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!

Snagged this quizzie from Kate
You are... What Dreams May Come - "I would go
to hell to find you." Love, above all else, is important to you. When you
love someone, you really love them, and you'd
do anything for them. Sometimes that an get you
into trouble, but to you that isn't important;
what is important is is maintaining the levels
of caring and trust in a healthy relationship.
You little romantic, you.

What movie quote are YOU?
brought to you by Quizilla

Bewitched marathon on TV Land this weekend! tee hee It takes so little to entertain and keep me happy. They say only getting up to 75-80 today?! Its 7:30am now and already 63 and not a cloud in the sky. I sure hope it doesn't go up into the 90's. We need a break from the heat and its not even June yet. Close, but not yet. Where has this year gone?! I can't believe half the year is almost gone. Well... I guess I'm full of intelligent things to say today, aren't I?! LOL!! I'll be back when I have something to talk about... which may be next week at the rate I'm going! LOL! Have a good day everyone!

Busy day! Nothing too exciting... I cleaned, went to lunch with Mom then ran errands, then came home and worked my 1.5 hours. Its amazing how much I can get done here at home vs. work with all the interruptions. I've got my monthly status report done and ready for my boss to review it on Monday. I actually have a class in Salt Lake on Monday, Word 2000 Level 3 (sounds fun, huh??) but I will go in to the office before to do a few things before I go. Aren't I just dedicated? tee hee My Mom forgot to tell me that my sister-in-law Patti's x-husband died this past Sunday!!! She's got 4 kids by him (GREAT kids) and I love them to bits. He's been ill for the past year, due to diabetes and not taking care of himself for years. I thought it was strange that none of the kids came over for dinner on Memorial Day! The small funeral was this morning but we didn't go - even though I wanted to be there for the kids. I feel bad for their loss, but in another way I'm glad he's out of Patti's life now, he was really rotten to her. In my opinion, my brother is the best thing that ever happened to Patti and Patti is by far the best thing that ever happened to my brother. They've been together for nearly 11 years and have really blended into a great family - 6 kids in all. Anyhoo... I'm off to visit everyone! Finally!! :-D

YAY the day is over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a good day and I got a lot done. I have 1.5 hours left of my 40 to work though, so my boss said it was OK to bring the financials home with me and work on my reports here for that long... I'll do that tomorrow. Right in the middle of the day, a last minute meeting was called at our main local office about some ISO 9001 compliance/certifictation thang my company is doing. So that did throw a bit of a curve into my day but oh well, I got paid to sit there and try to stay awake. There has been some staff turn-over at the main office. My good friend Cindy doesn't work there any more and I'm so sad about that I can't even say but she's still my friend no matter where she works. Anyway... this woman named "N" who has pretty much taken over things for two offices (merging into one soon). I have been warned that she's a trouble maker, likes to stick her nose into where it doesn't belong and is a major control freak. I really try to make my own judgements when it comes to people, but she makes me nervous, could be the 6th sense kicking in. Even when talking to her on the phone Tuesday and yesterday she started stepping on my toes. Like I needed my hand held or something. I hate to break it to her but I've been with the company for over 8 years and know my job and do my job. MY BOSS is my boss, not her. There may be some trouble there, and I know Tim won't stand for any of N's crap. Today after the meeting, N said something that really bothered me. I hadn't even met the woman and she comes up to me and tells me she lives about 2 blocks from me from me. Here's my question. What the f*ck is she doing getting in MY personal file and seeing where I live?! Maybe it had something to do with some HR stuff since my yearly review is due soon and she noticed my home address - I HOPE that's all it was. I was really taken aback and didn't know what to say other than "Oh really? Small world." My boss was standing right there and heard it, and I thought about telling him on the way back to our office that it bothered me, but then I thought maybe I'm just being a ninny. I'm going to take a cool shower and relax for the night. It reached 100 again today UGH and I'm feeling oogy. I'm really too tired now to even sit here and blog hop - so that shows how tired I am... I'll catch up with everyone tomorrow. Toodles!

This movie clip is an absolute riot! Goofy Cats I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes!

I'm soooooo glad today is my Friday! Woohoo! I actually managed to get some decent sleep last night which felt good, but I actually cheated and took a Xanax and watched one of my tapes of Brady Bunch tee hee. I love that show, but it does put me to sleep (usually). Me has lots of things to do today but I think I should be able to get it done if I don't find any major errors in the financials. I got a call from my doc's office last night about some blood tests I had done on Tuesday. I have to go in for more this afternoon. My iron levels are staying in the same range (still low) but my inflammation rate is off the charts. 1 month ago, it was at an 11 (which is extremely high) then 2 weeks later it dropped to a 6 which is good. Now its up to 25. I about shit. So they want to find out why its so high. My joints are feeling pretty good, so its most likely my stomach. Sigh. In the famous words of my friend Sandi, "It will get better." I've got good doctors and am in good hands. So I'll stop in for the other blood tests on my way home tonight and should get the results back by early next week. 3 for Thursday is up if you'd like to play along! My answers are on my Meme site. Enjoy your Thrusday!!! I will be around to visit you tonight and tomorrow.

