Okay, I have a friend who has decided that for 45 days he will work on a new lifestyle plan. He is planning on going to the gym a lot and he posted a little funny eye opener for us on Facebook this morning after day one.
I decided that since I have four different Just Dance tapes, which I actually enjoy doing, that I also would publicly declare myself a newly-reenergized person who will work out for 45 minutes 3-4 days a week.
That may not sound like a lot but it is for someone who has done nothing but hold the couch down for a long time. I know I have had a good workout when my eyesight goes a little wonky from my MS and I am a little sweaty and a lot happier.
I have worked out Saturday, Sunday and tonight so far. Something is better than nothing!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Pick-me-up
First off I had a three-day weekend and Friday was just a glorious, albeit cold, windy and wintry day. I ran some errands and spoiled myself by purchasing the latest Just Dance 3 game for the Wii.
Tonight I broke that bad boy out of the wrapper and spent over an hour dancing to the songs on it. My favorite song is called "Boom" and it's done by Reggaeton. I liked it so much that I played that dance three times.
Working out always makes me feel better but I am so utterly lazy that I can go months with doing nothing other than just existing. Sigh, sometimes having a roommate might be a good thing because they could force me into doing something more often. When I was in college if my roommate went to the gym, then I had to go to the gym also. It was just something I did. I couldn't let her get more fit than I was. I had to keep up.
Fast forward almost twenty years and I am the size of two adult women put together. I need to start doing something and keep it up. I hope I can remember what a delightful pick-me-up this evening was as I danced my pants off!
Tonight I broke that bad boy out of the wrapper and spent over an hour dancing to the songs on it. My favorite song is called "Boom" and it's done by Reggaeton. I liked it so much that I played that dance three times.
Working out always makes me feel better but I am so utterly lazy that I can go months with doing nothing other than just existing. Sigh, sometimes having a roommate might be a good thing because they could force me into doing something more often. When I was in college if my roommate went to the gym, then I had to go to the gym also. It was just something I did. I couldn't let her get more fit than I was. I had to keep up.
Fast forward almost twenty years and I am the size of two adult women put together. I need to start doing something and keep it up. I hope I can remember what a delightful pick-me-up this evening was as I danced my pants off!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
One year
One year ago today my Dad died.
I can hardly believe it's been a whole year. Sometimes it seems as if no time at all has passed and other times it seems as if it's been a lifetime.
I have pictures of him right next to my computer so I see him every day. I talk to him on my way to work or on on long drives. I keep him close to my heart even though he is far away.
This is a rotten club to belong to: the Dead Parent's Club...
I can hardly believe it's been a whole year. Sometimes it seems as if no time at all has passed and other times it seems as if it's been a lifetime.
I have pictures of him right next to my computer so I see him every day. I talk to him on my way to work or on on long drives. I keep him close to my heart even though he is far away.
This is a rotten club to belong to: the Dead Parent's Club...
Monday, October 31, 2011
Grumpy b!tch
That's me, the grumpy one. I had a rotten day at work. The kids are off the flipping wall. I am sick of Halloween and it is one of my most unfavorite days of the year. I'm not sure when I got to be such a b!tch about the whole thing but somewhere along the line I turned into a grouch.
I hope tomorrow is a better day but it brings November, the month of my Dad's death. Maybe that's why I am grumpier than usual...
I hope tomorrow is a better day but it brings November, the month of my Dad's death. Maybe that's why I am grumpier than usual...
Sunday, October 30, 2011
ER
No, I didn't go to the ER or Eemergency Room, instead I watched the final episode of ER from Netflix. I had stayed up and watched it when it aired but I have been watching the last few seasons that I missed recently and then it was time for the last show.
I remember from watching it when it originally aired and there was an elderly MS patient who died. I believe the character was 83 and she had been married to a wonderful man but it was hard watching it. It made me think about my MS and who will be there at the end because I have no husband or children.
It also made me think of my Dad because November brings the first anniversary of his death. I distinctly remember the first phone calls about his stroke, going to the hospital, staying at the hospital, waiting for my brother and sister to come home from Afghanistan, and watching my Dad die.
There is nothing quite like watching your parent die or watching your other parent or your siblings react to it.
The heartbreak of the immediate moment and then the radiating effects of all of it, the sadness and agony rippling outward... It is just so much, was so much.
We all will die, I know that. It's just so difficult to deal with, whether on a TV show or in real life...
I remember from watching it when it originally aired and there was an elderly MS patient who died. I believe the character was 83 and she had been married to a wonderful man but it was hard watching it. It made me think about my MS and who will be there at the end because I have no husband or children.
It also made me think of my Dad because November brings the first anniversary of his death. I distinctly remember the first phone calls about his stroke, going to the hospital, staying at the hospital, waiting for my brother and sister to come home from Afghanistan, and watching my Dad die.
There is nothing quite like watching your parent die or watching your other parent or your siblings react to it.
The heartbreak of the immediate moment and then the radiating effects of all of it, the sadness and agony rippling outward... It is just so much, was so much.
We all will die, I know that. It's just so difficult to deal with, whether on a TV show or in real life...
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Oct-update
Here it is mid-October and I've written nothing for over a month. First off, happy birthday to my sister. She's still in her 20's and I'm 41. My birthday was at the end of September and I am now firmly entrenched in my early 40's.
School is going well. Lots of kiddos but not too many behavioral issues. I look forward to every weekend so I can sleep in and most weekends are devoted to card making. Crafting is such a huge part of my life now. It keeps me busy and makes me happy to create tiny gifts of beauty. I sell the cards at work for one dollar each and lots of people buy them. That makes me feel really good deep down inside.
My mom told me tonight that she is dating. I feel weird about that. My dad died less than a year ago. I don't know what to think. Part of me is happy for her and part of me feels just all mixed up...
My MS is still basically in remission except for my fatigue. It is always there and there are some times when I am driving to work where I am all over the road.
My diabetes is not under as good control but I am taking my blood sugars at least once a day, sometimes twice. It's not awful but not great either.
School is going well. Lots of kiddos but not too many behavioral issues. I look forward to every weekend so I can sleep in and most weekends are devoted to card making. Crafting is such a huge part of my life now. It keeps me busy and makes me happy to create tiny gifts of beauty. I sell the cards at work for one dollar each and lots of people buy them. That makes me feel really good deep down inside.
My mom told me tonight that she is dating. I feel weird about that. My dad died less than a year ago. I don't know what to think. Part of me is happy for her and part of me feels just all mixed up...
My MS is still basically in remission except for my fatigue. It is always there and there are some times when I am driving to work where I am all over the road.
My diabetes is not under as good control but I am taking my blood sugars at least once a day, sometimes twice. It's not awful but not great either.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Starting the new year
I've started the new school year off with a bang. I'm loving my job right now and I'm hoping to learn all the kids' names within the next week. There's more than one hundred to get to know!
I had my Tysabri infusion this afternoon on the second day of school. I felt bad leaving the kids when I was having such a great teaching day. I'm hoping for another super day tomorrow and then comes Friday.
It's good to be in a routine again. It's good to be doing something I am good at in a place where I am surrounded by friends. Some days it's just good to be me. :)
I had my Tysabri infusion this afternoon on the second day of school. I felt bad leaving the kids when I was having such a great teaching day. I'm hoping for another super day tomorrow and then comes Friday.
It's good to be in a routine again. It's good to be doing something I am good at in a place where I am surrounded by friends. Some days it's just good to be me. :)
Friday, September 2, 2011
August Schmaugust
A few people have asked what happened to me. Well, I was card making and reading and napping. Then I also had to go in to work for some professional development and I needed to get my classroom ready. It's ready!
I am very excited to go back to work even though it means the end of sleeping in and summer. It's been cooler lately and I have been loving it. Life, in short, is good.
I'm still working on getting the diabetes under control but I am taking all my meds and checking my blood sugar.
I have had some tough times with the loss of a co-worker/friend who passed away unexpectedly. I got through it, though. It reminded me of the recent loss of my Dad and that brought up a lot of different feelings.
On a completely other plane, I splurged and got myself a Miche classic base and six shells. I am also having a Miche purse party at the end of the month at my house. Call me crazy...
My birthday is coming at the end of the month and I will be 41. That seems like an old number but I still feel young so I am going with that.
Back to school on Tuesday with kiddos and resting, relaxing, and maybe a manicure and a movie in there before we start back up again. Again, life is GOOD!
I am very excited to go back to work even though it means the end of sleeping in and summer. It's been cooler lately and I have been loving it. Life, in short, is good.
I'm still working on getting the diabetes under control but I am taking all my meds and checking my blood sugar.
I have had some tough times with the loss of a co-worker/friend who passed away unexpectedly. I got through it, though. It reminded me of the recent loss of my Dad and that brought up a lot of different feelings.
