Answering Comments

1.) Bob's eBay posting name is Robert_Coiner

2.) We have Chevy's Tex Mex in Minnesota! I love Chevy's! I will have to look for them here. Yum!

That should do it. If you have more questions, post them in comments and I will answer them as I go. Thanks!

Sunny Skies And Warm Breezes

This was the sky in Kissimme today. Bright blue and beautiful. It was only 65 degrees, but it was warm enough in the sun to go without a coat.

I woke up after 9 this morning and it felt good to not have to get up to an alarm. We slept in a king size bed and that was good too. After I showered and dressed, Bob got up too. I had hoped to be able to get to Wal-Mart and do some driving on my own, but Bob was determined to spend every spare minute with me today. So I made coffee and we had a small breakfast and then we went to the timeshare main office for their pitch. Thankfully, it wasn't too painful and we scored some Arabian Nights tickets for our trouble. We are going to go on Wednesday night.

After sitting through the pitch, we went to Wal-Mart to pick up some supplies. Bob got some sunglasses and I got some socks. I forgot to pack socks for me. I packed sandles but it's too cool for sandles today, so I need socks.

After Wal-Mart, we came home and ate lunch and chilled out for a bit. After sitting around for a while, we decided to to out for a drive. We drove to a housing development called Celebration and went for a walk. I took bunches of pictures. I really like palm trees and they are here in abundance. After Celebration, we went to Old Town, walked around a bit, then went to Flippers for dinner. Then it was back to the timeshare for some chillin' time.

Overall it was a nice day. Relaxing, fun, and warm and sunny. Is it wrong of me though to wish for some alone time once in a while? Poor Bob. He's so excited to be here and to be here with me. He talks and talks and talks and won't let me just even run to the store by myself. Maybe later in the week it will be better. I am thinking when we are on the beach in Daytona, I will get some time to walk on the beach alone and that will be heavenly. I brought a book to read and have only read a chapter because Bob isn't ready to just sit and be quiet just yet. I love him so much but am ready to just sit and be rather than be on the go, go, go.

Check out our photos by clicking the Flickr badge. Tomorrow is Sea World! 

Greetings From Sunny Florida

The photo above was taken just outside our villa. I don't know if you can tell or not, but those trees are whipping in the wind. It is super windy here. Our flight in was almost turned around and not allowed to land because of the tropical storm strength winds. Thankfully, we weren't turned around and landed, bumpily, but fine.

The day started early. I didn't sleep very well because I was just so excited. I got up when my alarm went off at 5am and got dressed right away. Bob stayed in bed a little longer but we were ready to go by 6 when our Metro Mobility ride was supposed to arrive. 30 minutes later, the guy finally pulls up. We were a little frantic because our flight boarded at 7:30 and was supposed to leave at 8. We were even a little more frantic when we learned he had 2 more pick ups after us. Thankfully, he called another MM guy to get one of his pick ups and we found out that his second pick up was on her way to the airport as well. She was a cute little old lady on her way to Vegas. She said she goes a couple of times a year. This time she was going for 2 weeks and hoped to make some big money playing black jack. She said she brought home $2500 last year and didn't even cash one of her traveler's checks.

We were dropped off at the Sun Country curbside at 7am. Thankfully, I had printed boarding passes from online the day before. We checked in, checked our bags, and barreled through security. I don't know if it's because Bob's in a wheelchair or what, but they rarely hold us up in security. The guys behind us were not so lucky as one of the quartet of young men was detained because the security guys found a loose razor blade in his laptop carryon.

We got to the gate and requested to be seated in bulkhead seating. There was a very...aggressive isn't really the word, maybe bold...young woman there who was ready to wrestle anyone who might take seating away from her 8 year old daughter. Her daughter has cerebral palsy and needs a wheelchair and car seat and needs the bulkhead seating. We were fine with whatever we got, as long as it wasn't far back in the plane. As it is, it all worked out just fine. The family with the little girl with CP had to sit in the second row anyway since her car seat did not fit in the bulkhead seats. Bob got his seat by the window and I sat between him and an earnest young traveler who was from Orlando. He was a textbook techie. He said he had just been at Macworld and pulled out his ipod and apple laptop. He spoke of his travels and of his appointment tomorrow to sky dive if the winds die down.

Our flight was uneventful but was FULL and full of kids. Did you know that young kids like to scream just to scream? Well they do and it makes my ears bleed. But for the most part, the kids on the plane were good. There was one little 2 year old in the seats across the aisle from us who was a flirt. I told Bob he had competition because this kid was super flirty with me. He would look at me; see if I was looking at him, smile and wave. Then he would bat his lashes and smile some more. So cute!I read two of my trashy magazines; Bob mostly looked out the window. We were served beverages and a warm breakfast sandwich and then another beverage. All of that really broke up the flight nicely.

