Several years ago while at a Infertility doctor appointment, my doctor discovered a lump on the side of my neck on my thyroid. After tests galore, we found out that it was a nodule on my thyroid and it was cancer. I had it removed and had a round of Radioactive Iodine treatment. So far, two and a half years later, everything is going well.
However, that experience has made me paranoid about every ache, pain and spot I feel or discover. So a few months ago, I noticed that a mole I've had on my leg for years, looked a little different on one side.
The next day I called my dermatologist and made an appointment. I had to wait about a month to get in. I finally went on December 17th. She looked at it and said that it looked fine. But because of my cancer history, she was going to remove it.
Christmas Eve, she called me with the results. She said that the biopsy came back with it being superficial skin cancer. She was as surprised as I was. She was able to remove all the tissue around the area where the cancer was but to be on the safe side, I'm going back on January 28th and she is going to remove a little more.
I am so thankful that as soon as I noticed a change, I wasted no time calling for an appointment. So please, please, please don't ignore unusual symptom or mole change that you may have. You just never know and it's better to be safe than sorry.
It's Christmas Week!!!
This is my most favorite time of the year!!! All the lights and decorations, the fabulous food, cookies and treats!! Yea I know, so good for the diet, right? Well, I figure, if I workout like a maniac all week long, I won't feel as guilty when I over indulge on Friday.
Then come Saturday, the fitness madness starts again because we'll be leaving for Sin City on the 30th. The land of never ending buffets and the free drinks that come your way as long as you're sitting in front of a slot machine throwing your money in or playing a table game!!
Ah, yea....I am so doomed. But you know, I don't care. As long as find myself at the gym or on the treadmill here, it's going to be fine. I'm not going to beat myself up because I had bad food.
This is also a week where I find myself reflecting on the year that is quickly coming to an end. And pondering what is in store for the year ahead!! Should I make some resolutions or not. Should I set some goals or not.
But you know, right now I'm just going to enjoy the week and as the time draws near, I'll let all you Internets what I have been pondering and maybe a little year in review.
Stay tuned!!
Then come Saturday, the fitness madness starts again because we'll be leaving for Sin City on the 30th. The land of never ending buffets and the free drinks that come your way as long as you're sitting in front of a slot machine throwing your money in or playing a table game!!
Ah, yea....I am so doomed. But you know, I don't care. As long as find myself at the gym or on the treadmill here, it's going to be fine. I'm not going to beat myself up because I had bad food.
This is also a week where I find myself reflecting on the year that is quickly coming to an end. And pondering what is in store for the year ahead!! Should I make some resolutions or not. Should I set some goals or not.
But you know, right now I'm just going to enjoy the week and as the time draws near, I'll let all you Internets what I have been pondering and maybe a little year in review.
Stay tuned!!
Wellness Reminder
Today I went for my annual skin check up and came back with 3 stitches on the side of my right leg....thanks in part to a mole that has been there for years. Well this year, it decided to show some small changes so my dr decided that it was best to take it out because it may get worse by next year. She says that she thinks it's fine but will find out next week what the results are.
So I'm taking this time as a public service message to remind everybody to take care of themselves and get annual check ups even if you're feeling fine and your moles look normal.
So I'm taking this time as a public service message to remind everybody to take care of themselves and get annual check ups even if you're feeling fine and your moles look normal.
Out of Ohio for the Week
Today begins my crazy month of December as I am travelling to San Antonio for conference/training. I have mixed feelings about going. Why? Because it's Christmas time, my favorite time of the year and I will be missing out a week of admiring our decorated house.
I did finish my shopping last week and that is a great thing.
So I'm drafting this on the plane because it's a 2 and ½ hour flight and I can't nap because, in my usual worry mode, I'm wondering if my luggage will be on the plane. My flight from Cleveland to O'Hare was supposed to leave at 9:35. But because of weather issues with the incoming plane, we didn't take off until 10AM. Problem with that was my connecting flight to San Antonio was leaving O'Hare at 10:45 Central time. We did arrive at 10:15 at the G Concourse. The Connecting flight was on the K Concourse. Thank goodness the same terminal. Hopefully it made it. And luckily at the last minute I decided to check in my carryon – because I knew I already had a 45 minute layover if it was on time. We just made it to the connecting flight as they were getting ready to close the door.
And another nice thing…there is no curtain separating first class and coach – NICE – you can see all the nice service they are getting while we sit back here and just get a beverage. No snacks unless you pay $3 to $4 – with a credit card only. Really? A credit card for a $3 snack.
Good thing when we go to Vegas on the 30th, we get snacks cause we're flying Continental!! One of the few airlines that offer snacks – for free.
And It's Back To Work Tomorrow
Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone. My glorious week off of work is coming to an end today. And it's back to the grind tomorrow.
It was a good week off. I decorated the house for Christmas. The tree is up. Did some Christmas shopping. Got a massage. Cooked us nice, healthy meals all week. Helped the hubs with painting at the rental. Got caught up on little tasks that I've been putting off. Had some great workouts this week too. Which is good, since Vegas is 30 days away!!
This week at work, since it's usually kind of slow this time of year, I plan on getting caught up on those tasks that you put aside for times like this. Things that you really don't want to do and save for times like this.
Next week it's off to San Antonio for a training conference. Do I want to go, no. Am I looking forward to time away from here, yes!! But looking more forward to our week vacation in Vegas!!
Can you tell, I'm really looking forward to that?!
Well, hope everyone in the blogging world has a great week!
It was a good week off. I decorated the house for Christmas. The tree is up. Did some Christmas shopping. Got a massage. Cooked us nice, healthy meals all week. Helped the hubs with painting at the rental. Got caught up on little tasks that I've been putting off. Had some great workouts this week too. Which is good, since Vegas is 30 days away!!
This week at work, since it's usually kind of slow this time of year, I plan on getting caught up on those tasks that you put aside for times like this. Things that you really don't want to do and save for times like this.
Next week it's off to San Antonio for a training conference. Do I want to go, no. Am I looking forward to time away from here, yes!! But looking more forward to our week vacation in Vegas!!
Can you tell, I'm really looking forward to that?!
Well, hope everyone in the blogging world has a great week!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Years ago, when I first broke free from the house I grew up in and moved out on my own into an apartment, I met twin brothers that lived in the same building. Phil and Pete. I briefly dated Phil but we decided we got along better as just friends. Through the years we stayed in touch.
A few weeks ago, I got an email from Pete. Phil suffered a stroke. He's 52, has a great wife and 5 awesome kids. The stroke left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. He was life flighted to Cleveland Clinic and now is at rehab at Metrohealth.
Yesterday, I went to visit Phil. I didn't know what to expect and was actually pretty scared to see him. But I knew I had to go. Pete wanted me to go. I was surprised when I got there, because the last update email I got from Pete, Phil was starting to talk again, but in one syllable words. He still has trouble speaking, but it's now in multi syllables. He still can't walk but they are working on that and he can eat. We had a real nice visit. In the end, he's still the same old Phil. What makes him sad right now is that he desperately misses his kids and because of H1N1 they are not allowed to go to the hospital to visit. I told him that he needs to focus on his kids and fight to get better so he can run around with them again. I know Phil and I know he will beat this!
On this day that we give thanks, I would like to say that I'm thankful for the life I have. Visiting Phil made me realize that we just never know what life is going to throw at us. And we really do have to make the most of what we have everyday!!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
A few weeks ago, I got an email from Pete. Phil suffered a stroke. He's 52, has a great wife and 5 awesome kids. The stroke left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. He was life flighted to Cleveland Clinic and now is at rehab at Metrohealth.
Yesterday, I went to visit Phil. I didn't know what to expect and was actually pretty scared to see him. But I knew I had to go. Pete wanted me to go. I was surprised when I got there, because the last update email I got from Pete, Phil was starting to talk again, but in one syllable words. He still has trouble speaking, but it's now in multi syllables. He still can't walk but they are working on that and he can eat. We had a real nice visit. In the end, he's still the same old Phil. What makes him sad right now is that he desperately misses his kids and because of H1N1 they are not allowed to go to the hospital to visit. I told him that he needs to focus on his kids and fight to get better so he can run around with them again. I know Phil and I know he will beat this!
On this day that we give thanks, I would like to say that I'm thankful for the life I have. Visiting Phil made me realize that we just never know what life is going to throw at us. And we really do have to make the most of what we have everyday!!
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
No Excuse
For my lack of blogging lately. I guess it's really kind of been boring around our household lately. I've become a 'widow' of sorts while the hubs is finishing up a house. We're on the homestretch now and I hope that by the time I get back from training in San Antonio the first week of December it will be done. Although with the Christmas holiday right around the corner, we won't be advertising it for rent until we get back from Vegas.
I did manage to drag him out to the Fabulous Food show last weekend. We had a good time!! I'm pretty sure that I sampled one of everything!!! Thankfully it didn't sabotage my diet.
We saw 2 really great celebrity chefs - Guy Fieri and Michael Symon. Both of them put on a great show and were great entertainers too! I'm hoping that one day I'll go to one of Michael Symon's restaurant, since they are all in the Cleveland area; Lola in the Warehouse District, Lolita's in Tremont and Just Michael (I think that's the name) his newest one at Quicken Loan Arena.
Here's a few pics of the day;
MICHAEL SYMON
US
Well hopefully my blogs will be better now as things are going to get busier in our household with the holidays coming up and our Vegas New Year's vacation!!
xoxo
Grace
I did manage to drag him out to the Fabulous Food show last weekend. We had a good time!! I'm pretty sure that I sampled one of everything!!! Thankfully it didn't sabotage my diet.
We saw 2 really great celebrity chefs - Guy Fieri and Michael Symon. Both of them put on a great show and were great entertainers too! I'm hoping that one day I'll go to one of Michael Symon's restaurant, since they are all in the Cleveland area; Lola in the Warehouse District, Lolita's in Tremont and Just Michael (I think that's the name) his newest one at Quicken Loan Arena.
Here's a few pics of the day;
GUY FIERI
MICHAEL SYMON
US
SOME WEDDING CAKES
HAMBURGER CAKE
Well hopefully my blogs will be better now as things are going to get busier in our household with the holidays coming up and our Vegas New Year's vacation!!xoxo
Grace
New Tenants
This is going to be a short but sweet post since it's getting late...Okay, 10:00pm isn't late for all the young readers that may be out there reading this. But in my world with tomorrow being Monday, 10:15 is going to be my bedtime.
Anyway, after almost 2 months of having prospective tenants look at the place or make an appointment and not show up, we have officially found a new family to enjoy the peace and quiet of our neighborhood. And we also got a tenant for the 3rd unit in that house. So it's been a good week and alot of the stress that goes with trying to find decent people to rent from you is over.
After the issues with the last tenant, we were very, very picky. If one of us had a bad feeling about something, we didn't accept them.
This coming weekend should be interesting as we will have both of them moving into their new homes...that both happen to be in the same house. Luckily, the entrances are not on the same side.
