Pink Flamingo on Toast

blogger vs. word press

2009-11-15T17:43:00.002-05:00

Thinking about going to Word Press. Played with it a little this afternoon. Here's the link. http://gknee.org/wordpress Still deciding though...

So yeah...

2009-11-09T16:46:00.002-05:00

Seems like I don't post much anymore. I guess Twitter and Facebook are getting my time lately. Plus I really don't have anything new to report.

Seriously, our life is work, home and visiting the nursing home. We are both a little depressed about things. We try to make each other laugh each day but some days are harder than others. We visited MIL on Saturday and she got really mad at us because we didn't take her out for dinner. I think she has it in her head that she can do anything. I feel bad. *sigh* Ugh...depressing...

Work is going good. I thought I might be moved to the work program but it looks like I'm going to stay in my current position. This makes me happy. I didn't want to abandon my kids.

I can't believe that the holidays are nearly here. I'm really dreading this year as I know it's going to be tough on Jerry and his mom. We need to get her out shopping but that is really a chore. Maybe we'll need to break down and rent a van for a weekend. *shrug* Why can't I do my best Scarlett O'Hara and say "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."

An Awesome Saturday!

2009-10-17T19:21:00.004-04:00

Today was a good day! Those have been few and far between. Jerry and I did all our errands in the morning. We took his car so we could enjoy the sunroof on this cool day. Temps were mild and the sun was shining. Jerry even stuck his head through the roof at one point. Fun...

A couple of weeks ago, maybe it was last week, Jerry and I got roped into watching a Nuwave Pro Oven infomercial. We decided that we could be eating a lot more turkey if only we could cook it in a couple of hours and not all day. So we ordered one, it came sometime during the week. Today was the day we broke it in. We cooked a 6.5 lb-ish turkey breast in two and half hours. We thought it would take longer as per the cooking guide but thankfully I kept on eye on it. It turned out great! The skin was golden brown and the meat was nice and juicy. I'm looking forward to the roast to be "Nuwaved" later in the week.

Tomorrow is another Jaguar game. The weather should be perfect and I'm hoping that they play a little better this week. Heck...they can't be worse, could they?

Wow...where did Sept go..it's Oct already!

2009-10-08T14:19:00.003-04:00

hehe...so yeah, I tripped last week going down the hall at the hospital. I didn't fall but Jerry and I did get a good giggle at how I looked. I think I pulled some crazy muscle in my lower back though. It started hurting on Friday.

After the weekend I couldn't take it much longer and headed to the doctor. Yay for pain meds and muscle relaxers. I do have to say that while they allow me to sleep it is killing my brain processing for interpreting.

Other things in life are going okay.

MIL - is out of the hospital and back in the nursing home. She is still very swollen but Jerry says she is in a good mood. (I didn't visit her last night as I was knocked out on drugs)

Work - Good...finding my groove in all my classes and remembering what my role is and keeping to it.

Marriage - Wow..coming up on 13 years. Can you believe it. I can't imagine life without him. He keeps me laughing :)

Family - I miss my family. I'm really thankful for Facebook as I feel it keeps us all up to date on what's going on in each other's life. That, and talking with Mom everyday, I usually get the scoop!

_\,,/

I didn't forget :)

2009-09-01T21:21:00.001-04:00

I thought with the summer that I might forget how to do my job. Nope! I am feeling more and more comfortable with my interpreting each day. I don't feel like the newbie anymore.

Just last week I had a self assuring moment. Love those! Nice to know I am on the right track and progressing.

I can see how one might become stagnant in this profession. I have to remind myself everyday that only I can improve my skills. As selfish as it sounds, I really need to focus on that. Come December I'm up for another Quality Assurance test. I'm really hoping to do well and have my work cut out.

I also need to remember to take care of myself. One of the classes I'm interpreting for is touch. Lots of movies/tv without captioning. (Yes, I've expressed concerns about accessibility issues.) Those rapid fire conversations can wear out weary wrists.

Feeling good about my journey right now!

And so it begins.

2009-08-21T17:14:00.002-04:00

The school year has started here in Jax. Kids start on Monday. I'm pretty excited. I am now interpreting at a High School instead of Middle school. I'm hoping the kids aren't as crazy but I'm sure they are just as nuts. I was excited to hear that the principal at the school is someone I've already worked for. He's wonderful!

This week has been hectic with meetings and misunderstandings about things. Today it seemed to iron itself out and hopefully we'll all get into our grooves quickly.

I loved having my summer off but really am looking forward to having something to do. With all the free time I tended to worry too much about things that I have no control over. (Family... medical drama...the cost of tea in china...you know..) So interpreting will be a nice change. (not that I can always control what comes off my hands...haha)

The last week of Summer Vacation

2009-08-10T15:59:00.002-04:00

Wow...it flew by and dragged at the same time.

It was supposed to be the summer of fun but it didn't turn out that way. Sure, Vegas was fun, although it wasn't really a vacation as Jerry had to work 14 hour days there. We barely left Caesars. I did get to see one of my dearest friends, Lloyd. I wish we had more time together.

Our July trip to Northern Michigan was cancelled as my dad had some medical problems. Instead I spent two weeks in Lansing. Most of the time was spent shuttling back and forth between the Mom and Dad's place and the hospital. I did get to see all my siblings though. That was a HUGE bonus. Just wish we had more time together also.

It seems to be the same theme as last year...hospitals, and medical drama. I'm really kind of tired of all that. It's wearing me down. Jerry too...

So as summer wraps up, I'm looking forward to getting back to work. At least that will keep me from sitting around and thinking about the worst possible scenarios. Yes, I've become a worrier. Hate that....

Gonna try to soak up as much Summer Vacation vibe as I can

Normal...

2009-07-27T14:26:00.003-04:00

So what is normal?

Jerry and I are beginning to think that dealing with doctors and nursing homes is becoming part of our normal. Hopefully we can move forward with getting his mom into an Assisted Living place. Still sad that I've never seen her with her leg actually on. It's always tucked in a corner

Dad is getting back to normal. Mom said he has been going downstairs with no problem. That's great. The good TV is down there that has captioning so he can actually enjoy the shows. Also the computer is down there so he can start tinkering with that too.

Tabitha, our cat, is finally falling back into her routine too. Around 9:30 every night she is clamoring for her treats.

Oh yea...My car's "check engine soon" light is on..that's normal for my little lemon of a car.

Rambling Time

2009-07-19T22:40:00.004-04:00

I'm back home again. We got back on Friday. It was great seeing my family, however the circumstances weren't ideal. Maybe next time we can actually plan a reunion picnic or something that doesn't involve hospitals.

Mom and Dad called today, as they do every Sunday. I the Sunday call. If it's even seconds late, Jerry teases me about "what I did to get off the call list". Anyway, Dad is slowly healing. Sometimes I think they forget that it was just two weeks ago that things were so dire. I know it's hard for him to just sit around the house when you are used to being active. Slow and steady wins the race.

I was excited to see Jerry's mom. Wanted to see her walk and maybe take her out, yeah...no. I asked Jerry if he was sure our last name wasn't Schleprock. She is battling a bout of congestive heart failure. Her nurse said she was doing lots better today. ....one leap forward a dozen steps backwards.... Today she was so sleepy that she couldn't even stay awake to finish a sentence and was very pale. I don't like seeing her like that.

We kind of chuckled while watching HawthoRNe on TNT. Someone on the show said "God never gives us more than we can handle", and the patient said, "Sometimes he keeps piling it on for sport". (probably paraphrased) That's how we are feeling.

A brief moment of calmness...

2009-07-09T22:08:00.001-04:00

Last week my dad was admitted into the hospital with a major bowel obstruction. I know..TMI...anyway...He was admitted and they were trying all different kinds of things. On the 3rd day in the hospital (Saturday) he went into septic shock. The hospital called mom and told her to come right away and to bring someone with her. When she arrived, Dad was unconscious and they explained to her that if he survived the surgery (20% chance of survival) that his organs would be destroyed, He would be on a tracheotomy and would have at least a year of being in a nursing home/rehab center. The doctors even asked if Mom really wanted them to even do the surgery or to "Just let him go". She said "yeah...do it".

Into surgery he went, three hours later he was out and they said he would be in a medicine induced deep sleep (coma lite).

I arrived on Sunday expecting the worst. Much to everyone's surprise Dad was awake. HA! Take that you silly doctors!!

He's had a few little setbacks but over all it's a few steps forward in his recovery and couple steps back. I keep tell him slow and steady wins the race. He is still in ICU and is hoping to get soft foods soon.

He'll probably be in the hospital for a little while longer. I'm hoping they don't release him too soon. He needs a

Jerry had good news for me today too, His mom walked! It's been a long few months waiting for her leg to get fitted and finally today! HUGE sigh of relief.

I got to see my best friend today too! I'm feeling lucky today!

How do people handle it?

2009-07-02T15:41:00.000-04:00

Finding an Assisted Living Facility that will take care of MIL is becoming quite a chore. Most of it is waiting by the phone for case workers to call or looking in the mailbox for applications. What a daunting process. Surely there is an easier way. And how do seniors afford it? Who has four thousand dollars a month to spend on that?

Dad is back in the hospital with a major bowel obstruction. Probably due to adhesions from his bladder removal, although I'm guessing it's his hernia acting up again. Hopefully he will only be in for a day or so.

Honestly, I have no clue how I'm not a quivering mass of geletin right now. This has been a LONG year.

July already?!

2009-07-01T10:26:00.001-04:00

Wow...Time flies when you are going on trips every two weeks. (Tee hee hee) Two down, one to go.

I'm excited about going to Michigan. I think we will enjoy the break from the heat and humidity here. Plus I get to see my folks. It's been too long since I've seen them.

No big plans for the 4th. Maybe someone will invite us out or something fun..who knows. *shrug*

In other news, Jerry's mom is ready to move to a place that she can "live" a little. Hopefully we can find a place soon so she can get settled. This is going to be a pain in the neck but hopefully it will be worth it. Keep your fingers crossed!

Silent Weekend

2009-06-26T08:13:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year where I travel to Orlando to attend Silent Weekend. It's a great opportunity for me to hone my skills and see my buddies. From around 9pm on Thursday until 5pm on Saturday there is no voices allowed. You can sign, gesture, notes..whatever it takes to communicate with fellow attendees and the staff at the hotel.

