I had my repeat mammogram today. That's the first time that's happened to me, but I've known for a couple weeks I had this spot or density issue, and had been telling friends, and I couldn't believe how many women have been through a mammogram "alert" follow up.
I'm one of the lucky ones. The two new shots the tech took satisfied the radiologist. He came in and spoke to me in the room where they do the mammograms. I was waiting to see if I was to report next for an ultrasound. Dr. Kucera said I will need to have special side shots of my rather large (not) breasts from now on when I have my annual checkup.
I was so pleased, when I got home I phoned Hair Tech - the local cosmetology college to see if I could get in for a pedicure. yay - room at 11 a.m. Okay - it wasn't quite like a fancy parlour in Des Moynez. But for $12 it was okay. I took my own polish, the little gal (didn't get her name) brought over a mobile foot bath. She wasn't oriental so I could understand her.
I won't lie - it was a bit of a letdown from last time. That cute guy rubbing sea salt on my feet and legs. But they look okay - for 1/3 the cost. And I knew the two other women in there at the same time so we chatted pleasantly. One of them had been at Jersey Boys yesterday, and she too enjoyed the show. I followed up the pedi with lunch with my honey. A pretty good a.m. all in all.
While I wasn't beside myself with worry these past two weeks, it was in the back of my mind. It's been one of those kinda years. The doc also reminded me that I need to be doing my self exams monthly. I'm lax about that I admit.
On a happier note, I had a great time yesterday afternoon - yes I took time off from trash world. I had lunch with Sharon Higgins and daughter Amanda (she's married and has her own 2 children, lives in DM) at Dos Rios on Court Avenue. We sat outside - weather was lovely and I had a nice margarita. Sure beat work!
Then we sat by the First National Bank group about 16 rows back at the Civic Center for a matinee showing of Jersey Boys - the music of Frankie Valli. It was great! I'd forgotten all the good tunes Frankie and the 4 seasons had put out. I didn't know one of the band members wrote all the songs. The play was the story of the group, and the performers were excellent.
Finished up the good day with book club. I was beat by the end of the day, but sure enjoyed the afternoon and evening.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Sun In
The first coloring I ever put in my hair came in a kit and was called Sun In. We got it when we were in college. You mixed this stuff up (it had to be bleach or peroxide) in a plastic tub and painted it on your hair. You were supposed to leave it on 10 minutes or so.
Sun In was for brunettes like me. But Vicki, who had darker hair decided to try it too. Since my hair was so short I didn't use it all. So she used it up. Not a good idea. Her "sunny" areas turned an orangish color. She freaked out!
So for the next week or so, until she could get in to get a hair cut, Vicki was stuck wearing a do rag. Kinda funny! Unless you were Vic.
Which reminds me of a less funny story - the time I met a kid (he shall remain nameless because I can't remember his name, or face really) in the AGR frat house spring of my frosh year of college. So the next week he stopped by to "study". I found out rather quickly he didn't really want to study - he wanted to make out on my bed in my dorm room. (I know - violating the de-sexed vow in the description of this blog)
I was not comfortable with that whole particular turn of events. Hell...I hadn't even been drinking and wasn't feeling particularly romantic. I didn't know the guy. I came up with an excuse and sent him on his way.
Later I was chatting with my girlies and one of them asked, "what's that on your neck?" Shit - my one and only hickey! It was just getting nice out and I was stuck wearing F-ing turtlenecks.
I tried all the supposed remedies to fade it on my pale skin (no Internet then - had to get advice from friends). Rub toothpaste on it. Rub it with a spoon. Nothing worked. It felt like a glowing red eye on my neck. What was that guy doing down there? Glad I had no repeat performances on that - hickeys are gross!
Sun In was for brunettes like me. But Vicki, who had darker hair decided to try it too. Since my hair was so short I didn't use it all. So she used it up. Not a good idea. Her "sunny" areas turned an orangish color. She freaked out!
So for the next week or so, until she could get in to get a hair cut, Vicki was stuck wearing a do rag. Kinda funny! Unless you were Vic.
