Day 311: 7/18/12 - "Missouri"

"You came here in search of something true

Looks like, girl, your search isn't through..."

-"Missouri" by David Nail

Oh, Verizon, At Least You Didn't Piss Me Off Tonight (At Least Not Too Much).  I hate it when I get a bill online that I know should be a certain amount but when I open the e-mail, I see that it is higher than expected.  This always starts me on a quest to figure out what changed and to see if I need to dispute anything.  This time Verizon was wrong (they did not apply one of my discounts), and though I explained to the phone agent what the problem was, he still went through the long process of trying to "figure out" what I was talking about.  After five minutes I again pointed out to him what the issue was and he was like, "Oh, I see what you mean.  Let me fix that."  If he had listened to me right away, I would have been off of the phone a lot faster!  But at least they fixed the problem which was the biggest issue for me.

Not So Fast, Medco.  If it wasn't Verizon, it was Medco and HEB.  So here's the saga of the 90 day prescription.  I asked my doctor if I could move to a 90 day prescription since my medicine and health were stable.  He said, "Sure!  I'll write you a new prescription."  I drop off the prescription at HEB (my pharmacy) and then go back the next day to pick it up.  When I get there, I'm told the cost will be $10.  I'm happy - that's only $2 more than my 30 day supply!  But when I ask the pharmacy tech to confirm that it is a 90 day supply she says, "No, this is the 30 day."  I explain to her that my prescription was for 90 days so she goes off to check.  After a few minutes and a short discussion with the pharmacist, she comes back to tell me that my insurance won't allow a 90 day prescription.  At this point, I'm mad, but then I ask her why my prescription is now $10 then - why the change in price?  She can't explain it so I leave the prescription and go home to figure things out.  Today I figure out that I can only get a 90 day supply through Medco by mail.  If I go to a retail place, then I can only get a 30 day supply.  The wait time for the 90 day?  1 - 2 weeks!  the cost?  $20.  I call the HEB pharmacy because they never filled my 90 day prescription - they only did a refill since it was for the same medicine and I had refills left.  They said that if I used their discount program I could get my 90 day supply for $9.99 and the program only costs $5.  I was sold - now I have a program I won't be able to use once I move...but I have my 90 day supply!

Baking Blueberry Bombs!  Why do I call my blueberry muffins, bombs?  Because those wonderfully juicy berries tend to explode in the oven!  The muffins turned out great and because I made them with Splenda and applesauce, they are only 85 calories each!  Yum!  I had them with blueberry tea and it was marvelous!

Day 282: 6/19/12 - "Take Me There"

"There's a place in your heart where nobody's been.
Take me there.
Things nobody knows, not even your friends.
Take me there.
Tell me about your momma, your daddy, your home town, show me around.
I wanna see it all, don't leave anything out.
 

 I wanna know, everything about you.
And I wanna go, down every road you've been.
Where your hopes and dreams and wishes live, where you keep the rest of your life hid...."

-"Take Me There" by Rascal Flatts

Not Great But Not Bad: My return visit to my least favorite type of doctor in the world (ladies, you all know which one I mean) turned out better than I expected.  Yes, I have a couple of fibroids, but neither is in a location that they are worried about, and neither is of a size that would cause problems.  So lucky me, I get to just take ibruprofen for the pain (again, ladies, you know what I'm talking about).  All in all, a good visit if you can get past the very invasive sonogram I had to have.  For all those politicians who want to pass a law requiring any woman to have to have a sonogram in order to have an abortion - all I have to say is "not a chance!"  I would not wish that uncomfortable procedure on any woman, no matter the reason.  I may not think that abortion is right, but it is still the right of an individual woman, one that they've been making for hundreds of years (Yes, men - abortions existed long before there were doctors, clinics, or anything sanitary and safe.  Women figured it out back then, they'll figure it out again, so get over yourselves!).  Okay, I'm off of my soap box.

Packing:  I hate packing for long trips - especially when I'm trying to avoid paying for my luggage.  Now I have to make decisions about what to take and what not to take.  I think I'm just going to borrow some clothes from my friend Toni - she's shorter than I am, but we wear about the same size.  So if I need something nice to wear to one of our outings, I may have to rely on her (or go shopping and leave it with her!).  Oh well, I'll figure it out tomorrow - I'm too tired tonight to deal and I have some self-medicating to do...doctor's orders (see above!).