It's chilly here because of the winds and they are having cooler than normal temps. I think the high today barely got to 60. It was noon when we landed and the pilot said it was 57 at that time.Once we landed, we wheeled to baggage claim. One of our bags was out right away. The other, we had to wait for for quite a while. While we waited, we witnessed a family meltdown. It seems that a couple members of this family had visited the bathroom in the terminal where our plane landed. To get to the main terminal where our luggage was, you had to take a tram and navigate quite a circuitous route. At some point, the members of this family who had visited the bathroom had lost both their carryon duffle bag and their son's backpack. The dad was trying to stay calm and be cool. He went back to see if he could find the bags. He thought they might be on the tram or back in the bathroom. The mother was not holding it together quite so well. It was definitely an interesting look at some family dynamics.

Once we got our bags, we were off to the rental car place. Us, and everyone else, it seemed. There were at least a dozen rental car companies and it seemed like everyone was in our line. Right before I was called on to come forward for help, there was a couple ahead of me and there must have been an issue because the woman was just yelling at the poor soul behind the counter. My foray with the rental car company was much easier and not so fraught with issues. I rented a small SUV. When we got to the garage, the PT Cruisers were parked in the small SUV lot. So, we got in a cute blue PT Cruiser. It's a fun, zippy little car. It really has some pick up. We left the airport and got to our timeshare in about half an hour. We checked in, got the timeshare sales pre-sell, and dumped our bags. The timeshare is exactly the same as it was last year, even though the resort is supposedly going through major renovations. This place still looks like the 80s threw up, but at least it's nice, warm, and provides us the respite we need.

Once we dumped the bags, we took off to find some food. We found it at Chili's and it was tasty. After lunch/dinner, we went and got groceries at Publix. We did pretty well. Since we ate right before we shopped for groceries, we were able to curb allot of the "off the list" shopping we might otherwise do. We did get a Styrofoam cooler and some sun block, two things that came in very handy last year while we were here.

Once done with that, we were done. We came home, unpacked, and settled in. It was then that I discovered we get free WIFI so I thought I would update and write it all down so I don't forget. I read online that Kissimmee has wired their downtown with free WIFI, so I am probably picking that up, unless they have it here at the resort, but I am reluctant to believe that. Also, I didn't take a lot of photos yet today, but I will be updating my Flickr site as we go, so click the Flickr badge to see the new shots.

It is weird that we can have breakfast in Minnesota and lunch in Florida. Technology is amazing.

They are saying there are wind-chill and freeze warnings here for the next 2 nights. That's not so much fun. But it's supposed to be 77 by Tuesday. Rain still expected for Wednesday, but otherwise it looks like it will be somewhat nice here. We have tickets for Seaworld and we're not sure when we are going yet. Bob wants to go to Cypress Gardens and Tuesday we will drive to Cocoa Beach to see the rocket launch at the Cape. At this point, we aren't putting anything in stone and are content to sit back, relax, and just chill. Feels good. 

Things Are Coming Together

Thanks for the suggestions.  Bob called George and offered him $20 for the card and George agreed.  So he will get cash and we will get our card back.  I guess he was pretty complacent, so that’s good.

Bob met with the lady from Hearing and Service Dogs of MN today.  She came with a German Shepherd that Bob loved.  The shepherd isn’t the dog we would get, she just wanted to bring an example dog.  Bob said Maisey was very curious and wanted so badly to get a good sniff, but the shepherd nipped at her when she got too close.  She just kept trying, though her tail was raccoon puffy the whole time.  Daisy slept most of the time they were there, but came out later and was not quite a curious as Maisey. I think it will work out well with the new dog and our cats.  Bob is VERY excited.  Based on his interview, the woman told him he could expect an acceptance letter by the time we get back from vacation.  Then, in February or March, they will match Bob with a dog and then begin training.  Bob has to be certified.  They will first train at their facility and then begin out of facility training.  Bob told the woman that he prefers Australian or German shepherds, but also likes labs.  This is a good thing.

This morning I printed out our airplane boarding passes.  Our flight is FULL!  I am hoping we can get upgraded, but I never hold my breath.  Someone once told me that when traveling, it’s better to keep a low expectation and be surprised rather than have high hopes and be disappointed.  Truer words may have never been spoken.  So, we are all set.  We have wonderful people checking in on and living with the cats.  We have all our reservations, passes, tickets, etc.  We have our cash and credit cards.  We are packed (except for what we have to throw in at the last minute tomorrow.) and all I have left is to clean the cat boxes, the master bathroom, and vacuum the floors. Florida, here we come!

Don’t just lurk, leave a comment!

Panning Out

In answer to a commenter from yesterday’s post, yes, we live in a secure building and have caller ID.  At least our building is as secure as it can be with people propping the doors open and letting strangers in, but we leave our apartment doors locked and have 911 on speed dial.  We’re not worried and don’t live life as scared bunny rabbits, but we are concerned and do live cautiously.  Thank you for looking out for us, though!  Smooches!

The service dog people are coming tomorrow at 9am to interview Bob.  Whoot!  Hopefully when we get back we will have a letter informing us that we have been approved and have a dog picked out.  That is our biggest hope.  This is a long process, though in the end it will be worth it.

