I was going to go for a bike ride today on the trail but it's pouring rain. Figures. Crap. I needed a stress reliever. Well, I guess the elliptical is my ride.
Yesterday was quite the annoying waiting game. Here's what really pissed me off: After waiting and waiting and waiting for someone to call from Jim's doctor's office and not getting a phone call, Jim called again to get some answers. Of course no one was available and so the nurse he talked to put him on hold, came back and said, "Well, I talked to another nurse in back and she said to go to the emergency room." WHAT?! First of all, that's bullshit! We are not going to the emergency room to sit for hours just to get the attention of Jim's doctors. Why is that an answer? Talk about a waste of time and money. How many times do you hear about people going to the hospital unnecessarily and an actual health care supposed professional is telling us basically, "To get you to quit calling here and because we don't have anyone who you can talk to that knows your situation, I don't know, just go to the hospital. See what you can find out there. Good luck." (She didn't actually say this but she might as well have.) I just can't believe that at an oncologists office, you can't get a same-day phone call back for someone with stage iv melanoma. I mean, if you're that busy, maybe you've got a staffing problem and you need to hire an extra someone to actually CARE for your patients.
Needless to say, Jim and I will be having a discussion today about seeking another doctor's care.
After all that yesterday, Jim had to go meet a fellow worker around 4:30 to pass off some plans for a building in Kenwood that they're painting. After that, he had a 5:30 dentist appointment to replace a filling that fell out over the weekend. And of course 15 minutes before Jim was supposed to leave, as I was laying on the couch nursing a headache, Jim told me he didn't think he could drive because of his joints (his knees were swollen and hurting). Now, I had no problem with driving him, but don't tell me 15 minutes before you need to leave because f*%king around. UGH!
I think Jim and I have been sitting in the same room looking at each other a little too much lately. PIB should be fun, huh?
And Jim's up. He's doing better it seems. He says his joints feel better and his fever seems to be gone. He slept last night and his temp is actually 97.6 WOOT! Of course that happened yesterday too and eventually went up to 101. We'll just have to see what happens here.
My plans today - I'll probably do more to prepare for Saturday's departure. I was going to head into work but I'll go tomorrow instead. We may have a tentative agreement for our contract (they're meeting today) and if that's the case, we'll vote tomorrow so, two birds, one stone. Then I'll head to Costco.
Okay well, I best get on the elliptical while I have some gumption. Happy - what day is it...only day one of summer break and I've already lost track. Oh, Happy Wednesday. Later!
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
New Symptoms
I didn't get a lot of sleep last night and am not going in for my work day. Jim started swelling yesterday and I have a feeling that they're going to want him in and will want to admit him. The swelling is new and his ankle is huge. He also said his arm is killing him and it feels like his wrist is sprained. His fever has broken and his temp this morning was 98.7. He was near normal yesterday morning as well, however, before eventually spiking to 104 so we'll see if this lasts. He only had the chills one time yesterday and was able to manage it pretty quickly. The office opens at 8:00 and hopefully he'll talk to someone immediately so we have a plan.
In terms of sleep, I think Jim actually slept last night though he moved to the family room around midnight. I think he moved because he thought his tossing and turning would keep me awake but I couldn't turn my thoughts off. I just keep thinking about where we are right now in terms of his cancer, diagnosis and prognosis. In reading about his meds and trying to figure out if what we were doing was the right thing, I kept coming to statistics that couldn't be ignored. The two biggest things I kept running across was 6-22 and 18%. In other words, people who are diagnosed with stage iv melanoma have a survival rate of 18% and the majority of individuals live for 6-22 months after diagnosis (on the combo of meds he's on). We're at 6 months right now and I can't stop thinking about that. I know it's morbid and I shouldn't focus on that and normally I don't but when I'm laying in bed, trying to sleep and Jimmy's suffering I just see the future and it scares the shit out of me. I don't let Jim know any of this but we are coming to a point where reality needs to be a part of his thinking. I don't think Jim is completely aware of all of this. I wish his doctor was a little more forthcoming with him. But maybe ignorance is bliss.
And on that note - I'm going to go check on Jim.
In terms of sleep, I think Jim actually slept last night though he moved to the family room around midnight. I think he moved because he thought his tossing and turning would keep me awake but I couldn't turn my thoughts off. I just keep thinking about where we are right now in terms of his cancer, diagnosis and prognosis. In reading about his meds and trying to figure out if what we were doing was the right thing, I kept coming to statistics that couldn't be ignored. The two biggest things I kept running across was 6-22 and 18%. In other words, people who are diagnosed with stage iv melanoma have a survival rate of 18% and the majority of individuals live for 6-22 months after diagnosis (on the combo of meds he's on). We're at 6 months right now and I can't stop thinking about that. I know it's morbid and I shouldn't focus on that and normally I don't but when I'm laying in bed, trying to sleep and Jimmy's suffering I just see the future and it scares the shit out of me. I don't let Jim know any of this but we are coming to a point where reality needs to be a part of his thinking. I don't think Jim is completely aware of all of this. I wish his doctor was a little more forthcoming with him. But maybe ignorance is bliss.
And on that note - I'm going to go check on Jim.
Monday, May 29, 2017
The Weather That Wasn't
Cincinnati weather people of late has been anything but accurate. They've been reporting about storms we were supposed to have Friday and Saturday and Sunday and we never got a drop of rain (until the overnight last night). Which means I hadn't watered any of my plants. Thankfully they were watered overnight and now we should see beautiful weather today. I'm planning on getting some rays but watch. It'll probably NOT be as sunny as they say and I'll stay as pale as I've been all winter. UGH!
Jim seems to be feeling a bit better. He's still in bed and I'm not sure if he's going to work or not. I don't want him to push it and fall back into the chills/fever thing. He rested all day yesterday (except for a little jaunt to Shooters) and he's been drinking lots of water and has been eating well so that's good. He actually stayed in bed all night last night which he hasn't done in a while, and I think he got lots of good sleep. I'll go check on him in a minute and make him breakfast if he wants it.
Sami's got a lot of get up and go lately. These meds she's on has given her a new bounce in her step and it makes me feel bad that I didn't do this for her a long time ago. Bad mommy!
