My boyfriend swept into town last night, and we shared an evening at the Marriott Downtown. It was fabulous.
He picked me up at work. I packed a bag the night before, and informed my roomie not to expect me at her place. Tuesday I had a meeting in Iowa City. We got back around 3:30, and I waited nervously for my honey to call.
He was in town for a state meeting. In good pants. And a nice shirt and tie. Looking all sexy. He called around 4:45 to say he was on his way to pick me up. I practically bolted out the door and made it to my car to pick up my bag just in time.
We checked into the hotel at the same time as a bunch of school people. It was a madhouse. My guy chose to utilize the valet parking service - how suave! We went up to the room and put on our comfy clothes. I hated to see him take off his handsome outfit.
Later we walked through the skywalk system to get to Court Avenue for a bite to eat. For real excitement we watched our fave TV show - The Good Wife - together. We talked, but sometimes we were just happy being together while I read my book and he read USA Today.
I like spending time with my boyfriend, my best friend, my husband of 29 (in August) Paul George Goldsmith.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Donating
I donated blood today. It's my Lenten thing. In past years I've given up stuff. One year I gave up Internet sites, or certain foods. This year I decided to give up blood. It involved getting out of my comfort zone to make an appointment at a place I have walked by for years - the blood center on Locust, near where I work.
Once I started looking into it, making the appointment was pretty slick. It was right online. And the center just changed names - to the Life Serve Blood Center:
http://www.bloodcenterofiowa.org/news.aspx
When I got there, it took scant minutes to check in. I didn't have to fill out a long form. The medical stuff I had to answer was a slick online form. Everyone was extremely nice and the place was clean and well lit. My iron was stellar and the finger prick wasn't too bad. The tech struggled to find my vein - they all do. But she did good and struck red gold. I was outa there in an hour.
I feel good about my donation. O Positive, baby!
Once I started looking into it, making the appointment was pretty slick. It was right online. And the center just changed names - to the Life Serve Blood Center:
http://www.bloodcenterofiowa.org/news.aspx
When I got there, it took scant minutes to check in. I didn't have to fill out a long form. The medical stuff I had to answer was a slick online form. Everyone was extremely nice and the place was clean and well lit. My iron was stellar and the finger prick wasn't too bad. The tech struggled to find my vein - they all do. But she did good and struck red gold. I was outa there in an hour.
I feel good about my donation. O Positive, baby!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Bishop's letter
It's time for the annual Diocesan Appeal for the Diocese of Des Moines. This year, instead of donating, I wrote this letter on behalf of Paul and me.
Dear Bishop Pates
We are writing regarding the Annual Diocesan Appeal. We realize the Diocese does many good things with the funds received, but we will not be supporting the Appeal this year.
We were embarrassed by Diocese support of the Religious Conscience Protection Act, House Study Bill 50. While we agree the Church has a right to decide whether or not to allow same sex couples to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. After searching our consciences on this matter, we believe same sex couples have a right for a legal marriage in the eyes of the law, as the State of Iowa presently allows.
We know several gay people and have a niece who is married to her partner. They didn’t ask to be born the way they are, and just because their “difference” isn’t visible to our eyes doesn’t make them less different.
When the Diocese actively supported this type of far-reaching measure cloaked as the “Religious Conscience Protection Act” we were very disappointed. The bill was so poorly written that it allowed for discrimination in many areas. We don’t wish to support lobbying by the Diocese.
Paul and I donate locally to St. Malachy School and will send a donation to the St. Joseph Emergency Shelter.
and we both signed it. This week Paul texted me to say we'd gotten a letter from the Bishop. I texted back, "Are we excommunicated?" halfways hoping the answer was "yes". But no. It was a poorly written half assed apology. I think. He said it was a mistake, but didn't really own up to what the mistake was, or who made the mistake.
For those of you not from Iowa, the crappy legislation the diocese supported would have allowed churches and small businesses to discriminate against pretty much anybody, including gay couples legally married. A Clarinda legislator came up with this sad idea. An example: A photographer books a wedding and then finds out it's a gay wedding. And she's a - gasp - Christian who doesn't believe in same sex marriage. She should be able to cancel the contract without fear of being sued. Or a landlord finds out the two roommates he leased an apartment to are really "partners" and wants them out of his property.
The legislation was so poorly written that it would have allowed not only illegal discrimination against legally married gay couples, it would have allowed all sorts of other discrimination. Therefore the bill didn't get out of committee. But I was still embarrassed that the Catholic Lobbyist had registered in favor of the bill. So take that Bishop!
Anyway, we got a nice thank you note from the Shelter. This week I'm also going to try donating blood at the Blood Center near where I work. Hope they can find a vein, and I'm not anemic or anything. I haven't been able to donate since I've been working in DSM. It's my Lenten deal this year - I'm not "giving up" anything - I'm giving something.
Dear Bishop Pates
We are writing regarding the Annual Diocesan Appeal. We realize the Diocese does many good things with the funds received, but we will not be supporting the Appeal this year.
We were embarrassed by Diocese support of the Religious Conscience Protection Act, House Study Bill 50. While we agree the Church has a right to decide whether or not to allow same sex couples to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. After searching our consciences on this matter, we believe same sex couples have a right for a legal marriage in the eyes of the law, as the State of Iowa presently allows.
We know several gay people and have a niece who is married to her partner. They didn’t ask to be born the way they are, and just because their “difference” isn’t visible to our eyes doesn’t make them less different.
When the Diocese actively supported this type of far-reaching measure cloaked as the “Religious Conscience Protection Act” we were very disappointed. The bill was so poorly written that it allowed for discrimination in many areas. We don’t wish to support lobbying by the Diocese.
Paul and I donate locally to St. Malachy School and will send a donation to the St. Joseph Emergency Shelter.
and we both signed it. This week Paul texted me to say we'd gotten a letter from the Bishop. I texted back, "Are we excommunicated?" halfways hoping the answer was "yes". But no. It was a poorly written half assed apology. I think. He said it was a mistake, but didn't really own up to what the mistake was, or who made the mistake.
For those of you not from Iowa, the crappy legislation the diocese supported would have allowed churches and small businesses to discriminate against pretty much anybody, including gay couples legally married. A Clarinda legislator came up with this sad idea. An example: A photographer books a wedding and then finds out it's a gay wedding. And she's a - gasp - Christian who doesn't believe in same sex marriage. She should be able to cancel the contract without fear of being sued. Or a landlord finds out the two roommates he leased an apartment to are really "partners" and wants them out of his property.
The legislation was so poorly written that it would have allowed not only illegal discrimination against legally married gay couples, it would have allowed all sorts of other discrimination. Therefore the bill didn't get out of committee. But I was still embarrassed that the Catholic Lobbyist had registered in favor of the bill. So take that Bishop!
Anyway, we got a nice thank you note from the Shelter. This week I'm also going to try donating blood at the Blood Center near where I work. Hope they can find a vein, and I'm not anemic or anything. I haven't been able to donate since I've been working in DSM. It's my Lenten deal this year - I'm not "giving up" anything - I'm giving something.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
NCAA Brackets
I'm not doing too well on my NCAA bracket this year...which is not surprising since I spent all of 5 minutes making my choices. I looked at seeding numbers and records of course - they were right there on the brackets. But mostly I looked at the team names.
I'm married to Pablo. He loves hoops. Jud is my son he too loves basketball. Amy and Jud both played basketball from birth through high school, and even in intramurals in college. We're a ballin' fam. Through the years I've formed relationships with some teams - due to a certain coach, team or even a player.
Like UCONN - I really dislike Jim Calhoun, the coach. But I'm not dumb - so I'll pick them for a couple games, but will pick against them as soon as I can! Same with other cheater coaches - and their teams. Last year I picked all the Big 12 teams to do well and they hurt me - so I didn't do that this year.