In bouncing about the internet, I learned that Kissimmee, where our timeshare is, has a downtown hot zone with free wifi!  This is good news to lil ole me.  I am bringing my laptop so I can do my schoolwork, but also so Bob can entertain himself with his eBay business when he can’t sleep at night.  So, score!  I also found out that while the temps will be in the mid 60’s Saturday-Monday, they are expected to be back up near 80 on Tuesday AND there is a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral that day.  The rocket they are launching is the first of its kind ever to go to Pluto.  It’s supposed to be launched between 1:30 and 3:30 that day and it’s supposed to be a beautiful day! So, we will go see that.  Instead of hanging out at the pier at Cocoa Beach, we may instead go to Port Canaveral and hang out at Jetty Park.  I will fly that by Bob and see what he says.  It kind of depends on the day and what time we get out there.

It’s supposed to rain with thunderstorms on Wednesday.  I’m not sure what we are going to do in that case (other than THAT).  Bob talked about staying in and watching the storm. Ummm, not my idea of great fun, but it also depends on what I’ve accomplished homework-wise and whatnot. That might be a good day to stay in and just relax a bit.  I did see that Orlando has a science museum with a planetarium and an omni theater and that might be fun. It’s not too pricey either.  If any of you know of any fun stuff to do in, near, or around Orlando during a rain/thunder storm, leave me a comment with a suggestion.  Thanks!

I know it’s the end of the week, but it’s De-Lurking week for all you blog readers.  Please stop your lurking and leave me a comment.  Let me know who you are and where you are from.  It will be great fun to meet you!  Oh, along those lines, if you are a wonder with design and HTML, could I ask you a favor?  I would like a build (or have built) a fundraising measurement to track the progress we are making in raising funds for Bob’s van.  Please leave me a comment if you would like to help me do this.  Thanks!  I think the word is so far, we have raised almost a third and we haven’t even had the walk yet!  That is encouraging.

Only two more sleeps until we leave and we cannot wait.  Tomorrow will probably not be my best or most productive day at work as I will probably be very ADD and antsy. We are having a gal I work with stay at our place while we are gone.  She lives here with a friend during the work week but lives at home about 90 miles away on the weekends.  On the weekends we are away, we are having our neighbor stop in to feed the cats and fish.  So we are covered and everyone is happy!  My co-worker won’t have to sleep on the floor for a week and we have someone living in our place. 

Don’t forget to leave a comment!

Good Stuff Weird Stuff

Bob got a call from the service dog organization and they want to schedule an interview at our place.  He is going to try to schedule it for Friday.  He is excited and doesn’t want to wait until we get back from vacation.  Cute guy.  It’s not clear if they need us both there or not so he’s going ahead as though they just need to speak to him.  I will feel so much better once we get a service dog.  He will have company, protection, help, and companionship. He left a message with them so isn’t sure if they can schedule the interview so soon.

I just checked Orlando weather and while it’s supposed to be 65 on Saturday and Sunday, they are projecting 79 for Tuesday through Thursday.  Whoot!  They are saying there is a chance of showers for several days in a row, but only a chance, so it should be good.  Actually it will be good no matter what because we will be on vacation.

Do you remember me telling you about having two single guys over for Christmas Eve dinner?  One of those guys, George, is a guy that Bob specifically tried to befriend because he seems so alone and lonely.  At that dinner, we gave him a gift of a Wal-Mart gift card.  The Wal-Mart near us is a Super Store that has groceries as well as the usual low price fare.  Apparently, George doesn’t know what Wal-Mart is.  He brought the gift card into the gas station the next day and asked the guy working if it was an ATM card or if it’s as good as cash.  The guy working had to explain that it was as good as money at any Wal-Mart and George didn’t know what or where Wal-Mart was.  So Bob told him he would drive him to Wal-Mart if he wanted to go.  It took some doing, but last week, Bob took George out, they ran a couple of errands and George bought Bob lunch at Perkins.  Once lunch was done, George said he just wanted to go home.  Bob asked him if he was sure and George said he was sure, he was tired and just wanted to go home.  Cut to yesterday, George came over and began harassing Bob.  He told him we should have given him a Cub card instead because the WM card does him no good because he doesn’t know where it is or what it is.  Bob told him he would take him today IF George could wait until after 12:30 to call him.  George didn’t wait.  He started calling him at 8:30 and finally Bob called him back after noon and told him he couldn’t take him until later tonight because he hadn’t slept and was feeling crappy.  So George went off on him telling him he was through with him and why did we even give him this ****ing gift card anyway and then he hung up.  Bob is kind of freaked out because though he is old, George is tall and strong and now seems somewhat unbalanced and dangerous.  He was threatening Bob and harassing him.  Bob went to the gas station to tell the guys and they said they would step in if George ever tried to get jazzy with Bob while over there.  In the meantime, we are keeping our door locked and using the peep hole.  Bob said he would have no problem calling 911 if he sees George on the other side of the door.  Sheesh.  No good deed goes unpunished.  It’s not as if George doesn’t drive.  We gave him directions.  The store is just up one highway, over another, and then just off the exit.  It’s probably 10 miles from where we live…maybe 12.  Whatever.  We agreed not to feel guilty and to just let it go for now.  Just another reason why we need someone to live at our place while we are gone.

