Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Something to think about
Thursday, July 20, 2006
sepia
Boo! Yes it is I staring you down. Right now. Looking at you as you read the garbage that is pouring off of my fingertips right now!
Monday, July 17, 2006
In other news. . . .
On a blanket from Taiwan
not to be used as protection from a tornado
On a helmet-mounted mirror used by us cyclists
remember objects in the mirror are actually behind you
On a Taiwanese shampoo
use repeatedly for severe damage
On the bottle-top of a flavoured milk drink in Britain
after opening keep upright
On a New Zealand insect spray
this product not tested on animals
On a bag of crisps
you could be a winner no purchase necessary details inside
On a Korean kitchen knife
warning keep out of children
On a string of Chinese-made christmas lights
for indoor or outdoor use only
On a Japanese food processor
not to be used for the other use
On Sainsbury's peanuts
warning - contains nuts
On a Swedish chainsaw
do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals
On a Superman costume
wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly
On a hotel shower cap box
fits one head
In US guide to setting up a new computer
avoid condensation forming allow boxes warm up to room temperature before opening (the instruction was inside the box
On a Japanese product used to relieve painful hemorrhoids
lie down on bed and insert slowly up to the projected portion like a sword-guard into anal duct while inserting poscool for approximately 5 minutes keep quiet
In some countries, on the bottom of Coke bottles
open other end
On a packet of Sunmaid raisins
why not try tossing over your favourite breakfast cereal
On a Sears hairdryer
do not use while sleeping
On a bar of Dial soap
directions - use like regular soap
On Tesco's tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom of the box)
do not turn upside down
On Marks & Spencer bread pudding
product will be hot after heating
On a packet of airline nuts
instructions open packet eat nuts
On some frozen dinners
serving suggestion defrost
On packaging for an iron
do not iron clothes on body
On a packet of frozen bread pudding
product will be hot after heating
On Boot's children's cough medicine
do not drive car or operate machinery
On nightly sleep aid
warning may cause drowsiness
Sunday, July 16, 2006
The guilty list
I found an entry in blog called, Sprigs. The author has made a list about all the things that she is guilty about and it REALLY got me thinking. I am a woman of guilt. After reading the list in the Sprigs blog I couldn't believe how many of her guilts were similar to mine. I'm not going to spend time writing about all the things I feel guilty about (and there are a lot) but I want to think about why I, and I guess, women in general, feel so guilty about things. Things that really we shouldn't even feel guilty for.
For instance, when I began looking for a new job while working in family literacy and I got that new job, I felt a horrible sense of guilt when my co workers did not have jobs upon being laid off. Feeling empathetic is one thing, but I felt down right guilty. I shouldn't have. We all had the same information at the same time. We all knew that the program would most likely be closed. Yet, I was one of the few staff who decided to do something with that information. When I had a job lined up (one that I was VERY excited to start, mind you) and my co workers did not I felt aweful that I was going to be okay and they were very likely going to be spending the rest of the summer struggeling financially if they didn't find something soon.
So I ask all of you who feel guilty--why do you? What can you do to let go of so much guilt? And, if you don't feel guilty about things--how do you keep yourself from feeling guilty?
For instance, when I began looking for a new job while working in family literacy and I got that new job, I felt a horrible sense of guilt when my co workers did not have jobs upon being laid off. Feeling empathetic is one thing, but I felt down right guilty. I shouldn't have. We all had the same information at the same time. We all knew that the program would most likely be closed. Yet, I was one of the few staff who decided to do something with that information. When I had a job lined up (one that I was VERY excited to start, mind you) and my co workers did not I felt aweful that I was going to be okay and they were very likely going to be spending the rest of the summer struggeling financially if they didn't find something soon.
So I ask all of you who feel guilty--why do you? What can you do to let go of so much guilt? And, if you don't feel guilty about things--how do you keep yourself from feeling guilty?
Thursday, July 13, 2006
My knee and FREAKIN' Lyme disease or what ever is wrong with me
Okay. . .so I am having my knee flare up and it sucks. My current flare-up began on vacation--so right now I am at two weeks of a stiff and swollen knee, with varied severity. Yesterday was the worst--today I took the day off to elevate and ice, but mainly I just took the day off because my job requires lots of bending, stooping, lifting, etc. So I guess my frustration is that I am no where different than I was a year ago, two years ago or three years ago. My knee swells and gets stiff. By the time the dr. can get me in the swelling goes away. MRI's, X-Rays and a barrage of tests ranging from Lyme to the B-what-ever -it-is thing. . . .all come up clean. Everything comes up clean. I am suppposed to be well but I am not. . . . . . . . . . .
