This is NOT Fun!

Over the weekend, I developed a good, old-fashioned, sinus infection. I felt really cruddy Sunday night and Monday and since I can’t take over-the-counter cold medicines (they wire me, make me agitated, make me feel like I’m in a fog, and make my heart race), I decided to call the doctor. Well, my doctor couldn’t get me in for a few days, so I went to the urgent care facility they have referred me to in the past. The doctor I saw determined I had a sinus infection and gave me an antibiotic…and not any antibiotic, but a fairly new on that was pretty pricey.

So I go home, take the antibiotic, rest on the couch for a while, and then get up and do a few things that I HAD to get done that evening. Early evening, I begin to notice small bumps on my fore arms. I call my nurse friend and resident medical advice giver, Rachel, and ask her what hives look like. We determined that my bumps were too small to be hives and since it hadn’t spread anywhere, she said to watch it and suggested taking some Benadryl. By time I went to bed that night, the bumps on my fore arms were red and they were starting to show up on the trunk of my body. By time I got up the next morning, most of my body looked sunburned and I had a rash from head to toe and itched like nobody’s business! Seems I’m allergic to the new high-priced antibiotic. Lovely.

This resulted in a call to the doctor who gave me the antibiotic and they called in another antibiotic. Yes, I got to pay for two antibiotics and what hacks me off is the second one was much cheaper and has to be taken for fewer days. Why didn’t they just give me that one in the first place? Oh I know why.

When I went to pick up the new prescription, the pharmacist suggested I take Benadryl for the next couple of days instead of my regular allergy medicine. So last night I decided since the box said I could take two, I would take two. I shouldn’t have taken two. When I woke up this morning, I couldn’t walk straight and kept running into things. Note to self…next time stick to one. And yes, I know there is non-drowsy Benadryl, but it has the same side affects listed previously.

So as it stands, I’m looking less sunburned, but still itching a lot (even inside my ears and mouth). This better go away soon!

1 Weekend, 2 Heart Attacks

This was not a good weekend for my heart. It started Saturday morning when I woke at up a little after 7:00 a.m. and thought it was Sunday and that I had forgotten to change my clock and that was about to be late for church. I kept running around looking at every clock in my room, tried to figure out why the reminder on my cell phone didn’t go off, and kept trying to figure out if I was correct that if it was now actually 8:00 instead of 7:00. This went on for a couple of minutes until I started wondering “what happened to Saturday?” I hate it when that happens. =o(

The second heart attack took place this morning. About 6:30 I heard a crash and thought something fell off the wall in the bathroom. I got up to investigate and everything looked fine. So I went into the other bathroom down the hall…everything fine there. My next thought was that the mirror finally fell of the wall downstairs. I was about to go downstairs when I heard a noise in the empty bedroom. It was obvious there was a raccoon in the attic, but I thought certainly the trap didn’t make that much noise. Then I hear the raccoon overhead and realized it wasn’t in the trap. I then take a step further into the bedroom and low and behold laying on the floor in the closet was the entrance to the attic. This really freaks me out. I take a quick glance around the room to make sure I’m alone, and then I quickly closed the door to the closet and proceeded downstairs to find a chair to prop in front of the door to make sure that anything that comes out of that attic doesn’t make its way through my house. This afternoon Jay from work went with me to investigate the situation and more importantly fix the current pressing situation. And would you believe after all of that, no raccoon in the trap!!! But I have learned one lesson…the door to the closet will stay closed until this situation is resolved. I am not pressing my luck!

Oh Well

Maybe God’s trying to tell me something, but twice this week I have been informed of how bad sugar and other foods are for you. Yesterday it was another patient sitting next to me in the chiropractor’s office (yes, it was a very eventful day in the chiropractor’s office). Today it was watching Montel while I was home at lunch. Seems we consume 150 lbs of sugar on average each year. Soda is also very bad for you. So what did I eat in addition to my sandwich at lunch…Girl Scout Cookies. What am I drinking right now…Diet Dr. Pepper. I do try to eat things in moderation, but I figure the world is over populated anyway, so I’m just doing my part. =o)

Tuesday Tidbits

I have discovered that I cannot pronounce “Acapulco”. I guess that rules it out as a future vacation spot unless someone else handles the travel arrangements.