Apparently there is a woman in our building who is harassing a Mexican family in our building.  She is under FBI and Postal observation because she has used terroristic threats, has messed with their mailbox, and has super glued their apartment door shut over a dozen times.  All of this is because once, more than a year ago this family called the police on a noise/disturbance call on the woman who lives above them.  She also calls the cops at least once a day, reporting noise/disturbances from their apartment.  I wish they would just arrest her already.  This family is super nice.  They are some of our favorite people in the world and we feel so badly for them for having to go through all of this.  They have two little girls, ages 1 and 3 and I hope all of this activity doesn’t escalate into more dangerous areas before she is called to account on her actions.

Only three more sleeps until we leave.  I have so much to get done before we go.  Yikes!

Only Four More Sleeps to Vacation

Today was very busy at work. The better to make the day speed by, which makes the week go by faster as well.

I did have a nice visit with my boss and she made it very clear that I have been doing a good job and that she relies on me to get things done and done well. That was very reassuring. She also recommended that I turn my computer to the opposite side of my desk and see if that helps cut down on distractions. She also said she would talk to her boss about Loud Girl's talk and attitude. Finally, she asked for more specific info on our fundraising walk so she can pass it on to the big boss to see what can be done. I feel much better about what's going on at work now. Interesting how talking about what's been going on can make some improvements in how I feel.

The Premiere of The Shield is on but it's not quite as good as I thought it was going to be. Don't get me wrong, it's still good, but they promo'd it different than it turned out to be. Mackey is going down! It's so odd that this show sets it up so that we root for the anti-hero Vic.

I just checked out weather in Orlando and wouldn't you know it...79 today, tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday, but as soon as we get there? 61, 65, 69. Oh well, it's still warmer than it is here and hopefully it will be sunny. Even if the weather is crap, we will be away from home, school, and work for 10 full days. It will be heavenly.

Last night was my first class of this semester. I am taking Image Creation For Documents. It is like kindergarten. We don't have class next Monday due to Martin Luther King day but I will still be on vacation for our next class, so I'll miss. In these cases, the profs usually assign a 5 page paper on the class we will be missing plus an extra assignment. But my prof said I didn't have to do anything extra, I just have to email him my regular assignment before class time. Guess what our homework is? We have to turn in 5 photos illustrating things we learned in class last night. Ummm, taking pictures? Not homework. I do it every day and could probably come up with 5 photos per the assignment just in my Flickr account. Score! I do have to keep up on the reading and the prof is emailing the notes and powerpoint slides to me so I can take the quiz. Still, I'm getting off pretty good. Rather than being in class in two weeks, I will be sitting in my jaccuzi suite facing the ocean. Can't. Wait.

The Sun'll Come Out..Today!

Yes, it is true. The sun came out and shined all day today. It was magnificent. There was light and there were shadows! There was brightness and heat! Oh, what a day!

Only 5 more sleeps until we leave for Florida!

Today I got a self-review to fill out from my boss. What's the deal with these? Isn't the review her job? Why do I have to reveiw myself? Anyway, I filled it out as best I could. I just don't feel like I fit in there anymore. I like my job OK and the people I work with are fine. I just don't feel as though what I do matters...unless I mess up. Then it seems to matter to EVERYONE judging by the comments I receive. I told her that I've been very distracted at work lately. It's so loud there. With Loud Girl yelling, and Newbie and his loud talking, and Question Girl has asthma and is always coughing as though her lungs were about to burst. It is one noisey place. I wish they could hermetically seal me into a sound proof booth. Just me and my FM107. That would ROCK! Anyway, I am not sure when the actual review part of the review is coming, but I am not going to worry about it.

I am sitting at my school waiting for class to start. First time back in class in two weeks. That was a sweet little break. I get another two week break after tonight and then nothing until March or April. Tonight is the start of my Document Publication class. After the last class I took, this is like Kindergarten. I can handle four weeks of this.

Man, I'm sleepy. I could fall asleep in this chair right now. My eyes are so heavy. Maybe it's because I gave up caffiene in soda form. I might have to break down and have a caffeinated beverage tonight. Especially if I have to be here until 10pm. Driving home feeling as I do now could be a little dangerous.

It's a classmate's birthday tomorrow so I bought mini cupcakes to share with the class. Cupcakes are so fun. If you ever want to buy my love, buy me cupcakes. (or chocolate bundt cake) The shi shi grocery store has the best ones. I was going to buy their regular size ones. They were decorated to look like snowmen, but they were $2 each and I wasn't going to spend $20 on cupcakes. The mini ones were $4 a dozen. So I got a dozen. The birthday girl can take home the extras.

Well, I am off to class. Hope it is as cake as the reading was for this week. What is cake is another 2 week break after this! Also, this is the year of my graduation from college. By the end of this year, I will have a BS in Communications and that's no B.S.