Phew its HOT outside!!! 100 degrees. I about died when I saw that. It sure feels like it. I will be taking a nice COOL shower shortly then heading to bed early to see if I can catch up on some sleep. I really don't feel all that tired for being up so early this morning, or at least it hasn't caught up with me yet. I really kicked ass as far as getting stuff done today. I still have a lot to do on my financials but hopefully they'll balance OK in the morning. I can't believe this week is almost over, it has really gone by fast. Holiday weeks usually don't seem to go this fast for me. I had a great lunch with Robin today. She's such a special friend and so good to me. I'm going to have lunch tomorrow with another friend, Sheri who's a sweetheart... one place we always have to go is Fiesta Guadalajara but I will behave and not have any chips and salsa, BUT I will still be able to have my cha-cha-cha cheese enchiladas. I hope everyone had a great day!

I'm completely nuts. I couldn't sleep so I decided to come into work an hour early. My mind would not shut up, and my stomach was giving me fits so I just said screw it, and got up. 4am. I'm here at 4am. I've got so much to do though so this gives me an hour of extra quiet to get some of it done. So... here I go! Happy Hump Day!!!

What a day - I'm pooped! I managed to get quite a bit done, and wasn't stressing out about getting it all done. Its still going to be one busy week though. I've got a ton of customer service stuff to do tomorrow as well as my financials, but one thing at a time. I'm planning on having lunch with my friend Robin and am looking forward to seeing her and catching up. See... I do have my priorities straight, I'm not letting the work interfere with play time. We're having a heat wave here in Utah, its jumped from cool temps to hot and I'm not adjusting very well. Its almost 90 right now. UGH. Hot, hot, hot. I know we don't have the humidity that some places have and I am thankful for that fact. Keep cool - I'm gonna go a blog-hopping!

Boston Pictures! This is the Duck (bus/boat) that Colin, D and I took for our Duck Tour.
This is our Captain/Tour Guide Major Tom Foolery. He was such a "Quack Up".
This is me, taken from the Observation Deck in the Prudential Building with Boston in the background.
Cheers!!!
Colin at Dick's Last Resort as the "Big Pig"
Well, that is all for now. Today is my first day in the office in a long time and I've got a zillion things to do! I hope everyone has a great day!!

Happy Memorial Day! Well, I've spent the majority of the morning going through my pics from Boston and printing the good ones. I do have about 4-5 fav pics that I will post tomorrow after my good bud Colin puts them on the server. We had such a great time. I had a pretty good day yesterday, I got lots of rest and just puttered about. We're having a small family BBQ this afternoon. My Dad is making his famous Dutch Oven potatoes. OH BOY! Sliced potatoes, bacon, and cheese in the dutch oven. Mmmm nothing like it. We're also having hamburgers, baked beans, etc., The potatoes will be my meal though and that's OK with me. Mmmm Mmmm can hardly wait! Nothing much else planned for today besides helping Mom get dinner ready, to be a bum and play in the sunshine a bit. I hope everyone has a great day!

You'll Fall in Love With A Libra! You value a drama free relationship, one which a natural pleaser Libra can provide. Your Libra wants nothing more than to be in love with you - and make you happy. While indecisive Libra may take a while to fall for you, once he / she does ... it's forever. To catch a Libra, simply be over the top romantic. Flowers, chocolates, wine, and bubble baths will give your Libra the luxury he / she craves. And you'll get pampered back in time. Libra may seem a bit cold and unresponsive at first. After a while Libra's become less and less guarded...and in the end, the most playful lover you'll ever know!
What Sign Should Your Lover Be?
More Great Quizzes from Quiz Diva

Yesterday turned out to be a really good day. Mom, Dad and I went to the local cemetary first to late sis-in-law Lisa's grave and put some pretty bright yellow flowers, then we headed for Salt Lake, stopping off for lunch along the way. Dad called his twin sister to let her know we were in Salt Lake, and her and her husband came out to my Grandparent's graves to meet us for a visit. My Aunt Joanie is so cute, such a sweet lady that reminds me so much of my Grandma. Then we headed to the hospital to see my bro J Dee. Poor guy. He's doing really well though, considering how long he was in surgery and all they did to him. He was really anxious to just get home, and as we were leaving, the doctor said he could go home! Its going to be a long and tough recovery time though, I think he's going to be a difficult patient. tee hee He can't twist, bend or lift anything for 3 months. UGH. Its gonna drive him nuts, he's the type that is always on the go. I want to go out and wash my car and play in the sunshine if we have some to play in today... fingers crossed! Have a great day!

I'm going to spend the day with my parents today. We're going to Salt Lake, mainly to see my brother who is in hospital down there (back surgery) then we're going to the cemetary where my Dad's parents are burried to put flowers on their graves. I'm looking forward to spending time with Mom and Dad today, away from the daily things. The weather is supposed to be absolutely gorgeous again so it should be a nice day all around. Its funny, as I was sitting here writing this post, thinking of my parents and how wonderful they are. It amazes me how fortunate I am to have been brought into this world and raised by such incredible people. Just when I think I love them more than I could, I realize I love them even more than just a minute ago. Have a great Saturday everyone!!!