Hope everyone has a good week. See y'all next post!
Anyway, after almost 2 months of having prospective tenants look at the place or make an appointment and not show up, we have officially found a new family to enjoy the peace and quiet of our neighborhood. And we also got a tenant for the 3rd unit in that house. So it's been a good week and alot of the stress that goes with trying to find decent people to rent from you is over.
After the issues with the last tenant, we were very, very picky. If one of us had a bad feeling about something, we didn't accept them.
This coming weekend should be interesting as we will have both of them moving into their new homes...that both happen to be in the same house. Luckily, the entrances are not on the same side.
Hope everyone has a good week. See y'all next post!
The Colors of Fall
Last weekend, the hubs and I went for a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. It's something we've been talking about doing for a few years now as neither of us has gone on it. So it was a nice, brisk fall day and we figured the colors would be at or near peak so we went.
The train itself was ok. They have a good system going. They have a cafe car where they sell food, but I was laughing because what they had, reminded me of movie theater food. They also give you head phones and a wireless receiver if you want to listen to the history of the railroad, towpath and the park system.
We boarded at the Rockside Station and road to Akron. We got off there but quickly realized there really wasn't anything to do there in the amount of time we had until the last train. So we got back on and road to Penisula. We got some history for one of the park rangers and he told us where to hike on the towpath to look at some of the history while walking along the tow path.
I was pretty amazed at what was around there and really had no idea that there was so much history in that part of Ohio. And even when I walked or biked on the tow path, the farthest I've gone is Sagamore Hills.
Here are some pictures of our afternoon:
The train itself was ok. They have a good system going. They have a cafe car where they sell food, but I was laughing because what they had, reminded me of movie theater food. They also give you head phones and a wireless receiver if you want to listen to the history of the railroad, towpath and the park system.
We boarded at the Rockside Station and road to Akron. We got off there but quickly realized there really wasn't anything to do there in the amount of time we had until the last train. So we got back on and road to Penisula. We got some history for one of the park rangers and he told us where to hike on the towpath to look at some of the history while walking along the tow path.
I was pretty amazed at what was around there and really had no idea that there was so much history in that part of Ohio. And even when I walked or biked on the tow path, the farthest I've gone is Sagamore Hills.
Here are some pictures of our afternoon:
FluMist Vaccine
I am sooo not the world's best when it comes to getting shots. You think I would be having to be pricked every 3 months to check my thyroid levels. I guess I am getting used to that, or maybe it's just that I deal with it because it's something that I have to do to be and stay healthy.
I was kind of excited when I heard they were coming out with a mist vaccine. I thought that it had to be better then getting a shot, right? Wrong. At least in my world.
Work finally got the shipment of the flu vaccine yesterday. It's the regular one, not the H1N1. In the last couple days, I've been on the fence about getting it because I've never had anything sprayed up my nose. The only thing I've had stuck in my nose have been the cannula (sp) (those little tubes they stick in your nose for oxygen) - in the recovery room after all my surgeries, and I had a hard time dealing with those.
Anyway, I finally got the nerve to go down and get it. The nurse knows how I feel about shots so she thought I was happy about getting the mist. So she gives me the spiel and the paperwork to sign. Told me it would be a mist feeling and not a stream feeling and I would feel it hit the back of my throat. I take a deep breath and tell her I'm ready. I'll spare you the details, but it was really not fun at all and I had to go through it twice because it's sprayed in both nostrils.
Seriously, I really think I would enjoy the shot more and hopefully, next years' dose will be the shot and not FluMist.
I was kind of excited when I heard they were coming out with a mist vaccine. I thought that it had to be better then getting a shot, right? Wrong. At least in my world.
Work finally got the shipment of the flu vaccine yesterday. It's the regular one, not the H1N1. In the last couple days, I've been on the fence about getting it because I've never had anything sprayed up my nose. The only thing I've had stuck in my nose have been the cannula (sp) (those little tubes they stick in your nose for oxygen) - in the recovery room after all my surgeries, and I had a hard time dealing with those.
Anyway, I finally got the nerve to go down and get it. The nurse knows how I feel about shots so she thought I was happy about getting the mist. So she gives me the spiel and the paperwork to sign. Told me it would be a mist feeling and not a stream feeling and I would feel it hit the back of my throat. I take a deep breath and tell her I'm ready. I'll spare you the details, but it was really not fun at all and I had to go through it twice because it's sprayed in both nostrils.
Seriously, I really think I would enjoy the shot more and hopefully, next years' dose will be the shot and not FluMist.
Vegas in 3 months!!
After both of our illnesses and such this year, we are finally taking a vacation. Okay, I still have to wait about 3 months, but it's so close now and I can't wait.
We have been trying to figure out what show to take in this time. There's so many to choose from.
So as we were looking through the list of Vegas shows, J was also channel surfing and came across the Criss Angel Mindfreak show on A & E. I have been a Criss Angel fan, but stopped watching the show a few years back...for no good reason that I can give you.
J was hooked on that show in less than five minutes!! At the same time that I realized that he was hooked, I noticed on line that he has a shoe in --- you guessed it --- VEGAS!! At the mention of that to him, it was clear that's who we are going to see!!
In case you don't know who he is, here's a link: http://www.crissangel.com
We have been trying to figure out what show to take in this time. There's so many to choose from.
So as we were looking through the list of Vegas shows, J was also channel surfing and came across the Criss Angel Mindfreak show on A & E. I have been a Criss Angel fan, but stopped watching the show a few years back...for no good reason that I can give you.
J was hooked on that show in less than five minutes!! At the same time that I realized that he was hooked, I noticed on line that he has a shoe in --- you guessed it --- VEGAS!! At the mention of that to him, it was clear that's who we are going to see!!
In case you don't know who he is, here's a link: http://www.crissangel.com
Hello World
Ok first of all, I never said that I would be consistent in blogging. But I have to say, taking a month to write a new post...well that is waaay too long.
Maybe I'll just blame it on the fact that it was summer time and we were busy. Because I wouldn't want to create the impression that we have no life...hahaha.
But seriously it has been kind of a busy month. We've had the whole rental issue and getting the unit fixed up and ready to rent again. Which we may have a rentor. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she brings over her proof of inclome this week. We had a prospect last week but when J told them to bring over proof of income, they never showed or called.
In other news and happenings...J took a tumble off his bike a few weeks ago and cracked a few ribs. He's fine though and able to keep up with the daily grind. I think he was more worried that he messed up his beloved bike.
We leave 3 months from tomorrow on our way to Vegas to celebrate the beginning of 2010! And we just booked a 14 day cruise to the Panama Canal in April to coincide with our 3rd wedding anniversary. It's so hard to believe that it will be 3 years! Where does the time go?
I also just came back from my retirement conference that was in Chicago last week. Very interesting and glad that I went now instead of a year before. At least I know where I stand now - which is good, but I clearly learned that I have time to do better. December 31st 2018 will be here before I know it!! YIKES!!
So that's what's been going on in my world. I will try to be a better blogger in the month of October and beyond.
Maybe I'll just blame it on the fact that it was summer time and we were busy. Because I wouldn't want to create the impression that we have no life...hahaha.
But seriously it has been kind of a busy month. We've had the whole rental issue and getting the unit fixed up and ready to rent again. Which we may have a rentor. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she brings over her proof of inclome this week. We had a prospect last week but when J told them to bring over proof of income, they never showed or called.
In other news and happenings...J took a tumble off his bike a few weeks ago and cracked a few ribs. He's fine though and able to keep up with the daily grind. I think he was more worried that he messed up his beloved bike.
We leave 3 months from tomorrow on our way to Vegas to celebrate the beginning of 2010! And we just booked a 14 day cruise to the Panama Canal in April to coincide with our 3rd wedding anniversary. It's so hard to believe that it will be 3 years! Where does the time go?
I also just came back from my retirement conference that was in Chicago last week. Very interesting and glad that I went now instead of a year before. At least I know where I stand now - which is good, but I clearly learned that I have time to do better. December 31st 2018 will be here before I know it!! YIKES!!
So that's what's been going on in my world. I will try to be a better blogger in the month of October and beyond.
Status Quo
Happy September to everybody out in the Internet world. It's hard to believe that it's September already. This summer in Ohio really sucked big time. I truly believe that Mother Nature got her signals crossed.
We had my little nephew's (well not so little - he's 12) birthday party on Sunday. Now normally it's really hot when my niece has it. After all he's an August baby...you know the dog days...it's supposed to be hot. But, oh, not Sunday. It didn't even get out of the 60's. Not that 60's is that cold and some of you may like that. But not me. It reminded me of the fact that soon, I will have to put away the flip flops and wear socks with my shoes. I really dread that.
Not much is going on these days. The hubs is working to get another rental property finished and rented before the winter months. The problem is, he's a one man show and it takes him forever. I was hoping that we would win at least a part of the Mega Millions last week so he could hire some help. Tonight, he's tackling plumbing. But he does have a friend over, who's also a contractor to help him out. That's the last major thing to get done and then it's on to painting, staining, laying tile and carpet.
We're still dealing with the tenant issue and the eviction process. Court day is Thursday but not holding hope that she will show up. They've moved out but have yet to give us the keys. Looks like we may have to enlist the help of the Sheriff''s office to be there when we go in to assess the damage.
Health wise, we are both doing well...knock on wood that it stays that way and that our few months of both being down and out in the springtime are behind us.
So right now everything is good. Hope everyone has a good week and a nice holiday weekend!!
We had my little nephew's (well not so little - he's 12) birthday party on Sunday. Now normally it's really hot when my niece has it. After all he's an August baby...you know the dog days...it's supposed to be hot. But, oh, not Sunday. It didn't even get out of the 60's. Not that 60's is that cold and some of you may like that. But not me. It reminded me of the fact that soon, I will have to put away the flip flops and wear socks with my shoes. I really dread that.
Not much is going on these days. The hubs is working to get another rental property finished and rented before the winter months. The problem is, he's a one man show and it takes him forever. I was hoping that we would win at least a part of the Mega Millions last week so he could hire some help. Tonight, he's tackling plumbing. But he does have a friend over, who's also a contractor to help him out. That's the last major thing to get done and then it's on to painting, staining, laying tile and carpet.
We're still dealing with the tenant issue and the eviction process. Court day is Thursday but not holding hope that she will show up. They've moved out but have yet to give us the keys. Looks like we may have to enlist the help of the Sheriff''s office to be there when we go in to assess the damage.
Health wise, we are both doing well...knock on wood that it stays that way and that our few months of both being down and out in the springtime are behind us.
So right now everything is good. Hope everyone has a good week and a nice holiday weekend!!
What I Learned This Weekend
#1 Do not attempt to drink a bottle of wine yourself on a semi empty stomach....the end results aren't pretty
And
#2 When your hubby or anyone else installs a bag rack on the back of your bicycle, remember that you have to lift your leg up higher then you did previously to get on the bike, otherwise you will end up with a nasty bruise on your leg.