Here are past blogs documenting my knee issues. Most current vents to oldest.
Friday, December 09, 2005
The Rheumatologist. . . . . Current mood: determined
Today was a VERY interesting day at the Rheumatologist and my head is spinning. I say that I am determined because I am determined to get the bottom of what is happing to ME. I got a lot of blood work done today and my aspirated (which is a good thing even though it's uncomfortable). I have very mixed feelings about my visit with the dr. He does not feel that I am having lyme problems because my issues with my knee actually stem back further than when I was first diagnosed with LYME. So . . you all may be wondering why this is a surprise to me . .well the knee issues stemmed back to middle school and early high school. I don't really remember the issue (I had A LOT of other things going on at that time. . my knees where the LAST things on my mind) but the dr. had the medical records from when I was still under my parent's insurance (I just happened to get a rheumatologist in my previous clinic). It was the same knee with the same issue . . at least 3 1/2 years before I was ever diagnosed with LYME. Very odd. Anyway, I am open to anything at this point. The Dr. actually thinks that I have some genetic disorder that is related to arthritis(something called B-27 or something like that)because I have not responded to any of my previous anti-inflammatories and only one knee is affected. Time will tell. He did order a Lyme test among other things when my blood was drawn. Anyway. . .after my LONG day at the dr I treated myself to some time at the spa. :-)
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Still puffy and swollen. . . Current mood: blah
Today I officially started some of my new supplement regimine. Besides my multivitamin, I'm now taking some Omega 3's and Cat's Claw. Both are to help combat inflammation. I'll also be adding some anti-oxidents, primrose oil, magnesium, and b-complex. I'm not sure yet about the magnesium or b-complex because most multivitamins contain these. . not sure if I'll be adding to much into my diet. If any of you readers know, drop me a line okay? :-)
Saturday, November 26, 2005
swollen and puffy 2 Current mood: bored
Well David is taking a nap and I'm, once again, "puffy and swollen." My knee is hurting again. I started some of my supplement regimine today. I still have to get Samento, Magnesium, an Anti-oxidant, and a B-complex. Today has just been spent relaxing and being lazy. I did get to the gym for a VERY slow walk and some weight lifting. . .hope the swelling in my knee goes down before Monday.
Monday, November 14, 2005
puffy and swollen . . . Current mood: frustrated
I guess frustrated is the best description tonight. To go along with my pal, michael,'s self rating system. . .tonight I am a 3 (0 the worst and 10 best). My left knee is very puffy, hot and swollen.
I have been tired and cranky since last week--with the swelling really starting on Saturday. I have had difficulty walking today and I am taking off of work tomorrow so that I can be rested enough for wednesday (with, hopefully, minimal swelling).
Stupid, stupid lyme disease. Glad that I'm seeing the rheumatoid specialist next month. I hope I can get a referral to a lyme specialist.
Old Lyme support group posts. . . . .
Posted: Mar 31, 2005 9:01 PM
Hi Guys. I'm Rachael and I wanted to share my Lyme's story too. I used to teach riding lessons at a camp in Madison wi. One summer, I got very sick towards the end of camp and had a large unexplainable rash on my stomache. I didn't think anything of it as the days grew on. . I just thought I had a cold or something. This was about 7 years ago. Fastforward one year. . .I have unexplainable swelling in my left knee. We're talking huge swelling here. I get x-rays, I get MRI's, I see orthapedic doctors. . . nothing shows up anywhere. Finally a dr asks me about lymes and then proceeds to prescribe only two weeks worth of antibiotic. . .all seems well after this. I return to college. I begin to get sick again. More knee swelling, flu-like symptoms, fatigue. . . I go back to the doctor. The first thing he asks me is if I think I'm pregnant!!!! I was sooo pissed. Anyway he runs another lymes test and tells me it's negative and that this is all in my head. I knew my body and I knew that this was not in my head. I went that whole year with lots of leg swelling and being sick all the time. Fast forward one more year. . . .I was really sick that whole school year--lots of fatigue, missing classes, lots of leg swelling. Finally my roommate takes a reluctant me to the emergency room because my leg is so swollen I cannot remove my pants. I ended up getting 100 cc of fluid removed from my knee and getting a lyme test that comes up positive. I get put on a month of antibiotics and still continue to have swelling and fatigue. Finally I get prescribed Rocephen, IV antibiotic. I went to the hospital every day for three weeks and had antibiotics pumped into me for an hour. I'm told that I should be fine after this. A year later, I have unusually swelling again and go through another round of x-rays and MRI's with the doctors insisting that there is no way I should test anywhere remotely positive for lyme with the amount of antibiotics that I have had. . .but low and behold I did. I was put on another month of antibiotics and have not had too many problems since. I am still tired alot, but I am trying hard to combat that with exercise and diet. I do have some occassional knee swelling, but not enough that I am willing to go back to the doctor. Any way--I wanted to share my story. Good luck to both of you!
