Dear So and So

[snapdragen]

Thinking of Mimi and Don today and hoping the surgery goes well!

Indeed. :)

[Owlie]

Dear track pad--
What are you doing? Could you actually function as you're supposed to?

[channlluv]

Mimi? I hope all is well.

Much love to both of you.

Roxy

[Blueberry]

Dear World:

TE people and their loved ones have had enough health issues. Please stop. Now. Let them all heal and go home and recover.

Dear Self:

Hold people to what they agreed to. This is not the time or place for pity.

[Owlie]

Dear body--
Know what would be awesome? A full night's sleep! Do you want to get on that?

Dear self--
Can we stick to the schedule? You know, the one on the fridge? That would be nice.

Dear A--
While I realize that you're from a tiny town and therefore not exactly used to seeing people who are neither white nor culturally "American", I'd appreciate it if you could avoid making it painfully obvious.:rolleyes:

[PamNY]

Dear World:

TE people and their loved ones have had enough health issues. Please stop. Now. Let them all heal and go home and recover.

+1 on this.

[Biciclista]

It looks like (crossing fingers) that the leak issue is solved. Now he's very weak and his lungs are a bit messed up.. SO he's still intubated. But BOY he keeps writing and writing and writing.
(dreams, requests, comments, questions) A guarded kind of hope. I think i think i think we've got it!

[Owlie]

Fingers crossed that they got it this time and that recovery goes well. :)

[azfiddle]

Mimi-
Thanks for the update- hoping he's finally on the mend. Keep us posted.
Sharon

[maillotpois]

Thanks Mimi - thinking good thoughts for you both. He needs a break - as do you.

[indysteel]

That's great news, Mimi! I sure hope you're right!

[PamNY]

Thanks for checking in Mimi -- keep a good thought for both of you.

[goride]

Mimi - That sounds like a step in the right direction.

[goride]

Catrin - I hope your injection was not too painful and that it (or the series) will bring you relief. Enjoy your books and your tea.

[solobiker]

Keeping fingers crossed Mimi and Don!!

[Crankin]

Hoping all goes in the right direction, Mimi.

[OakLeaf]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you and Don, Mimi.

[NbyNW]

Glad to hear Don came through the surgery! Hope that tube comes out soon, those sound terribly uncomfortable!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thank you Mimi for letting us know Don came through the surgery well.
Keeping our fingers crossed that the issues are fixed now.

[badgercat]

Hooray, Don! Fingers crossed that he's in the clear!

[Pax]

Hope Don had a good night and is on the mend today.

[SheFly]

Thanks for checking in, Mimi! I checked here a few times yesterday to see how things were going. Sounds like hopeful news for Don, which is terrific!

Here's hoping that you BOTH have some recovery time now.

SheFly

[redrhodie]

Hoping every day he gets a little bit stronger, and the worst is over!

[spokewench]

Glad that Don is doing better!

[limewave]

Mimi--thinking of you and Don. Thank you for the update.

[jobob]

:cool: Excellent news, Mimi, thanks for the update!

[alexis_the_tiny]

Glad to hear that, Mimi. I'll get my resident kitty kat to cross his paws along with me that all keeps going smoothly.

Dear self,

You CHOOSE to work in a Christian school despite knowing you had to resolve issues with growing up in a crazy, fundamentalist church. It's a Christian school, people will say 'Christian-y' things. If it triggers off bad memories, walk away and take a chill pill.

[withm]

It looks like (crossing fingers) that the leak issue is solved. Now he's very weak and his lungs are a bit messed up.. SO he's still intubated. But BOY he keeps writing and writing and writing.
(dreams, requests, comments, questions) A guarded kind of hope. I think i think i think we've got it!

Mimi
I hope that now each day will become better and easier, and that Don is home for Christmas! My best to both of you.
Martha

[snapdragen]

Fingers crossed that Mimi and Don are both home for Christmas.

[Catrin]

Fingers crossed that Mimi and Don are both home for Christmas.

+1,000 on this. Thank you for the update, I know things have got to be very busy for you.

[Biciclista]

I am fairly certain now that he will be home by Christmas, so long as no new hazards creep up. He's breathing on his own and ready to get on his feet..

[SheFly]

I am fairly certain now that he will be home by Christmas, so long as no new hazards creep up. He's breathing on his own and ready to get on his feet..

Oh - the HAPPY DANCE has begun! Joy! This is such great news, Mimi. Thanks for sharing, and best to you and Don.

SheFly

[Crankin]

That is awesome news!

[Pax]

Fantastic!!

[indysteel]

Woot!

[goride]

Yes! That is very good news.

[bmccasland]

Yay!! :D
Hope the next couple of weeks go quickly and smoothly.

[emily_in_nc]

Great news, Mimi. I'm cheering for Don down here in Belize! :)

[PamNY]

Wonderful news, Mimi. Does he know he has an online fan club?

[Catrin]

Yes, tell him we are sending him all of these warm thoughts and prayers :)

Yayyyyy - I just spent 30 moderate minutes on the trainer and I feel awesome! I've had some minor muscular symptoms today but no neck pain at all. No weird arm stuff either. I will take it...I think the shots are helping and pretty darn quickly!

Now I can start getting back to my usual exercise routine, slowly but surely. I've been exercising all along but had to really back off on range and intensity. I will be careful so I don't overdo it...and I've not forgotten that I still need PT...

Catrin the Queen of Over-doing it :o

[Biciclista]

Pam,
yes he does. If Donald has learned anything at all from this experience, it's that he is a beloved individual. He's a person who has always struggled with self-worth, having had a father who called him worthless. I think maybe he now knows otherwise.

[Blueberry]

Mimi-

I hope so! I hope that one day, I'll be able to visit Seattle and ride with you both. I don't know much of him other than from your experiences here, what other TE friends have said, and other forums, but what I have learned is that he is an amazing, compassionate, caring person and a dam!ed good cyclist:)

[shootingstar]

Congrats. on Don for....surviving, literally!

Glad for both you, Mimi and Don to celebrate Christmas and beyond.

[jobob]

If Donald has learned anything at all from this experience, it's that he is a beloved individual.

Indeed he is. :cool:

[Owlie]

Yes, tell him we are sending him all of these warm thoughts and prayers :)

Yayyyyy - I just spent 30 moderate minutes on the trainer and I feel awesome! I've had some minor muscular symptoms today but no neck pain at all. No weird arm stuff either. I will take it...I think the shots are helping and pretty darn quickly!

Now I can start getting back to my usual exercise routine, slowly but surely. I've been exercising all along but had to really back off on range and intensity. I will be careful so I don't overdo it...and I've not forgotten that I still need PT...

Catrin the Queen of Over-doing it :o

That's great!
My side is still bugging me if I overdo it on the trainer or sit funny. Annoying, really.

[ivorygorgon]

I am so thankful for Don and Mimi that Don is doing better. I want nothing more than for Don be home for Christmas. Is it too much to ask for him to feel like biking even a little sometime soon? Pretty please?????

[snapdragen]

I am fairly certain now that he will be home by Christmas, so long as no new hazards creep up. He's breathing on his own and ready to get on his feet..

Fantastic!!!

[ladyicon]

Great job Mimi ! Home for Christmas is wonderful news.

[alexis_the_tiny]

I am fairly certain now that he will be home by Christmas, so long as no new hazards creep up. He's breathing on his own and ready to get on his feet..

That's fantastic! Hope the universe sends nothing but good stuff your way, you guys deserve it. :)

[spokewench]

Yahoo for Mimi and Don! So glad things are looking up!

[malkin]

I'm so happy to find good news here!
Way to go!

[redrhodie]

Dear Me,

This is not a test. Stop studying. Relax. It's a beautiful day. Enjoy it.

[jessmarimba]

Hurray for good news!!

[bmccasland]

Dear Cosmos,
Enough already! I can't believe the number of people, dear friends and relatives, that have been spending some quality time in hospitals. :( Yes, a big thank you is due for the health care professionals that have been doing their utmost best to get everyone well, or at least ease their suffering. :)
Could we please have people home by Christmas, as healthy as they can be? Please?