On a completely other plane, I splurged and got myself a Miche classic base and six shells. I am also having a Miche purse party at the end of the month at my house. Call me crazy...
My birthday is coming at the end of the month and I will be 41. That seems like an old number but I still feel young so I am going with that.
Back to school on Tuesday with kiddos and resting, relaxing, and maybe a manicure and a movie in there before we start back up again. Again, life is GOOD!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
I will survive, hey hey...
We made it through last week's tremendously hot, hot, hot Tastefully Simple party. I earned $65 worth of free product so that was a nice bonus to seeing my friends gathered in my little sweatbox apartment.
Today I started taking insulin for my diabetes. I am still taking all my other diabetes meds so now I am doing two shots a day: one of Victoza and one of insulin. My A1C was up from 6.7 to 8.3 and my glucose numbers are way too high.
I am also dealing with the stress of a work friend who is very ill and in the hospital again. He has been sick for many, many months and hospitalized for almost that whole time. He was improving but now has had quite a setback. I am sending up many prayers for him and his family.
In my free time I am working on making cards and a scrapbook page for upcoming events. I feel like I am slowly making progress with my business although I am not pushing it very hard. It is mostly about me right now and I am okay with that. I am just enjoying the crafting and pure joy of making beautiful things.
Oh, and on the MS front, I was the number one individual fundraiser for my local work and the 39th highest fundraiser in the state. Other than that, I am doing my monthly Tysabri and doing well.
The biggest hurdle I need to clear is the diabetes and obesity issue. Move more, eat better, take my meds, and test, test, test. I'll make it!
Today I started taking insulin for my diabetes. I am still taking all my other diabetes meds so now I am doing two shots a day: one of Victoza and one of insulin. My A1C was up from 6.7 to 8.3 and my glucose numbers are way too high.
I am also dealing with the stress of a work friend who is very ill and in the hospital again. He has been sick for many, many months and hospitalized for almost that whole time. He was improving but now has had quite a setback. I am sending up many prayers for him and his family.
In my free time I am working on making cards and a scrapbook page for upcoming events. I feel like I am slowly making progress with my business although I am not pushing it very hard. It is mostly about me right now and I am okay with that. I am just enjoying the crafting and pure joy of making beautiful things.
Oh, and on the MS front, I was the number one individual fundraiser for my local work and the 39th highest fundraiser in the state. Other than that, I am doing my monthly Tysabri and doing well.
The biggest hurdle I need to clear is the diabetes and obesity issue. Move more, eat better, take my meds, and test, test, test. I'll make it!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
In the saddle
Guess what?
I exercised two days in a row. I dusted off my Just Dance games and put new batteries in the controller and away I went. 30 minutes one day and for an hour today.
Tomorrow it's going to be 100 and I am having my Tastefully Simple party. Oh vey, I have three fans at the ready so we don't swelter to death.
Just thought I'd post something more positive.
Time to skeedaddle now...
I exercised two days in a row. I dusted off my Just Dance games and put new batteries in the controller and away I went. 30 minutes one day and for an hour today.
Tomorrow it's going to be 100 and I am having my Tastefully Simple party. Oh vey, I have three fans at the ready so we don't swelter to death.
Just thought I'd post something more positive.
Time to skeedaddle now...
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
This isn't my first rodeo...
It's been almost a week since I last posted. What have I been up to?
Well, on the diabetes front I am basically testing twice a day like I was told to do. I have started eating better with more fruits and veggies.
Exercise? Well, something's gotta give and it's been that. I have only exercised once, partially because I am lazy and don't think about it until about eight o'clock and it's hot and humid then. I have been more active than usual because I have been cleaning and organizing and hauling things out to the dumpster. I am having a Tastefully Simple party on Thursday with a bunch of friends coming over to my place.
Having a party like that once a year is a good thing because I see my friends, we have a great time, and I clean my place up! The bad thing is it's supposed to be about 100 degrees that day which is just ridiculous. It never gets that hot here and I only have air conditioning in my bedroom. Sigh, I'll figure something out with the fans to keep people alive and ungrumpy.
My brother is still home which is nice. I met his new girlfriend the other day and she seems to have redeeming qualities beyond the fact that she is attracted to my dork of a brother. Hehehe...
Tomorrow will be the continuation of some cleaning and organizing and making the beer bread and the chocolate pound cake. I also have to make a strawberry cheeseball. Everything else is made already.
Now I just need to start moving my body!
Well, on the diabetes front I am basically testing twice a day like I was told to do. I have started eating better with more fruits and veggies.
Exercise? Well, something's gotta give and it's been that. I have only exercised once, partially because I am lazy and don't think about it until about eight o'clock and it's hot and humid then. I have been more active than usual because I have been cleaning and organizing and hauling things out to the dumpster. I am having a Tastefully Simple party on Thursday with a bunch of friends coming over to my place.
Having a party like that once a year is a good thing because I see my friends, we have a great time, and I clean my place up! The bad thing is it's supposed to be about 100 degrees that day which is just ridiculous. It never gets that hot here and I only have air conditioning in my bedroom. Sigh, I'll figure something out with the fans to keep people alive and ungrumpy.
My brother is still home which is nice. I met his new girlfriend the other day and she seems to have redeeming qualities beyond the fact that she is attracted to my dork of a brother. Hehehe...
Tomorrow will be the continuation of some cleaning and organizing and making the beer bread and the chocolate pound cake. I also have to make a strawberry cheeseball. Everything else is made already.
Now I just need to start moving my body!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Back in the saddle again ...
Today was a day of reckoning as I drove myself out to the diabetes nurse educator's office. First off, we stopped at the scale and blessedly my weight really hasn't changed any. I was scared to death that it had gone ever higher as I approach a rather large number that I don't want to surpass.
Then we took my blood for my A1C level (piece of cake after Tysabri yesterday) and we tested my glucose level. It was 221 five hours after I had eaten. Not good. Really not good.
I came out with the truth about my lackadaisical testing regimen and my recent high blood sugar numbers. I told her that I was getting no exercise. Shame, your name is Weeble!
So, what am I going to do about this and where does she plan to go?
It looks like I will be starting insulin once a day at the end of the month. If we do that then I no longer have to be on the pills. If it works better then I am all for it as I am already doing a Victoza shot daily.
On my end, I have to check my glucose levels twice a day and report those numbers in two weeks to her. That, coupled with the A1C level, will be the insulin clincher.
I also started exercising again tonight. It was 27 minutes of very low intensity walking but it was something. I am making a real effort from this point on to build up my exercising to 3-4 days a week. I am also charting my blood sugars online along with my exercise at a health site. I really enjoy spending time online so why not use that to my advantage?
I am also making a true concerted effort to eat better and choose better meals and snacks. I even made a big salad tonight and enjoyed it. I'm not saying I will be perfect because I won't be but I have the time and energy to focus on this. It is summer vacation, after all.
Consider me back in the saddle again. My horse may not be moving anywhere but I am ready if it does!
Then we took my blood for my A1C level (piece of cake after Tysabri yesterday) and we tested my glucose level. It was 221 five hours after I had eaten. Not good. Really not good.
I came out with the truth about my lackadaisical testing regimen and my recent high blood sugar numbers. I told her that I was getting no exercise. Shame, your name is Weeble!
So, what am I going to do about this and where does she plan to go?
It looks like I will be starting insulin once a day at the end of the month. If we do that then I no longer have to be on the pills. If it works better then I am all for it as I am already doing a Victoza shot daily.
On my end, I have to check my glucose levels twice a day and report those numbers in two weeks to her. That, coupled with the A1C level, will be the insulin clincher.
I also started exercising again tonight. It was 27 minutes of very low intensity walking but it was something. I am making a real effort from this point on to build up my exercising to 3-4 days a week. I am also charting my blood sugars online along with my exercise at a health site. I really enjoy spending time online so why not use that to my advantage?
I am also making a true concerted effort to eat better and choose better meals and snacks. I even made a big salad tonight and enjoyed it. I'm not saying I will be perfect because I won't be but I have the time and energy to focus on this. It is summer vacation, after all.
Consider me back in the saddle again. My horse may not be moving anywhere but I am ready if it does!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Vacation, baby
It's finally here, summer vacation. The last time I wrote I was sharing my send-off message to my homeroom and now there are all gone, tossed to the wind in all directions on vacations, some moving, some staying home and (gasp) actually missing school.
I am missing the routine and my work friends but I am loving sleeping in and I'm doing a rather spectacular job of it, if I say so myself. Last night I logged about twelve hours and then I still squeezed in a few more naps.
So what is on my agenda? I did go to a card making extravaganza on Monday and got my hair cut and coiffed today. I am thinking about maybe getting a pedicure tomorrow and I have an hour massage scheduled for Thursday. Not bad for the first week off, huh?