I keep forgetting that I have to go to work tomorrow. I keep making all these plans in my head to get ready for PIB on Saturday and then have to readjust because I can't run the errands I had hoped to on Tuesday. I'm also not sure when we'll get out of school, if we'll have to stay the whole day or not. I also need to remember to make the coffee cake I signed up to bring for our breakfast at school tomorrow. Maybe I'll get up and do that now so it doesn't slip my mind.
Okay - time to check on Jimmy. Happy Memorial Day! Later!
Jim seems to be feeling a bit better. He's still in bed and I'm not sure if he's going to work or not. I don't want him to push it and fall back into the chills/fever thing. He rested all day yesterday (except for a little jaunt to Shooters) and he's been drinking lots of water and has been eating well so that's good. He actually stayed in bed all night last night which he hasn't done in a while, and I think he got lots of good sleep. I'll go check on him in a minute and make him breakfast if he wants it.
Sami's got a lot of get up and go lately. These meds she's on has given her a new bounce in her step and it makes me feel bad that I didn't do this for her a long time ago. Bad mommy!
I keep forgetting that I have to go to work tomorrow. I keep making all these plans in my head to get ready for PIB on Saturday and then have to readjust because I can't run the errands I had hoped to on Tuesday. I'm also not sure when we'll get out of school, if we'll have to stay the whole day or not. I also need to remember to make the coffee cake I signed up to bring for our breakfast at school tomorrow. Maybe I'll get up and do that now so it doesn't slip my mind.
Okay - time to check on Jimmy. Happy Memorial Day! Later!
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Much Needed Mimosa
Yesterday was a rough day for Jimmy. It started with his fever spiking to 103. Then he just couldn't stop sweating and finally at the end of the night - after dinner - those debilitating chills returned. I think when they started he had a bit of a panic attack and it caused him to slightly hyperventilate. He got in the shower, which helps to stop them (it worked) and then he climbed into bed. He didn't sleep much last night. He is currently in bed catching up. I had him stop his meds and take a predinsone to try and get this shit under control. We need to get this figured out by end of week so this isn't happening on vacation. That worries me. I'm hoping that by stopping pretty quickly, it will end pretty quickly and he'll bounce back. Ugh. I hate this for him.
Needless to say, today will just be a day of relaxing. I went to the store already and got fixins for dinner. I was going to make my own ribs but there wasn't a slab to be found. So, I bought a couple slabs of Montgomery Inn and will just do that with some corn and sauteed zucchini. Yummy. I also plan on cleaning out the garage. Jim just can't get it done and not just because he's sick. Although I think many of us would call his hoarding problem a bit of an illness.
Oh, well, Jim's up. Need to feed him. Happy Sunday.
Needless to say, today will just be a day of relaxing. I went to the store already and got fixins for dinner. I was going to make my own ribs but there wasn't a slab to be found. So, I bought a couple slabs of Montgomery Inn and will just do that with some corn and sauteed zucchini. Yummy. I also plan on cleaning out the garage. Jim just can't get it done and not just because he's sick. Although I think many of us would call his hoarding problem a bit of an illness.
Oh, well, Jim's up. Need to feed him. Happy Sunday.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Oy Vey
Things have been going somewhat swimmingly. School's out. Jim's back to work. Vacation is approaching. Sami did well at the vet and has new meds to help with her arthritis. And then Jim's PET scan comes back and there are new, concerning spots on his pancreas and colon. Well, actually the colon has been there but they've increased in their uptake number and the reading of the PET scan is indication a new primary lesion (possibly colon cancer) or metastatic melanoma. There's also the slight possibility of diverticulitis but not likely since the readings have been persistent in previous scans. It's good news (to put a positive spin on this shit) that the nodules in Jim's lungs are smaller but Jim is, needless to say, wigged out and I think it's affecting his health. He spiked a fever last night of 103 and didn't sleep well. He was supposed to go to work today but is going to rest instead.
One of the biggest issues I have with Jim is his inability to be vigilant about taking care of himself. When I got home yesterday and could see that he was worn out and fatigued, I asked what he had eaten. Answer: cereal. UGH! You can't just eat cereal all day long! He says he doesn't have an appetite but dammit! Eat anyway. I guess easier said than done. Then there's him running a fever and not taking ibuprofen. I had to yell at him for that too. UGH!
I know that this shit is really our new norm and from day to day and from test to test just about anything can pop up but it seems like every time we get our bearings, some other shit comes up. I'm doing my best to be strong and keep Jim's spirits up (and not boo hoo in his ear) but it's hard when there is so much unknown. I do a lot of crying in the bathtub as you can imagine!
Jim's next set of tests will be a CT scan to get a better feel for what this thing on his pancreas is and the nurse practitioner has stated that there's no way that we can continue to wait for insurance to approve his colonoscopy anymore. She also brought up that we may have to go a new route for meds. We'll see. I'm just hoping that Jim has the ability to really enjoy himself and have a restful vacation when we head up to PIB next weekend.
K - sorry for the shit news. Later
One of the biggest issues I have with Jim is his inability to be vigilant about taking care of himself. When I got home yesterday and could see that he was worn out and fatigued, I asked what he had eaten. Answer: cereal. UGH! You can't just eat cereal all day long! He says he doesn't have an appetite but dammit! Eat anyway. I guess easier said than done. Then there's him running a fever and not taking ibuprofen. I had to yell at him for that too. UGH!
I know that this shit is really our new norm and from day to day and from test to test just about anything can pop up but it seems like every time we get our bearings, some other shit comes up. I'm doing my best to be strong and keep Jim's spirits up (and not boo hoo in his ear) but it's hard when there is so much unknown. I do a lot of crying in the bathtub as you can imagine!
Jim's next set of tests will be a CT scan to get a better feel for what this thing on his pancreas is and the nurse practitioner has stated that there's no way that we can continue to wait for insurance to approve his colonoscopy anymore. She also brought up that we may have to go a new route for meds. We'll see. I'm just hoping that Jim has the ability to really enjoy himself and have a restful vacation when we head up to PIB next weekend.