I'm baack! I'm so glad to be home, I can't even tell you! I got home really late last night. I've had one crazy day today, getting settled back in, laundry, cleaning, running errands, etc. I'm exhausted and its not even 7pm! Yesterday was crazy, trying to finish the workshop early. We had a 5:45pm flight we had to catch from Boston to Salt Lake. So, we knew we had to be out on the road no later than 3:00 and even that was pushing it. We left Hanscom AFB at 2:45pm and was told to take 95 when we probably would have been better taking the Mass Pike. We cruised along at a pretty good pace until we reached Boston, then it took us 1.5 hours to go less than 5 miles. We got to the airport 1 hour before our flight. Luckily, my boss the Timster is a Delta Medalion member and since Larry and I we able to check in with him, and we breezed through security. The terminal we left from had a small security station, which is SMART. Thank you Logan airport for finally getting smart and splitting security up into smaller sections. So, we made the plane. Whew. I'd ordered a bland meal ahead of time, and guess what they gave me?! Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, fresh fruit, and a plain rice cake for dessert! The only thing I could eat was the rice cake. LOL!! Lesson learned: call Delta and have them explain before hand which special meals mean what. Because I don't get how spaghetti and meatballs can be blander than the chicken everyone else had. So, I had a rice cake, and the stewardess gave me a small roll too. She felt really bad, and really tried to accomodate me which was really sweet. I did have a breakfast bar with me too, so I didn't starve. When it came time for snacks, she gave me 3 bags of pretzels because I could eat those! The movie on the plane was "About Schmidt" and I fell asleep so I can't say how it turned out. I was just so tired, I don't think it had to do anything with the movie. Hmmm... me thinks I'm yammering on about nothing so I'm going to go watch some TV and splatter for the night. I have missed everyone so much and WILL catch up with all of you this weekend.

Don't you just hate those kind of nights when you can't sleep worth shit?! Here it is, 5am and I can't sleep. So I've at least got 30 mins to goof off before I need to get ready for my day. The workshop is going really well, there are a lot of good people attending and I'm learning somethings about project management that I can apply to my job as well. Larry, Timster, two other guys that are here from our office too (on different business), and I all went out to dinner last night to a little Italian restaurant in Bedford. Louigis' I believe the name was, just a small place but really good. I had some yummy cheese ravioli. Then I came back to the hotel, checked e-mail, took about a 30 min bubble bath and then watched the movie Enough. Such a good movie, better than I thought it would be. Tonight is the last night here in Boston, I'm kinda sad to be going, but then again I'll be so happy to get home late tomorrow night. Have a great day everyone!

I just had the best day with Colin and his wife, the Lovely D! They picked me up this morning at my hotel, we drove into Boston and then took a Boston Duck Tour. You should see the Duck! Its actually both a bus and a boat! It was the funnest thing! I do have pictures but will have to wait until I get home this weekend to get them off my digital cam and have Colin put them on the server. The tour guide was great, so lively and had a lot of cool stuff to tell us about history of Boston as well as the Charles River. If you come to Boston, you gotta take the Duck Tour. It was the funnest tour I've ever been on. After the tour, we went to lunch at Dicks Last Resort. Dicks is a lively place with rude waitresses/waiters. Colin ordered some sort of a pig (pork) sandwich and he kept eating D's onion rings so the waitress made a paper hat that he had to wear that said "big pig" . I've got a pic of that too that I'll post later. After lunch we went to the 50th floor of the Prudential Building Observation Deck and saw all of Boston. It was incredible. Such a gorgeous day and a beautiful city you could see for miles! I hope my pics turn out. It was such a fun day, and I can't begin to thank Colin and D for such a great day! They're two of the most wonderful and generous people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Now, tomorrow is work time! My boss the Timster and the other workshop instructor Larry should be arriving shortly and we'll have a brief meeting to make sure all is set for tomorrow. In the mean time, I'm going to relax and I just ordered room service. I think they thought I was nuts for just ordering a baked potato! LOL! But... when you're on a restricted diet ya gotta behave. Oh - and I so misbehaved at lunch today... hope I'm not gonna pay for it, but I bet I will. ;-)

