I've been having fun holiday-ing with family--Mom and Dad, Like Mike, Daisy, Javich, and Boss and her family.
Tonight we went out to dinner. While we were waiting for our food, Dad got our attention to pray. Four-year-old Sam was sitting next to Dad and volunteered to pray, commenting that he's good at saying prayers.
The body of his prayer went something like this:
"Please help Malcom [his family dog] be safe. And thank thee for these other people that came to Grandma's house. Thank you for Grandma. Please help that other dog that's black [Razor] be safe."
It was very cute.
Later at dinner Marty was asking Sam about Halloween. Sam was explaining how great Halloween is because you say "Trick or Treat" and people give you candy. Sam said that on Halloween he got *almost* enough candy to share with Grace [Sam's little sister].
I may post holiday pictures, but I'll admit, I haven't taken any pictures. My source of pictures will be Javich.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
This American Life
I love Christmas time! This week I worked to get myself into the Christmas Spirit.First, I got out our Christmas decorations, and I got to work putting them out. It didn't take very long--we don't have much in the way of Christmas stuff. But we have enough to make the living room feel festive.
I also did some Christmas crafts--candycane reindeer, tri-bead ornaments, and paper bag angels. Good stuff.
And while I made a bunch of Christmas cards awhile back, this week I started doing something with those cards.
Also, I listened to a lot of Christmas music.
Next topic: Saturday habits...
Recently on Saturday mornings as I run errands, I listen to Public Radio. Car Talk; Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me, and so on. Today I listened as I made baked goods for the ward Christmas Party tonight. I found today's This American Life program especially interesting. I was especially touched by the last Act about a musical made and performed by teenagers in a juvenile detention center. You can listen to it on the link above. It starts at about 52:40 into the program and goes to 57:00. I'd definitely recommend it.
Friday, December 05, 2008
My Week in Review
I worked a lot on a project. I spent many hours working from home after work. And today right around 5:30, I finally finished it.
I have a cold. Lots of sneezing, snot, and tissues. Now my nose is sore.
Oh, and Marty got laid off.
In short, I'm not sad to see this week end.
I have a cold. Lots of sneezing, snot, and tissues. Now my nose is sore.
Oh, and Marty got laid off.
In short, I'm not sad to see this week end.
Monday, November 24, 2008
200
This is my 200th post. Truth is, I don't have a lot to say. But I did want to say that since my last post expressing my frustration with a certain health insurance company, I've found the email address and fax number of the insurance company's president and CEO. I think I'm going to send him a little letter.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Frustrated
Remember that one time when I hurt my foot?
Well, here's the rest of the story. A few days after that first post, I got a letter in the mail from my former insurance company. It was dated May 12 and said that my coverage would be terminated on June 1. I couldn't believe it, so I called them up to verify. "Hi, I've changed jobs, and I know my coverage is ending, can you tell me when my coverage ends?"
Them: Blah, blah, blah. [translation, June 1]
Me: So I'm covered through May 31?
Them: Yes.
So I hung up the phone and made an appointment with the foot doctor. The doctor said, "No broken bones, take it easy, have a nice day."
I paid my copay and was happy to receive the explanation of benefits indicating that the insurance company had paid the claim.
Last month I got a new explanation of benefits. It said they had paid the claim in error and were getting a refund from the doctor because I wasn't covered by them at the time of the appointment.
I made a few calls and apparently between the insurance company and my former employer, they retroactively decided that my coverage ended April 30. It didn't seem to matter that I had in my hand a letter saying I had coverage through May 31 or that I'd called to verify, or that I'd never been notified of any change to the information in the letter.
So now I owe the foot doctor. And I'm irritated because what the insurance company paid and then took back was less than 1/3 of what they are now charging me. I asked about a discount. "Hey, I'll pay the whole thing off right now, if you'll knock of 20%" No deal. She very cheerfully explained that they are happy to take payments from those people who have no insurance, but she wouldn't budge on the bill. They'd rather have $20 per month spread out over most of a year than give a discount.
And it really, really bugs me because the only reason I went to the doctor in the first place (or didn't wait until my coverage from the new job kicked in) was because I was told in multiple forms that I was still covered.
Well, here's the rest of the story. A few days after that first post, I got a letter in the mail from my former insurance company. It was dated May 12 and said that my coverage would be terminated on June 1. I couldn't believe it, so I called them up to verify. "Hi, I've changed jobs, and I know my coverage is ending, can you tell me when my coverage ends?"
Them: Blah, blah, blah. [translation, June 1]
Me: So I'm covered through May 31?
Them: Yes.
So I hung up the phone and made an appointment with the foot doctor. The doctor said, "No broken bones, take it easy, have a nice day."
I paid my copay and was happy to receive the explanation of benefits indicating that the insurance company had paid the claim.
Last month I got a new explanation of benefits. It said they had paid the claim in error and were getting a refund from the doctor because I wasn't covered by them at the time of the appointment.
I made a few calls and apparently between the insurance company and my former employer, they retroactively decided that my coverage ended April 30. It didn't seem to matter that I had in my hand a letter saying I had coverage through May 31 or that I'd called to verify, or that I'd never been notified of any change to the information in the letter.
So now I owe the foot doctor. And I'm irritated because what the insurance company paid and then took back was less than 1/3 of what they are now charging me. I asked about a discount. "Hey, I'll pay the whole thing off right now, if you'll knock of 20%" No deal. She very cheerfully explained that they are happy to take payments from those people who have no insurance, but she wouldn't budge on the bill. They'd rather have $20 per month spread out over most of a year than give a discount.
And it really, really bugs me because the only reason I went to the doctor in the first place (or didn't wait until my coverage from the new job kicked in) was because I was told in multiple forms that I was still covered.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Open to Suggestions
Hey everyone, I've been asked to participate in a leadership training program for 16 and 17 year old girls. I've been given 10 minutes on How to be Organized as a Leader.
Does anyone have any suggestions either for content or for formats/presentation structures that will work well with this age group?
Oh yeah, I have to do this Wednesday night. So hurry up and give me feedback!
Does anyone have any suggestions either for content or for formats/presentation structures that will work well with this age group?
Oh yeah, I have to do this Wednesday night. So hurry up and give me feedback!
Monday, November 03, 2008
Pre-Test
Last night I printed my sample ballot and spent a few hours with my computer and with the newspaper "Voter's Guide."In some ways it reminded me of preparations for taking a standardized test. Scan-tron form. Check. No. 2 pencil. Check. Multiple choice. Check.
The difference is I'm not sure my studying will help me know the "right" answers for this test.
That makes this a little trickier than the regular standardized tests I've taken. But after last night I feel a little better about it all. I've done what I can to learn about the candidates I'm being asked to choose between, in all of the the races on my ballot. President, US Senate, US House, NC House, NC Senate, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, County Commissioner, Court of Appeals Judge, and the choices go on and on.
This year, more than any other, I've felt anxiety about these elections and how to vote. I hope I do OK. Actually, I hope we all do OK.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Memories of an Older Sister
So with the recent arrival of Jr. Mint, I've been thinking about when Daisy was born.