I love it! It wonderful practice and I learn bunches. I'm taking a break (for breakfast, that I dropped so I had to have yogurt...gah) because I just got back from a juggling class. Yes, I said Juggling. It is supposed to help with visual processing and hey....that's just what I do

I'm off to learn more!

Back to life...

2009-06-16T09:55:00.001-04:00

...back to reality!

Jerry and I are back from Vegas! Had a great time doing a lot of nothing. Jerry had to work a lot. I think he had three 14 hour days in a row. What did I do during that? Hmm...well...shopped, drank, gambled, drank, watched TV, sat by the pool, read, let towels on the floor, shopped. It was great to get away from Jacksonville and all the stress that is here.

So reality is settling back in. Jerry's mom had an appointment to get her prosethetic but because the nursing home hasn't been following directions her leg was too swollen and they had to postpone it until this Thursday. Let's all keep our fingers crossed for that!

Vegas Pool Fun?!

2009-06-11T19:22:00.004-04:00

I knew I was going to be on my own most of the day so I decided to just grab my Kindle, and iPod and head down to a shady spot at the pool. I was tucked away in my little corner, ordered a bloody mary and started to read. Apparently I wasn't the only on avoiding the sun. Two woman moved toward my table and we nodded politely like a good citizen should and giggled about how it was nice to be in the shade. Well...that turned into two hours of me gabbing with these 3 woman who could be my mother. It was incredible. Dorthea, Vicki and Sue touched me. They were all wonderful souls and it was a pleasure spending the afternoon with them at the pool. Dorthea was a supreme court, court reporter. WOW...that's cool! Vicki had been a Vice President of a bank but felt she was doing immoral things years ago and retired, Now she volunteers. Sue works for a Horse Vet so she and Dorthea who loves horses talked about that. Usually spending the afternoon with a bunch of woman who could be my mother wouldn't thrill me but today it was fun. We laughed about our husbands, the size 2 girls who felt they were entitled to things and what woman have gone through during the birth of this wonderful nation. After about 2 1/2 hours we all hugged each other and wished each other well. It was neat!!

Vegas Baby! (Day 2)

2009-06-10T00:27:00.003-04:00

Woke up at the crack of dawn. Jerry had a golf outing and had to be out the door at 6am. I got up, leisurely got dressed and headed down for breakfast. Hit the slots for a few and then headed back to the room for a nap. So far..vacation rocks! Woke up and hit the Forum Shops. My taste in shopping does NOT fit my budget. I love shiny sparkly things. I didn't buy anything but a $2.95 20oz Diet Mt. Dew. I know...I can live it up...heh. Decided to gamble a little more....yeah..I'm not very good at that too. Thankfully my friend from college called and we decided to meet. So around 2pm we headed out to the pool bar and chat. 4 hours later....Our stomachs hurt so much from laughing that we decided we needed some food. Jerry had a reception that he had to go to so we headed to the Mesa Grill for some apps and more drinks. Queso Funditos and Coffee Patrone..nuf said! Jerry finished and the three of us headed to the Peppermill for some dinner. Very pink...very neon and pretty yummy. Of course it was nice to not pay an arm and a leg for a drink or food. Still a little sticker shocked from todays bar tabs. Can't put a price on the fun we had though. I sound like a Master Card commercial...haha. Ok...Please excuse any grammar, spelling or rambling this post may have. I can't even capture how much fun today was.

Vegas Baby! (Day 1)

2009-06-08T23:03:00.004-04:00

We landed about 3:40 local time. Feeling a little jet laggy. We got into our room around 5:30pm, then a quick dinner and penny slots. It's 8pm local time (11pm home time) and I'm pooped. Jerry has to be up and downstairs at 6am. Oof...glad I'm on Vay-cay! I think tomorrow I'll hit the Forum Shops. (Already went into the Coach shop...love their little wristlets.)

Ok...being lame and getting some rest.

Wow...where have I been?

2009-05-21T22:06:00.004-04:00

It's been a busy month...

Work has been hectic with all the end of the year tests. The kids are antsy and now I know why teachers and staff enjoy the summers off. I'm ready too!

Jerry's mom had a bout with congestive heart failure and was in the hospital last week. She's back in the nursing home and we are hoping that she'll get her prosthetic leg soon. She is down to wearing the liner sock that she'll use with her prosthetic.

I'm gearing up for fun (tragedy pending). We head to Vegas on June 8th! Jerry's company has a conference that will last the week and I'm going to ...well... get away from it all. I look forward to swilling down some dirty martinis, playing with the one armed bandits and doing a lot of people watching.

After that I have a couple weeks to get ready for Silent Weekend. Not only will I hone my signing skills but I get to do it with some wonderful people. I miss my FCCJ classmates

Two weeks after that we head to Michigan to hang out with my folks, my sister, my brother-in-law and my two new nieces (Officially!). I'm really looking forward to Boyne Country and the peace and quiet of Lake Charlevoix.

Wow..I have a busy summer coming up!

Random Updates

2009-04-14T23:25:00.002-04:00

Wii Fit - I love this thing. I still suck at the Hula Hoop but at least I try to improve. The little voice that talks to you can be annoying especially when you step on and it says "Eww". heh... It's helping though, and that's what counts.

Work - Last quarter, Yay!! Spring has sprung in the middle school and the drama is high. I'm just thankful I can go home and be kid free. The district is still trying to find ways to cut the budget. Maybe if we didn't cut the property taxes we could actually pay for things the state needs. Gah!

Family - Everyone on my side is doing fairly well. My little niece had a Cystic Fibrosis related issued the past couple weeks. She is due to head home. Her family is going through a transition, they moved from Michigan to Texas and are still trying to find their groove.

My oldest brother just retired from GM. Apparently he is loving it, according to Mom. It was crazy, they could keep him and move him back to the "line" for less money, or retire with more money. Yeah...I'd retire too.

My sister - well...she's on Facebook so I'm keeping in touch with her more. I like it!!

Jerry's Family - MIL is struggling with something. She is more confused everyday and it's hard to deal with. Had a good meeting with the Director of the Nursing home and hopefully somethings will work out.

My little family - I still feel lucky that I have Jerry in my life. I can't imagine going through any of this without him by my side. We are a corny couple and that's what keeps me going. Tabitha, my cat, is good. She'll be 13 this year. I can tell she is getting up there. She moves a little slower after waking up from her many naps. Happens to all of us.

So yeah, that's my life right this second. Not glamorous at all. Full of ruts and routines. We're hoping for a bit of glamour in June when Jerry's company has their conference in Las Vegas. We'll see if we get to go....

Riverside Arts Market

2009-04-04T14:11:00.001-04:00

What a beautiful Saturday! Jerry and I decided to head under the bridge and attend the Riverside Arts Market. A sea of people, the smell of wonderful food and the sounds of many different performers strewn throughout the underpass. It was great to see all the people there. Parking was *fun*. We ended up about 4 blocks away which was good excercize for us

Check it out..it's pretty cool!

Finally!

2009-03-27T14:18:00.001-04:00

Today is the start of my Spring Break Jerry and I are taking a little trip to the beach for a few days. This will be our first vacation since June of last year. I can't tell you how excited I am to get out of town. Sure, we're only going to St. Augustine, but for a few days I can pretend to be a tourist. I found us a place right on the beach so we can stare at the ocean for hours. The weather this weekend is supposed to be icky but by Sunday, when we leave, it's expected to be sunny and warm. I just hope I can get my kite up at least one time while we're at the beach. I don't know what it is about flying a kite that makes me so happy, but it does

Birthday Eve

2009-03-15T22:37:00.001-04:00

This is the time of year where I tend to take stock of my life. Check to see if I need a kick in the pants, or if I can float along the lazy river, or maybe a little bit of both.

Life if pretty good and 42 doesn't scare me. It's the answer to the ultimate question of Life, the Universe, and Everything...right?

How will I spend this event? Working...and it's going to be a stressful day tomorrow. More FCAT testing. Science. After work, Jerry and I will head up to the home to visit his mom and then come home and collapse. It's okay though, because most of my life is fun and carefree. I'm feeling pretty lucky

Happy Band Day

2009-03-04T20:09:00.001-05:00

March 4th

I've been bed ridden the past few days. I went to work on Monday but I probably should have stayed home. It started on Friday night. I went to the doctor hoping to get something but alas it's a cold and I just have to wait it out. I don't like colds. This one is unusually bothersome. Constant sinus headache, burning nose and a hacking cough. Yay me...

Enough about that...I don't think I've talked about Dad lately. He's doing great, according to Mom. His last appointment went well and was told to come back in 3 months. I'm thankful he bounced back so well. It amazes me actually, compared to what we've been dealing with here in Florida with Jerry's Mom.

Mom-in-law is healing, and they have a shrink wrap sock on her leg to help the swelling and make it easier to fit the prosthetic. Hopefully the will start soon. I think I've said that before...*sigh* Jerry said that when he talked to her today she was a little ...umm...groggy I guess? I can see in his eyes that he is getting worried about her confusion. I haven't seen her since Saturday because of my cold. We'll head out tomorrow to see how she is. Hopefully the story about them kicking everyone out of the nursing home will make more sense. (yeah...I dunno either)

Work is going well, I think...I'm really not great at judging that for myself. There are days where I fumble and have no clue how to sign something. I'm getting good at remembering to make a mental note during those blank moments and look it up later. That's something. Next week will be intense with the FCATs. (That's another reason I wanted to get better sooner)

So here I am...Marching forth!

32 days....

2009-02-23T20:03:00.001-05:00

Until spring break! Still trying to figure out what we are doing. I know we'll be doing something even if I have to drag Jerry out by his ears

Who knows where we'll go or what we'll do. Cruise...Savannah...Disney...it's all up in the air.

cupid loves shrimp

2009-02-15T20:21:00.001-05:00

I'm a lucky girl. Cupid is always flying over our house. Valentine's Day is just another day here. I get thoughtful gifts through out the year so ones with big "BE MINE" aren't necessary.

