No Answers

July 31, 2009

I could cry. In fact, I just did.

The results of my MRI came back normal. No herniated disc. Which is, of course, good news. But while that tells me what it is not, it does not tell me what it is.

The doctor is on vacation this week; my appointment was with his Physician’s Assistant (PA). I really liked her. Unlike every other doctor I’ve worked with, past and present, she actually listened to me. I’ve been having trouble in one spot further up my spine. I’ve told everyone else that I’ve seen about it, but it was dismissed as being caused by extra strain from picking up the slack for my lower back. The PA listened and ran some tests. She has turned up some symptoms I didn’t even know I had. She had me lie on my back and then she scratched from my knee to my ankle, right and left, inside and outside the leg. I could feel it when she did it, but in a few spots it felt distant, numb and a little tingly. In one or two spots near my ankles the tingle was so strong it crossed over into real pain.

That was new, or at least I wasn’t aware that this problem existed.

So, I had some blood drawn to test for Lyme or Ehrlichiosis; I should have the results on Tuesday. I also have an appointment with a neurologist on Aug. 11th for a consult and possible EMG.

This has been going on for 2 months. I haven’t been able to work all summer and don’t even know if I still have a job. I’m at best uncomfortable and at worst in severe pain all the time. I’m tired physically, mentally and emotionally at this point.

I want Dr. House, and I want him STAT!

buttersoft

Categories: Random Thoughts.

This is Hysterical!

July 29, 2009

I found this over at Daszzle’s and had to share. There’s some swearing towards the middle, when he starts talking about “Ryan,” just to warn you, but then cleans up again:

Categories: Random Thoughts.

It’s Not a Pain in the Neck

July 28, 2009

Some of you have been asking about my back. As you all know, I’ve been dealing with back pain for a couple of months now. It initially presented as a hamstring pull, but when I began physical therapy we realized that in fact it’s a problem with my lower spine. After weeks of PT there was some improvement, but I hit a plateau and remain in pain. The physical therapist recommended that I see an orthopedic surgeon, and I made an appointment for the Wednesday following my return from vacation.

So off I toddled last week and saw him like a good girl. The x-rays show no problem, but he believes that I have a herniated disc. I have to have an MRI- I don’t mind, they’re kind of relaxing- on Thursday. The doctor wanted me to have it as soon as possible but we had to wait for insurance to clear it.

If in fact I do have a herniated disc (or 10 as it sometimes feels) then the doctor recommends giving me an epidural and a cortisone shot. I state for the record here and now that neither of these things excite me in the least, especially the cortisone shot. You know how when you’re little you see a needle coming at you and you’re terrified because it’s going to hurt more than anything else in the world? But then you get older and learn that they aren’t as bad as you thought. Cortisone shots give the lie to that illusion. Have a cortisone shot and all of that supposed wisdom about shots not being painful goes flying out the window. It causes one to question whether other childhood fears weren’t valid as well. Maybe there were monsters under your bed or in your closet. Maybe your elementary school principal was an alien set to take over the world and if so, where is he now?! Maybe having sex before you’re married will make you go blind! Er, okay, that one has been disproven. Although I am nearsighted. Hm.

Anyway…

I honestly can’t remember a time when a cortisone shot ever did me any good. In fact my wrist was worse after the shot I was given as they pondered whether or not I had torn cartilage and ligaments in it years ago. The fact that I can still remember the agony 8 years later tells me that having one in my back now will not make my list of Top 10 Things I Did On My Summer Vacation.

Still, it’s better than having surgery. Surgery would be very inconvenient just now, what with school and everything. Oh well, one thing at a time.

bellefleur

Categories: Creativity Expressed, Random Thoughts.

Photos for Them What Wants ‘Em

July 24, 2009

UPDATE: I have removed the tarantula photo so that those of you who like reptiles, but not spiders, may now safely view them You can thank Becky for that.

You can find most of the photos from our trip at:

Nashville (Ryman Auditorium, Opryland Resort and Convention Center)

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

and, because I love you, I placed the Amphibians and Reptiles (+ a tarantula) photos in a separate album for those of you who get freaked out about that sort of thing and would rather have the option of avoiding it. But you’re missing a great shot of a caiman if you do!

I took one photo and post- processed it to look more like an oil painting:

painterly tiger

Categories: Creativity Expressed, Random Thoughts.