Day 254: 5/22/12 - "What Matters"

"It ain't about the money

No, it ain't about the time

It ain't about the love you've lost

All the things you think you left behind

It ain't about your losing streak

Makes you feel like your falling apart

What matters is your heart..."

-"What Matters" by Edwin McCain

I Have Returned:  2 days away weren't enough but they were better than nothing, and it was interesting visiting Miami since I had never been there. I got up early this morning and hit the beach (just to walk around in the sand) and was saddened by the trash I found that someone had just thrown out onto the sand.  It disgusts me that people are so lazy that they don't care about the messes they leave behind for others to clean up!  It was beyond humid while I was out there but the water was nice and cool (now that I realize I have a cold, I probably shouldn't have been out wandering around in the water...).  I then headed over to Einstein Bros. for a quick and healthy breakfast.  I had just stepped back into my hotel room and went to look outside when I saw that it was pouring!  Apparently this is pretty common in Miami but it was a surprise for me.  I was one minute from getting completely soaked!

A cloudy morning in Miami...

Toes and rolled up pants, awaiting water...

There's the water!

Here it comes again!

I Want My Mommy:  And some chicken noodle soup.  I starting feeling a little icky last night and sure enough by the time I got home tonight I was coughing and sneezing with the best of them.  Off to bed in hopes of feeling better tomorrow.  I suspect that I'll get worse before I get better though.  Hope I don't develop a fever - can't ban myself from work when I'm so short-handed.

Wishing I Could Help:  I have a friend going through a really tough time right now and it's one that he just does not understand (I actually agree with him - it doesn't make sense to me either).  I just hope things start to improve for him soon - he deserves so much more than what he is getting (many people do).  It always bothers me that someone like him, who is such a nice guy and hardworking, and nice looking, gets mistreated by someone who just doesn't appreciate him or what she has.  And I can't even get a guy like him to consider me - though I'd be counting my blessings every day if I had him in my life in that way.  But at least I have his friendship and hopefully I can help him through this tough time.  I don't know how but if he does need me, he only has to call...

Day 223: 4/21/12 - "Mary Jane"

"What's the matter Mary Jane

Had a hard day

So place the don't disturb sign on the door

You lost your place in line again

What a pity

You never seem to wanna dance anymore

It's a long way down

On this roller coaster

The last chance street car

Went off the track

An you're on it.."

-"Mary Jane" by Alanis Morissette

A Small Victory: Today I scored a small victory in my quest to be a better tennis player.  I actually won a set off of my tennis partner today.  It only took me about a year to do it (which wasn't great) but at least I finally did it.  Of course, I lost the match itself, but I have to take my small victories where I can get them.  But, a 1-6, 6-4, 2-6 score line is definitely better than anything I've put together before.  Maybe I'll actually improve my skills enough to consider playing a local tournament again.

Breaking Out Into Hives:  I either have a mosquito infestation in my apartment or I'm breaking out into hives.  I keep finding what looks like mosquito bites on my arms and legs and it just started today.  I'll have to keep an eye on that.  I don't know how I could have gotten a mosquito issue in my apartment and I definitely haven't seen anything flying around the apartment.  I hate bugs and bug bites are some of the itchiest out there!

Decisions, Decisions: Trying to make tough decisions that will have a great impact on your life is one of the toughest things to do.  I feel like I'm stuck between a rock, a hard place, and there is freezing cold water pouring down on top of me.  Yes, this is the stuff that causes nightmares.  And there are others who think they have the right to "help" me make this decision, but this one I have to make on my own.  They won't understand but for once I don't care.  I need to make a decision for myself because the ways things are going, there will only be myself to take care of me in the future.  If I don't put myself in position to be safe and secure, no one else will...

Day 203: 4/1/12 - "Circle of Friends"

"But, I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
it seems.
And I quit. I give up.
Nothing's good enough for anybody else
it seems.

And being alone
is the best way to be.
When I'm by myself it's
the best way to be.
When I'm all alone it's
the best way to be.
When I'm by myself
nobody else can say goodbye."