My chiropractor is trying to set me up again. This time it was awkward because the guy was sitting next to me in his office. I don’t know why my chiropractor thinks he’s such an expert in setting me up. If he really knew me at all, he wouldn’t attempt to set me up with half the guys he does. Today, he told me I would probably have a hard time finding a guy that didn’t have some baggage. I never once told him “baggage” was the reason I wouldn’t date any of his patients. Not trusting his match-making abilities is reason #1 of many.

They’re Baaack!

Oh yes blogger world, you guessed it…my non-rent paying residents decided to move back in over the weekend (see posts about this time two years ago).

Saturday morning, a little after 2 a.m., I wake up out of a deep sleep to hear that familiar sound of something walking around overhead and making it’s nest in the corner of my bedroom. Unlike the first time, I wasn’t freaked out…I was MAD! So I did the only thing I could think of…I stood on my bed and proceeded to pound on the ceiling until it moved. Then I laid there the rest of the night have irritated that they were back and half freaked out because the ceiling below the section of attic they seem to be attracted to is starting to sound weak and I don’t want a raccoon falling through the ceiling and landing in my bedroom. As I described it to my brother, it would be like that car commercial where the guy is locked in the car with the badger. Not good.

Saturday morning, I got up and went outside to see where it was getting in at, and sure enough, it was the same spot it got in the last time (which is not on my property, but the unit next to mine). Either the previous owner didn’t do a very good job of fixing it or those raccoons are persistent little boogers (I think it’s the latter). To make things more interesting, my new neighbors are Asian and the husband is freaked out by animals of any kind. When they moved in and I told them about my original experience with the raccoons, he looked panicked. Since I want this fixed permanently and quickly this time, I went next door and explained the situation and told him I would fix it if it was okay with them. I figured it will be a whole lot cheaper for me to fix it than to keep calling a pest control company out to remove raccoons.

Thankfully I haven’t heard the raccoons since Saturday. It doesn’t mean they’ve left all together, just means they haven’t been hanging out where I can hear them. The next step is to set a trap to be sure I caught the raccoon (I actually think there is only one up there so far…but I don’t want friends moving in). Since I don’t have anything to do with my attic – which includes sticking any part of my being through the opening – I’m hoping I can bribe a friend of mine with cookies and that he’ll come do it for me.

Once said raccoon has been relocated, I’ll be able to fix the opening under the eve. The next task will be to figure out a way to keep them from coming back. I am told that if I spray coyote urine (yes, that’s correct) in my attic, they’ll stay away. One, I’m not exactly sure where you buy such a product and two, I’ll owe my brother big time IF I’m able to talk him into going back up there (you know, after his whole finding a snake in my attic ordeal).

I guess the raccoons have been reading my posts lately and noticed how lame they had become and decided I needed a little excitement in my life. Thanks, but no thanks!

Ladies Priviledge

I've heard that February 29 (i.e. Leap Year) is also known as Sadie Hawkins Day or "Ladies Priviledge". I knew that Sadie Hawkins Day was this day that girls could ask guys out (whatever), but I found out for the first time today this actually comes from an Irish Custom where women could propose to men. Interesting...not that I plan to do it this year, but hey, check back in 4 years. I might have changed my mind by then.

On another note, I have decided that technically, this should be a holiday where you get the day off (at least if you're salaried like I am). Think about it, they figure our pay off of 365 days a year, so technically I'm working for free today. I guess I have 4 years to get that law passed (or get my employer to see it my way). ;o)

Random “Hmmm” for the Day

I have 223 Coke reward points. For 200 points, I can get a “Silver Ticket” at AMC (which can’t be used on new releases). I bought 90% or more of those Cokes from our machine at work. A pop at work costs $1.25. That means that if I decided to redeem my points for that ticket, it would have in a way cost me $83.75. It’s taken me over a year to save up that many points. If I gave up buying Cokes at work, I could have gone to the movies at least 9 times by now. Kind of makes me wonder why I took up the hobby of collecting Coke Rewards. =o)

Denim Dilemma

Today at lunch, I ripped the seat out of another pair of jeans. Not the same pair that I have ripped the seat out of 4 times already (my favorite pair, FYI). No, this was a different pair. And fortunately, it was as I was getting in my car, so no witnesses. But I am now down to one pair of jeans that don’t require the wearing of heels. This bums me out for 3 reasons…1) I don’t always want to wear heels, 2) I hate shopping for jeans, and 3) I put myself on an indefinite spending freeze.