K - sorry for the shit news. Later
Friday, May 26, 2017
Final Days!!!
And today starts the last day with kids for the year! Woot! And bonus, the first period exam time will end my classes (since the second period exam time is during my prep period). I can't tell you how excited I am. Tuesday is a work day and it's always a question on when we'll be able to scoot out but realistically, who cares if we're there until normal time?! A whole summer off is on the other side of that responsibility. Who can complain!? Not me!
Sami has a vet appointment today. Just a check up but really. I want to make sure her back legs are okay and see if there's anything that she could take to help what seems to be arthritis. She's going to hate going but it needs to happen. Jim and I will both go. I was going to take her alone but Jim isn't working but a couple hours today. He'll work Saturday and Monday, however.
What else? My kids in history didn't fare too well on their exams. I have more F's than anything but I rounded them all up to a D. I had one A a couple B's and a C. Oh well, what're you going to do? They all passed for the year, didn't need the exam to do so and exams are stupid anyway.
This time last week Jim and I were on the road...headed toward a lost weekend. Hee.
Okay - that's all I've got. Time to get my day going. Can't wait for a long weekend though it will be very stormy but that's okay. Of course the backyard is crazy long and who knows when that will get cut...what are you going to do.
Happy Friday! Happy Last Day of School to me! Oh and holy shit! Yesterday was National Wine day and today is National Chardonnay Day! Well hot damn! K - Later!
Sami has a vet appointment today. Just a check up but really. I want to make sure her back legs are okay and see if there's anything that she could take to help what seems to be arthritis. She's going to hate going but it needs to happen. Jim and I will both go. I was going to take her alone but Jim isn't working but a couple hours today. He'll work Saturday and Monday, however.
What else? My kids in history didn't fare too well on their exams. I have more F's than anything but I rounded them all up to a D. I had one A a couple B's and a C. Oh well, what're you going to do? They all passed for the year, didn't need the exam to do so and exams are stupid anyway.
This time last week Jim and I were on the road...headed toward a lost weekend. Hee.
Okay - that's all I've got. Time to get my day going. Can't wait for a long weekend though it will be very stormy but that's okay. Of course the backyard is crazy long and who knows when that will get cut...what are you going to do.
Happy Friday! Happy Last Day of School to me! Oh and holy shit! Yesterday was National Wine day and today is National Chardonnay Day! Well hot damn! K - Later!
Thursday, May 25, 2017
These Reporters!
I've been watching CNN this morning (I prefer local news in the morning but Jim has the remote) and these damn reporters can't stop saying, "Uh", "Um" and this one chick could not speak to save her life. She could not spit out a question and it was driving me crazy!
School news: My 1st period LA class took their exam and they all passed! Woot! Lowest grade was a C. I do not expect that today for my history class. I'm pretty sure most of them haven't studied and will most like fail miserably. UGH! And I'm only testing on one chapter. Hopefully they quizlet I sent out was used and practiced since the questions come directly from the exam. Oh well...they've all passed for the year so that's good.
Still no colonoscopy date but Jim did talk to a woman in the office who said they're waiting on insurance approval. I mean Jesus! Additionally, Jim's PET scan results haven't come out yet either. I'm anxious to see those and see how the nodule in his colon is doing. Who knew I'd be so interested in Jim's colon!?
My latest purchase for the Bay. Perfect for kids to sleep on when there's a full house and we need to huddle up! It will be delivered to the ferry warehouse about 3 days before we get there so I'll be able to get it and find a good place to store it.
And that's all I've got. Hopefully my car starts this morning. We had the mechanic dude up the street remove a couple fuses.
K - I'm out. Happy Thursday! Have I mentioned it's a Harry Potter weekend this weekend!? I mean could the year end any better!? I don't think so! Later!
School news: My 1st period LA class took their exam and they all passed! Woot! Lowest grade was a C. I do not expect that today for my history class. I'm pretty sure most of them haven't studied and will most like fail miserably. UGH! And I'm only testing on one chapter. Hopefully they quizlet I sent out was used and practiced since the questions come directly from the exam. Oh well...they've all passed for the year so that's good.
Still no colonoscopy date but Jim did talk to a woman in the office who said they're waiting on insurance approval. I mean Jesus! Additionally, Jim's PET scan results haven't come out yet either. I'm anxious to see those and see how the nodule in his colon is doing. Who knew I'd be so interested in Jim's colon!?My latest purchase for the Bay. Perfect for kids to sleep on when there's a full house and we need to huddle up! It will be delivered to the ferry warehouse about 3 days before we get there so I'll be able to get it and find a good place to store it.
And that's all I've got. Hopefully my car starts this morning. We had the mechanic dude up the street remove a couple fuses.
K - I'm out. Happy Thursday! Have I mentioned it's a Harry Potter weekend this weekend!? I mean could the year end any better!? I don't think so! Later!
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Three Days!
Today starts the real exam days. We'll have two exams per day; one at 7:30 and one at 10:00. Students will be done and can leave at 12:30. For the next three days, I have one exam each day. YAY! Yesterday we have one exam at the end of the day but there wasn't much to do since it's a study hall for me and I just had to answer a few questions for a few students taking exams with us. I did manage to get all my IEP progress reports done, clean out my desk, prepare folders for next year's caseload and emailed all my new parents. I'll continue the clean today in preparation for next year. Just piddly stuff.
Jim had his latest PET scan today. No results yet but his glucose level is on the rise which isn't great. Still no colonoscopy appointment. He said this morning, "I guess I need to call them to find out what's going on." Ya think? Needless to say, his oncology appointment that was set up for the 12th will have to be pushed.
My car is still acting like an asshole. I'll take it up to my mechanic neighbor so he can pull the fuse on the radio. Hopefully that will keep the light from staying on and I won't have to constantly disconnect my battery. This is what happens when you have a 10 year old car, I guess. I mean, my engine light has been on for the last year and my gas gauge doesn't work. What are you going to do? I'm enjoying having no car payment so until my fixes aren't worth it anymore I'm going to continue what I'm doing.
And that's all I've got. Jim's working Monday which I was hoping he'd do. He offered and I said, Uh, yeah!