-"Circle of Friends" by Edie Brickell

I Don't Like the Heat: Today it had to be at least 90.  I really hope it was Mother Nature playing an April Fool's joke on us weather-wise, because if not, it is going to be one hella hot spring/summer/fall.  I actually managed to do some spring cleaning today and finished the guest room, guest bath, foyer laundry room, dining room, and kitchen.  Next weekend will be the living room, master bed, closet, and master bath.  Sadly, due to my habit of being a lazy slob, those spaces are complete train wrecks that will take another few hours of work...plus, it was just too darn hot today and I also had to fix dinner and lunch for the week.

Off to Bed with Aches and Pains: Ever had one of those days where everything just hurts but you aren't sick (flu)?  I'm having that today.  I swear, my hip, my back, my arms, my head, my neck, my stomach, my legs, my ankle, both feet, right knee.  Jeez...I think I'm out of body parts that can hurt, but I shouldn't say that too loud - I'm sure my body can find other ways to make me suffer.

Weekend Blues: I've really got to try to find something fun to do on the weekends.  This sitting around the house (even if I'm cleaning) is getting old and beyond boring.  I'd really rather have something to do other than worry about whether I should wash my hair or not (boring!).  And though I really like taking advantage of the Starz free preview, sitting around and watching TV is not what I had in mind either.

Day 191: 3/20/12 - "If You Only Knew"

"If you only knew
How many times I counted
All the words that went wrong
If you only knew
How I refuse to let you go,
Even when you're gone"

-"If You Only Knew" by Shinedown

Strange Days, Indeed: Today was one of those days that just didn't feel right. I had to go to the doctor this morning, which is what likely threw me off for the whole day.  The only good news?  I dropped 6 pounds, so now I only have 15 to go to be back at my goal weight.  I think I can make it but I'm going to have to work twice as hard as I already am (which doesn't seem possible, but obviously it is).  I got to chat with my doctor who was really nice (and very cute...nice to have a cute doctor!) and we chatted about running and other similar things.  He sent me on my way and said that I only had to come back if I wasn't feeling well - that's the type of diagnosis I prefer!  Then everyone kept dropping in on me at work, and a colleague blew her stack, and printers and scanners were busted.  Needless to say, I was more than ready to come home and hope that I can get some sleep tonight.

Speaking of Sleep: I'm supposed to work on my book every day, but I'm so tired tonight that I fear I'll only get a few lines in before I'm too tired to do more.  But I think that is necessary for me to be able to move forward with the book (and to keep it fresh in my mind).  Wish me luck - I'll try not to mess up because I can't see straight!

Day 190: 3/19/12 - "Got You Where I Want You"

"Hey maybe just a smile
Oh hey do you know that I can dance
Could we talk for a while

I think you're smart
You sweet thing
Tell me your sign
I'm dying here

Ooh got you where I want you
Ooh got you where I want you
Oh yea
Ooh got you where I want you
I want you bad"

-"Got You Where I Want You " by The Flys

Stormy Weather: San Antonio doesn't usually get huge amounts of bad weather, but today we're under a tornado warning.  i find that I'm more frightened of the possibility of tornadoes down here, simply because there are no sirens to help warn me.  If I have my TV on and still have power, then I get an alert.  But what if I don't?  I start to worry that I'd sleep through a major storm.  I have a perfectly safe looking walk-in closet that I could hide in, but that's not where my bed is!  I'll just have to hope for the best and that I wake up in the morning.

My Opportunity to Speak:  I just found out today that I will get my opportunity to speak out against someone who, I feel, has been abusing their position and abusing those of us who work with them.  I know this person is worried about what others say about them, so this situation must be eating at them.  But we all deserve this opportunity and as I always say - if you are living right, then you have nothing to worry about.  Living wrong?  Then may whatever god you pray to have mercy on you, because you'll need it.

Weigh In: Tomorrow I get to find out my current weight.  I know I've dropped some weight because my clothes are fitting better.  But I don't know how this will balance with the muscle I've gained.  I could actually be the same weight but be healthier (which is fine with me).  Don't know if I'll post my weight here.  I'm not ashamed of it, but even I might have to draw the line of posting it on a blog!