We spent yesterday with Jerry's mom. We rented a wheelchair van again and picked her up to go to lunch and shopping. Over all it was a good day. She ate a plate full of bite size shrimp and a huge baked potato and later bought herself some snacks and cute tops. I guess the only downer was that she is no longer as strong as she was. She can't even get into the wheelchair by herself.

I have tomorrow off due to President's day. I'll be spending it with the laundry. Wheeee!

tests

2009-02-10T20:05:00.001-05:00

Life is full of them! The poor students at school have been tested a lot. Today they took their write test. I wasn't fortunate to be in the testing room but I heard that they all did pretty well. I hope so, they have been writing for weeks now. Plan, focus, write...over and over and over. Now they have a month before they take the math, reading and science test. Wheee!?

I forget that I have tests in my life as well. Tonights Weight Watchers meeting was one. I wasn't looking forward to weigh in as I hadn't really made the best food choices this week. Sure, I was in my points but I should have had more fruits and veggies. Also I needed to drink a lot more fluids that I have. I sometimes forget to drink things..weird I know. Turns out that I still had a loss which makes my fretting seem silly. Wasn't much but I'll take it!

Another test I'm (we're) facing is patience. Jerry's mom is still in the nursing home and lately it seems like she isn't doing so well. It seems to me that she isn't as independent as she was a month ago and that she just seems sickly. I hope it's just cabin fever. Jerry and I are taking her out this upcoming Saturday for some shopping and lunch. She's been craving shrimp so we are taking her to our favorite seafood spot. I hope that cheers her up.

I've always been a good tester. I hardly ever panic during the tests. I'm the kind of person that panics after waiting for the results. Waiting is not one of my strong points. Maybe that's just another test...

I know I'm from Michigan but BRRR! and other unrelated things.

2009-02-04T19:51:00.002-05:00

So it's 39° here in Jax. Brrr! I know...it's much colder in other parts of the country...sure sure...I have definitely developed a thin skin as far as surviving the cold.

I now wear slippers...slippers...Sure I wore them in Michigan but in FL? I actually wore my leather coat today with gloves. My hands are my life so I have to protect them.

In other news, Dad is doing great! Mom said he gets tired but that's to be expected. Jerry's mom apparently fell, although the nursing home didn't contact us but she is fine. (So she says.)

Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) test are coming up at school. The kids are antsy and so are the teachers. Next week we start the fun, have a month of more intense teaching before the next set. OOF! I don't remember having so many standardized tests.

WW is going well. My taste buds are changing I think *shrug* I've forgotten how good a cook I am

25 Things about me.

2009-01-29T20:00:00.001-05:00

Rules: Write 25 things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. I collect flamingos.

2. I enjoy "Historical" vacations. Show me a Fort or some Indian mounds and I'm happy.

3. Favorite color is green and then purple and then pink.

4. I always wanted to be in a band and name it "Tofu Iguana".

5. I often say names of places wrong. For example: Flagstaff becomes Stagflap *shrug*

6. In school I used my nick name Jeannie and in college decided I needed to grow up and use my given Jeanne (FR) but can't being called "Jean". In a drunken stupor Lloyd Ziel wrote my name Gknee and it stuck. Now most of my friends just spell it that way.

7. I met my husband on IRC in 1995.

8. I once had a $2400 phone bill.

9. I once managed a condo-hotel in Charlevoix, Michigan.

10. I've had a gun pointed at me by a federal treasury agent and was told to step away from a cash register.

11. The number 11 is my favorite number.

12. My next favorite number is 0.

13. Isn't afraid of Friday the 13th. In fact I seem to have better luck on those days.

14. I wanted to marry James T. Kirk when I was 6.

15. I married a trekkie instead.

16. Loves random trivial facts. The more obscure the better.

17. Loves the old TV show Wings.

18. Lived in Boyne country for 10 years and misses it sometimes.

19. In 5th was part of a team of kids that named a local wild arboretum's newsletter. We thought we were the shizzle!

20. One of my favorite jobs in the past was being Brother Bear of the Bernstein Bears at Cedar Point.

21. I'm a pretty decent cook. I can't throw things together and it comes out pretty darn good.

22. Has a vivid imagination and could easily be comfortable in the day room at an insane asylum.

23. Always wanted to be a mother but it never happened.

24. Is sometime an elitist. (Ok...most of the time)

25. Makes a squeaky sound and says that they are baby elephants that live in her ear.

The Sunday phonecall

2009-01-25T12:31:00.001-05:00

A few years ago it was established that Mom and Dad would call here on Sunday morning at around 11am. They call from their cell phone and use the speaker phone so they can both hear and talk. The past few weeks it's just been me and mom talking on the phone, as Dad was in the hospital. Today, Dad's voice was the first I heard. It was great!! I am always surprised at how the little things are the things that move me the most. His appetite is back and although he gets winded right now he is out and about.

The night Dad got home from the hospital my mom fell and bruised her tail bone and twisted her knee. If it's not one thing it's another. She said that she was doing better too. Ugh...I need to bubble wrap my parents!

While, planning for a phone call every Sunday can sometimes put a crimp on planning the day, today I anxiously waited for the phone to ring. Did I mention it was great?

wowsie

2009-01-22T19:31:00.001-05:00

I've forgotten just how much food you actually have to eat on Weight Watchers. Wait..let me say that differently...

I can't believe how much healthy food you can eat for the same amount of points of fast food. I actually have to have a little snack before bed to make sure my machine of a body gets enough fuel. Wheeee...snacks before bed makes this pudge happy

It is time!

2009-01-19T09:51:00.003-05:00

I *am* in shape! Round is a shape! - Garfield the cat.

That's me....round. Tomorrow, I start yet another journey in life. I'm rejoining Weight Watchers for the umpteen time. Tuesdays nights will be my meeting nights which mean weigh in (WI) nights. Oof...I hate this, but I hate being obese more. I don't think I've ever blogged about this before so this is new too. I decided to go public for accountability. I need that...

I've already signed up online and paid my first month. I have set up the mobile Weight Watcher site on my phone. Tomorrow after meeting, Jerry and I are going to go grocery shopping. I'll have all the information fresh in my brain so that should be good.

Never eat more than you can lift. - Miss Piggy

the little things

2009-01-16T22:41:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most. Today Jerry took the day of to be with me We went to Target and got a new toilet seat. Wheeee! Then we stopped by one of our favorite eateries, Tijuana Flats. Being throughly stuffed we headed home to play Animal Crossing and nap (I didn't nap...)

We headed to the nursing home to visit Jerry's mom. She was pretty upbeat which put my helped ease my worrying. We were both in the mood for some seafood after that so we headed over to Crystal River. They have good grilled shrimp. Jerry knows that sometimes I like to be waited on instead of getting something to bring home so we ate at the restaurant. It's true...I want people pampering me for a change!

So nothing drastic today...but a bunch of little things that made me realize just how lucky I am!

quick update

2009-01-15T18:51:00.004-05:00

Work - 4 day weekend! Yay! This little mini break is great timing. I know I just had 2 weeks off, but with all that is going on I needed this break. I'm finding myself frustrated with the littlest things.

Dad - He's back in a regular room. Still isn't eating but I called him tonight and if the belly x-ray is good tomorrow he'll start with water. Slowly making progress.

Mom - Freaked me out as she didn't answer the home phone or her cell for 3 hours. How dare she have a life

Mom-in-law - hmmm...she isn't doing her rehab and I'm not sure she really wants to get better. I don't know if depression is settling in or what...I worry about her.

...thinking about my dad...and my mom...

2009-01-12T21:50:00.003-05:00

Dad is still in ICU. I talked to the nurses today and they said that he is getting better in some aspects. They lowered his oxygen so that it's not forcing it's way and is just a regular flow, and his blood oxygen numbers are good. So that's good. Still can only have ice chips though The nurse said something about clamping something to see if he gets nausea. I know he is getting tired of being sick. The nurse said the same. She did say that he does get flustered but always apologizes. That's good to hear acutally. Self aware is a good thing.

I talk to my mom at least once a day. I can hear it in her voice that she is tired. I know from experience that going up to the hospital can take a toll on you quickly. Hopefully she won't have to for much longer. The is rumors that Dad maybe moving to a normal room soon. [insert air quotes here]

I wish I had more news...but I don't.

Jerry's mom is doing pretty well. Still in the nursing home and s l o w l y healing. Will be at least another month until the prosthetic....or that's what I'm thinking. Nothing official.

It's a short week for me. Teacher planning on Friday means I have the day off. Martin Luther King day on Monday, so I have that off too. Yay! for a long weekend. Thought about going to Michigan but cost of air fares are just stupid. That's a whole other post. $1200 roundtrip to Lansing vs. $330 to Seattle. Really? How is that right. So the farther I go means it's cheaper...UGH...see...I could rant for days about that.

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate the kind words.

_\,,/

...helpless...

2009-01-06T21:12:00.001-05:00

My dad had his bladder removed Saturday due to cancer. He was/is doing okay. The nurses didn't really like that his blood oxygen was so low so they put him on some oxygen. It got a little better so he was relieved from the mask and given the little nose thingies. Well..today he developed a slight fever..in fact Mom said the doctor told him it wasn't really a fever but he was feverish. Whatever that means.... Apparently Dad isn't filling his lungs fully and so that is why his oxygen levels are down. They moved him to ICU and told him he needs to breathe deeper or cough to get those lungs full. I know he doesn't want to cough because his poor abdomen is probably sore from the bladder removal. I hate being so far away... I told my mom I could be there in hours and she told me "no"....hmm....I don't want to upset her...but...it's my dad...gah...worst feeling in the world...helplessness...

Back in the Saddle again.....

2009-01-04T19:47:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow means that Jerry and I are back to work and life starts it's daily grind again. The Christmas break seemed short and a tad stressful.

Only 12 days until my next long weekend!

In other news, my dad just had surgery to have his bladder removed and is recovering in the hospital. Keep your fingers crossed that they got all the cancer, please!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T09:03:00.001-05:00

I can't say I'm going to miss 2008. It has been both wonderful and tragic year.

Last night Jerry and I were talking about how we were both glad to have 2008 behind us. Then I mentioned that I had gotten my degree and found a job. It was nice to remember something nice from this past year instead of all the bad things.