K - time to get a move on. Rain today. Possible storms later. Happy Wednesday. This time next week I'll be on day one of summer vacation! (And hopefully I'll still be asleep) WOOT! Later!
Jim had his latest PET scan today. No results yet but his glucose level is on the rise which isn't great. Still no colonoscopy appointment. He said this morning, "I guess I need to call them to find out what's going on." Ya think? Needless to say, his oncology appointment that was set up for the 12th will have to be pushed.
My car is still acting like an asshole. I'll take it up to my mechanic neighbor so he can pull the fuse on the radio. Hopefully that will keep the light from staying on and I won't have to constantly disconnect my battery. This is what happens when you have a 10 year old car, I guess. I mean, my engine light has been on for the last year and my gas gauge doesn't work. What are you going to do? I'm enjoying having no car payment so until my fixes aren't worth it anymore I'm going to continue what I'm doing.
And that's all I've got. Jim's working Monday which I was hoping he'd do. He offered and I said, Uh, yeah!
K - time to get a move on. Rain today. Possible storms later. Happy Wednesday. This time next week I'll be on day one of summer vacation! (And hopefully I'll still be asleep) WOOT! Later!
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Jackasses!
I'm always a little surprised at the asinine behavior of kids and I don't know why. Every time I think they have it together and I can trust them to act like human beings, they show me that I'm just kidding myself.
I got to school yesterday to find two of my students in 6th period (and yes the biggest jackass of them all was a part of this) coaxed another student (the most gullible, naive and obviously delayed of all my kids) to say the "n" word and they supposedly filmed it. Of course they were turned in and of course nothing was done so I battled with the administration all day yesterday to try and investigate and make these kids pay somehow. I'm sure the year will end without them having any consequences which is so wrong. I did pull the girl aside and I made sure she knew how I felt about her actions and how disgusted I was by her gross behavior. There really wasn't anything bad enough I could say to her to impart my feelings. Kids are such little f&%kers sometimes!
Four days left! Today starts exams although I don't have an exam to give today.
Jim had a good day yesterday. He has his latest PET scan today. The colonoscopy still hasn't been scheduled. Annoying.
My car is still acting like an asshole. The radio light continues to stay on and I have to disconnect the car battery so it won't drain every time I get out of my car. I have a mechanic contact in my neighborhood who is investigating a fix so we'll see. I may just unplug the fuse when I get in and out of the car if that's possible. We'll see.
K - gotta go finish getting ready. Happy Tuesday! Later!
I got to school yesterday to find two of my students in 6th period (and yes the biggest jackass of them all was a part of this) coaxed another student (the most gullible, naive and obviously delayed of all my kids) to say the "n" word and they supposedly filmed it. Of course they were turned in and of course nothing was done so I battled with the administration all day yesterday to try and investigate and make these kids pay somehow. I'm sure the year will end without them having any consequences which is so wrong. I did pull the girl aside and I made sure she knew how I felt about her actions and how disgusted I was by her gross behavior. There really wasn't anything bad enough I could say to her to impart my feelings. Kids are such little f&%kers sometimes!
Four days left! Today starts exams although I don't have an exam to give today.
Jim had a good day yesterday. He has his latest PET scan today. The colonoscopy still hasn't been scheduled. Annoying.
My car is still acting like an asshole. The radio light continues to stay on and I have to disconnect the car battery so it won't drain every time I get out of my car. I have a mechanic contact in my neighborhood who is investigating a fix so we'll see. I may just unplug the fuse when I get in and out of the car if that's possible. We'll see.
K - gotta go finish getting ready. Happy Tuesday! Later!
Monday, May 22, 2017
The Lost Weekend
I wish I could say that we had a fabulous weekend but alas, it just didn't go as well as hoped. We did manage to get all the carpets cleaned (except the bedrooms). Additionally we wiped down all the walls and furniture and nooks and crannies downstairs. The rug got installed under the kitchen table (really warms the place up...thank you Maggie) and the garage hasn't been this clean since it was originally built. Susan cleaned all the new pots and pans and then cleaned out the cabinets in the kitchen and straightened them out. Of course the golf cart was on the fritz so we had to get a loaner from Chan (gas powered and I liked it) and the weather wasn't great. But that wasn't what sucked. There was a bit of a blowout among siblings that never got resolved and probably won't because some people prefer to stick their head in the sand and pretend everything is hunky dory when it isn't. I prefer to hash shit out, lay it all out on the table so we can move on but apparently that's not going to happen. Ridiculous.
And then Maggie and Eva were SICK! Maggie was fine Friday but Saturday she was miserable. Fever, swollen throat (could barely eat), congested, hacking up crap...ugh! Eva was miserable half the weekend (didn't sleep at all Friday into Saturday...although she did rally Saturday) and woke up Sunday to feel like shit. And on her birthday too! When Maggie got home she and Eva went to the Little Clinic or Urgent Care and turns out Maggie has strep. Ugh! Oh and Eva has a sinus infection. Double ugh. Hopefully the strep won't spread to Jim and me. We've never had it so hopefully we aren't susceptible. They both got antibiotics and are hopefully on the mend.
One good thing was we made it to the ferry around 9:30 and caught the 10:30 off the island. I thought for sure we would have to wait for several boats but we didn't. Jim and I made it home by 2:30 and relaxed the rest of the day.
My car is acting like an asshole. The radio light won't turn off which means that it may drain my battery. I'll have to disconnect the cables when I get to school. Jim's calling the dealership to see what's what. And that's it. Oh, Jim still doesn't have his colonoscopy scheduled. One would assume they would call today but that's just silly! I know better than to think that.
Oh and JIM'S BACK TO WORK! WOOT! Today he's headed down to Kentucky. I'm so excited! I think he is too.
K - I'm out. Gotta see what I have on tap for today. Happy Monday! So happy it's the last week of school! Later!
And then Maggie and Eva were SICK! Maggie was fine Friday but Saturday she was miserable. Fever, swollen throat (could barely eat), congested, hacking up crap...ugh! Eva was miserable half the weekend (didn't sleep at all Friday into Saturday...although she did rally Saturday) and woke up Sunday to feel like shit. And on her birthday too! When Maggie got home she and Eva went to the Little Clinic or Urgent Care and turns out Maggie has strep. Ugh! Oh and Eva has a sinus infection. Double ugh. Hopefully the strep won't spread to Jim and me. We've never had it so hopefully we aren't susceptible. They both got antibiotics and are hopefully on the mend.