Dear Self,
Dad's reaction to the Texas fires surrounding him is commendable (donate to charity instead of sending adults presents). Maybe in his later years he's finally learning compassion, just because he didn't show much after Katrina.
Self, get over it, Dad is requesting that in lieu of presents, give to charity - so it isn't "all about him."

[Biciclista]

yeah, my aunt is 90 today. and she's in a hospital!! what is UP with these crummy birthdays??

Donald continues to progress. Tomorrow he's getting popsicles, saturday warm drinks... next week... OUT of the hospital. Actual day NOT determined yet.

[NbyNW]

Donald continues to progress. Tomorrow he's getting popsicles, saturday warm drinks... next week... OUT of the hospital. Actual day NOT determined yet.

Woohoo!!!

(and hugs to your aunt; no one should have to spend their birthday in a hospital!)

[OakLeaf]

Yay Mimi & Don! Great news about Don's progress. Not so much about your aunt. :(

[badgercat]

Mmm, popsicles! Go, Don, go!

If anyone is interested in reading another story on my friend Steve, a friend of his who works for the major daily newspaper in Tucson published this today (http://azstarnet.com/news/local/josh-brodesky-one-last-toast-to-a-bike-guy-who/article_24fc680e-2df4-5de3-9f49-800cc8bd57c4.html). It's a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. I needed kleenex.

ETA: I had only seen the article online, but DBF just went out and bought the newspaper. The story on Steve was on the front page, above the fold. (!!)

[Catrin]

Yayyyyy Donald! I bet that popsicle is awesome! I hope your aunt recovers quickly.

Dear Specialist,

Thank you for getting it right! You disagreed with my PCP as to the actual problem causing all of my pain and odd symptoms and...I feel ever so much better. Thank you! Hopefully next month will be soon enough for the physical therapy, but my trainer is going to help me figure out at least how to work on the muscle group you want strengthened. The other stuff will have to wait a few weeks, but this is a beginning.

Dear Neck, please continue cooperating. Pretty please? Thank you.

[Catrin]

My mom doesn't seem to be improving in the rehab facility, but she has been sick for a long time now. I've been waiting to say something about it until I had something positive to say :( She isn't, however, getting worse and that is something.

[OakLeaf]

Dear doctors,

NOW is the time to have an honest conversation with my dad? You couldn't have done that BEFORE he had three surgeries (never mind the fourth one that's scheduled, only indirectly related, and this one probably really should happen)?



Catrin - good news about your neck, not so much about your mom. Hope she's hanging in there.

[Owlie]

My mom doesn't seem to be improving in the rehab facility, but she has been sick for a long time now. I've been waiting to say something about it until I had something positive to say :( She isn't, however, getting worse and that is something.

:(

Dear company--
I am impressed that you found the last pair of shorts in my size and are sending them. Could you see fit to give me the tracking information this time?

Dear UPS driver--
I assume you're new or something, because why else wouldn't you take the package to the office like normal?

[indysteel]

((((Oak)))) and ((((Catrin)))). I'm sorry that your parents are struggling.

[Biciclista]

Dear Oakleaf, are you related to me?

Dear Catrin, I have been reading all your posts, so sorry about your mom.

D is back on the general ward, (out of ICU) . He feels pretty crummy because he's been coughing all night (normal) so he didn't sleep so good. This, too shall pass.

[Pax]

Hugs to all who need them. It's been a rough go for so many TE'ers lately; wishing you all peace.

[Crankin]

Catrin, you are so lucky you found a decent doctor for your neck!
I am sorry about your mom.

Mimi, it sounds like things are looking up. You must be so relieved. Go do something for yourself.

[ladyicon]

Catrin, sorry to hear about your mom, You are not alone. When I read your post it made a sad feeling in my belly. I have been thru the rehab. scene with my mom.

[Catrin]

Thanks, I called her today. They finally let her out of isolation at the rehab place, so hopefully that is a good sign. She does sound MUCH better, even though she won't admit it :) She hates everything which actually IS a good sign. It was strange when she liked everything, like, where is our REAL mom?

[Owlie]

Thanks, I called her today. They finally let her out of isolation at the rehab place, so hopefully that is a good sign. She does sound MUCH better, even though she won't admit it :) She hates everything which actually IS a good sign. It was strange when she liked everything, like, where is our REAL mom?

Sounds like DBF's grandfather. He had hip surgery earlier this year. They knew he was doing better because he was giving the nurses hell and complaining.

[ladyicon]

Catrin, if she is on certain medications they can make her seem like Jekyll and Hyde. When my mom was on morphine she never knew who I was, and hated everything. I pray that I don't have to go thru that. :(

[Owlie]

Dear friend--
As much as I enjoy discussing politics with you, that doesn't have to be the entirety of the conversation.

Dear other friends--
I am.not.interested in your religion for any reason other than an academic one. Stop telling me about it.

[Sky King]

Dear Self,

just because it is the holiday season does not mean you need to sample all the holiday beers, practice some self control already :)

[Owlie]

Dear retail gods:
Dark red cami with no shelf bra. This should not be that hard!

[Becky]

I never find camis without shelf bras, so I just cut the bras out with a sharp pair of sewing scissors.

[jobob]

Dear Self,

just because it is the holiday season does not mean you need to sample all the holiday beers, practice some self control already :)

But, but, but ...

;)

[azfiddle]

Dear weather:

Thank you for sending away the uncharacteristic blast of cold air from Tucson, and providing a beautiful morning for a ride today. My fingers were only cold for the first 5 miles and even my toes were warm on the way home.

[indysteel]

Dear retail gods:
Dark red cami with no shelf bra. This should not be that hard!

Ann Taylor or The Loft?

[Crankin]

I have 2 really nice, petite sized camis is from the Loft. Of course, I bought them at least 5 years ago. Also, Banana Republic has some without the shelf bra.

[Owlie]

I have one cami with a shelf bra that works color-wise, but that doesn't work so well for about a week and a half each month. Guess which week I need to wear the shirt?

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear Self,

just because it is the holiday season does not mean you need to sample all the holiday beers, practice some self control already :)

But...its holiday beers!!!!!! They only happen once a year!!!!! :D

[Owlie]

Dear neighbors:
Why is it one set of you or the other? Do you understand that not everyone is on vacation, and that some of us need sleep? Country music and running around screaming at 2am is not appreciated.
Your very tired and very unhappy neighbor.

[spokewench]

Dear weather:

Thank you for sending away the uncharacteristic blast of cold air from Tucson, and providing a beautiful morning for a ride today. My fingers were only cold for the first 5 miles and even my toes were warm on the way home.

I was there on Saturday - it was a very nice morning and day! Especially since it was 9 degrees in flagstaff that morning!

[Owlie]

Dear USPS:
You delivered one. Where's the other one?:confused: By the way, please tell your carriers that mailboxes are not TARDISes. They are not bigger on the inside. They probably should not be trying to force highly crushable things into them.

[Sky King]

Note to self (again) you can not drink wine anymore, ever! Don't kid yourself into thinking one glass is going to be fine. Now you have to suffer all day (tatoo this on your hand)

[Pax]

Note to self (again) you can not drink wine anymore, ever! Don't kid yourself into thinking one glass is going to be fine. Now you have to suffer all day (tatoo this on your hand)

Are you allergic?

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear Allergy Gods,

Care to explain why is it that when I am in my own place, I am fine, but within an hour of being at my parents' place, I am an itching, sneezing, swelling, leaking, coughing, wheezing, feverish ball of misery?

Dear muffin gods (heeh :p),

Gingerbread muffins were a swell idea. Now, what can we dump into them to make them more fun...

[OakLeaf]

Dear muffin gods (heeh :p),

Gingerbread muffins were a swell idea. Now, what can we dump into them to make them more fun...

Chopped crystallized ginger! (Not that I'm the muffin goddess or anything. :p)

[redrhodie]

Chopped crystallized ginger! (Not that I'm the muffin goddess or anything. :p)

Finely diced pears.

[redrhodie]

Hey Mimi,

I hope things are going well. Been thinking about you. How RD is improving.