Yes, both of these things happened to me this weekend. Nothing more needs to be said on the topics....:)
And
#2 When your hubby or anyone else installs a bag rack on the back of your bicycle, remember that you have to lift your leg up higher then you did previously to get on the bike, otherwise you will end up with a nasty bruise on your leg.
Yes, both of these things happened to me this weekend. Nothing more needs to be said on the topics....:)
Reality Check
Wow. So yesterday, I was sitting at my desk. It was about 3:30ish. My email box pops up and I received an email from our office in DC. It was an invitation sent out to employees that have 10 years or less remaining before they can retire, to attend a retirement seminar.
I looked at it kind of strange at first. Like, why are they sending it to me? Then it hit me. Not only am I in that group, but I only have 9 years before I can retire. It seems weird that at my age, I will be retired in 9 years
When I got home last night, I told J about it. He thinks it would be beneficial for me to go to this now instead of waiting for another one. I also agree with him. Nine years is not a long time and I want to be able to be in a good position to be able to retire. I do plan on getting another job someplace. Just not sure what I want to do. But whatever it is, it will be part-time.
I guess once I get back from the seminar, I will have to sit down and try to figure that out. I feel like I kind of have to grow up all over again.
I looked at it kind of strange at first. Like, why are they sending it to me? Then it hit me. Not only am I in that group, but I only have 9 years before I can retire. It seems weird that at my age, I will be retired in 9 years
When I got home last night, I told J about it. He thinks it would be beneficial for me to go to this now instead of waiting for another one. I also agree with him. Nine years is not a long time and I want to be able to be in a good position to be able to retire. I do plan on getting another job someplace. Just not sure what I want to do. But whatever it is, it will be part-time.
I guess once I get back from the seminar, I will have to sit down and try to figure that out. I feel like I kind of have to grow up all over again.
Famly Drama
Drama is so stressful and I really don't need it in my life.
Family drama is the worst. It can be so complicated and I hate when family members have to cause drama because they think they're better then the rest of the family...then your're at a point where you can't take it anymore and are forced to do things you shouldn't do. Like unfriend them from Facebook because you're at a point in your life where you just don't want them knowing what or how you handle your life.
It's just none of their business anymore. And I'm feeling much better about the whole thing after hitting the "Remove From Friends" button.
Family drama is the worst. It can be so complicated and I hate when family members have to cause drama because they think they're better then the rest of the family...then your're at a point where you can't take it anymore and are forced to do things you shouldn't do. Like unfriend them from Facebook because you're at a point in your life where you just don't want them knowing what or how you handle your life.
It's just none of their business anymore. And I'm feeling much better about the whole thing after hitting the "Remove From Friends" button.
So Stressed Out
The tenant from hell is still with us and it's stressing me out in a BIG way...and will be for a little longer....In John's haste and anger last Saturday and just wanting to get the 3 day notice on the door, we kind of did it wrong. Unfortunately we didn't find out until we called Cleveland Muny Court on Friday. Apparently, we were supposed to leave out the daughters' name (since she's a minor) and add on the live in boy friend, even though he's not on the lease and we only know his first name.
Sooo, we had to re-serve the the 3 day yesterday. We also found out the even though we served it on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday don't count as part of the 3 days. So know we have to wait until this Thursday to go downtown and file.
Then, CPP was supposed to come out and shut off the electricity there yesterda also. Well at 3 it was still on so John called them again to inquire about and was told that even though we called for a shut off last Monday, they don't guarantee that it will be shut off the day they tell us. But we won't be billed after yesterday. So, ok, what sense does that make and while they are running the air conditioning all day, who's paying the bill. Hopefully they don't think it will be us, since we were told our billing stopped yesterday. Somehow I think that will come back to bite up.
I really wanted the electric shut off this weekend since it's going into the 90's. Yea, ok, so I'm mean.
Now, since we've already done a few things wrong, I'm afraid that when we go to court, the judge will catch on and throw the case out. Then, we'll really be screwed.
We have another 2 family that is going to be ready for rental in Ocotber and we are doing things a whole lot differently and changing the application around and are going to ask them if they have ever been asked to leave or evicted. We're also going to put a disclaimer on it that we will be checking the court docket of cities that they've lived in.
And so on another note. In the last few weeks the affects of having the hysterectomy, I literally cannot look at a pregnant woman or baby. And that's all I want to say about that and I'm only writing it down so it will help me get over it.
Sooo, we had to re-serve the the 3 day yesterday. We also found out the even though we served it on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday don't count as part of the 3 days. So know we have to wait until this Thursday to go downtown and file.
Then, CPP was supposed to come out and shut off the electricity there yesterda also. Well at 3 it was still on so John called them again to inquire about and was told that even though we called for a shut off last Monday, they don't guarantee that it will be shut off the day they tell us. But we won't be billed after yesterday. So, ok, what sense does that make and while they are running the air conditioning all day, who's paying the bill. Hopefully they don't think it will be us, since we were told our billing stopped yesterday. Somehow I think that will come back to bite up.
I really wanted the electric shut off this weekend since it's going into the 90's. Yea, ok, so I'm mean.
Now, since we've already done a few things wrong, I'm afraid that when we go to court, the judge will catch on and throw the case out. Then, we'll really be screwed.
We have another 2 family that is going to be ready for rental in Ocotber and we are doing things a whole lot differently and changing the application around and are going to ask them if they have ever been asked to leave or evicted. We're also going to put a disclaimer on it that we will be checking the court docket of cities that they've lived in.
And so on another note. In the last few weeks the affects of having the hysterectomy, I literally cannot look at a pregnant woman or baby. And that's all I want to say about that and I'm only writing it down so it will help me get over it.
Then Tenant From Hell
In case you don't know J owns 5 rental properties. Three of which are rented out and the other two are in various stages of refurbishing. Most of our tenants are great. They pay their rent on time and don't give us any trouble.
Unfortunately, there always has to be one in the bunch. If we knew then what we know now there is no way in hell that we would have allowed her to move in. She moved in last July, 2008. She seemed like she was a good tenant. She had a daughter and was moving in with her boyfriend. Both had decent jobs and the daughter was sweet and quiet.
Shortly after they moved in the live in boy friend lost his job. Didn't get a severance pay and pretty much sat on his butt all day long not even looking and taking advantage of her. She finally kicked him out after she realized that he wasn't getting a job, nor was he looking like he led her to believe.
After he moved out, we started to notice different guys going in and out. We actually thought it was pretty comical for a while...until we started getting her rent in cash and in small bills. Also about that same time, the couple that lives downstairs started complaining that they can hear everything that goes on up in her suite...more specifically, her bedroom activities...at that point we pretty much decided that she was prostituting to get her rent payment. J called her up and told her that she had to be more quiet during the night because she was disturbing the couple downstairs. We also told the downstairs couple to knock on the ceiling with a broom to quiet them. That didn't work, she only made louder noise.
As the months went by, she was getting later and later with her rent payment, but would always pay the late fees. Then about the time I was at home recovering from surgery, I happened to be outside and saw the gas company there shutting off the gas. The next day, the electric company was there shutting that off. So J called her to find out what was going on. She told him that she hadn't been paying the utilities because she couldn't afford to and was more worried about paying her rent every month. Next thing we know, she comes over begging J to get the utilities turned on for her....J said no way would he put the gas in his name, but he'll be nice and put the electric in her name and he would give her a copy of the bill every month and she would give us the money....yea, that happened for only one month.
Now she has another guy living there who we suspect is doing something illegal in that suite...He doesn't have a job, spends his days walking up and down the street talking on his cell and leaves nightly for a couple hours.
This past weekend was the last straw. They got in a huge fight and started throwing trash bags over the balcony. Her sister comes racing over making a lot of noise. Oh and I need to say that all of this happened at 3AM Saturday morning. Neighbors were calling our house to tell us. We heard all the commotion. J was livid! Later in the day on Saturday, he called her and flat out told her that she needed to look for a place to live because he was going to start eviction proceedings.
Monday morning, he slapped a 3 day eviction notice on her door and conveniently called the electric company to have them shut the electricity off. That is happening Friday. Should be interesting since it's going to be in the 90's.
Today is Wednesday and she's still here...no sign of the guy though...which means tomorrow morning, J has to go downtown and file for an eviction.
Luckily her daughter spends the summer with her grandmother and isn't here to witness all the stuff that goes on there. I'm pretty sure that if she was there, I would be calling child services.
Hopefully she won't show up for court and the Sheriff's office will be there quick to get her out of the place. Otherwise this just may drag out until September. We want her out quick to get the place rented out again before the cold weather sets in.
I'm sure there's more to this story down the road - will update as needed.
Unfortunately, there always has to be one in the bunch. If we knew then what we know now there is no way in hell that we would have allowed her to move in. She moved in last July, 2008. She seemed like she was a good tenant. She had a daughter and was moving in with her boyfriend. Both had decent jobs and the daughter was sweet and quiet.
Shortly after they moved in the live in boy friend lost his job. Didn't get a severance pay and pretty much sat on his butt all day long not even looking and taking advantage of her. She finally kicked him out after she realized that he wasn't getting a job, nor was he looking like he led her to believe.
After he moved out, we started to notice different guys going in and out. We actually thought it was pretty comical for a while...until we started getting her rent in cash and in small bills. Also about that same time, the couple that lives downstairs started complaining that they can hear everything that goes on up in her suite...more specifically, her bedroom activities...at that point we pretty much decided that she was prostituting to get her rent payment. J called her up and told her that she had to be more quiet during the night because she was disturbing the couple downstairs. We also told the downstairs couple to knock on the ceiling with a broom to quiet them. That didn't work, she only made louder noise.
As the months went by, she was getting later and later with her rent payment, but would always pay the late fees. Then about the time I was at home recovering from surgery, I happened to be outside and saw the gas company there shutting off the gas. The next day, the electric company was there shutting that off. So J called her to find out what was going on. She told him that she hadn't been paying the utilities because she couldn't afford to and was more worried about paying her rent every month. Next thing we know, she comes over begging J to get the utilities turned on for her....J said no way would he put the gas in his name, but he'll be nice and put the electric in her name and he would give her a copy of the bill every month and she would give us the money....yea, that happened for only one month.
Now she has another guy living there who we suspect is doing something illegal in that suite...He doesn't have a job, spends his days walking up and down the street talking on his cell and leaves nightly for a couple hours.
This past weekend was the last straw. They got in a huge fight and started throwing trash bags over the balcony. Her sister comes racing over making a lot of noise. Oh and I need to say that all of this happened at 3AM Saturday morning. Neighbors were calling our house to tell us. We heard all the commotion. J was livid! Later in the day on Saturday, he called her and flat out told her that she needed to look for a place to live because he was going to start eviction proceedings.
Monday morning, he slapped a 3 day eviction notice on her door and conveniently called the electric company to have them shut the electricity off. That is happening Friday. Should be interesting since it's going to be in the 90's.