A Little About our Trip

July 23, 2009

Randy and I travelled to Gatlinburg and Nashville, TN a little over a week ago. We do this every couple of years and always have such a great time. This trip was a little more difficult for me because of my back (more on that in another post) but I tried not to let it keep me from enjoying myself. Randy, on the other hand, kept trying to rein me in. There’s a new zip line in the Smoky Mountains, one which takes about 2 hrs to complete. I soooo wanted to do this, but Randy wouldn’t let me. Brat. Okay, so he was right, but I still wanted to go! I threatened to bungee jump instead, my argument being that it would likely realign my back for me. He smiled and told me to go right ahead. Of course. Because he knew that I wouldn’t do it. Have I mentioned that he’s a brat?

Despite the setback, I managed to go to the aquarium, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum, and play a little mini golf. I also ate at the Log Cabin restaurant every morning for breakfast. This may not sound like much to you, but once you’ve eaten there, you won’t want to have breakfast anywhere else. I love it so much that I booked our hotel based on how close it was to the restaurant. It had to be within walking distance, or no deal! Who cared that our balcony overlooked an alley. The room was clean and comfortable, and I had my french toast for breakfast; that’s all that mattered. Oh, and I also developed another habit: Rat Watch. No, there were no rats. But there was a window near the motel elevator which overlooked a gap between two buildings, and at the far end was the side of another. There was some garbage against that far wall, and though I have a phobic fear of rats, I couldn’t help but obsessively look for them as I waited for the elevator. It became a compulsion. I am very thankful to report that I never saw so much as a twitch of a whisker, but I just had to check.

I didn’t take many pictures in Gatlinburg. We didn’t get to hike this time, and I didn’t feel like lugging my camera around with me. I took some with my camera phone, but they’re not the greatest quality. Many of the outdoor shots were taken at night; the lights blur from the slower shutter speed. I will be sharing these at some point. I have a name for the series and everything, but you’ll have to wait for those.

We left for Nashville on Wednesday, which also happened to be Randy’s Hatch Day; he insists that he wasn’t born, he was hatched. His mother remembers it quite differently but then she would, wouldn’t she? We stayed at the Opryland Resort and Convention Center again. It’s so gorgeous, and huge! It’s been said that the Great Wall is the only man-made structure that can be seen from space. I say that’s only because they haven’t tried gazing at Nashville. The hotel is so big that there’s no way to take a picture of it all. Even several pictures wouldn’t work. As for the inside, there are 9 acres of gardens alone, with a river running through one of them. And the river is comprised of water gathered from major rivers from every state, and almost every country. These garden atriums have glass ceilings for natural lighting, and it is easy to forget that you are indoors. Very cool. There are entire buildings within the hotel, and none of this includes the rooms themselves. Though I shared photos the last time I was there, some of you weren’t reading this blog then, so I’ve taken more and will share when I get a chance.

As a birthday present to himself Randy reunited with his two best friends from his elementary school days! As luck would have it they both live in TN, and within driving distance. They brought their SOs, and one brought his 11 yr. old daughter. We went out to dinner and had such a great time! I was a little worried because sometimes these things are a flop. You discover that you don’t really care about each other anymore. But it wasn’t like that at all. And we SOs were included in the conversations. There was no sense of being excluded during their reminiscences. I made some terrific new friends and am so glad we went if for no other reason than that we had that night. Randy was so happy!

In addition to the reunion, we went to the Nashville Zoo and the Ryman Auditorium. The latter was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry before the Opry outgrew the venue. But it continues to hold shows today. And lest some of you turn up your noses, performers such as Coldplay, REM, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow and more continue to play there. In fact, we couldn’t take the backstage tour because there was going to be a show dedicated to guitars the following day, and the musicians were rehearsing onstage. We were able to tour the rest of the building, though, and saw some great exhibits. My favorite were the John and June Cash display, and Patsy Cline. I just love Patsy! After we left the auditorium we went to Panera and ate outside where the birds were watching for scraps. At first it was cute. But then I noticed that one by one they were stealthily surrounding us and I was distinctly reminded of Hitchcock’s The Birds. At this point it became a little creepy. I distracted them with some chips so Randy and I could make our getaway!