[snapdragen]

Chopped crystallized ginger! (Not that I'm the muffin goddess or anything. :p)


Finely diced pears.

Yum. :D:D

[bmccasland]

Dear parental unit on the phone,
Why don't you get the irony that I have no future plans to come visit you when you didn't make time for me as a kid, and didn't see fit to stop in for at least lunch or dinner on your annual trip from Texas to Georgia the 8 years I lived in New Orleans? You bend over backwards to see your spouse's relatives but wouldn't do the same for me? :( Bah humbug.

Think I'll stick to variations on muffins, that sounds like much more fun. :)
There's always currants and chopped nuts to add to gingerbread too. :rolleyes:

This thread kind of reminds me of something I made at Girl Scout camp, "Idiot's Delight". It was a box of gingerbread mix, mixed according to package directions, pour into a dutch oven, add a jar of applesauce on top. Cook - use those campfire / dutch oven cooking skills! Looks terrible, but tasted good. We always wanted either whipped cream or ice cream on top too. :rolleyes:

[Owlie]

Dear self:
You know better. I know you know better, and we've had this discussion before. This is a bad month for that, since DBF's coming and everything and that means meals out and a round-trip to Cincinnati...twice. The biggest place you can cut your budget is "extra crap".
You've gotten yourself your "extras" for a long time (it was a nice shirt, wasn't it?). Knock it off and be responsible. Meals out, whether at at the student union or a restaurant, will be paid for in cash. Get off the mailing lists. That should solve your problems.

Oh, and actually use the stuff you bought.

[Biciclista]

It looks like SOMEONE will be home by the weekend. He's still got lots of issues, so we are both kind of nervous, but OH BOY coming home REALLY.

[OakLeaf]

Oh yay! That's wonderful. :)

[NbyNW]

Mimi, we'll keep our fingers crossed that Don gets kicked out of the hospital this week!

[Owlie]

it looks like someone will be home by the weekend. He's still got lots of issues, so we are both kind of nervous, but oh boy coming home really.

yay!

[shootingstar]

Dance of joy for Don and you together..to be home.

Wishing you the best! :)

[MM_QFC!]

Yea!! That's great news...take it slow and easy and I know that being home will be the best medicine for Don and you too! Enjoy!

[bmccasland]

Don is plotting his escape! That's wonderful news!!! :D:p:D

[azfiddle]

Hurray Mimi- I have been watching for a post with news of Don's return home- good luck getting everything sorted, and this is a good time for you to call on your network to help out with chores and meals and that sort of thing.

Sharon

[indysteel]

That is fantastic, Mimi. You just made my day!!!

[Catrin]

It looks like SOMEONE will be home by the weekend. He's still got lots of issues, so we are both kind of nervous, but OH BOY coming home REALLY.


Yippeeeee! Donald is escaping! Hoping for a very nice first weekend at home and no issues will be allowed to act up. Those "issues" need to just back off and allow him a few days rest at home before they even think about flaring up again. :cool:

[Crankin]

This is great news, Mimi.

[redrhodie]

Made my day, too!

[emily_in_nc]

Happy to hear it, Mimi! Hope Don's homecoming goes as smoothly as possible. What a great Christmas gift!

[Pax]

WOO HOO!!! So happy for you two!!

[Biciclista]

Dear TE gals
I wish I could give you all a big hug. Thank you so much.

[Crankin]

Dear G-ds of medications,
I got my second Prolia shot today. Please don't let there be any of those horrible and weird side effects that I had to sign a waiver for.
This is a new medication for osteoporosis. It's used as some kind of oncology drug and they discovered in the course of this, that it helps grow bone. I had the first treatment in June, with no issues. Now I have to wait until next June to have my bone density scan, to see if it's worked.
Funny, my mind is very strange. When I took Reclast (infusion), I felt mildly nauseous as soon as the IV was inserted. I could only take about 2/3 of the dose, as they thought it was an allergic reaction. So my doctor didn't want me to try it again, even though the 2/3 dose worked. When I had the first Prolia shot in June, I rode my bike there, so as to keep my mind off of it. I don't think the Reclast thing was a reaction, I just get unbelievably nervous and can almost make myself feel weird when I take a new medication. As soon as she took the needle out of my arm today, I felt weird. There's no preservatives in the injection (I made them check) and this was a mild version of what happened in 2010. I didn't tell the nurse, sat there for 15 minutes and did paperwork and went to buy some gifts in town. I am fine now.
I'd like to strangle my brain.

[PamNY]

Mimi, I am so glad to hear your good news.

[solobiker]

Mimi I am so happy for you and Don!!:D:D

[Biciclista]

Crankin, drugs are SO scary... i hope it's ok

[snapdragen]

Yay Mimi! Being home will be so much better for RD. Happy Dance!

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h181/snapdragen/MsgBoards/SnoopyDance.gif

[maillotpois]

I second Snap's Snoopy dance. Yay Mimi and RD!

[Possegal]

It's used as some kind of oncology drug and they discovered in the course of this, that it helps grow bone.

Just to clarify - it isn't an 'oncology' drug per se, but most of the osteoporosis drugs also have indications for use in cancer patients either to aid in strengthening bone where there are bone metastases or for patients receiving hormonal treatments that may cause bone issues. This drug was approved for osteoporosis last year and then for cancer patients getting hormonal treatments this year. It isn't having any effects on the cancer.

Just in case the idea of it as a cancer drug was adding any other stress to you. Maybe that would help? Thought I'd try at least. :)

[Possegal]

It looks like SOMEONE will be home by the weekend. He's still got lots of issues, so we are both kind of nervous, but OH BOY coming home REALLY.

That is AWESOME. Hopefully the issues and nervousness will be less just by having him at home!

[Owlie]

Just to clarify - it isn't an 'oncology' drug per se, but most of the osteoporosis drugs also have indications for use in cancer patients either to aid in strengthening bone where there are bone metastases or for patients receiving hormonal treatments that may cause bone issues. This drug was approved for osteoporosis last year and then for cancer patients getting hormonal treatments this year. It isn't having any effects on the cancer.

Just in case the idea of it as a cancer drug was adding any other stress to you. Maybe that would help? Thought I'd try at least. :)

Dear Possegal
Can I hug you?
Signed,
The pharmacology/toxicology student and nerd

[Possegal]

Dear Possegal
Can I hug you?
Signed,
The pharmacology/toxicology student and nerd

Yes, of course
Signed,
Possegal, PhD (pharmacology/toxicology). :)

[Biciclista]

lots of hugging here. too bad it's virtual.

[spokewench]

Mimi - so glad Don will be coming home - what a relief.

[Blueberry]

Mimi-

Thanks great news! Crossing fingers all goes as smoothly as possible!

[withm]

Mimi
I am sooooo happy for you and Don. Did you get a chance to redecorate the house while he was gone? (just kidding - I know you've been swamped all this time :) Here's to a speedy recovery!
Martha

[Biciclista]

Withm,
I did rearrange furniture in the living room at D's request! and even more amazing, a coworker paid her cleaning lady to clean MY house last week so it's much cleaner than it is normally.
We're going to start out without a hospital bed. (eek) hope we don't need it.

[withm]

LOL - I am always reminded of the story of Goldilocks and the 3 bears as told by Cheech & Chong (or was it the Firesign Theater?) - the little ones went out to play, and when they came home found out that their parents had moved out. Without telling/taking the little ones! So far removed from the story it now sounds barbaric, but it seemed pretty funny at the time. Then again mind altered perceptions were easily amused 40 years ago.

Anyway I hope that all continues to go well, and that you and Donald will get lots of rest and recovery - I am sure you both need it.

[indysteel]

Dear Woman With Whom I Share a Public Bathroom:

WTF? I know that you put several layers of toilet paper on the toilet seat before you use it and that it takes you a good 10 minutes to prep the toilet for use. I'm not sure why you don't use the handy dandy toilet seat covers from the dispenser on the the wall, but whatever. But why in God's name do you throw away half-used rolls of toilet paper, too? I just used the bathroom and there are two rolls with a considerable amount of TP still on them in the trash just from today. I'm guessing there's at least another one from this morning too. That's a whole lotta wasted toilet paper. I understand that you likely have some OCD thing going on--and I am sympathetic--but please get help. What you're doing is wasteful and, I assume, indicative of other OCD behaviors that are, at least to an outside observer, not particularly normal.