And I didn't want to just go with top seeds - that's a cop out. I saw North Carolina vs Duke the week before and both looked darn good. I picked each of those teams to do well. Florida was my other team to do well. Butler just took care of them. And Arizona polished off Duke - my pick to win the whole thing.
UCONN has them on the ropes right now. Cheater! Fun games to watch though.
I'm married to Pablo. He loves hoops. Jud is my son he too loves basketball. Amy and Jud both played basketball from birth through high school, and even in intramurals in college. We're a ballin' fam. Through the years I've formed relationships with some teams - due to a certain coach, team or even a player.
Like UCONN - I really dislike Jim Calhoun, the coach. But I'm not dumb - so I'll pick them for a couple games, but will pick against them as soon as I can! Same with other cheater coaches - and their teams. Last year I picked all the Big 12 teams to do well and they hurt me - so I didn't do that this year.
And I didn't want to just go with top seeds - that's a cop out. I saw North Carolina vs Duke the week before and both looked darn good. I picked each of those teams to do well. Florida was my other team to do well. Butler just took care of them. And Arizona polished off Duke - my pick to win the whole thing.
UCONN has them on the ropes right now. Cheater! Fun games to watch though.
The big unit
 |
| Sharon and Al |
Al can do about anything. Yard stuff, build a gorgeous house, rebuild a car - he can do it all. Al loves babies and seems to be a great dad. Plus he's a handsome dude married to a wonderful lady, Sharon for 40 years. I'm sure he's got some bad habits - but he seems to keep them well hidden!
We ended up the night - of course - at Sidetracked. I have started to dislike the place less. Last night there was even a lime in my vodka tonic. It was pathetic, but there. There is a regular bunch of people that hangs out at the joint. Barflies, ya know. Last night we were part of that crowd - not that I'm bragging. John Carroll joined us as we talked about RAGBRAI - the bike ride across Iowa.
It probably wasn't Al's most fun bday ever - but I was glad to spend it with a great guy and good friend. Happy Birthday Allan - and many more!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Got an offer!
It was a pretty good day today, for a Thursday, even though I didn't get to go home. The 9.75 hour work day went by pretty quickly, actually. It was chilly out, so I didn't mind staying in at lunch and eating tuna. I kept busy finishing up designing a Survey Monkey survey for our stakeholders. Kinda fun really.
We had a pre-EMS (Environmental Management System - with a 9 member Council made up of a variety of stakeholders) meeting meeting today. The EMS meeting is tomorrow - and is bound to be contentious. A couple meetings ago a kinda got emotional and spoke up too much. But hey, last meeting I did great! So, note to self - zip lip again tomorrow. My boss Brian gave me "the look" today when he said "let's all keep our emotions in check" or something to that effect. What?? Me, lippy?
After work I attended the Planned Parenthood book sale. I got a cookbook, a couple books for Pablo (poolboy books on pool maintenance) a couple novels and a CD.
And I got the best phone call I've had in a long while! Jud called once - we discussed his job hunting dilemma - he'd gotten a call from a recruiter advising him of a job he should apply for at a coffee maker manufacturer 60 miles SW of Des Moines. Jud gulped - That's in Creston! Ick! I told him not to rule anything out - perhaps this was how he could break into the working world...and it's not that far from KC where his girlfriend Kara will be living. My maternal pep talk. He agreed to at least apply.
He also had an interview lined up in Minneapolis Monday. While he was in class, he'd had a call from the Altec Company rep he'd interviewed with two weeks ago, but had missed it, and the guy was gone for the day when he returned the call after 5 PM.
Five minutes later he called back jubilant. He has a job offer from Altec in St. Jo, Missouri! It even came with a signing bonus. St. Jo is just an hour from Kansas City. And isn't that far from Creston either. Yep - a pretty good day...
We had a pre-EMS (Environmental Management System - with a 9 member Council made up of a variety of stakeholders) meeting meeting today. The EMS meeting is tomorrow - and is bound to be contentious. A couple meetings ago a kinda got emotional and spoke up too much. But hey, last meeting I did great! So, note to self - zip lip again tomorrow. My boss Brian gave me "the look" today when he said "let's all keep our emotions in check" or something to that effect. What?? Me, lippy?
After work I attended the Planned Parenthood book sale. I got a cookbook, a couple books for Pablo (poolboy books on pool maintenance) a couple novels and a CD.
And I got the best phone call I've had in a long while! Jud called once - we discussed his job hunting dilemma - he'd gotten a call from a recruiter advising him of a job he should apply for at a coffee maker manufacturer 60 miles SW of Des Moines. Jud gulped - That's in Creston! Ick! I told him not to rule anything out - perhaps this was how he could break into the working world...and it's not that far from KC where his girlfriend Kara will be living. My maternal pep talk. He agreed to at least apply.
He also had an interview lined up in Minneapolis Monday. While he was in class, he'd had a call from the Altec Company rep he'd interviewed with two weeks ago, but had missed it, and the guy was gone for the day when he returned the call after 5 PM.
 |
| Jud and roomies - and, oh look who's in the back ground! |
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Historic Williamsburg
First - Amy G is back in the US of A. Yay! She got to Denver this evening, but I spoke to her around 1 PM, during her layover in Detroit - her voice was music to my ears!
And now our regularly scheduled program:
I visited Historic Williamsburg today. At least that's what I told my husband...because when I said on Sunday, "I'm thinking of going to Williamsburg." He asked, "Williamsburg? Williamsburg?" Like he didn't know exactly what I was talking about. So I said, "you know, historical Williamsburg."
You see, Iowa's biggest Outlet Mall is there - the Tanger Outlet - just off the Interstate about 15 miles west of Iowa City. So it IS historic! I have a great deal of outlet history with that place...we used to stop on our way to George and Laura Goldsmith's in Earlville.
So I left work a bit early and headed east on I-80. When I got there, I spent about an hour in the Eddie Bauer store, after a brief walk through at Hush Puppy (they carry Merrill). I purchased a few tops there, and tried on some pants but no go. Then I headed to Jockey, where I'm on the "friends" list. I had an email coupon for 40% off bras. Ended up with 3 of them plus 3 tanks (a/k/a wifebeaters).
I was sorry to note that the Fossil outlet was history on my historical tour. ;>(. I stayed on my mission. Last I hit Vanity Fair, after walking through Reebok. Tried on a few things, and ended up with some black capris, $10 green canvas pants and a couple pairs of shorts for Paul. A job well done! I was back at Joan's by 7:30 PM!
Next - I can't wait until my vaction when I get to investigate the streets of that other magic place in old Fort Myers - Miramar. There's a Columbia Outlet store there!!
And now our regularly scheduled program:
I visited Historic Williamsburg today. At least that's what I told my husband...because when I said on Sunday, "I'm thinking of going to Williamsburg." He asked, "Williamsburg? Williamsburg?" Like he didn't know exactly what I was talking about. So I said, "you know, historical Williamsburg."
You see, Iowa's biggest Outlet Mall is there - the Tanger Outlet - just off the Interstate about 15 miles west of Iowa City. So it IS historic! I have a great deal of outlet history with that place...we used to stop on our way to George and Laura Goldsmith's in Earlville.
So I left work a bit early and headed east on I-80. When I got there, I spent about an hour in the Eddie Bauer store, after a brief walk through at Hush Puppy (they carry Merrill). I purchased a few tops there, and tried on some pants but no go. Then I headed to Jockey, where I'm on the "friends" list. I had an email coupon for 40% off bras. Ended up with 3 of them plus 3 tanks (a/k/a wifebeaters).