I was in first grade and I remember being a little disappointed when on the morning of June 4, I went to school and written in large letters across the chalkboard was "Price Flurry has a new baby sister!" After all, it took some of the thunder out of my chalkboard announcement the next day about my new baby sister.
I remember that not long after Daisy was born, when Mom and Daisy were still in the hospital, I was sick, or didn't feel well, or otherwise didn't want to go to school. I don't think I realized what kind of burden that put on Dad. But he worked it out and I went to the office with him and spent the day at Dad's desk and visiting with the ladies there.
Dad had a box of Ande's mint candies to give out--I remember having a few of them. I also remember having a conversation with one of the ladies at Dad's work about how I had a new sister. She asked how many brothers and sisters I had now. I told her. "Eight."
She thought, surely, that couldn't be right. After all, I was six (almost seven). What does a six-year-old know? Not how to count to 10, or how big her family is, apparently. Anyway, because she didn't think I could be right, she checked with Dad, who confirmed that sure enough, Daisy was number nine.
I was in first grade and I remember being a little disappointed when on the morning of June 4, I went to school and written in large letters across the chalkboard was "Price Flurry has a new baby sister!" After all, it took some of the thunder out of my chalkboard announcement the next day about my new baby sister.
I remember that not long after Daisy was born, when Mom and Daisy were still in the hospital, I was sick, or didn't feel well, or otherwise didn't want to go to school. I don't think I realized what kind of burden that put on Dad. But he worked it out and I went to the office with him and spent the day at Dad's desk and visiting with the ladies there.
Dad had a box of Ande's mint candies to give out--I remember having a few of them. I also remember having a conversation with one of the ladies at Dad's work about how I had a new sister. She asked how many brothers and sisters I had now. I told her. "Eight."
She thought, surely, that couldn't be right. After all, I was six (almost seven). What does a six-year-old know? Not how to count to 10, or how big her family is, apparently. Anyway, because she didn't think I could be right, she checked with Dad, who confirmed that sure enough, Daisy was number nine.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Preview and Poll
OK, here's the latest Mom-and-Me quilting project. This one's for Junior. But I need your help. What do you think of the decorative stitch I used for the quilting? Should I keep it or get rid of it?
Let me know right away so I can get this finished!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Geek Squad to the Rescue
Tonight Marty and I had dinner with some friends of ours at a new restaurant by the mall. After dinner Marty and I browsed the nearby Barnes and Noble. And then we continued on to Best Buy.
I got bored after a little while and told Marty I was going to check out the movie section--a part of the store I find much more interesting than most of that other stuff.
After several minutes I had a movie in my hands and I decided it was time to check on Marty. I walked to the end of the movie aisle and craned my neck to see if I could spot Marty on the other side of the store.
Three Best Buy associates saw me and one inquired, "Can I help you find something?"
"No, I'm just waiting for my husband."
Associate #1: "We hear that a lot."
Associate #2: "Have you looked in TVs?"
"Hmm. TVs. That's an idea.....though we recently updated our computer."
Associate #3 (with conviction of experience): "He must be in games."
Sure enough, that's where he was. That Geek Squad--they know their stuff!
I got bored after a little while and told Marty I was going to check out the movie section--a part of the store I find much more interesting than most of that other stuff.
After several minutes I had a movie in my hands and I decided it was time to check on Marty. I walked to the end of the movie aisle and craned my neck to see if I could spot Marty on the other side of the store.
Three Best Buy associates saw me and one inquired, "Can I help you find something?"
"No, I'm just waiting for my husband."
Associate #1: "We hear that a lot."
Associate #2: "Have you looked in TVs?"
"Hmm. TVs. That's an idea.....though we recently updated our computer."
Associate #3 (with conviction of experience): "He must be in games."
Sure enough, that's where he was. That Geek Squad--they know their stuff!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
8:02 am
For the past 4 mornings at 8:02am, the phone has rung.
On Wednesday, I answered.
Recorded voice: "Hello. I have an important message for Carla J. Slooperson* regarding your Chase Mastercard^ account."
I hung up.
Thursday, same thing.
Friday, Marty answered and tried to use the phone system to talk to someone and let them know that their contact number for Carla J. Slooperson was incorrect. He had all kinds of options--hear Carla's balance, find out minimum payment due, get a payment address, make a payment, order a pizza, send flowers, but not talk to a person.
He managed to get a customer service phone number to call. Once he got a person on the line he explained that we don't have an account with them, but they keep calling us trying to reach Carla J. Slooperson--We don't know her, she doesn't live here, please stop calling.
I laughed as I heard Marty exclaim, "No, I won't give you my social security number! I don't have an account with you. What's your social security number?"
After a few more minutes Marty hung up the phone, doubtful that his call had accomplished anything.
This morning at 8:02 am, sure enough, the phone rang. I answered and was surprised to hear an actual person on the other end. Yes, still asking for Carla J. Slooperson.
I told him that he had the wrong number and could they please stop using that number to try to reach her.
He hung up.
I'm not sure if that means they won't be calling back tomorrow morning.
* Not her real name.
^ Might possibly have been some other bank and some other credit card, but you get the idea.
On Wednesday, I answered.
Recorded voice: "Hello. I have an important message for Carla J. Slooperson* regarding your Chase Mastercard^ account."
I hung up.
Thursday, same thing.
Friday, Marty answered and tried to use the phone system to talk to someone and let them know that their contact number for Carla J. Slooperson was incorrect. He had all kinds of options--hear Carla's balance, find out minimum payment due, get a payment address, make a payment, order a pizza, send flowers, but not talk to a person.
He managed to get a customer service phone number to call. Once he got a person on the line he explained that we don't have an account with them, but they keep calling us trying to reach Carla J. Slooperson--We don't know her, she doesn't live here, please stop calling.
I laughed as I heard Marty exclaim, "No, I won't give you my social security number! I don't have an account with you. What's your social security number?"
After a few more minutes Marty hung up the phone, doubtful that his call had accomplished anything.
This morning at 8:02 am, sure enough, the phone rang. I answered and was surprised to hear an actual person on the other end. Yes, still asking for Carla J. Slooperson.
I told him that he had the wrong number and could they please stop using that number to try to reach her.
He hung up.
I'm not sure if that means they won't be calling back tomorrow morning.
* Not her real name.
^ Might possibly have been some other bank and some other credit card, but you get the idea.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Life Lessons From Yoga
Awhile ago I wrote about starting yoga to help deal with the stressors and anxieties of life. To re-focus and re-center.
Well, I'm still at it. It's great.
Aside from the benefits to my well-being (which are many), there have been many times when my yoga instructor has said something that really connects with me. Something that I need to take home with me and apply to my life.
Here's tonight's:
Sometimes in yoga we'll go through a series of poses and movements with one limb, say the right leg, and then do the same series with another limb--the left leg. The first time around I don't know what's coming next, so I go through the series following my teacher's commands. But I have a tendency the second time around to rush through things to get to what I already know will be the ending pose. One evening my instructor reminded me that the benefit is in the series of movements--the process of reaching the final pose--not just the final pose.