[redrhodie]

Dear Powers That Be,

Please don't take away my massage therapist right now. I don't know what happened, but please let her keep working.

[Sky King]

Are you allergic?

Apparently, this is quite new started in August. I hear it may be an age issue (geez)
If I even have one glass of red wine and I feel horrid the next day :( And I don't care for white wine
Oh well, I am a huge indulger in beer but a glass of wine with friends was always fun.

[Biciclista]

Dear Woman With Whom I Share a Public Bathroom:

WTF? I know that you put several layers of toilet paper on the toilet seat before you use it and that it takes you a good 10 minutes to prep the toilet for use. I'm not sure why you don't use the handy dandy toilet seat covers from the dispenser on the the wall, but whatever. But why in God's name do you throw away half-used rolls of toilet paper, too? I just used the bathroom and there are two rolls with a considerable amount of TP still on them in the trash just from today. I'm guessing there's at least another one from this morning too. That's a whole lotta wasted toilet paper. I understand that you likely have some OCD thing going on--and I am sympathetic--but please get help. What you're doing is wasteful and, I assume, indicative of other OCD behaviors that are, at least to an outside observer, not particularly normal.

I read your mention of this with fascination sometime back and am astonished that it continues. Does management know? Do you have a clue as to whom it is???

[indysteel]

I read your mention of this with fascination sometime back and am astonished that it continues. Does management know? Do you have a clue as to whom it is???

Lord; I forgot I had already complained about this. Sorry for the repetition of my rants. I think I know who she is, but we have no management per se. I work for the government. The people who manage the building are not our managers and her boss is not my boss. I wish there was a way to address it but I would have to step on some serious toes to do so. It is weird though. I just don't get why the tp rolls are trashed.

[Blueberry]

That is most odd. Could you leave a note in the bathroom - taped to the stall? I might try that.....

[limewave]

Dear Children,

Sorry you do not understand right now why I shut myself in my room. The complaining, the screaming, the complaining and screaming some more . . . I'm afraid if I do not lock myself in my room, words will spew out of my mouth that I will never be able to take back.

Limewave

[Reesha]

Dear Dog,

While I should know better than to leave my Patagonia active hipsters/briefs anywhere near your grasp, you should know better than to eat my precious undies. I am never surprised anymore, only poorer and poorer. Help me save $$$ by not eating my nice underwear.

love,
your companion

[Reesha]

Dear Children,

Sorry you do not understand right now why I shut myself in my room. The complaining, the screaming, the complaining and screaming some more . . . I'm afraid if I do not lock myself in my room, words will spew out of my mouth that I will never be able to take back.

Limewave

Aw! This reminds me of how my mom used to lock us out of the house when we were annoying as kids. We were never grounded, just locked outside to roam our expansive property and blow off steam. :D

Feel better!

[Crankin]

Indy, I laughed at your description of this woman, but it's really not funny. I agree, tape a note to the stall.
Possegal, please forgive my ignorance, as one who has 2 lowly master's degrees in decidedly non-scientific subjects. I know the drug is not used to treat cancer, but used to help with the effects of treatment. I am only concerned with side effects... that would affect me, like maybe having a horrible skin rash on my face! I had nothing after the first treatment and all of my blood work was fine, but I can get myself pretty worked up about medications, etc., as I have had serious allergic reactions to some things, like IV contrast dye. I am not anti-medication, but so far, I haven't been able to take the first line of treatment osteoporosis drugs, due to really bad gastric side effects, and I had the weird reaction during the infusion of Reclast. Like I said earlier, I don't think that was really a reaction, just an anxiety attack.
Frankly, I read only minimal information the endocrinologist gave me this time, because after talking to her, I almost could feel the side effects starting :). Seriously, if I read it, I get it. I'm a whole lot better than I used to be, but I restrict myself from the Internet, in all things medical. So again, I fully admit I am no science person, but I am pretty aware of all things medical, especially since I work in a health care related field.

[Crankin]

Limewave, I distinctly remember my mother locking me outside in the backyard, at age 3 or 4 because I wouldn't take a nap and her telling me to "go play in the traffic on Rt. 9 :eek:." And my mom was a very good mother, who probably had been pushed to the brink by moi.

[indysteel]

I agree that it's not funny. I actually feel quite sorry fir this woman. I can't imagine having that kind if a hang up. I have thought about leaving a note, but I have to wonder whether it would solve anything. Assuming she reLly is OCD, a note will presumably do nothing to address her compulsion.

@Limewave. Good for you for recognizing you need a time out. A lot if people don't recognize that as an option.

@Reesha, did your dog actually eat your briefs? If so, do you need to see your vet?

[Reesha]

Naw, she just gnaws out the crotch ;) :( I don't think she actually eats any of it, just chews on it. Gross!

[Pax]

Apparently, this is quite new started in August. I hear it may be an age issue (geez)
If I even have one glass of red wine and I feel horrid the next day :( And I don't care for white wine
Oh well, I am a huge indulger in beer but a glass of wine with friends was always fun.

That sucks!

Red wine causes me to get very flushed, and I mean beet red face/ears/neck. But that's the extent of it, no discomfort the next day... unless I have too much. :p

[Biciclista]

A note to the toilet paper woman can't HURT! It might not help, but we all want to hear what happens after you do it.

:D:D:D


tomorrow tomorrow! he's coming home!!! I will drive him absolutely bananas because he's so weak and i want him to get up and do stuff!

[Anelia]

Dear bad weather,
Stay where you stayed until now. I want to ride my bicycle without freezing my a** outside. Stationary bike is boring.


tomorrow tomorrow! he's coming home!!! I will drive him absolutely bananas because he's so weak and i want him to get up and do stuff!
Who's he?

[salsabike]

tomorrow tomorrow! he's coming home!!!!

Oh thank you Flying Spaghetti Monster!

[maillotpois]

@Limewave. Good for you for recognizing you need a time out. A lot if people don't recognize that as an option.


This. It's true. Just go with it.



tomorrow tomorrow! he's coming home!!! I will drive him absolutely bananas because he's so weak and i want him to get up and do stuff!


Yay!!! Fantastic!!!

[NbyNW]

tomorrow tomorrow! he's coming home!!! I will drive him absolutely bananas because he's so weak and i want him to get up and do stuff!

Hallelujah!

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear Mimi, yaaaaaay!!!! hugs hugs hugs all around!! So happy for you guys. :D

Dear all, thanks for the muffin mix-in suggestions. If you smell gingerbread muffins fumes coming from the equator, that'll be moi. :p

Dear Skyrim, never again. Oh my aching head...

[Crankin]

Mimi, you must be thrilled. Don't harass the poor guy! Keep us posted.

Limewave, putting ourself in time out means you know to self-regulate. I spend most of my time teaching moms and dads how to do this. If you want, I can email you a copy of the "Safe Space" concept, and how it is different from time out. It really works, especially when kids (and parents) know how to use calming strategies when they are in the Safe Space. The article is written for preschool teachers, but I have had several families institute it at home.
PM me, if you want, with your email.

[indysteel]

Wow, Mimi! That is such wonderful news. I hope Don soon regains his strength and that your lives return to normal.

[OakLeaf]

Oh Mimi, yaaaaaay!

[Biciclista]

Wow, Mimi! That is such wonderful news. I hope Son soon regains his strength and that your lives return to normal.

Oh Indy, it's not my son, it's my husband, the infamous Raleighdon
http://www.sersale.org/bike/katdbike.jpg

[Pax]

Who's he?

Her husband, he has been in the hospital for some time.

[indysteel]

That was a typo on my part, Mimi. It was supposed to say "Don," not "Son." That's what I get for posting first thing in the morning.

[PamNY]

A note to the toilet paper woman can't HURT! It might not help, but we all want to hear what happens after you do it.

I'm so glad you said that so I don't have to.:D

Hooray for homecoming!