I was sorry to note that the Fossil outlet was history on my historical tour. ;>(. I stayed on my mission. Last I hit Vanity Fair, after walking through Reebok. Tried on a few things, and ended up with some black capris, $10 green canvas pants and a couple pairs of shorts for Paul. A job well done! I was back at Joan's by 7:30 PM!
Next - I can't wait until my vaction when I get to investigate the streets of that other magic place in old Fort Myers - Miramar. There's a Columbia Outlet store there!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
My baby girl
Can't wait to hear about the adventures of Carrie and Amy in Turkey! It sounds like they had quite a trip. All the while I've been earthbound here in Iowa.
But Paul Goldsmith was nearly swept away like Dorothy of Kansas tonight when a "pipe" tornado touched down close to our home. Was he hunkering down in the basement like he was supposed to, with Odie? Nope, he was out by Stofferahn's peering over the hill looking for the twister.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Dang these hormones
Three days, three migraines. I believe my lonely only 53-year old ovary (sorry any guy readers - avert eyes) is the culprit. The other lil walnut sized nugget was removed during my hysterectomy 1.5 years ago. I could have opted to get 'em both removed....but I chickened out. I didn't want to go through menopause cold turkey.
So hear I am...suffering the consequences. Of hormones running rampant. Cramps over the weekend. And headaches. Bitch! (I don't know who, I just felt like calling someone that) I didn't really even act bitchy over the weekend. Ah well - at least I'm not having many hot flashes yet.
Taking my headache drugs that many days in a row ends up wiping me out. And wouldn't you know it - Joan called, and her sis was in town for dinner and a movie. I was too tired to do either. Debbie Downer on Drugs that's me! So I shopped a bit and came home to Joan's.
On a lil funnier note, I, Nancy Drew Jr. have solved the "Riddle of Amy's Guy Friend's Name". You see, for some time now, I'd suspected that Amy had a new guy "friend" she'd been hanging out with in Vail. Yet, she wasn't speaking of it. So Paul and I started calling him "He Who Shall Not Be Named" (like the really bad guy in Harry Potter). Amy doesn't rush to tell me of her beaus - as I can be a bit of a stalker....I know, it's embarrassing. I don't want my baby girl dating a serial killer or anything, so I used to check them out on Iowa Courts Online.
So it became a joke between us. Not speaking his name. Yet I was determined, on my own to ferret it out...on my own. It took several weeks. But with 2 clues - from her blog: He's from New Jersey. And from her Facebook - a photo. Yesterday I found a pic of him on her friend's Facebook. A guy, from NJ, and he's a friend of Amy's too - looks like the guy in Amy's photo. Bingo!
Amy's in Turkey - but I was able to send her this message yesterday: Nancy Drew believes she has finally solved the riddle! It was Colonel Mustard in the library with XX (I'm not giving you his name..figure it out yourself!) ha! That is "He Who's" name - right?!?
Game over. I really should have been a private investigator...why am I wasting my time in trash??
So hear I am...suffering the consequences. Of hormones running rampant. Cramps over the weekend. And headaches. Bitch! (I don't know who, I just felt like calling someone that) I didn't really even act bitchy over the weekend. Ah well - at least I'm not having many hot flashes yet.
Taking my headache drugs that many days in a row ends up wiping me out. And wouldn't you know it - Joan called, and her sis was in town for dinner and a movie. I was too tired to do either. Debbie Downer on Drugs that's me! So I shopped a bit and came home to Joan's.
On a lil funnier note, I, Nancy Drew Jr. have solved the "Riddle of Amy's Guy Friend's Name". You see, for some time now, I'd suspected that Amy had a new guy "friend" she'd been hanging out with in Vail. Yet, she wasn't speaking of it. So Paul and I started calling him "He Who Shall Not Be Named" (like the really bad guy in Harry Potter). Amy doesn't rush to tell me of her beaus - as I can be a bit of a stalker....I know, it's embarrassing. I don't want my baby girl dating a serial killer or anything, so I used to check them out on Iowa Courts Online.
So it became a joke between us. Not speaking his name. Yet I was determined, on my own to ferret it out...on my own. It took several weeks. But with 2 clues - from her blog: He's from New Jersey. And from her Facebook - a photo. Yesterday I found a pic of him on her friend's Facebook. A guy, from NJ, and he's a friend of Amy's too - looks like the guy in Amy's photo. Bingo!
Amy's in Turkey - but I was able to send her this message yesterday: Nancy Drew believes she has finally solved the riddle! It was Colonel Mustard in the library with XX (I'm not giving you his name..figure it out yourself!) ha! That is "He Who's" name - right?!?
Game over. I really should have been a private investigator...why am I wasting my time in trash??
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Anniversary
Sorry - it's another political column on unions. Avert eyes if you don't like this opinionated political stuff.
I've heard recently about the Triangle Waist Factory - and the upcoming 100 Year Anniversary of the tragic fire that was the beginning of some of the labor movement. See a link here:
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/trianglefire/
Don't worry - it's not a union addie - it's a Cornell U. history site!
For those of you who don't wish to visit the link - the fire, in NYC claimed the lives of 146 young immigrants working in inhumane conditions. I first learned of these issues in Dr. Neil Harl's Ag Law class at ISU. What a teacher that guy is - and he's still taking Iowa's leaders (legislators and our governor) to task today. I believe I earned a C in that class. ;>( But as you can tell I learned a lot. It was fascinating!
The place was a sweatshop - with work contracted out and the middlemen pocketing the good money, and little flowing through to the workers. The workers got exploited. I recall hearing in class about severed limbs and other atrocities poor workers suffered. They were often underage and of course poor and foreign. They had no one to complain to!
On this occasion, a fire broke out and 146 of 500 workers died - leaving the others scared for life from the "pain and terror" they had witnessed. Doors were actually locked so people could not get out. Some of the young women (Italian and European Jews) jumped to their deaths rather than burn. Back then there were no codes and fire inspections. I get wound up thinking of the Tea Party folks who just want big government out of everything. Are these the rules and requirements they wish to forget?
Anyway - this tragedy was one of the reasons labor unions became so important in the US. They were huge in creating the 40 hour work week, vacations, overtime and many of the benefits we enjoy at work today.
That said - did some of them get corrupt? Did they go overboard? As with anything...do some members take advantage of rules? Yes to all of the above. And, due to those answers, and the unwillingness to negotiate in a realistic manner in a now global economy, many jobs have left the country. Not to say they wouldn't have anyway (see above - some companies are now able to pay much less overseas...why? Let's hope it's not because they're contracting workers...)
Labor unions have had an important place in the United States. Thugs? Outrageous demands that make non-Union people say "gimme a break!" Yes. At times. I think they still have their place though. Wouldn't we all like someone to have our backs, when our boss is being unreasonable? Isn't it crazy that some employers require people to work 80 weeks? Why should a wacko supervisor have total power over a supervisee?
Just think about it.
I've heard recently about the Triangle Waist Factory - and the upcoming 100 Year Anniversary of the tragic fire that was the beginning of some of the labor movement. See a link here:
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/trianglefire/
Don't worry - it's not a union addie - it's a Cornell U. history site!
For those of you who don't wish to visit the link - the fire, in NYC claimed the lives of 146 young immigrants working in inhumane conditions. I first learned of these issues in Dr. Neil Harl's Ag Law class at ISU. What a teacher that guy is - and he's still taking Iowa's leaders (legislators and our governor) to task today. I believe I earned a C in that class. ;>( But as you can tell I learned a lot. It was fascinating!
The place was a sweatshop - with work contracted out and the middlemen pocketing the good money, and little flowing through to the workers. The workers got exploited. I recall hearing in class about severed limbs and other atrocities poor workers suffered. They were often underage and of course poor and foreign. They had no one to complain to!