What a weekend! Jeff met me at my hotel after he got off work Friday night. He was just what I expected, so sexy and just like I’d imagined him. We hit it off right away and both felt at ease with each other, but after talking for 2.5 years online I didn’t really expect to feel awkward. We went to get something to eat, then went back to the hotel and all I’ll say on that part of it is *snicker*. Although we hit it off, I knew that there was a huge chance that it wasn’t going to work out. The long distance really bothers him, as it does me. He wishes more than anything that I lived in Indiana, but it’s not in the stars. It takes two to really want to make things work, and he wants me there, but I can’t go out there and move on a whim, leaving behind all I know to “date” him. If I do ever fall head over heels I’d go just about anywhere. We said good-bye last night, after having a long talk. I’ve got the closure I need now and I can truly move on and not look back. I don’t regret any of my time with Jeff. Never will. The past 2.5 years, Jeff has helped me realize a lot and learn so much about myself, and what I want in my life and deserve in my life. I want it all and I’m not willing to settle for just anyone. So, this really isn’t the happy ending that I have always dream about and read in the romance novels. BUT this is a happy beginning. Things happen for a reason, I truly believe that. I have a chance now to really get out there and see who and what is around me. I need to spread my wings and fly and not hide out behind the computer any more. I’m still open to meeting someone online, because I do enjoy getting to know people that way, in some ways its easier. I’m just going to stick to finding someone in my area. Might be easier, huh? Here I am now, sitting in the Cincinnati airport killing time. This morning when I got to the airport, I was informed that my flight between Cincinnati and Boston (that would have left Cinc at 11:00 and then I’d get in to Boston at 1:15pm) was cancelled, and was rescheduled 2:55pm and it didn’t arrive until 5:08pm. I sure hope there’s not any delays. The really shitty news is that the plans with Colin and his lovely wife D have been blown which really sucks… but they shave something special planned for me tomorrow and I can’t wait. I’m looking forward to seeing them today too when they meet me at the airport. I’ll try and update and visit as much as I can during this week, but may not be able to because of the workshop I’ll be working at in Boston. I’ll be home late Thursday night and I’m sure I’ll be happy to get home, and hopefully my cat will forgive me for being gone again. ;-) Mom and Dad are taking good care of her, but I can’t believe how much I miss her. Funny how much our pets are like our kids, or at least in my case! LOL! I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

I woke up just a few minutes before my alarm *snicker* I wonder why... I wanted to thank everyone for their wishes and hopes for me!!!! It means so much! I'll update as often as I can, but will definitely write Sunday evening when I get to Boston. I hope everyone has a great day and a fantastic weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

36 hours as of right now before I meet Jeff. Big time count-down! I'm just jumping out of my skin. We talked for a while last night and we're both really looking forward to meeting. I don't think I'll be able to concentrate much on anything today. *snicker* I DO need to keep busy though and keep my mind on work, so I don't forget anything for the workshop next week in Boston, and then tonight on the personal packing to make sure I don't forget anything. So, for the next week I won't be blogging or visiting anyone often. I will write something on Sunday night after I get into Boston, I promise to let you all know how the Jeff meeting went. Boston will be a lot of fun too. I'm really looking forward to spending time with Colin and the lovely D. They've got lots of plans for me on Sunday afternoon and Monday but they're keeping things a surprise. 3 for Thursday questions are up if you'd like to go play. My answers are on my Meme site. Have a great day everyone!!!

Yes, I've had a lot of time on my hands today. ;-)

Snagged this from Monkey
You have an entrancing kiss~ the kind that leaves
your partner bedazzled and maybe even feeling
he/she is dreaming. Quite effective; the kiss
that never lessens and always blows your
partner away like the first time.

What kind of kiss are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Warm weather is here finally + problems with air conditioning in this building = need for the two fans under my desk to be turned on... getting quite the thrill. *snicker* The bldg maintenance guy told us when we moved in the bldg that there would be some *minor* adjustments and it would work fine. Well, he was wrong. The whole system has to be redone, new air ducts, air handlers, etc. This will take place in the next 90 days. Now, get this. They said "We want to get it done early in the year to make it easier on everyone." Hmmm... well, the next 90 days is the SUMMER, right? LOL! That isn't early, that's LATE. I'm so not looking forward to this. You'd think I'd be used to it, because in our old bldg, it took them 7 of the 8 years I worked there to get the system right. At least I had one half way cool summer. Oh, almost time to go home! YAY! I work until 1pm tomorrow, then go to the doc to get my Remacade treatment, run to the bank, then home to pack and get ready to go! Woohoo! I'm getting so excited, I'm just beyond words. Its probably a really good thing that I have to take Xanax to fly on a plane or I don't think I'd be able to contain myself for the flights on Friday! LOL!!!

Snagged this quizzie from Jennifer
You are a true nature girl!

Which Ultimate Beautiful Woman are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Happy Hump Day!!!! Today is going pretty well, I'm getting caught up on things, and just puttering along... nice not to have any stress today. I'm taking my friend Cindy out to lunch for her b-day (which is tomorrow) today and looking forward to it. Its been quite a while since we've gone to lunch, although I see her about once a week at our main office. It will be nice to visit and catch up. We're doing Mexican, and me of course will do the cheese enchiladas. Not having the chips and salsa will be a killer but I just have to behave. I'll have Cindy slap my hand if I even try to eat any salsa. 2 days to Jeff! He was supposed to call me last night, to get the details worked out, but fell asleep (so did I though!), so this morning he sent me an e-mail and told me he was sorry and that he'd make it up to me on Friday "wink wink". *snicker* Oh, damn... there go those butterflies again! We will talk tonight though for sure.