[indysteel]

A note to the toilet paper woman can't HURT! It might not help, but we all want to hear what happens after you do it.

:D:D:D

LOL. I just passed the suspected TP Bandit in the hall as she was headed to the bathroom. She's already visited the bathroom once today as there was a ginormous wad of toilet paper in the trash. When I say ginormou, I'm guessing that she puts about 6-6 layers of TP on the toilet seat each time she goes to the bathroom.

All I can say is that I'm glad I'm not a germaphobe. What she goes through each time she uses the restroom looks exhausting I wonder if she does the same thing at home. Of course, the irony is that our public bathrooms--to the extent they are cleaned every day and don't get heavy use--are likely cleaner than my home toilet.

As for the note, I'm likely not going to do that. If I worked in a different environment or a largely workplace, perhaps. You'd have to know a lot more about the politics of the Courts to know why leaving a note could leave egg on my face.

But the TP Bandit does make for some interesting stories.

[7rider]

Great news, Mimi!! So glad he's coming home.

Wishing him continued recuperation and a return of his stregnth.

[jessmarimba]

That was a typo on my part, Mimi. It was supposed to say "Don," not "Son." That's what I get for posting first thing in the morning.

I'm glad you made it, or we wouldn't have gotten to see that fantastic photograph!

Great news, Mimi!!

[indysteel]

I'm glad you made it, or we wouldn't have gotten to see that fantastic photograph!

True, true!

P.S. Got your PM. I'll be putting the top in the mail in the next couple of days!

[OakLeaf]

Indy, could you maybe ask building maintenance to put locks on the TP dispensers? A lot of places have those, and then at least you wouldn't have to deal with half-used rolls in the trash.

You must have good plumbing, anyway. It's a wonder the toilets don't back up.

[indysteel]

Indy, could you maybe ask building maintenance to put locks on the TP dispensers? A lot of places have those, and then at least you wouldn't have to deal with half-used rolls in the trash.

You must have good plumbing, anyway. It's a wonder the toilets don't back up.

Oh, she just throws all that TP away in the trash. I don't think she flushes any of it. I'll see about the locks though.

[Pax]

She most likely has some form of nasty OCD or phobia. Locking the paper up could cause her a lot of suffering, is it worth it?

[Biciclista]

it's taxpayer's money; she should bring her own TP!!

[indysteel]

She most likely has some form of nasty OCD or phobia. Locking the paper up could cause her a lot of suffering, is it worth it?

I doubt it. I keep going back to the simple fact that she probably needs professional help. While it bothers me that she's using taxpayer pai TP to "deal" with her issues, I don't think there's anything I can or arguably should do to intervene.

[OakLeaf]

@Pax, there's nothing to stop her from bringing her own TP if she feels the need (and it definitely would create less waste if she didn't throw away whole rolls). I'm not sure that providing her an unlimited supply at public expense is a necessary accommodation....



Dear depression gods,

My body really needs a recovery day. Can you just let me do that please? I've already run more miles this month than I did in all of November.


Dear drivers in my county,

I've been back five days, and in that time two of you have killed cyclists and another one has gotten the word that you won't be prosecuted for killing a cyclist while driving drunk. Way to remind me where I am.

[Pax]

I guess with my work history I just see a person suffering and would have no desire to make her life more difficult. She is not hurting anyone and the argument of wasting taxpayer money seems a bit mean spirited. There are so many other, more emergent/painful/pressing, things in life to fret about.

We just look through different lenses on this topic.

[withm]

Seriously? 20 posts about TP? Even if it cost $1.00/roll of TP, we are talking $250 or so over the course of a year. I suspect the 20 minutes or so each person has spent to talk/write about the subject while on company time adds up to way more waste than that. We all need to pick our battles. Just chalk it up to another amusing thing at work, shake your head, and move on.

[indysteel]

Seriously? 20 posts about TP? Even if it cost $1.00/roll of TP, we are talking $250 or so over the course of a year. I suspect the 20 minutes or so each person has spent to talk/write about the subject while on company time adds up to way more waste than that. We all need to pick our battles. Just chalk it up to another amusing thing at work, shake your head, and move on.

I appreciate and agree with Pax's point of view about this and the diplomatic way she stated it. My original post that started this discussion was in keeping with the intent behind Dear So & So. It's a chance to vent, complain, celebrate, share, etc. What happens from there is the nature of an online forum. Things often take on a life of their own. We've certainly discussed sillier things in this thread in the past. I personally don't need you to wag your finger at me/us about it.

[indysteel]

Dear depression gods,

My body really needs a recovery day. Can you just let me do that please? I've already run more miles this month than I did in all of November.

Dear drivers in my county,

I've been back five days, and in that time two of you have killed cyclists and another one has gotten the word that you won't be prosecuted for killing a cyclist while driving drunk. Way to remind me where I am.

((((Oak)))),

I'm sorry you've been battling some depression (or at least that's what I'm inferring from your above). I hope the extra sunshine in Florida will help.

I'm sorry to hear that the state isn't improving its bicycle safety. Please be careful out there.

[Pax]

Speaking of FL sunshine, I'll be there for a week as of 12/26... can't WAIT!!!

I've never been to Destin, but it looks beautiful.

[Crankin]

I hope you feel better, Oak. When your body needs a rest, it needs a rest.
Those cycling statistics about your home in Florida sound scary.

[Biciclista]

re: 20 posts about TP, sometimes it's REALLY nice to NOT be dwelling on surgery, ICU, cancer, suffering. I like dear so and so because it ranges from the silly to the sad to the ironic to the giddy happiness that all of us experience. I have felt awful about this thread being way too much a how's Donald thread and I would prefer to dwell a little on the sensation of walking into a rest room expecting to find something really odd like mounds of TP.
We used to have a lady in our office who was way way way too much into makeup and scents. We'd go into the bathroom and see makeup sprinkled on the floor near the mirror and, of course ON the mirror. She left a vapor trail when she walked down the hall. We enjoyed endless conversations about her eccentricities and speculated for ages about what she did when she went to her next job... and sure she had emotional problems of a spectacular level, but there was not much we could do about that.

[withm]

I appreciate and agree with Pax's point of view about this and the diplomatic way she stated it. My original post that started this discussion was in keeping with the intent behind Dear So & So. It's a chance to vent, complain, celebrate, share, etc. What happens from there is the nature of an online forum. Things often take on a life of their own. We've certainly discussed sillier things in this thread in the past. I personally don't need you to wag your finger at me/us about it.

Just consider it another vent.

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, I guess that did sound mean. Sorry. As germs apparently are to this person, waste is to me. Seriously. It's how I was raised, and that was before I ever heard the phrase "carbon footprint." It's a good thing I don't work in your building, because I would be the one pulling the unused rolls of TP out of the trash and putting them back on the spindles. Yes, I do know that's gross. :o

[PamNY]

It's a good thing I don't work in your building, because I would be the one pulling the unused rolls of TP out of the trash and putting them back on the spindles. Yes, I do know that's gross. :o

Gross, yes, but discussing it would make this thread even funnier.

[Biciclista]

Gross, yes, but discussing it would make this thread even funnier.

:p:p:p:p:p

[lph]

because I would be the one pulling the unused rolls of TP out of the trash and putting them back on the spindles. Yes, I do know that's gross. :o

Hey, that's not gross, I'd do it right there with you :p

I was brought up the same way.

[snapdragen]

More toilet idiosincracies....

I used to work with a woman that took the idea of waste not to a higher level. One day she asked why we don't save the paper toilet seat liners so they can be used again. :eek: I guess we were supposed to hang them up.......

I have more..........

[indysteel]

re: 20 posts about TP, sometimes it's REALLY nice to NOT be dwelling on surgery, ICU, cancer, suffering. I like dear so and so because it ranges from the silly to the sad to the ironic to the giddy happiness that all of us experience. I have felt awful about this thread being way too much a how's Donald thread and I would prefer to dwell a little on the sensation of walking into a rest room expecting to find something really odd like mounds of TP.
We used to have a lady in our office who was way way way too much into makeup and scents. We'd go into the bathroom and see makeup sprinkled on the floor near the mirror and, of course ON the mirror. She left a vapor trail when she walked down the hall. We enjoyed endless conversations about her eccentricities and speculated for ages about what she did when she went to her next job... and sure she had emotional problems of a spectacular level, but there was not much we could do about that.

