Rough Night

What a night I had last night. It was filled with nightmares, weird dreams, a painful leg, and a giant cricket! It started with difficulty falling asleep and leg pain. Then I had this creepy nightmare. I managed to wake myself up, but then heard the giant cricket. I looked at the clock-4:10 AM (which is actually like 3:40 AM, I set the bedroom clock ahead some), I tried sleeping through it. No dice, too loud. I got up, of course I can't reach it. I got downstairs, got the step ladder, set it up, took the detector down and removed the battery. Of course, I couldn't close the ladder, so I put it in the library and tried to get back to sleep. I succeeded, only to return to weird dreams. Fortunately, they weren't that scary, although it definitely had a scary dimension to it. I was with a group and we were moving to this building. It was weird and spooky and oddly painted. I got a really bad feeling from my room, #123. Then I found out the previous tenant had been murdered and was haunting the place. Still, that dream was not as unsettling as the first one set in a weird, scary 3 story Victorian home and when you looked at the furniture, you saw your reflection..then the reflection started to change. Creepy!

Photo Phriday - Snow Accumulation

We have a lot of snow here. My poor mailbox is almost covered. My mailbox is actually across the street from the side of my house. It gets the brunt of both snowplows and the wind coming across the field. Consequently, my mail is usually wet from snow inside the box. Sigh. We're bracing for more snow too.

Ghosts!

I nearly had a heart attack last night. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am very interested in the paranormal, especially ghosts. Anyone who knows me very well also knows that while I love reading and researching ghosts-I'd be scared silly if I actually had one visit. My grandmother was the same way (although I don't think she was interested in the research part) and I remember when I was little telling her that I loved her very much, but she needn't come back and visit me when she died. So far she's kept her word. Now, I have met up with some spirits. I saw one in college and had, and heard, of many other encounters. I also recently felt a cold spot in the Valentown Museum (which I wrote about in this blog). I heard footsteps in Marjim Manor, but I think that was just an employee working upstairs, I didn't "feel" anything paranormal there, but I did enjoy their wines! At any rate, I was watching Ghost Hunters last night (they've investigated both the Valentown Museum and Marjim Manor, by the way). It was about 8:30 PM, totally dark outside. I was sitting up on my couch facing the TV. Behind and to the right of the TV are windows. The blinds are all drawn, except for the window to the farthest right. I keep that open, just a foot or so as Barrett and Callie enjoy looking out of it. Anyway, the TAPS team was investigating a home where activity was around a 5 year old girl. The father also had a major experience while sleeping in the girl's bed. Voices were asking where the girl was and then they pulled the sheets taut and kind of shook the mattress. Jason even experienced a slight shaking mattress. One technique is to provoke the entity, to get it mad so that it will show itself. Grant and Jason left and 2 other investigators came in to provoke. The woman called the spirit out, then she said, "I demand you show yourself, right NOW!" Just then a blinding light came from my window and something started moving. I think I screamed, I know I nearly had a heart attack. Then I looked at the window again...it was a snowplow...my snowplow guy was just plowing the driveway. Jeesh. That wasn't the end of it, however. I also experienced the shaking mattress this morning. I have to sleep on my right side or stomach due to my back injury. So I'm facing the wall and my back is to the door. I had just woken up, but was still lying down when I felt the mattress shake, not the whole bed, just the mattress, just like in the show. But that didn't really scare me and when I turned over I saw it was just Calumet jumping on the bed. Usually she climbs right over me, so I know it's her-but this time she just happened to sit on the other side. She had me wondering for a minute though!

Facebook

I recently got an e-mail from a friend sharing his Facebook page. I know my friend, Vinnie, enjoys his time on Facebook, but I don't have an interest in these social networking sites and I prefer to keep my online activity somewhat anonymous. That's why I don't have a Facebook page. You may not believe me if you search for me there, however. For the heck of it I searched for my name . . . and found it, a lot. There were 2 pages of listings for my full name and two pages of listings using the common shortened version of my name. (See the somewhat anonymity I strive for-I'm not even writing my real name.) I guess I have a very popular name, who'd've thunk?!