Today is Wednesday and she's still here...no sign of the guy though...which means tomorrow morning, J has to go downtown and file for an eviction.
Luckily her daughter spends the summer with her grandmother and isn't here to witness all the stuff that goes on there. I'm pretty sure that if she was there, I would be calling child services.
Hopefully she won't show up for court and the Sheriff's office will be there quick to get her out of the place. Otherwise this just may drag out until September. We want her out quick to get the place rented out again before the cold weather sets in.
I'm sure there's more to this story down the road - will update as needed.
3 Season Room is done!!
Boy I am way behind on this blog. It's a good thing that I don't have a lot of followers on here...well at least I don't think I do...but who knows....either way, I would hate to have everyone on my butt because I'm not a frequent blogger...
So a lot has been going on and I will have to post some updates. But the most important one is that finally, after working on it a month and dust pouring into my kitchen daily because J would forget to close the door...my....ergh...our 3 season room is finally done!!! I am the happiest person about that. It is really relaxing and peaceful out there and I love it! In fact, that is where I'm writing this.
Instead of going on and on about the room here are the final pics. Not all the accessories are in it yet. Partly because, I'm undecided on some...hahaha...
So a lot has been going on and I will have to post some updates. But the most important one is that finally, after working on it a month and dust pouring into my kitchen daily because J would forget to close the door...my....ergh...our 3 season room is finally done!!! I am the happiest person about that. It is really relaxing and peaceful out there and I love it! In fact, that is where I'm writing this.
Instead of going on and on about the room here are the final pics. Not all the accessories are in it yet. Partly because, I'm undecided on some...hahaha...
Room enclosure update
It's finally time to paint!!! I am so excited for this room, it cracks me up. I can't believe a little sun porch off of my kitchen is making me this excited. John is out there priming the walls and floor. He may be able to get it painted tomorrow but we have a family function tomorrow so that might be questionable. After that, the carpeting goes in a few touch ups and it should be ready for some furniture. We went really casual and got 2 zero gravity recliners. We also have some really nice patio tables that we got for our wedding that we've been waiting to use!
Here's a couple of photos of the woodwork that went up this week.
hopefully the next set of pictures posted of the room will be the finished product or at least close to the finished product
Here's a couple of photos of the woodwork that went up this week.
hopefully the next set of pictures posted of the room will be the finished product or at least close to the finished productBack to work; joined a gym; got a personal trainer; and more
Whew, it's been a busy week! I went back to work on Monday and was actually happy about that. Now don't get me wrong I like being home, but not seven days a week. I guess when I retire, I definitely will have to get a least a part time job.
As far as my recovery goes. I'm doing well. I think it's safe to say that this is behind me now. Although, I do have another appointment with the 2nd surgeon on July 15th. I feel really good about that, in that he will be pleased with my progress. But then on the 16th, I start with my follow-ups with my thyroid cancer surgeon and my Endocrinologist. If all goes well with this appointment, the surgeon will let me go to one year appointments and the Endo will bump me to 9 months.
I also joined Fitworks last week and have started back working out with a vengeance. I even took advantage of the Personal Trainers they have available there. With my paid in full membership, I got 6 free sessions. I'm sure that after those are done, I'll end up buying more.
I had my first session with him on Monday and boy was I whipped. In the years that I've been working out, I've never broken out in a sweat while doing strength training, but boy did I sweat Monday. Holy hell was I sore Tuesday. Good thing he had cardio for Tuesday, because I don't think I could have handled 2 days in a row.
So the last update I have is the 3 season room. It's coming along rather nicely and tomorrow we will be going shopping for paint, carpeting and for seating we decided to get anti gravity loungers. They look so comfy. Here are some photos of the progress. It's a little farther along then what i have pics for. Yes, I am a slacker...lol...The siding and the dry wall are up. I actually have the pictures, but I haven't downloaded them to the computer yet....
Yes, John is trying to 'hide' behind the pole.
which is actually where the new door is going.
If you look close at the below picture you can
see where the cat door is. It's fully installed
and they are learning how to get through it.
As far as my recovery goes. I'm doing well. I think it's safe to say that this is behind me now. Although, I do have another appointment with the 2nd surgeon on July 15th. I feel really good about that, in that he will be pleased with my progress. But then on the 16th, I start with my follow-ups with my thyroid cancer surgeon and my Endocrinologist. If all goes well with this appointment, the surgeon will let me go to one year appointments and the Endo will bump me to 9 months.
I also joined Fitworks last week and have started back working out with a vengeance. I even took advantage of the Personal Trainers they have available there. With my paid in full membership, I got 6 free sessions. I'm sure that after those are done, I'll end up buying more.
I had my first session with him on Monday and boy was I whipped. In the years that I've been working out, I've never broken out in a sweat while doing strength training, but boy did I sweat Monday. Holy hell was I sore Tuesday. Good thing he had cardio for Tuesday, because I don't think I could have handled 2 days in a row.
So the last update I have is the 3 season room. It's coming along rather nicely and tomorrow we will be going shopping for paint, carpeting and for seating we decided to get anti gravity loungers. They look so comfy. Here are some photos of the progress. It's a little farther along then what i have pics for. Yes, I am a slacker...lol...The siding and the dry wall are up. I actually have the pictures, but I haven't downloaded them to the computer yet....
Yes, John is trying to 'hide' behind the pole.
which is actually where the new door is going.
If you look close at the below picture you can
see where the cat door is. It's fully installed
and they are learning how to get through it.
Recovery week 5 down
I made it another week. Feeling stronger and totally pain free. I hate to say this, but I'm ready to go back to work next week. Now I must be crazy. Who says something like that? Hahaha. Really though, the longer I was off, the more I thought about retirement. Which I am eligible in 9 years from my current job. I definitely have to get another job...but this one will be part time. I don't know what it will be yet. But I've been thinking about some ideas.
Tomorrow is my follow-up doctor appointment. I'm feeling really positive about it in the fact that he will allow me to resume normal activities and clear me to go back to work. The one thing that I'm looking forward to is being able to take a bath again. I was only allowed to take showers. I wasn't allowed to soak in a tub, go swimming or in a hot tub. So I hear a nice long bubble bath calling my name!!!
Mentally, this last week was tough on me. One of my banned activities was sex. I got myself all worked up about how it will feel post hysterectomy and will it be the same now that the baby making stage is over. Yes, silly and stupid I know. But the thought was there.
The other thing that got me all worked up was that the hubs is still dealing with the Antibiotic Associated C Diff. He finished his third round of Flagyl on Friday and went Saturday for more lab work. We should find out today if he still has it. Which I'm sure since this is so dang stubborn that he still has it. Which means his primary care doc is going to send him to an Infectious Disease doctor. And all of this is because I made him go to ER when he had a 102 fever and a back ache. Which turned out to be just some weird virus. I feel it's all my fault...again, I know a silly and stupid thought. I'm failing to see the fact that the doctors kept him on pipercillian for 7 days and totally messed up his colon health.
But I'm over that hump...at least for now. I think we need a super long vacation. But that's not going to happen anytime soon since we spent a boat load of money to go to Sin City for New Year's Eve!!! To say the least, I am totally stoked about that one!!!
And I had to come back and edit this post. We just got word that hubby's latest C Diff lab test came back negative!!! Woohoo!!!
Tomorrow is my follow-up doctor appointment. I'm feeling really positive about it in the fact that he will allow me to resume normal activities and clear me to go back to work. The one thing that I'm looking forward to is being able to take a bath again. I was only allowed to take showers. I wasn't allowed to soak in a tub, go swimming or in a hot tub. So I hear a nice long bubble bath calling my name!!!
Mentally, this last week was tough on me. One of my banned activities was sex. I got myself all worked up about how it will feel post hysterectomy and will it be the same now that the baby making stage is over. Yes, silly and stupid I know. But the thought was there.
The other thing that got me all worked up was that the hubs is still dealing with the Antibiotic Associated C Diff. He finished his third round of Flagyl on Friday and went Saturday for more lab work. We should find out today if he still has it. Which I'm sure since this is so dang stubborn that he still has it. Which means his primary care doc is going to send him to an Infectious Disease doctor. And all of this is because I made him go to ER when he had a 102 fever and a back ache. Which turned out to be just some weird virus. I feel it's all my fault...again, I know a silly and stupid thought. I'm failing to see the fact that the doctors kept him on pipercillian for 7 days and totally messed up his colon health.
But I'm over that hump...at least for now. I think we need a super long vacation. But that's not going to happen anytime soon since we spent a boat load of money to go to Sin City for New Year's Eve!!! To say the least, I am totally stoked about that one!!!
And I had to come back and edit this post. We just got word that hubby's latest C Diff lab test came back negative!!! Woohoo!!!
Farmer John is at it again!
And this time, boy is my house noisy and dusty!!!
He decided that our back porch needed to be enclosed. I was a bit hesitant about this project, but when he said he was making it so it could be used as a three season room, I was a bit more intrigued...
Then the worrier came out in me. Where were we going to feed the outdoor cats that we kept from Shadow's litter??? Oh never fear, my dear hubby says to me. He bought them a kitty door. Great, now hopefully they will use it otherwise they are going to be shit out of luck.
The only problem with this whole thing is the kitty condo that he built for them is going take up some room. But at least they will have warmer shelter in the winter then they do now. If they use the kitty door to come in from the elements..
So I know this blog is worthless without pics right? Well I have some for you of the progress.
I'll have more in the coming days of the progress. And yes, those are hubby's fingers that made it in that picture.
In the meantime, here's pic of a dragonfly that was buzzing around in there yesterday morning.
I'm not a big fan of bugs, but I have to say I was amazed at the beautiful blue color this one has on it's head and was impressed that our cheapy point and shoot camera was able to get close up enough to get the wing span on this.
He decided that our back porch needed to be enclosed. I was a bit hesitant about this project, but when he said he was making it so it could be used as a three season room, I was a bit more intrigued...
Then the worrier came out in me. Where were we going to feed the outdoor cats that we kept from Shadow's litter??? Oh never fear, my dear hubby says to me. He bought them a kitty door. Great, now hopefully they will use it otherwise they are going to be shit out of luck.
The only problem with this whole thing is the kitty condo that he built for them is going take up some room. But at least they will have warmer shelter in the winter then they do now. If they use the kitty door to come in from the elements..
So I know this blog is worthless without pics right? Well I have some for you of the progress.
I'll have more in the coming days of the progress. And yes, those are hubby's fingers that made it in that picture. In the meantime, here's pic of a dragonfly that was buzzing around in there yesterday morning.
I'm not a big fan of bugs, but I have to say I was amazed at the beautiful blue color this one has on it's head and was impressed that our cheapy point and shoot camera was able to get close up enough to get the wing span on this.