Snowy Sunday

It's cloudy again today and snowing. A good day to stay in and just veg. Which is what we did.

See that laughing kitty at the top of the page? She had an accident last night. She was stalking her crazy sister and didn't notice that her tail had landed atop a burning candle. Neither did Bob or I...until the stink. Maisey started circling the room as though something were biting her and she was trying to find it. I ran to her, scooped her up, and patted her tail. Her skin wasn't burned, just the hair. And boy did it smell. The smell followed Maisey around for the rest of the night. We checked her out this morning and she is fine. The underside of her tail is singed a bit, but she is fine. Silly kitty. No more jumping on furniture that has candles.

Today I made myself Florida ready. I shaved my legs and underarms, I painted my toenails so they are sandle ready, and I colored my hair. I am ready to vacation in warmth. I looked up the temps in Orlando and it looks like it should be in the 70's at least. There is a chance of rain during the day on Saturday when we get there, but otherwise, we should be good. Wheee!

I made Bob some home made hashbrowns and scrambled eggs for breakfast. I also made up a bean and hamburger soup in the crockpot for dinner. We will have a yummy dinner tonight. It's a good winter day for a soup dinner.

When I was at the doctor's office on Friday, she said I had a tipped uterus. I asked her what this means and she said it was just an abnormality but didn't really mean anything. I asked her if it would make it harder to get pregnant and she said no, but it could mean more difficulty in having a vaginal birth once I did get pregnant. For those in the know, is this true?

Also, I have another question. I'm not sure how to phrase it. My period was not due until today. Yet I began to have spotting on Thursday and Friday and it seemed to come on Saturday. It was occompanied by intense pain on my right side and bad back cramps during the day yesterday. I began to think. What if I had been pregnant but miscarried? How would I know the difference? Could I have miscarried? Does anyone know how I can know for sure? Is it possible to be miscarrying and having my monthly at the same time? I'm sorry if I sound stupid with these questions, but I just don't know and would like to know for sure. Today I am having cramps again, but this time they are more frontally centered. Thanks for any help you can give me. 

Hee...sorry about the last post

The sun came out today! For photographic proof see the photo in my last post and here I am driving with my sunglasses on for the first time in 22 days.

I got a lot done. I ran my errands and found travel size Tide. Four loads in a $.99 bottle! Score. I found hair color, shampoo, conditioner, some travel size stuff, and a couple new trashy magazines for the flight. I have 4 to read on the way down and 4 to read on the way back.

I got home and started packing. I got my summer clothes out of storage and packed them up. I packed our swim suits and other stuff. I am getting excited! Bob's sister brought the stuff we need to stay in their timeshare, so now we are really ready to go.

I made some dinner, FINALLY washed the dishes, and then cut Bob's hair and trimmed his goatee. I also finished another washcloth. That makes 6 of 10 I need to complete. So I feel good about today and everything I got done. Tomorrow I just have to finish some reading for school and color my hair. Oh, and make the bean and hamburger soup I have beans soaking for tonight.

Bob and I started talking about how long we will be away and thought it might be a good idea to have someone actually stay at our place while we are gone. We asked his nephew who was up for the idea, but may not be able to. Then we thought of the adult daughter of some friends of ours as a back up. I would actually prefer our friends' daughter because they live very close by in case there is an emergency or problem. Either way, it would be better to have someone living here than just checking in. We should know by Thursday if it's going to work out with either of them. 

Do Any Of You Know What This Is?

Today I saw the most frightening thing in the sky. I've heard about this phenomenon but to actually see it in person left me awestruck, a little paralized, and, if I'm totally honest, a wee bit scared. I've often dreamed about this day and was honored to be among the chosen to view it in person. This only thing is, I am not sure what to call it. I did get a picture and thought if I posted it, maybe someone who reads this blog can help me out. But be careful. The sight of it can be a little frightening. I don't recommend looking at the photo if you are weak of stomach or will. So look at your own descretion. Scroll down and tell me what you see:
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Is this what they call...the sun? I've heard of it but didn't dream of ever seeing it in my lifetime.

Daisy Is Not Giving Up

Just one more photo of Daisy staking a claim on our luggage so we don't forget her. In one more week, we will be in sunny Florida! 

Take Me! Take Me!

This is Daisy's way of saying she wants to go with us on our vacation. I threw the suitcase on the bed in order to get some stuff packed up and 3 seconds later it was filled with cat.

So, not ony did the stick stay white when I peed on it, I got my period a day early. Maybe it's my uterus's way of fighting back after the pelvic and pap smear yesterday. Doesn't that sound like a good title for a movie? The Uterus Fights Back!

I cannot get enough of Kanye West's song Gold Digger. I watch it on Yahoo videos at least twice a day and today I heard it on the radio when I was scanning the dial. It's not that great of a song, but I LOVE it! Not only that, but then it runs through my head all day long and the only way to get it to stop is to listen to it...again.