Every Night: I have made myself commit to working on Angel of Mercy every day so that I can finish it in a timely manner.  My hope is that I'll finish it by the end of June (and ALA) and then find out if I have enough moxie to actually submit it to a publisher.

Day 188: 3/17/12 - "Everything You Want"

"He's everything you want
He's everything you need
He's everything inside of you
That you wish you could be
He says all the right things
At exactly the right time
But he means nothing to you
And you don't know why"

-"Everything You Want" by Vertical Horizon

Happy St. Patty's Day: St. Patty's Day was today and I decided I would celebrate by making myself green pancakes.  And then I promptly got sick right after eating them (no, it wasn't the pancakes - I was already feeling ill before I ate them).  But of course, the human brain doesn't always allow things like that just go by the wayside, so now I'm in total disgust for this holiday, though it has nothing to do with why I got sick.  I think I'm just out to hate all holidays for one reason or another.  I'm finding it way too easy to be disagreeable about anything that involves people having fun and being merry together.  Why?  Because I'm not able to go out and do the same thing, most likely.  Or maybe I'm just fulfilling my destiny to be a mean old woman.

Why I Got Sick...I'm not sure why I got sick today during my run.  I honestly felt great through the first 5 miles and then all of a sudden I started feeling lightheaded and my stomach started hurting.  I usually don't get that way unless it is super hot outside or else I was already feeling ill when I set out.  But that wasn't the case this time - I was feeling great when I headed out and even had a nice steady pace going. I got so ill I had to sit down right in the middle of the sidewalk for five minutes until I was able to walk (and not run) home.  So not only was I feeling ill by the time I got there, I was also feeling very disappointed.  Any time I have to give up on a run (especially on a nice day when I'm close to the end anyway), I feel as if I have failed...

Day 164: 2/22/12 - "I Can't Make You Love Me"

"Turn down the lights

Turn down the bed

Turn down these voices

Inside my Head

Lay down with me

Tell me no lies

Just hold me close

Don't patronize

Don't patronize me

'Cause I can't make you love me,

If you don't...."

- "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt

Sinus Headache, Go Away...Really, I'm at my wit's end with these sinus issues!  The mold is still high, so I'm still sneezing, coughing, and having the worst headaches I have had in a while.  I'm trying to shake these without medicine, since the medicine seemed to interact badly with my thyroid medication.  But I know I need to get rid of the headache as soon as possible, so I may have to cave and try it again.

1940 Census: I was reminded tonight that the 1940 census will be available free online on April 2nd!  I'm very excited about this for many reason, but mostly because this will be the first year that I can see my father in the census!  He was born in 1939 so he should be the baby in the house.  I'm curious to see what the rest of the household looked like and maybe get a few more clues about his family.  I'm also curious to see if my mother's family will show up as I've had trouble tracing them.  It would be good to see if my grandparents were married yet and whether my grandmother's first born (Aunt Goddie) is there.

Day 161: 2/19/12 - "Keep Me In Mind"

"Keep me in mind
Somewhere down the road you might get lonely
Keep me in mind
And I pray someday that you will love me only"

-"Keep Me In Mind" by the Zac Brown Band

FYE Conference - Day 2: Today I ran into an issue I haven't experienced at a conference in a long time: full rooms!  There were only 3 sessions I was interested in during the 10:30 - 11:30 slot but all 3 were full to the brim.  There wasn't even standing room for any of them.  I wound up having to occupy my mind for the time and kept hoping the rooms would free up, but no such luck.  I'm heading in tomorrow for a 9am meeting and then some sessions.  Hopefully I'll learn something new - I picked up a couple of new things today (mostly during a vendor session).

Stress: My doctor told me that my heart palpitations were caused by stress.  Today they came back with a vengeance, so I had to stop what I was doing and try to figure out what was stressing me.  I won't put it all here - this is no the place, but I was able to narrow it down to three things, only two of which I have any control over.  I can only hope that I'll be able to find a solution to those two and the other one may work itself out.  Wishful thinking?  Probably, but I refuse to let the actions of others affect my health to this level.  The palpitations have stopped for now...but I have to be diligent about living a stress free life!

Day 150: 2/8/12 - "Good Enough"

"What do I have to do

To try to make you see

That this is who I am

And it's all that I can be..."