Week 4 Down and Other Stuff
Week four progressed nicely! I'm feeling great and want to do more and more each day. By the end of the week, I made it 30 minutes on the treadmill. This week I plan on making it to my normal 45 minutes and am also going to work on my speed. I'm confident that when I go back to the doctor next Tuesday, that he will give me the go ahead to start working out again. And I want to be ready!
Last week I also decided that if I didn't take action on the steri strips, they were going to be a permanent fixture on my body. So Friday night - after having a few beers since it was my birthday - I pulled off the remaining three strips. Not a bad decision at all. Scars are healing nicely. Not that anyone other then my husband will ever see them, because I doubt that this mid 40's something girl will ever be prancing about in a string bikini.
So what else did I do this weekend....I helped stimulate the economy...a lot. Oh and I also plan on doing more this week. I even had enough energy to do the laundry which has really piled up in the last few weeks. Mostly my fault since I don't let the hubs near the laundry for fear of what he may do to it. Although I did make him bring the hamper downstairs for me, since we aren't blessed with having a laundry shoot.
And speaking of my husband. He's been hard at work the last week doing yard work and planting and transplanting things. He's also earned a nickname thanks to me. I now call him Farmer John. He reminds me of a farmer in these shots and of course he had to pose for one.
And this is one of my favorite flowers growing out there right now. There are a few others that I have to photograph and will post at another time.
I hope everyone has a good week!
Last week I also decided that if I didn't take action on the steri strips, they were going to be a permanent fixture on my body. So Friday night - after having a few beers since it was my birthday - I pulled off the remaining three strips. Not a bad decision at all. Scars are healing nicely. Not that anyone other then my husband will ever see them, because I doubt that this mid 40's something girl will ever be prancing about in a string bikini.
So what else did I do this weekend....I helped stimulate the economy...a lot. Oh and I also plan on doing more this week. I even had enough energy to do the laundry which has really piled up in the last few weeks. Mostly my fault since I don't let the hubs near the laundry for fear of what he may do to it. Although I did make him bring the hamper downstairs for me, since we aren't blessed with having a laundry shoot.
And speaking of my husband. He's been hard at work the last week doing yard work and planting and transplanting things. He's also earned a nickname thanks to me. I now call him Farmer John. He reminds me of a farmer in these shots and of course he had to pose for one.
And this is one of my favorite flowers growing out there right now. There are a few others that I have to photograph and will post at another time.
I hope everyone has a good week!
Recovery Week 3 down
Well, week 3 was a little more eventful and I'm feeling better and stronger each day and only took pain meds one night last week! Steri strips are now falling off and there are 3 more to go. The scars by the ones that did come off are hardly noticeable. Probably from not having to have stitches or staples.
So what did I accomplish last week?
Speaking of pictures...I signed up for an online digital photography class. I really want to buy a SLR digital camera, but refuse to spend the money, or should I say invest in the money without learning more about it. I am pretty excited about the class. I think because it's online and a new thing for me. I've never taken an online class before.
Hope everyone has a good week!
So what did I accomplish last week?
- started doing light house cleaning. Just picking up stuff that was laying around.
- helped the hubs cook dinner at the beginning of the week and by the end of the week was cooking alone. I think he was happy about that.
- can walk 20 minutes before I get tired.
- be able to walk 30 minutes without getting tired
- increase walking speed
- do some laundry (but have hubby take the basket downstairs and back up after)
- start driving
Speaking of pictures...I signed up for an online digital photography class. I really want to buy a SLR digital camera, but refuse to spend the money, or should I say invest in the money without learning more about it. I am pretty excited about the class. I think because it's online and a new thing for me. I've never taken an online class before.
Hope everyone has a good week!
Dear Mother Nature
Hello, I just wanted to write and ask you if you forgot that this was June? As I'm sitting here writing this, it's 58 degrees!! Yep, that's right 58 at 2:00PM!!
I know I live on the shores of Lake Erie and typically it's cooler by the lake. But I am not fond of wearing sweatpants, sweatshirts and socks 8 months out of the year. I need sunny and warm days so I can give my white skin some color.
I really want to wear my shorts, tanks and flip flops.
I know you have a lot of ground to cover, but if you can find it your heart to bring some warmth and sunshine to Ohio, I would appreciate it. I'm sure a lot of others would appreciate it too.
Thanks!
I know I live on the shores of Lake Erie and typically it's cooler by the lake. But I am not fond of wearing sweatpants, sweatshirts and socks 8 months out of the year. I need sunny and warm days so I can give my white skin some color.
I really want to wear my shorts, tanks and flip flops.
I know you have a lot of ground to cover, but if you can find it your heart to bring some warmth and sunshine to Ohio, I would appreciate it. I'm sure a lot of others would appreciate it too.
Thanks!
Recovery Week 2 down
This is not as easy as I thought it was going to be. In my mind I thought since I had laparoscopic surgery instead of the traditional abdominal surgery. I would be feeling good by now. Oh boy was I wrong.
Yes, it is different then my 2003 surgery, but in many ways the same. Here's my progress so far good and bad:
I have also been taking it easy today, because I'm sure I over did it yesterday.
So, I really am getting better, but greatful that my doc told me not to go back to work until my follow-up on the 23rd. I'm really not going to be ready in 3 weeks like I originally wanted to.
I hope you all had a great weekend!!
Yes, it is different then my 2003 surgery, but in many ways the same. Here's my progress so far good and bad:
- Still need to press a pillow into my tummy to cough or sneeze.
- Steps are getting easier to climb this week, but am still only going up and down them once a day.
- I still get tired after my walks, but they have gotten longer this week too.
- I still can't wear regular pants or jeans. The button closure hits right at my belly button incision.
- I can bend down to pick something up if I have a case of the dropsies.
- I don't need a pillow under my knees to keep my lower half elevated.
- I can sleep on my side.
- Steri Strips (I didn't have stitches or staples) are starting to ravel. Hopefully by next weeks update, they will have started to come off.
- Still not able to drive. Won't be able to until the Steri Strips come off...all 4 of them...boo
I have also been taking it easy today, because I'm sure I over did it yesterday.
So, I really am getting better, but greatful that my doc told me not to go back to work until my follow-up on the 23rd. I'm really not going to be ready in 3 weeks like I originally wanted to.
I hope you all had a great weekend!!
Interesting Morning
This morning at about 5:45AM, my hubby wakes me up to tell me he can't fall back to sleep because he is hearing a humming noise. He said that he thinks that the cold front brought the muckleheads in. Ok, whatever, I don't hear any humming. But, I told him that it just could be because I had been seeing them on my daily walks and have been swatting them away.
After about 5 or so minutes of trying to fall back to sleep, he tells me he's getting up to go see. I hear him go to our front bedroom and open the window. Sure enough, you heard that annoying humming. UGH! Without even seeing it, I knew that there were swarms of them coming in off of the lake.
Before I moved here, I never knew how they came off the lake. It's kind of weird. When a front comes in, they arrive in swarms that look like smokey clouds. Except these smokey clouds have a humming noise. Here's a picture that I stole off of the Internet (and didn't get the name or blog to give the person credit, duh - sorry)
They don't bite or sting. They are just annoying little pests that stick around for a day or two. Go away and then come back with the next cold front. This is what a mucklehead looks like. 
Then, later on in the morning, he comes running into the house. I have to go outside and see what's in the pond. To my surprise, a little frog just relaxing in the pond.
I have to say, he was a cut little thing. How he found his way into the pond is beyond me. Especially since it's not done yet. The hubs started it last summer and hasn't gotten around to finishing it yet. Plus it hasn't been cleaned out either. So then he jumped out. I think it was so I could get a better picture of it.
Then he jumped back in. I haven't been outside in a while, but if I were a betting person, I think he's still there chilling....literally....LOL
After about 5 or so minutes of trying to fall back to sleep, he tells me he's getting up to go see. I hear him go to our front bedroom and open the window. Sure enough, you heard that annoying humming. UGH! Without even seeing it, I knew that there were swarms of them coming in off of the lake.
Before I moved here, I never knew how they came off the lake. It's kind of weird. When a front comes in, they arrive in swarms that look like smokey clouds. Except these smokey clouds have a humming noise. Here's a picture that I stole off of the Internet (and didn't get the name or blog to give the person credit, duh - sorry)
They don't bite or sting. They are just annoying little pests that stick around for a day or two. Go away and then come back with the next cold front. This is what a mucklehead looks like. 
Then, later on in the morning, he comes running into the house. I have to go outside and see what's in the pond. To my surprise, a little frog just relaxing in the pond.
I have to say, he was a cut little thing. How he found his way into the pond is beyond me. Especially since it's not done yet. The hubs started it last summer and hasn't gotten around to finishing it yet. Plus it hasn't been cleaned out either. So then he jumped out. I think it was so I could get a better picture of it.
Then he jumped back in. I haven't been outside in a while, but if I were a betting person, I think he's still there chilling....literally....LOL
Pathology Report and Outing
I know I had my first post surgery outing on Sunday. I'll post about that later. My OB/GYN called me this morning to give me my pathology report. Because they have to send everything they take out of you there to screen for cancer. Just like before each surgery I've gone through, I had to pee in a cup so they could make sure I'm not pregnant. Which totally cracked me up this time. Seeing as I was there to have a hysterectomy.
Anyways, after the usual how have you been feeling and are you still keeping up with your pain meds questions, he finally came out and said that he got the path report. Which was negative for cancer....whew...however there was a significant amount of fibroids and scar tissue. Which then led into the going back to work conversation.
Prior to the surgery, he told me that if everything was good, I could go back to work in three weeks. Day of surgery, after they were finished and came out to talk to my family, they were told that if I needed more then three weeks, they would have no problem giving me more time to heal. Today, the doc told me that because they had of lot of work to do to my insides, he didn't want me going back until I went in for my follow-up. Which isn't until June 23rd. A little longer than I anticipated, but I'll take it. After all the weather is getting nicer. And I'm not allowed to drive for a few more weeks either. That may get to me by the end of this week, I'm sure.
This past Sunday I had my first post surgery outing. Yea, I was not ready. And basically, I went from one couch to another. The hubs and me went to mom's for dinner. It started off good. I took my heavy duty Motrin and my tummy pillow and off we went. The problem was that I forgot to bring another Motrin with me to take on the way home. And we were there for several hours. I was getting tired so we left about 9PM. I was fine until we hit dead man's curve. Even though I was armed with my pillow and we took the curve slow, it was still painful. When we got home, I took a Percocet, stayed up about 15 minutes and went to sleep. Knocked out until about 2AM, got up, took a Motrin and was out until about 8:30AM.
Pain meds are a wonderful thing. And no, I am not sharing!
Anyways, after the usual how have you been feeling and are you still keeping up with your pain meds questions, he finally came out and said that he got the path report. Which was negative for cancer....whew...however there was a significant amount of fibroids and scar tissue. Which then led into the going back to work conversation.