I have made a dent in the kitchen cleaning needs area but there is still much more to be done there and everywhere else in my place. I also need to get my flex plan stuff all set to be mailed in. I have a few copies yet to be made and then I will have a little more summer money in my pocket. Extra money is always good...
One thing I need to do more of is check my glucose levels and get serious about my diabetes. My MS seems to be well under control but I just checked my glucose level and it was 364! That is way too high for anyone, let alone a diabetic.
I also need to do some more writing (and lots of reading for complete pleasure). Ah vacation is a wondrous time, filled with endless possibilities and time for cleaning my humble abode.
I am missing the routine and my work friends but I am loving sleeping in and I'm doing a rather spectacular job of it, if I say so myself. Last night I logged about twelve hours and then I still squeezed in a few more naps.
So what is on my agenda? I did go to a card making extravaganza on Monday and got my hair cut and coiffed today. I am thinking about maybe getting a pedicure tomorrow and I have an hour massage scheduled for Thursday. Not bad for the first week off, huh?
I have made a dent in the kitchen cleaning needs area but there is still much more to be done there and everywhere else in my place. I also need to get my flex plan stuff all set to be mailed in. I have a few copies yet to be made and then I will have a little more summer money in my pocket. Extra money is always good...
One thing I need to do more of is check my glucose levels and get serious about my diabetes. My MS seems to be well under control but I just checked my glucose level and it was 364! That is way too high for anyone, let alone a diabetic.
I also need to do some more writing (and lots of reading for complete pleasure). Ah vacation is a wondrous time, filled with endless possibilities and time for cleaning my humble abode.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
A message to my students: 2011
Many years I take the time to write something and then read it to my students at the end of the year. It is my way of saying goodbye and good luck. Believe it or not, there is something inside of each one of you that I like. It is what makes you, you.
I like it when you support one another and work together as a team. I like it when you do your work well and turn it in on time. I like it when you laugh at my jokes or carry my chair in from outside or you tell me something funny, that is school appropriate, of course. I like to see your smiles and hear your laughter.
There are many things that changed throughout this past year. First of all, I am going to tell you a big secret. Listen closely as I say this: I was scared to come and teach sixth grade. It was something new to me after having taught fifth grade for so long and knowing exactly what I was supposed to do and working with people who were my close friends. I was very comfortable doing what I had been doing for several years.
I was so angry when I learned that I had to make a change to come teach sixth grade. But, and this is big, I learned and adapted and eventually thrived.
You did, too.
I made new friends and so did some of you.
I learned new things and so did you.
I learned that some times the thing that scares you the most turns out to be one of the best experiences of your life. It's when you are forced to stretch past your regular boundaries that you find out how far you can really go.
I am going to miss you, yes all of you, even those of you that I yell at a lot. I yell because I care. After you leave on Thursday I will come back to my room and it will seem empty because all of you will be gone. There will be no more basketball or bouncy balls. There will just be silence and all the things left out that I need to pack away.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for summer vacation. I just hope that when you return next year that you will sometimes say hello or smile at me in the hallway. Teachers like that sort of thing. It makes them feel special.
Teachers care about their students, no matter how old or big they get. I remember when I student taught in sixth grade at this very school. Mr. Burridge was a student in that sixth grade class. Now he is all grown up, reeeeeally grown up, and we are colleagues and friends.
It's unusual how life works. You plan to do one thing and sometimes something entirely different happens.
My advice to you is this:
1.) Be kind to one another, even when you don't want to be. You never know how much your smile or kind word or deed will affect someone else.
2.) Take advantage of your time in school to join sports or band and learn new things to the best of your ability. Life is so much easier with a good educational background.
3.) When you leave today try and think of one good time you had with me this year, whether it was watching a movie, reading a novel, practicing and practicing for the state math test, playing Scattegories or another math game, or something else; because, listen closely again, I will be thinking of each one of you and how lucky I was to be your teacher.
I like it when you support one another and work together as a team. I like it when you do your work well and turn it in on time. I like it when you laugh at my jokes or carry my chair in from outside or you tell me something funny, that is school appropriate, of course. I like to see your smiles and hear your laughter.
There are many things that changed throughout this past year. First of all, I am going to tell you a big secret. Listen closely as I say this: I was scared to come and teach sixth grade. It was something new to me after having taught fifth grade for so long and knowing exactly what I was supposed to do and working with people who were my close friends. I was very comfortable doing what I had been doing for several years.
I was so angry when I learned that I had to make a change to come teach sixth grade. But, and this is big, I learned and adapted and eventually thrived.
You did, too.
I made new friends and so did some of you.
I learned new things and so did you.
I learned that some times the thing that scares you the most turns out to be one of the best experiences of your life. It's when you are forced to stretch past your regular boundaries that you find out how far you can really go.
I am going to miss you, yes all of you, even those of you that I yell at a lot. I yell because I care. After you leave on Thursday I will come back to my room and it will seem empty because all of you will be gone. There will be no more basketball or bouncy balls. There will just be silence and all the things left out that I need to pack away.
Don't get me wrong, I am all for summer vacation. I just hope that when you return next year that you will sometimes say hello or smile at me in the hallway. Teachers like that sort of thing. It makes them feel special.
Teachers care about their students, no matter how old or big they get. I remember when I student taught in sixth grade at this very school. Mr. Burridge was a student in that sixth grade class. Now he is all grown up, reeeeeally grown up, and we are colleagues and friends.
It's unusual how life works. You plan to do one thing and sometimes something entirely different happens.
My advice to you is this:
1.) Be kind to one another, even when you don't want to be. You never know how much your smile or kind word or deed will affect someone else.
2.) Take advantage of your time in school to join sports or band and learn new things to the best of your ability. Life is so much easier with a good educational background.
3.) When you leave today try and think of one good time you had with me this year, whether it was watching a movie, reading a novel, practicing and practicing for the state math test, playing Scattegories or another math game, or something else; because, listen closely again, I will be thinking of each one of you and how lucky I was to be your teacher.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The half days are a-coming....
I did it! I put on my big girl panties and went to work and stood outside in the sun and cheered my little championship homeroom kickball team on. I climbed (rather awkwardly) through the fire window to get inside like all the other adults, except that I am much shorter, much wider, and much less physically capable.
I did it, though.
I have a sunburn on my cheeks and my nose but I made it through the day.
I even stopped and picked up a sweet tea from McDonald's after work.
All in all, it wasn't so bad.
Two half days left with kiddos...
I did it, though.
I have a sunburn on my cheeks and my nose but I made it through the day.
I even stopped and picked up a sweet tea from McDonald's after work.
All in all, it wasn't so bad.
Two half days left with kiddos...
Monday, June 20, 2011
And then there were four...
Four more days until two months of freedom. Four more days, people.
Tomorrow is the last full day with kiddos and we will be outside all day in the hot sun. I am so NOT looking forward to that. In the summer I enjoy the sun early in the morning waking me up, but I am not a sun worshipper. I am more of a close the drapes and turn up the fan kind of girl. Yessiree, that is me to a T!
I have a hat packed and sunscreen and water and a chair to sit outside in so I can watch the little urchins play the hearts out at kickball.
I do NOT want to sit outside all day tomorrow; did I mention that already?
It is going to be hot and there is no shade.
We are going to be out there all day.
I even have to eat lunch with them and I just want that time so I can sit at a table inside, away from the sun. Away from the sun!!!!
I will, however, suck it up and do it. Why? Because I am the teacher and that is what I do.
Tomorrow is the last full day with kiddos and we will be outside all day in the hot sun. I am so NOT looking forward to that. In the summer I enjoy the sun early in the morning waking me up, but I am not a sun worshipper. I am more of a close the drapes and turn up the fan kind of girl. Yessiree, that is me to a T!
I have a hat packed and sunscreen and water and a chair to sit outside in so I can watch the little urchins play the hearts out at kickball.
I do NOT want to sit outside all day tomorrow; did I mention that already?
It is going to be hot and there is no shade.
We are going to be out there all day.
I even have to eat lunch with them and I just want that time so I can sit at a table inside, away from the sun. Away from the sun!!!!
I will, however, suck it up and do it. Why? Because I am the teacher and that is what I do.
Friday, June 17, 2011
One week left...
I have one more week of school and then it is vacation time. I look forward to sleeping in, taking walks in the morning, and cleaning my apartment up in a big way. I have lots of fifth grade stuff hanging around that I don't need anymore so it just needs to go.
Then I can focus on my Stampin' Up! business for a little bit.
And, maybe some more writing.
As far as the limbo situation I mentioned in my last post, it still exists and I don't see any answers coming in the forseeable future. For now, I have decided to just not worry about it. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. I am allowing whatever will happen to happen just as it is going to be.
I am really looking forward to summer vacation!
Then I can focus on my Stampin' Up! business for a little bit.
And, maybe some more writing.