-"Good Enough" by Lifehouse

My Major League Rejection: So I found out today that I didn't make the cut for the MLB fan cave.  Of course I'm pretty disappointed (and it's hard to shake yourself of that sense that you weren't good enough for someone).  But I'm also thinking about it logically - I wouldn't have really had the time to do it, even if I had been selected.  And what would I have done with celebrities all around me - I can barely talk to regular people without getting flustered!  I'll stick to what I know - research, baking, knitting, reading, and watching my favorite game.  I'll leave the rest up to the real experts.

Superbowl Commercial Review: I'm just now starting to really look at some of those Superbowl commercials and thinking about a few things.  Take the Post-Apocalyptic Chevrolet commercial...anyone else notice that no women survived?  Might have a tough time starting civilization over again with a dog, Twinkies, and your trusty Chevy truck!  Then there is the Budlight "Wego" commercial - gotta love a rescue dog that can fetch and chill too!

Sinus Issues...Please Go Away!  Okay, so after over a week of not being able to breathe properly, coughing, feeling headachy, etc., I'm so DONE with these sinus issues!  The weather needs to shift and change and my sinuses need to relax and let me breathe normally!  Maybe also sleep normally too!

Day 149: 2/7/12 - "Two Conversations"

"My brother gave you money

My sister gave a child

I gave you beautiful silence..."

-"Two Conversations" by Bill Reveles

Fitting Song Titles: There are days when the song title I hear early in the day truly speaks about the rest of the day.  This happened to me today in a way that was nearly impossible to comprehend.  But I think we left the meeting with some sense of understanding, even if I'm sure we were having two conversations.  Now it will be a watch and see situation - where we see if the final outcome of either conversation is what we hope for or expect.

Sinus Cycles: Just a couple of days ago I had a cough because my sinuses had drained into my throat and chest.  Now my head is stopped up again and I have a sinus headache.  Are you seriously telling me that I'm heading for another round of the stuffy head then sore throat then cough issue I just dealt with?  It sure seems that way!  I'm going to have to hope the weather changes soon and helps with whatever is making my sinuses hate my guts!

Survivor's Guilt: I'm having survivor's guilt...though I don't know what I survived!  I just have this nearly overwhelming sense that I should feel guilty.  I'm stuck trying to figure out what I did wrong and why I feel so guilty for my actions (or supposed actions).  I may never know - I may only be able to shake it off and move on.  Either way, it is uncomfortable!

Day 145: 2/3/12 - "Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes"

"Take a good look in the mirror

And tell me if you like what you see.

Masters of deception, corruption, and evil

But you're always quick to point the finger at me..."

-"Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes" by TLC

Watch Your Back: Sometimes you never see something coming until it is too late.  Other times, you actually get warning signs that there is a runaway train coming down the tracks and you have time to get out of the way.  I think I'm in one of those times where there are warnings...now I just have to hope I'm fast enough and smart enough to get out of the way before I get run over.  But what about others who don't see the signs?  What can I do (or should I do) to help them protect themselves?  What is my responsibility to those people, especially if they've had the same opportunities that I have had to see the train?

Allergy Season: This has been the toughest allergy season for me so far.  It started back in November when I got hit the first time and now it is Jan-Feb and I've been hit again.  I'm hoping I can avoid the doctor for this one but if I can't drop the cough I'll wind up going in eventually.  My biggest issue right now isn't even the trouble I'm having breathing...it's the dry mouth that the OTC medicines are causing!  There is a big storm rolling through right now, so I hope that it will eventually clear up and wash away the mold (I'm pretty sure that is what I'm having the most trouble with).  I talked to my Mom and she is dealing with the same thing right now.  Like mother like daughter!

Day 123: 1/12/12 - "Judith"

"Pray to your Christ, to your God
Never taste of the fruit, never stray, never break, never
Choke on a lie even though he's the one who
Did this to you, you never thought to question "Why?""

-"Judith" by A Perfect Circle

Animated Films...Again: Tonight was another night of watching an animated film and this time it was Toy Story.  Many people were surprised that I hadn't seen it yet (considering how long ago it came out).  But I just never got around to it.  Compared to last night's film, I found Toy Story to be a bit bloodthirsty by kid's standards.  There was a bit of raunchy humor there (that most kids would not get) but there was a lot of revenge, violence, vindictiveness, and meanness in there.  I know what the final message was, and I got it, but jeez!