I find myself coming back to that sage wisdom even when I'm not doing yoga.
Well, I'm still at it. It's great.
Aside from the benefits to my well-being (which are many), there have been many times when my yoga instructor has said something that really connects with me. Something that I need to take home with me and apply to my life.
Here's tonight's:
Sometimes in yoga we'll go through a series of poses and movements with one limb, say the right leg, and then do the same series with another limb--the left leg. The first time around I don't know what's coming next, so I go through the series following my teacher's commands. But I have a tendency the second time around to rush through things to get to what I already know will be the ending pose. One evening my instructor reminded me that the benefit is in the series of movements--the process of reaching the final pose--not just the final pose.
I find myself coming back to that sage wisdom even when I'm not doing yoga.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
The Outer Banks
Last weekend we went out to the Outer Banks with Marty's parents. We moved to North Carolina three years ago, and this was our first trip out there. We definitely won't be waiting another three years to go again. Anyone want to join us?
We went to the Wright Brothers National Memorial where we saw a replica of the Wright brothers' 1903 plane, walked the path of the markers of their take off point and landing points of their first four successful, controlled, powered flights. And then we decided to become astronauts!
Of course we spent some time at the beach. But I think the biggest highlight was seeing some of North Carolina's lighthouses.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The view from the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
We went to the Wright Brothers National Memorial where we saw a replica of the Wright brothers' 1903 plane, walked the path of the markers of their take off point and landing points of their first four successful, controlled, powered flights. And then we decided to become astronauts!
Of course we spent some time at the beach. But I think the biggest highlight was seeing some of North Carolina's lighthouses.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The view from the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Memory Lane
It's game time!
Here's how to play...
1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you have of me. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see who leaves a memory about you.
If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.
Ready? Go!
Here's how to play...
1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you have of me. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see who leaves a memory about you.
If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.
Ready? Go!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Okra?
Hey, does anyone have any great ideas or recipes for using some okra?
I'm part of a vegetable co-op, and this week I got a grab-bag of fresh locally grown veggies. Only I'm not sure what to do with the bag full of okra I got. Tomatoes, cucumbers and squash, fine. But okra?
Help?
I'm part of a vegetable co-op, and this week I got a grab-bag of fresh locally grown veggies. Only I'm not sure what to do with the bag full of okra I got. Tomatoes, cucumbers and squash, fine. But okra?
Help?
Monday, August 11, 2008
Judgement at the Checkout Line
Tonight Marty asked me to go to the store and pick up some ice cream. Our new favorite kind of ice cream--black raspberry and chocolate chunk. Yum!
Anyway, I decided that while I was there I might as well pick up some other things that we've run out of. Not a full grocery trip. Just a quick one.
After about 10 minutes I was checking out--I had some fruit, the ice cream (of course!), a couple six-packs of soda (on sale), and frozen entrees for mine and Marty's lunches.
I admit, I laughed at my cart full of food. But I wasn't expecting to have the checkout lady say, "Wow, you really must not cook!" That kind of bugged me. Heck, I wasn't even buying any beef jerky!
Anyway, I decided that while I was there I might as well pick up some other things that we've run out of. Not a full grocery trip. Just a quick one.
After about 10 minutes I was checking out--I had some fruit, the ice cream (of course!), a couple six-packs of soda (on sale), and frozen entrees for mine and Marty's lunches.
I admit, I laughed at my cart full of food. But I wasn't expecting to have the checkout lady say, "Wow, you really must not cook!" That kind of bugged me. Heck, I wasn't even buying any beef jerky!
Friday, August 08, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
I heart Cutco
A couple years ago Marty and I purchased a set of Cutco knives on ebay. Recently we decided it was time to send them in to be sharpened.
I got online to find out what we needed to do. And then after about a week of them sitting around waiting for us to box and ship them, we sent them off.
A few days after sending them, I got an email confirming their arrival and that they were being processed. There was also a note that 6 of the knives I sent were being sharpened, but 2 were being completely replaced. One of those two had a burn mark on the handle (something that it had since we got them), and I'm not really sure what was wrong with the other one.
A few days after that I got another email indicating that they were on their way back.
They arrived yesterday. They are sharp and beautiful and like new.
Wonderful service. Wonderful deal. All it cost for the sharpening was $9 for all 8 knives plus our cost to ship out to them. And some really nice, sharp knives that will last a lifetime.
I got online to find out what we needed to do. And then after about a week of them sitting around waiting for us to box and ship them, we sent them off.
A few days after sending them, I got an email confirming their arrival and that they were being processed. There was also a note that 6 of the knives I sent were being sharpened, but 2 were being completely replaced. One of those two had a burn mark on the handle (something that it had since we got them), and I'm not really sure what was wrong with the other one.
A few days after that I got another email indicating that they were on their way back.
They arrived yesterday. They are sharp and beautiful and like new.
Wonderful service. Wonderful deal. All it cost for the sharpening was $9 for all 8 knives plus our cost to ship out to them. And some really nice, sharp knives that will last a lifetime.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Twins
I got these guys from a friend's yard "sale". It was the kind of sale that went something like this: "You like that? You should have it. It's free. Go on. Put it in your car."
Anyway, these were too cute to pass up, and I was full of confidence after finishing our glider--two little rockers should be a piece of cake.
So, when I get some time, these will be my next refinishing projects.
Friday, July 04, 2008
More good news...
Today our dryer stopped working.
I'm pretty excited about that. I'm hoping we can have one major appliance die each week. That'd be great.
Sure, we've had it for over 2 years, and we got it free from someone who'd had it for a few years, and they got it used from someone else. But, really? Six days after our fridge?
I'm pretty excited about that. I'm hoping we can have one major appliance die each week. That'd be great.
Sure, we've had it for over 2 years, and we got it free from someone who'd had it for a few years, and they got it used from someone else. But, really? Six days after our fridge?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Joy of Home-Ownership
Last night, just before midnight, I discovered that our fridge wasn't working. And everything in our feezer was in the process of becoming unfrozen.
We hadn't really planned on buying a new refrigerator after being in our home for less than 2 months. Oh well.
We hadn't really planned on buying a new refrigerator after being in our home for less than 2 months. Oh well.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Bananas
I'm picky about bananas. In fact, for many years I abstained entirely from them. I think it was sometime when I was in graduate school that I reintroduced myself to them. These days I'll eat them, but like I said, I'm picky about them.
I like them green. Pale yellow is acceptable. Dark yellow, not good. Brown spots, are you kidding me?
Anyway, Marty picked up some bananas earlier this week. It was a fairly small bunch and I wasn't in a banana mood, so I was leaving it up to him to take care of eating them.
This morning there were 2 left and they were right on the cusp of still being acceptable. I decided to take one for the team (you know, that not wasting food team) and take a banana for my lunch. Leaving 1 lone banana on the counter.