Just call me a tornado today. I got ALL the things done on my list to do, and even had a chance to shred some documents that I've needed to, a pile about 3 inches thick! After all the work and how busy I've been lately, me thinks I deserve a break so I'm taking one and will do some blog hopping. I hope everyone is enjoying their day!!

Whew! Monday is over... well as far as my work day it is! I finally got my balancing done! What a load off my mind. It took me pretty much all day to do, but its done. My friend Sandi is back from her vacation, its been about 3 weeks since I'd seen her between my travels and hers! We chatted and got caught up on things. She's such a wonderful friend and I've missed our daily chats. She's so incredibly supportive about everything in my life. I called my RA doc and told him about my cough and he put me on antibiotics. I just took the first dose, and they said they should kick in fast. I am feeling so much better today, as far as my energy level, looks like I just had a bad few days. No dizzy spells at all today. Well, not much else to say... I'm gonna get a couple things done then hit the hay. Oh, by the way... 4 days to Jeff! Woohoo! *snicker*

Well, here we are... Monday morning. My day isn't too bad so far and hopefully won't be a day from hell. I've got quite a bit to do, but nothing so stressful. I still have to finish my financials/hours balancing which is driving me nuts. Hopefully getting a fresh start on it today will make a difference. I'm wearing a new dress, which always helps the attitude. One of the dresses I'd ordered a while back finally came over the weekend and it fits really well. I got quite a bit of rest last night, and my cough wasn't too bad (didn't keep me awake anyway!) but now that I'm up moving around, its breaking up and starting to hurt. I'm not feeling quite as exhausted either. YAY. I'll still be a good girl and not over-do things today. J Dee told me all about his surgery last night, and all I can say is ouch. They're doing a new technique where most of the actual surgery is done from his stomach. That way most of the muscles in his back remain undisturbed. They're going to have to take bone from his hips to use as bone to fuse the disks together. The thought makes me cringe, poor guy! My other brother Bob and his 3 girls came over last night too... all I can say is I'm so glad I don't have teenage kids. The two teenagers (17 and 14) are little snots, but I still love them. The youngest, Morgan is 9 years old today. She's such a sweetie, I gave her the b-day prezzie she wanted (she requested some shower gel, lotion and shower scrunchie) and she was most pleased that she got it. A little later, J Dee's two sons Travis and Adam came over and I got lots of hugs before I headed off to bed. They're such great guys. Closest to sons I'll ever have. Well, I best get to work! Hope everyone has a great Monday!

Today's dinner turned out really well. It was just Mom, Dad, Susie and I. Everything was delicious, even if I do say so myself! I shouldn't have eaten what I did, but what the hell... it sounded really good. I even had a small piece of keylime pie for dessert. Mom said she hadn't seen me eat that much in months and it was good to see. I'm gonna pay for every delicious bite, I'm telling ya. I've rested pretty much all afternoon, and am feeling a bit perkier. My cough is getting worse though, so first thing in the morning I'm calling the doc. They'll probably have to put me on antibiotics right away, since I have to be really careful with infections. I've got some hot Tang to drink which is a cure-all/pamering thing that makes me feel all warm inside. In a little while, my bro J Dee and sis-in-law Patti will be coming over and I'd like to see them. J Dee just found out he's got to have a disk in his lower back fused on May 21, I feel so bad about it. The disk is acting like a guillotine and is cutting off the nerve and he's in so much pain. He had some minor surgery on it a couple of months ago, to remove a cyst, and they were hoping it would buy him some time, but no such luck. Seems like we're all falling apart in my family! LOL!! We're too young! Anyhoo... I'm off to rest until they get here.

Another quzzie snagged from Christy
You're Hobbes. First of all, the makers of this
quiz would like to congratulate you. You have
our seal of approval. You are kind,
intelligent, loving, and good-humoredly
practical. You're proud of who you are. At the
same time, you're tolerant of those who lack
your clearsightedness. You're always playful,
but never annoying. For these traits, you are
well-loved, and with good cause.