Cedar Fever!  Apparently, even if you don't have the full cedar fever, you can still be impacted by the cedar around here.  Me?  I get a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat.  Which also means I feel icky almost every day!  Come on!  This is not fair!  And of course the temperature dropped again (and will go back up in a couple of days) which really plays havoc with my allergies.  Oh well, I'm probably not suffering as much as some others.

Today Was a Good Day: I had a good day at work today...though I still can't quite put my finger on why just yet.  I guess I should take it and be happy, but I would rather figure out what I did to make it happen and find a way to repeat it!  Maybe even bottle it and sell it!

Day 120: 1/9/12 - "I'm Your Baby Tonight"

"Now it's like I'm fatal, 

It's all on the table
And baby you hold the cards, 

and You got the magic
And I gotta have it, 

I don't want the pieces
I want every single part, 

I'll be your angel
I'm ready and able, 

Whatever you want is fine
Whenever you're ready, 

just call on your lady
I'll be your baby tonight"

-"I'm Your Baby Tonight" by Whitney Houston

So Whitney: There are just days when I get Whitney Houston songs stuck in my head and today was one of those.  First it was I'm Your Baby Tonight, and then it was So Emotional.  Then all of a sudden I've got Where Do Broken Hearts Go followed by My Name is Not Susan.  I miss the old Whitney - you know, the one who was not strung out or married to a crazy man.  I hate that someone with such a pure talent could waste it all the way she has.  I still love to hear her sing and some of her earlier stuff is still the best out there.

Sleepy!  I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open past 10:00 pm these days!  Today is no exception, and I'm trying to finish this post while watching the end of the BCS championship game (though it looks like a one-sided affair with the Crimson Tide rolling over LSU).  I'm trying to track these sleepy spells that have started to hit me - I have to be careful as this could be a sign that my medication for my thyroid hormones isn't working correctly.  Or it could just mean I'm tired. :-)

Day 110: 12/30/11 - "Love and Addiction"

"Put on your bad self
get out your party dress and
fix up your makeup
try to make a good impression"

-"Love and Addiction" by The Counting Crows

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: I feel like I'm losing ground on some of the good things that I've accomplished lately.  I actually stayed in bed for a full nine hours today, but instead of awaking rested, I was tired for the rest of the day with a headache.  I even took a nap in the afternoon due to my fatigue.  Later, it was like pulling teeth to get myself to go out for a walk and it took me nearly 30 minutes longer than it should have to complete a two mile walk.  I'll have to watch this to see if this is a result of my medication (though my numbers were good the last time they were checked), or if its just the fact that the New Year is bearing down on me.

Runner Girl: Tomorrow I hope to run 8 miles.  I'm trying to hydrate today so that I won't get overly thirsty (a problem of mine).  If I can at least get to 7.5 miles like a few weeks ago, I'll be satisfied, but I definitely want to push myself while the weather is still good.  My knees are definitely hurting just thinking about the pounding they'll take tomorrow, but I also know that I need the exercise and I need to try to accomplish this!

WTF?  I'm starting to catalog the commercials I see that just don't make sense (and no, I don't just mean those that are designed to be funny - I'm talking about those where the premise makes no sense).  Take the latest corona commercial.  The first two that they did made absolute sense - your stuck on a plane for business travel, so you dream of being on a beach enjoying a beer.  You're part of the hustle and bustle of the working class in the city, so you dream of being on a beach enjoying a beer.  Your on a ski vacation..and you dream of being on a beach enjoying a beer???  WTF!  If you are on vacation and want to be on a beach, then take a beach vacation, not a ski vacation!

Day 109: 12/29/11 - "Everybody"

"Everybody, everybody wants to love

Everybody, everybody wants to be loved ..."