On this occasion, a fire broke out and 146 of 500 workers died - leaving the others scared for life from the "pain and terror" they had witnessed. Doors were actually locked so people could not get out. Some of the young women (Italian and European Jews) jumped to their deaths rather than burn. Back then there were no codes and fire inspections. I get wound up thinking of the Tea Party folks who just want big government out of everything. Are these the rules and requirements they wish to forget?
Anyway - this tragedy was one of the reasons labor unions became so important in the US. They were huge in creating the 40 hour work week, vacations, overtime and many of the benefits we enjoy at work today.
That said - did some of them get corrupt? Did they go overboard? As with anything...do some members take advantage of rules? Yes to all of the above. And, due to those answers, and the unwillingness to negotiate in a realistic manner in a now global economy, many jobs have left the country. Not to say they wouldn't have anyway (see above - some companies are now able to pay much less overseas...why? Let's hope it's not because they're contracting workers...)
Labor unions have had an important place in the United States. Thugs? Outrageous demands that make non-Union people say "gimme a break!" Yes. At times. I think they still have their place though. Wouldn't we all like someone to have our backs, when our boss is being unreasonable? Isn't it crazy that some employers require people to work 80 weeks? Why should a wacko supervisor have total power over a supervisee?
Just think about it.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Oprah's Nate
I think it all goes back to Pat B, really. Nate, and Pat decorating like they live and their style tell (told) that story. And that's how the Bullock girls decorate. As I look around my living room. Or my bedroom. Or even my cubicle in the wretched Wallace Building. I'm surrounded by my life!
First there are life size pics of my fave kids in the room. Okay they're not actually life size. But pretty big. And my WWII recycling poster, croqueted Goldsmith, painted shoe form of Mom's, Venice postcard framed by Janis Owens, Moki cream pitcher, Music box from form Uncle Vern.
I know, I'm not supposed to love stuff. But oh I do! My things are so comforting to me. I can't imagine living in a place where you just pay someone else to buy beautiful things to make a room look nice. So impersonal - like a motel room. My walls might be kitchy but their mine.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Friday bits
 |
| Jim, Susi, Leslie and Jordan Alvillar |
Just back from my post-work walk. Ah - so good! It must be about 50 degrees but no wind. Took the route through my favorite cemetery - Calvary, near our home. Such a spiritual place for me - even on a power walk. I see Carol Glynn's new resting place - RIP lovely lady.
So many people claim Autumn as their favorite season. Not I. I love spring - green buds, grass and flowers just waiting to burst forth. Bugs haven't awakened yet. Oh the possibilities!
Got a long newsy email from sister Susi. Dad used to say "Sioux See" with soft S's. Just to warp her name like he did all of our names "Forsythia" Loose Leaf" Betso Bean" Her name was originally spelled Susie - at some point she dropped the name in a fit of originality, or to set herself apart from all the other Susans in the Class of 1969. I'll have to ask her sometime.
Anyway, all is good with the Alvillars - much quieter year in 2011 after 3 big events in 2010 - Leslie's wedding, David's wedding and Jordan's graduation from college. They lost their sweet doggie Lucy recently and the house is quiet. Jordan is now living in Denver near our very own Amy - so we should get to see them Memorial Day. Yay!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
St. Paddy's memories
I enjoy St. Pat's though - of course our son is Patrick! And it's a low maintenance holiday - no pressure. People are happy. And green - good environmental color.
March Madness started today - and I do have a memory from that. Back when the Clones were good - in 2000, we got tickets to the first game in Minneapolis at the Dome and took Amy and Jud. It was pretty cool - even though from where we sat, the team looked like tiny little dots.
The Clones - with Marcus Fizer made it to the Elite Eight that year, and should have gone farther, but ran into Michigan State in their own back yard, along with a crappy reffing job. It should have been Final Four Baby! Ah but that's the story of my Cyclones...woulda, shoulda, coulda.
More news from Amy in Turkey: took a bus from cappadoccıa last nıght to fethıye. beautıful cıty on the harbor wıth mountaıns ın the backgroundç ıtis a free day so weire takıng a bus to a beach somewhere. ı slept a lot on the bus last nıght whıch ıs weırd. tomorrow weire takıng a tour to a few ancıent places and hot sprıngs ın the mıddle of the countryö same as saturday and then a saturday nıght bus back to ıstanbul.our trıp has been better than ı could ever ımagıne so far.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
argh!
I bragged to a friend that I sleep like a baby...then just like a baby and I woke up at 3:46 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep. Pondering how the chillens are doing on their trips. (Jud skiing, Amy Turkey) Thinking about work stuff. Tried finishing a not that good book. Started slipping into slumberland right about time for the alarm to go off.
Work wasn't too bad. Except for the City Manager who dis-invited me to a meeting that a citizen so kindly invited me to. Guess they'll let me know if they need me - um later.
This week has been a struggle with the pharmacy/insurance company. When I saw the doc last week she gave me a prescription for Topamax - the same stuff I'm already taking. I am nearly out, and couldn't get more until I saw her. So I sent it in (to Arizona for a 90 day supply) but hadn't heard from Walgreens - they usually email when they get the order and ship.
So I called the doc to get a thirty day order in the meantime. I buzzed right out to Medicap in Waukee Monday night. Nope - hadn't heard from the doc's office. Called her office Tue., heard from them yesterday so stopped again today - nope - rejected by insurance as it was already shipped elsewhere. Argh!
What if the order doesn't get here before I run out? You're not supposed to skip taking the stuff. Hmmmf. That's me making pissy noises. I dislike spending my time running to the pharmacy and on the phone. I phoned Walgreens who said it shipped (why the hell didn't they email??) due tomorrow. Tried to call Paul to see if it's here. No answer.
Stopped at Fareway to get a few groceries then noticed the knife in the shopping bag I meant to return. I was too damn busy running to the pharmacy. Then I drove to Joan's without filling up the car and had to backtrack. ARgh again. Life can get bogged down with little stuff can't it?
I took a nice 1+ mile walk around the neighborhood - that helped a great deal. My shins are a lil sore from Monday's walk. In a good way. If Pablo would call and say my drugs are here, and I go to bed early to make up for lack of sleep - life will be good!
Work wasn't too bad. Except for the City Manager who dis-invited me to a meeting that a citizen so kindly invited me to. Guess they'll let me know if they need me - um later.
This week has been a struggle with the pharmacy/insurance company. When I saw the doc last week she gave me a prescription for Topamax - the same stuff I'm already taking. I am nearly out, and couldn't get more until I saw her. So I sent it in (to Arizona for a 90 day supply) but hadn't heard from Walgreens - they usually email when they get the order and ship.
So I called the doc to get a thirty day order in the meantime. I buzzed right out to Medicap in Waukee Monday night. Nope - hadn't heard from the doc's office. Called her office Tue., heard from them yesterday so stopped again today - nope - rejected by insurance as it was already shipped elsewhere. Argh!
What if the order doesn't get here before I run out? You're not supposed to skip taking the stuff. Hmmmf. That's me making pissy noises. I dislike spending my time running to the pharmacy and on the phone. I phoned Walgreens who said it shipped (why the hell didn't they email??) due tomorrow. Tried to call Paul to see if it's here. No answer.
Stopped at Fareway to get a few groceries then noticed the knife in the shopping bag I meant to return. I was too damn busy running to the pharmacy. Then I drove to Joan's without filling up the car and had to backtrack. ARgh again. Life can get bogged down with little stuff can't it?
I took a nice 1+ mile walk around the neighborhood - that helped a great deal. My shins are a lil sore from Monday's walk. In a good way. If Pablo would call and say my drugs are here, and I go to bed early to make up for lack of sleep - life will be good!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Lemmings
My mom used give me the usual "if everyone else jumped off a cliff would you jump too?" when I tried to tell her that I had to do something because everyone else was...