Which famous feline are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and all Mothers!
I'm going to make dinner for my Mom today, its mostly prepared since I prepared as much as I could yesterday. About killed myself off, you wouldn't think that making sour cream augratin potatoes and some baked beans would wear me out so much, but it did. I about passed out a couple of times. Mom wasn't home so she doesn't know, and I don't want her to know because she'll only worry more and it will make her feel bad. She deserves this dinner and I want to do it for her. So, all I have to do this morning is make the rolls (I'm cheating - Rhodes frozen rolls!), and put the ham, and the potatoes and baked beans in the oven, set the table, and be done. Susie is coming over for dinner too. I think the rest of the siblings will stop over later on for pie and ice cream. In the back of my mind I'm really hoping that Kathy doesn't come out of her den of stinkiness and eat with us, but I think Mom would feel bad if she doesn't. I know it sounds selfish, but Kathy eats like a pig and I didn't go to all this trouble for her. I cannot stand the site of this woman, she totally and completely disgusts me, in her appearance as well as how she is and what she's become. I almost want to pity her. She and her husband think the world owes them, well, I got news for them. You have to give the world something before it owes you anything, and even at that if you think the world owes you something then you won't get it. OK - enough bitching about her. I don't want her to ruin my day any more than she already does. The stress she's creating is not good for me, or anyone. I worry so much about my parents too, and the strain they're putting on them. The side effects of the Remacade are really starting to kick my ass. I will call the doctor tomorrow and let him know what's going on. I was fine for the first few days so it must be kicking in, doing what its supposed to do. ?? Fingers crossed. I'm sure its just a matter of getting used to the meds and the side effects. Last night about 5:30 I was sitting here, and just totally exhausted. I thought why am I fighting it? Just go to bed! LOL! So I did! I didn't go to sleep, just got in my jammies and watched TV in bed, and snuggled with my cat. It was great. I didn't sleep very well through the night thanks to my stomach, but I did get a lot of good body rest. I'll be a good kid today too, and just take things easy. With Susie coming for dinner, she'll help me clean up. She's such a great sister. Oh, I'm excited to see if Mom likes her prezzie from Susie and I. We found her a heated stone (foot pads are stone and they radiate heat) foot massager. Mom's feet get so sore, and she deserves to be pampered. Well, have a great day everyone!!

Snagged this from Christy.
Which Peanuts Character Are You Quiz

I had another "out of sorts" day yesterday. I'm just so exhausted and frustrated... just a little bit of everything. I needed some Karen time and cleaned like a mad woman yesterday morning. I payed for it though, really over did things. But its nice to have everything sparkly and clean. I think a lot of my problem is that I'm hoping so much for a miracle with this medication Remacade for both my RA and Ulcerative Colitis. The RA pain is managed OK right now, but I'm getting soooooooooo tired of the UC. Tired of feeling tired, tired of feeling like shit. I don't see any difference in the UC yet, and I know I've only had one treatment, but I was hoping to see *some* slight improvement. I have another treatment this coming Thursday, right before I head to Indiana and Boston. My trip to Indiana, meeting Jeff!! and then heading for Boston are things I'm really I'm looking forward to, the things that are keeping me from going completely bonkers right now. I'm getting so excited to meet Jeff I can hardly stand it. Constant flutteries in my tummy. I'm trying to stay positive, I really am... I need to chalk it all up to a bad week, let myself feel rotten, and move on. I keep forgetting that it IS OK to feel rotten from time to time. I hate feeling rotten, and feel my energy is better spent feeling nice. It also seems like I'm not the only one having a bad week, as I've gone around to visit people...hmmm... maybe its lunar?! Who knows... if anyone figures it out, let me know! Happy Saturday!

Snagged this quizzie from Rilana.
The Mustang Th spirit of the Mustang, the everlasting symbol of
love and of generousity protects you from being
used by others who would take advantage of you.
You are the kind of person willing to lend your
strengths to those who are true to you so that
they may better themselves and get back on
their own feet. Your quote: "He who learns
but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but
does not learn is in great danger"

What is your Inner Spirit Totem Animal?
brought to you by Quizilla

YAY for Friday! Have a marvelous day!!

Wow... I got this palm reading link from Cindy. Hmmm...kinda spooky! You have a good imagination, and often exhibit sensitivity to others. The general flexibility of your character is a useful attribute. At certain times in your life, you may have romantic conflicts and difficulty maintaining friendships. You will overcome these problems after a little introspection. There may be times in your life when you give in to feelings of sadness or depression. At certain times in your life, you may have romantic conflicts and difficulty maintaining friendships. These problems are not likely to last long. You have a basically strong constitution, and should enjoy good health most of the time. You are likely to make many changes in the direction of your life. This may be based on interruptions due to health problems, or it may be that you just have trouble focusing your energy. There is a strong intuitive side to your nature, which may border on psychic or mystical ability.

Ahhh, my weekend has arrived. Whew, what a week. I feel so much better than I did this morning. I didn't get everything done that I wanted to today, but ya know what? At this point I could care less. It will just have to wait until next week. I got the high priority stuff done, so that's all that really matters. I'm sure next week will be a better week and my head will be clearer. I plan on getting a lot of rest this weekend. I wore some light blue and white pin striped jeans to work today (it was my "Friday" after all). Then one guy came in and pointed out that both he and my boss Tim both had light blue pin striped shirts on. We all matched! Too funny! Hmmm... well, I guess you had to be there. I wish I had my camera with me! LOL!! Yeah, OK... I'm brain fried...