As I was on my way out the door, I mentioned to Marty that he should have a banana either in his lunch or for breakfast.
"It's the last one. I'll have it now."
"I know it's the last one. I'm having the other last one in my lunch."
"There is no 'other last one'"
"Yeah, it's in my purse."
"No. You can't have another last one. There is only one last one. That's the way it is. If there are two, they are the last two--not the last one and the other last one."
Oh fine.
I left for work and ate my other last banana a few hours later.
Incidentally, since I ate mine after he ate his, that makes mine THE LAST ONE.
I like them green. Pale yellow is acceptable. Dark yellow, not good. Brown spots, are you kidding me?
Anyway, Marty picked up some bananas earlier this week. It was a fairly small bunch and I wasn't in a banana mood, so I was leaving it up to him to take care of eating them.
This morning there were 2 left and they were right on the cusp of still being acceptable. I decided to take one for the team (you know, that not wasting food team) and take a banana for my lunch. Leaving 1 lone banana on the counter.
As I was on my way out the door, I mentioned to Marty that he should have a banana either in his lunch or for breakfast.
"It's the last one. I'll have it now."
"I know it's the last one. I'm having the other last one in my lunch."
"There is no 'other last one'"
"Yeah, it's in my purse."
"No. You can't have another last one. There is only one last one. That's the way it is. If there are two, they are the last two--not the last one and the other last one."
Oh fine.
I left for work and ate my other last banana a few hours later.
Incidentally, since I ate mine after he ate his, that makes mine THE LAST ONE.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Oops!
Boss let me know that comments weren't enabled on my last post. That's fixed. In case you cared.
:)
:)
Friday, June 06, 2008
Pseudo-tour
This is our backyard. If you go out our back door and look right, this is what you'll see.
And if you look left... See the hammock from Ecuador that Daisy gave Marty for Christmas?
We really like our back yard. It's big and fenced in. Razor and Cher both enjoy hanging out outside. And Marty and I do too, but I think we do less of it than they do.
Now if you leave the backyard and come back in the back door, you are in the living room, which is right next to the kitchen.
No pictures of foyer, dining room (which is sans furniture and didn't take a good picture), powder room, or garage.
Upstairs: Master bedroom and bath.
Marty likes his "tall sink" in the bathroom. (The shower is out of frame on the right. The potty is has a mini-room out of frame to the left.)
The rest of the upstairs (from top left, clockwise): media room, office, hall bath, my craft room. We have lots of space. And a fold out couch. And in the not too distant future we plan to have a guest bed, or at least an air mattress.
So, when are you going to come visit?
And if you look left... See the hammock from Ecuador that Daisy gave Marty for Christmas?
We really like our back yard. It's big and fenced in. Razor and Cher both enjoy hanging out outside. And Marty and I do too, but I think we do less of it than they do.Now if you leave the backyard and come back in the back door, you are in the living room, which is right next to the kitchen.
No pictures of foyer, dining room (which is sans furniture and didn't take a good picture), powder room, or garage.
Upstairs: Master bedroom and bath.
Marty likes his "tall sink" in the bathroom. (The shower is out of frame on the right. The potty is has a mini-room out of frame to the left.)
The rest of the upstairs (from top left, clockwise): media room, office, hall bath, my craft room. We have lots of space. And a fold out couch. And in the not too distant future we plan to have a guest bed, or at least an air mattress.
So, when are you going to come visit?
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A realization
This is my fourth week at my new job. And for the most part I really like it. But I've noticed something. Now that I have a "desk job" and most of my work activities are working on the computer, I get home from work and I don't have much interest in doing much else on the computer.
So, while I have things to blog about that aren't related to my foot, I have little desire to actually make it happen. (I really do plan on posting about my new house and pictures too!) I have so much computer screen time at work, that I come home and just don't want any more.
Anyway, because of that, I may be even lighter on blogging than I have been.
But, as long as I'm blogging right now, I'll share a vignette from my life.
Back in March I traveled out to Utah to give a presentation. Shortly afterwards I was asked for my address so that I could be sent a check to reimburse me for my travel expenses.
A few weeks pass.
Then another couple weeks.
Then I got an email letting me know that the check had been returned. It couldn't be delivered. Had I given them the right address?
I reconfirmed my address, and then gave my work address as an alternative. (That was actually long enough ago that I hadn't started my new job, but I knew I would be.)
More time passed--like another month.
Last week I was told that the check had been returned undeliverable again and they'd be sending it to my work address.
Today I finally got it.
Here's why it had such trouble being delivered: It was addressed to Peanut Jean Frogmorton instead of Peanut Zoolander.
Dear BYU,
I got married. A while ago. And I changed my last name. And somehow you knew that when you invited me out there and addressed everything to Dr. Zoolander. Then what happened?
Thank you,
Dr. Zoolander
Dear Mailman,
I know that letter had a different last name than normally gets delivered to that particular mailbox. But, really, how many other Peanut Jeans do you have on your mail route? And hey, by the way, you aren't so picky about not delivering the junk mail and unpaid bills of the 4 previous residents of that address. Why so picky now?
Most Sincerely,
Peanut Frogmorton
So, while I have things to blog about that aren't related to my foot, I have little desire to actually make it happen. (I really do plan on posting about my new house and pictures too!) I have so much computer screen time at work, that I come home and just don't want any more.
Anyway, because of that, I may be even lighter on blogging than I have been.
But, as long as I'm blogging right now, I'll share a vignette from my life.
Back in March I traveled out to Utah to give a presentation. Shortly afterwards I was asked for my address so that I could be sent a check to reimburse me for my travel expenses.
A few weeks pass.
Then another couple weeks.
Then I got an email letting me know that the check had been returned. It couldn't be delivered. Had I given them the right address?
I reconfirmed my address, and then gave my work address as an alternative. (That was actually long enough ago that I hadn't started my new job, but I knew I would be.)
More time passed--like another month.
Last week I was told that the check had been returned undeliverable again and they'd be sending it to my work address.
Today I finally got it.
Here's why it had such trouble being delivered: It was addressed to Peanut Jean Frogmorton instead of Peanut Zoolander.
Dear BYU,
I got married. A while ago. And I changed my last name. And somehow you knew that when you invited me out there and addressed everything to Dr. Zoolander. Then what happened?
Thank you,
Dr. Zoolander
Dear Mailman,
I know that letter had a different last name than normally gets delivered to that particular mailbox. But, really, how many other Peanut Jeans do you have on your mail route? And hey, by the way, you aren't so picky about not delivering the junk mail and unpaid bills of the 4 previous residents of that address. Why so picky now?
Most Sincerely,
Peanut Frogmorton
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
You bring the insults, I'll take care of the injury
Monday morning. I woke up and began getting ready for work. At some point I decided to take an empty box down to the garage. The problem--I missed the last step.
I crash onto the floor, the brunt of the fall being taken by the top of my right foot. I collapse in a heap on the cement floor and wimper. I lay there for a few seconds. In my bathrobe, towel on my head. Wimpering hasn't helped, so I sit up.