As far as the limbo situation I mentioned in my last post, it still exists and I don't see any answers coming in the forseeable future. For now, I have decided to just not worry about it. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. I am allowing whatever will happen to happen just as it is going to be.
I am really looking forward to summer vacation!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Tough times...?
It's almost the end of the school year and I am hoping for a big change for myself for the upcoming year. Well, maybe not a BIG change but a change nonetheless. I'm not sure if things will go the way I am hoping and I'm not even sure when I may find this all out but I am trying to send vibes out there into the universe in my favor.
I know one shouldn't be selfish but sometimes you want something and you know that you can do well at it if you're just given the opportunity. So Mr. Opportunity, I am knocking at your door and hoping for some good news.
Last year around this time I was given a huge curve ball; I was forced to change grades after I was pretty darned certain that I was staying at the same grade level to teach Social Studies. I felt like I had been kicked in the teeth because they brought in two new people from the other building to teach at the grade level I was leaving. It still stings to this day but I dealt with it and moved on.
Two weeks of school left and then it's vacation. I may not have an answer for a while yet or perhaps I'll get one tomorrow. Either way I am hoping for some end to this limbo.
Happy June, folks.
I know one shouldn't be selfish but sometimes you want something and you know that you can do well at it if you're just given the opportunity. So Mr. Opportunity, I am knocking at your door and hoping for some good news.
Last year around this time I was given a huge curve ball; I was forced to change grades after I was pretty darned certain that I was staying at the same grade level to teach Social Studies. I felt like I had been kicked in the teeth because they brought in two new people from the other building to teach at the grade level I was leaving. It still stings to this day but I dealt with it and moved on.
Two weeks of school left and then it's vacation. I may not have an answer for a while yet or perhaps I'll get one tomorrow. Either way I am hoping for some end to this limbo.
Happy June, folks.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Pre-Memorial Day thoughts
I'm watching a spectacular PBS show for Memorial Day. Gary Sinise is always on these shows because he's such a big supporter of the troops.
Many of you who know me, know that my brother and sister are both in the Army. My sister is getting out and joining the Reserves at the end of September. She is a captain and has served two tours: one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. She is currently home safe and done being deployed. My brother is a Staff Sergeant and he is serving his second tour; his first was in Iraq and he is now also in Afghanistan.
Not a day goes by that I don't worry about our troops and especially my brother. They do the impossible in sometimes the most difficult and dangerous situations.
My Dad was an Air Force veteran who served as a meteorologist in the Vietnam War. My grandfather served in World War II.
I'm proud of all our troops, past and present, who have taken upon themselves to do what has been needed to be done.
Many of you who know me, know that my brother and sister are both in the Army. My sister is getting out and joining the Reserves at the end of September. She is a captain and has served two tours: one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. She is currently home safe and done being deployed. My brother is a Staff Sergeant and he is serving his second tour; his first was in Iraq and he is now also in Afghanistan.
Not a day goes by that I don't worry about our troops and especially my brother. They do the impossible in sometimes the most difficult and dangerous situations.
My Dad was an Air Force veteran who served as a meteorologist in the Vietnam War. My grandfather served in World War II.
I'm proud of all our troops, past and present, who have taken upon themselves to do what has been needed to be done.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Weekend
It's such a relief to know that I do not have breast cancer. I find myself tearing up at anything that has to do with breast cancer on the television. But for the grace of God....
Thank you Lord for my life, my health, my family, my friends, my job, and the many accoutrements that go hand in hand with my quiet and wonderful existence. I have so many gifts that may seem small and petty to others but I hold them dear to me. My few close friends are simply divine people that I wouldn't change for the world. I am in remission from my multiple sclerosis and I have less than a month left of school until I can revel in summer vacation.
I walked again last night but not tonight. Today was more of a low-key sleep the day away kind of dealio. I was so tired and had no gumption to do much. I see more movement on the horizon for tomorrow. I'll be going over to my Mom's house and we're going all out with some barbecued chicken, spare ribs and some sides from a local BBQ place. I'm looking forward to that.
Happy Memorial Day to you and yours and to all our military personnel, past and present, especially my brother and sister.
Weebs
Thank you Lord for my life, my health, my family, my friends, my job, and the many accoutrements that go hand in hand with my quiet and wonderful existence. I have so many gifts that may seem small and petty to others but I hold them dear to me. My few close friends are simply divine people that I wouldn't change for the world. I am in remission from my multiple sclerosis and I have less than a month left of school until I can revel in summer vacation.
I walked again last night but not tonight. Today was more of a low-key sleep the day away kind of dealio. I was so tired and had no gumption to do much. I see more movement on the horizon for tomorrow. I'll be going over to my Mom's house and we're going all out with some barbecued chicken, spare ribs and some sides from a local BBQ place. I'm looking forward to that.
Happy Memorial Day to you and yours and to all our military personnel, past and present, especially my brother and sister.
Weebs
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
All clear
The gammagram wasn't horrible but it took a loooong time. Regardless, I am cancer-free! Now this girl has some diabetes to whoop over these next few months.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers,
Weebs
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers,
Weebs
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
One more day...
One more day until the gammagram and finally some news. I either get to stop worrying or I turn myself into a whirling dervish who is on a one-way path to getting better. In the meantime I have walked the last two evenings to get some movement going with this body and to help deal with the feelings of nervousness.
I need to stop bullshitting myself about this whole bit with my diabetes. My glucose numbers are all out of whack because I am only taking one Metformin pill a day instead of the four I was taking because of all my bowel explosion issues. I am still taking Glipizide and my Victoza shot but it seems that all I eat is carbs, carbs, and more carbs. I have at least got myself to the point where I am taking my blood sugar numbers once a day; all this after months of hardly any readings.
It's time to start really thinking about what I am eating and exercising regularly again. I feel better when I eat better and I move more, yet I am a slack ass and I don't do it nearly enough. Time to pull out my Geneen Roth books, dust them off, and find those pages that ring true for me.
How is it that we as women often sabotage ourselves as if we don't deserve to be fit and healthy? We put ourselves last on the list and I don't even have a family of my own to take care of, no hubby anymore or kiddos, so what the heck is my reason for acting so piss poor lately? Why do I let myself fall apart and gel into this giant body?
It's time to focus on me more and getting healthier. I can win the fight against diabetes and I can get it under control again. I have summer vacation coming up and I will have all sorts of time to take care of me in many different ways.
Wishing you health and happiness, Weebs
I need to stop bullshitting myself about this whole bit with my diabetes. My glucose numbers are all out of whack because I am only taking one Metformin pill a day instead of the four I was taking because of all my bowel explosion issues. I am still taking Glipizide and my Victoza shot but it seems that all I eat is carbs, carbs, and more carbs. I have at least got myself to the point where I am taking my blood sugar numbers once a day; all this after months of hardly any readings.
It's time to start really thinking about what I am eating and exercising regularly again. I feel better when I eat better and I move more, yet I am a slack ass and I don't do it nearly enough. Time to pull out my Geneen Roth books, dust them off, and find those pages that ring true for me.
How is it that we as women often sabotage ourselves as if we don't deserve to be fit and healthy? We put ourselves last on the list and I don't even have a family of my own to take care of, no hubby anymore or kiddos, so what the heck is my reason for acting so piss poor lately? Why do I let myself fall apart and gel into this giant body?
It's time to focus on me more and getting healthier. I can win the fight against diabetes and I can get it under control again. I have summer vacation coming up and I will have all sorts of time to take care of me in many different ways.
Wishing you health and happiness, Weebs
Monday, May 23, 2011
Gammagram scheduled
The gammagram has been scheduled for this Wednesday afternoon. It's great that it's coming up so soon because I am going just a wee bit crazy with the voices in my head. The biggest let-down is that my insurance won't pay for the procedure so I am paying $402.10 out of my own pocket, but thankfully I can submit that to my flex plan.
I was so wound up this evening that I took a walk to get some of my nervousness out. It actually worked and has calmed me down some. Yippee!!
If I have cancer then I am jumping on the bandwagon and dealing with it immediately. I have no plans for waiting and seeing; I want it gone and whatever needs to be done will be done.
It is almost summer vacation and there is exactly one month left of school with students. Will I spend it working on getting healthier and dealing with my diabetes or will I be getting treatments to deal with breast cancer?
I guess that answer will be coming soon.
I was so wound up this evening that I took a walk to get some of my nervousness out. It actually worked and has calmed me down some. Yippee!!
If I have cancer then I am jumping on the bandwagon and dealing with it immediately. I have no plans for waiting and seeing; I want it gone and whatever needs to be done will be done.
It is almost summer vacation and there is exactly one month left of school with students. Will I spend it working on getting healthier and dealing with my diabetes or will I be getting treatments to deal with breast cancer?