Which reminds me of a less funny story - the time I met a kid (he shall remain nameless because I can't remember his name, or face really) in the AGR frat house spring of my frosh year of college. So the next week he stopped by to "study". I found out rather quickly he didn't really want to study - he wanted to make out on my bed in my dorm room. (I know - violating the de-sexed vow in the description of this blog)
I was not comfortable with that whole particular turn of events. Hell...I hadn't even been drinking and wasn't feeling particularly romantic. I didn't know the guy. I came up with an excuse and sent him on his way.
Later I was chatting with my girlies and one of them asked, "what's that on your neck?" Shit - my one and only hickey! It was just getting nice out and I was stuck wearing F-ing turtlenecks.
I tried all the supposed remedies to fade it on my pale skin (no Internet then - had to get advice from friends). Rub toothpaste on it. Rub it with a spoon. Nothing worked. It felt like a glowing red eye on my neck. What was that guy doing down there? Glad I had no repeat performances on that - hickeys are gross!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The countdown
is on to the big event. Niece Leslie's wedding. I've written the toast to the happy couple in my head already - alas I don't believe the aunt of the couple gets asked to give a toast.
Here it is Leslie - I know you read this blog every once in a while.
We all have those days in our lives that we remember. Sad ones - like where were you when you heard President Kennedy was shot. And when the Space Shuttle Challenger or 9/11 disaster happened. But there are other things in our lives that were happy occasions that we'll never forget.
Leslie Patricia Alvillar's birthday was one of those days for me. My parents had to wait a LONG time to be grandparents - the Bullock girls did not go forth and multiply very quickly. I had to wait a long time to be an aunt. So July 17, 1984 when Dave Bullock called to say "it's a girl" was a wonderful day in my life! We added a new family member that day.
So here it is July 17 some 26 years later - and we're adding another family member. Jordan Lopez, welcome to our family - and take good care of our baby girl!
Here it is Leslie - I know you read this blog every once in a while.
We all have those days in our lives that we remember. Sad ones - like where were you when you heard President Kennedy was shot. And when the Space Shuttle Challenger or 9/11 disaster happened. But there are other things in our lives that were happy occasions that we'll never forget.
Leslie Patricia Alvillar's birthday was one of those days for me. My parents had to wait a LONG time to be grandparents - the Bullock girls did not go forth and multiply very quickly. I had to wait a long time to be an aunt. So July 17, 1984 when Dave Bullock called to say "it's a girl" was a wonderful day in my life! We added a new family member that day.
So here it is July 17 some 26 years later - and we're adding another family member. Jordan Lopez, welcome to our family - and take good care of our baby girl!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Not a memorable 4th
but still fun none the less. I showered, dried my hair and got gussied up (not really) and Paul and I were just ready head downtown to the big 4th of July parade (if you like farm equipment, fire trucks, bicycles and horses) when it began to pour. So we sat and watched the end of a movie we'd seen before, but long ago on TNT.
We were trying to wait out the rain. But the rain was better at waiting than I am...so I did what any good scout would. I broke out the vodka and Paul made us BMs - bloody marys. I texted Bobbie to let her know what was happening. The others we had invited to watch fireworks at our place knew the invited was rescinded if fireworks were canceled.
I slapped a brownie mix together and popped it in the oven (yes, I'm THAT resourceful) and Paul ran to the store for wings. McFees arrived when I was on BM #2, but you'll be glad to know Mr. P (Pablo) didn't make tailgating strength BMs. He actually used a shot glass to measure vodka - so we weren't a hammered when McFees got here. They brought a lovely meat and cheese tray.
I meant to be a better hostess, but we drank more than we ate. I switched to my new face Twisted Tea after the 2 BMs. Bobbie did too. Kimmy wasn't drinking (rough night Saturday). Krissy got there followed by Caleb an hour or so later. Krissy drank some tea too. We had fun reminiscing - until nearly midnight. Paul and I had gotten Scene It out, in case we wanted to play games, but we were having too much time chatting.