One good thing was we made it to the ferry around 9:30 and caught the 10:30 off the island. I thought for sure we would have to wait for several boats but we didn't. Jim and I made it home by 2:30 and relaxed the rest of the day.
My car is acting like an asshole. The radio light won't turn off which means that it may drain my battery. I'll have to disconnect the cables when I get to school. Jim's calling the dealership to see what's what. And that's it. Oh, Jim still doesn't have his colonoscopy scheduled. One would assume they would call today but that's just silly! I know better than to think that.
Oh and JIM'S BACK TO WORK! WOOT! Today he's headed down to Kentucky. I'm so excited! I think he is too.
K - I'm out. Gotta see what I have on tap for today. Happy Monday! So happy it's the last week of school! Later!
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Checklists
Jim and I have several checklists to take care of today in preparation for our trip north. I'm going to do my best to get everything ready for tomorrow at school during the school day today but I'm not sure how successful I'll be. Jim's got lots to do around the house to prepare, including cleaning, but he also has a lot of errands to run. Most important of those? Buying champagne. Just think, this time tomorrow, we'll be past Dayton! I hope! Woot!
My eyes are still slightly dilated but it's not that bad and I don't think I'll need readers today. But, I'm reading the final chapter in our book today so I'll take them just in case.
Oh, get this: I went online yesterday to the website that handles teacher absences just to check. And my absence (that I put in months ago) for Friday was gone. Which is crazy because the Friday before the last week of school? Yeah, no way am I going to get a sub with two days notice. Additionally, I KNOW that absence was in and I even knew the sub that had taken it. I realized what must have happened. The sub who had taken it is long-term subbing for our sped teacher who had a baby in April. I'm guessing that when they took her out of the sub system, it eliminated my absence. I emailed my administrator telling him all this and adding that "I don't know exactly how this could have happened and I did put in for a sub again but I'm sure I won't get one but...I won't be here Friday regardless." I never heard back from him and I'm not really worried/don't care. Oh well.
Lets see...what else? Seniors had their last day yesterday. It's always nice when seniors are out of the building. Makes for less crowded halls and classrooms. I sure wish a couple of other students could be done for the year.
Okay - time to get a move on. Happy Thursday (my Friday). Later!
My eyes are still slightly dilated but it's not that bad and I don't think I'll need readers today. But, I'm reading the final chapter in our book today so I'll take them just in case.
Oh, get this: I went online yesterday to the website that handles teacher absences just to check. And my absence (that I put in months ago) for Friday was gone. Which is crazy because the Friday before the last week of school? Yeah, no way am I going to get a sub with two days notice. Additionally, I KNOW that absence was in and I even knew the sub that had taken it. I realized what must have happened. The sub who had taken it is long-term subbing for our sped teacher who had a baby in April. I'm guessing that when they took her out of the sub system, it eliminated my absence. I emailed my administrator telling him all this and adding that "I don't know exactly how this could have happened and I did put in for a sub again but I'm sure I won't get one but...I won't be here Friday regardless." I never heard back from him and I'm not really worried/don't care. Oh well.
Lets see...what else? Seniors had their last day yesterday. It's always nice when seniors are out of the building. Makes for less crowded halls and classrooms. I sure wish a couple of other students could be done for the year.
Okay - time to get a move on. Happy Thursday (my Friday). Later!
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Good News, Bad News & Update
Good news: I qualify for Lasik surgery and will have that done on June 16th. Woot! This will mean that it won't interfere with my July trip to PIB too. See, after surgery, I won't be able to swim for two weeks but by July 4th, I'll be all good. I may have to wear goggles and be extra careful on the wave runner but I can handle that. I was also told not to let anything hit me in the face for 1-3 months after surgery. My response: Uh, I'm going to try not to let anything hit me in the face forever. The doc was surprised looking at my pictures that I wear contacts. He said my eyes don't read like someone who wears contacts...in a good way. I have very thick corneas as well which is exactly what you want in Lasik! Anyway - I'm excited! Can't wait to see when I open my eyes!
And the bad news: Apparently a batch of 17-year cicadas are going to be hatching 4 years early! UGH! They're saying that about 100,000 of the little f&%kers are going to be hatching and they're already around areas on the west side and Anderson. First I'll just say that you can expect I won't be around much until these assholes are gone. Maggie, make up my bed because I'll be spending a lot of time with you until about July. Second, Anne's wedding is bound to be bombarded. I hope she doesn't mind me watching from the solarium. And third, WTF?! They're called 17-year cicadas for a reason. And you know that we'll still get a massive batch in 2021! I call bullshit on mother nature! She's on my list.
I'm still slightly dilated and having a bit of a tough time seeing close up. I'll take some readers with me to school today. Oh, and the doctor said I really should be using readers already and will most certainly need them right after surgery. I'm okay with that. That I can handle.
K - best head up and out. Need to get plans ready for Friday and make a list of jobs for Jim to do today. Happy Wednesday! Later!
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
I Just Can't
ARG! Here we go again! So Jim had his monthly appointment with the oncologist (I almost typed gynecologist - HA!) yesterday. Apparently, they've been sitting on information about a wonky uptake in in his colon possibly since MARCH!!! And did anyone every say, "Hey, we need to get a look at this and schedule a colonoscopy." Nope they didn't...until yesterday! Then they tell him. Oh, and he needs to have said colonoscopy before - BEFORE - June 9th. Uh, we're headed to PIB on the 3rd. So annoying! I mean, I don't understand why someone isn't looking at his chart, his test results and seeing what needs to be done before Jim is sitting in front of their face. I think the doctor walks in the room to meet with Jim, looks at his chart and then never looks/thinks about his care until he's sitting in front of her again.
Jim's job today is to call and A) see if he can schedule a freaking colonoscopy before June 3rd, B) call the doctor's office and make it understood that he needs a phone call immediately from someone who has read his test results and can tell him if there are wonky results or not! Good or bad, someone need to call and say - "Alls well!" or "We have an issue".