I guess that answer will be coming soon.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
New news update
I made it to my Friday follow-up appointment and had a repeat mammogram and ultrasound on my left breast. After comparing all three films (Friday's, the previous Friday's and my last mammo several years ago) the doctor decided that something was there but we're not sure what it is yet.
It could be nothing, it could be something.
So, we're not watching and waiting for a year and we're not running to the doctor's office yet. Instead the mammo place is sending the results to my gynecologist's office and then they are supposed to set up an appointment for a gammagram.
A gammagram is kind of like a mammogram but you get to sit down the whole time and they don't squish you anywhere near as much as in a mammogram. What happens is they inject some dye into your arm and it travels throughout your body. For some reason, the dye pools into any cancerous areas in your breast(s) and it shows up as dark spots. This is supposed to be a quick (an hour or less), easy, and less painful way to get a diagnosis or an all-clear.
Results are given to you that day, according to the pamphlet that they gave me.
I am now waiting for that next appointment to be set up. Am I a little nervous? Sure I am, but I figure that if, and that's a big if, this is cancer then this is the best time to have it. It's the end of the school year in another month and then on to summer vacation so I wouldn't need to miss work.
If it's an all-clear then woohoo to that.
As always, I do promise to keep you updated when I have more news. Thanks for reading and for your support. :)
It could be nothing, it could be something.
So, we're not watching and waiting for a year and we're not running to the doctor's office yet. Instead the mammo place is sending the results to my gynecologist's office and then they are supposed to set up an appointment for a gammagram.
A gammagram is kind of like a mammogram but you get to sit down the whole time and they don't squish you anywhere near as much as in a mammogram. What happens is they inject some dye into your arm and it travels throughout your body. For some reason, the dye pools into any cancerous areas in your breast(s) and it shows up as dark spots. This is supposed to be a quick (an hour or less), easy, and less painful way to get a diagnosis or an all-clear.
Results are given to you that day, according to the pamphlet that they gave me.
I am now waiting for that next appointment to be set up. Am I a little nervous? Sure I am, but I figure that if, and that's a big if, this is cancer then this is the best time to have it. It's the end of the school year in another month and then on to summer vacation so I wouldn't need to miss work.
If it's an all-clear then woohoo to that.
As always, I do promise to keep you updated when I have more news. Thanks for reading and for your support. :)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
New news
My mom had some major surgery on Monday and is now home and recovering wonderfully. I'm very pleased for that bit of goodness in my life.
I'm also delighted that my back has *finally* stopped acting up after a few weeks of miserableness after the MS Walk back on May 1st.
I am almost to the point of where I actually miss my students as I have been out of the classroom since last Friday, working on scoring state math tests for the week. I won't be back in again until next Monday and then we have two four day weeks in a row thanks to the observance of Memorial Day. I love short weeks now that testing is over.
I do have to go back in for more mammography films on Friday. I went in last Friday and have been waiting to hear about the results. They had to get my films from another place from about 7 years ago so I'm not sure if there have been changes since then or what the dealio is. I'm not going to worry too much about it until the new films are done and I have more information. No sense getting myself all tied up in knots, right?
What will be, will be and I promise to update you once I know anything.
This past Saturday I spent 12 hours card making and being a Stampin' Up! vendor at a scrapbooking event. It was good but such a long day for me as we arrived around 7:40 and didn't leave until after 9 in the evening.
What have I been doing for myself lately?
1.) Painting my fingernails all sorts of wonderfully, bright colors.
2.) Sleeping in an extra 5 minutes in the morning.
3.) Putting myself on a spending hiatus from Stampin' Up!
4.) And generally being my positive and happy self
Time to go do my nails... I'll write again soon.
I'm also delighted that my back has *finally* stopped acting up after a few weeks of miserableness after the MS Walk back on May 1st.
I am almost to the point of where I actually miss my students as I have been out of the classroom since last Friday, working on scoring state math tests for the week. I won't be back in again until next Monday and then we have two four day weeks in a row thanks to the observance of Memorial Day. I love short weeks now that testing is over.
I do have to go back in for more mammography films on Friday. I went in last Friday and have been waiting to hear about the results. They had to get my films from another place from about 7 years ago so I'm not sure if there have been changes since then or what the dealio is. I'm not going to worry too much about it until the new films are done and I have more information. No sense getting myself all tied up in knots, right?
What will be, will be and I promise to update you once I know anything.
This past Saturday I spent 12 hours card making and being a Stampin' Up! vendor at a scrapbooking event. It was good but such a long day for me as we arrived around 7:40 and didn't leave until after 9 in the evening.
What have I been doing for myself lately?
1.) Painting my fingernails all sorts of wonderfully, bright colors.
2.) Sleeping in an extra 5 minutes in the morning.
3.) Putting myself on a spending hiatus from Stampin' Up!
4.) And generally being my positive and happy self
Time to go do my nails... I'll write again soon.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day
To the few, the remaining readers of this blog with the dwindling number of posts, I wish those of you who deserve it a wonderful Mother's Day. That goes for all fur-baby and human baby mothers, those who nurture and support others' children, and to those single Dads who have to act as both Mom and Dad. I salute you! :)
I am a fur-baby mom but my kitty boy is such an important part of my life. Then I am also a "sorta-mom" to all the kiddos in my classes when they need to talk or spout off or let me into their lives. I am blessed to have such a fantastic occupation where I have the ability to remain a teacher, a guide, a helper, a listener, and sometimes I have the opportunity to make their day with a helpful or supportive comment.
My students have completed the ELA portion of their state tests followed by this week's two days of math. Then I will be out of the class on Friday for training and then out all next week for scoring. That will be a surreal period of time to be away from my kiddos for so long. May the force be with their long-term substitute!
The MS Walk totals are still being added up but for right now I am still the number one fundraiser for individuals for our walk. Our team is still in fourth place overall and I remain psyched and proud of all of our walkers. It was another fabulous experience and so much fun to bring people in my life to meet up with others from different areas.
Wishing you glorious weather for the days ahead. Weebs :)
I am a fur-baby mom but my kitty boy is such an important part of my life. Then I am also a "sorta-mom" to all the kiddos in my classes when they need to talk or spout off or let me into their lives. I am blessed to have such a fantastic occupation where I have the ability to remain a teacher, a guide, a helper, a listener, and sometimes I have the opportunity to make their day with a helpful or supportive comment.
My students have completed the ELA portion of their state tests followed by this week's two days of math. Then I will be out of the class on Friday for training and then out all next week for scoring. That will be a surreal period of time to be away from my kiddos for so long. May the force be with their long-term substitute!
The MS Walk totals are still being added up but for right now I am still the number one fundraiser for individuals for our walk. Our team is still in fourth place overall and I remain psyched and proud of all of our walkers. It was another fabulous experience and so much fun to bring people in my life to meet up with others from different areas.
Wishing you glorious weather for the days ahead. Weebs :)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
2011 MS Walk
Our team has successfully completed another MS Walk. If I say so myself, and I am saying so, we had the coolest T-shirts at the walk. I know this because another person even stopped us to tell us that!
I did the 3-mile walk with BJM and another friend. The rest of our merry walkers split up into other groups of people doing either the 3 or 5-mile jaunt. Some of us were even on TV tonight which is just the bomb.
I'm so proud to have so many awesome friends who took time out of a beautiful Sunday morning to come and spend time with me, to walk, and to raise money. I am a lucky, lucky girl!
I know I have once again been remiss at keeping this thing updated. I hope to get back to it fully once summer vacation is here. Unfortunately, that isn't until the end of June. In the meantime I will let you know that I am doing my best to check my blood sugar levels once a day and that the bowel blow-outs have stopped thanks to the discontinuance of a diabetes medication.
The stamping thing is going well and I am having a blast with it. I am making some money through sales to friends and orders from myself. I seem to have a new addiction and it's calorie-free but it does get a bit costly.
Happy May to all!
Weebs
Friday, April 15, 2011
Spring Break, baby
It's finally here: Spring Break! Yippee. The kids were so wound up today that I was looking forward to a break from some of them. Several of them have developed a bad case of spring fever/puberty angst and their mouthiness and disrespect are really ticking me off.
Nevertheless, we're apart for a week and when we return all shall be right within our worlds once again. Or so I hope.
Big news: the new undergarments have arrived and they fit. Huzzah! It's hard for short but large women to purchase panties when everyone seems to make them differently even when they are all supposed to be the same size. I know, I know... Really? We're talking about panties? I suppose I am, so I apologize for that.
On to other things like the fact that BJM stopped by this afternoon to put together another bookshelf for me. That is the beginning of "Clean Your Crap Up Week. This is the week where we are shredding the extraneous papers, recycling the magazines, throwing out the old, dusting off that which remains, and doing some crafting in there also. I am actually looking forward to having a nice, organized apartment again.