Ouch. Damn.
I struggle to get ready while also trying to ice my foot. Hurt foot or not, I have a 9:15 meeting that I'm not going to miss. As part of the meeting we go around the room and each have a chance to share good news and then bad news. Making light of my earlier accident, for my bad news I mention that I hurt my foot so I'm moving a little slow. I have an icepack on my foot under the table.
After the meeting ends, I go to my desk and for the rest of the day do whatever I can to not get up. No bathroom trips. No water cooler trips (and since my water bottle is empty, no ibuprofen--but hey, if I just sit still it really doesn't hurt that badly). A couple of times I stand up and contemplate moving away from my desk, and then I change my mind.
I'm aggravated at the whole situation. What a time for this. Just the day before Marty and I were talking about whether we should pay for a month of Cobra insurance for me. He's got health insurance through his job, but with my job change, I'm uninsured for a month unless I go with the Cobra coverage. I glibly said, "Well, I just won't get sick or injured."
Of course the next day I proved myself wrong. So as I was working, and not leaving my desk, I began contemplating--Do I need to go to the doctor? If so, would it be better/cheaper to cough up the obscene rate for the Cobra coverage or to be uninsured and pay for it all myself? And before I can even get to the doctor, will I be walking, hopping, or crawling to my car? Will I be able to drive?
At some point during the day I took off my shoe--easier access for the icepack, and less constricting for my swollen foot. When I went to put my shoe back on, I felt like one of Cinderella's step sisters--my foot was in as far as it would go, and my heel was hanging an inch over the back of the shoe. Don't worry, I didn't take a knife to my heel or big toe. My foot was already in bad enough shape.
I spent Monday night on the couch and Marty was a sweetheart and brought me everything I asked for. A couple of times he caught me crawling around the house in my attempts at independence, and he reminded me that he was happy to help me.
On Tuesday morning I was happy to see that the swelling had gone down. Mind you, it was still twice it's normal size, but I no longer looked like I'd gotten a foot transplant from the incredible hulk. Walking still wasn't comfortable and I had a noticeable limp, but I didn't have to confine myself to my desk or hop my way around the office.
As of today, it's better still. Still swollen, and now turning purple, but it doesn't hurt as badly. And, I can even walk without limping sometimes. Sometimes not.
(I tried to take some pictures, but they didn't come out well.)
I crash onto the floor, the brunt of the fall being taken by the top of my right foot. I collapse in a heap on the cement floor and wimper. I lay there for a few seconds. In my bathrobe, towel on my head. Wimpering hasn't helped, so I sit up.
Ouch. Damn.
I struggle to get ready while also trying to ice my foot. Hurt foot or not, I have a 9:15 meeting that I'm not going to miss. As part of the meeting we go around the room and each have a chance to share good news and then bad news. Making light of my earlier accident, for my bad news I mention that I hurt my foot so I'm moving a little slow. I have an icepack on my foot under the table.
After the meeting ends, I go to my desk and for the rest of the day do whatever I can to not get up. No bathroom trips. No water cooler trips (and since my water bottle is empty, no ibuprofen--but hey, if I just sit still it really doesn't hurt that badly). A couple of times I stand up and contemplate moving away from my desk, and then I change my mind.
I'm aggravated at the whole situation. What a time for this. Just the day before Marty and I were talking about whether we should pay for a month of Cobra insurance for me. He's got health insurance through his job, but with my job change, I'm uninsured for a month unless I go with the Cobra coverage. I glibly said, "Well, I just won't get sick or injured."
Of course the next day I proved myself wrong. So as I was working, and not leaving my desk, I began contemplating--Do I need to go to the doctor? If so, would it be better/cheaper to cough up the obscene rate for the Cobra coverage or to be uninsured and pay for it all myself? And before I can even get to the doctor, will I be walking, hopping, or crawling to my car? Will I be able to drive?
At some point during the day I took off my shoe--easier access for the icepack, and less constricting for my swollen foot. When I went to put my shoe back on, I felt like one of Cinderella's step sisters--my foot was in as far as it would go, and my heel was hanging an inch over the back of the shoe. Don't worry, I didn't take a knife to my heel or big toe. My foot was already in bad enough shape.
I spent Monday night on the couch and Marty was a sweetheart and brought me everything I asked for. A couple of times he caught me crawling around the house in my attempts at independence, and he reminded me that he was happy to help me.
On Tuesday morning I was happy to see that the swelling had gone down. Mind you, it was still twice it's normal size, but I no longer looked like I'd gotten a foot transplant from the incredible hulk. Walking still wasn't comfortable and I had a noticeable limp, but I didn't have to confine myself to my desk or hop my way around the office.
As of today, it's better still. Still swollen, and now turning purple, but it doesn't hurt as badly. And, I can even walk without limping sometimes. Sometimes not.
(I tried to take some pictures, but they didn't come out well.)
Monday, May 05, 2008
Good news!
Someone's rental application to take over our lease was accepted!
And, yes, they were bombarded with applications today. Now I'm OK with the property manager trying to fill up the other available units with people we've gotten interested.
And, yes, they were bombarded with applications today. Now I'm OK with the property manager trying to fill up the other available units with people we've gotten interested.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Update: Frustrated
A quick update on my last post. Well, we haven't officially found someone to take over our lease, but I think we're on our way... I think we've learned a few things since I posted about my frustration. When people come to see it and seem interested, we no longer refer them to the property manager. Instead, we spell out the next steps specifically for them: fill out and print the rental application, and then drop off or mail application, fee, and copy of drivers license. And while they're here, we are sure to emphasize why our unit is better than the others nearby, especially since most of them comment on them anyway.
We continue to show our place, and after this weekend and its half-dozen showings, I think we're in good shape. Marty said that he thought two of the showings he did today were going to race each other to get their applications in.
So, hopefully in the next week, we'll hear good news from our property manager that someone's application was accepted.
We continue to show our place, and after this weekend and its half-dozen showings, I think we're in good shape. Marty said that he thought two of the showings he did today were going to race each other to get their applications in.
So, hopefully in the next week, we'll hear good news from our property manager that someone's application was accepted.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Frustration
One of the things I'm working on doing in the next couple weeks is finding someone to take over our lease. You see, we close on our home in a couple weeks, but our lease on our current townhome isn't up until mid-September.
A couple weeks ago I put an add up on craigslist. Within a day I had about 20 responses. I started emailing people back and pretty soon I had a handful of appointments for people to come see our place. And for people who were looking for a place available immediately, or people who want a place July 1, I told them that my place might not work for them, but my property managers have other available properties on the street (like the unit next door). (and truthfully, about half of the responses I got, I never had a chance to respond to).
Of the people who came to see the place, there were a couple that were really interested. Or so it seemed. So I told them that the next step was the rental application with the property managers.
I followed up with some of them and one person told me that she'd been in contact with the property manager and was working on the paperwork.