Converstation between a friend and I
Posted: Sep 23, 2005 8:38 PM
I had to reply to you! I have chronic lymes too. . it doesn't sound that like I have had the magnitude of issues that you have had. . .mine is ONLY centered around my left knee--which swells to the point of not being able to bend my leg and walk. I am VERY active--which I think has really helped. I am going to see a rheumatoid specialist in a few weeks. . . .hopefully he will have some ideas for me.
Posted: Sep 25, 2005 3:36 AM
Have you continued therapy for the Lyme? Has it been difficult to get the proper diagnosis and get the support you needed to keep active?-- Mike
Posted: Sep 25, 2005 1:15 PM
I have not continued anitbiotic use because I was told that antibiotics are not helpful at this point. I am currently seeking the help of a rheumatoid specialist.
Posted: Sep 25, 2005 7:22 PM
Was it a Lyme specialist who suggested you end the treatment? -- Mike
Posted: Sep 26, 2005 7:34 PM
No. My last dr. has been a orthopedic surgeon. As I have said--I don't have quite the extent of chronic issues that you are having. . . I have flare ups maybe 1 or 2x a year for about a month at a time and that is about it. I am hoping the rheumatoid specialist will have some ideas and if not, perhaps a referral to a lyme's specialist near my state. Although the incidence is increasing dr's aren't particularly educated about LYME here. Most likely the rheumatoid specialist will provide me with a referal (I hope) to see a lyme specialist. . . .we'll see!
Here are past blogs documenting my knee issues. Most current vents to oldest.
Friday, December 09, 2005
The Rheumatologist. . . . . Current mood: determined
Today was a VERY interesting day at the Rheumatologist and my head is spinning. I say that I am determined because I am determined to get the bottom of what is happing to ME. I got a lot of blood work done today and my aspirated (which is a good thing even though it's uncomfortable). I have very mixed feelings about my visit with the dr. He does not feel that I am having lyme problems because my issues with my knee actually stem back further than when I was first diagnosed with LYME. So . . you all may be wondering why this is a surprise to me . .well the knee issues stemmed back to middle school and early high school. I don't really remember the issue (I had A LOT of other things going on at that time. . my knees where the LAST things on my mind) but the dr. had the medical records from when I was still under my parent's insurance (I just happened to get a rheumatologist in my previous clinic). It was the same knee with the same issue . . at least 3 1/2 years before I was ever diagnosed with LYME. Very odd. Anyway, I am open to anything at this point. The Dr. actually thinks that I have some genetic disorder that is related to arthritis(something called B-27 or something like that)because I have not responded to any of my previous anti-inflammatories and only one knee is affected. Time will tell. He did order a Lyme test among other things when my blood was drawn. Anyway. . .after my LONG day at the dr I treated myself to some time at the spa. :-)
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Still puffy and swollen. . . Current mood: blah
Today I officially started some of my new supplement regimine. Besides my multivitamin, I'm now taking some Omega 3's and Cat's Claw. Both are to help combat inflammation. I'll also be adding some anti-oxidents, primrose oil, magnesium, and b-complex. I'm not sure yet about the magnesium or b-complex because most multivitamins contain these. . not sure if I'll be adding to much into my diet. If any of you readers know, drop me a line okay? :-)
Saturday, November 26, 2005
swollen and puffy 2 Current mood: bored
Well David is taking a nap and I'm, once again, "puffy and swollen." My knee is hurting again. I started some of my supplement regimine today. I still have to get Samento, Magnesium, an Anti-oxidant, and a B-complex. Today has just been spent relaxing and being lazy. I did get to the gym for a VERY slow walk and some weight lifting. . .hope the swelling in my knee goes down before Monday.