I'll be making a trip out to see my mom tomorrow and we'll be doing the church and dinner thing. No plans for Sunday but cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Off to the neuro on Monday and to Tysabri on Tuesday. Monday afternoon I am visiting my upline from Stampin' Up! and then Tuesday night is Team Time so I need to get some cards ready for that. Thursday is card making time with friends as we play with the Big Shot embosser and cutting system. I also plan to try and get an eye doctor visit in there, if at all possible.
There's still plenty of time for cleaning and organizing though. It's a new season and it's time for a literal and figurative breath of fresh air.
Nevertheless, we're apart for a week and when we return all shall be right within our worlds once again. Or so I hope.
Big news: the new undergarments have arrived and they fit. Huzzah! It's hard for short but large women to purchase panties when everyone seems to make them differently even when they are all supposed to be the same size. I know, I know... Really? We're talking about panties? I suppose I am, so I apologize for that.
On to other things like the fact that BJM stopped by this afternoon to put together another bookshelf for me. That is the beginning of "Clean Your Crap Up Week. This is the week where we are shredding the extraneous papers, recycling the magazines, throwing out the old, dusting off that which remains, and doing some crafting in there also. I am actually looking forward to having a nice, organized apartment again.
I'll be making a trip out to see my mom tomorrow and we'll be doing the church and dinner thing. No plans for Sunday but cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Off to the neuro on Monday and to Tysabri on Tuesday. Monday afternoon I am visiting my upline from Stampin' Up! and then Tuesday night is Team Time so I need to get some cards ready for that. Thursday is card making time with friends as we play with the Big Shot embosser and cutting system. I also plan to try and get an eye doctor visit in there, if at all possible.
There's still plenty of time for cleaning and organizing though. It's a new season and it's time for a literal and figurative breath of fresh air.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
What happened to March?
Not only what happened to March, but what the heck happened to me, ye olde trusty blogger? I have to admit folks that I need new topics to write about because my MS is in remission, my diabetes I'm not focusing on much (which reminded me to go take my blood sugar for the first time in ten days!), and school is going okay.
In short, which is what I am for those of you who know me in real life, life is just ducky.
My MS Walk team is getting revved up and ready to go for our May 1st walk. We're a small team compared to some but we're mighty in spirit. Right now we are third for team fundraising and I am first for individual fundraising for the Syracuse, NY walk. I'm just thrilled with that even if I am behind compared to last year's amount. I know the economy is tanking and discretionary spending doesn't necessarily include donations to the NMSS. However, I am thankful to all who have been generous in time, spirit, and donations of goods and cold hard cash.
The diabetes thing is a bit of a problem because even though my A1C is dropping it's not because I have made a concerted effort to change things. Since my Dad's death in November I have been a huge slacker in this area. I rarely check my blood sugar weekly, let alone check it twice a day. I am trying to remember all my meds but often forget my Victoza shot in the morning. My other meds give me the "runs" which are oh so pleasant, especially when you already have some bowel and bladder issues due to MS.
I know this is TMI but I have lost more panties due to sudden explosions than I care to count. I just ordered some new ones online to replace the casualties. Now back to your unregularly scheduled program...
So diabetes is something I need to conquer. I can do it, was doing it, until Dad died. Then some things fell apart, like me, and the diabetes thing got lost in the shuffle. I keep telling myself I'll start to take better care of myself and then I don't. Maybe I need to write more about that. Maybe the blog needs to take a diabetes slant for a bit. I mean, I do fancy my eyesight and all my limbs and such. It would be a tragedy to survive and thrive with MS and then go blind or need something amputated in the future.
I also need to start really exercising again. I have been walking in my little apartment to get prepared for our big walk. Last year there was no turn around sign so we kept on walking extra and I absolutely plan against doing that this year. I know where to look now and plan to do three mile minimum (or less, if I can get away with it). I have people at work that tell me they don't walk and I want to tell them that neither do I on a regular, athletic basis. I know I need to but I just don't. Walking after work puts a real dent in my napping time.
It is Spring now and I am loving that. I drive to work with the sun coming up on the driver's side as I go to school. I sometimes leave in the afternoon and can open the sunroof. Oh what a joy that is! When you live in a place that snows from October/November to April/May, spring is a welcome sight, sound, and smell. There's nothing quite like fresh blades of green grass and flowers poking up through the formerly frozen ground.
Oh, the card making thing is going swimmingly also. Did I tell you I joined Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator? I was thinking about doing it, decided against it, and then completely changed my mind and did it. Just jumped in with both feet, boom. Now I am making a little bit of money doing something fun that I enjoy. Something besides teaching that is.
Speaking/typing of teaching... today is a half day for the kiddos and so is tomorrow for parent-teacher conferences. I'll be working until sometime around 6 tonight but then leaving early Friday. Then, blissfully, I will be off all next week for vacation. I'm not going anywhere, except for my Tysabri appointment and to the neurologist and a few fun side trips mixed in to work on cards and such. Sleeping in, if Edison allows it, will be fabulous.
So, in a nutshell, this nut is doing okay in spite of all the challenges that life has thrown at me for the last year. I hope you're doing well, too.
In short, which is what I am for those of you who know me in real life, life is just ducky.
My MS Walk team is getting revved up and ready to go for our May 1st walk. We're a small team compared to some but we're mighty in spirit. Right now we are third for team fundraising and I am first for individual fundraising for the Syracuse, NY walk. I'm just thrilled with that even if I am behind compared to last year's amount. I know the economy is tanking and discretionary spending doesn't necessarily include donations to the NMSS. However, I am thankful to all who have been generous in time, spirit, and donations of goods and cold hard cash.
The diabetes thing is a bit of a problem because even though my A1C is dropping it's not because I have made a concerted effort to change things. Since my Dad's death in November I have been a huge slacker in this area. I rarely check my blood sugar weekly, let alone check it twice a day. I am trying to remember all my meds but often forget my Victoza shot in the morning. My other meds give me the "runs" which are oh so pleasant, especially when you already have some bowel and bladder issues due to MS.
I know this is TMI but I have lost more panties due to sudden explosions than I care to count. I just ordered some new ones online to replace the casualties. Now back to your unregularly scheduled program...
So diabetes is something I need to conquer. I can do it, was doing it, until Dad died. Then some things fell apart, like me, and the diabetes thing got lost in the shuffle. I keep telling myself I'll start to take better care of myself and then I don't. Maybe I need to write more about that. Maybe the blog needs to take a diabetes slant for a bit. I mean, I do fancy my eyesight and all my limbs and such. It would be a tragedy to survive and thrive with MS and then go blind or need something amputated in the future.
I also need to start really exercising again. I have been walking in my little apartment to get prepared for our big walk. Last year there was no turn around sign so we kept on walking extra and I absolutely plan against doing that this year. I know where to look now and plan to do three mile minimum (or less, if I can get away with it). I have people at work that tell me they don't walk and I want to tell them that neither do I on a regular, athletic basis. I know I need to but I just don't. Walking after work puts a real dent in my napping time.
It is Spring now and I am loving that. I drive to work with the sun coming up on the driver's side as I go to school. I sometimes leave in the afternoon and can open the sunroof. Oh what a joy that is! When you live in a place that snows from October/November to April/May, spring is a welcome sight, sound, and smell. There's nothing quite like fresh blades of green grass and flowers poking up through the formerly frozen ground.
Oh, the card making thing is going swimmingly also. Did I tell you I joined Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator? I was thinking about doing it, decided against it, and then completely changed my mind and did it. Just jumped in with both feet, boom. Now I am making a little bit of money doing something fun that I enjoy. Something besides teaching that is.
Speaking/typing of teaching... today is a half day for the kiddos and so is tomorrow for parent-teacher conferences. I'll be working until sometime around 6 tonight but then leaving early Friday. Then, blissfully, I will be off all next week for vacation. I'm not going anywhere, except for my Tysabri appointment and to the neurologist and a few fun side trips mixed in to work on cards and such. Sleeping in, if Edison allows it, will be fabulous.
So, in a nutshell, this nut is doing okay in spite of all the challenges that life has thrown at me for the last year. I hope you're doing well, too.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Adieu to you, February
My gosh, I have been away for almost the entire month. At least for this last week I have a solid excuse. I have a confirmed case of the flu! I guess I started getting sick last Saturday, slowly but surely and it ballooned until I was a coughing, hacking mess with a nasty fever and other bodily woes.
I had my Tysabri infusion on Tuesday morning even though I felt like a sad sack. We all knew I was sick but I didn't know just how sick I was. I probably should not have had the infusion that day but I just thought I had a bad cold then. I mean, I have MS and I generally don't get sick too often because of that highly functioning immune system.
The question everyone wants to know is did I get the flu shot?
NO!
I always, always, always get the flu shot either at work or at the doctor's office but I just somehow missed it this year. I signed up too late at work to get it and then my Dad died in November and I kind of fell apart for a while.