With the exception of a dress this fall (that was less than $25), I have not bought clothes for myself since last summer (and even then, it was a gift card, so does that really count?) There were multiple reasons for this…no roommate, wanting to pay off debt, wanting to save as much as possible so I can finish some projects at home, save up for a new stove and furnace which are both on their last leg (stove will be MUCH cheaper to replace).

Granted it’s not been easy because my wardrobe is looking dated, but I keep telling myself I have clothes to wear and I don’t work in an environment where “fashionable” in expected. I’m thinking I might be checking out eBay again.

And P.S. it wasn't because they don't fit! They were actually loose, thank you very much!

Random Bits of Info

I discovered today that my external keyboard has a button that if I push it, a calculator appears on my screen. Kind of cool. Actually, it has a lot of cool buttons, but the way my desk is, they stay hidden under the ledge and I forget they are there. I can push a button and “My Picture”, “My Documents” or “My Music” comes up. There are lots of cool buttons. The only ones I use right now though are the volume buttons and the mute button.

Self-con•trol n. Control of one’s emotions, actions, etc.
I’m exhibiting “self-control” today in regards to my posts and my opinion about this particular day. =o)

I finally got a new hair dryer to replace the one that blew up. If you’ve ever lived with me, you know it takes FOREVER for my hair to dry because it holds water like nothing you’ve ever seen. My sister-in-law can blow dry her hair completely in 2 minutes. It takes me at least 15 minutes. It’s annoying. Anyway, to aid in this, I really wanted to replace my hair dryer with a Chi because it dries my hair so much faster, but I didn’t want to pay the $129+ they usually run in the store. So I finally found one on eBay for a price I was willing to pay and got to use if for the first time today. Hair was dry in 10 minutes!!!

The decision was made to install a door bell in our receptionist area so that our new full-time receptionist could assist people when we don’t have a volunteer receptionist. This is much better than listening to someone yell “HELLLL-OOOO.” But the door bell that was purchased sounds like the chimes on the clock in our receptionist area. It’s very entertaining to see Vicki jump up to help someone every time the clock chimes.

Does anyone else use the term “okie dokie?” A couple of the ministers have been making fun of me for saying this. They say they’ve heard “okie doke” but wonder if “okie dokie” is a Kansas thing? Maybe it is. Just wondering.

I have a Facebook account, but I’m finding that I don’t do near as much with it as some people do. I guess I just haven’t really figured out WHAT to do with it. I take quizzes people send me, I respond to friend requests people send me, but I haven’t figured out or taken the time to do as much with it as I probably could. Plus side, some college friends have found me and it’s been nice to reconnect a little with people I haven’t seen or talked to in AGES!

I could be dangerous with a camera phone.

OKChick gave a bad review of “Fool’s Gold”. I personally liked it. There were parts of the story line they could have expounded on more, but over all I thought it was decent. Of course, I think I got a little wrapped up in the idea of living in the Caribbean on a boat and being surrounded by water (and searching for treasure would be tons of fun). Have I mentioned I don’t like cold weather?

My chiropractor would KILL me if he saw how I sit in my chair at work 90% of the time.

I love that I live in a state that has spring-like weather one day and snow the next (I’m being sarcastic).

Efficiency Dilemma

I’m not sure if people have every caught on to this personality trait of mine or not, but I am all about being efficient. I am always trying to figure out the best way to accomplish the most with the least amount of work. Running errands is always very well planned out for me. I almost can’t stand it if that plan gets derailed. I could go on and on about this, but you get the point.