Prior to the surgery, he told me that if everything was good, I could go back to work in three weeks. Day of surgery, after they were finished and came out to talk to my family, they were told that if I needed more then three weeks, they would have no problem giving me more time to heal. Today, the doc told me that because they had of lot of work to do to my insides, he didn't want me going back until I went in for my follow-up. Which isn't until June 23rd. A little longer than I anticipated, but I'll take it. After all the weather is getting nicer. And I'm not allowed to drive for a few more weeks either. That may get to me by the end of this week, I'm sure.
This past Sunday I had my first post surgery outing. Yea, I was not ready. And basically, I went from one couch to another. The hubs and me went to mom's for dinner. It started off good. I took my heavy duty Motrin and my tummy pillow and off we went. The problem was that I forgot to bring another Motrin with me to take on the way home. And we were there for several hours. I was getting tired so we left about 9PM. I was fine until we hit dead man's curve. Even though I was armed with my pillow and we took the curve slow, it was still painful. When we got home, I took a Percocet, stayed up about 15 minutes and went to sleep. Knocked out until about 2AM, got up, took a Motrin and was out until about 8:30AM.
Pain meds are a wonderful thing. And no, I am not sharing!
1 Week Down
I have one week under my belt. So far, everything is coming along just like the doctor said and what I've read on my Hystersisters website. Pretty much, I still can't do anything. Although, my walks are getting longer, but I still have to go slow. Last night, John and I walked out to the lake to watch the sunset. Thank goodness, there's a bench out there, because I had to sit and rest awhile before we walked back. I think it was a little bit too far. Considering, I've only made it the length of our street. Which, by the way, isn't very long. LOL.
In the pain department...I still have pain. But it's manageable. I am being good about taking pain meds, but they get me drowsy. However, this morning, so far I've been bad and have not taken one yet. I was trying to hold out, but I think I'm going to need one soon.
Today, I am going to go on a road trip. But only to my mom's for dinner. I could use some of momma's homemade spaghetti!! And I'll get leftovers! YAY! Don't worry, my Internet followers, John is cooking for me. But you know, it's just not the same. Plus, I feel lost not being in the kitchen. I'm hoping that by the end of next week, if John gets the pans out for me and puts them on the stove or in the oven. That I can do a little bit of cooking.
Speaking of John. I don't want to say this too loud for fear of jinxing it, but I think the C diff is going away and the good bacteria is taking over again. He has a few more days left on his antibiotics and will call his doctor this week to have it checked out.
Keep your fingers crossed!!
In the pain department...I still have pain. But it's manageable. I am being good about taking pain meds, but they get me drowsy. However, this morning, so far I've been bad and have not taken one yet. I was trying to hold out, but I think I'm going to need one soon.
Today, I am going to go on a road trip. But only to my mom's for dinner. I could use some of momma's homemade spaghetti!! And I'll get leftovers! YAY! Don't worry, my Internet followers, John is cooking for me. But you know, it's just not the same. Plus, I feel lost not being in the kitchen. I'm hoping that by the end of next week, if John gets the pans out for me and puts them on the stove or in the oven. That I can do a little bit of cooking.
Speaking of John. I don't want to say this too loud for fear of jinxing it, but I think the C diff is going away and the good bacteria is taking over again. He has a few more days left on his antibiotics and will call his doctor this week to have it checked out.
Keep your fingers crossed!!
Surgery and Recovery
So, I've joined the ranks of the millions of women that have had hysterectomy. Although right now, I can't say I'm enjoying it.
I woke up Monday morning thinking that I was going to be famished since I was on a liquid diet since noon on Sunday and didn't have any real food since about 11:30AM. Instead, I was fine just a little nervous. Now mind you, I've had other surgeries in the past and wasn't' nervous.
I got through the first few hours ok. I pretty much laid in bed and napped, thinking that would pass the time away. Then about 11:00 I started getting hunger pangs. Loud ones! So loud that John was laughing saying that if anything, they would keep the doctors awake! Thanks, honey.
So now I was getting miserable. I wanted food. To pass the time, John suggested we play some checkers. It was an easy, no brainer game. That passed about an hour. Then I took a shower and watch Young and the Restless. We left about 1:30.
So we get to the hospital and my family was already there and told me they called me at ten to two. Ok, whatever, you told me to be there at 2:00. They got me checked in pretty quick and got me to the pre op room. Everything seemed to go pretty quick. They got my IV in, took vitals and both my doctors came in to talk with us. It really looked like they were going to get me into surgery at 3:00 as scheduled.
Oh we were so wrong! The person assigned to the OR before me went longer then anticipated. I was really starting to get an attitude. So was John. Finally, about 4:50 the anesthesiologist came in, talked to us for a few minutes, put something into my IV to relax me. Whatever it was, it really relaxed me because I don't remember leaving that pre op room.
I'm told that it lasted just about 2 1/2 hours. When I woke up in the recovery room, it actually was kind of weird. I was still hooked up to all sorts of monitors, that I don't remember from my other surgeries. I also noticed that the cuffs they wrap around your legs to prevent blood clots were on my legs. The nurse was there, and she said I was in the recovery room and they were able to it laparoscopically, but... But?! But, what?! She told me they also had to take one of my ovaries. I seriously think I was fine with that, because I was still in shock that they didn't have to cut my stomach open. Although I have to say, it sure felt like they did.
Then came the first dose of morphine!!! I think that is the wonder drug. After a few more minutes, they let John and my mom come to see me. I think it was around 9:15pm or so. I was still a little out of it and just wanted to sleep. I could tell they were even shocked with the outcome.
They didn't stay long, mom was getting tired and wanted to go home. I got up to my room at 10:30.
I had a decent night, I woke up a few times when the nurses came in to check on me. My doctor came in about 8 in the morning. We had a long talk. I asked him why I had 4 incisions instead of the normal 3 in lap surgeries. He flat out told me that they had a lot of scar tissue to work around and they needed a better angle to see. He also informed me that I will feel like I had the ab surgery....Ugh! Boy was he right.
Well, I am home now. Recovery is slow. Pain meds are wonderful. So far this is my day. Get up, take pain meds, get dressed, go downstairs, nap. Wake up, walk, eat something, nap. I'll stop there because I'm sure you get the picture. I tire out quickly. I also had to nap in the middle of writing this blog and I think it's time for another nap.
I'll continue this later
I woke up Monday morning thinking that I was going to be famished since I was on a liquid diet since noon on Sunday and didn't have any real food since about 11:30AM. Instead, I was fine just a little nervous. Now mind you, I've had other surgeries in the past and wasn't' nervous.
I got through the first few hours ok. I pretty much laid in bed and napped, thinking that would pass the time away. Then about 11:00 I started getting hunger pangs. Loud ones! So loud that John was laughing saying that if anything, they would keep the doctors awake! Thanks, honey.
So now I was getting miserable. I wanted food. To pass the time, John suggested we play some checkers. It was an easy, no brainer game. That passed about an hour. Then I took a shower and watch Young and the Restless. We left about 1:30.
So we get to the hospital and my family was already there and told me they called me at ten to two. Ok, whatever, you told me to be there at 2:00. They got me checked in pretty quick and got me to the pre op room. Everything seemed to go pretty quick. They got my IV in, took vitals and both my doctors came in to talk with us. It really looked like they were going to get me into surgery at 3:00 as scheduled.
Oh we were so wrong! The person assigned to the OR before me went longer then anticipated. I was really starting to get an attitude. So was John. Finally, about 4:50 the anesthesiologist came in, talked to us for a few minutes, put something into my IV to relax me. Whatever it was, it really relaxed me because I don't remember leaving that pre op room.
I'm told that it lasted just about 2 1/2 hours. When I woke up in the recovery room, it actually was kind of weird. I was still hooked up to all sorts of monitors, that I don't remember from my other surgeries. I also noticed that the cuffs they wrap around your legs to prevent blood clots were on my legs. The nurse was there, and she said I was in the recovery room and they were able to it laparoscopically, but... But?! But, what?! She told me they also had to take one of my ovaries. I seriously think I was fine with that, because I was still in shock that they didn't have to cut my stomach open. Although I have to say, it sure felt like they did.
Then came the first dose of morphine!!! I think that is the wonder drug. After a few more minutes, they let John and my mom come to see me. I think it was around 9:15pm or so. I was still a little out of it and just wanted to sleep. I could tell they were even shocked with the outcome.
They didn't stay long, mom was getting tired and wanted to go home. I got up to my room at 10:30.
I had a decent night, I woke up a few times when the nurses came in to check on me. My doctor came in about 8 in the morning. We had a long talk. I asked him why I had 4 incisions instead of the normal 3 in lap surgeries. He flat out told me that they had a lot of scar tissue to work around and they needed a better angle to see. He also informed me that I will feel like I had the ab surgery....Ugh! Boy was he right.
Well, I am home now. Recovery is slow. Pain meds are wonderful. So far this is my day. Get up, take pain meds, get dressed, go downstairs, nap. Wake up, walk, eat something, nap. I'll stop there because I'm sure you get the picture. I tire out quickly. I also had to nap in the middle of writing this blog and I think it's time for another nap.
I'll continue this later
Surgery Eve
And I'm very anxious to say the least. It's really kind of strange. Tomorrow at this time, I will have an organ out of my body. Not just any organ, but a female organ and it's just so final.
We decided a long time ago that we weren't having kids. And I'm totally fine with that. Really, I'm too old and don't have patience like I used to. Besides, we just get up and travel whenever we please, why would I want to be tied down with a kid. But this just makes it so final. Somehow, I have to get through that.
The other thing that makes me anxious....will it be laparoscopic or through my abdomen....the doctors won't know until they look with the scope and then make a determination. As they said at our consult. I have an unusual situation. A lot of scar tissue from a previous surgery, a uterus the size of a 12 week pregnancy and more fibroids. Waking up in the recovery room should be very interesting.
Today has been a lazy day. Because of the possible laparoscopic surgery, I had to start a liquid diet at noon today. At 5:00, I have to drink my 'yummy' magnesium citrate. Which will lead me to an evening of calling my bathroom home. Then I have to completely stop eating and drinking at midnight. It's going to be a long night and morning since I have to be at the hospital at 2:00PM.
I no doubt, will be starving. Not to mention that I am horrible when I go without food.
So there are my pre surgery feelings in a nutshell.
I'll report back when I get home from the hospital
We decided a long time ago that we weren't having kids. And I'm totally fine with that. Really, I'm too old and don't have patience like I used to. Besides, we just get up and travel whenever we please, why would I want to be tied down with a kid. But this just makes it so final. Somehow, I have to get through that.
The other thing that makes me anxious....will it be laparoscopic or through my abdomen....the doctors won't know until they look with the scope and then make a determination. As they said at our consult. I have an unusual situation. A lot of scar tissue from a previous surgery, a uterus the size of a 12 week pregnancy and more fibroids. Waking up in the recovery room should be very interesting.