So - not the worst 4th ever. We made due. And today I had a nice lunch with my homies - Deb and I picked up subs and Patti, Pat, Deb, Bobbie and I lunched at my place. Kimmy sat in and my roomie (landlady really) Joanie even stopped by briefly with her nieces Syd and Maycie (sp). Again more rain - do we live in a sponge?
Off to DSM tomorrow - Joan is off this week so I'm on my own. It will be a short one though - yeah!
We were trying to wait out the rain. But the rain was better at waiting than I am...so I did what any good scout would. I broke out the vodka and Paul made us BMs - bloody marys. I texted Bobbie to let her know what was happening. The others we had invited to watch fireworks at our place knew the invited was rescinded if fireworks were canceled.
I slapped a brownie mix together and popped it in the oven (yes, I'm THAT resourceful) and Paul ran to the store for wings. McFees arrived when I was on BM #2, but you'll be glad to know Mr. P (Pablo) didn't make tailgating strength BMs. He actually used a shot glass to measure vodka - so we weren't a hammered when McFees got here. They brought a lovely meat and cheese tray.
I meant to be a better hostess, but we drank more than we ate. I switched to my new face Twisted Tea after the 2 BMs. Bobbie did too. Kimmy wasn't drinking (rough night Saturday). Krissy got there followed by Caleb an hour or so later. Krissy drank some tea too. We had fun reminiscing - until nearly midnight. Paul and I had gotten Scene It out, in case we wanted to play games, but we were having too much time chatting.
So - not the worst 4th ever. We made due. And today I had a nice lunch with my homies - Deb and I picked up subs and Patti, Pat, Deb, Bobbie and I lunched at my place. Kimmy sat in and my roomie (landlady really) Joanie even stopped by briefly with her nieces Syd and Maycie (sp). Again more rain - do we live in a sponge?
Off to DSM tomorrow - Joan is off this week so I'm on my own. It will be a short one though - yeah!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Rain rain go away
Right about when the parade was supposed to start, it started pouring here in Creston, Iowa. It takes me back to the year in Ridgeland when we were stuck in the house in that little town, with no running water all Fourth of July weekend.
Of course that was after a few years of good times with our college buddies - camping at the Huston home place in Ridgeland. We'd head, en masse there, stay in a giant f'in tent, drink beer and tube the Apple River some half hour or so away. (There was a cute little bar on the way called Teresa's - a whole 'nother story).
We had a grand time - that first year Mike Huston - the best man at our wedding (we weren't married yet - it was 1980) invited a shitload of folks. I drove from my first job home in Sioux Falls, SD to Albert Lea, MN to meet my friends. Off we went from there, arriving in Ridgeland in the dark.
The next day we became familiar with our surroundings - a rickety old farmhouse with a kitchen and living room and fireplace plus stairs to a second level with a couple bedrooms. Electricity but no running water and no bathrooms. Two seater outhouse and big old barn.
Then there was the huge blue canvas tent set up that held like 15 people. That weekend it was 15 snoring, beer farting people. We sat around the campfire, melting our sneakers getting to know some vet school friends Mike Huston had invited plus the whole Huston clan including Grandpa Russell who lived in town at a rooming house.
Mom and Dad, Clark and Joyce Huston lived in Madison and both worked at Oscar Mayer while raising five nice kids, Mike the eldest, Jeff a year younger, Lori a couple years younger than we are, Kristie was 14 then and Carla 11.
Our group consisted of the usual suspects Vic, Fred, Paul, Moose (it was before the Kay years), Hauser, Catfish (a college friend from the Towers where Paul met Mike, on Baker House) and his lady friend Hotsy Totsy - who proceeded to share too much information about how sex in the weeds was icky...ICK. Jane Ertl and Bob Fitzpatrick, Tom Sullivan - another groomsman of ours and his future wife Allison. Jane Flack was the life of the party one of those first years.
Clark and Joyce brought all the food - lots of good OM meats. We'd have a huge breakfast - eggs, pancakes, bacon etc. They made coffee in an old aluminum coffeepot. Once breakfast was done we'd do the dishes right away - using water boiled on the fire.