I am more than happy to provide a diversion for you, Mimi!

And, Oak, I have come really close to retrieving the unused rolls of TP from the trash. But I keep going back to the Seinfeld episode where George gets caught eating an eclair out of the trash.

[Biciclista]

Dear Indysteel

PLEASE don't eat the toilet paper.

[indysteel]

Dear Indysteel

PLEASE don't eat the toilet paper.

LOL. That was good for an awesome belly laugh! Thank you!!!!

[bmccasland]

Dear Indysteel

PLEASE don't eat the toilet paper.


LOL. That was good for an awesome belly laugh! Thank you!!!!

Ohh, don't make me laugh :(
I was sick last night and hurt from "worshipping at the ivory alter" several times.


Yay for RD going home!! :D:D

[alexis_the_tiny]

Dear Indysteel

PLEASE don't eat the toilet paper.

ROFLMAO at the mental image... :D:D:D

[Reesha]

Dear Hamstrings,

You've been stiff for a week. I've been trying to stretch you, but it's time for some professional help. We're going to see a therapist tomorrow to see if we can't work out our differences. A massage therapist *WINK*. Yayyyyy.

[goride]

Mimi - such good news! I hope you both find Don being at home to be restful.

[laura*]

Dear janitorial staff everywhere:
When you replenish the toilet seat covers, please make sure to load the dispenser in the correct way. Much too often, the seat cover packages are inserted backwards. They won't pull out nicely from the back side of the packaging.

Dear toilet seat cover manufacturers:
Why do you include a faux dispensing slot on the back of each package? Is it just in case you fill the packaging backwards? If you must have the faux slot, could you at least print instructions, in a variety of languages, to TURN THE PACKAGE AROUND!

[Sky King]

Dear foot, ankle, tendon

you can successfully handle today's annual hike to the Trinket Tree - honest. Placing our lucky rabbits foot on the tree will surely guarantee a great 2012 ;0

[Biciclista]

To whom it may concerned.
RESTFUL??? ARGGGGHHHH!!

To TE ladies. At 7pm I finally got Donald home. Thank goodness my older son Josiah came home with us too. We got in the door, D greeted the cats. Then the visiting nurse came and stayed for almost 2 hours!!! She was only there for one thing, to teach us how to give him his IV antibiotics.
We have to somehow scale back pain meds, and somehow help him be a little less wakeful at night and more wakeful in the morning.

Dear TE ladies, if there's someone here that knows about that, please let me know.

[NbyNW]

Mimi, I got my pain med tapering strategy from a friend who also had a cancer-related surgery. I don't remember what I was on when I fractured my sacrum, but this worked for me:


- don't take pain meds first thing upon waking up -- get dressed, have breakfast, etc. and take a little time to assess how you feel.

- (subjective part) when the pain is just around or beyond what you can bear in order to function (depends what you plan/need to do that day!), that's when you take your first dose for the day.

- gradually take that first dose later and later each day.

- at some point the Rx med will be a bit more than you need -- either you are taking it so late in the day or the pain is dull enough that it's not worth taking ... carefully switch over to your OTC pain reliever of choice ... I'm an ibuprofen person but extra-strength Tylenol was recommended to me at this stage. Check with Dr. &/or pharmacist about potential interactions, as in how long ago should your last dose of Rx be, before it's safe to take OTC.

The other thing I would add to this is to find ways to focus the brain on things other than the pain. TV is too passive for me, I couldn't watch TV all day. Thankfully I was still in grad school so I had a few papers to write, and a thesis topic to come up with. And I was getting ready for a quarter in Italy, so I spent a half hour in the morning and a half hour in the evening practicing my Italian with language tapes.

Some people can really get absorbed in crosswords and Sudoku. There's lots of ways to distract yourself while resting up.

Sounds like Donald's being in the hospital for such a long time may have messed with his sleep patterns ... hopefully things will settle down over the weekend!

[Biciclista]

thanks NbyNW, i am making sure he gets tylenol in between the oxycodones.. that way so far he's only taken the smallest dose of the oxy...
We've been out for two short walks so far. No flat ground around my house. Very happy.

[NbyNW]

It's a beautiful day to be outside! I just came back from walking my dog. I was under the weather last week, so it's nice to get some sunshine for extra motivation.

I hope the sunshine and fresh air get Donald all tired so he can get some good sleep tonight!

[emily_in_nc]

So happy Don is home, Mimi! A very Merry Christmas to you both! :p

[Crankin]

So happy for you, Mimi.

[bmccasland]

thanks NbyNW, i am making sure he gets tylenol in between the oxycodones.. that way so far he's only taken the smallest dose of the oxy...
We've been out for two short walks so far. No flat ground around my house. Very happy.

Mimi - I think Oxy has tylenol in it. It might be better if RD took something else as his alternative pail reliever. Check with your pharmasist or his doctor. My orthopod specifically told me not to take tylenol with Oxy (or was it hydrocodone?) :rolleyes: I had to switch pain meds because Oxy made me sick.

[shootingstar]

Great that he's home in time for Christmas, Mimi.

Somehow hard to believe he would not blog about this major surgery.....

[ivorygorgon]

My dearest dogs. I truly love you sooooo much my heart swells when I look at you. BUT give me some darn room in the bed!!!!

[indysteel]

Dear sinuses: you have screwed me over two Christmases in a row. Please don't make it a third. You have been bugging me all day, but come on! Give me break this year.

[Owlie]

Mimi - I think Oxy has tylenol in it. It might be better if RD took something else as his alternative pail reliever. Check with your pharmasist or his doctor. My orthopod specifically told me not to take tylenol with Oxy (or was it hydrocodone?) :rolleyes: I had to switch pain meds because Oxy made me sick.

Long story short, there are preparations of both oxy- and hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Vicodin (hydro), Percocet (oxy), etc.) So yes, absolutely check with the pharmacist or doctor.

[Reesha]

Dear sinuses: you have screwed me over two Christmases in a row. Please don't make it a third. You have been bugging me all day, but come on! Give me break this year.

My recipe for sinus relief is neti pot and ibuprofen

[missjean]

Stop running red lights. The stuff at the mall will still be there. They will not run out of burgers at McDonalds or coffee at Dunkin Donuts.

[indysteel]

My recipe for sinus relief is neti pot and ibuprofen

I used my neti pot last night and woke up several hours later with one of the worst sinus headaches I have ever had. I didn't shake the headache until this evening. Nothing was working, and I started to feel really bad from the constant pain. I had similar issues this time last year in that I had a bad sinus headache and congestion but did not have any of the other symptoms I have come to associate with a sinus infection. After three or dour days, it finally passed.

[Crankin]

Sometimes the symptoms seem to pass, but other times, no matter what you do, the infection starts.
I have more problems in the early fall and spring. Been fine since my bout of bronchitis. Some days I wake up with my sinuses hurting, but I use the saline rinse and it goes away. Also bought a new humidifier for the bedroom and it's working much better than the old one.

[indysteel]

I average one bad sinus infection every other year between Christmas and Valentines Day. I'm due soon. :(

[emily_in_nc]

Neti pot users:

"If you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, for example, by using a neti pot, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution,"

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2011/12/18/Improper-use-of-neti-pots-linked-to-deaths/UPI-33181324252343/#ixzz1gwGU9JpJ

:eek:

[indysteel]

I saw that yesterday, too. We use distilled thank goodness!

[Biciclista]

Dear TE ladies

Believe it or not, my husband baked a pie today!!

[indysteel]

He must be feeling be feeling reasonably well!!

[OakLeaf]

Holy cr@p, Mimi! That's great. :)

[jobob]

Dear TE ladies

Believe it or not, my husband baked a pie today!!

And it was really great pie! Donald has not lost his touch. It was so great to see you folks.

[Blueberry]

Dear Mimi - HOORAY!!!!!!