Today has been a lazy day. Because of the possible laparoscopic surgery, I had to start a liquid diet at noon today. At 5:00, I have to drink my 'yummy' magnesium citrate. Which will lead me to an evening of calling my bathroom home. Then I have to completely stop eating and drinking at midnight. It's going to be a long night and morning since I have to be at the hospital at 2:00PM.
I no doubt, will be starving. Not to mention that I am horrible when I go without food.
So there are my pre surgery feelings in a nutshell.
I'll report back when I get home from the hospital
C -Diff sucks!
This has been the month from hell.
A week after John came home from the hospital, he started having major tummy issues. And they weren't at all normal. And being the typical man that he is, getting him to go to the dr again was nearly impossible. Especially since they couldn't find the source of the fever and Euclid Hospital.
After about day 5, things seemed to improve. But that was short lived and the tummy issues started up again. Finally about the 10th day, he admitted that this wasn't going away and it was time to call the dr. We found him a new dr at the Clinic. I called at 7:30 in the morning and we got a 9:00 appointment. I was so happy about that.
We got there and since Euclid Hospital is a Cleveland Clinic hospital, she already knew that he has spent time on a couple of different antibiotics. She also knew why he was there.
She was pretty quick to say that she thought that he had Antibiotic Associated C Diff. She sent him off to the lab to give samples and would let us know the next day. That was the 1st.
So late Friday afternoon, we got the confirmation that it was and put him on another round of antibiotics to get the infection under control.
So what is C Diff you ask? Well, thanks to Wikipedia, here's what it is:
Clostridium difficile (Greek kloster (κλωστήρ), spindle, and Latin difficile,[1] difficult), also known as "CDF/cdf", or "C. diff", is a species of Gram-positive bacteria of the genus Clostridium. Clostridia are anaerobic, spore-forming rods (bacillus).[2] C. difficile is the most serious cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and can lead to pseudomembranous colitis, a severe infection of the colon, often resulting from eradication of the normal gut flora by antibiotics.[3] The C. difficile bacteria, which naturally reside in the body, become overgrown: The overgrowth is harmful because the bacterium releases toxins that can cause bloating, constipation, and diarrhea with abdominal pain, which may become severe. Latent symptoms often mimic some flu-like symptoms. Discontinuation of causative antibiotic treatment is often curative.[2] In more serious cases, oral administration of metronidazole or vancomycin is the treatment of choice. Relapses of C. difficile AAD have been reported in up to 20% of cases.[2]
Ok so that was pretty much a very medical definition.
Anyway he gets on the medicine, which by the way is the only one that works, but it causes loss of appetite, upset stomach and some others. Well didn't John go and lose his appetite and get an upset tummy...so bad that he pretty much stopped eating which led to him not drinking enough fluids. Which isn't a good mix when you are going to the bathroom every hour.
I could tell he was getting dehydrated and pretty much feeling miserable. He even asked me to stay home from work on Monday. Which I did and by Monday night he seemed to be doing fine and did a 6 hour stint of not going to the bathroom. Then it started again at about midnight.
I went to work Tuesday morning, he wasn't feeling all that great, but he wanted me to go. I called my mom to tell her I was at work and told her that within 24 hours we were going to be in the ER because he was really getting dehydrated.
We were in the ER 2 hours after that phone call. He called to tell me he was getting worse and wanted to go in.
Yep, he was dehydrated. They gave him a huge bag of fluids and we figured we be on our way once it was done. Wrong. John is a cardiac patient, so they wanted to monitor his heart and were keeping him over night. OH MY GOSH, the last time that was told to us, he spent a week in the hospital. Amazingly, when they told us he was staying the first thing out of his month was ok, but is it too late to order dinner, because I feel like eating. I wanted to do cartwheels. He hadn't asked for food in days. He did get dinner, but since it's not a normal hospital room, he got a Lean Cuisine dinner, which was mashed potatoes and chicken. So he was happy.
But never fear, he was out before noon today. Feeling and looking alot better. Now I just have to keep him eating and drinking.
Right now, he sleeping, actually has been since about 3:30. Which is a good thing, because in the last 72 hours he figured he's only gotten about 2 to 2 1/2 hours of sleep. And the tummy issues seem to have subsided. At least for now. I don't want to get overly excited as this is a pretty stubborn thing and it can take 10 to 30 days to clear up.
And a word to the wise...really think twice about going on any type of penicillin antibiotic because this is high risk antibiotic to bring this on.
A week after John came home from the hospital, he started having major tummy issues. And they weren't at all normal. And being the typical man that he is, getting him to go to the dr again was nearly impossible. Especially since they couldn't find the source of the fever and Euclid Hospital.
After about day 5, things seemed to improve. But that was short lived and the tummy issues started up again. Finally about the 10th day, he admitted that this wasn't going away and it was time to call the dr. We found him a new dr at the Clinic. I called at 7:30 in the morning and we got a 9:00 appointment. I was so happy about that.
We got there and since Euclid Hospital is a Cleveland Clinic hospital, she already knew that he has spent time on a couple of different antibiotics. She also knew why he was there.
She was pretty quick to say that she thought that he had Antibiotic Associated C Diff. She sent him off to the lab to give samples and would let us know the next day. That was the 1st.
So late Friday afternoon, we got the confirmation that it was and put him on another round of antibiotics to get the infection under control.
So what is C Diff you ask? Well, thanks to Wikipedia, here's what it is:
Clostridium difficile (Greek kloster (κλωστήρ), spindle, and Latin difficile,[1] difficult), also known as "CDF/cdf", or "C. diff", is a species of Gram-positive bacteria of the genus Clostridium. Clostridia are anaerobic, spore-forming rods (bacillus).[2] C. difficile is the most serious cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and can lead to pseudomembranous colitis, a severe infection of the colon, often resulting from eradication of the normal gut flora by antibiotics.[3] The C. difficile bacteria, which naturally reside in the body, become overgrown: The overgrowth is harmful because the bacterium releases toxins that can cause bloating, constipation, and diarrhea with abdominal pain, which may become severe. Latent symptoms often mimic some flu-like symptoms. Discontinuation of causative antibiotic treatment is often curative.[2] In more serious cases, oral administration of metronidazole or vancomycin is the treatment of choice. Relapses of C. difficile AAD have been reported in up to 20% of cases.[2]
Ok so that was pretty much a very medical definition.
Anyway he gets on the medicine, which by the way is the only one that works, but it causes loss of appetite, upset stomach and some others. Well didn't John go and lose his appetite and get an upset tummy...so bad that he pretty much stopped eating which led to him not drinking enough fluids. Which isn't a good mix when you are going to the bathroom every hour.
I could tell he was getting dehydrated and pretty much feeling miserable. He even asked me to stay home from work on Monday. Which I did and by Monday night he seemed to be doing fine and did a 6 hour stint of not going to the bathroom. Then it started again at about midnight.
I went to work Tuesday morning, he wasn't feeling all that great, but he wanted me to go. I called my mom to tell her I was at work and told her that within 24 hours we were going to be in the ER because he was really getting dehydrated.
We were in the ER 2 hours after that phone call. He called to tell me he was getting worse and wanted to go in.
Yep, he was dehydrated. They gave him a huge bag of fluids and we figured we be on our way once it was done. Wrong. John is a cardiac patient, so they wanted to monitor his heart and were keeping him over night. OH MY GOSH, the last time that was told to us, he spent a week in the hospital. Amazingly, when they told us he was staying the first thing out of his month was ok, but is it too late to order dinner, because I feel like eating. I wanted to do cartwheels. He hadn't asked for food in days. He did get dinner, but since it's not a normal hospital room, he got a Lean Cuisine dinner, which was mashed potatoes and chicken. So he was happy.
But never fear, he was out before noon today. Feeling and looking alot better. Now I just have to keep him eating and drinking.
Right now, he sleeping, actually has been since about 3:30. Which is a good thing, because in the last 72 hours he figured he's only gotten about 2 to 2 1/2 hours of sleep. And the tummy issues seem to have subsided. At least for now. I don't want to get overly excited as this is a pretty stubborn thing and it can take 10 to 30 days to clear up.
And a word to the wise...really think twice about going on any type of penicillin antibiotic because this is high risk antibiotic to bring this on.
I'm Not Fussy
To get everyone up to speed. In 2007, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. My thyroid was removed and my life on Synthroid began and I've been cancer free since.
For anyone that's on Synthroid, you know that getting the right dose is a long process. and until they do, you pretty much feel like crap.
For me it was even more difficult because of the cancer, I had to be kept slightly higher. Which put me in a hyperactive state.
At my 6th month check up it was time for the doc to start lowering my dose. So I got a new perscription and got instructions to have blood work in 3 months.
I finally went last week. The doc calls the next day to tell me that all the numbers are exactly where he wants them to be and will recheck them at my appointment in July.
I get off the phone and happily tell John what the doc said. And also made the comment that must be why I've been feeling so good lately.
He tells me "It shows too, you haven't been fussy lately". So I guess I was fussy while they were trying to regulate the dose. It's a good thing I love my hubby.
For anyone that's on Synthroid, you know that getting the right dose is a long process. and until they do, you pretty much feel like crap.
For me it was even more difficult because of the cancer, I had to be kept slightly higher. Which put me in a hyperactive state.
At my 6th month check up it was time for the doc to start lowering my dose. So I got a new perscription and got instructions to have blood work in 3 months.
I finally went last week. The doc calls the next day to tell me that all the numbers are exactly where he wants them to be and will recheck them at my appointment in July.
I get off the phone and happily tell John what the doc said. And also made the comment that must be why I've been feeling so good lately.
He tells me "It shows too, you haven't been fussy lately". So I guess I was fussy while they were trying to regulate the dose. It's a good thing I love my hubby.
What I Have Learned
This past week has been a sheer roller coaster ride. John spent the week in the hospital with a high temperature that spiked to 103 two of those days.
When I convinced him to go to ER, I never thought it would be a one week ordeal. Had I known, I would have driven to the Cleveland Clinic. We went to Euclid, thinking it was just a bad flu. He'd be given antibiotics and sent home. We were so wrong.
The first thing I learned. Heart patients are supposed to be given antibiotics a week prior to them getting a dental procedure done. Two weeks before this he went in to get 3 wisdom teeth pulled and didn't get antibiotics until after. That was why they admitted him right away. They needed to check him for Endocarditis. After a few days of cardiac tests, it was determined that this had nothing to do with his heart.
That sent the spiral into a series of blood tests, blood cultures, CT scans, Lumbar puncture
(spinal tap), TB test, tests for Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, HIV (yes I said HIV), nuclear body scan to check for hidden infections anyplace.
The second thing I learned. I'm a worrier. A HUGE worrier. I become frustrated to easily. And not to forget that I stress out even quicker. Put all those together and let me tell you, sleeping and eating don't come easy.
The third and last thing I learned. I think that when hospitals see patients coming in with decent insurance, they see a human ATM machine. See, John's fever finally broke at about 11ish Friday night. By Saturday morning, he was feeling about 80% better. By Sunday afternoon he was back to his old self. No sign of the fever and pretty much all of his blood labs were back to normal. But no, they really wanted to figure this out.