So I am on Tamiflu and an antibiotic and an inhaler to deal with my chest gunk. This is on top of the plethora of meds I take on a daily basis for MS and diabetes. I am getting tired of pills, but they are making me feel better. Hooray for that.
In other, more delightful, news:
1.) My A1C level has dropped from a 7.5 to a 6.7! This is somehow miraculous because I have NOT been testing my blood sugars regularly and my med regimen has not been all that regimented since my Dad died. (I know it's time to take my life back and test, test, test and watch what I eat and actually start dancing and exercising again.) I think my Dad sprinkled some fairy dust from Heaven into my blood during the draw the other afternoon. There's just no other reasonable and feasible explanation.
2.) I have a new part-time job. I joined Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator after first saying no to it, then pondering it, and finally jumping in with both feet. My first official workshop should be in about 2 weeks, well after I get un-flued! I'm looking forward to it.
3.) My mid-winter break is coming to an end but I am thankful that I have good health insurance, a great doctor, access to decent meds, and time off to recover. Thankfully, (knocking on particle board here) my MS has not acted up.
That's about it for February!
I had my Tysabri infusion on Tuesday morning even though I felt like a sad sack. We all knew I was sick but I didn't know just how sick I was. I probably should not have had the infusion that day but I just thought I had a bad cold then. I mean, I have MS and I generally don't get sick too often because of that highly functioning immune system.
The question everyone wants to know is did I get the flu shot?
NO!
I always, always, always get the flu shot either at work or at the doctor's office but I just somehow missed it this year. I signed up too late at work to get it and then my Dad died in November and I kind of fell apart for a while.
So I am on Tamiflu and an antibiotic and an inhaler to deal with my chest gunk. This is on top of the plethora of meds I take on a daily basis for MS and diabetes. I am getting tired of pills, but they are making me feel better. Hooray for that.
In other, more delightful, news:
1.) My A1C level has dropped from a 7.5 to a 6.7! This is somehow miraculous because I have NOT been testing my blood sugars regularly and my med regimen has not been all that regimented since my Dad died. (I know it's time to take my life back and test, test, test and watch what I eat and actually start dancing and exercising again.) I think my Dad sprinkled some fairy dust from Heaven into my blood during the draw the other afternoon. There's just no other reasonable and feasible explanation.
2.) I have a new part-time job. I joined Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator after first saying no to it, then pondering it, and finally jumping in with both feet. My first official workshop should be in about 2 weeks, well after I get un-flued! I'm looking forward to it.
3.) My mid-winter break is coming to an end but I am thankful that I have good health insurance, a great doctor, access to decent meds, and time off to recover. Thankfully, (knocking on particle board here) my MS has not acted up.
That's about it for February!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Happy February
Yesterday was not only Groundhog Day but, more importantly, it was a SNOW day for me. I was able to do some napping, loads of cleaning which my apartment needed, some beef stew making in the crock pot, and I made tons of Valentine's Day cards. That's my new non-caloric obsession: card making.
On Saturday I went to a scrapbooking get-together and made cards there. Then I started up with more cards on Tuesday night and continued that into snow day Wednesday. I have probably made upwards of some twenty cards for my valentine friends. I delivered most of them today and I still forgot some friends so more cards await in my future.
I had a Stampin' Up! card party at my good pal, BJM's house last week. (I had it there because my place is so little and there's not enough table space.) It was so much fun because we had a great demonstrator who even asked me to join her team! I said no for now but perhaps in the future it might be something I would consider. It was also a great time to order things because with every $50 spent you could choose something free from a variety of goodies. Then there were the free hostess gifts and just my regular ordering of new stamps and inks and such.
I have to admit I spent more than I normally would on myself but I don't do a whole lot of spending on *me*. I don't wear makeup (gasp) or wear fancy clothes. I don't travel anymore and I stay close to home, especially now with the winter weather. So in my mind, I figure that I deserve to get more goodies for myself. I have also justified some spending on stamps and such because I am making thank you cards for those who donate money, goods, or services to my MS Walk team.
Speaking/Typing of the MS Walk, we have (as a team) raised $750 to date and I am almost at $500 for my individual fundraising. I'd like to raise 3K this year which is a few hundred dollars more than last year. I'd also like to see the size of our team grow to include at least one male and more friends overall. I have high hopes for our team this year and I plan to do something different with our raffle baskets to get more money and more people buying tickets. My mind is awash with money-making ideas.
I hope this message finds you in good spirits. The sun came out today so I find myself feeling extra-cheery after not seeing it for several days. I do love a snow day but I like some sunshine as well.
On Saturday I went to a scrapbooking get-together and made cards there. Then I started up with more cards on Tuesday night and continued that into snow day Wednesday. I have probably made upwards of some twenty cards for my valentine friends. I delivered most of them today and I still forgot some friends so more cards await in my future.
I had a Stampin' Up! card party at my good pal, BJM's house last week. (I had it there because my place is so little and there's not enough table space.) It was so much fun because we had a great demonstrator who even asked me to join her team! I said no for now but perhaps in the future it might be something I would consider. It was also a great time to order things because with every $50 spent you could choose something free from a variety of goodies. Then there were the free hostess gifts and just my regular ordering of new stamps and inks and such.
I have to admit I spent more than I normally would on myself but I don't do a whole lot of spending on *me*. I don't wear makeup (gasp) or wear fancy clothes. I don't travel anymore and I stay close to home, especially now with the winter weather. So in my mind, I figure that I deserve to get more goodies for myself. I have also justified some spending on stamps and such because I am making thank you cards for those who donate money, goods, or services to my MS Walk team.
Speaking/Typing of the MS Walk, we have (as a team) raised $750 to date and I am almost at $500 for my individual fundraising. I'd like to raise 3K this year which is a few hundred dollars more than last year. I'd also like to see the size of our team grow to include at least one male and more friends overall. I have high hopes for our team this year and I plan to do something different with our raffle baskets to get more money and more people buying tickets. My mind is awash with money-making ideas.
I hope this message finds you in good spirits. The sun came out today so I find myself feeling extra-cheery after not seeing it for several days. I do love a snow day but I like some sunshine as well.
Monday, January 24, 2011
What's up?
It seems I have been away for about a week now so I figured it was about time to get back on here. I have a phone appointment in a little while with an MSer who is thinking about making the switch to Tysabri. That has caused me to go back and do some reading of ye olde blog from way back, I mean waaaaaaaaay back. Years back so I can remember what it was like for me in the beginning. I had even forgotten I started in October of 2008, thinking it was in November.
It's a good thing I went back and looked at things. I know this MSer will have some questions for me and I am afraid I will come off as a dolt because I don't remember all my Tysabri history. Now, it's just a part of my routine every month and I have been doing so much better for at least a solid year. What a difference this medicine has made in my life!
I know not everyone has the same symptoms as I do and the same reaction to every medicine. I do know that, for me, Tysabri has been a step in the right direction. I am much better mentally, emotionally, and physically now as compared to when I first started Tysabri. As I look at the changes in my life in the past 6 months: a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a change in grades at school, and the death of my father, I see that I have had ups and downs but they are normal ups and downs. Yes, my depression did get worse but I seem to be coming out of the tunnel and into the light again.
So what's up? My mood has lifted, physically I am in less pain, and I am enjoying looking forward to the small, positive, good parts of life.
It's a good thing I went back and looked at things. I know this MSer will have some questions for me and I am afraid I will come off as a dolt because I don't remember all my Tysabri history. Now, it's just a part of my routine every month and I have been doing so much better for at least a solid year. What a difference this medicine has made in my life!
I know not everyone has the same symptoms as I do and the same reaction to every medicine. I do know that, for me, Tysabri has been a step in the right direction. I am much better mentally, emotionally, and physically now as compared to when I first started Tysabri. As I look at the changes in my life in the past 6 months: a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a change in grades at school, and the death of my father, I see that I have had ups and downs but they are normal ups and downs. Yes, my depression did get worse but I seem to be coming out of the tunnel and into the light again.
So what's up? My mood has lifted, physically I am in less pain, and I am enjoying looking forward to the small, positive, good parts of life.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Reaching out to "touch" someone
I talked on the phone tonight with a new friend I have been emailing and talking to on Facebook for a few months. She's a teacher also and doesn't live all that far away. In fact, she can watch my local TV station to see if I have the day off or a delay.
It was so nice to make a connection with her, so much so that I haven't been able to wind down yet. This coming from the girl who was sleepy at 7 p.m.
I am also reaching out to another new friend on Thursday to talk about my experience with Tysabri.
Two new pals in two different parts of the country! I'm a lucky gal. :)
It was so nice to make a connection with her, so much so that I haven't been able to wind down yet. This coming from the girl who was sleepy at 7 p.m.