Today I called the property manager to find out if I still need to show our place (and possibly readvertise), or if there are application(s) in the works. Her response: "no one has specifically applied for your unit." I hung up the phone a little bummed. And then I wished I'd pressed a little further. Is she diverting my people and my contacts to other available or soon to be available units?
I'm trying to do things to entice people to choose our place over the nearest competition--like transferring our deposit, like paying for some of their rent, and throwing in little extras like our fireplace screen and tools. And I really thought it was working. Last week I had two showings that went really well and the individuals were so enthusiastic they told me they were going to get in their car and call the property manager right away. Having the property manager tell me that no one has applied is really disheartening.
I've got another showing scheduled for Saturday. I really want to have this done with. As it is, I've started packing boxes, so now I need to figure out how to make our place presentable for showing, while also preparing to move in two weeks.
A couple weeks ago I put an add up on craigslist. Within a day I had about 20 responses. I started emailing people back and pretty soon I had a handful of appointments for people to come see our place. And for people who were looking for a place available immediately, or people who want a place July 1, I told them that my place might not work for them, but my property managers have other available properties on the street (like the unit next door). (and truthfully, about half of the responses I got, I never had a chance to respond to).
Of the people who came to see the place, there were a couple that were really interested. Or so it seemed. So I told them that the next step was the rental application with the property managers.
I followed up with some of them and one person told me that she'd been in contact with the property manager and was working on the paperwork.
Today I called the property manager to find out if I still need to show our place (and possibly readvertise), or if there are application(s) in the works. Her response: "no one has specifically applied for your unit." I hung up the phone a little bummed. And then I wished I'd pressed a little further. Is she diverting my people and my contacts to other available or soon to be available units?
I'm trying to do things to entice people to choose our place over the nearest competition--like transferring our deposit, like paying for some of their rent, and throwing in little extras like our fireplace screen and tools. And I really thought it was working. Last week I had two showings that went really well and the individuals were so enthusiastic they told me they were going to get in their car and call the property manager right away. Having the property manager tell me that no one has applied is really disheartening.
I've got another showing scheduled for Saturday. I really want to have this done with. As it is, I've started packing boxes, so now I need to figure out how to make our place presentable for showing, while also preparing to move in two weeks.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Embroidery Quilts
This post is primarily for my siblings. Of course, I'm not going to stop anyone else from reading it.
I found this website with a bunch of embroidery quilt kits. For those of you siblings who don't already have one (or one in the works) and would like one, check out the kits on this website. If you like any of them, let Mom know. Mom's master plan is to make one for each of us kids (assuming everyone wants one). I'm happy to help with putting them together, etc., but, of course, if you want to do that part, that's fine too.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
News
Lots of stuff going on here...
It's all exciting and a little scary at the same time.
First, I'm changing jobs. Yep, in two weeks I'll no longer be a postdoc--I've been offfered a real job. I start the first week of May.
Second, we're buying a house. Thinking about buying quickly turned into making an offer and it getting accepted. Here's what it looks like.
It's all exciting and a little scary at the same time.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Finished Project
BEFORE:
Sometime last summer, when we lived in the apartment I was taking out some trash and found a wooden, glider rocker out by the dumpster. I thought, "Hey! Free chair, cool!" I hefted it up to the apartment and began my standard prodcedures for dumpster treasures--lysol, lysol, and more lysol. I trashed the seat cushions that were on it and planned to fashion something myself (the before pictures show something along the lines of what I was planning for new cushions). Around the time that I pulled out a staple gun to get to work on the bottom seat cushion, Marty said, "Why don't we strip it and really do it up nice before we put new cushions on?"
Sometime last summer, when we lived in the apartment I was taking out some trash and found a wooden, glider rocker out by the dumpster. I thought, "Hey! Free chair, cool!" I hefted it up to the apartment and began my standard prodcedures for dumpster treasures--lysol, lysol, and more lysol. I trashed the seat cushions that were on it and planned to fashion something myself (the before pictures show something along the lines of what I was planning for new cushions). Around the time that I pulled out a staple gun to get to work on the bottom seat cushion, Marty said, "Why don't we strip it and really do it up nice before we put new cushions on?"OK.
We did a little research and made many quick trips to Lowe's and we worked on it some. And then we let it sit for months. And then we worked on it some more. And a little bit more. And finally, more than six months later, it's finally finished. Around the time that we were staining it, I realized that no cushions I could make would do the chair justice; thus, the cushions you see in the after photos.
Now that it's done, I absolutely love it, and as you see, so does Cher.
Now I just need a glider ottoman to go with it...
AFTER:
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Fortune Cookies
The other evening Marty asked me to go to the store and pick up something for him. It was late, and I was tired, and I had a multitude of other excuses as to why I couldn't or shouldn't go and I would do it the next day.
He persisted.
Finally, I picked up a fortune cookie left on the counter from take out Chinese food we'd had a few nights earlier and said, "We'll see what the fortune cookie says."
So I broke open the cookie and read the fortune: "Don't put off until tomorrow that which you can accomplish today."
I went to the store just a few minutes later.
He persisted.
Finally, I picked up a fortune cookie left on the counter from take out Chinese food we'd had a few nights earlier and said, "We'll see what the fortune cookie says."
So I broke open the cookie and read the fortune: "Don't put off until tomorrow that which you can accomplish today."
I went to the store just a few minutes later.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The street where we live, sort of
Hey, do you see my new picture over there? Off to the right. Yeah, that one. Cool, huh? My big little brother sent me that. It's awesome. So is he. Thanks, John.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The street where we live
We returned home from Utah very late Sunday evening. On Monday when I went outside I noticed that some changes had occured while we were away. Here's what our street looks like now.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Kittens
Early last week I had a minor meltdown (OK, it wasn't minor at the time). To make a drawn out and painful story short, basically, I managed to delete every copy of my final version of the presentation I was going to give out at BYU. Gone. Not in the recycle bin. Removed from my flash drive (OK, 2 flash drives--I'm a moron!).
I told Marty he needed to pause his movie because I'd done "something really bad." And for the next 30 minutes while I paced the house swearing (and dug through the trash to find the original flash drive), he worked on getting things fixed. An important factor in getting things fixed was an emergency phone call to Coach to see what suggestions he could give (Thanks, Coach!). Fortunately, Coach's suggestion directed us to a data recovery program that worked beautifully and restored my lost files (yes, files, plural--have I mentioned that I'm a moron!).
In the time that I was waiting for good news, I wondered if I'd need to change the focus of my presentation--from my research to something like the following:
I told Marty he needed to pause his movie because I'd done "something really bad." And for the next 30 minutes while I paced the house swearing (and dug through the trash to find the original flash drive), he worked on getting things fixed. An important factor in getting things fixed was an emergency phone call to Coach to see what suggestions he could give (Thanks, Coach!). Fortunately, Coach's suggestion directed us to a data recovery program that worked beautifully and restored my lost files (yes, files, plural--have I mentioned that I'm a moron!).