I got up at 9 and started right in on some of the stuff that I needed to accomplish today. I got 20 more New Year/Fundraiser letters out, 5 more thank you notes mailed, emptied all the trash recepticles in our home and cleaned out the kitties cat boxes. I also planned our weekend menu and thought about washing the dishes. I haven't gotten the gumption to finish the dishes yet. I still need to run a couple of errands. I am out of shampoo, vitamins, hair color, and toothpaste. Looks like I'll be making a run to Target.

Why is it that every month I am so sure I am pregnant? I have SYMPTOMS! I have dishcharge. I have sore breasts. I have an achey back. I have bloating. I have acne. I have THE KNOWING. And yet every time, I am wrong. All these symptoms can also be attributed to PMS, periods, horomones, bad diet, lack of sleep, whatever AND to pregnancy. It's just not fair. How can I be so wrong about my very own body every. single. month? 

What Is That Faint Shining Orb In The Sky?

The sun tried valiantly to shine through the clouds today but in the end, all we got was a tiny little bit of brightness this afternoon. Now they are saying we may not see the sun until Thursday!

So, today. It was doctor day in our household. Bob first. He finally saw a new primary care physician at the U of M hospital where his MD specialist is. He said this new doctor was a little on the young side, but he really liked him. That's good. I guess he got a thorough once over. The new doc said Bob could stand to lose some weight. Well, couldn't we all. He prescribed a sleeping aid for bob. That's good too. Annnnnnd...Bob has a hernia. He will have to have it operated on, but they can't get him in until April. That's not so good. Poor baby. He also has to see a genetic counselor and a fertility specialist in order to give up some of his boys. Over all, I guess he had a good experience...as good as a man can have in a doctor's office during a complete physical.

My turn. I went to the clinic and saw a doctor I was not familiar with. She was very nice and I quite liked her. She took in my complaints and asked me if, based on what I said, if there was any chance I could have Chlamydia or some other STD? Ummm, no. No chance. So she took a urine sample and then performed a pelvic. (Said in Elf's oh so cherubic voice) "Pelvic's are my favorite!" Of course the whole time I'm at the clinic, the pain was no where to be found. Then she did what I was hoping she wouldn't do. She walked through "that door". You see, every month I get my hopes up that THIS month will be THE month. And every month my hopes are dashed to the rocks. It is now 2 days before my period is due and I have been doing so well keeping the lid on that little jar of hope. Only to have this doctor yank it right off with her question, "could you possibly be pregnant?" Ummmm, theoretically, I guess so.

The only problem is...you should NEVER go to the clinic late on a Friday afternoon. You should most definitely STAY there until they tell you the results of your tests, even if it is 10 minutes into the time you should already be back at the office. When they say they will call you with the results, no matter what, do not believe them. Now I have to wait until Monday to know for sure. Except...the minute I got home I peed on a stick and the stick stayed white. So, the hope, it is dashed again. The doctor did say that most likely the discharge is just hormonal and normal for 2 days before a period and the pain is probably muscle aches related to the fall I took on Monday. Why are there always such logical explanations for things that one could construe as pregnancy symptoms?

What does Dr. Google have to say about it all? I'm glad you asked: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=brown+vaginal+discharge+pain+on+right+side
Yikes! It could be so much worse.

So, this weekend will be spent pre-packing, doing schoolwork, and snuggling my sweet husband. I feel so fortunate. Two of my most favorite bloggers are experiencing painful breakups and it breaks my heart. I wish they did not have to go through this. Poor women.

Day 20 of Sun Watch

Still no sign of the sun, although there is a rumor it may show itself tomorrow. We'll see. Only 9 more days until I can see the sun by flying the friendly skies and spending time in the Sunshine state!

Tomorrow I am spending my lunch hour at the doctor's office. When I got dressed this morning, I noticed a pain just over my right hip. I can't tell if it's muscular or internal in nature but it really hurts. It hurts worse when I bend or stretch. I am also experiencing some brown discharge and wonder if it's a lady issue. I will hopefully know more tomorrow. As it happens, Bob will also be at the doctor tomorrow. He is FINALLY seeing a general practioner at the U of M hospital where his MD specialist is. Judging by the forms we had to fill out in preparation, they are going to be very thorough. He is also supposed to have a sperm mobility test...hope they get that done.

No word on Bob's dad. Bob hasn't decided if we are going there or not. But if we go, we will probably go on Monday and come back on Tuesday so we will still have several days to play in Florida. For sure we are going to Sea World and Bob wants to go to Cypress Gardens. I just want to hang by the ocean/pool and read in the sun. Ahhhhh, that's my idea of a nice vacation.

So today I just went to work, did my job, no extraneous interaction, no needless chatting or sharing, just work and more work. I have to say, I got a lot done but it sure was boring. Bob is a MUCH better person than I am. When I told him about what happened at work with the fundraiser, he was very understanding and said two wrongs don't make a right and we would still support my co-worker's kids' fundraisers. He wasn't all bitter like I was. I was ready to write them all off, but he said to wait and see.