This morning I got this information in an email at work:
Robert B. Cialdini, an emeritus professor at Arizona State University
who studies environmental behaviors, points to two phenomena:
Humans hew to the “normative” behaviors of their community. In places
where bike lanes or wind turbines or B.R.T. systems are seen as an
integral part of society, people tend not protest a new one; if they are
not the norm, they will. Second, whatever feelings people have about
abstract issues like the environment, in practice they react more
passionately to immediate rewards and punishments (like a ready parking
space) than distant consequences (like the threat of warming).
Test yourself: When a sign in a hotel bathroom exhorts you to reuse your
towel for the sake of the planet, do you nonetheless tend to throw it on
the floor to get a new one? (Me: Guilty.) “I’m a persuasion researcher,
and here you have convenience and luxury working against you — just like
in the bike-lane issue, “ Professor Cialdini said.
Professor Cialdini’s research has found that the best way to get a guest
to reuse towels is to inform him that a majority of the previous guests
in that room did not switch towels daily. Likewise, in a study to
determine how to get people to reduce home energy use, conducted with
Wesley Schultz, Professor Cialdini found that people were most likely to
comply if told that all the neighbors were doing it — rather than
informed that saving energy would save money or was good for the planet.
“People need to be in alignment with their contemporaries,” he said. “It
validates them. It becomes something they should do and can do.”
Are you like that? Bowing to peer pressure? I can be - more willing to try something if I know people I care about are. I'll watch a show or try a recipe if others I know like it. I kinda guilted my supervisor into recycling yogurt containers at work this way...
Whatever it takes to get good behavior - I'm all for it!
This morning I got this information in an email at work:
Robert B. Cialdini, an emeritus professor at Arizona State University
who studies environmental behaviors, points to two phenomena:
Humans hew to the “normative” behaviors of their community. In places
where bike lanes or wind turbines or B.R.T. systems are seen as an
integral part of society, people tend not protest a new one; if they are
not the norm, they will. Second, whatever feelings people have about
abstract issues like the environment, in practice they react more
passionately to immediate rewards and punishments (like a ready parking
space) than distant consequences (like the threat of warming).
Test yourself: When a sign in a hotel bathroom exhorts you to reuse your
towel for the sake of the planet, do you nonetheless tend to throw it on
the floor to get a new one? (Me: Guilty.) “I’m a persuasion researcher,
and here you have convenience and luxury working against you — just like
in the bike-lane issue, “ Professor Cialdini said.
Professor Cialdini’s research has found that the best way to get a guest
to reuse towels is to inform him that a majority of the previous guests
in that room did not switch towels daily. Likewise, in a study to
determine how to get people to reduce home energy use, conducted with
Wesley Schultz, Professor Cialdini found that people were most likely to
comply if told that all the neighbors were doing it — rather than
informed that saving energy would save money or was good for the planet.
“People need to be in alignment with their contemporaries,” he said. “It
validates them. It becomes something they should do and can do.”
Are you like that? Bowing to peer pressure? I can be - more willing to try something if I know people I care about are. I'll watch a show or try a recipe if others I know like it. I kinda guilted my supervisor into recycling yogurt containers at work this way...
Whatever it takes to get good behavior - I'm all for it!
Monday, March 14, 2011
News from abroad
or at least a couple girls in Turkey...Amy and roomie Carrie.
They arrived yesterday: the first note was on Facebook saying she'd arrived - and had already had a guy want to take a pic with her at the airport because of her blond hair.
here! (the font is a bit strange, due to the translation I suppose) just thought ıid emaıl you guys agaın. thıs place ıs gorgeousç our hostel has a rooftop cafe and ıtis overlookıng the bosphorous straıght...so pretty. lots of colorful boats out there and the sky ıs super blue today. all the buıldıngs are really colorful but modern lookıngç goıng to see some mosques today but rıght now we have to talk to a tour guıde at the hostel to fıgure out our plans for the nıght.
Next she sent a short note: about to get on a nıght bus to cappadocıa.
I've become email buddies with Carrie's Mom Nancy. We've formed a support group while our girls are overseas. Stay safe baby girls!
Jud has arrived in Breckenridge and is spring skiing. Hope he had a good time today - takes me back to my spring break trips!
Year 1 - Vicki and I stay with Cindy in Vail
Year 2 - Vick and I see a sign on the 'vator in the dorm looking for girls for skiing. Turns out to be 1st floor girls. CA Nutt, Jolene, Jane Ertl, Deb E, and Terry
Year 3 - Big 4, Jennifer, Moose and Steve to Breckenridge
Year 4 - Everyone and their Bro go to Breckenridge! Including Pablo, Vic/Fred and like 18 others.
Jud is jammed into a tiny condo with 3 guys. Kara is there with 2 girls. I hope they're having a good time! Break a leg (as in don't break anything, or fry your tender white skin)
They arrived yesterday: the first note was on Facebook saying she'd arrived - and had already had a guy want to take a pic with her at the airport because of her blond hair.
here! (the font is a bit strange, due to the translation I suppose) just thought ıid emaıl you guys agaın. thıs place ıs gorgeousç our hostel has a rooftop cafe and ıtis overlookıng the bosphorous straıght...so pretty. lots of colorful boats out there and the sky ıs super blue today. all the buıldıngs are really colorful but modern lookıngç goıng to see some mosques today but rıght now we have to talk to a tour guıde at the hostel to fıgure out our plans for the nıght.
Next she sent a short note: about to get on a nıght bus to cappadocıa.
I've become email buddies with Carrie's Mom Nancy. We've formed a support group while our girls are overseas. Stay safe baby girls!
Jud has arrived in Breckenridge and is spring skiing. Hope he had a good time today - takes me back to my spring break trips!
Year 1 - Vicki and I stay with Cindy in Vail
Year 2 - Vick and I see a sign on the 'vator in the dorm looking for girls for skiing. Turns out to be 1st floor girls. CA Nutt, Jolene, Jane Ertl, Deb E, and Terry
Year 3 - Big 4, Jennifer, Moose and Steve to Breckenridge
Year 4 - Everyone and their Bro go to Breckenridge! Including Pablo, Vic/Fred and like 18 others.
Jud is jammed into a tiny condo with 3 guys. Kara is there with 2 girls. I hope they're having a good time! Break a leg (as in don't break anything, or fry your tender white skin)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Performance art shopping
You know the types. They're the people who think you want to be involved in their shopping experience. You're shopping, minding your own business and they're playing to you! Talking extra loud in the aisle by you, trying to be funny - to engage you in their "stuff". Only they're not - funny.
The worst ones have kids. They really think they are clever and funny. Especially places like WalMart...all dressed in NASCAR (or Hawkeye...same difference - I know my bias is showing) outfits.
Of course there are the "solo" players. Those are the people on cell phones, bellowing loudly as if those things don't have good microphones. It may have been impressive 10 years ago when everyone and their bro didn't have cellies. But hey, now we all gots 'em! You're not so special! And guess what? We're not so sure you're not just pretending to talk to someone...
Okay, rant over. Just had to get that off my chest. Thanks for being there for me.
I've been reading about these women writing "mommy blogs" who are reaping big rewards. They have lots of followers and thus market power. So they're asked to test drive cars, try cell phones and other cool stuff.
Hey - companies! I'm here - I have at least fifteen followers. I'm a fifty something mommy! Where's my stuff? I could try wrinkle cream, foot pads, cell phones for bad eyes and ears...the list could go on and on! What about vacation and retirement spots?
The worst ones have kids. They really think they are clever and funny. Especially places like WalMart...all dressed in NASCAR (or Hawkeye...same difference - I know my bias is showing) outfits.