Too Good

I knew it was too good to be true. I had noticed that my payment booklet for my window loan ended with the February coupon, which didn't have an amount listed. That usually implies it's the final payment and the amount will be different depending on when you pay it. I had thought I had a 10 year loan, and it's only been 5 years-but maybe I was wrong and I could have an extra $171.37 a month to help with Harley's board. The bank called. No, February is not my final payment. Pay the usual amount and get a new booklet in time for the March payment. Damn. Five more years to go. I knew it was too good to be true.

Gung Hee Fat Choy!

Happy Lunar New Year. Today we welcome the Year of the Ox. Let's hope it's a good one. In the picture are 2 of my animals from Build-A-Bear Workshop. Lao Shu is a Limited Edition Year of the Rat wearing a Cheong-Sam outfit. Lo Mein is my first Build-a-Bear animal. She was given to me by my best friend wearing the outfit he picked for her. Happy New Year from all of us to all of you!

Sleep

I don't get it. I've been having trouble sleeping at night due to the pain in my leg. I'm not supposed to sleep on my left side. Normally, I sleep in a combination-my right side, stomach, left side. When I'm not falling asleep, I generally switch from right to left side and vice versa. Now I can't do that. The weird thing is when it's time to wake up, I don't want to. It's as if I've finally gotten comfortable and it's not a problem to sleep. What's also weird is that I don't have any trouble when I take a nap. I can't wait until I can sleep normally again.

Cold!

Yesterday was unseasonably warm-it was almost 40 degrees F! I decided to run some errands today-I needed dog food as well as some other items. As I was closing the gate and opening the garage it seemed a bit cold out. When I drove by the fire station I saw that it was 13 degrees! No wonder it felt cold. I knew the temperature was supposed to cool over the weekend-but what a drop! My hands got cold even in my gloves! I'm glad I'll be able to stay inside all day tomorrow!

Photo Phriday - Vito

Vito is still very shy. While his brothers, Vinnie and Paulie, were out begging for treats, Vito remained hidden in the igloo. He poked his nose out and I gave him a treat, then I just put the camera at the igloo entrance and clicked. The picture came out quite well, considering!

Stamps

I don't really consider myself a philatelist, however, I do collect some stamps. I have an official stamp collecting binder, but I don't go out of my way to add to it. I simply save stamps I like that are being sold regularly. I went to the post office today to mail a card and to check postage rates. I had heard they went up, but when I went to the USPS site, the regular stamps seemed the same price, so I wanted to make certain. Sure enough package mailing and express stuff went up, but a regular stamp is still 42 cents while sending a letter to Europe & Asia is still 94 cents. They did offer some new stamps I like too, The Year of the Ox stamp, in commemoration of the Lunar New Year January 26th, and an Edgar Allen Poe stamp. I may save the Poe stamps to use on my Halloween cards this year. It's fun to see the new stamps they come up with-I guess I'm more of a philatelist than not!

Some Accomplishments

I accomplished a few things today. The electrician came and now I can use my stove again. Yea! I went to PT and added a few exercises and deleted those that created more pain. After that I stopped at Home Depot and got some chain and accoutrements to fix my gate. (In the winter the base pulls away and the latch holding it doesn't have much to hold on to. I don't want Barrett to be able to open said gate, so...) I then stopped at Walgreen's and got the special windshield wiper fluid that also deices and debugs said windshield. I also picked up some great sales-ands stayed under $15! I came home and put the fluid in the car and fixed the gate. I also finished my aunt's birthday card so I can mail it tomorrow morning. Now it's time to fix supper and at 10PM Restaurant Wars on Top Chef. Can't wait!!

Inauguration Day

It's now official, the United States has a new president. Welcome to the mess Mr. Obama. I like his comment to hope rather than fear. There's so much wrong today...I'll try to stay positive. Staying positive has been difficult today. I'm having a lousy day so far. The electrician is coming by this evening-hopefully all will go well there. If it's not one thing . . .

Negativity on Fanpop

I've just had my second "negative" experience on Fanpop. Not bad since I've been on there a year. On two of my quiz questions a person wrote a comment intimating that my answers were incorrect-"ludicrous", in another one that person wrote, "u suck". Talk about being childish. First of all, if you're going to complain, get your facts straight. I was correct in my questions and replied giving links to the proper answers. Secondly, if you are going to voice a concern over a question, do it in a polite manner-don't use chat speak and resort to calling someone names. It's possible the person making the question made a mistake. I would readily admit it if I had, but I was not in the wrong. At any rate, I commented on both questions, adding links to prove my veracity. I also sent a message to that person to make sure my comments were read. Perhaps I shouldn't have bothered-but I'll try to enlighten the ignorant. When you get something, especially something so insignificant, wrong, just own up to the fact that you didn't know it and you just learned something new.