Okay well, I have my eye appointment after school today so I won't be cooking or doing much of anything until 6:30. Hopefully things will turn out well and I'll get the news I want.
Oh, and my pedicure yesterday? Awesome! Headed back there for sure.
K - I'm out. Happy Tuesday! Later!
Jim's job today is to call and A) see if he can schedule a freaking colonoscopy before June 3rd, B) call the doctor's office and make it understood that he needs a phone call immediately from someone who has read his test results and can tell him if there are wonky results or not! Good or bad, someone need to call and say - "Alls well!" or "We have an issue".
Okay well, I have my eye appointment after school today so I won't be cooking or doing much of anything until 6:30. Hopefully things will turn out well and I'll get the news I want.
Oh, and my pedicure yesterday? Awesome! Headed back there for sure.
K - I'm out. Happy Tuesday! Later!
Monday, May 15, 2017
The Countdown Begins
Really the countdown began on day one but at this point, I can actually see the end. We have these next two weeks of school (minus this Friday for me since we'll be headed to PIB that day) and I can't wait! Thankfully, I timed my classes perfectly so that I'll finish up the novel we're reading in the next three days, which means we can watch the movie, take the test and be DONE!!! In history, I have to finish the last two sections of The 1990s and then THAT will be DONE! I can't believe I actually made it to the 1990s this time around in US History. I didn't do that the last time I taught the class (my history classes are on a 3-year rotation). Anyway - I will be so happy when this week is over and all we have are exams to look forward to.
This past weekend was nice. Perfect weather and a perfect couple of days of just hanging out with Maggie, Charlie and Eva. Can't wait for PIB to do it all over again but with the added bonus of Trip, Susan, JJ, Anne and Steve. Woot!
Jim's still not back to work. His boss SAYS he's going to put him back on schedule next Monday but at this point I'll believe it when I see it. So annoying. But...I'm trying to be easy about it and not stress Jim out because I know he's anxious to get back as well. So I still have my "bitch" for another week!
This week should be pretty easy. I'm going to go get a pedicure after school today...my toes need it BAD! It's a new place just up the road. Can't wait for a little pampering! Tomorrow I have my 3-hour screening for my eyes. I can't WAIT for that to be done too since I HATE MY GLASSES!!! Actually, I'm pretty used to them now but I will be glad when I can wear my contacts again, full time.
Jim has a doctor's appointment with his oncologist today. Just a check up. Should be painless...except for the fact that whenever he has to see her, she's always running about an hour hour and a half behind. So annoying. So rude!
Okay - well, I'd best get a move on...get this day started! Happy Monday!OMG! Maggie! Tomorrow is Mimosa Day! Woot! Maybe I'll start celebrating today! K - later!
This past weekend was nice. Perfect weather and a perfect couple of days of just hanging out with Maggie, Charlie and Eva. Can't wait for PIB to do it all over again but with the added bonus of Trip, Susan, JJ, Anne and Steve. Woot!
Jim's still not back to work. His boss SAYS he's going to put him back on schedule next Monday but at this point I'll believe it when I see it. So annoying. But...I'm trying to be easy about it and not stress Jim out because I know he's anxious to get back as well. So I still have my "bitch" for another week!
Jim has a doctor's appointment with his oncologist today. Just a check up. Should be painless...except for the fact that whenever he has to see her, she's always running about an hour hour and a half behind. So annoying. So rude!
Okay - well, I'd best get a move on...get this day started! Happy Monday!OMG! Maggie! Tomorrow is Mimosa Day! Woot! Maybe I'll start celebrating today! K - later!
Friday, May 12, 2017
Headed North
Very excited to get out of dodge! I'll head up to Maggie's after school (or maybe a little before). We don't have any real plans and Eva's been a bit sick so we may just hang at home but that's good for me!
Speaking of getting out of dodge, this time next week, we'll be on the road and headed to PIB! Hopefully in or past Dayton! WOOT!!!
School has been a bit stressful this week. First I had a couple unexpected bouts of paperwork I had to deal with (IEP amendments). And then yesterday - there was some disturbing news about one of the kids in my classes. This is the senior who was hospitalized before Spring Break because he was hearing voices. If you recall, I had emailed the parent about my concern, she confirmed that there were "issues" and then within a week, he was in the psyche ward at Children's. He returned to school about 2 weeks after Spring Break but since then, I have to say, he is obviously still hearing voices. In LA while I'm reading, he's laughing and talking/mouthing to someone/something that isn't there. It's very disturbing. I have to redirect him 3 or 4 times in class. Anyway - yesterday his mother revealed that her son told her that Satan has been speaking to him and telling him to commit suicide so he could have sex with him. But she sent him to school anyway. And the doctors didn't hospitalize him! And they said he isn't an immediate danger to himself. WHAT!? And basically the reason mom sent him to school is because she can't take off work and needs us to babysit him because she doesn't want to leave him alone (well, at least she has that sense). I emailed to the administration that I was very disturbed by this and don't think the proper place for this kid is school. If this were my son?! There wouldn't be a question! Time for a hospitalization so that meds can get regulated. UGH! I haven't been able to get this off my mind and I just feel so bad for this kid. What is going to happen to him over the summer when he's done with school and mom's going to work every day!?
Okay well, I need to finish getting ready and pack up the car. Happy Friday! Later!
Speaking of getting out of dodge, this time next week, we'll be on the road and headed to PIB! Hopefully in or past Dayton! WOOT!!!