My hope for 2009 is that I can take whatever comes our way with dignity and grace and that I have the courage to see things through. I have the same hope for my friends and family. _\,,/

Stay-cation addiction

2008-12-29T12:02:00.004-05:00

I'm loving that I have the next week off. I really need to catch up on laundry. It's been piling up. I'm hoping to do a little bit between Animal Crossing: City Folks breaks. Yes..I'm addicted and yes if you have that game you should email me so we can exchange friend codes.

Ok..time to fold some laundry so I can get back to my game....

Bah! Humbug...

2008-12-25T21:15:00.001-05:00

I have a wonderful life. I'm blessed with a good husband and a good job. We have a roof over our heads and can pay the bills.

Today sucked though...Jerry has some stomach bug so he was out of commission all day. That meant no yummy turkey cooking all day because it would have been just for me and I'm sure the smell would have made him sicker.

We headed over to the nursing home around 10ish and found out that MIL had ripped off her toe nail and it was bleeding. All I could think of is, "Oh great...she really needs this foot so she better take care of it". She also had a huge red patch on her shin which the nurse said was cellulites and that they would have to call the doctor about that. So that on top of her stomach flu. Fun eh? I don't know how much more she or we can take. We opened presents with her and then headed to a common area to open presents with Melissa (Jerry's sister), Dennis (Her husband) and Ashley (Dennis' daughter). Not really the Rockwell Christmas I try to envision every year. We finally got home around 1pm. Jerry went to bed to hopefully fend off his stomach "bug". I watched a lot of mindless movies.

Around 7pm I decided I needed real food and not just junk that we got for Christmas. Not really in the mood for Chinese food I thought, "What the heck...I could use some Waffle House breakfast food." yeah...umm..no...it was so packed that I couldn't even get a parking spot. How pathetic is that. So I ended up at Walgreens to buy a loaf of bread to make grilled cheese. It was hot, and yummy (that's what she said) so I really can't complain. (yet here I am typing away)

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude but days like this make it tough.

Things...

2008-12-16T21:50:00.001-05:00

We just went out and bought 70 things for people. Sure, the most of them are inexpensive things but yet we still had to put them on the conveyor belt at the check out. The best news is that we are about 98% done with our shopping.

Thursday I go and pick up a wheelchair accessible van for us to use over the weekend to get Jerry's mom around to various things. (i.e. dr. appt, shopping and a Christmas in GA)

Friday, I am going on a field trip with my students to see "The Tale of Despereaux". If you haven't read the book, you should. It's cute and a fun little read. The kids are excited about the movie although it's not captioned so....I'm not really sure how that is going to work *shrug*

You can tell it's the week before break at school. The kids are hyper and the teachers look like they are definitely ready for a break!

Busy busy busy

2008-12-12T17:11:00.001-05:00

So I guess I need to jump into this holiday spirit sooner rather than later. Tomorrow starts what is going to be a whirlwind couple of weeks. It all starts with the need to go find something cute to wear for Jerry's company Holiday Party. It's at the University Club so I want to look nice. That means running around tomorrow and trying to find something. Wheeee?

We also need to start our Christmas shopping as it's sneaking up on us. We need to wrangle in around 55-ish $2 gifts for one side of the family and about 8-ish for the other side. My family is easy..they are all getting the same thing. (Can't say as some of them might read this). Then we just have Jerry's sister and her family (total 3) and my Mom and Dad (they are easy though!) Oof..I'm overwhelmed just thinking about all this. I was talking to my mom earlier about how the material things are bringing me down this year and I would just be happy with seeing people. She laughed and said "You are getting older". *sigh*

Next week, Jerry's sister, Melissa comes into town on Wednesday and I think her husband and step daughter arrive on Friday. We have to help Mom-in-law shop and she has a Dr appointment on Friday as well. I have rented a wheelchair van for a few days to help us transport her around to various things. It will be much easier than having her try to get in and out of cars.

One of the trips will be to Nashville, GA to have Christmas with Jerry's Father's family. It's going to be hard this year with out Jerry Sr. there....

So yeah....umm...I'm ready for spirit to hit me so I can get motivated....

Christmas Spirit?

2008-12-06T11:09:00.001-05:00

I don't know if it's age or just the past six months of family crisis that makes me just want to walk up to people and shake them saying "It doesn't matter what you "get" people, just hug them, let them know you care!"

This time of year is hard for me anyway. Being in Florida while my family is in Michigan and Texas always kind of bums me out. Last year was great because Mom and Dad came down for Thanksgiving. We shared a nice holiday together with Jerry's parents. This year will be doubly difficult as it's the first for Jerry without his Dad. I don't know if that's sunk in yet for him. I think he's too busy trying to keep his mom's spirits up.

My dad is having another procedure today to clean out the cancer in his bladder. I really wish I was there. It's outpatient but still....he's my dad! Mom said he has been busy all week putting up decorations for Christmas. I remember growing up and the house was covered from top to bottom with little Christmas things: Disco tree, angel band, a bazillion nativities...

We haven't put anything up, unless you count the wreath that hasn't come off our front door since last year. Yes, I am one of those people who forget to take the wreath off...sad..isn't it.

Bah! I guess I just need to find some Christmas Spirit.

Maybe I'll go watch The Muppet's Christmas Carole...

So yeah....

2008-12-01T17:32:00.001-05:00

Leave it to me to get one heck of a nasty cold during a very long weekend. It's been gross. I feel like a bit snot ball. I took the day off today because I didn't think I could interpret between my running nose, sneezing spells and wiping my eyes. It was a good thing I stayed home too. I slept until 2pm. That's right...2 freakin' P. M. I'm feeling fairly well considering my head feels like a 20lb bowling ball. *Checks to see if she has 3 holes in the back of her head and the word Homer inscribed anywhere on her head*

Talked to Mom today. They have lots of snow. I miss how lovely it looks but don't miss scraping my car off. Dad had a doctor's appointment today and they said he has "low grade bladder cancer". Not really sure what that means but from what Mom says is that it's very treatable. He goes in Saturday for another procedure to clean out the tumors and then will start a "wash" every week. Its tough being so far away during times like this.

Closer to home, Jerry's mom goes in for a check up tomorrow. Hopefully things are healing up good. Thanksgiving day was a little rough and we had a few bumps getting her over to her nieces house. Hopefully we didn't set her back. She really enjoyed getting out and about.

Thanksgiving...

2008-11-27T11:25:00.002-05:00

I'm a lucky girl and I wanted to just list a few things I'm thankful for.

Jerry (I love you! Thanks for letting me be your family.)
Tabitha (the closest thing I have to a kid of my own. You're one cute cat!)
Family
Health (it's not perfect but I'll take it)
Friends (both near and far I think of you often)
Having a roof over our heads and jobs to keep it there.
Random kindness (I'm seeing more of the past few days, gives me hope)
Democracy (just imagine if we had a lifetime of the past 8 years)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Have a safe and happy holiday.

_\,,/

So many things going on.

2008-11-19T18:47:00.000-05:00

I feel like I haven't had a chance to breathe lately. With Jerry's family and now mine it seems like something is always causing "drama". We try to live drama-free but it doesn't always turn out. Here is the latest:

Jerry's mom had surgery today to clean out her incision and was put on a vacuum to speed up the healing. She may be ready to leave the nursing/rehab home soon. That means Jerry and I will have to help her find a suitable place to live. She really can't be at home alone until she becomes more independent.

My dad had a tumor removed from his bladder and ran into a few complications. He is home now and we are waiting on some test results to see what happens next.

Tomorrow I move to a new school. The good news is I get to sleep in a little bit as it doesn't start until 9am. The bad news is it goes until 4pm-ish. I'll miss getting out at 2:30pm. I'm looking forward to the change of schools though

Another big change is the size of my monitor. Yes, if you didn't see it earlier my darling husband got me a new 24 inch monitor. It's taking a little getting used to. I'm sure I'll muddle through.

_\,,/

Things that are bugging me right now!

2008-11-18T16:09:00.001-05:00

People who use 2 for to or too.

People who use prety for pretty.

People who use comming or cuming or cumming for coming.

Teachers who are too busy texting to take control of the classrooms.

Drivers who don't know how to merge into traffic. Yield does not mean come to a complete stop!

Not knowing what's going to happen next. I know, you never know. Doesn't mean it can't bug me!

Neighbors who think it's cool to sit in their driveway for an abnormal amount of time with the radio so loud I can hear it inside my house like it's coming from my radio.

Having to bite my lip because I can't correct a teacher when they are just plain wrong.

The tag on a shirt that just won't stay tucked in.

The pothole in the road that never seems to get filled.

**Whew, that was cathartic!**

Happy Tuesday!

2008-11-11T11:41:00.001-05:00

First of all, Happy Veteran's Day. It is a great honor to live in this country and we should all remember and honor those who have fought for this country in our military. Thank you!

I'm off today, due to the holiday. Tomorrow is going to bring some uncertainty to my job. I will still have job but I really won't know where I'm going to be placed. I hope to move over to one of the other middle school as the current interpreters there are wonderful and the opportunity to learn more from the would be amazing. I've learned at my age though to be flexible and just go with the flow. I could be put at a high school or elementary school. *shrug* It's all good. Just having a job is good! I'm going to miss my current school.

So many emotions!

2008-11-05T00:31:00.001-05:00

I'm kinda choked up tonight. I think I've cried 3 or 4 times since 11:00pm. I'm proud to be an American. I'm excited for President Elect Obama. (and that his girls get a new puppy) I'm touched by the turn out at the polls. I'm overwhelmed by the number of people who voted. I'm also thankful that it's over. Jerry and I haven't really stopped talking/obsessing/web surfing about this election in a month. Tonight we both quietly celebrated as the man we both voted for won and will be our next President.

With a little help from Clement C. Moore

2008-11-03T21:39:00.001-05:00

Twas the night before election, when all through the house
Not a computer was glowing, or the clicking of a mouse;

The sample ballots were on the table and ready for review,
In hopes that the poll lines would be steady and few.

The voters were all nestled and snuggled in beds,
While visions of hanging-chads danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I with my nightcap,
had just settled down to watch an campaign recap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my recliner to see what was the matter.