Dream TV

Last night was a dream fest. All night long I had very interesting dreams; it was better than TV. They're all kind of vague now (don't you hate that?) and many details are lost, or confused. I have a feeling explaining them will be difficult. The main dream involved me and Joe Perry.

I don't remember much, but we were trying to stop Steven Tyler who was back on drugs (sorry Steve, know you're clean) and was climbing huge trees and setting them on fire. Joe was very upset, so upset he even threw up! He then explained how difficult things were. We were at an outdoor site with lots of tents that had crafts-and wines. Joe was gone, but my folks were there and we were in a tent that sold wines with neat names-like Organic Bunny. The staff made me leave as animals weren't allowed and I was now holding a cat. (?) My mom wanted me to open a bottle of wine first, which I think I did. Then I was looking for Joe and my dad brought someone who had a mild resemblance to Joe, but was like 20 years old. I thanked my dad, but said that wasn't him as Joe was closer to his (my dad's) age. (He's 11 years younger than my dad and 18 years older than me.) We were in a church at this point. I don't know why. Another dream had the end of the world occurring. I went to the basement and survived even though the outside temperature was something (I don't remember the number now.) that would kill you. Then I ran into these cult members and it went on and on and was quite interesting. I'm sure my night had better viewing than my TV choices today!

Too Many Meds

There are too many medications in this house right now. In the morning I have to take my 3 regular pills (for thyroid, high blood pressure, & high cholesterol). I also take a flexoril, which I take 3 times a day. Then there's the gabapentin. I've been taking 200 mg at bedtime and I'm going to add 100 either in the morning or evening (doc says OK). I've been off the vicodin for 2 days now (I want to drink alcohol, soon) but it's there if I need it. My eye is still weird so I'm supposed to put in these eye drops 4 times a day. I'm lucky if I remember it twice a day. Then my arm started doing it's weird thing-so I have a cream I have to rub in twice a day. Of course, I forgot this morning's rub. Oh, there's also a fiber chew in the evening and my multivitamin at bedtime. Then I can't forget Seneca who needs a half a pill around 2PM (I actually remembered that one today!) and a full pill when I go to bed. Too many meds to remember!

Photo Phriday - Wind Chill Warning

Baby, it's cold outside. I snapped this photo coming home from physical therapy this morning. It's tough to read, but it says, "Wind Chill Warning Until Noon". It was about 8 degrees, which, considering, isn't really that bad, but the wind was picking up making it seem in the negatives. I didn't think it was that cold, but I was bundled up in layers and only went from my house to the garage to the end of the driveway to bring the garbage and recycling bins back, to physical therapy, a stop to take this picture, back to the house, back across the street to get the mail, and, finally back in the house. Even though I didn't find it that horrible, I have no intention of going out again today. I hope you're keeping warm.

Ahead

Since I'm home I'm trying to get ahead of the game. While I haven't been cleaning up a storm (sorry Mom) I have been working on my Valentine's Day cards and I have a concept for my St. Patrick's Day cards. Now I won't have to worry about running out of time as these holidays get closer. I guess I should start taking down my Christmas stuff-but it's so cozy with all the lights on in the evening.

PT

I had my first physical therapy session this afternoon. I was lucky enough to have the same therapist that worked on me when I injured my knee. He remembered me too! We did many different things so that he could see where the problems were and how my body reacted to different things. It was a good, but tiring, session. I'm sore now! I have homework-it's kind of like a push up-but lying down on something with my left leg on the floor. I'm to try to do those like every 2 hours!?! We'll see how it goes. I should also put a small pillow in the small of my back when I sit down. Our next session is Friday.

Preparing

Today I started to prepare for the cold front coming tomorrow. I stopped by and saw Harley, giving him a special treat to eat, and paid for his wormer. Then to Target. I had bought the 4th Season Part 1 of Ghost Hunters-but the 3rd episode on the first 3 discs wouldn't play so I exchanged it (and it looks like I'm going to have to exchange again-this one is having issues too. Sigh). Then on to Wegman's to stock up on food. I should be good to go for a while. (I better be for what I had to pay!) I have to go to physical therapy tomorrow and I may stop to try and get some beverages (forgot to put that on my list today). Other than that and a stop at the post office I plan on staying cozy in my house. It started snowing when I got home (we're only expecting a few inches, so that's not bad) but the high tomorrow is supposed to be 10-and it gets colder after that!