School has been a bit stressful this week. First I had a couple unexpected bouts of paperwork I had to deal with (IEP amendments). And then yesterday - there was some disturbing news about one of the kids in my classes. This is the senior who was hospitalized before Spring Break because he was hearing voices. If you recall, I had emailed the parent about my concern, she confirmed that there were "issues" and then within a week, he was in the psyche ward at Children's. He returned to school about 2 weeks after Spring Break but since then, I have to say, he is obviously still hearing voices. In LA while I'm reading, he's laughing and talking/mouthing to someone/something that isn't there. It's very disturbing. I have to redirect him 3 or 4 times in class. Anyway - yesterday his mother revealed that her son told her that Satan has been speaking to him and telling him to commit suicide so he could have sex with him. But she sent him to school anyway. And the doctors didn't hospitalize him! And they said he isn't an immediate danger to himself. WHAT!? And basically the reason mom sent him to school is because she can't take off work and needs us to babysit him because she doesn't want to leave him alone (well, at least she has that sense). I emailed to the administration that I was very disturbed by this and don't think the proper place for this kid is school. If this were my son?! There wouldn't be a question! Time for a hospitalization so that meds can get regulated. UGH! I haven't been able to get this off my mind and I just feel so bad for this kid. What is going to happen to him over the summer when he's done with school and mom's going to work every day!?
Okay well, I need to finish getting ready and pack up the car. Happy Friday! Later!
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Insulation Install
Yesterday we had our house's insulation beefed up. They basically came in and properly insulated our attic, crawl space in the basement, and knee wall (the space between the garage ceiling and master bedroom floor). In addition, they spray foamed all around the foundation. I hope to hell this helps with our air circulation and efficiency. We will get a rebate of $250 from Duke Energy so that's a bonus! They were here from about 9:00 until after 4:00, which meant I didn't get to exercise and that pissed me off. And then of course today it's going to be a washout so I won't be able to ride my bike. Annoying. Guess it's the elliptical for me.
In addition I'll be packing for Columbus after school. Woot. Can't wait to be there!
Jim said to me this morning that he looks forward to going back to work. Yeah, me too! His sleep pattern is completely off and he needs to reset.
No Dezi for the next couple days! Woot! He's been better lately but still a loud pain in the ass.
And that's all I've got. Need to finish getting ready. Have I mentioned that I hate my glasses!? I ended up having to put my contacts in for about 2 hours yesterday after school because I couldn't stop sneezing. My contacts act as a barrier for me and I just needed a break! I'll put them in today to exercise as well because I can't stand my glasses falling off my face due to sweating. I HATE MY GLASSES!
Okay - I better stop or I'm going to talk myself into a bad mood. Happy Thursday! Later!
In addition I'll be packing for Columbus after school. Woot. Can't wait to be there!
Jim said to me this morning that he looks forward to going back to work. Yeah, me too! His sleep pattern is completely off and he needs to reset.
No Dezi for the next couple days! Woot! He's been better lately but still a loud pain in the ass.
And that's all I've got. Need to finish getting ready. Have I mentioned that I hate my glasses!? I ended up having to put my contacts in for about 2 hours yesterday after school because I couldn't stop sneezing. My contacts act as a barrier for me and I just needed a break! I'll put them in today to exercise as well because I can't stand my glasses falling off my face due to sweating. I HATE MY GLASSES!
Okay - I better stop or I'm going to talk myself into a bad mood. Happy Thursday! Later!
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Short On Time
Running short on time this morning because I was all wrapped up in reading about the latest _rump debacle. This should play out in an interesting way. I think at this point in the investigation on Russia, there will have to be a special prosecutor appointed to investigate. Crazy.
School: The lock down drill yesterday was slightly stupid but did facilitate good conversation with the kids in my room. We ended up choosing to stay put because of where the "shooter" was (in the Junior High). Reason being - my classroom is the first one coming from the Junior High so if the "shooter" was headed our way, I wanted our kids to hunker down until we knew more. While it was all going on, however, I talked to the kids about what we should do etc. They were really good during the drill (because I threatened them with the most severe forms of punishment available) and had good thoughts to share.
Today should be a relatively normal day. I'm watching Lisa's 5th period class while she's in a meeting and then our Early Release meeting is a union meeting. I'm wondering if they'll share anything about negotiations. Hoping to hear something.
I should be able to get on the bike today after school before the rain hits. YAY!
We get our insulation beefed up today! YAY! Here's to a more energy efficient, less drafty home!
Dreamt of Zekey Zoo last night. Sure do miss that boy!
And that's all I've got. I hate my glasses. Have I mentioned that? The other thing that happens when I don't have my contacts in? I'm sneezier! Stupid glasses! This week can't go fast enough!
K - happy Wednesday! Later!
School: The lock down drill yesterday was slightly stupid but did facilitate good conversation with the kids in my room. We ended up choosing to stay put because of where the "shooter" was (in the Junior High). Reason being - my classroom is the first one coming from the Junior High so if the "shooter" was headed our way, I wanted our kids to hunker down until we knew more. While it was all going on, however, I talked to the kids about what we should do etc. They were really good during the drill (because I threatened them with the most severe forms of punishment available) and had good thoughts to share.
Today should be a relatively normal day. I'm watching Lisa's 5th period class while she's in a meeting and then our Early Release meeting is a union meeting. I'm wondering if they'll share anything about negotiations. Hoping to hear something.
I should be able to get on the bike today after school before the rain hits. YAY!
We get our insulation beefed up today! YAY! Here's to a more energy efficient, less drafty home!
Dreamt of Zekey Zoo last night. Sure do miss that boy!
And that's all I've got. I hate my glasses. Have I mentioned that? The other thing that happens when I don't have my contacts in? I'm sneezier! Stupid glasses! This week can't go fast enough!
K - happy Wednesday! Later!
Tuesday, May 09, 2017
Sans Contacts!
I hate not being able to wear my contacts! And I have to wear these stupid glasses for a week! They fall off my face and drive me crazy. Not to mention that I can't easily fix my face while wearing them. UGH! I tell you what...after all this (I know I'm being a drama queen) I sure hope I have the ability to get lasik surgery!
We have an active shooter simulation today at school and I am NOT looking forward to it. I'll be interested to see if they actually do it. Only reason why I say that is A) the weather B) parent input and C) it's going to suck. The kids should know by now that it's coming because of the email that went out but they won't know what time (1:00) and I'm envisioning mayhem. They're saying it's going to take 10-15 minutes but I call bullshit on that. These kids are going to be ramped up when this is all said and done and they're going to need to talk about it and they certainly aren't going to settle down easily afterward. UGH! Dread!