Yesterday I was a complete stress monster. I don't know what my problem was, but it was so not a good day and not a good day to be around me. I was so stressed about stuff here at work, and everything I guess. Chalk it up to one hell of a bad day. I finally took a half of a Xanax to calm down so I could concentrate enough to get some work done. I didn't even feel up to blogging, not that I had time anyway. By the end of the day, I'd made myself sick. I have to stop doing that to myself. Its just not worth it. I went straight home, and went to bed. My Harry Potter DVD *finally* arrived from Amazon (the first one got lost) so I put that in and watched it, and kept falling asleep. I was just utterly exhausted. I'm feeling a bit more perkier today, but still not feeling back to my old self... I shall keep my chin up though and keep plugging along. I hate feeling ornery, its a waste of my time. I need to concentrate on the good things that are coming my way like next weekend with Jeff (ha, cha, cha), then off to Boston to see Colin and his wife D. OK. Postitive thinking starts again right here, right now. I'll be around to visit everyone in the next day or so... I've been so busy I haven't been able to visit anyone. Have a great day everyone!!!! 3 for Thursday questions are up if you'd like to go play. I wanted to thank Colin for taking care of it all this week :-).

Just a quicky post before I start another crazy day! Its gonna be nuts again. Oh well... I'm taking one thing at a time. I'm feeling a bit funky today but otherwise OK. I think I'm just tired. Last night as I was about a block from home, I saw my parents car coming in the other direction. We stopped in the middle of the road (yes, I cuss at people who do that but there was no one else on the road tee hee) to see where they were going. There was a passenger in the back seat, my Aunt Lou Jean! She'd come from Idaho and was on her way to Salt Lake to stay with her daughter, and they were on their way to get some dinner. They invited me, so I swung my car around and followed them to the local family drive in and had a ham sandwich. Lou Jean and I noticed a guy and his family sitting in another booth. This is so awful, but we couldn't help but laugh. This guy was heavy, and his pants were half way down his ass, and his shirt wasn't covering anything. Full Moon at Kirt's Drive Family Drive-in! His underwear were even half way down so we did see actual ass crack. My Mom kept saying "OK, you two..." Its so sad though, I wonder if he was even aware of it. Then Lou Jean said something about his moon being an "appetizer" and I started giggling and said "No, its more of an appetite killer. Maybe we should start calling this the Full Moon Diet." My Dad started laughing at that one. We went home, and Lou Jean drove to Salt Lake. When I got home, my sis Susie was there to see Kathy for her b-day. I didn't say anything to Kathy (she was outside smoking when I got home) and as I was getting out of my car she actually thanked me for the card and gift certificate. Shocker. OH! I've found a new CD that's really good. Audioslave! Its got the song "Like a Stone" on it. I can't stop listening to it, its good to do financials by, gets me rocking. I best get to work now! Have a great day everyone! *hugs*

Its good to be back to in my own office after two weeks... oh, did I just say that?! LOL! I must be nuts. Anyway, its been a crazy day. I have soooo much to do with my financials. Its going to be a bugger of a month due to a lot of changes that had to be made to labor rates since the first of January. I've got a 300 page report I have to go through to log each correction. Fun, huh? I started the day off by getting settled back in, then I had to run to my doctor appt for my first treatment of Remacade. I was there about 3 hours, as they warned me. I took my laptop computer with me and worked for a couple of the hours, and then just read the rest of the time. So far, so good. I should notice some improvement quickly, as most people do. I ran a couple of errands for work on the way back to the office, then dug back into my financials. I'm now brain dead and its about time to go home so I'm taking a break. I've just got to laugh at Greg... he's the dork that expected me to make travel arrangements for him while I was in Boston. Well, he never had Cindy make them for him until... get this... today. The DAY I'm back in the office! This man blows my mind - completely. I even spoke to him at the conference last week to make sure he was having Cindy do them for him. He said, "Oh yeah, I'll send her an e-mail." *knocking on his head* Helloooo... anyone in there?! I also go an e-mail this morning from a lady in corporate accounts payable needing some "original receipts" for his expense report that he submitted while I was gone (he can't follow instructions either). I looked at my copy of the expense report and sure enough, there were the originals. So, he's screwed himself out of a week's time of getting reimbursed. Its a good thing I don't travel much or the poor guy would be at a complete loss, I think! ;-) Hmmm... well, I guess that's about it about my day. I'm so glad its almost over!! Its going to be a looooong week though. UGH! Have a great night everyone!

I wanted to wish my two great friends Pete and Emma a very Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary!! It was one year today that they got married, and I had the honor of being with them (in ENGLAND baby!).

I need to babble for a minute... I'm just so excited right now I could burst. I've been planning something for the past couple of months, that will take place on my way out to Boston on May 16. I haven't written about it, because I really didn't want to jinx it and have been almost scared that it wouldn't really happen. Some of you who have read my blog for a while, know the history of Jeff and I. Jeff and I have talked on line for 2.5 years, he living in Indiana, me in Utah. I was totally crazy about him, and he broke my heart last fall. We kept in contact, staying friends. Well, things have worked out that we are finally going to meet. This was totally his idea, wanting to meet this time, and with me flying out to Boston for work, I was able to swing a good airfare and save the company money by stopping off in Indiana, so the trip is pretty much paid for. We were talking this morning and he said that he's so excited to meet me and to have me come out. He's not backing out this time. I think he's finally letting some of his past baggage go and is really ready for this. I'm keeping this all in perspective though. I have to. I don't want my heart broken again. As much as I want to fly out there, meet him and fall madly in love and live happily ever after... I know that may not happen, despite me being a HUGE hopeless romantic. This trip is to see if anything could possibly really be there. Either a beginning or closure. There is something there, I've felt it and so has he, otherwise we wouldn't still be talking. Yowza... I can hardly wait! Butterflies are fluttering in my tummy and other places *snicker*.