Doctor's Visit

I went to the doctor this morning-a 7:40 AM appointment no less! My doctor is out sick, so I was going to see his physician's assistant, but she called in sick (is there a trend here?) so I saw another doctor. She was very nice. I have either a muscle sprain or a herniated disk. There's no way to know if it's a disk as I'd need an MRI to see it. Since beginning treatment for both is the same, we're playing it conservatively. I'm back on flexeril and vicodin (yea-except I can't drink alcohol-boo hiss) and she added gabapentin for the tingling. The dosage for that gabapentin is weird. I start out with 100mg at bedtime, but may work up to 3800mg-more than once a day! We'll see how that works. I'm going to try to go light on the vicodin, but I really needed it when I got back. Driving is unpleasant. I start physical therapy on Wednesday. I'm off work for at least 2 more weeks! Mom says that'll give me plenty of time to clean. Sigh. It's time for a nap.

Depression

Are we truly facing an economic depression similar to that of the 1930's? Can we, as Americans, deal with that in today's world. We're so used to being able to get what we want, basically when we want it. Oh, not those high ticket items, like a plasma TV, or the latest electronic device. We'll put those off and save for those. It's the little items we see that catch our eye-"Oh that's cute, and only $10, I'll get that". "Ooh, I'm in the mood for pizza-let's order out." The little things we like that make life more enjoyable-we may have to stop indulging. It's difficult, especially for bargain hunters and collectors like me. I find such great deals-how can I pass them up. It looks like I'm going to have to try harder. I need to look at the stuff I already have and rediscover those joys!

Out

I went out for the first time since returning from the hospital. Driving isn't fun. I made it across town for a civil service test. The test was OK. It's for a Security Hospital Supervising Treatment Assistant-the step above my current position. Of course, the facility where I work doesn't have this position, but...in case they ever do, I'll, hopefully, be on the list. On the way home I stopped by the pharmacy to pick up my prescription. I don't know if I mentioned it, I woke up yesterday with a weird crust around my eye and fluid like pockets underneath both of them. I tell you, I just can't win lately! I'm supposed to put a drop in each eye 4 times a day. When I got home, I ate, then slept. I'm just so tired-and still in some pain, although it doesn't compare to the first days of pain. I finished my flexoril and only have 3 vicodin left. I haven't been able to do much of anything. I haven't even been reading. I want to do some rubber stamping tomorrow.

Photo Phriday - Garbage

My parents took out the garbage for me yesterday for today's pick up. It's difficult in winter to find a suitable place for the trash can. You have to make a shelf for it out of the snow bank. There isn't much snow-so it was pretty easy. I pulled the can in today. Today has been a pretty much garbagey kind of day. I woke up with these white bags under my eyes, kind of like someone injected a little water balloon there. I called the doctor and he called in a prescription for me. I arranged a ride to my class tonight-then they decided to cancel it. That's so disappointing. Especially since they're looking to reschedule for a Sunday-which I'll be working unless my back keeps me out. I'm annoyed, frustrated, disappointed, and still in pain.

Out of Their Minds

The people at work are out of their minds. I'm not talking about the patients either. They are spouting out random nonsense now. I'm not going to worry about it, though. I'm going to just concentrate on getting better. I think I need more Vicodin!

Pain!