Away to the door I flew like the "Flash",
I tore open the screen door and checked out my stash.

The moon on the breast of the campaign signs below,
Gave a lustre of mid-day to the garden gnome below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a decked out SUV with eight tiny volunteers.

With a little old drive, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be our neighbor Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
and he whistled and shouted and holla'd their names;
"Now Jimmy! Now Johnny, Now Cindy and Jane!
On, Jerry! on Lisa! on Fitzpatrick and Blaine!
To the windows! to the doors!
Now hurry up, hurry up to the apartment top floors!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with the voters, each telling them "Hi".
So up to the porches and patios they flew.
With candidate info and lawn signs too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard my doorbell ring,
The campaigning of eight volunteers, who apparently did sing.
As I drew in my hand and was opening the door,
Nick started reading the local amendments with a great mighty roar.

He was dressed all in swag, from his feet to his head,
And his clothes were all pressed and he sounded well read.
A arm full of literature he took from his pack,
The paper was heavy and I'm sure hurt his back.
His eyes- how they twinkled! His chin so sturdy.
His glasses so nice, not the least bit nerdy.
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
His whitened teeth were as white as the snow;
He was pleasant and nice, a polite young fellow,
I laughed when I saw him, I was feeling quite mellow.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know that I had nothing to dread;
He talked quite a bit but got right to the point,
I knew he wouldn't over stay his welcome and would soon leave this joint.
He finished his spiel and gathered his team,
loaded up the SUV and gave me a beam.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Election to all, and to all a good-night."

Voting

2008-11-02T10:24:00.002-05:00

Jerry and I voted on October 20th, the first day of Early Voting. We wanted to make sure with all the things that had been going on in our lives the past 8 (wow!) months that we would get our votes in. Jerry was also concerned about his mom voting. Would we have to take her to her polling place, could we do early voting, maybe an absentee ballot? That's what he settled on. He put in the request weeks ago. It never came. He put in another request and it still hadn't come on Friday. He told his mom and she said that it was okay with it. Disappointment set in. I think he feels it's not only a privilege but a duty. He was darn right cheery when the absentee ballot arrived yesterday in the mail. We quickly went to the nursing home and watched as she filled it out. Helped her seal it up and made sure the envelope was signed and dashed off to the nearest post office box to make sure it would reach the elections office before 7pm Nov 4th. I'm sure she didn't vote the same way we did. It's okay though, that's what makes this country a great place.

Rock the Vote!
_\,,/

One Week... (be warned, I'm rambling)

2008-10-28T15:38:00.001-04:00

I'm going nuts! I've already voted (Yes, this Registered Republican voted for Barack Obama! I also voted NO! to #2) and now I have to wait. I'm overloaded on videos, commentaries and websites. I need to stop this Election Obsession. I can't ever remember being this involved in an election. If I remember right the last two elections I didn't really care about the candidates. I voted the lesser of the two evils...boy..that was a mistake. Now I care and I'm anxious. It's not like the world will end if my candidate doesn't win, although I can't see a bright future any other way. OK ok ...enough...I need to go watch The Daily Show and The Colbert Report on TiVo

few and far between

2008-10-19T22:13:00.001-04:00

I haven't been updating as much as there isn't much going on other than work, and medical drama. I wish I had good news but over all things are still hectic.

MIL has pneumonia and is doing a little better although today she fell out of bed.

My dad was told last week that he has a tumor in his bladder and they will be taking care of that after he and my mother travel to Texas to visit both my Sister and brother. He also had some squamous cells removed from the side of his face. He had a long stitch line and was calling himself FranClemstein. (last name is Clemens and he has been called Clem his whole life) At least he can laugh about it.

Work is going well. Each day I'm getting more and more comfortable with the interpreter role and not over stepping the boundaries. It's hard not to teach.

Jerry and I did go to the movies Friday night. We saw "W." It was interesting. I didn't have much knowledge of President Bush's life. The movie really makes you feel sorry for him. He is such a sap. Jerry has a great review of the movie at his blog. Check it out.

Alright..can't think of anything else...my life seems to be one continuous day.

12!

2008-10-12T07:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Anniversary Jerry, I love you!

Uncle!

2008-10-05T23:45:00.001-04:00

Jerry's mom was taken to the ER after complaining of shortness of breath and some tightness in the chest. She has a history of heart issues so we didn't want to play around with the nursing/rehab home. They agreed and got her over to ER within an hour.

She then spent EIGHT hours in the ER. I can't even begin to express how upset that anyone would have to spend that much time in there. They told us after 2 hours that she was going to be admitted and it took them 6 to get a room? Come on?!?

We're hoping that they caught the fluid around her heart in time and that she isn't in danger of any heart attacks. Prayers would be appreciated.

Jerry and I are exhausted. We are going on month 5 of dealing with hospitals/nursing homes/rehab centers of some kind. UNCLE!!

Just scary!

2008-10-01T21:11:00.000-04:00

A heartbeat away? SCARY!

insert clever title here..if it were up to me it would just says "Updates"

2008-09-23T15:31:00.001-04:00

Mom-in-law goes in for surgery tomorrow at 8am. Hopefully everything will be simple and there won't be any complications. Prayers would be appreciated. Jerry and I keep giggling about calling her Peggy or Eileen but it will probably be too soon for such antics. I also suggested buying her an eye patch and parrot...Jerry just glared. After the surgery will come more therapy and then some decisions on where to live and things like. Hopefully a new rehab place will actually teach her how to pivot and improve her upper body strength.

Lots of family visits the next couple of days. As I type, I'm doing laundry to prepare for Jerry's sister and her friend to stay with us. Hope they don't mind me waking up a 5:50am every morning to get ready for work.

Work is going good. I still love it and am finding more of my weaknesses. This is a good thing. Knowing you need work is better than thinking you know it all. Everyday I'm learning a new sign. I love learning!

Gettin' the groove!

2008-09-18T18:24:00.002-04:00

It's been two weeks since I started my new job. (Interpreting at a middle school). I love it!!! The school is clean, the staff is friendly and the kids...well....what can I say, they are kids. It's funny to hear them talk about boys, Hanna Montana and Sponge Bob. I had forgotten what a peculiar age 13-ish is. One of the best things about my job is that I'm done by 2:30 which leaves me time to do things if I need to. I've been slacking on the housewife duties for a while now and that needs to change. I need to find my groove!

Jerry's mom is still waiting for her leg amputation. We are hoping that after her cardiology appointment on Friday they will finally schedule the surgery. It really needed to be two weeks ago. If you are in Jax and you have a family member that needs to go into a nursing home/rehab, please, PLEASE do not put them in Jacksonville Nursing and Rehab off Dunn Ave. They will not get the attention, care and rehabilitation that they need to be independent individuals again. ...and there isn't enough Febreze in the world to make that place smell nice. After the surgery it's back into a *different* rehab center to learn to balance and get around without her left lower leg. Hopefully she won't be in there nearly as long. She needs to get her groove back!

Politically speaking, Jerry and I are going to get our Obama Groove on Saturday at the rally here in Jacksonville. We're both really excited to hear him live. Now we just have to hope for good weather! (Only 30% chance right now..so it's looking good)

_\,,/

GAH! and Yay!

2008-09-05T20:51:00.001-04:00

So the surgeon's office called Jerry to let him know that the nursing home did not get his mom cleared for her surgery on Tuesday. WTF?! They had a week and they knew that she was going to surgery on Tuesday. They did an EKG and an x-ray but they couldn't find a cardiologist to come in and "clear" her. So now, we have to wait for them to get a cardiologist to clear her and hope that the schedule is open soon. The fear is that the leg in her infection gets worse and causes more complications. Hopefully the nursing home will step up and and take care of this quickly. I highly doubt it though...gah!

Okay, now for some good news. I was offered and accepted a job with the Duval School System as a full-time interpreter. I was just beginning to doubt the life journey and *BAM* Strange how that works...(my angel must be pulling strings in that big corporate office called Heaven) I have been there two days and I have to say, I'm lovin' it! The school is SO clean and everyone I've met is nice. I'm feeling thankful for the work and the opportunity.

Staff

2008-09-03T15:15:00.002-04:00

Jerry calls me "staff" at times. At Christmas, he jokes to his employees that his "staff" will take care of any wrapping or things that need to be done. During the rest of the year my staff duties include picking up prescriptions, banking and any other errands the "boss" can think of. It's okay, I know he doesn't like doing the mundane things and I really don't mind.

Today was definately a "staff" day. Picking up things for the house, getting some bins to store some paperwork of his parents and going to pick up death certificates at the funeral home. I don't think I mentioned the chatty funeral home director before. Every time we walked into that man's office it was at least 45 minutes of chatting. In his defense, he made last week very easy. He's a good man.

Not much else on the docket around here. Next week consists of mom-in-law's leg amputation and more of working out things for mom-in-law's estate. Hopefully things will go smoothly on all fronts.

_\,,/

Pet Peeve

2008-08-28T23:51:00.002-04:00

grate - noun, verb, grat•ed, grat•ing.
–noun
1. a frame of metal bars for holding fuel when burning, as in a fireplace, furnace, or stove.
2. a framework of parallel or crossed bars, used as a partition, guard, cover, or the like; grating.
3. a fireplace.
–verb (used with object)
4. to furnish with a grate or grates.

great - adjective, -er, -est, adverb, noun, plural greats, (especially collectively) great, interjection
–adjective
1. unusually or comparatively large in size or dimensions: A great fire destroyed nearly half the city.
2. large in number; numerous: Great hordes of tourists descend on Europe each summer.
3. unusual or considerable in degree, power, intensity, etc.: great pain.
4. wonderful; first-rate; very good: We had a great time. That's great!
5. being such in an extreme or notable degree: great friends; a great talker.
6. notable; remarkable; exceptionally outstanding: a great occasion.
7. important; highly significant or consequential: the great issues in American history.
8. distinguished; famous: a great inventor.
9. of noble or lofty character: great thoughts.
10. chief or principal: the great hall; his greatest novel.
11. of high rank, official position, or social standing: a great noble.
12. much in use or favor: “Humor” was a great word with the old physiologists.
13. of extraordinary powers; having unusual merit; very admirable: a great statesman.
14. of considerable duration or length: We waited a great while for the train.
15. Informal.
a. enthusiastic about some specified activity (usually fol. by at, for, or on): He's great on reading poetry aloud.
b. skillful; expert (usually fol. by at or on): He's great at golf.
16. being of one generation more remote from the family relative specified (used in combination): a great-grandson.
–adverb
17. Informal. very well: Things have been going great for him.
–noun
18. a person who has achieved importance or distinction in a field: She is one of the theater's greats.
19. great persons, collectively: England's literary great.
20. (often initial capital letter) greats, (used with a singular verb) Also called great go. British Informal.
a. the final examination for the bachelor's degree in the classics and mathematics, or Literae Humaniores, esp. at Oxford University and usually for honors.
b. the course of study.
c. the subject studied.
–interjection
21. (used to express acceptance, appreciation, approval, admiration, etc.).
22. (used ironically or facetiously to express disappointment, annoyance, distress, etc.): Great! We just missed the last train home.
—Idiom
23. great with child, being in the late stages of pregnancy.