Tonight I made our last Simply To the Table meal. It was call Spanish Chicken and my word it was good! A little on the spicy side...in fact, my lips are still burning and my nose dripping. But Yum! It came with couscous and garbanzo beans. Nice compliments. I am hoping we can make a run to STTT when we get back from Florida. Something else I am doing when we get back is my yearly physical. I kept putting it off in December but per an agreement with Bob, made an appointment for the day after we get back. I am off work that day and thought it would be a good time for a lady check up. Not that there is really a great time for that, but you know.

Not So Great Of A Day

This is a photo of Bob and his dad from last Christmas. We heard today that Bob's dad has congestive heart failure and is probably not doing so well. When we are in Orlando, we will be only about 450 miles from him. We are weighing out the pros and cons of making the drive to see him. It's about the distance between my home town and the first college I attended, so it's definitely doable. And I've never been to the state where he resides, so I could add it to my "states visited" roster. I say we do it. Bob is more hesitant because he is unsure of his father's health and doesn't want to put him out. If we don't visit him now, the next time we see him will probably be at his funeral. This just makes me feel so sad. I know our parents don't live forever, but I don't think we are ever truly ready to lose them.

In other sad news, my boss took me aside today to say that someone reported my van fundraising efforts for Bob to HR and I am to cease and desist any more efforts. I understand Big Bank Co has a no solicitation policy, but what about all the stupid Girl Scout cookies, wrapping paper, pizzas, cookie dough, and magazines I've bought to raise money for every co-worker's kid's school. I never reported those people to HR and I always buy something because when I was a kid I sold 800 gagillion things to raise money for various and sundry things. To cushion the blow, my boss did say she was working hard at getting her boss to OK a match or donation from our department for our walk and that anyone who received our letter can still donate, but I'm not to solicit any more via notes, photos, emails, candy sales, etc. It just irks me. Try to get a guy a van so he can get outside his apartment, make doctors visits, and reach out to his community and there are people who want to put a stop to it. But try to raise money to send a girl to camp or to buy pencils for some kids homeroom and everyone is all for that. Well, OK, it's not a fair comparison because education rocks in all its forms. Still, it's the principle of the thing.

I'm glad we're leaving for Florida in 10 days. I need a vacation from all this crap. Work hasn't been going so well. Not just because of today's news either. Lately I've been feeling crappy about the work I do and who I am. I've been feeling stupid and stagnant and loser-ish. I feel like (and especially now) I don't have any friends there and no one to watch my back. I guess I just feel alone there. Maybe I just need to become a drone. A worker bee that doesn't interact or get involved. I just come, do my work, and leave. Nothing more and nothing less. I don't know if I can do that, but I may not have any alternative at this point.

I am loving my favorite radio station even more than I did before. They finally gave the ax to Dr. Laura and replaced her with The Satellite Sisters. Now I don't have to turn off my radio or turn the dial from noon to three. I'm still not a huge fan of the 3-6 show, but at least now I can listen from noon - 3 without having to gauge my ears out with a melon baller. If you live in the twin cities area, please turn your dial to 107.1 and check out the real life conversation.

Special thanks to Kathy at http://www.coffeegrind.diaryland.com
for passing along the info on the van fundraiser. She's a peach of the fuzziest variety.

The Hometown Clocktower

This is a photo of the clocktower from the courthouse from my hometown. Isn't it quaint? It demands a visit before May, don't you agree? Maybe a quick weekend in March at the latest. 

First Day Back To Work

Today was a good day after having the 3-day weekend. It was busy, but it was good. What I do is not what I aspire to, but it's a good job. There are irritants, of course. Loud girl was having computer troubles and made sure everyone knew she was in a bad mood and why. That made asking her to do something on her computer system kind of difficult. It's one thing to be angry, crabby, or out of sorts. It's another thing entirely to take it out on everyone around you.

Then there was curious girl. I call her this because she is always asking everyone about themselves and about what is going on. Last week, someone from systems came by my cube and said they had treats available in their area and we were invited to come and sample. So I said, loudly, "Hey, there are treats in systems...go sample!" Curious girl looks at me and says, "How long have they been there? I didn't know there were treats." I told her that they just came to tell me to enjoy the treats. She was still indignant that she didn't know about the treats. I tried to tell her that no one knew until they came to tell us. She takes it so personally if people know things and don't share them with her, but she doesn't initiate or ask anyone what's going on.

Yesterday it was so melty out that there was a fine layer of ice on everything. I was being so careful and yet I still fell on the ice. It wasn't graceful or anything. I wasn't even able to catch myself and stop the fall. I slipped and fell flat on my back. I laid there for a little while just making sure I was OK. I was shaken, but fine. Today I am sore and feel like an old lady. I moan when I get up and have to stretch my back out just to move a bit. Good thing I'm still spry enough to fall without breaking anything.

I just talked to my oldest friend on the phone. Hi Mary! It is always good to hear from her. She wanted to know when I might be swinging be the old hometown again. In talking it out, I realized it might not be until May! That seems far too long. I think I need to make a quick trip in February one weekend...maybe after the walk. May is just too long to go without visiting the hometown.