Drinking all that beer necessitated using the dreaded outhouse. It was a two seater and had real toilet seats. But it didn't flush, and there was no sink to wash hands. After a day one would really be desiring a shower! Again we'd use the heated water - play beauty parlor and help with each other's hair.
The first year tubing was the finest! I didn't know what to expect. By the time we got there we were already on our way to being toasted. Our cooler was lashed to the tubes. Jane had a bottomless beer - cuz she kept putting it under water and then drinking the pissy river water. Ug. Good fun.
Moose and Steve shot off fireworks my Dad bought for us on Mom and Dad's trek back from Florida. Plus Moose had bought some. The boys wore hard hats. Roman candle fights. Battle ship in the horse tank. We were never quite sure what each "work" would do!
Then came rainy year. No tubing, no golf, no fireworks. We had boardgames and reading in the cabin. And drinking. We'd head outside whenever there was a break of course. And we spent some time in bars. When I got home everything I owned was wet or damp. It was still fun though - cuz I was with my buddies.
The Hustons are great people - I aspire to be like them when I grow up.
Of course that was after a few years of good times with our college buddies - camping at the Huston home place in Ridgeland. We'd head, en masse there, stay in a giant f'in tent, drink beer and tube the Apple River some half hour or so away. (There was a cute little bar on the way called Teresa's - a whole 'nother story).
We had a grand time - that first year Mike Huston - the best man at our wedding (we weren't married yet - it was 1980) invited a shitload of folks. I drove from my first job home in Sioux Falls, SD to Albert Lea, MN to meet my friends. Off we went from there, arriving in Ridgeland in the dark.
The next day we became familiar with our surroundings - a rickety old farmhouse with a kitchen and living room and fireplace plus stairs to a second level with a couple bedrooms. Electricity but no running water and no bathrooms. Two seater outhouse and big old barn.
Then there was the huge blue canvas tent set up that held like 15 people. That weekend it was 15 snoring, beer farting people. We sat around the campfire, melting our sneakers getting to know some vet school friends Mike Huston had invited plus the whole Huston clan including Grandpa Russell who lived in town at a rooming house.
Mom and Dad, Clark and Joyce Huston lived in Madison and both worked at Oscar Mayer while raising five nice kids, Mike the eldest, Jeff a year younger, Lori a couple years younger than we are, Kristie was 14 then and Carla 11.
Our group consisted of the usual suspects Vic, Fred, Paul, Moose (it was before the Kay years), Hauser, Catfish (a college friend from the Towers where Paul met Mike, on Baker House) and his lady friend Hotsy Totsy - who proceeded to share too much information about how sex in the weeds was icky...ICK. Jane Ertl and Bob Fitzpatrick, Tom Sullivan - another groomsman of ours and his future wife Allison. Jane Flack was the life of the party one of those first years.
Clark and Joyce brought all the food - lots of good OM meats. We'd have a huge breakfast - eggs, pancakes, bacon etc. They made coffee in an old aluminum coffeepot. Once breakfast was done we'd do the dishes right away - using water boiled on the fire.
Drinking all that beer necessitated using the dreaded outhouse. It was a two seater and had real toilet seats. But it didn't flush, and there was no sink to wash hands. After a day one would really be desiring a shower! Again we'd use the heated water - play beauty parlor and help with each other's hair.
The first year tubing was the finest! I didn't know what to expect. By the time we got there we were already on our way to being toasted. Our cooler was lashed to the tubes. Jane had a bottomless beer - cuz she kept putting it under water and then drinking the pissy river water. Ug. Good fun.
Moose and Steve shot off fireworks my Dad bought for us on Mom and Dad's trek back from Florida. Plus Moose had bought some. The boys wore hard hats. Roman candle fights. Battle ship in the horse tank. We were never quite sure what each "work" would do!
Then came rainy year. No tubing, no golf, no fireworks. We had boardgames and reading in the cabin. And drinking. We'd head outside whenever there was a break of course. And we spent some time in bars. When I got home everything I owned was wet or damp. It was still fun though - cuz I was with my buddies.