I'm tired of seeing people typing "he/she has done a grate job" GAH!

typing thru the tears

2008-08-26T22:09:00.006-04:00

As many know my mom-in-law has been having some problems and fell and broke her leg. Last Wednesday she was transported to the doctor from the nursing home to get an update on her leg. The plan was for Jerry, Jerry's dad and me to all ride with her in the wheelchair transport to the doctor's office because we knew that the doctor was going to tell her that her leg needs to be amputated from the knee down

We got there a little bit around 10am and knew that the transport would be showing up at 10:30-ish. Jerry's dad, Jerry Sr. wasn't there...Jerry decided that he would go with his mom as she would be upset about the news and I would go find Jerry Sr. (he is known to have car problems at the most inopportune times) I was a little worried but I drove over to the house and noticed the van wasn't really pulled into the drive well. It seemed crooked to me. I knew right at that point that something was not right. I went to the door and started knocking very loud as Jerry Sr is deaf. Buddy the dog was barking his little heart out but no answer. I started knocking harder and decided to try hitting a pole on all the windows around the house so that Jerry Sr. could hear me trying to get a hold of him. 15 minutes pass and no luck...Jerry still on the phone with me and I'm asking him if I should break in when the neighbors notice that I'm having problems. James and Patty, Jerry's parents neighbors who have helped them out the past month helped me break into the house and unlock the door. James and I notice that the bathroom door is closed and can hear the shower running. He opened the door and screamed "Oh my God, Call 911!". Tears and adrenaline flooded into me and I told Jerry that I needed to call 911 and I would call him back. It seemed to take Rescue forever to get there but in all actuality it was about 2-3 minutes. Jerry Sr. was unconscious in the tub, with the water flowing but his head was resting on the side. Patty held him and talked to him as I stayed on the line with both 911 and Jerry. After Rescue arrived I quickly gathered Jerry Sr's wallet and followed him to the nearest hospital. More tearful calls from both Jerry and his sister Melissa as I waited in the ER.

Meanwhile at the doctor's office Jerry's mom, Joyce had learned that her leg indeed did have to be amputated but because of what was going on they would wait on us to schedule it. Jerry rode back with her to the nursing home and took a cab to the hospital.

Waiting rooms.....I've decided I don't really like them. Too much time in them recently. I do want to thank the compassionate strangers in the waiting room that reassured me and passed me tissues. We all got to know each other and I hope their families are well.

Jerry arrives and we go back to see his dad to discover that he has had a massive stroke that effected his entire left half of his brain and that his right side was completely paralyzed. This meant that he would never be able to be breathe, eat on his own. After sitting with him for hours we headed to tell Jerry's mom the update. Ugh...no one should ever have to tell someone that their spouse of 46 years has suffered such a terrible stroke. She was heartbroken.

After a day of family visiting and many decisions back and forth, Jerry's family decided that Jerry Sr wouldn't want to be sitting on life support and not being able to engage in the things he loved: Sports, eatting M&M's, Taking care of the pets, the list goes on. A tough decision. On Friday, late morning they took him off the ventilator. After about 30 minutes to see how he would respond, they moved him over to the Hospice Center into a very comfy room. Jerry and I were impressed by how wonderful the people at Hospice were/are. Truly angels!

Saturday, Jerry Sr is holding on. It was Joyce's birthday and we all prayed that he would hold on until after her birthday so she wouldn't have that memory on her birthday. Jerry and I went up to sit with him during the Jaguar Pre-Season football game. I don't know if it was coincidence or that he knew what was going on but just about kick off time he started to vocalize. It seemed every time the Jags did well he would get excited. Very upsetting for me....we left at halftime, emotionally and physically exhausted. We just wanted to go to bed.

...But we didn't. Neither of us were able to calm down. We both were feeling anxious and never got around to actually going to bed. It's like we knew that something was going to happen. About 1am, Hospice called and told us that Jerry Sr. had taken a turn for the worse. Jerry called his sister Melissa and we scrambled to get out the door to drive through Tropical Storm Fay so that we could be with Jerry Sr. When we arrived, a nurse was holding his hand and said he was still with us.

It was peaceful. I'm so glad that Jerry got to be with him. I thought that I would be hysterical but I wasn't. I'm feel privileged to have stood by Jerry's side as he said goodbye to his father.

Seconds after he passed, Melissa arrived, terribly upset. I understand, I don't know if I could stand seeing my dad pass either.

I think we ended up staying in the room with him for nearly 45 minutes, chatting and crying and even laughing at times. Melissa and her friend, Mary went home and Jerry talked to the nurses about what happened next. I think we got home around 3am and to sleep about 3:30...

It's been a blur of activity since then. Funeral arrangements to make, trying to get Jerry Power of Attorney so he can take care of his mom's finances while she is in the nursing home. Tip on that: Make sure that if you are married that all property is jointly owned or that you have a will stating who gets what. Also if you have a grown child, you might want to put them on your bank accounts. This is especially true if one of the parents has poor health. Between Jerry, Melissa, Mary and myself I think we have it all set.

Services will be held at George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home at 4747 N. Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. The viewing will be Wednesday August 27th from 6pm until 8pm. The memorial service will be Thursday August 29th at 10am. The family will then travel to Oakey Grove Cemetary in Georgia for the interment ceremony at 2pm. A small reception will follow at Open Door Baptist Church at 3pm.

Thank you to all of you that sent us well wishes and prayers. We appreciate them!

_\,,/

Tropical storm Fay + JEA = ?

2008-08-18T15:07:00.001-04:00

So it's Monday. Apparently we are going to get some bad weather here as Fay passes by in the next couple of days. Because we will be to the east of the eye we will get the brunt of her rain bands. Go us! I'm not really worried about the rain, or the wind...I'm worried about how JEA hasn't trimmed the tree limbs in the area and we'll probably lose power for a few days. I did buy some extra batteries today. Not only because of the storm but because I just had to replace the ones in my Wii controller

Refreshing Rain

2008-08-14T14:05:00.001-04:00

It's been a wet day here today in Jax. I knew we were supposed to get some rain but today but not this much. Maybe it is because I wasn't expecting to be out in it today.

Last night when I went to bed, I was thinking to myself that I didn't really need to leave the house today. Maybe for some milk but that was it. Life as a contract interpreter means never really knowing when work is coming. The 8am phone call proved that. A welcome noise though for this interpreter who was beginning to doubt her life choice again. Thank goodness for my guardian angel that shows me hope when I'm feeling down about things. I feel lucky and grateful! So being out in the rain to me was refreshing!

Speaking of rain and fun, blip.fm is my latest obsession. You can share music with your friends/neighbors. I've been blippin' rain songs...hehe. I'm sure Jerry is thinking about removing my tweets from his SMS because of all the updates. I'll change it so it doesn't go to twitter *shrug* If you join blip.fm, I'm on there as Gknee. Like that's hard to figure out

Vivanno Review

2008-08-11T21:58:00.001-04:00

So today while I was waiting for Verizon to waste my time not updating my phone, I headed over to Starbucks to try a Vivanno. It was, okay. I wouldn't get it on a regular basis. If I'm going to pay $4.00+ for a drink I want it to be yummier. The chocolate banana wasn't bad tasting..just not great. I don't know if it's the protein powder or what but it left kind of an aftertaste. Sure the 21 grams of protein and the 6 grams of fiber make it a great meal alternative (lunch for me today) but the taste/cost wasn't worth it. I'll stick to iced lattes or frappuccinos for a cool refresher from Starbucks.

updates

2008-08-11T08:22:00.001-04:00

Interpreting - Not much going on lately. I've been in contact with a few agencies and hoping to pick up some gigs soon. Have a few errands to run to open up some opportunities.

Mom-in-law - She is still in the nursing/rehab home. Her leg isn't healing very well and the surgeon told her she needed to keep it elevated or she would lose it She has been a little depressed since that news. Don't blame her, gotta be tough to hear.

Vacation - 2 1/2 weeks until we head to Seattle for PAX. I've never been to Seattle and am looking forward to it. I have no clue what the weather is like in the pacific northwest though. I'm thinking it's going to be a little cooler than Florida. Fine by me! It's been a hot one this year.

Polite Parking Lots

2008-08-04T09:31:00.001-04:00

I think that I'm a rather polite person. I try to say "thank you" and "please". I let people "in" in traffic.

I have had my downfalls though too. Jerry and have had many arguments in parking lots. His parking manners are very different from mine. I always look for something close to the door. He doesn't care, just pull into the first spot you see. I have learned a few things from him though. For example, pulling throw in a crowded parking lot can cause the people coming down the other row to become upset. I didn't know what he was talking about until this morning. I headed to the grocery store bright and early. Mostly to avoid the soccer moms and seniors. The parking lot was empty. Maybe a few scattered cars and there was a parking spot close to the door. JACKPOT! I was golden. That was until some woman in an oversized pickup decided that she needed to cut across the parking lot right there! No..she couldn't behave like a normal person and avoid the only other moving car in the parking lot...she had to block it so I couldn't park in the spot. Not only did she "pull through" but she lingered until I had to swerve around her to a legitimate spot (2 spots away). Now, I know I can use the exercise. But that isn't the point here. The point is that she didn't consider anyone else. How rude!, said in her best Jar-jar voice.