Dear Self:

You were right. The weekend sucked. You're tired and cranky. It was 48 hours and 600 miles of driving (all done by you) to deal with cranky, b!tchy, very drunk people. You survived the driving and parking in DC, and no one puked on you (and you have been reminded why it is not fun to go to bars or to be the completely sober one in a room full of those falling down drunk). You DID get some fun time with your friend who was kind enough to house you when the BIL (who demanded your presence) told you to stay in a hotel - so not all was lost. Resist the urge to tell DH that you told him so. Trust me. Move along. Find some holiday spirit. After you get a good night's sleep.

Good job on getting your trainer workout in today - after all of that. Getting home at 8PM with 3 hours of sleep is not conducive for a workout and you did it.

[azfiddle]

Mimi- that's .... sweet!

[bmccasland]

Dear TE ladies

Believe it or not, my husband baked a pie today!!

Wow! :D :)
Glad to hear he's feeling better. Err, should I mention that he shouldn't over tax himself.

And what kind of pie? :rolleyes: :p

[channlluv]

Jens Voigt wears Raleigh Don pajamas. :)



Blueberry, not to sound judgmental, but what is up with your family and why do you keep subjecting yourself to them? Who is your BIL to demand your presence at all? Request, maybe, but demand? I'm glad you got some time in with your girlfriend. That's a bonus, at least.

Roxy, wishing everyone here a really happy holiday, whether we're on our own, with friends and family, or having some other great adventure.

[NbyNW]

Please tell Donald that I am very impressed to hear about pie-making and I hope it is the beginning of getting back to normal!

[jobob]

Jens Voigt wears Raleigh Don pajamas. :)


Excellent!

[Wahine]

Jens Voigt wears Raleigh Don pajamas. :)

Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Dear Mimi, I'm so happy for you and Don.

[salsabike]

And it was really great pie! Donald has not lost his touch. It was so great to see you folks.

It was a pretty wonderful visit, all told. No place I would rather have been tonight.

[salsabike]

Wow! :D :)
Glad to hear he's feeling better. Err, should I mention that he shouldn't over tax himself.

And what kind of pie? :rolleyes: :p

Cherry-peach. The pie crust was devastatingly yummy.

[Catrin]

Dear TE ladies

Believe it or not, my husband baked a pie today!!

Yayyyyyyyy :)

My mom gets to go home on Christmas Eve. Considering her surgery was November 3, none of us dreamed her ordeal would be such as it has been, but she gets to go home :)

As for me, looking forward to PT in a couple of weeks but I only woke up once last night ;) The pain that returned after the injections isn't getting worse, and while there are some signs that a couple of muscles might be considering tightening enough to go into a spasm they aren't there yet and it might not happen. I will take it!

[Reesha]

I used my neti pot last night and woke up several hours later with one of the worst sinus headaches I have ever had. I didn't shake the headache until this evening. Nothing was working, and I started to feel really bad from the constant pain. I had similar issues this time last year in that I had a bad sinus headache and congestion but did not have any of the other symptoms I have come to associate with a sinus infection. After three or dour days, it finally passed.

That is too bad!!! I am sorry it didn't work for you last night :( I don't think it's ever been responsible for a headache, but it is a little like waterboarding yourself. I usually do it in the morning when I'm upright afterward and it certainly helps me make it through the workday!


Neti pot users:

"If you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, for example, by using a neti pot, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution,"

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2011/12/18/Improper-use-of-neti-pots-linked-to-deaths/UPI-33181324252343/#ixzz1gwGU9JpJ

:eek:


I saw that yesterday, too. We use distilled thank goodness!

My mom sent that to me because I have a cold. I got on skype and showed her my gallon of distilled :D

[Catrin]

I average one bad sinus infection every other year between Christmas and Valentines Day. I'm due soon. :(


Yikes, hope you can avoid that this year!

[SheFly]

Mimi - late to the thread this time, but I stopped in to see if there was news. Imagine my surprise to learn that not only is Don home - he's baking! Hooray for both of you.

And thank you Santa, for bringing Don home as I asked ;).

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings to all!

SheFly

[Pax]

Mimi - Woot!!!

Catrin - Yay for your mom!! I bet she's excited.

[Biciclista]

To whom it may concern:

who is Jens Voigt and what are they doing in my husband's pajamas?

I assure you, DH did NOT overexert himself. he's moving slowly but surely.

[NbyNW]

Catrin, so wonderful to hear of your mother's improvement, hope your body is starting to cooperate as well!

[azfiddle]

Mimi:
Go here- http://www.jensvoigtfacts.com/

I actually almost peed my pants when I read Channlluv's comment about the pajamas.

[Biciclista]

aw, he's cute.

[withm]

jens voigt wears raleigh don pajamas. :)





like!!!!

[indysteel]

Dear Henry Cat: Why oh why do you keep getting sick? I can't take another round of this. Please just tell me what's wrong.

For the cat owners out there, here's the deal. Chime in if you have any thoughts. Henry threw up at 3 am. It was digested food with a bit if fur but no hair ball. He then threw up some liquid a couple more times, the last episode was at 6:30 am. He has had some water but refused to eat and has been lethargic since. I don't think he has a fever. Once DH gets home, we'll take it. We have a vet appointment tomorrow morning. Henry seemed fine yesterday although I would say that his appetite has been a tad off for the last few days. He otherwise seemed normal.

But Henry has had several rounds of mystery illness over the last couple of years. His last bloodwork in early October was normal. He also had his teeth cleaned in mid October. Since then, both his appetite and fluid intake has been good. He's been energetic and peppy. So today has taken me by surprise. He eats a mix of dry and canned food. He had a bit of food from a fresh can last night that we threw away just in case it was off. We can 't think of anything else that he may have ingested.

I don't expect anybody to have answers. I'm mostly just unloading. Every time I go through this with Henry, I get a little closer to losing it altogether. I love this cat so much....

[lph]

Aw, poor Henry Cat, and his poor owner! The only thing I would be worried about would be him possibly having eaten string or a rubber band, or something like chocolate or poisonous plants of course. Otherwise my experience is that cats are very careful with what they eat and will leave food that is "off" alone. He may just still have a hairball waiting to come out that makes him feel queasy.

I get worried when our Lyra is lethargic too. Luckily I'm learning that she's a bit of a hypchondriac, so it doesn't take much for her to huddle down and feel sorry for herself. She's usually bouncing around a day or two later.

[indysteel]

Henry has finally eaten a small amount of wet food. He also drank some more water. I took him to his box and he peed. I don't think he has a urinary blockage. He is a hypochondriac himself so I am trying to remain calm. It's just so emotionally exhausting.

[channlluv]

Mimi and friends, I wish I could claim that was an original, but DH was sharing some Jens Voigt jokes from another board and the pajamas thing stuck with me.

Superman wears Jens Voigt pajamas.

When Jens' watch is off, the space-time continuum adjusts itself.

That sort of thing. I'm glad Don is home and doing so much better. Here's to a complete and speedy recovery.



Indy, I don't have any advice about your cat -- the one who lives in our house can go days without showing her face outside my daughter's room and sometimes I completely forget about her. I hope Henry gets better soon, though.

Roxy

[redrhodie]

Indy, sounds like a hairball issue to me. Have you tried this malt flavored goop? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=2963

Mine loves it.

[indysteel]

Indy, sounds like a hairball issue to me. Have you tried this malt flavored goop? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=2963

Mine loves it.

I haven't tried that. We've never had hairball issues before, at least not with Henry.

[goride]

Mimi and Catrin - I hope your loved ones continue to improve. That pie sounds delicious.

[VeganBikeChick]

Indy, could it be an intestinal blockage? Has he pooped at all?

[indysteel]

Indy, could it be an intestinal blockage? Has he pooped at all?

Not today he hasn't. I'm not overly sure about yesterday. With two cats, it's not always easy to tell. He's starting to show a bit more life, but hd also keeps retreating to his private hiding spots. If he's anything short if normal, he's off to the vet tomorrow. I have to be judicious about going to the vet. It stresses Henry out really badly, and upon his return, our other cats freaks out for at least 24 hours because she doesn't recognize him.

As I was writing this, Henry jumped up on my lap and started meowing and making biscuits. That's a good sign!!!