-"Everybody" by Ingrid Michaelson

Why Our Medical System Sucks: Today was another day at the doctor (which sucks because this is my holiday 'break' and I'd rather not spend my time in a doctor's office) and I was pissed off even before I got there.  I had to return a call from someone representing the "hospital" and she said she wanted to pre-register me.  I was confused since I had been to the office already.  She explained that the "cardiac clinic" was part of the hospital and my "procedure" was considered to be an out-patient one.  First of all, I was there for two non-invasive tests not "procedures" but they didn't seem to care about that.  Secondly, the clinic is still where my doctor is so why didn't they already have my information?  And to cap it off - "your part of the payment will be $480.00, would you like to pay for that now over the phone?"  My response?  "No."  I'm not giving them money for something they had not done yet and especially when my insurance hadn't had a chance to kick in yet.  They didn't even ask me about it when I got to the clinic, so I'll just wait for the bill to come in.

9: I watched the animated film "9" today and really liked it.  I visually found it appealing but what I really liked were the different themes and ideas they were able to convey with very few words.  Definitely not a kids' movie but a powerful movie nonetheless.  I was getting ready to watch my next DVD when I realized that it is a post-apocalyptic movie as well...and that my third one is as well.  I'm either in a strange mood or the movie makers are just feeling downright negative right now.

Day 99: 12/19/11 - "You Can Sleep While I Drive"

"Come on baby, let's get out of this town

I've got a full tank of gas with the top rolled down..."

-"You Can Sleep While I Drive" by Melissa Etheridge

Knitting: I realized that the first baby hat I finished might be too small so I decided to do a second one a little bigger in the hopes that even if it is too big the baby can grow into it.  I'm looking forward to mailing it off tomorrow!

Still Coughing: I hate it when my sinuses drain like this and I get a sore throat and coughing that just won't go away.  I don't have a fever or body aches.  Nothing is coming up when I cough, I just get a tickle in my throat and I have to fight the urge to cough every time I turn around.  I hope I can get through tomorrow without coughing all day (I have 3 doctor's appointments but none that could help me with my coughing!).

Day 97: 12/17/11 - "It Happens"

"Missed my alarm clock ringing

Woke up telephone screaming

Boss man singing his same old song

Drove in late about an hour

No cup of coffee no shower

Walk of shame with two different shoes on..."

-"It Happens" by Sugarland

Wardrobe Malfunction: I always know when I'm rushed or just having a bad day, because I always have issues with my wardrobe (likely due to the fact that I'm rushing or when I'm not focused on what I should be doing).  Today's wardrobe malfunction?  I put on mismatched shoes!  Luckily for me both of them were the same brand of running show.  The only major issues is that one of them is purplish/pink and the other is lime green/navy.  So anyone looking at my feet would likely notice, but from a distance I doubt it was too obvious.

Some People Should Bite Their Tongues!  I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to tell one particular person to "shut up before you say something else stupid, bigoted, or racist!"  Lately it seems like this person can only spout things that I find borderline offensive.  And I don't even think they realize it.  Just for the record, not all people of color go around looking for people who look just like them.  I don't roam the campus hunting for other black staff, students, or faculty to single out.  I also don't roam the campus looking for other tall women to compare myself too (though of course I do notice when I run into a tall woman - it never hurts to know where they get their shoes or clothes from!).  We all have opinions about things but there are better ways to share them (or times when you shouldn't share them at all).

No More Meds!  I had to avoid taking my OTC sinus medicine today - I woke up this morning just not feeling right and it took me a while to shake it off. I also had issues when I worked out and I know that I got tired more quickly working out today due to my slow start.  I'll just have to hope that my body can fight its way back to normal without the meds.  Now to get rid of this cough!

Day 95: 12/15/11 - "Foolish Games"

"Excuse me,

Guess I've mistaken you for somebody else

Somebody who gave a damn

Somebody more like myself..."

-"Foolish Games" by Jewel

Colds Suck!  Enough said...

Funny How Some Fires Get Lit:  I always find it very interesting when I try to get things done and certain people keep pouring water on my starter fire, making me start over from scratch.  But when they have something they want done (no matter the impetus), they somehow manage to find a way to light the biggest, brightest fire every seen!  And of course my little fire gets engulfed into theirs and I'm left with nothing but ashes.  Oh well, c'est la vie!

Open House...Open Doors...Missed Point?  We hosted our first commencement open house today and thought all of our cookies and most of our drinks went quickly, it was the students who took everything and not the guests we had intended it for (though we had already predicted that would happen).  We hope that we'll get better action on Saturday when the full commencement takes place.  Never hurts to try, right?