In the time that I was waiting for good news, I wondered if I'd need to change the focus of my presentation--from my research to something like the following:
Kittens. Kittens are cute. Here are two cute kittens.
Here are two cute kittens, dancing. One. Two. Cha, cha, cha.
Three cute kittens. Three cute kittens with black ears and blue eyes.
This grey kitten does tricks.
One kitten and one puppy. Snuggling.
In conclusion, kittens are cute. Thank you.
P.S.--Boss, I hope this helps you feel better!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Utah
I've told some people, but here's the general announcement:
Next week I'm going to be in Utah.
I've been invited to give a research seminar.
I'm pretty excited. It should be a nice trip.
Next week I'm going to be in Utah.
I've been invited to give a research seminar.
I'm pretty excited. It should be a nice trip.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Busybody Peanut
I remember Busybody Nora when I was a kid. I liked it a lot. Truthfully, I don't remember much about it right now. But that's where I first learned the word "busybody."
Normally, I wouldn't describe myself as a busybody. Razor--yes. Me--no. Afterall, it's Razor(with Cher's assistance) who keeps tabs on the comings and goings of our neighbors. And Razor who dutifully monitors the activity in our backyard, barking at squirrels, birds, and passing cars as she sees fit.
This morning, however, I did kind of a busybody thing.
It started Friday night, when I got home from work. The front door of the townhome 2 units down was open. This was surprising because that unit has been vacant and available for rent almost since we've lived here. My first thought was, "Oh, look, new neighbors." As I pulled up, they were leaving. I haven't seen them since. Nor have I seen any indication of someone moving. And the "FOR RENT" sign is still in place outside the door.
I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation for it all, but this morning, just in case, I called the property managers. Busybody.
Normally, I wouldn't describe myself as a busybody. Razor--yes. Me--no. Afterall, it's Razor(with Cher's assistance) who keeps tabs on the comings and goings of our neighbors. And Razor who dutifully monitors the activity in our backyard, barking at squirrels, birds, and passing cars as she sees fit.
This morning, however, I did kind of a busybody thing.
It started Friday night, when I got home from work. The front door of the townhome 2 units down was open. This was surprising because that unit has been vacant and available for rent almost since we've lived here. My first thought was, "Oh, look, new neighbors." As I pulled up, they were leaving. I haven't seen them since. Nor have I seen any indication of someone moving. And the "FOR RENT" sign is still in place outside the door.
I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation for it all, but this morning, just in case, I called the property managers. Busybody.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Whale Watching
A couple weeks ago I went to a conference in Ventura, California. It was pretty good. Really science-y. But the best part was taking an afternoon and going whale watching. Here are some pictures from the trip.
Yep, that's me.
Looking back at the shore.
Do you see the whale spray? These were grey whales. We followed them for awhile. There were two of them swimming together. In fact, I think there's the last part of the other whale's spray off to the right of the one in the center of this photo.
This shot shows a nice view of the whale's "fingerprint". Apparently the pattern on the underside of a whale's tale is like our fingerprints--every whale is different with a unique pattern.
On the way back in to shore we also saw a bunch of dolphins. But I don't have any cool pictures of them.
Very cool trip.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Self Care
For awhile now I have felt not quite right. And although I recognized it, I didn't do anything about it. Instead I took a watch and wait approach. Sort of like, "Hmmm. Not feeling great, but am I really depressed? Nah, I don't think so. Let's see how I feel next week." And it went on like that week after week because although I knew I was feeling not quite right, I wasn't sure if it was bad enough to seek help.
Kind of like a persistent low-grade fever, I've had a persistent low-grade depression.
Well, with the start of the new year I decided it was time to act. This post of Shana's helped motivate me too.
First, I decided that I needed at least a month to focus on me. Me time. So I told my part-time job that I wouldn't be available for any projects for awhile.
And then I called my therapist. The last time I saw her was early in 2007. But we'd discussed that if I felt like I needed to see her some more, she'd fit me in.
An aside about therapists...I love my therapist. I think she's fabulous. But the first one I saw about a year and a half ago bugged me. He grated on my nerves. And I didn't connect with him. I'd watch the clock and count the minutes to the session's end (and yet I still dutifully scheduled one appointment after another--and showed up too!). So after I used up my free EAP covered visits, I never went back. A few months later I knew I needed to see someone, so I called the therapist that my dear, sweet neighbor recommended. One visit with the new therapist and I knew I'd found the right one for me. Like I said, she's fabulous.
Anyway, I went to see my therapist again.
I've also started Yoga Therapy. This is something suggested by my therapist after I mentioned the idea of enrolling in a yoga class. The woman I see for Yoga Therapy has some small classes, but she also has one-on-one sessions. I opted to start with some one-on-one sessions. And for the past two-weeks for 90 minutes in the morning, I've had my yoga time.
Between my talk therapy and yoga therapy I'm getting the help I was looking for. Although external stressors and pressures haven't changed, I'm working on myself and how I cope. I'm dealing with my stress and anxieties and not feeling so worn down by them. I'm adding peace and serenity to my life. Re-centering and re-focusing.
I like it.
Kind of like a persistent low-grade fever, I've had a persistent low-grade depression.
Well, with the start of the new year I decided it was time to act. This post of Shana's helped motivate me too.
First, I decided that I needed at least a month to focus on me. Me time. So I told my part-time job that I wouldn't be available for any projects for awhile.
And then I called my therapist. The last time I saw her was early in 2007. But we'd discussed that if I felt like I needed to see her some more, she'd fit me in.
An aside about therapists...I love my therapist. I think she's fabulous. But the first one I saw about a year and a half ago bugged me. He grated on my nerves. And I didn't connect with him. I'd watch the clock and count the minutes to the session's end (and yet I still dutifully scheduled one appointment after another--and showed up too!). So after I used up my free EAP covered visits, I never went back. A few months later I knew I needed to see someone, so I called the therapist that my dear, sweet neighbor recommended. One visit with the new therapist and I knew I'd found the right one for me. Like I said, she's fabulous.
Anyway, I went to see my therapist again.
I've also started Yoga Therapy. This is something suggested by my therapist after I mentioned the idea of enrolling in a yoga class. The woman I see for Yoga Therapy has some small classes, but she also has one-on-one sessions. I opted to start with some one-on-one sessions. And for the past two-weeks for 90 minutes in the morning, I've had my yoga time.
Between my talk therapy and yoga therapy I'm getting the help I was looking for. Although external stressors and pressures haven't changed, I'm working on myself and how I cope. I'm dealing with my stress and anxieties and not feeling so worn down by them. I'm adding peace and serenity to my life. Re-centering and re-focusing.
I like it.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
My Amazon Purchase
Thanks for all of the good comments and suggestions on how to spend $100 on science-related items. Although I liked the telescope suggestion a lot, I decided to go with books.