I am also reaching out to another new friend on Thursday to talk about my experience with Tysabri.
Two new pals in two different parts of the country! I'm a lucky gal. :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Thursday eve
One of the inhabitants of my apartment is hoping for a snow day or delay tomorrow and it's not Edison kitty. I know I have a three day weekend which has Monday taken up with my Tysabri infusion for my MS and then a vet appointment for Edison in the afternoon. However, I could use an unexpected day off or at least a little more sleep.
I'm tired out and I need a little more rest. Is that too much to ask for when people all over the country have had days (plural!) off due to snow?
I'll keep you posted...
I'm tired out and I need a little more rest. Is that too much to ask for when people all over the country have had days (plural!) off due to snow?
I'll keep you posted...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Rainy days and Sundays...
Sundays are always a bummer for me. I go into a sleepy, hibernating, depressive mode. I generally don't shower unless I actually have to leave my apartment and I don't usually leave. I skulk around my little home in a pair of shorts and yesterday's T-shirt. I sleep, read, watch a little bit of television and repeat the cycle again. I am uncertain, un-centered, off-kilter, filled with an energy I don't use. I am like a sloth: a lazy, large, sad one.
I know taking a shower would make me feel more human but I don't do it. It's almost like I am punishing myself by purposely not doing what I need.
I do this almost every Sunday now. I have been doing this for a while. When will I stop doing this to myself?
Sigh...
In other news not about my slovenliness, I have decided to do the local MS Walk again in May. I have started my team and started recruiting walkers and donations. Last year the team was in the top ten of the local walk's teams' fundraisers and I was in the top ten for individual fundraisers. Woohoo.
Let's see what we can do this year!
I know taking a shower would make me feel more human but I don't do it. It's almost like I am punishing myself by purposely not doing what I need.
I do this almost every Sunday now. I have been doing this for a while. When will I stop doing this to myself?
Sigh...
In other news not about my slovenliness, I have decided to do the local MS Walk again in May. I have started my team and started recruiting walkers and donations. Last year the team was in the top ten of the local walk's teams' fundraisers and I was in the top ten for individual fundraisers. Woohoo.
Let's see what we can do this year!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Two months out
My Dad died two months ago today. I did go to church with my Mom tonight and I thought about him a lot. I miss him quite a bit, especially now that there is this canyon between my mom and me. He was the fabric softener in the life of our family. He kept us from sticking together and rubbing each other the wrong way.
I am trying to start to care for my diabetes better again. I actually took my blood sugar this morning. It was high at 170. I suspect it will be high again tonight after eating a Rueben and french fries with gravy. It's the first time I've checked my sugar in about three weeks.
I went to church with my mom only after she called last week asking me if I would start to go up with her again. She wanted me to start up again and then go out to dinner with her afterwards. I told her I would let her know today and I didn't make my official decision until almost 1:30 this afternoon. I think part of why I am going is for me and not just because she wants me to go. I feel better after sitting in church, saying prayers, and being in the presence of the Lord.
This week I also saw my therapist and he said some things that were proverbially hitting the nail on the head. That man is underpaid but he is worth his skinny little weight in gold. He's tall and rather thin and then there's me all short and wide, akin to Jack Sprat and his wife from the nursery rhyme.
I also did some Just Dancing this week to get myself ready for a dancing showdown in early February. I plan to do some solid a$$ kicking in that regard. I have some friends who plan to get together so we can dance with the Wii and I've been told to bring it, not sing it, so I am dancing my pants off to show them what I can do.
You just keep walking, one foot in front of the other. I wondered how I would get to today but that's how you do it. You just keep walking and breathing.
I hope you're proud of me, Daddy.
I am trying to start to care for my diabetes better again. I actually took my blood sugar this morning. It was high at 170. I suspect it will be high again tonight after eating a Rueben and french fries with gravy. It's the first time I've checked my sugar in about three weeks.
I went to church with my mom only after she called last week asking me if I would start to go up with her again. She wanted me to start up again and then go out to dinner with her afterwards. I told her I would let her know today and I didn't make my official decision until almost 1:30 this afternoon. I think part of why I am going is for me and not just because she wants me to go. I feel better after sitting in church, saying prayers, and being in the presence of the Lord.
This week I also saw my therapist and he said some things that were proverbially hitting the nail on the head. That man is underpaid but he is worth his skinny little weight in gold. He's tall and rather thin and then there's me all short and wide, akin to Jack Sprat and his wife from the nursery rhyme.
I also did some Just Dancing this week to get myself ready for a dancing showdown in early February. I plan to do some solid a$$ kicking in that regard. I have some friends who plan to get together so we can dance with the Wii and I've been told to bring it, not sing it, so I am dancing my pants off to show them what I can do.
You just keep walking, one foot in front of the other. I wondered how I would get to today but that's how you do it. You just keep walking and breathing.
I hope you're proud of me, Daddy.
Monday, January 3, 2011
First Monday
Today was the first Monday of 2011 and I survived. Yippee!
I made it to work okay, even though the roads were a snowy mess and visibility was quite limited between the dark and the pelting snow. I got to work and my classroom had a minor flood from the ceiling and several tiles were broken and on the floor. Welcome back, Weeble.
After work I came home from some errands and proceeded to do some Just Dance 2. I was having a great time and danced for almost 40 minutes until the phone rang. It turned out to be my college bestie from Maine. After the call ended I did another 15minutes of dancing.
The road to weight loss is paved with minutes of Just Dancing.
I need to get myself motivated and get my diabetes under control. I have not tested my blood sugars in well over a week. I haven't had my Victoza shot in days. I almost never take my Glipizide 30 minutes before I eat; I generally take it as I eat. Sometimes I don't take my two doses of Metformin. The diabetes stuff is just out of control but I don't think my numbers are too bad off. Then again, it's hard to know for sure when I'm not testing.
Get it together Weeble before some real damage is done! You can do this, girl.
I see my therapist on Wednesday afternoon and that is another step in the right direction.
My MS symptoms are under better control today also.
All in all, today wasn't bad for the first Monday back to work after vacation.
I made it to work okay, even though the roads were a snowy mess and visibility was quite limited between the dark and the pelting snow. I got to work and my classroom had a minor flood from the ceiling and several tiles were broken and on the floor. Welcome back, Weeble.
After work I came home from some errands and proceeded to do some Just Dance 2. I was having a great time and danced for almost 40 minutes until the phone rang. It turned out to be my college bestie from Maine. After the call ended I did another 15minutes of dancing.
The road to weight loss is paved with minutes of Just Dancing.
I need to get myself motivated and get my diabetes under control. I have not tested my blood sugars in well over a week. I haven't had my Victoza shot in days. I almost never take my Glipizide 30 minutes before I eat; I generally take it as I eat. Sometimes I don't take my two doses of Metformin. The diabetes stuff is just out of control but I don't think my numbers are too bad off. Then again, it's hard to know for sure when I'm not testing.
Get it together Weeble before some real damage is done! You can do this, girl.
I see my therapist on Wednesday afternoon and that is another step in the right direction.
My MS symptoms are under better control today also.
All in all, today wasn't bad for the first Monday back to work after vacation.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
MS in the New Year
I have been having issues on and off, all week long with my back. I blame that completely on my MS. Today things are off with my back and my legs. There's a tightness in my back and some weakness in my legs.
Just in time to go back to work!
Oh, that MS is a tricky master...
My mom also called tonight and asked me to go back to mass with her on Saturdays. I guess that is more thawing of the iceberg, something I didn't really expect now. Maybe she feels bad or guilty about what was said a few weeks ago. I'm not sure. I'm just glad I see my therapist this week so I can talk this all out.
Until then I will be dealing with the MS symptoms and hoping this is just an anomaly.
Just in time to go back to work!
Oh, that MS is a tricky master...
My mom also called tonight and asked me to go back to mass with her on Saturdays. I guess that is more thawing of the iceberg, something I didn't really expect now. Maybe she feels bad or guilty about what was said a few weeks ago. I'm not sure. I'm just glad I see my therapist this week so I can talk this all out.
Until then I will be dealing with the MS symptoms and hoping this is just an anomaly.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Welcome to 2011
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce
Welcome to your new opportunity and I hope you enjoy writing your chapters in 2011!
I don't make resolutions really but I do aim to be a better person than I was the day before. I figure it doesn't cost much to smile at someone or say a few kind words. I may have limited financial resources and sometimes limited mobility, but small kindnesses can be extended that might change a person's day.
Happy New Year, friends!
Welcome to your new opportunity and I hope you enjoy writing your chapters in 2011!
I don't make resolutions really but I do aim to be a better person than I was the day before. I figure it doesn't cost much to smile at someone or say a few kind words. I may have limited financial resources and sometimes limited mobility, but small kindnesses can be extended that might change a person's day.
Happy New Year, friends!
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