[Catrin]

Glad to hear about a good sign from Henry! It is so hard with furbabies because we can't ask them anything, or explain what that person with the sharp objects is doing.

I am feeling a bit down tonight. My neck and base of skull hurts. I am in bed as it is "bedtime" and the alarm goes off in 7 hours, but this will be a rough night.

[emily_in_nc]

Mimi -- Such great news about Don. Whatta guy, baking a pie. Woo-hoo! Happy for you both!

Dear tiny little biting ants I keep managing to step on or get on my hand outdoors, STOP IT! Just stop biting me! I am tired of taking Benedryl so I can sleep at night without waking up numerous times to scratch. :mad:

[Reesha]

Dear Self,

I know that the knitting store is a black hole of common sense. Please brace yourself, scurry in and out quickly, and do not be tempted by the hand dyed merinos near the door. While financial ruin by yarn purchase doesn't sound Soooo bad, it definitely is bad.

Thank you,
Self.

[Catrin]

Dear Self,

I know that the knitting store is a black hole of common sense. Please brace yourself, scurry in and out quickly, and do not be tempted by the hand dyed merinos near the door. While financial ruin by yarn purchase doesn't sound Soooo bad, it definitely is bad.

Thank you,
Self.

hehehe, been here, done that at the needlework store - in my pre-bike addiction days. Have PLENTY of things to work on lo these 2 years later if I can stay off my bikes long enough to pick up a needle.

Slept terribly last night, however my neck does feel better today. I just over-did things last night. I can lift weights, or I can go to spinning class. Not both in the same evening :eek: :rolleyes:

[indysteel]

hehehe, been here, done that at the needlework store - in my pre-bike addiction days. Have PLENTY of things to work on lo these 2 years later if I can stay off my bikes long enough to pick up a needle.

Slept terribly last night, however my neck does feel better today. I just over-did things last night. I can lift weights, or I can go to spinning class. Not both in the same evening :eek: :rolleyes:

Hmmmm. I thought you learned that lesson during last year's overuse injury! :p

[indysteel]

Henry visited the vet yet again today. Nothing was obviously wrong with him. No fever, no constipation, no obstructions. His most recent bloodwork in October. showed no signs of diabetes, kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Given his history of mystery illnesses, the vet suggested doing some additional tests in a couple of weeks, i.e., when he's recovered from what's currently ailing him. The first would be a blood test to look for a certain type of bacterium. The second would be a biopsy of his gut. The doc wonders if he might have IBD or colitis. The doctor admitted, though, that it was a bit of guesswork on his part as Henry is a conundrum. He gets really sick for no apparent reason and then promptly returns to his old self. Assuming he doesn't get cancer or kidney disease, I otherwise see no reason why he can't live a long life, but that life might include some bumps along the way. He just seems to a be a sensitive cat.

[Owlie]

Dear Self,

I know that the knitting store is a black hole of common sense. Please brace yourself, scurry in and out quickly, and do not be tempted by the hand dyed merinos near the door. While financial ruin by yarn purchase doesn't sound Soooo bad, it definitely is bad.

Thank you,
Self.

I can totally understand that. The last time I went yarn shopping was for stuff for presents for my parents. (Okay, they're not getting done for a long time--I just wrap the yarn, put a note on it and then work at my own pace.;)) It turned into "Okay, now that I've gotten the stuff for Dad's socks, and Mom's scarf (with an extra just in case), there's all this other stuff that's on sale..." I think I ended up with an additional four pairs of socks' worth.

[Catrin]

Hmmmm. I thought you learned that lesson during last year's overuse injury! :p

It was a test :) The workout itself was quite light, and I've been taught/learned what I can do that won't overly stress my neck but still do me some good. I've always done both on Mondays during spinning season...guess I will now need to do weights on Sunday and not Monday for now...

Indy, is it possible that Henry has some kind of odd food allergy? Have you changed his food or have the kitty food company changed the ingredients? That is probably reaching, but I do wonder.

[indysteel]

It was a test :) The workout itself was quite light, and I've been taught/learned what I can do that won't overly stress my neck but still do me some good. I've always done both on Mondays during spinning season...guess I will now need to do weights on Sunday and not Monday for now...

Indy, is it possible that Henry has some kind of odd food allergy? Have you changed his food or have the kitty food company changed the ingredients? That is probably reaching, but I do wonder.

I don't think so, but who knows. He's been on the same dry food forever. We added canned food to his diet over the summer and he was fine until September when he got sick with a fever for a second time (the first time was in the summer of 2010) while we were in Missouri. He eats the same handful of canned food "flavors" all the time. If the canned food was the issue, I think he would have shown signs of a problem long before September and would have never recovered from it. I also don't know that a food allergy would cause a high fever. The first two illnesses seemed virus-like. The second one seemed like he just ate something that didn't agree with him.

I dunno. The vet and I are stumped.

[Reesha]

I can totally understand that. The last time I went yarn shopping was for stuff for presents for my parents. (Okay, they're not getting done for a long time--I just wrap the yarn, put a note on it and then work at my own pace.;)) It turned into "Okay, now that I've gotten the stuff for Dad's socks, and Mom's scarf (with an extra just in case), there's all this other stuff that's on sale..." I think I ended up with an additional four pairs of socks' worth.

I bought $90 worth of yarn :rolleyes: The upside is that the yarn is for three incredibly soft hats for my friend's sister-in-law, a young mother who has breast cancer. May her head keep cozy and warm all winter!

[redrhodie]

Dear Anthropologie,

How hard is it to keep gift boxes in stock Christmas week? Big thumbs down for that.

[Blueberry]

Dear Local Branch of a Chain Grocery Store:

I'm really glad you had the jars I needed. But do you have to have the Easter Candy out **before Christmas**

Signed,

Ready for people to enjoy the moment and stop hurrying to the next thing

[Crankin]

Dear Self,
Today has been a most frustrating afternoon. I had free time on a Tuesday, and I was good and didn't ride, because I feel like I am on the edge of coming down with something. Plus, I already pushed it in strength class this morning.
So, when I finally got up the nerve to make the call to very distasteful woman who has to authorize more behavioral health insurance units for some of my clients (she grills you like crazy on their goals, etc), I realized I forgot to bring home 3/4 SSNs for the clients. OK, deep breath, i went on to do the re-authorizations for 2 who have an insurance where I just have to punch #'s into a phone. The first one couldn't be completed because "the dates overlapped." I am hoping I just have the current ending date wrong. The second one "couldn't be done over the phone." This one might be trouble, as this child lost his state sponsored insurance earlier in the fall and they are still fighting with the parents over this.... he's finally on track after a huge setback and now this?
So, nothing accomplished and I can't even get in my jammies and relax because I have a 6:30 PM session with a dad that is very important, in preparation for a meeting on Thursday.

[indysteel]

Dear Local Branch of a Chain Grocery Store:

I'm really glad you had the jars I needed. But do you have to have the Easter Candy out **before Christmas**

Signed,

Ready for people to enjoy the moment and stop hurrying to the next thing

Seriously? That's ridiculous.

[indysteel]

Hang in there, Crankin!

[Reesha]

Dear Local Branch of a Chain Grocery Store:

I'm really glad you had the jars I needed. But do you have to have the Easter Candy out **before Christmas**

Signed,

Ready for people to enjoy the moment and stop hurrying to the next thing

Plus they're totally skipping over Valentine's which is probably an even greater cash cow. :eek:

[Crankin]

I love Valentines Day. Even though we go out all of the time, we always go out for a nice dinner or make something really special at home. Last year we spent an awesome day x country skiing and then came home, showered and ate soup and salads at the bar of a fancier type restaurant.
My dad always bought my mom and I a huge thing of candy and often gave my mom a piece of jewelry on Valentine's Day. I still have the little handkerchief with hearts he gave me one year, when I was maybe 4.

[Veronica]

My dad always bought my mom and I a huge thing of candy and often gave my mom a piece of jewelry on Valentine's Day. I still have the little handkerchief with hearts he gave me one year, when I was maybe 4.


That's a really cool memory.

Veronica