Today is one of those days that efficiency is a necessity. We have our Relay Kick-Off this evening and I have several things that I need to accomplish before I have to be at our Kick-Off location. Ideally, the best plan would be to go home, load up everything I need from there, change clothes, go vote (and no, I still haven’t decided who I’m voting for), and then head to our Kick-Off location. The problem with that plan is that when I change clothes, it will be into a poodle skirt and I really don’t want to draw that much attention to myself when I go vote. So as much as it KILLS me to have to go out of my way this afternoon, I’m thinking there is no way around it.

Weekend Happenings

This weekend I went to Kansas to do the birthday thing with the family. It was a good weekend (though I never sleep well at my mom’s…I think I’m just not used to a twin bed). Here is a rundown of the weekend…

Made a poodle skirt for our Relay Kick-Off on Tuesday. It’s a little full, but hey, it’s only for one night.

Kyler Russell finally made his appearance into this world. I make it sound like he was over-due, but he came on his due date. I guess I had known for so long that he was coming, it seemed like it was taking forever. =o) I figured it would be Saturday since I was out of town...and it was. But I got to go watch some of the Super Bowl half-time show with him. He’s a keeper. Congrats to his mom and dad and VERY proud big sister.

I got a propane grill for my birthday. I’m really excited about this. I love grilled food and though charcoal tastes better, you have to plan ahead if you’re going to use charcoal. I also got grilling tools from my brother and sister-in-law. Now I just need to go pick up the actual grill at Lowe’s (my mom decided giving me a gift card for it would be easier than wrapping it.)

I also got a big broom for my birthday. Now I can sweep out my garage!!! And yes, I asked for this…just like the snow shovel.

Sunday morning my hair dryer blew up while I was getting ready for church. First I heard a pop. Then I saw a quick flash. And then I heard a few more pops, then an even brighter flash. At this point, I turned off the dryer and unplugged it. But wondering if it was a fluke, I plugged it in again and turned it on. It started popping some more. I decided it was done for. I am now in the market for a new hair dryer. I’m hoping to get a Chi dryer off of eBay for a good price, but if I haven’t won something by the end of the week, I’m going to have to give in and go to Wal-Mart because at the moment I’m using an unclaimed hair dryer from camp that didn’t sell in the garage sale…it took me 30 minutes to dry my hair this morning. This is not good.

The Mississippi Squirrel has a Kansas cousin and he made his appearance at my mom’s church on Sunday morning. Church had just started when you start hearing all this commotion. Then the song leader stops and looks a little puzzled. He then informs everyone there is a squirrel loose in the auditorium and asked the ushers to open the doors and try to chase him out. The mission was successful…and humorous.

I'm Getting Desperate People

Today's post comes from the great state of Kansas (which has WAY too much snow for my taste at this particular moment). I'm at my mom's this weekend celebrating my birthday with the fam.

Anywho, while driving last night, I was trying to contemplate my next post. My posts have been really lame lately, but there really hasn't been anything going on in my life worth writing about. And then this idea hit me...since I can't seem to come up with worthwhile topics on my own, I'm opening it up to my loyal readers (if I still have any). You suggest my topics. Ask me questions you think I should answer. The only rules are 1) keep it clean and 2) be nice. I of course reserve the right to choose what I respond to, though if I don't honor your request, I promise I probably have a really good reason.

And if this fails, be prepared for what is likely to be more lame posts.

P.S. Yes, this started out under a different title, but the original title sounded like an advice column.

Random Stuff

Cookies
I went to make chocolate chip cookies the other night and wanted to use a recipe I used to use that makes a smaller batch. The last 3 times I had made these cookies, they didn’t turn out right…something was wrong with the consistency. So I was very cautions as to what I was doing again this time and once again…the consistency was wrong. They come out spongy (kind of like pumpkin cookies or bread). I am at a loss as to why they’re turning out wrong. Cookies are the one thing I do REALLY well at in the kitchen. I don’t think I’ll be able to give up till I get them right.

