this from Ariel, the Brain Usage Profile Auditory : 43% Visual : 56% Left : 47% Right : 52% Karen, you exhibit an even balance between left- and right- hemisphere dominance and a slight preference for visual over auditory processing. With a score this balanced, it is likely that you would have slightly different results each time you complete this self-assessment quiz. You are a well-rounded person, distinctly individualistic and artistic, an active and multidimensional learner. At the same time, you are logical and disciplined, can operate well within an organization, and are sensitive towards others without losing objectivity. You are organized and goal-directed. Although a "thinking" individual, you "take in" entire situations readily and can act on intuition. You sometimes tend to vacillate in your learning styles. Learning might take you longer than someone of equal intellect, but you will tend to be more thorough and retain the material longer than those other individuals. You will alternate between logic and impulse. This vacillation will not normally be intentional or deliberate, so you may experience anxiety in situations where you are not certain which aspect of yourself will be called on. With a slight preference for visual processing, you tend to be encompassing in your perceptions, process along multidimensional paths and be active in your attacking of situations or learning. Overall, you should feel content with your life and yourself. You are, perhaps, a little too critical of yourself -- and of others -- while maintaining an "openness" which tempers that tendency. Indecisiveness is a problem and your creativity may not be in keeping with your potential. Being a pragmatist, you downplay this aspect of yourself and focus on the more immediate, obvious and the more functional.

Boy, I've been a busy girl this morning. I've stayed online much longer than I really should have, but I wanted to get things done. I got some files from my boss that I needed to finish off my monthly status report to send off to our division manager to review, so that's taken care of. I've made my phone calls and have two doc appts tomorrow - one at 10am with my general doc and then one at 6pm with my gastro. The gastro doc is working late on Tuesdays so I'm glad I could get in - the sooner the better in getting the UC under control. I forgot to mention my cat. She's the greatest. When I got home on Saturday, I thought for sure she'd give me the normal "attitude" after I've been gone for a few days, but she didn't. I believe she actually knew I was sick and was soooo happy to see me. She had the sweetest look in her eyes as I petted her and she nuzzed my hand then she perked right up. She has not let me out of her site since though. She's been my snuggle bunny. NOW I am going to go lay down for a while then take me a nice shower before lunch. Have a great day everyone!!! BIG HUGS!

I'm HOME!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot express my gratitude for all everyone's thoughts and wishes to me. Once again you people truly amaze me *tears in eyes*! Colin told me that everyone was pulling for me and it so lifted my spirits and kept me going. I just want to send everyone a big hug and really - thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So much love and caring just radiates from you all. Monday night my RA doctor's office called me to tell me some results of last week's tests and I decided to tell them what had been going on with my leg. It didn't sound good to them, so they sent me up to emergency right away for an ultra sound on my leg. They found a blood clot that ran from my groin (or very top of my leg) all the way down to my ankle. They immediately admitted me. Then while I was there, they decided to get me healthy. They gave me 3 units of blood that night since I was so anemic. The next day, I had my RA doc (Dr B), Gastro doc (Dr L), general doc (Dr M), and another Gastro doc (Dr K) consulting on how to get me back on my feet - not only for the blood clot but for my RA and Ulcerative Colitis. Dr K was one funny guy. He was the one that said I had ticks, lice and fleas. Cracked my parents and I up. I do have a lot of problems and didn't really realize just how sick I've been, its really amazing what you can get used to. They took me off one of the anti inflammatories that could be potentially causing problems with my stomach and with the Remacade treatments I really shouldn't need it any longer. The put me on a blood thinner called Coumadin which is a little scary, but hey - gotta do what you gotta do. I will get blood tests often to monitor things. I'm sure I'll have other med changes during the next week or so. Anyway, Dr K wanted all sorts of things monitored while I was there. UGH. So degrading and humiliating to have such bodily fluids collected and tested. The nurses would be so pleased too, which really makes me worry about them. LOL!! After 4 days Dr. K finally decided that the ulcerative colitis IS the reason for my anemia. DOH! I guess he needed proof and I know it was all done in my best interest. Friday night my blood level started to drop again so he ordered a 1000 ml dose of iron. Holy shit. This IV took 12 hours! I felt like I was in for a oil job. Filler up please. tee hee I should be good for about 2 months on that dose of iron. I am feeling so much stronger now and am not dizzy at all anymore. The food situation was fun. I'm on such a limited diet and I KNOW what I can and can't eat. I'd order meals and they kept messing it up. I'd have to wait 1 - 1.5 hours to get it fixed. On Thursday night, I'd finally had enough. I was so frustrated I broke down like a ninny and just cried. I was so mad. I hate it when I do that, but I guess all the emotions I'd been feeling just exploded. My parents came to see me right in the middle of this and my Dad took matters in his hands and went to find a dietician. He found one, but she wasn't the main honcho. He made a few polite threats and what do you know, the next day the head dietician visited me and her whole staff were doing back flips to remedy the situation and give me exactly what I ordered and needed. I bet they were happy to see me go home. LOL!! They're not sure what caused the blood clot. It could be that I've got a blood clot disorder, which they'll test for after I get off the blood thinners or it could be just one of those things that developed. Who knows... this experience has taught me one thing: pay attention to what is really going on and not to let things go so long before telling a doctor what's happening. So... now I get to make a call to my gastro doc tomorrow to get an appt to really get my UC under control. Dr K has recommended a medication so I'll have to see what Dr L thinks. I will see Dr M on Tuesday for a blood test on the blood thinners, then see Dr B on Wednesday for my Remacade treatment. Dr M said that he wanted me home for another week with orders of bed rest (as much as possible) and not to sit or stand a lot (Too bad I don't have a really sexy man to keep me company in my bed. *snicker* ). My leg still hurts a bit but at least its almost back to its normal size. It was so huge and swollen, it was almost twice as big as my other leg. I won't be on the PC quite as much as I'd like, but you can bet I'll be around every chance I get. I've missed you all so much!