Here's what I ordered:
Einstein, by Walter Isaacson
This is Your Brain on Music, by Daniel J. Levitin
Four Laws that Drive the Universe, by Peter Atkins
Strong at the Broken Places, by Richard M. Cohen
The Language of God, by Francis Collins,
The Dancing Wu Li Masters, by Gary Zukav
Born on a Blue Day, by Daniel Tammet
I'm pretty excited about them--they should arrive soon. Of course, I'm not sure how quickly I'll get them all read--as it is, I've got 4 books on my bedside table waiting in line.
_____
Side note: for those who missed the link that Woodine put in a comment, or who just didn't follow it, you really should. Here it is.
And by the way, PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. In case you were wondering.
Here's what I ordered:
Einstein, by Walter Isaacson
This is Your Brain on Music, by Daniel J. Levitin
Four Laws that Drive the Universe, by Peter Atkins
Strong at the Broken Places, by Richard M. Cohen
The Language of God, by Francis Collins,
The Dancing Wu Li Masters, by Gary Zukav
Born on a Blue Day, by Daniel Tammet
I'm pretty excited about them--they should arrive soon. Of course, I'm not sure how quickly I'll get them all read--as it is, I've got 4 books on my bedside table waiting in line.
_____
Side note: for those who missed the link that Woodine put in a comment, or who just didn't follow it, you really should. Here it is.
And by the way, PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. In case you were wondering.
Friday, January 25, 2008
email exchange
Sometimes Marty and I have conversations that afterwards he says, "Oh, you aren't allowed to blog about that." But the following email exchange had no such limitations put on it.
Peanut [forwarding an advertisement about discount circus tickets]: What are your thoughts on the circus? -Wife
Marty: May I wear tights?
Peanut [forwarding an advertisement about discount circus tickets]: What are your thoughts on the circus? -Wife
Marty: May I wear tights?
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Advice
Last week I went to a seminar and won a door prize--$100 to spend on Amazon. Here's the catch, it has to be at least semi-science related. So I've been thinking about what I want, and I've come up with some ideas, but before I make my order I want to know what any of you out there reading this would get if it were you.
So, what science-related items would you spend $100 on?
So, what science-related items would you spend $100 on?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Getting Better
On January 7 Marty said to me, "It's a week into the new year and I haven't been well for any of it!" When he said it, although it was true, I thought he was being a little melodramatic.
A week later when he still wasn't well, I just felt bad for him. Fortunately he's feeling much better now. But it's been one thing after another.
It started... At the end of December. We left Mom and Dad's house and at the time Marty said he was starting to feel a little sick. He spent a couple miserable days congested and with general cold symptoms.
New Year's day he complained of a head-splitting earache. He couldn't get into the doctor that day, but fortunately the next morning he had an appointment with our primary care doctor. But also by the next morning he had a nasty discharge from his ear. Yuck. Diagnosis: ear infection. But because the primary care doc couldn't get a good look at his ear drum and because of some other potential issues, she got him an appointment with Marty's ear-nose-throat doc for that afternoon.
By the end of the day, Marty had prescriptions for antibiotics, pain killer (with codeine), and ear drops.
Now, our past experience with Marty and narcotic pain killers is that they make him red and itchy. So he balances how bad the pain is with how bothersome the side effects are. The next day, Marty was itchy and red and decided it was time to be done with the codeine.
But the red and the itchiness didn't go away. We've seen this before too. In the past it's taken days for it to resolve. But it wasn't resolving. In fact, it kept getting worse. Oh, and did I mention swelling? Hands, ankles, eyes--all swollen.
And then a trip to the ER. Diagnosis: moderate to severe allergic reaction, and his ear was still infected. Apparently Marty's now allergic to pennicillin. So, after a few hours in the hospital, some benedryll, steroids, and epinephrine, we were sent home. A few more prescriptions.
A few more days. Marty's ear stopped hurting. The redness and swelling went away. But then Marty began complaining that his mouth was sore. Terribly painful. It hurt to talk, to eat, everything.
Finally it dawned on me what his latest complaint was--thrush. I did a little internet searching and found that a weakened immune system, steroids, and antibiotics can all contribute the development of thrush. Check. Check. Check.
More prescriptions.
And now, finally, finally, Marty is feeling better. For the most part at least.
A week later when he still wasn't well, I just felt bad for him. Fortunately he's feeling much better now. But it's been one thing after another.
It started... At the end of December. We left Mom and Dad's house and at the time Marty said he was starting to feel a little sick. He spent a couple miserable days congested and with general cold symptoms.
New Year's day he complained of a head-splitting earache. He couldn't get into the doctor that day, but fortunately the next morning he had an appointment with our primary care doctor. But also by the next morning he had a nasty discharge from his ear. Yuck. Diagnosis: ear infection. But because the primary care doc couldn't get a good look at his ear drum and because of some other potential issues, she got him an appointment with Marty's ear-nose-throat doc for that afternoon.
By the end of the day, Marty had prescriptions for antibiotics, pain killer (with codeine), and ear drops.
Now, our past experience with Marty and narcotic pain killers is that they make him red and itchy. So he balances how bad the pain is with how bothersome the side effects are. The next day, Marty was itchy and red and decided it was time to be done with the codeine.
But the red and the itchiness didn't go away. We've seen this before too. In the past it's taken days for it to resolve. But it wasn't resolving. In fact, it kept getting worse. Oh, and did I mention swelling? Hands, ankles, eyes--all swollen.
And then a trip to the ER. Diagnosis: moderate to severe allergic reaction, and his ear was still infected. Apparently Marty's now allergic to pennicillin. So, after a few hours in the hospital, some benedryll, steroids, and epinephrine, we were sent home. A few more prescriptions.
A few more days. Marty's ear stopped hurting. The redness and swelling went away. But then Marty began complaining that his mouth was sore. Terribly painful. It hurt to talk, to eat, everything.
Finally it dawned on me what his latest complaint was--thrush. I did a little internet searching and found that a weakened immune system, steroids, and antibiotics can all contribute the development of thrush. Check. Check. Check.
More prescriptions.
And now, finally, finally, Marty is feeling better. For the most part at least.
Monday, January 07, 2008
This is cool...
Take some dead bugs and some watch parts and what have you got? Cool stuff.
I saw a little blurb on artist Mike Libby and his interesting artwork. I went to his website and got lost looking at his collection. Wow. I kind of wish I had an extra $500 lying around--but then I'd have to pick a favorite.
I saw a little blurb on artist Mike Libby and his interesting artwork. I went to his website and got lost looking at his collection. Wow. I kind of wish I had an extra $500 lying around--but then I'd have to pick a favorite.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Christmas Pictures
Here are some of my favorite pictures from our time at Mom and Dads. (Or rather, these are some of my favorites of the pictures that were on our camera.)
This last picture deserves a little explanation. One of the group presents to Mom and Dad was a bench swing so Mom and Dad can sit outside and watch the pond as they swing. These are some of the mighty helpers who used the power tools and made the swing. Good job guys!
This last picture deserves a little explanation. One of the group presents to Mom and Dad was a bench swing so Mom and Dad can sit outside and watch the pond as they swing. These are some of the mighty helpers who used the power tools and made the swing. Good job guys!
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