Soy milk. Hmmm... I can't have dairy products any more and need something to replace it (I can't take any vitamins either), as well as a good protein source so I decided to try soy milk. Hmmmm... interesting indeed... can't say its yummy but not bad. I got the vanilla flavored and I think that was a good move. Hmmm... I hope it settles well with my stomach, if it does then I guess I'll be drinking this stuff on a daily basis. They need more flavors like strawberry, banana, etc.

Why do I always forget that Wal-Mart and Saturdays are not a good thing until its too late? My Mom asked me to go run a couple of errands with her today, and I felt up to it - which is nuts because I swear that this morning I didn't want to go anywhere. So, we went to Wal-Mart. The grocery part of the store was the worst, people are so rude bumping into you with their carts and shoving their way in front of you when you're looking at something. Where are their manners?! I decided to show Mom that $5.88 DVD bin that I looked through yesterday. LOL! We had a good time looking through it and I found a couple DVDs that I hadn't seen yesterday. I found another Western one for my Dad but I'll save it for part of his Father's Day gift. After the Wal-Mart experience we went to the new "dollar store". Quite an adventure. I got out of there with spending only $4.00. LOL! Now, I don't plan on going anywhere for the next 36 hours or so. My ass is planted. Dad's doctor called today with a bit of good news. Since Dad's chest pains are coming and going "quickly" they're just going to watch him more instead of doing the angiogram/balloons/surgery right away. I'm relieved, but still worried. I can sense something and its scaring me. He's being a good boy and resting today. If things flare up again he's to go into the hospital right away. Mom has spoken to the dipshit twins and if they pull any more stunts like they have been, there will be hell to pay. She has told them that the dipshit #1 Ellis needs to get a job and take care of his wife and child and quit putting all the strain on my Dad, and that both of them need to make a home for their daughter. We'll see what happens, but I'm not holding my breath. Kathy's 40th birthday is on Monday and she is whining to Mom that no one in the family likes her so they won't come over to see her. I really don't see how she can expect anyone to "like" her when she's taking such advantage of my parents and treating everyone like shit. I for one, don't plan on attending any party for her. I did get her a card and a gift card (from Wal-Mart tee hee), and that's gonna have to do. Hmmm... I really sound like a bitch, don't I?!

Busy day today. I got up, cleaned, got my ass in the shower and went to the doctor for my weekly iron IV treatment. When the doctor came in the room, he sat down and said, "We have a problem. Your iron count is not coming up at all despite all the efforts to bring it up. I think we need to do a bone marrow harvest to see what's going on." I about shit right then and there! I composed myself and asked why that would be necessary since its my ulcerative colitis that is causing the whole anemic/nutrition problem. He said, "Oh..." We discussed it a little further and I explained that I'm starting Remacade treatments on Monday, which will be for both the ulcerative colitis and rhuematoid arthritis. He's not going to give me any more iron - go figure on that one. Even though its not coming up, at least its not dropping. I'm so tired - literally! But he wants to wait a few weeks and see if it drops. So, we decided to let my RA doc monitor my blood tests, and hopefully the levels will start coming up on their own. I will also discuss this whole thing with my RA doc on Monday too, to let him know what's going on. I ran a couple of errands after that, then came home and had to do some work for a couple of hours, despite the long days at the conference I still had a couple to work to meet my 40. Not sure how that happened... but it worked out OK and I got some of my financials done. I went to Wal-Mart to get a couple of things, and I found a bargain bin of DVDs for $5.88! LOL! I hit the motherload! I bought a few, and found one for my Dad, a double DVD set of old Westerns. He'll be in hog heaven while watching them. I couldn't find a movie or shows for Mom, but she said as long as Dad is entertained with his Westerns, she's happy. LOL! My Dad has been having chest pains this week, and they did an EKG and blood work on him yesterday, and today they did a thalium treadmill. Dad has been due for a 3rd open heart surgery for a few years now, they watch him pretty close and are putting it off as long as they can. His heart is fine, its the arteries that are shutting down due to the insulin he takes for diabetes. I had a feeling something was up while I was gone, despite me calling Mom and Dad to see how things were, they'd say "fine". Right. I'm pretty worried right now and am hoping things are going to be OK. It could be due to all the additional stress lately that Dad has been under and we can thank my lovely sister Kathy and her husband for the majority of that. Grrr. But I won't go into that! I'm going to relax now and do some blog hopping until I'm too tired to sit here any more. G'Night!

I'm FINALLY HOME!!!! It feels sooooo good to be home. I am utterly exhausted. I feel terrible I haven't been able to visit anyone this week, things were so crazy at the conference and by the time I got back to my hotel, it was all I could do to check my e-mail. I WILL be around this weekend to catch up with everyone!