Even though he had to go through all this, at least we know that other then his heart problem, he's good inside.
I am glad this week is over. Hopefully we will both get a good night sleep tonight because tomorrow my round of dr appointments start for my upcoming surgery in May.
Good thing we have insurance...
When I convinced him to go to ER, I never thought it would be a one week ordeal. Had I known, I would have driven to the Cleveland Clinic. We went to Euclid, thinking it was just a bad flu. He'd be given antibiotics and sent home. We were so wrong.
The first thing I learned. Heart patients are supposed to be given antibiotics a week prior to them getting a dental procedure done. Two weeks before this he went in to get 3 wisdom teeth pulled and didn't get antibiotics until after. That was why they admitted him right away. They needed to check him for Endocarditis. After a few days of cardiac tests, it was determined that this had nothing to do with his heart.
That sent the spiral into a series of blood tests, blood cultures, CT scans, Lumbar puncture
(spinal tap), TB test, tests for Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, HIV (yes I said HIV), nuclear body scan to check for hidden infections anyplace.
The second thing I learned. I'm a worrier. A HUGE worrier. I become frustrated to easily. And not to forget that I stress out even quicker. Put all those together and let me tell you, sleeping and eating don't come easy.
The third and last thing I learned. I think that when hospitals see patients coming in with decent insurance, they see a human ATM machine. See, John's fever finally broke at about 11ish Friday night. By Saturday morning, he was feeling about 80% better. By Sunday afternoon he was back to his old self. No sign of the fever and pretty much all of his blood labs were back to normal. But no, they really wanted to figure this out.
Even though he had to go through all this, at least we know that other then his heart problem, he's good inside.
I am glad this week is over. Hopefully we will both get a good night sleep tonight because tomorrow my round of dr appointments start for my upcoming surgery in May.
Good thing we have insurance...
Collections
Being holy week and all, I hope that you don't think that this blog is going to be about Sunday church collections. Because it isn't.
Last week John received his water bills for his rentals. All were fine except for 1 house. It showed that the bill wasn't paid for last quarter. So the amont was outrageous. He checked with his bank, and low and behold, there was the cancelled check showing the water company received it. When he called them and waiting forever, they still claimed that they had no record of the payment and would it be possible to send them a copy of the cancelled check. Sure no problem. He'll do one better since it's a few buildings away from mine. He asked me to drop it off and pay the current bill.
So me being the nice wife that I am, I did. Today...Monday, April 6th...in the wet snow and cold.
I walk in and there's an enormous amount of people there. I notice a section that is marked "Collection' and a section that is marked "cashier". I pulled a number before I realized that it was only for the collection line. But thought, 'I'm just paying this so I'll go to the cashier.
WRONG
I told the cashier what was going on and she told me that she couldn't access my account because it was delinquent. Huh?! Wha?! She told me to get a number for the collection line. They have to print out a new bill and then come back to her.
Well, I guess it was a good thing that I took a number when I walked in. Still it was a long wait. I had 880 and when I sat down, they were calling 865. Ugh.
After about a 30 minute wait, it was finally my turn.
I explained what the problem was. He looked up the account and said "no, we didn't get the payment yet.". Um, yes, you did here is a copy of the cancelled check, which somebody here told us to send to you. He looked at me like I had two heads. He looks at the check, and went to go talk to his supervisor. He comes back and says that they have to put a trace on the check. Hands me back my copy...because at least he was smart enough to make another copy...I told him that I still needed a new bill printed out so I could pay the current bill. He clearly didn't know how to figure out the amount that I needed to pay. I looked at him and just said that it will be 161.31. Because John had already figured that one out
I thought about explaining it to him, but I just wanted to get out of there. I was tired of listening to crying and screaming kids and grown ups yelling because the water company doesn't know what they were doing. So he prints out the bill and sends me back to the cashier.
I was quite happy to leave that place. I really felt out of place there. Plus I think I was the only one that had a job. It was that bad.
I am sure this saga isn't over because it's the water company. They clearly don't have their shit together. I just hope that I don't have to go there again. Otherwise, John is going to owe me big time
Last week John received his water bills for his rentals. All were fine except for 1 house. It showed that the bill wasn't paid for last quarter. So the amont was outrageous. He checked with his bank, and low and behold, there was the cancelled check showing the water company received it. When he called them and waiting forever, they still claimed that they had no record of the payment and would it be possible to send them a copy of the cancelled check. Sure no problem. He'll do one better since it's a few buildings away from mine. He asked me to drop it off and pay the current bill.
So me being the nice wife that I am, I did. Today...Monday, April 6th...in the wet snow and cold.
I walk in and there's an enormous amount of people there. I notice a section that is marked "Collection' and a section that is marked "cashier". I pulled a number before I realized that it was only for the collection line. But thought, 'I'm just paying this so I'll go to the cashier.
WRONG
I told the cashier what was going on and she told me that she couldn't access my account because it was delinquent. Huh?! Wha?! She told me to get a number for the collection line. They have to print out a new bill and then come back to her.
Well, I guess it was a good thing that I took a number when I walked in. Still it was a long wait. I had 880 and when I sat down, they were calling 865. Ugh.
After about a 30 minute wait, it was finally my turn.
I explained what the problem was. He looked up the account and said "no, we didn't get the payment yet.". Um, yes, you did here is a copy of the cancelled check, which somebody here told us to send to you. He looked at me like I had two heads. He looks at the check, and went to go talk to his supervisor. He comes back and says that they have to put a trace on the check. Hands me back my copy...because at least he was smart enough to make another copy...I told him that I still needed a new bill printed out so I could pay the current bill. He clearly didn't know how to figure out the amount that I needed to pay. I looked at him and just said that it will be 161.31. Because John had already figured that one out
I thought about explaining it to him, but I just wanted to get out of there. I was tired of listening to crying and screaming kids and grown ups yelling because the water company doesn't know what they were doing. So he prints out the bill and sends me back to the cashier.
I was quite happy to leave that place. I really felt out of place there. Plus I think I was the only one that had a job. It was that bad.
I am sure this saga isn't over because it's the water company. They clearly don't have their shit together. I just hope that I don't have to go there again. Otherwise, John is going to owe me big time
Vitamin D
I hope that everybody is enjoying this nice, sunny day!
It's amazing how everything just seems better when the sun is out. Now if it would only warm up. I know most of you are probably saying that it is warm out there. However, if you don't know this by now, we live really close to the lake. Close as in I can see it from my front porch.
Let me show you.....
The problem with living this close to the lake in the spring time is ice. Which makes the air here colder when the wind is blowing. So while it my be in the 50's for you guys that are more south, it's still only in the 40's here and the wind is blowing today.
On the flip side of the coin. In the fall, when you southern guys are in the 50's, it's still in the 60's here. Very weird, I know.
But at least you don't have to fight the Canadian Soldiers. Those are the most annoying insects known to man. Oh and it's such a lovely sight when they are plastered over everything...even your car. And heaven forbid one gets in the car. But I'll think I'll leave that for another blog session.
In the meantime, enjoy this lovely sunshine because it might be raining tomorrow!
It's amazing how everything just seems better when the sun is out. Now if it would only warm up. I know most of you are probably saying that it is warm out there. However, if you don't know this by now, we live really close to the lake. Close as in I can see it from my front porch.
Let me show you.....
The problem with living this close to the lake in the spring time is ice. Which makes the air here colder when the wind is blowing. So while it my be in the 50's for you guys that are more south, it's still only in the 40's here and the wind is blowing today.On the flip side of the coin. In the fall, when you southern guys are in the 50's, it's still in the 60's here. Very weird, I know.
But at least you don't have to fight the Canadian Soldiers. Those are the most annoying insects known to man. Oh and it's such a lovely sight when they are plastered over everything...even your car. And heaven forbid one gets in the car. But I'll think I'll leave that for another blog session.
In the meantime, enjoy this lovely sunshine because it might be raining tomorrow!
Perk Park Miracle
I'm so inspired the the story of Jory Abley. The guy that got shot in the head in Perk Park. As tragic as the story is, what a true miracle. Here you have one victim that doesn't make it and another that shouldn't have made it. Yet in 5 weeks, he's walking and talking and yesterday he got released from the hospital!!
I think that anybody that is having trouble with determination or for that matter, anything that might be troubling us, should keep a copy of this story and read it. It is truly amazing and really inspiring!
http://www.fox8.com/wjw-news-aebly-story,0,790690.story
I think that anybody that is having trouble with determination or for that matter, anything that might be troubling us, should keep a copy of this story and read it. It is truly amazing and really inspiring!
http://www.fox8.com/wjw-news-aebly-story,0,790690.story
Busted.....
Both of our cats know that they aren't allowed on the counter tops or dining tables. They do a good job of staying off. Even during the day when we are gone.
The other day, John brought home some blankets that we let his brother use when he was recovering from knee replacement surgery. He was kind of in a hurry, so he just left them on the dining room table and left again.
I got home from work that night, I was puzzled because I didn't hear either one of the cats jump down from the bed upstairs to run down and see me. But I didn't think much of it....until I walked into the dining room and saw this....
Yep, there was Bonnie totally zonked out on the blankets...on the table....she really never woke up until she heard me come back into the dining room with the camera...and even then she didn't move! So I took the picture and then patted her on the head and told her that she had best get off the table because she know better. LOL. Well, she didn't move. Obviously she liked those blankets. But boy, let me tell you, the second she saw that spray bottle, she took off!!! Right up the steps and back onto the bed...where she's allowed.
I'm still trying to figure out how she knew those blankets were on the table since she spends pretty much all day long on our bed...
Or on John's recliner.
John said, he thinks she just likes blankets, because one other time she made a nice little bed for herself from a bedspread that I left on a bed while I was waiting for the sheets to dry...here's what that looked like....
I guess it just must be nice to be a cat!!
The other day, John brought home some blankets that we let his brother use when he was recovering from knee replacement surgery. He was kind of in a hurry, so he just left them on the dining room table and left again.
I got home from work that night, I was puzzled because I didn't hear either one of the cats jump down from the bed upstairs to run down and see me. But I didn't think much of it....until I walked into the dining room and saw this....
Yep, there was Bonnie totally zonked out on the blankets...on the table....she really never woke up until she heard me come back into the dining room with the camera...and even then she didn't move! So I took the picture and then patted her on the head and told her that she had best get off the table because she know better. LOL. Well, she didn't move. Obviously she liked those blankets. But boy, let me tell you, the second she saw that spray bottle, she took off!!! Right up the steps and back onto the bed...where she's allowed.I'm still trying to figure out how she knew those blankets were on the table since she spends pretty much all day long on our bed...
Or on John's recliner.
John said, he thinks she just likes blankets, because one other time she made a nice little bed for herself from a bedspread that I left on a bed while I was waiting for the sheets to dry...here's what that looked like....
I guess it just must be nice to be a cat!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