Monday, November 14, 2005
puffy and swollen . . . Current mood: frustrated
I guess frustrated is the best description tonight. To go along with my pal, michael,'s self rating system. . .tonight I am a 3 (0 the worst and 10 best). My left knee is very puffy, hot and swollen.
I have been tired and cranky since last week--with the swelling really starting on Saturday. I have had difficulty walking today and I am taking off of work tomorrow so that I can be rested enough for wednesday (with, hopefully, minimal swelling).
Stupid, stupid lyme disease. Glad that I'm seeing the rheumatoid specialist next month. I hope I can get a referral to a lyme specialist.
Old Lyme support group posts. . . . .
Posted: Mar 31, 2005 9:01 PM
Hi Guys. I'm Rachael and I wanted to share my Lyme's story too. I used to teach riding lessons at a camp in Madison wi. One summer, I got very sick towards the end of camp and had a large unexplainable rash on my stomache. I didn't think anything of it as the days grew on. . I just thought I had a cold or something. This was about 7 years ago. Fastforward one year. . .I have unexplainable swelling in my left knee. We're talking huge swelling here. I get x-rays, I get MRI's, I see orthapedic doctors. . . nothing shows up anywhere. Finally a dr asks me about lymes and then proceeds to prescribe only two weeks worth of antibiotic. . .all seems well after this. I return to college. I begin to get sick again. More knee swelling, flu-like symptoms, fatigue. . . I go back to the doctor. The first thing he asks me is if I think I'm pregnant!!!! I was sooo pissed. Anyway he runs another lymes test and tells me it's negative and that this is all in my head. I knew my body and I knew that this was not in my head. I went that whole year with lots of leg swelling and being sick all the time. Fast forward one more year. . . .I was really sick that whole school year--lots of fatigue, missing classes, lots of leg swelling. Finally my roommate takes a reluctant me to the emergency room because my leg is so swollen I cannot remove my pants. I ended up getting 100 cc of fluid removed from my knee and getting a lyme test that comes up positive. I get put on a month of antibiotics and still continue to have swelling and fatigue. Finally I get prescribed Rocephen, IV antibiotic. I went to the hospital every day for three weeks and had antibiotics pumped into me for an hour. I'm told that I should be fine after this. A year later, I have unusually swelling again and go through another round of x-rays and MRI's with the doctors insisting that there is no way I should test anywhere remotely positive for lyme with the amount of antibiotics that I have had. . .but low and behold I did. I was put on another month of antibiotics and have not had too many problems since. I am still tired alot, but I am trying hard to combat that with exercise and diet. I do have some occassional knee swelling, but not enough that I am willing to go back to the doctor. Any way--I wanted to share my story. Good luck to both of you!
Converstation between a friend and I
Posted: Sep 23, 2005 8:38 PM
I had to reply to you! I have chronic lymes too. . it doesn't sound that like I have had the magnitude of issues that you have had. . .mine is ONLY centered around my left knee--which swells to the point of not being able to bend my leg and walk. I am VERY active--which I think has really helped. I am going to see a rheumatoid specialist in a few weeks. . . .hopefully he will have some ideas for me.
Posted: Sep 25, 2005 3:36 AM
Have you continued therapy for the Lyme? Has it been difficult to get the proper diagnosis and get the support you needed to keep active?-- Mike
Posted: Sep 25, 2005 1:15 PM
I have not continued anitbiotic use because I was told that antibiotics are not helpful at this point. I am currently seeking the help of a rheumatoid specialist.