So I have a student going on to a program next year (a senior deferring her diploma) and I have to write an IEP for the program. The thing about this is, the program is not something I'm that familiar with which makes it hard to write an IEP when you don't really have the knowledge to write goals and services etc. The program lost it's director over this past year (she died...had a brain tumor...sad). Which means, there have been interim people running the thing and so no one really is the "go to" person for someone like me. It took me bitching about the fact that no one had contacted me about holding a meeting for this IEP to even get someone to acknowledge one needed to be written prior to the end of school. They would have waited until this week or next to call a meeting on the last week of school (when the senior would have been DONE with school). Anyway - I slapped together an IEP knowing I would have to and sent it on as a draft to the woman I've been conversing with via email. She emails me back with a shit ton of things...half of which is shit that makes no sense. And in her email she was schooling me on writing an IEP. Are you freaking kidding me bitch!? Suck a turd and did you read the IEP? Because half of what she was talking about was written in the IEP. So annoying. I think I'll be a little passive aggressive cause I'm done with this.
Okay - and now I'm done bitching. It's raining like cats and dogs out there (and of course Sami has to go outside and drink from the outside water bowl for 10 minutes and come in soaked and NOT want to get dried. Little turkey!). Guess I better get going. Later...happy Tuesday!
Monday, May 08, 2017
PIB Prep
Jim and headed to Ikea this weekend to get some stuff for PIB (I love Ikea...I could spend so much money there! And they have the coolest towels! They have a little loop on the side of them so you can hang them on a hook!). I can't believe we'll be up there in less than two weeks! I'll be taking some blankets, new pots and pans, utensils for the pots and pans and I'll purchase a fan between now and then as well. We'll also do a major clean while up there. Maggie and I will steam clean carpets (with dueling cleaners) while everyone else installs a new closet shelving system and tackles the garage. I'm hoping that since there have been people up there this past weekend and will be up there this weekend, the major stuff will be taken care of. We'll see.
The rest of the weekend was pretty chill. We went to dinner on Saturday...a little Cinco de Mayo a day late. I wasn't about to step foot in any Mexican restaurant on Friday, that's for sure.
This week will be pretty easy. I'm trying to figure out what to do on Friday. I'm going to try and get coverage for a 1/2 day to go up to Columbus but if I can't I'll fore go because I'm covering Lisa during her plan and 7th period. I'll need to figure all this out by Wednesday though. We'll see. Maybe I'll just leave early and skip 7th...see if Diane can cover out study hall? (She doesn't read this so it's not like she'd see this).
I was going to try and get a quilt cranked out for JJ's birthday and take it up to PIB for him but I don't think I'm going to be able to. I'll see what I can get done today and then see where I stand but I don't think I have enough jean material for what I have planned. We'll see.
And that's about all I've got. Sorry I'm so boring. Happy Monday...later! Ooh, it's No Socks Day! And I'm not wearing socks! Bonus! Later!
The rest of the weekend was pretty chill. We went to dinner on Saturday...a little Cinco de Mayo a day late. I wasn't about to step foot in any Mexican restaurant on Friday, that's for sure.
This week will be pretty easy. I'm trying to figure out what to do on Friday. I'm going to try and get coverage for a 1/2 day to go up to Columbus but if I can't I'll fore go because I'm covering Lisa during her plan and 7th period. I'll need to figure all this out by Wednesday though. We'll see. Maybe I'll just leave early and skip 7th...see if Diane can cover out study hall? (She doesn't read this so it's not like she'd see this).
I was going to try and get a quilt cranked out for JJ's birthday and take it up to PIB for him but I don't think I'm going to be able to. I'll see what I can get done today and then see where I stand but I don't think I have enough jean material for what I have planned. We'll see.
And that's about all I've got. Sorry I'm so boring. Happy Monday...later! Ooh, it's No Socks Day! And I'm not wearing socks! Bonus! Later!
Friday, May 05, 2017
After Today...
...I'll have 15 days of school (with kids) left. Can you freaking believe that!? And during that time, I'll be able to rejuvenate myself with a quick visit to Columbus and then a PIB weekend getaway! I can DEFINITELY do this!
Next week we're getting new insulation put into our attic, the crawl space in our basement and then in the area above the garage which also happens to be right under our bedroom. I'm hoping this helps a ton with the draftiness we have in our house and helps our energy bills. One good thing about it is we'll get a rebate from Duke after it's complete. It's a bit costly but will certainly be worth it. Fortunately (or unfortunately) Jim won't be going back to work on Monday because his boss won't have anywhere for him to go until the following Monday. UGH! Oh well.
In school news, I had to kick another kid out of class for farting. What's wrong with these disgusting little mongers?! I told Maggie I should just start ripping farts like them...that would certainly teach them a lesson! You think you can fart you little 15-year old punk!? What kind of damage do you think a 46-year old can do? Who eats a hard boiled egg nearly everyday for breakfast! Assholes!
My final IEP is today. YAY!
Weekend plans: Nothing. I plan on doing a big clean this weekend. Jim doesn't know yet. He'll be thrilled. I'm NOT running in the Flying Pig Marathon, if you were wondering. Ha!
And that's it. Time to get this Friday started! Later!
Next week we're getting new insulation put into our attic, the crawl space in our basement and then in the area above the garage which also happens to be right under our bedroom. I'm hoping this helps a ton with the draftiness we have in our house and helps our energy bills. One good thing about it is we'll get a rebate from Duke after it's complete. It's a bit costly but will certainly be worth it. Fortunately (or unfortunately) Jim won't be going back to work on Monday because his boss won't have anywhere for him to go until the following Monday. UGH! Oh well.
In school news, I had to kick another kid out of class for farting. What's wrong with these disgusting little mongers?! I told Maggie I should just start ripping farts like them...that would certainly teach them a lesson! You think you can fart you little 15-year old punk!? What kind of damage do you think a 46-year old can do? Who eats a hard boiled egg nearly everyday for breakfast! Assholes!
My final IEP is today. YAY!
Weekend plans: Nothing. I plan on doing a big clean this weekend. Jim doesn't know yet. He'll be thrilled. I'm NOT running in the Flying Pig Marathon, if you were wondering. Ha!
And that's it. Time to get this Friday started! Later!
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