Will this stop me from "pulling through"? I dunno, because it is nice to pull away from a parking spot. I refuse to back up into them though. Takes up too much time. Half the people we see backing into parking spaces should never do that in public. It's embarrassing how terrible at backing up most people are. Why would you want to show your weakest driving ability in front of all those people waiting on you to move so they can get to the other parking spots?

I guess I've rambled enough about parking lots. Next time you are parking, take into concideration your fellow "parkers" and don't waste their time or energy. I'm sure the good parking karma will come back to you.

Cha-ching!

2008-07-31T20:31:00.001-04:00

Got my first check as a contract interpreter today. Woo hoo! Feels good to get paid for something I love.

Now I just need more gigs!

windmill brain

2008-07-29T16:53:00.004-04:00

I hate those night when the mind just won't stop so you can't get to sleep. I wish I could blame the comfort of my bed but the Select Comfort is NOT the problem here. (45 seems to be where I'm settling ) Lots going on with Jerry's mom in the hospital and stuff. I did end up watching Blast from the Past and Babe last night. Both great little movies.

Speaking of mom-in-law and the stuff, she is actually moving from the hospital to the nursing home right now. They didn't even inform us. Jerry heard through his aunt who happened to call his mom. GAH! Terrible customer service! So anyway, she is moving to a nursing home she has been in before. People stole her things, they were lax on her rehab and she developed scabies while she was there. Yeah, I definitely would go back there, pfft! My skin crawls just thinking about that place. It's closer to her home though which means Jerry Sr. can go visit her more often. And..it's what she wanted.

All these things coming up have made Jerry and I talk about our own health care. Quality over convenience is the key with us. Now I just need to keep us healthy so that isn't even an issue.

The journey continues...

2008-07-25T12:16:00.004-04:00

Today I got to take a new path in my journey of being an interpreter. I had my first official "gig" and it went great! It feels good to get out there and actually do it. Now I want more! Yes..I'm greedy! I can only get better with more exposure. So let me expose myself (that's what she said...)

In other news, Jerry's mom is still in the hospital. She started her physcial therapy but it's going slow. Hard when you've been sick for so long to get up and moving. We thought she might go to a rehab facility this week but it doesn't look like it's happening. I think they want her to be able to get to a restroom on her own..not sure...

Shout out to all my CMU Alumni friends that were camping this week. Glad you had fun and maybe one summer we'll join you all. (Notice the you all and not y'all...haven't lost all my Michigan speech patterns)

Hi-Tech Bed

2008-07-22T15:13:00.004-04:00

So our Select Comfort Bed arrived today. So far so good. Although I think we are losing air (it's not staying at 100 after I fill). Not sure though. Tonight will be the real test. I think my sleep number is 35. When trying it out both in the store and at home that is where I'm not feeling any pressure on my hips or shoulders. Jerry thinks his number is around there too.

I'm really hoping this will help with Jerry's back, shoulder, neck pains. He is so much better but he occasionally gets flare ups. No fun

Oh yea...and the controller is Wireless. We can be gadget whores in our sleep too!

what a week...

2008-07-18T16:34:00.003-04:00

Sunday - call from mom-in-law saying she needed to go to the hospital. Admitted with blood sugars of 1130. Broken leg that she didn't even know about.

Monday - Spent the day in the hospital. Trying to stabilize the sugars. Had to set her leg twice. Poor thing.

Tuesday - Waited all day for surgery to add a plate and pins to her leg. I ended up being the "phone girl" in the surgical waiting room because the volunteers left at 5pm. We were there until 8:30pm.

Wednesday - Mom-in-law, came out of surgery good. Had a good morning until they gave her some pain medicine. Confusion started to creep in.

Thursday - Oof..bad day! Mom-in-law was very confused. For a while she thought she was in the post office. She refused to eat and to ignore you would just sing to herself. Heartbreaking.

Friday - I had an interpreting gig all day which was wonderful. My little hands are tired though. Jerry said Mom-in-law was doing TONS better today and was no longer confused just sore. Good news. The nurse said it was probably ICU Psychosis. Hopefully that's all it is.

All the prayers and thoughts have been appreciated. This weekend will be more hospital visits and stuff like that.

Upcoming Monday is my last official day at ILRC. Good people doing great work. I'm excited to start my life as a contract interpreter. Exciting and scary!

Hellboy II

2008-07-12T19:56:00.003-04:00

Great flick!

And these videos just make for delightful teasers!

TGIF!

2008-07-11T15:52:00.002-04:00

One crazy week, SO happy it's Friday!

Have a good one!

Cheers!

So close..but no cigar

2008-07-10T22:46:00.004-04:00

I did not pass the state test.

I'm disappointed but the feedback they give you is SO specific that it's a good thing too. It does put a little crimp in the 5 year plan but it's not like it's the first speed bump in my life.

I have to wait a year before I can take it again. That gives me a whole year to improve which makes my decision to just get out there more a good plan for me.

Ugh...disappointment sucks.....

Leap of faith...

2008-07-09T13:34:00.002-04:00

Life is crazy how things work out. I needed a push to get out there and just interpret and this week that little push came. I put my two weeks notice in at ILRC. I graduated in May with this degree in Sign Language Interpreting and I guess I was waiting for some gold leaf engraved invitation to be an interpreter. Yeah...doesn't work that way. I have my name out there with a few agencies and hopefully I'll get some gigs here soon. I'm thankful that Jerry is on board with my antics. I'm truly a lucky girl.

Starting July 22nd, I'm officially an interpreter in my eyes. Although I'm still waiting on my state results. Eleven weeks is crazy to wait for something that determines your "worth". I have been using that as a crutch though. "Oh..as soon as I get my results we can talk about what I can do for you". NO Jeanne, just get out there and do it!

So there ya have it. I'm out there and vulnerable. Feels scary and exhilarating!

CL: 5 (shake) (palm facing left)

2008-06-28T22:36:00.002-04:00

That means it's all finished! Silent Weekend was a great success! Lots of review, which is always good. New things too! Mostly I learned that I can actually communicate. Something that is always comforting to know!

There were a few unpleasant moments of the weekend. The only thing I'll say about it is, I'm thankful that I don't live for the "drama". @@

Was good to see my classmates. It's hard though because I can see us all drifting apart and it's a little sad. It's life...and I understand. It happened at CMU, former jobs, and I know that it will happen in the future too. I understand that but it doesn't mean I can't be a little sad.

Silent Weekend

2008-06-26T21:37:00.002-04:00

Here I am, in Orlando at Silent Weekend. A weekend full of ASL/Interpreting workshops. I learned so much here last year I couldn't pass it up again. A few of my friends from class are here and it's so wonderful to see them. We've already spent some time in the bar before the "start" of the weekend so we could use our voices. From now until Saturday night, I'm supposed to only communicate via Sign Language. I thought about going to buy some groceries and not sure if I'll be able to not talk or not. We'll see....

Another big plus is that I'm staying in a hotel. Love 'em. I have the room extra cold because I want to feel the big plush blankets on me tonight. Although it's not too hot today here in Florida. *shrug* Guess those storms helped break the heat a little. Anyway...

_\,,/

do didi do do ..didi didi..do do (newsflash music)

2008-06-24T08:23:00.000-04:00

Two days until Silent Weekend. Jeanne is excited!

That is all!

:(

2008-06-20T12:44:00.003-04:00

I didn't get the internship. I'm feeling really defeated right now. It doesn't help that I'm still waiting to find out about my state certification. I'm trying to stay positive that I've picked the right path but right now I just want to go to the beach and have a good cry!

Stimulation

2008-06-19T09:07:00.002-04:00

HEY...get your mind out of the gutter!

The past few days at work, the stimulation level has been low. I'm yawning more. I am trying to over come it. I tried loading up on caffine one day, nothing. Yesterday, I thought I would try making sure I got plenty of water. That helped a little as it gave me something to do. Fill the water bottle...take a trip to the bathroom....fill the water bottle...(you get the picture)

I'm not saying I want a high pressured job, not at all. I'm also sure there are things I could be doing here that I don't know how to do yet.

What's that saying "don't look a gift horse in the mouth"? Maybe I should just be thankful that I'm not over booked right now.

*yawn*

Pain in the neck

2008-06-14T12:53:00.002-04:00

Poor Jerry has been in pain for over a week now. On Thursday he called me and told me he needed to get to a doctor. I left work and took him to the ER. BIG mistake. It was 4 hours of him waiting in the waiting room before they even saw him. He was in agony. When they did finally take him back it was another 2 hours before they gave him anything for the pain. Basically what they did is rule out a heart attack, as it was left shoulder and arm that was having pain. So after 4 viles of blood, an EKG they decided that he was dehydrated. DUH! it's been 6 hours since he walked in the door and hasn't had anything to drink since 4 hours before that. So they gave him some fluids via IV and FINALLY a percocet. After xrays they decided it was a pinched nerve. Gave him a collar to wear, ordered an MRI and discharged him. They put the collar on and before we made it to the door, Jerry was complaining that his arms were going numb. By the time we made it to the car he was begging me to take off the collar. So I did. The percocet didn't take the edge off.

Next day, I call the imaging place for the MRI and they won't accept the order from the ER Doctor. This is where I panic. Jerry and I don't have a primary doctor. We both have medical issues that require us to see endocrinologist. Apparently you have to have a primary doctor to get an MRI. So I scrambled and got him an appointment on Friday with a PA with what will become our Primary doctor.

Friday, we go to the appointment. Jerry can barely stand the car ride. The PA examines him and says "Don't wear the collar, it will only worsen things" and starts massaging Jerry's back. Within minutes he finds a trigger point and explains that he has inflammation of a nerve bundle. Okay, great...now what. So he gave him a steroid shot in the trigger point and prescribed some muscle relaxers as well as some different pain meds. Also showed me how do massage his back with a tennis ball and some exercises that needed to be done. Yay! I felt like we hit the jackpot with this office.

We get home and of course Jerry is in TONS of pain as he had to sit up for the ride to the office and back. I dropped him off and went to get his RXs. Doped him up and I think he was so tired he finally slept a little.