What else? Hm. We went to the Rainforest Cafe, did a (very) little shopping, and saw two movies: Ice Age 3, and Harry Potter. The funny thing about Harry Potter is that we have now seen the last 3 movies in TN. They always seem to be released while we’re there! Must be a little Hogwart’s magic. The nice thing about that theater is that the seats were well-cushioned and reclined. For the most part I was able to watch comfortably, and enjoy the show. Speaking of shows, we went to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night; it’s tradition. As always we had good seats because Randy orders tickets well ahead of time. Roy Clark was there, funny as ever, and Hal Ketchum performed with two little girls who were either his daughters or granddaughters, I’m not sure which. It was so cute! They’re only about 3 to 7 yrs old I think. The older pretended to play the guitar and sing, while the younger one stood there and danced a little. Hal kept watching them with a smile on his face as he played and sang. It was fun to see. There were a couple of comedians. Ask me about T Bubba sometime… he’s hilarious! But I won’t get into his spiel now; this has gone on long enough.

I guess those are the highlights. I’m sure at some point I’ll remember the funny stories I kept telling myself to remember for you. I’m still sorting through photos and will post some here. The majority will end up on Flickr I think, and I’ll provide a link to them when they’re ready. For now, here’s one to represent Gatlinburg, and one for Nashville:

Space Needle, Gatlinburg

Famous AT&T Building, Nashville

Categories: Creativity Expressed, My Viewing Pleasure, Random Thoughts.

A Delicate Matter

July 22, 2009

I am floating around a bit adrift at the moment. There is a bathroom renovation saga unfolding (you knew there would be, right?) and I’m spending my days at my mother’s house. She has a bathroom door, so I don’t have to kick a contractor out of my home in order to use the toilet.

I mean, there’s only so many times you can look at someone and say “Could you please go outside? I have to pee now.”

Categories: Home Improvement, Random Thoughts.

There’s No Place Like…

July 20, 2009

… home.

ontheroad

Categories: Creativity Expressed, Random Thoughts.

Gone Daddy Gone

July 11, 2009

Randy deserves a vacation, so we’re off to Tennessee. As always we’ll be starting the week in the Smoky Mountains, and then head to Nashville for the second part.

Our bathroom is being renovated while we’re gone, and Randy’s mother will be looking after our home and pets, so don’t get any ideas all you would-be thieves.

Photos and stories when we come back.

Categories: Home Improvement, Random Thoughts.

I Just Want a Good Cup o’ Joe

July 8, 2009

I was provided with a new coffee maker. It’s by the same brand as the one that recently died; I like it. But it’s an older, simpler model. In fact, I had the same model before the newer (but now old) coffee maker. I was very happy with the coffee the older model made, but then I used the newer model and it was like the heavens opened up and blessed me with that perfect balance of water to coffee beans. Now, going back to the old one, which has fewer options, the coffee tastes bitter. I can’t seem to find the right balance, even with cream and sugar. It’s just not the same. I tried to take apart the old (but newer model) coffee maker to see if I could fix it, but the affected area is located in such a way that I can’t get at it without messing around with the wiring. I tinkered with a couple of things, then tried brewing again. I had fire extinguisher in hand in case I messed something up and started an electrical fire; best be prepared, right? But while the coffee maker obliged me by not exploding into flames, that was the extent of its generosity. It remains broken.

Now, I realize that in the grand scheme of things this is not a big deal. It doesn’t rank up there with compromised governmental computers, missiles in North Korea, or the likelihood of a better healthcare system. But The Great Coffee Issue has upset my little world. With my back still bothering me, there are so few things I can enjoy; coffee is one of them.

This matter isn’t finished yet.

Categories: Random Thoughts.

Must Dress Like A Lion Tamer

July 6, 2009

… if you want to approach me today. It is particularly essential to have that chair in hand to keep space between us. My coffeemaker isn’t working and I am left with nothing but weak tea.

That is a very poor substitute.

Randy has offered to drop off a new maker between jobs, but that is several hours away. In the meantime I am like a caged lion, stuck in my house, looking for something to take a swipe at. Metaphorically speaking. I think.

Categories: Random Thoughts.

More Randomness

July 4, 2009

Happy Independence Day! Do the Brits celebrate independence from us also?