Of course there are the "solo" players. Those are the people on cell phones, bellowing loudly as if those things don't have good microphones. It may have been impressive 10 years ago when everyone and their bro didn't have cellies. But hey, now we all gots 'em! You're not so special! And guess what? We're not so sure you're not just pretending to talk to someone...
Okay, rant over. Just had to get that off my chest. Thanks for being there for me.
I've been reading about these women writing "mommy blogs" who are reaping big rewards. They have lots of followers and thus market power. So they're asked to test drive cars, try cell phones and other cool stuff.
Hey - companies! I'm here - I have at least fifteen followers. I'm a fifty something mommy! Where's my stuff? I could try wrinkle cream, foot pads, cell phones for bad eyes and ears...the list could go on and on! What about vacation and retirement spots?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Self medicating
Fine batch of Cheetos served up on Styrofoam at Sidetracked...
As a single parent during the week (Dad was on the road selling Lorraine Lingerie), I don't recall Mom sipping cocktails during supper prep. I think she was too busy supervising four girls and cooking! At least while we were younger. To my recollection though, most of our parents and people their age - and my grandparents and their friends - partook in the nightly cocktail ritual.
Sometimes I understand it. Last night was one of those nights. About 2 PM yesterday I texted our buddies: "I feel the need for a drop of lemon at A&G tonight". A lemondrop martini was on my mind. So by 6:45 PM I was .5 inches down on martini #1. I could feel the medicinal effects of relaxation. Ahhhhh. Two is my limit. (1 martini, 2 martini, 3 martini floor ya know). And I have gone the floor route once or twice...it's not pretty!
I always order water along with my drink - for hydration purposes. When McKims and McFees arrived we ordered pizzas to go with our drinks. It's always a good idea to eat while medicating, right? I stuck with water after 2 drinks. Enough meds...
At least until we went to Sidetracked (they don't do martinis - so I went with a vodka tonic there - they even had limes!). It's a dive bar that for some odd reason, the gang loves. It's on the south side of the railroad tracks and is a nuts and bolts blue collar place. With a crowd to go with it. The guys love to joke about the Cheetos - that we'll all leave with orange around our mouths and if we get lucky that night the orangey powder will appear in the morning on other body parts...keep dreaming Donnie!
I don't need nightly medication. But a drop of lemon every once in a while, along with laughter with friends sure does go a long way toward getting through the stresses of life!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Mary's birthday
Today is my friend Mary's birthday. Another one of my fave fishies - just like Pablo the poolboy. I'm a Scorpio and I must match up marvelously with Pisces, and others from the cusp - Robbie Dob (3/23) Susan S. 3/24.
I heard today, whilst visiting Family Shoe Store a rumor that Mary will receive her PhD from Iowa State University the same night Jud receives his Bachelor's Degree - May 6th. Dr. Shoe filled us in. (note Paul G. was successful in his bid - he came with me to muffle in my shopping attempts. There were some sweet Merrills in the Bargain Basement) Wow! Finally a degree from a quality university in Iowa. (just a lil joke - her undergrad is from UNI and Masters from U of I).
I admire my pal so much. She left a less than ideal marriage, moved her children to Northwest Iowa and supported them mostly on her own all while attaining her Masters Degree. Then she began tackling her doctorate.
Perhaps I'll get to see her that night. Jud and friends may rent a bar for the evening - maybe I can scare up an invite for my friend Mary - the Doctor!
I heard today, whilst visiting Family Shoe Store a rumor that Mary will receive her PhD from Iowa State University the same night Jud receives his Bachelor's Degree - May 6th. Dr. Shoe filled us in. (note Paul G. was successful in his bid - he came with me to muffle in my shopping attempts. There were some sweet Merrills in the Bargain Basement) Wow! Finally a degree from a quality university in Iowa. (just a lil joke - her undergrad is from UNI and Masters from U of I).
I admire my pal so much. She left a less than ideal marriage, moved her children to Northwest Iowa and supported them mostly on her own all while attaining her Masters Degree. Then she began tackling her doctorate.
Perhaps I'll get to see her that night. Jud and friends may rent a bar for the evening - maybe I can scare up an invite for my friend Mary - the Doctor!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
So glad to be home
I had "smokin' shoes" to get out of the office today. I mean I couldn't wait. It was one of those weeks.
Some weeks I don't mind being away Monday - Thursday, until I drive home after work. It's kinda cosmopolitan (okay, yeah I know it's Des Moines, Iowa). It's by the state capitol. Buses go by and...well there really aren't many taxis. But it feels big city.
And I do love my job. It fits me - I get "it". I can put on my landfill hat and it feels so good to have that insight. I have a lot to give. But it's been stressful this past few months - the budget is tight and the atmosphere is, well...stricter. I'll put it that way. The legislative session has been especially tense.
This weather sucks and I can't get outside. Paul has put me on a shopping diet. Plus I haven't really even been in the mood - except for that one jacket I bought (even dieters need sustenance). Even cheery roomie Joan seemed grumpy and down this week.
So today I had a meeting in Ames in the a.m. and a 1 p.m. meeting with the big kahuna (the guy that reports to the DNR director) Wayne Gieselman called the Client Contact meeting. That's where we run the stuff by him and other groups like Farm Bureau that we're presenting to the Environmental Protection Commission. Our boss Brian is on vaca this week (Grand Canyon with main squeeze Danielle also from our dept. but not his direct supervisee so kosher) so I had to present the EMS grant criteria.
When that was done - about 2 p.m. I was cooked. Fried. So done with DSM, DNR, and I needed to be home. I made it to 2:30 and packed it in. And hour long bath with my book helped mellow me out (and wrinkle me). Kisses from my puppy. And one from my man along with a hug. Damn it's good to be home.
Some weeks I don't mind being away Monday - Thursday, until I drive home after work. It's kinda cosmopolitan (okay, yeah I know it's Des Moines, Iowa). It's by the state capitol. Buses go by and...well there really aren't many taxis. But it feels big city.
And I do love my job. It fits me - I get "it". I can put on my landfill hat and it feels so good to have that insight. I have a lot to give. But it's been stressful this past few months - the budget is tight and the atmosphere is, well...stricter. I'll put it that way. The legislative session has been especially tense.
This weather sucks and I can't get outside. Paul has put me on a shopping diet. Plus I haven't really even been in the mood - except for that one jacket I bought (even dieters need sustenance). Even cheery roomie Joan seemed grumpy and down this week.
So today I had a meeting in Ames in the a.m. and a 1 p.m. meeting with the big kahuna (the guy that reports to the DNR director) Wayne Gieselman called the Client Contact meeting. That's where we run the stuff by him and other groups like Farm Bureau that we're presenting to the Environmental Protection Commission. Our boss Brian is on vaca this week (Grand Canyon with main squeeze Danielle also from our dept. but not his direct supervisee so kosher) so I had to present the EMS grant criteria.
When that was done - about 2 p.m. I was cooked. Fried. So done with DSM, DNR, and I needed to be home. I made it to 2:30 and packed it in. And hour long bath with my book helped mellow me out (and wrinkle me). Kisses from my puppy. And one from my man along with a hug. Damn it's good to be home.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Congrats
Good news - our friends Paul and Leslie Goldsmith (from Chariton) are grandparents! Blake Alexis, 8 lb 6 ounces born on Saturday 3/5 to their son Brian and his wife, um Mrs. Brian Goldsmith. Blake got some fluid in her lungs at birth so she has to stay in the hospital a few days. I'm sure Leslie will send photos soon.
Meanwhile Aunty Rebecca (Miss Iowa) can be found doing her royal duties around the state - her photo was in Monday's DM Register. Leslie reports:
Meanwhile Aunty Rebecca (Miss Iowa) can be found doing her royal duties around the state - her photo was in Monday's DM Register. Leslie reports:
"Rebecca was on a high when she called last night. She spent the weekend doing the Variety Club Telethon and really enjoyed it. She leaves for New York today or tomorrow to meet with her dress designer from Venezuela and then will spend a week there working with a pageant coach. She is constantly on the go and seems to love every minute of it."