Bulletin from the McKay Dee "Hilton" I spoke with Karen briefly yesterday (she was in a running battle with the hospital dietician about the special food she needs, since she's on a restricted diet), so she couldn't talk long. The very good news is that she may be released from the hospital on Sunday (tomorrow) I told her that you were all thinking of her and give her big "Get Well Soon" hugs (Maria, Kat, Maggie, Jill, Steph, Alisa, Lyana, Marie, Connie, Annie,Otto, Ginadapooh, Froggie, Dyane, Kate, Rachel, Rilana, Blaise, Roo, Pam, Wyllow, Colleen, Cin, Kathi, Jeanne and Coffeemom). I apologize if I forgot anyone. Later Colin

As Walter Winchell used to say, "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. America, and all the ships at sea." I just spoke with Karen and her leg is still puffy from the clot, so it doesn't look like she'll be discharged anytime soon. She says she's enjoying her stay at the McKay Dee "Hilton" (hospital) and that the food and room service is simply mah-vellous (yeah, right!). Actually, she's getting a little ornery being cooped up without her 'pooter. In that regard, she wants to again thank everyone who left "get well" wishes on her blog and who sent her an email (she'll read 'em all as soon as she gets home). She is catching up on her crocheting (spelling?) -- she finished one doily in two days, where it would normally take her 2 weeks. On the plus side, she doesn't have to wear one of them johnnies -- she can at least wear her own comfy PJ's. More to follow tomorrow.... Colin

There won't be a this week. Since my good bud Karen is in the hospital, my heart's not in it. Colin

Here's an update on Karen's condition. She had a good night last night and her Mom said she was feeling pretty good. She has a team of 4 doctors who are working hard to get her back on her feet. She still has the blood clot in her leg that they're trying to dissolve (although I'm not sure of one of the doctors....he said she had ticks, fleas and lice [which she doesn't have]...sounds to me like he's a Vet school grad). She wanted me to thank everyone who left messages on her blog...I'm sure she'll get around to personally thanking everyone, once she gets back. A futher update coming tomorrow.... Colin

For those of you who are wondering why Karen hasn't blogged in the last couple of days, she asked me to post this on her blog. On Monday night she was admited to the hospital with a blood clot in her leg. I spoke to her last night and, in spite of this, her spirits were up. The doctors are closely monitoring her condition. I will be talking with her this morning and post an update for you all. If you have a minute, please wish her a speedy recovery in the comments or tag board. Get better soon, sweetie.

Today's class went really well! I loved just having 3 other students in there. We breezed through the materials and got done an hour early! YAY! I even beat the traffic just right, so I made it home in an hour flat. Woohoo! Two of the ladies invited me to go to lunch with them so I went along. They were really nice and I decided that would be nicer than sitting alone, even if it was in the sunshine. Well - I'm off! I'm going to go relax and watch some TV before I head to bed. Tomorrow is back to regular work! Nighty Night!

This is kind of amusing... this Word 2000 Level 3 class I've been trying to get into for months only has 4 students in it (including MOI!) LOL! But ya know, that's really OK. Less people to ask questions and we are ALL knowledgable about Word so there are no dumb questions being asked that are taking up class time. All are women dang it - haven't seen any cute guys either on break. Maybe at lunch. Its a pretty nice day here and I brought a sandwich and a book so I think I'll spread a blanket on the grass outside and enjoy some sun - that isn't so HOT.

I really should have thought twice before scheduling a class on a Monday, but I'm stuck now... and this class I'm taking is hard to get into because they don't offer it often. Oh well, I'm here at work now and getting some things done before I have to go. My leg/ankle still aren't doing well still (but a wee bit of improvement), so I'll have to figure a way to keep it elevated during the class, I think I'll ask the teacher if he can get me a box or something to prop it up on. I should be able to get around and visit most of you today, if this class is like other classes I've been to, there will be "slow" students so they let us surf the net while waiting for them to catch up. Gotta get busy! Have a great day everyone!

Connie made me the new cute blog blinkie to the right - isn't it cute!? Thanks, Connie! :-) and of course another thank you (and a demerit for me) to Colin for putting it on the server for me. I had a very relaxing day yesterday, but then again I was pretty much forced to. One of the side effects (I'm learning!) of high doeses of prednisone is fluid retention. My ankles are really swollen (I'm taking lacix and potassium as directed by the doc) and my left leg is giving me fits (muscle cramps and numbness) so I have to keep put and keep my feet elevated. I really started to go stir crazy by the end of the day. I'd decided to crochet a small doily but it just wasn't enough - even with the Bewitched marathon. tee hee My ankles looked pretty good this morning when I got up, but my left one is starting to swell again already and my leg is starting to do the same stuff. Crap! Looks like another exciting day for me! I did finish a book last night - The Rose and the Shield by Sara Bennett. Good book if ya like historical romance. You'll have to read The Lily and the Sword as well, that was the first book. I'm going to start a book called Secret Ways by Kat Martin next. That should keep me entertained somewhat today while I'm forced to rest. Get out there and enjoy your day!