My Day Off

Today was nice. I woke up around 10:30. It was awesome! I went into the office just to print some stuff, picked up some lunch, then came home and assembled our Christmas/New Years/Fundraising letter. Bob and I watched The Longest Yard together while I assembled. Once that was done, I continued to assemble and watched Hostage. I also wrote out my thank you notes for all the birthday and Christmas gifts I (oh, and Bob) received this year. Everything is going out in the mail tomorrow. It was a great day of sitting around and doing nothing while at the same time doing something.

I keep thinking it is Sunday and that I have school tomorrow. Bob does too. But it's not and I don't. I have school a week from tonight and then only 4 more days until we leave for Florida. We have to be at the airport by 6am to make our 8am flight. We will be in Florida by noon! Whoot!

I miss the sun. It's been over 14 days since we've seen the sun. Although yesterday I did see the sun for about 3 minutes when I went out to return some videos. Suuuuuuuunnnnnn! I need the sun!

2006 is the Year of the Fundraiser

Dear Friends,

We are writing this letter to give you information about my husband Bob and to ask for your help. As you know, Bob has a genetic neuromuscular disorder called FSH muscular dystrophy. It is a progressive disease that causes the degeneration of Bob’s muscles. This particular form of MD affects the muscles that Bob uses to stand, walk, lift, and even smile. There is no cure for this disease, but most people with FSH MD live a normal life span, however, its victims are often left unable to walk or stand.

Bob has been in a power wheelchair for about two years, but he continues to do what he can to live a full life. He attends ACTS Int’l Bible College and is working towards a degree in Ministry. He would eventually like to work with “at risk” youth. Until recently, Bob was able to use a ramp that was built for him to load his power chair into the back of his pickup truck so he could go to college and make visits to residents of two different nursing homes. He could only use the ramp if it wasn’t raining or snowing. Bob’s muscles have degenerated to a point now where the muscles in his upper body can no longer support his frame therefore He can no longer use the ramp without help. He is unable to stand or walk more than a few steps and getting in and out of his wheelchair is very painful and is nearing impossible. We can see it is time to find a long-term solution to Bob’s mobility problems by raising funds to purchase a wheelchair-equipped van. Bob has so much to office his church and community, but he has become a prisoner of his home now that he has to use his wheelchair full time. Most people don’t know that his chair weighs almost 300 pounds, so just getting it from one place to another presents its own challenges.

Bob and I and his family have pooled our resources together and have raised about $5,000 to contribute to this fund. I have researched every possible avenue for funds from the State of MN, MDA, and other private foundations without much success. It seems there are programs for the disabled, but none of them provide handicapped accessible transportation, except for one; an organization called Mobility For Independence. (http://www.mobilityforindependence.org/) They have a special account set up for Bob and all donations sent to that fund are tax deductible! A few of our friends and family members contributed to this fund last summer during their annual fundraiser, where Bob was a featured applicant and contributed a total of $580. There are some matching funds possible from MFI, but it depends on the grants the have available in 2006. Bob’s sister and I will continue to work with this organization in order to maximize our fundraising efforts. Through a set of amazing circumstances, Bob’s sister found a 2004 Chrysler Town and Country wheelchair accessible van with only 6,400 miles on it (see photo above). She talked to the owner and he agreed to wait until April 15th for the money. We need to raise approximately $35,000 total in order to pay for the van and other mobility related expenses. As one family member put it, “it’s time to circle the wagons, pull together, and help Amy and Bob.” So you can see we still have quite a ways to go to raise the rest of the money we need to get the van.

What can you do? First of all, please pray for us as we embark on this journey. Second, will you lead a group of walkers in our upcoming walk-a-thon? It is scheduled for February 11th from 1-3. We will have walkers at all the major malls in the Minneapolis Metro area and are hoping to have other walkers at other malls around the country from our friends who live elsewhere. If we can all get 35 people to ask 10 friends or relatives to walk and get $100 from each in sponsors, we can raise the entire amount in one day! Third, would you consider being a group leader? If not, can you walk with us and get $100 or more in sponsors? If not, would you consider sponsoring me or Bob on our walk and donating $10, $25, $50, or $100? No amount is too large or small. Does the company you work for match employee donations? MFI is a 5013c Foundation so all donations are tax deductible. Let me know if your company is going to match funds so we can direct them to Bob’s account. Finally, be creative. Ask your church’s youth group to adopt Bob and perform public service projects or fundraisers. This van will make a huge difference in Bob’s life. Can you send a check to MFI? We’ve enclosed a self addressed enveloped. Please make sure to write “Bob” in the memo section of your check.

Thank you all for your prayers and support through the years. We love and appreciate you more than we can express in this one letter. Please don’t feel obligated to donate your time or money. We know what it’s like to be strapped financially and with all the disasters over the past year, we know giving has been on the minds of many. However, please keep this fundraiser in your prayers and ask God to be behind all we do. Finally, if you have already given, thank you. We really appreciate your generosity towards us. We don’t expect you to give more. If you could, would you consider passing our letter on to someone else who might be willing to give? Thanks so much.

God bless and much love,

Amy & Bob