Posted: Sep 25, 2005 7:22 PM
Was it a Lyme specialist who suggested you end the treatment? -- Mike
Posted: Sep 26, 2005 7:34 PM
No. My last dr. has been a orthopedic surgeon. As I have said--I don't have quite the extent of chronic issues that you are having. . . I have flare ups maybe 1 or 2x a year for about a month at a time and that is about it. I am hoping the rheumatoid specialist will have some ideas and if not, perhaps a referral to a lyme's specialist near my state. Although the incidence is increasing dr's aren't particularly educated about LYME here. Most likely the rheumatoid specialist will provide me with a referal (I hope) to see a lyme specialist. . . .we'll see!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
The Whole Nine Yards
So there is all of Tom's. Yes, I'm obsessed. Ridculously obsessed. I mean, it's a freaking bar!!!!!
So what else is new in my neck of the woods (besides my weird obsession with the Tom's cafe)? Not too much. Left knee is acting all crazy again. Swollen. Not swollen. Swollen. Not swollen. Nothing in particular seems to trigger it. It just seems to happen. Of course, I am still convinced that this is my residual effect from Lyme disease. The rheumatologist begs to differ and my orthopedic surgeon agrees with me. The point--it's called practicing medicine for a reason. So this week I'm in a bit of pain and not getting around how a 28 year-old gal should, but over all I'm well.
Work is well. My clients are wonderful. Sometimes I get frustrated with their parents, but I have to step back and remember that I have NO idea how it must be in their situation. I can go home. I have rough moments in sessions and they can have rough days or weeks. I have the luxury of having the fun and then leaving and they do not. So--when I am frustrated I have to remember why parents may make the requests they do. They have the best interest of their child in mind and I am merely a person who can assist them in that journey.
As work continues to go better, I have begun thinking about private consulting and how long I need to be in the business I am in before I can branch out on my own. And then. . . . how do I branch out on my own? How do I get clients? What do I charge for services? Ugh--I need a mentor!
So what else is new in my neck of the woods (besides my weird obsession with the Tom's cafe)? Not too much. Left knee is acting all crazy again. Swollen. Not swollen. Swollen. Not swollen. Nothing in particular seems to trigger it. It just seems to happen. Of course, I am still convinced that this is my residual effect from Lyme disease. The rheumatologist begs to differ and my orthopedic surgeon agrees with me. The point--it's called practicing medicine for a reason. So this week I'm in a bit of pain and not getting around how a 28 year-old gal should, but over all I'm well.
Work is well. My clients are wonderful. Sometimes I get frustrated with their parents, but I have to step back and remember that I have NO idea how it must be in their situation. I can go home. I have rough moments in sessions and they can have rough days or weeks. I have the luxury of having the fun and then leaving and they do not. So--when I am frustrated I have to remember why parents may make the requests they do. They have the best interest of their child in mind and I am merely a person who can assist them in that journey.
As work continues to go better, I have begun thinking about private consulting and how long I need to be in the business I am in before I can branch out on my own. And then. . . . how do I branch out on my own? How do I get clients? What do I charge for services? Ugh--I need a mentor!
More Tom's Cafe
Here's the thing about Tom's. The whole thing is a work of art. Yes--basically it is a burned down buidling with a flatbed truck and a tarp on it. But--there is STUFF all over the building. Writing, painting, sculpture. The place is just neat. I couldn't help but stop, stare, and then start clicking photos.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Tom's Burned Down Cafe
Part of my vacation was trip to Madeline Island, a small island that is part of the Apostle Islands in WI. You would think that my visit to Madeline Island would consist of a trip the State Park or Museum. . .but, alas, no. The highlight of my trip there was checking out, and taking several photos of Tom's Burned Down Cafe. This was, by far, the most amusing restaurant I have EVER seen. The next several photos are of the Cafe or other sights on the Island or on my ferry ride to the Island.
Madeline Island Photo
This is the beach that I photographed the drift wood on. Two sail boats went cruising by. . . okay well they didn't really cruise more like they glided by. Madeline Island was proably the best part of staying in the Bayfield, WI
area. After our stay there, we moved on to Superior and Duluth, WI. I didn't take those photo with my digi, so it will be awhile before they end up here!
area. After our stay there, we moved on to Superior and Duluth, WI. I didn't take those photo with my digi, so it will be awhile before they end up here!
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Drifting a long. . . . .
While on Madeline Island, I felt compelled to photograph everything I could! We saw this piece of drift wood when we found a little beach-side park. David dropped his pants, took his boots and shirt off, and then waded in the water. He said it was too cold to swim and laughed at me while I took photos of drift wood and more boats.
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