I don't think I've ever been in as much pain as I was yesterday. When I got up yesterday morning I couldn't get up. Seriously. It took me over an hour to inch myself off the bed. I felt like Randy in A Christmas Story, "I can't get up!" It was early so I called in to work, saying I wouldn't be in. I was racked with back pain and spasms. It was ungodly. I brushed my teeth and tried to get dressed, so I could be ready to go to my doctor as soon as he could see me. I was just in my bra and panties when as excruciating spasm overtook me, the top part of my left leg became tingly and I collapsed on my bed. This time I really couldn't get up. I couldn't move and I was still in pain lying still. Fortunately, the phone was on my bed. I called my doctor's office-my doctor is out sick. The doc covering him wouldn't be able to see me until late afternoon, so they told me to go to the emergency room. Great, but here I was in my underwear in my room unable to move with a dog who'll attack anyone but my parents if they try to come in the house. I was in so much pain I was crying. I calmed down and called my folks and asked them to come up to take care of the animals. Thank God they were home...and able to come. They told me to wait there and they'd help me dress. Of course, they live over an hour away-so it took a while. Barrett lay down next to me, trying to keep me warm-I couldn't even get under the covers. Eventually, he got up and I got frustrated. I wanted clothes on! It took me about an hour and a half, but I did it. I was dressed-although I still had my sleep socks on and no shoes-when my folks arrived. My dad then drove me to the emergency room. I had another fear realized that day. My mother would see the state of my house-including the upstairs, without me preparing for her. Fortunately, she's so worried about me she hasn't said anything...yet.

The hospital got me into triage super quick, but then it was over an hour and a half of excruciating pain before I got to the back, then more time to be seen, then finally get some pain meds. I was on some drip to get me hydrated, then an IV of some pain killer that begins with a T and morphine. I also took a pill of flexeral- a muscle relaxant. I like the morphine. It felt like I drank 2 bottles of Andre champagne. However, it didn't take the pain away. I was taken for x-rays and everything came back clean. I got more morphine and was able to come home with prescriptions for flexeral and vicodin.

I'm still in a lot of pain-but it's not the screaming kind (yes, I was screaming in agony yesterday). I can't stay in one position long (I had to stop several times and get up and move around while composing this post.) and it's very hard to get comfortable-sitting, lying, or standing. What's worse is the burning tingling in my left leg. I guess the back muscles pinched a nerve and it hasn't relaxed enough yet. It could be a couple of days. I count the hours until I can take my next pill!

So far 2009 isn't better than 2008. Let's hope it gets better soon!

Epiphany

Today is Epiphany. The last official day of the Christmas season. As I've posted before-I'm more than ready. I may even turn my outside Christmas lights off tomorrow. Today I need to take Seneca to the vet and me to my doctor. I hurt my back at work last night moving mattresses. Not the best time. The on call doc thinks I have a lower lumbar sprain. All I know is that I'm in a lot of pain. Hopefully, my doctor can fit me in!

Sucks!

Life seriously sucks right now. I keep telling myself to think about the good, but the bad keeps rearing its ugly head. I want to just hide under the covers for days-but I have to call Albany and prepare for at least one fight.

Leon

He made it through Christmas and New Year's for me, but he finally couldn't go on. Leon died yesterday evening. Leon was quite elderly. I adopted him and his brother from the Humane Society after Brioche's death. My vet and I agreed he was over 2 at that time. That was June 2007. Leon was a happy rat and he loved the companionship of other rats. He was always ready to make friends. In the end he developed hind leg paralysis, but that didn't stop him. The day he died he had gone up to the 3rd level of his house and climbed into his hammock for a while. He loved his treats. I had to give him a bath, since he couldn't clean himself too well, as I dried him off I let him stick his head in a container of yogies and get out as many as he could. That's him nibbling on them in the picture below. I'll miss your friendly gentle ways Leon.

Leon

? - January 3, 2009

Ready

I am so ready for Christmas to be OVER! I believe that this is the first year I have felt this way. For some unknown reason my Christmas tree lights won't turn on. Another strand of my outside lights just stopped working. My life pretty much sucks right now. I'm dealing with the residual badness of 2008 and so far 2009 isn't helping. Harley's board is being raised, for one. However, I won't take the Christmas things down until Epiphany. I guess I'm a Scrooge right now, a pre-Christmas Scrooge at that!

Photo Phriday - Harley

I didn't ride today, but I did visit Harley and give him a good grooming session. Here he is in his stall, munching on some hay. Unfortunately, his board will be going up in January. I curse his former other owner for leaving me with so much to pay. Perhaps this year I'll find someone to half lease him.

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2009! 2008 ended on a VERY sour note due to work. I was just told my days off are being changed from Fridays and Saturdays to Wednesday/ Thursdays. I am angry, shocked, and stunned. I am also going to fight it, although I'm not sure if I can win. I'm a supervisor, for heaven's sake, and they just took the one good perk I had. Please 2009, be a good year for me!