It must be fun being Iowa royalty!
Meanwhile the Creston counterparts are living large as well. Amy (not Miss Iowa, but our own Miss Denver) is leaving for Turkey with her roommate Carrie on Saturday. Paul and I are nervous about her being so far from home - but all you people who have dazzle us with stories of blonds sold into sexual slavery and Americans arrested for murder abroad - don't feel badly. We'll just pretend she broke her cell phone...
And Jud is leaving this weekend buddies to go skiing with buddies. They're staying with his cousin Colby in Denver along the way - that should be a story their moms should never hear in full!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Rejection
My baby boy got a rejection email yesterday from someone he recently interviewed with. A rejection letter, but he doesn't have a baby (that I know of). So there was no reason for giggles.
Last week a dad with a rejection letter was all over the television. When he ripped the letter up, he sent his baby boy into waves of laughter. It was quite hilarious! Link here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4abiHdQpc
When I got Jud's text saying he'd gotten the rejection email, he didn't sound too cheerful. And I was bummed. It hurts almost (okay as) much when your kid gets rejected as when you yourself get rejected. You want to make everything okay.
I remember going through this when Amy was job hunting. I so wanted to be a helicopter parent - flying out to Denver to march into where the rejector was to give them a piece of my mind! "What is wrong with you? Don't you know this is the child of Leslie and Paul Goldsmith - a most excellent employee in the making!"
I came to my senses though and gave Jud the usual pep talk - keep your chin up. Something will work out. And I truly believe it will. Things are worth working hard for - and Jud has been the type to persevere. All through high school he kept at sports even though he was not a star. And this skill built character. This job hunt too will build character.
Keep your chin up Jud. And I'll keep my helicopter on the ground...
Last week a dad with a rejection letter was all over the television. When he ripped the letter up, he sent his baby boy into waves of laughter. It was quite hilarious! Link here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4abiHdQpc
When I got Jud's text saying he'd gotten the rejection email, he didn't sound too cheerful. And I was bummed. It hurts almost (okay as) much when your kid gets rejected as when you yourself get rejected. You want to make everything okay.
I remember going through this when Amy was job hunting. I so wanted to be a helicopter parent - flying out to Denver to march into where the rejector was to give them a piece of my mind! "What is wrong with you? Don't you know this is the child of Leslie and Paul Goldsmith - a most excellent employee in the making!"
I came to my senses though and gave Jud the usual pep talk - keep your chin up. Something will work out. And I truly believe it will. Things are worth working hard for - and Jud has been the type to persevere. All through high school he kept at sports even though he was not a star. And this skill built character. This job hunt too will build character.
Keep your chin up Jud. And I'll keep my helicopter on the ground...
Monday, March 7, 2011
Noggin Doc
I had a recheck at the neurologist today - Dr. Schmolk at Mercy Neurology Clinic. This was the fourth time I saw the good doc. She's the third neurologist I've seen since being diagnosed with migraines.
First I saw a guy doc here in DSM. He had me try a variety of drugs - some to actually prevent migraines. He had me try stuff for depression - which as a side effect is supposed to help lessen debilitating migraines. Unfortunately it didn't work for me. And it made me have truly wacky dreams, and clench my jaw while I slept. So I gave up on those and just stuck with Imitrex - the med I took for many years when I got a headache.
Then I told Dr. Hoyt I wanted to see a woman, so he hooked me up with a really nice woman doc in Iowa City. She was the first one to really "get me". She realized that my headaches were often hormone related. She talked to me as a woman and person, not as a collection of symptoms to shove drugs at.
One year ago, Dr. Schmolk put me on Topamax, a preventative med for migraines. I slowly worked up to a dosage of 100 mg. At first there were some side-effects, but luckily they faded. And thank heaven, the headaches faded too! Unfortunately, the headaches are coming back more frequently lately.
The doc told me sometimes this happens. We're going to try boosting the Topamax a bit and see how that goes. If that doesn't work, I'll give the doc a call. She's nice - she talks to me as a person and doesn't rush me.
If you have any neurological problems-headaches, I would recommend Dr. Schmolk. Don't suffer! Thank God for all the help I can get today compared to 20 years ago.
First I saw a guy doc here in DSM. He had me try a variety of drugs - some to actually prevent migraines. He had me try stuff for depression - which as a side effect is supposed to help lessen debilitating migraines. Unfortunately it didn't work for me. And it made me have truly wacky dreams, and clench my jaw while I slept. So I gave up on those and just stuck with Imitrex - the med I took for many years when I got a headache.
Then I told Dr. Hoyt I wanted to see a woman, so he hooked me up with a really nice woman doc in Iowa City. She was the first one to really "get me". She realized that my headaches were often hormone related. She talked to me as a woman and person, not as a collection of symptoms to shove drugs at.
One year ago, Dr. Schmolk put me on Topamax, a preventative med for migraines. I slowly worked up to a dosage of 100 mg. At first there were some side-effects, but luckily they faded. And thank heaven, the headaches faded too! Unfortunately, the headaches are coming back more frequently lately.
The doc told me sometimes this happens. We're going to try boosting the Topamax a bit and see how that goes. If that doesn't work, I'll give the doc a call. She's nice - she talks to me as a person and doesn't rush me.
If you have any neurological problems-headaches, I would recommend Dr. Schmolk. Don't suffer! Thank God for all the help I can get today compared to 20 years ago.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
New excercise idea
I'll fun myself into it. I haven't had much luck making myself do stuff I dread. And Paul hasn't been supportive of my purchase of a Wii system. So yesterday a.m. I bought a $10 Hip Hop exercise video - 5 x 10 minute routines.
I almost bought a Billy what's his name video -the kick boxer guy. Deb, Patti and I used to faithfully go through that routine or another video at the YMCA, before Deb became the Y Teacher lady. But in that case I had peer pressure and my key workout time - early morning on my side. These days I've got schedule excuses and no workout buddies to press me on getting into shape. But I wisely decided if I got a video that I hated doing, it would end up gathering dust. I need something fun!
Even though I weigh less than I have in years, I'm in the worst shape I've been in for years. Flab does not become me. I hate it, but have been full of excuses this winter. I didn't like the yuppified Waukee YMCA for $55/month - but that also cuts me off from working out with my buddies here at the Y on Fridays. I have learned to dread the treadmill at Joan's. I need something to do until I can get outside routinely and walk and bike.
I broke out the Hip Hop video this a.m. while Paul was gone. One of my biggest problems is I have a huge ego. I hate to look stupid even in front of my own spouse who loves me. And that video made me look stupid! I've always thought of myself as a fairly coordinated individual. I suck at hip hop. (no comments from offspring).
But I did work up a sweat and it was fun - not something I dread. And even though I am not good at learning dance routines, I will keep working on it and will catch on. And imagine everyone's surprise when I sport those moves on the dance floor soon!
I almost bought a Billy what's his name video -the kick boxer guy. Deb, Patti and I used to faithfully go through that routine or another video at the YMCA, before Deb became the Y Teacher lady. But in that case I had peer pressure and my key workout time - early morning on my side. These days I've got schedule excuses and no workout buddies to press me on getting into shape. But I wisely decided if I got a video that I hated doing, it would end up gathering dust. I need something fun!
Even though I weigh less than I have in years, I'm in the worst shape I've been in for years. Flab does not become me. I hate it, but have been full of excuses this winter. I didn't like the yuppified Waukee YMCA for $55/month - but that also cuts me off from working out with my buddies here at the Y on Fridays. I have learned to dread the treadmill at Joan's. I need something to do until I can get outside routinely and walk and bike.