The Hustons are great people - I aspire to be like them when I grow up.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Good Saturday
I love sleeping in! If you can call sleeping until 7:30 a.m. sleeping in that is...and waking up next to my honeys is the bestest. (By morning the cat, dog, man and I are all lined up in our queen-sized bed).
After a quick breakfast of two kinds of cereal with blueberries (yes, I'm an admitted cereal mixer), I suited up for a bike ride. Paul was off to the forest to check his cameras for photos of wildlife (or unsuspecting naked people getting frisking in the woods - so for no photos of that..).
Upon riding up the bike trail I came upon three women blocking the path - why it was my friends Patti, Pat and Bobbie. They noticed I was behind them and wondered why I didn't shout out - "I was enjoyed watching your asses," I proclaimed.
Then I cruised on by - but I did hook up with them later at their parking spot. We decided to go for a beverage at Kelly's - to replace all the calories we burned. Can you say self-defeating? haha It was fun hanging with my buddies.
When I got home I sat on the deck and read my most excellent book by Fusilli - a new author I'm on to. Sun for a few minutes - then shade, but it was nice out. Odie started wailing and I was afraid there was a wild critter in the bushes. I finally put her in the house - then Paul flushed the creature. It was only the Stofferahn's damn cat!
After lunch Paul and I started in on a job we've had on the ta-do list for a long time. Painting the front door white. Together we did several layers - he took the hardware off and did the trim. We need to do another coat tomorrow, but guess what - rain is forecast.
Then I was on a roll - did laundry, dusted and vacuumed. Jumped in the shower before church. Post church - a quick run to, you guessed it - Wal Mart. Then home for yum, avocado burgers. It was a full productive day. I loved being home today.
After a quick breakfast of two kinds of cereal with blueberries (yes, I'm an admitted cereal mixer), I suited up for a bike ride. Paul was off to the forest to check his cameras for photos of wildlife (or unsuspecting naked people getting frisking in the woods - so for no photos of that..).
Upon riding up the bike trail I came upon three women blocking the path - why it was my friends Patti, Pat and Bobbie. They noticed I was behind them and wondered why I didn't shout out - "I was enjoyed watching your asses," I proclaimed.
Then I cruised on by - but I did hook up with them later at their parking spot. We decided to go for a beverage at Kelly's - to replace all the calories we burned. Can you say self-defeating? haha It was fun hanging with my buddies.
When I got home I sat on the deck and read my most excellent book by Fusilli - a new author I'm on to. Sun for a few minutes - then shade, but it was nice out. Odie started wailing and I was afraid there was a wild critter in the bushes. I finally put her in the house - then Paul flushed the creature. It was only the Stofferahn's damn cat!
After lunch Paul and I started in on a job we've had on the ta-do list for a long time. Painting the front door white. Together we did several layers - he took the hardware off and did the trim. We need to do another coat tomorrow, but guess what - rain is forecast.
Then I was on a roll - did laundry, dusted and vacuumed. Jumped in the shower before church. Post church - a quick run to, you guessed it - Wal Mart. Then home for yum, avocado burgers. It was a full productive day. I loved being home today.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Wild and Wacky 4th of July
I've not been too crazy through my 52 years. I grew up during the Iowa ditch weed times you know - Cheech and Chong and all that. Reefer Madness. Lots of my classmates were into pot in high school.
Me I stuck to liquor - which, after I turned 18 was legal. But I did have a hankerin to walk on the wild side. Independence Day after I graduated from HS, a few of my homies and I decided to head to Iowa's vacationland - Okoboji. I'm not naming any others, but their initials are CD, Patti (Trish), RDob and me. DISCLAIMER. My buddies are were not privy to this whole walk on the wild side with me. They were straight laced. (though later Chris and Rob went to the U of I so draw your own conclusions from that choice...)
I decided it was time to try what many of my classmates had. So I hooked up with another mate before our trip. Knowing I was allergic to hemp - from a years ago scratch test at the allergy doc's - puffing on same was prolly a bad idea.