Today, he is a little better. Still can't sit up, needs to be on his back but doesn't seem to wince when he moves as much. We did his exercises and I can see that he is getting some mobility back. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.

insert clever title here

2008-06-07T19:29:00.003-04:00

Jerry and I had these "colds" in our back. Or so I thought...maybe we both did strain something at the same time. I am 98% better because I haven't been lifting anything for days. Jerry on the other hand is still in terrible pain. That is because he had to lift things for 3 days straight at his conference. I didn't even think about him taking the hanging bag vs. the rolling overnight bag. I should have thought about it..oh well. I gave him a darvocet and he is conked out on the futon with a heat wrap around his shoulder. He should be out for hours.

I'm just glad he is home. I didn't sleep well while he was gone, and every little sound in the house seemed a thousand times louder.

Work is going good. Starting July 1st I'm going back to part time hours so that I can take some interpreting gigs. I'm very excited about that. Now if I my QA results would just hurry up and get here I'd be much happier.

Still waiting on news on the internship. Don't like that I'm competing for it with my classmates. Emily and I decided that no matter what we should start a study group or something to get more signing in. Sounds like a plan.

My car...UGH...I hate it...keeps overheating and stuff. I'm so spoiled about having a car that works that I get frustrated when it doesn't. Maybe I should be come one of those lease people. *shrug*

Joiner

2008-06-04T18:16:00.003-04:00

Another step in my journey to being an Interpreter. I just joined both the statewide and national Registry of Interpreters. Basically now I have to adhere to all the Code of Professional Conduct and stuff.

Other things I've joined is Plurk. It's crazy it's fun you can find me at http://plurk.com/user/gkneefl (gknee was already taken. GRRR! )

I <3 hotels

2008-06-03T10:26:00.004-04:00

Jerry has his big conference this week which means he'll be gone for a few nights. He won't be far, just at the beaches. I'd stay but I don't want to deal with traffic in the mornings. Too bad, really, cause I love hotels. I guess it's because they aren't cluttered and I know I don't have to wash the linens and stuff. The end of the month I'll be heading down to Orlando for my own hotel stay. (Silent Weekend)

Badluck Schleprock

2008-06-01T22:35:00.002-04:00

I had one of those weekends that was weird. Yesterday I seemed to be a magnet for injuries. First I stepped on a piece of glass in our kitchen and gashed my heel. Thankfully Jerry was there and helped me to get my foot up and stop the bleeding. After cleaning me up with peroxide and alcohol he bandaged me and told me to "Just sit still" while he cleaned up the blood. Apparently there was a lot

So later in the evening I was hobbling around to the bathroom and needed to get something out of the vanity and somehow scraped and bruised the heck out of my forearm. YEOWCH!

Today there were no incidents, thankfully. It has been a day of recuperating. Yes, my foot hurts. Yes, my scraped up arm hurts.

In other news, I did try Bud Light Lime. It's okay. Still prefer Landshark with an actual lime.

Disappointed

2008-05-29T12:25:00.004-04:00

Just had my first "talking to" at work. Apparently I talk too loud when I'm talking to clients on the phone. These are clients trying to make appointments for amplified phones. Of course I talk loud. I competely understand that my office is small and that sounds resonate out into the hallway and into the other office. Just a little hurt I guess. I'll get over it though. I know that I'm helping others so thats what is important.

From now on my office door will be shut.

Life is a Journey...is there a short cut?

2008-05-22T16:13:00.003-04:00

Beware: Rambling and confusion approaching!

I used to be so good about keeping up with my blogging. I don't blog for the readers..I blog for me. I love to look back and see what was going on at certain times. So why have I been so lazy about posting lately? .... I guess I'm taking stock of my life....AGAIN. Making sure that I keep to my path and continue on. I'm feeling a little off course. It's not bad though...

I know I'm confusing. I like direct routes. When I can't get to where I want to go directly I get flustered and start rambling. Like now! So this little post is a swift kick to my chakra to get me back in line. (Thank Lloyd for making me remember about Dharma and Greg. I loved that show too!)

I just spent two days issuing amplified telephones for senior citizens. I loved it. It was wonderful to know that some of these people haven't had a decent phone conversation in years and now they will. Nothing better than hearing "Wow...I can hear on this phone!"

So where does that leave me? Pulling out the big atlas of life and making sure that I'm in the right neighborhood, I guess. What is it that they say, "It's not the destination it's the journey"?

Ah well...Thanks for reading (if you made it this far)

4 weeks and counting

2008-05-16T15:57:00.003-04:00

It's been four weeks since I took my QA exam. I know they said approximately eight weeks for my results but this is killin' me.

I don't wait very well.

Speaking of waiting, I'm waiting on contacts and my glasses too...

My world consists of a lot of waiting these days. Guess I'm being tested.....

Patience .....

This is odd

2008-05-14T08:06:00.002-04:00

I actually have less going on in my life but am more tired the past few days. I don't know why and it's buggin' me. I only work a six hour day and shouldn't be so tired. Last night I was too tired to eat my dinner. The plate was just there in front of me but I only ate about half my broccoli and rice and only one bite of the pork (which didn't taste good to me but Jerry sure liked it). I went to bed a little earlier last night. I'm hoping I just need to catch up on some sleep or something.

Supernova

2008-05-12T08:50:00.005-04:00

My little office has two banks of florescent light out of 12 panels total in the ceiling. It makes for a very bright little office. I often find myself squinting. I don't know if I can ask that some of the tubes be removed or if that is some kinds of OSHA violation. At home I thrive in dim rooms with only the glow of the computer or TV. Maybe I'm some kind of vampire that is only effected by well lit rooms...

Rough days

2008-05-07T16:10:00.003-04:00

Work is a little overwhelming. My biggest problem is that I don't say "no". I try to squeeze in as many appointments as I can and I'm not leaving enough time to even catch up on all my paperwork. I need to be more aggressive with my "no" and remember that I'm only one person.

I miss interpreting! I need to get some gigs so I can keep my skill up. No way am I going to waste the three years of school I just completed!

I know things will smooth out....they always do, but for today I'm just going to be pouty about it all.

I are a graduate (again)

2008-05-05T11:10:00.003-04:00

I got through to the testing center at FCCJ and they updated my transcript so that they will send my degree to me. Yay!

Work is going good. I'm very busy as my supervisor is going out for surgery (please say a prayer for her) and won't be back until sometime in June. Yes, I'm learning my job the "Baptism by fire" method. It's okay, I do well under pressure.

The next big thing is that I get some interpreting gigs!

Yay!

2008-05-01T12:18:00.003-04:00

3 A's and 1 B and I'm done! HURRAY! I totally forgot about a project in the class I got a B in so yeah..it's my fault. No big deal. So now I just have to bug the testing center to put my passing exit testing stuff in the computer so it shows I'm graduating!

SIGH

2008-04-25T20:26:00.003-04:00

It's done! I have to wait for my results which could be up to 10 weeks although I was told that it shouldn't take that long. The test was difficult but it's supposed to be. I have a good feeling about it and no matter what I'll get some wonderful feedback. It just feels good to have taken it. 3 years of learning this stuff....Wow!

Only one more hoop to jump through before graduation. I have a final on Monday night where I have to sign a story type thingy about how to play Charades and then transcribe an ASL video into a gloss system. Whatever...let's just get it over with so I can be done!!!

Tuesday night the class is going out together. Cheesecake Factory....YUM!!! I my class and professors. I'm actually going to miss seeing them every week.

May the Force be with you!

2008-04-24T20:19:00.004-04:00

Tonight is my night to veg out...watch "Wings" that TiVo has graciously recorded for me. Drink my water and just relax. Tomorrow is the big enchilada and I'm ready. I have finished my Padawan lessons and am ready to face the Jedi council.

It's Official

2008-04-21T12:34:00.004-04:00

I go for the state QA exam Friday at 4:00pm. I'm nervous and excited. I switched my schedule around at work so I could have a few hours between to gather my thoughts and stuff.

Wednesday I go for my Information Literacy test (how to use a computer for research) at 4pm. This is required if I want to graduate on the 3rd of May.

Hmm..4pm seems to be the "go time". That's what happens when you take on a part time job I guess.

13 Days

2008-04-20T10:12:00.003-04:00

Until Graduation! OMG! Only need to pass my classes and take some silly Computer information test that shows I know how to use a computer for research. (Yeah...can you believe that ). Ooo...and I'm working on scheduling my State QA. Could be this week! I'm nervous and excited about everything!

Week 2

2008-04-17T12:02:00.002-04:00

Things kinda started out slow because of some audits and other things that popped up. Today however was/is completely different. Busy doesn't even begin to describe how I'm feeling. Probably a little overwhelmed but I am confident that it's just a matter of getting my feet wet and making the mistakes that ever new employee does

School is getting close to being done. I get to interpret "Phantom of the Opera" today in class. I'm excited to be a ham and have fun. May 3rd is graduation...I can't believe it. Have a call in to schedule my State QA exam and then I leave it to the interpreting gods to guide my future.

Lazy Sunday

2008-04-13T12:44:00.002-04:00

Jerry and I did our grocery shopping last night so that today we could have a pajama day. I woke up to the smell of coffee and Jerry cooking me breakfast. I'm truly a lucky girl! It's been a while since we've done absolutely nothing so today we are doing just that....nothing

Yesterday was my works "Open House". Lots of people showed up and according to my co-workers it was a bigger turn out than last year. Hurray! This week I will have more stable schedule. I'm looking forward to getting to know the job as last week was a little scattered with people out and preparing for the open house. Oh yeah...and me getting kicked out of my office.

Speaking of my office, they found some pictures of the city so my walls aren't so bare. I need to get some pictures of family and friends in there though. Not much room as you saw from my previous post..so I really need to get a bulletin board or something. Anyway, I'm gonna go veg out..cause that's what today is all about. Well, that and laundry.

New Office Digs

2008-04-09T18:34:00.005-04:00

So this is it...my new little office. Maybe cozy is a better word.

As Jerry said, if I move the chairs out, I could probably change my mind. I guess he thinks it's small too.

It definately needs pictures and some Gknee Flair!