Stolen Information
I got a letter in the mail yesterday from my bank saying the secret service had seized a computer that had my bank card number and address on it (and it was a legitimate letter). Considering I don’t ever use my bank card online and I’m super cautious about shredding anything with personal information on it, the fact that this happened is a little unnerving. All of this leads to a topic that has been bothering me the last few months. I know people are greedy and self serving, but what is it that makes some people think that it is okay for them to steal to get what they want? You hear of people having their Christmas presents stolen. You hear about the rising costs in retail stores because of theft. People have their identities and all kinds of personal property stolen all the time. I don't know the answer, but it’s just not right!

None of the Above
Is “None of the Above” an option in the upcoming elections? I have been trying to do my part to be an informed voter, but the more I read, the less I want to vote for any of them. Sometimes in this case I would choose the lesser evil…I just don’t think that is an option this time around. Ugh!

Birthday Highlights

Saturday I added another digit to my age, but it really wasn’t that painful. So once again, here is another “highlights” list…

My brother DIDN’T call and wake me up at the crack of dawn. My plan was to sleep in because I was exhausted, but I had an issue with the alarm clock and accidentally turned it back on when I thought I had turned it off and I never really went back to sleep after that. My mom did call at 8 a.m. which normally would have been too early, but I was already awake. My brother was kind and waited till 8:30 to call.

Had lunch with a friend whom I haven’t spent much time with the last several months. It was good to catch up beyond our email conversations.

Saw “27 Dresses” with friends. Very cute movie, but I’m kind of disturbed by how much I have in common with the main character beyond the 27 dresses part (I think I only have 6).

Dinner at Johnny Carino’s with the same friends. It was fun to actually have a “night out”. Oh, and word of warning…don’t get the free dessert at Johnny Carino’s. It really didn’t taste like anything and it was a little obscene looking.

Maybe the Most Pathetic Post EVER!!!

I have kind of been neglecting my posting lately. Nothing all that exciting has happened though and the few semi-humorous things that have taken place loose their humor level by time I have time to write about it.

You would think with as busy as I have been, I there would be something worthwhile to write about, but there hasn’t been. Here is the run down…

Working till somewhere between 5:30-6:30 every weeknight. When I get home I work out (if I’m not knock me over tired) and/or attempt something productive at home. Energy level bottoms out by 9 p.m. and I find myself on the couch watching TV or getting ready for bed.

Relay for Life. This fortunately has not been taking up a great deal of my evenings so far, but it does take up some of my lunch hour and took away my Saturday last weekend…though I did win a beach umbrella with bag as a consolation prize. =o)

Knocking on the door of one year further into my 30’s. On Saturday I will officially be 34. It still doesn’t seem real because I don’t feel that old. I guess that is all that counts.

Seriously…is that all of significance that has taken place in my life? I think it is. Okay that’s sad. I need to start getting a life…QUICK!

Here is a final question to ponder. I had a conversation with a friend recently and this question came up…Why is it that a guy you aren’t interested in can pay you a compliment (even if it is cheesy) and you’re totally turned off by it, but you would kill for some guy you ARE interested in to say the same thing? It doesn’t seem right, yet that is the way it is. Hmmm…

I promised a while back to avoid pathetic posts, but I think I dropped the ball on this one. But when I look back at my last few weeks, it is pathetic!!!

The Sweetest Thing

I was reading this article on MSN a little bit ago and they listed things people said were the sweetest thing anyone ever did for them on a date. The things listed I didn’t really wow ME that much, but what I realized is that what warms the heart is different for each person.

For me the sweetest thing a guy ever did for me was scrape my windshield. I had been dating him for a couple of months and even though I thought he was a really great guy, I just didn’t feel about him the way I thought I should be feeling at that point. I had even been praying that I would feel differently because he really was a wonderful guy. Then one night after church he was driving me to my car. It had snowed while we were at church so the cars were covered in snow. When we got to my car he got his scraper out while I went to get mine so I could scrape own my car. I assumed he was scraping his windows better for his drive home, but when I looked up, he was clearing mine. I think what got me was I didn’t even once wish he’d do it…which made it mean even more. Having a lack of feelings for him after that evening was no longer an issue.

So, just curious, what is the sweetest thing a date has ever done for you?