So we drove Patti's VW bug to 'Boji and checked into a new hotel. We broke out the cherry vodka (I know - ewww) and I lit up. I don't even recall much of a buzz. So much for that stuff. We went for pizza - I felt a little warm, and my lips felt large (normal sized for most people, as mine are thin). I was also a bit achy. When we got back we decided to hit the pool. Stripping down, I headed for the bathroom and my friends noted I had a rash on my ass and back.
Great - no buzz, but obviously - the, um product had affected me thanks to my allergy. I felt crappy. What if I got really sick? We decided I should go to the emergency room in Spirit Lake, the nearest town. Chris, I mean CD took me. I was nervous as hell - what was I going to say?
The doc asked me a series of questions - I recall him saying "Have you done anything different or eaten anything new like seafood?" My voice was shaky when I said "No!" Lying my ass off. He told me to take benedryl. Okay experiment over. Guess I'll stick to alcohol.
I felt better the rest of the trip - except my friends called me "Puffer" for my lips, not for my habits. I took it good naturedly as I always do. Okay I punched them and got bitchy but they still liked me.
We ended up at Arnolds Park - the amusement park - quite a ride, the wild mouse, with Robyn in a tube top! The Roof Garden was fun. We had a late swim in the motel pool with some crazy boys who were also staying there. It was a crazy road trip that I'll never forget!
I made the mistake of telling my sisters about my experience way too soon though. Of course Cindy (the black sheep sister) couldn't wait to tell my parents (who had totally fallen for the unknown allergic reaction story) - just to prove goody two shoes Leslie did her share of bad stuff. And now you know too. Just don't call me Puffer!
Me I stuck to liquor - which, after I turned 18 was legal. But I did have a hankerin to walk on the wild side. Independence Day after I graduated from HS, a few of my homies and I decided to head to Iowa's vacationland - Okoboji. I'm not naming any others, but their initials are CD, Patti (Trish), RDob and me. DISCLAIMER. My buddies are were not privy to this whole walk on the wild side with me. They were straight laced. (though later Chris and Rob went to the U of I so draw your own conclusions from that choice...)
I decided it was time to try what many of my classmates had. So I hooked up with another mate before our trip. Knowing I was allergic to hemp - from a years ago scratch test at the allergy doc's - puffing on same was prolly a bad idea.
So we drove Patti's VW bug to 'Boji and checked into a new hotel. We broke out the cherry vodka (I know - ewww) and I lit up. I don't even recall much of a buzz. So much for that stuff. We went for pizza - I felt a little warm, and my lips felt large (normal sized for most people, as mine are thin). I was also a bit achy. When we got back we decided to hit the pool. Stripping down, I headed for the bathroom and my friends noted I had a rash on my ass and back.
Great - no buzz, but obviously - the, um product had affected me thanks to my allergy. I felt crappy. What if I got really sick? We decided I should go to the emergency room in Spirit Lake, the nearest town. Chris, I mean CD took me. I was nervous as hell - what was I going to say?
The doc asked me a series of questions - I recall him saying "Have you done anything different or eaten anything new like seafood?" My voice was shaky when I said "No!" Lying my ass off. He told me to take benedryl. Okay experiment over. Guess I'll stick to alcohol.
I felt better the rest of the trip - except my friends called me "Puffer" for my lips, not for my habits. I took it good naturedly as I always do. Okay I punched them and got bitchy but they still liked me.
We ended up at Arnolds Park - the amusement park - quite a ride, the wild mouse, with Robyn in a tube top! The Roof Garden was fun. We had a late swim in the motel pool with some crazy boys who were also staying there. It was a crazy road trip that I'll never forget!
I made the mistake of telling my sisters about my experience way too soon though. Of course Cindy (the black sheep sister) couldn't wait to tell my parents (who had totally fallen for the unknown allergic reaction story) - just to prove goody two shoes Leslie did her share of bad stuff. And now you know too. Just don't call me Puffer!
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