~ Well, it’s the end of the world as we know it: I’m on Facebook. I fought, I resisted, but in the end gave in. Too many family members were using it to communicate and share pics which I couldn’t see. It was extremely annoying! I am still a bit disgruntled that I needed to do this, but it’s done. At least I can catch up with a lot of my friends from school now.

~ I finished reading Warrior and Witch, the sequel to Warrior. I really liked these books and am disappointed that there won’t be a third. But Brennan feels that, while there were some tantalizing strings left dangling, the story has been told and that to write a third would be to drag it out needlessly. I see her point and agree with it, but I grew attached. By the way, Leah mentioned in a comment that she wanted to find Warrior at the library. This reminded me I should mention that these books have been re-released under new titles. Warrior was originally Doppelganger, and Warrior and Witch was simply Witch. If you can’t find one title, try the other. Confusing, right? Doppelganger/Warrior is the first book, and Witch/Warrior and Witch is the sequel. They are definitely worth reading.

~ I am craving hot dogs and other cook-out fare. Thankfully Randy will be home soon with goodies.

Praying that I stop taking pictures soon

Categories: College Life, Creativity Expressed, Random Thoughts, Reading Room.

Doings

July 1, 2009

Let’s see, where to begin…

My mother’s car died. Dead. Cannot be rescusitated. She has no money right now to get another car. Meanwhile, as she weighs her options, I’ve loaned her mine. Hey, with my back problems it’s not like I’m using it anyway; it just sits in the driveway.
I’ve sent in the letter declining admission to Columbia. I can’t begin to tell you how hard it was, even though I knew it was the right choice. It’s done now, though, and I’m moving forward.
I’ve just finished reading Warrior by Marie Brennan (not to be confused with the Warrior series by Erin Hunt, which I have also recently finished reading). This was a real page-turner. If you enjoy fantasy at all, I think you’ll like this. The premise is that when a witch is born, a doppelganger is as well. In order for the witch to receive her powers without being overwhelmed and killed by them, the doppelganger must die. It is believed to be a soulless creature and is usually killed immediately. When Miryo comes of age to receive her powers, however, it is discovered that her doppelganger still lives. Miryo is charged with the task of seeking her other half, Mirage, and killing her. But when Miryo finds Mirage she realizes that her twin does have a soul, and she can’t follow through. Mirage is a Hunter who also has a mission: to discover who was behind the assassination of a high-ranking witch. The answer to that leads back to a conspiracy, one which involves the unwitting twins. The two must unite if they are to live…
Did I mention that while we are on vacation, our bathroom is going to be remodelled? Well, it is. Randy and I went to Home Depot yesterday. I chose the new vanity, bathroom storage cabinet, and faucet. The shower stall size and style was already determined, but I chose the glass pattern for it. The shower is a corner unit, but the corner it should occupy in our bathroom isn’t big enough because of the placement of the window. So we’re going to build a wall about 17″ from the window wall and turn the space in between into built-in shelving. The shower will go into the newly formed corner created by the newly created wall. In addition to this, the old flooring is going to be replaced with new; I picked that out yesterday as well. I’m thinking about buying a new toilet as well, but am not sure yet. We’ll see. Fear not- I will take before and after shots to share. Because I know you’re all dying to know what my bathroom looks like, right? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
As long as we were out anyway, we stopped to buy a couple of things for our cats. We couldn’t resist getting them a kitty tower. I hesitated because a) a lot of them look kind of tacky and b) they’re expensive. I wasn’t convinced our cats would use it; they’ve ignored the smaller kitty condo we bought for them years ago. But we decided to get it anyway. I’m glad we did! After some initial hesitancy, they’ve come to love it. One of the store employees told us that for some reason most cats don’t like the top shelf of these things. I doubted that would be an issue, at least for Wheezy. The cat has psychotic breaks and races up and down door frames, so heights aren’t really a problem for her. Sure enough, she loves being at the top of the tower. She’s curled up there now. All I can see is her tail hanging down through the hole that allows access to the top; it looks like a furry snake dangling down. As for Patches, he likes the lowest level best, but will sometimes explore the second level. He did try to reach the top, but Wheezy was there and made it perfectly clear that it was a No Patches Zone. Period. He doesn’t seem to mind, though. Both cats also like to hide in the corner behind the tower itself. Putting the tower where we did created a nifty little hidey-hole for them. Here they are:

cattower