Things I’ve Learned in the Last Week

Supposedly the reoccurring theme of driving semi-trucks in my dreams lately commonly means that I feel over-worked or I’m carrying a heavy burden. I kind of already suspected this was what I was going to find if I looked it up. In this case, it’s pretty accurate.

Wedding dress shopping can be overwhelming. I gladly helped a friend shop for hers the other night (the last dress turned out to be the winner), but there were so many to choose from and so much to take into consideration. I’m not so anxious to be doing the same for myself anytime soon.

The question “how is it that you are not married yet” is really starting to get on my nerves. I know it’s meant as a compliment, but if I knew the answer to that question wouldn’t it seem reasonable that I would be doing something about it. That question is better directed at the guys I’ve dated if you want an accurate answer.

This website is great. It’s a constant supply of music I like on my computer at work without having to go to all the work of downloading my existing CD’s. Plus it’s opened my eyes to some artists I wasn’t aware of. Thanks to my cousin for recommending it.

When putting away Christmas decorations, it is best to start with the Christmas tree box (at least in my case). It was not easy to put it away with all the other boxes in there…but mission accomplished (at least it’s out of sight).

I have to turn the heat up in my house if I want to get anything accomplished. I can’t get motivated if I’m cold. I’ve been keeping my thermostat low to save money…which is fine if I’m sleeping or watching TV. But it’s way too tempting to climb under a blanket instead of doing something productive if I’m cold. I’m ready for spring!!!

There is something about me that makes random men think that I can’t work the automated postage machine without their assistance. If you’re one of those men, thanks for the concern, but I do in fact know how to work it and if it appears I don’t, you might try backing up and stop breathing down my neck. I get things done a lot faster when someone (especially a stranger) is not looking over my shoulder. But again, thank you for your concern.

Movie Renting

I hate it when I find myself thinking, “I want to see that movie...I should rent it.” BUT when I actually go to the video store, I can’t remember what movie(s) I wanted to see. Somewhere I need to keep a list.

Christmas Pictures

I told some people I decorated my house for Christmas and then no one ever saw it. Here are pictures of the tree and fireplace so that I don't feel like my decorating was a total loss.



Random piece of information...my tree (no lights or decorations) is actually still up in my living room. I need a new container to store it in and needed to wait till I got paid again, so it's still up. Half of the outdoor Christmas lights are still laying on the floor too (also need to get a container for them). I guess that's the good thing about not having a roommate...no one to be inconvenienced by my "mess".

Holiday Highlights

Ths will be a quick list, but I really need to add something new to my blog. I wish I had more time to write, but it's "busy season" for me, so no time for goofing off, so here it goes...

8) Extended time off work. I had some vacation/comp days I hadn't used, so I had a little over a week off work. It was nice.

7) "White Christmas." Funny enough, it only appeared so in my mom's yard. The way her house sits, it takes a while for snow to melt off. The neighbors barely had any left on their yard. It was weird. (These were taken two days before Christmas when the neighbors still had snow).



6) Driving home the Saturday before Christmas in that HORRIBLE weather. Not the smartest thing I've ever done. It took me 7 hours to make a 2 hour & 45 minute trip. There was an eventful moment that resulted in damage to my car, but I'm afraid to post it for the world to see. If you want to know bad enough, email me.

5) I had a cold and spent most of my Christmas laying on my mom's couch watching rented movies and Hallmark Channel movies.

4) Seeing my friend, Stacey. We have known each other since my family moved to Hutchinson. She lives in New York now and we try to get together for dinner or "coffee" when we're both home if our scheduals mesh.

3) Got some really fun cookie cutters from a friend. As he put it, it's the gift that keeps on giving...to him. =o)

2) I FINALLY got a snow shovel from Santa Claus. =o) Watch, now it won't ever snow in Oklahoma ever again.



1) My brother finally made me the bench I had been wanting (kind of had this deal that if he built me this bench, he could have this piece of furniture in my bedroom at home that he wanted). Now all I have to do is paint it. Originally I was going to put it in my dining room, but now I'm thinking about putting it in the living room. Hmmm...

(picture to follow later)

So that's about it.