I broke out the Hip Hop video this a.m. while Paul was gone. One of my biggest problems is I have a huge ego. I hate to look stupid even in front of my own spouse who loves me. And that video made me look stupid! I've always thought of myself as a fairly coordinated individual. I suck at hip hop. (no comments from offspring).
But I did work up a sweat and it was fun - not something I dread. And even though I am not good at learning dance routines, I will keep working on it and will catch on. And imagine everyone's surprise when I sport those moves on the dance floor soon!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Dating site commercials
There sure are a lot of 'em. I'm watching TNT on a Saturday a.m. I've noticed an increase in Match.com and other dating site commercials this winter. There must be a lot of people looking for that special someone. Can't they meet people in a bar while drunk, like we used to? haha
It must be hard to meet a guy when you're my age. Or thirty five, or forty. I can't imagine being single. And lonely.
Imagine going through that initial dating stage - awkward stuff like trading information on backgrounds. They wouldn't know all of your "stuff". Paul has known me since childhood and knows my friends from way back (and how weird you all are...tee hee). And think if you met someone from a different era - they'd have different era music memories/tastes and high school/college stuff. Live my supervisor's hubby who is like 7 years older than her. Totally different music era...
And you'd have to pretend to be nice. A sweet girl. Oooh that would be especially difficult for me. I don't know if I ever did that with Paul at age 21. Most guys wouldn't put up a strong personality like me. Good thing I don't have to think about it.
It must be hard to meet a guy when you're my age. Or thirty five, or forty. I can't imagine being single. And lonely.
Imagine going through that initial dating stage - awkward stuff like trading information on backgrounds. They wouldn't know all of your "stuff". Paul has known me since childhood and knows my friends from way back (and how weird you all are...tee hee). And think if you met someone from a different era - they'd have different era music memories/tastes and high school/college stuff. Live my supervisor's hubby who is like 7 years older than her. Totally different music era...
And you'd have to pretend to be nice. A sweet girl. Oooh that would be especially difficult for me. I don't know if I ever did that with Paul at age 21. Most guys wouldn't put up a strong personality like me. Good thing I don't have to think about it.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Enter the boy wonder
Jud, left with his sissy and toothless wonder, cousin Colby who will soon have a million dollar fabulous mouth of teeth
The boy wonder (Judson David) breezed in today. He had a couple of appointments - physical, dental. He was just back from a job interview in Wichita yesterday. He and I began cranking loads of laundry through the front load Maytag. My those white tee shirts are looking mighty gray - if I had time I'd be doing some bleaching.
Jud and another young man who majored in Logistics traveled together to the middle of nowhere (where Wichita is...) and back to Ames yesterday evening. Then Jud felt the need to partake in some relaxing cocktails. And got just a few hours of sleep. Then had a phone interview at 7 a.m. (Bet he was sharp as a tack!)
Nevertheless he showed up in time for his 10 a.m. appointment with Doc Hoyt - who has known him since early childhood. Paul and I then took him to lunch at the Elms Club. Nothing like a little grease to make you feel better after a night out, I always say! We signed our taxes and stopped at the bank.
Then he was off to see Dr. Buck, who has been his dentist all his life. Not sure about those molars - missing 1? Oh well - at least it's not 9 like cousin Colby! Plus unsure about Wisdom teeth. Guess he'll be on his own dental insurance plan for that.
Jud had another phone interview when he got home from Buck's office. A company in St. Jo Mo. By the time he left Creston he had a second phone interview lined up with the 7 a.m. phone interview company, and a site interview in St. Jo, Mo next week. He was fretting about his school schedule and spring break - ski trip to Breckenridge. Busy boy! I hope somebody shakes loose with a job offer. Closer rather than farther away.
Then he took off for Ames - busy social schedule ya know.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
My Sister's Keeper
I always have a hard time with medical stuff - ever since Patrick, our baby boy born with a heart defect. The pain from that time in my life has taken its toll on my outlook. When I watch TV, movies and even read about medical dramas I can't help but insert my feelings from my own medical drama.
The book is about a young girl who was born for the specific purpose of saving her sister's life - as her stem cells from the umbilical cord were supposed to cure her leukemia. Unfortunately it didn't work forever so ongoing sacrifices were necessary to keep her sister alive. In the book, she sues her parents for medical emancipation - so she won't have give her sister a kidney. It's a good book and the characters are believable and quite well-developed.
What a tough spot for parents to be in - one sick child, and would you want your other one to sacrifice for the one who is ill? We faced that dilema a bit with Patrick, when deciding on whether or not to pursue a heart transplant. To think of leaving our two healthy children for long periods to concentrate on Patrick and to rush to a hospital in Ohio, if he made it that long, for a heart. And we weren't sure if he had sustained brain damage from his initial crisis in Creston. And what quality of life would he have in the meantime - getting stuck with needles, on a respirator. We chose to let him go...
So after the drama of the discussion we did have some laughs at book club. The dogs (Thea has three - Peaches, Lucy and Hydrox (that's not really the 3rd one's name, but Oreo died and I never remember the new one's name...) I always like Hydrox better than Oreos anyway!
Diane told about when her son (who is now in his late 30s?) was young and saw Diane's friend breastfeeding (discreetly). He asked a series of questions so finally the friend, after asking permission showed Todd the baby and the breast. When he expressed doubt about milk coming out of there, the friend whipped the baby off the breast and shot him in the face. He walked out of the room and never discussed it! Traumatized I'm sure...
I told the story of the Mexican jumping beans that Dad got Betsy when she was with him on a Lorraine Lingerie sales trip to South Dakota. They were actually little worms inside of beans that would twitch making the beans "jump". Only they left the box in the sunny car window the next day - making them fry in the sun. Then they were Mexican resting beans.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My hunnie's birthday
Pablo the Poolboy came to the big city for his birthday. It was nice to see him on a work night - I looked forward to it all day. (That and getting my hair highlited. Sarah the hair dresser worked her magic! ) I tried to talk him into going to Nick's for supper, but he had his heart set on some Friday's ribs. He quite enjoyed them too! I think he liked his bday presents - 2 new sharp knives for our kitchen, a new Cyclone (what else!?!) top, and some DVDs of movies we'll enjoy seeing.
My baby girl called with some good news today. She landed a job doing marketing at Marczyk's Fine Foods in Denver during the height of the recession. During the past couple years she's worked her tail off, and the managers have slowly worked her into positions of more and more responsibility.
So the past couple months, Amy has been pushing for a raise. She realized that some others at the company make more money than she does. She's a college grad and is ready to make big-girl money! So recently she went through the torture of asking for a raise. It wasn't easy, and didn't come about without angst! I'm not sure I could have gone through with it at her age...but she did.
Now she has a dilemma - they have given her a choice of two jobs. One is doing the same thing she's doing now. The other is more accounting and human resources related. I'm sure she'll make the right decision. The kid has a pretty good head on her shoulders! Her dad and I are very proud of her.
My baby girl called with some good news today. She landed a job doing marketing at Marczyk's Fine Foods in Denver during the height of the recession. During the past couple years she's worked her tail off, and the managers have slowly worked her into positions of more and more responsibility.
So the past couple months, Amy has been pushing for a raise. She realized that some others at the company make more money than she does. She's a college grad and is ready to make big-girl money! So recently she went through the torture of asking for a raise. It wasn't easy, and didn't come about without angst! I'm not sure I could have gone through with it at her age...but she did.
Now she has a dilemma - they have given her a choice of two jobs. One is doing the same thing she's doing now. The other is more accounting and human resources related. I'm sure she'll make the right decision. The kid has a pretty good head on her shoulders! Her dad and I are very proud of her.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)