Birthday fun and puffy knees!

Well, my knee is on it's way to puffiness, I have the meeting with the Rheumatologist on Monday, and Tuesday is my 29th birthday!

I'm pretty darn excited about my birthday. I'm not really sure why except that I'm just in a good place in my life right now (except for that puffy knee business!).

I'm not sure what I'm going to do for my birthday. . . but I know I'm going to do SOMETHING fun, just for me. I bought myself an Arcadia patent leather handbag that I've been lusting after. . . but I'm not sure what I'm going to do when I get done with work that night. Any ideas (I'm not a big bar hopper)???

The ten year reunion

Well--I had my 10 year high school reunion on Saturday. It was surprisingly good. I didn't get a chance to chat with everyone that I wanted to--David and I were heading to his Mom's for dinner. I did get to see some key folks that I wanted to though. There were many people who seemed the same and nothing to say to me. That's sad because I feel like I am different person than I was then. I was hoping they would be too. There were others who never spoke to me in high school but took time to chat with me. That was nice. It was interesting to see how people had changed. There were so many folks who I didn't recognize and there were others who looked exactly the same as they did back then. The biggest surprise was how many of my classmates were already divorced and married more than once. David and I keep plugging on in our very non-traditional way. We have been together for a little over ten years, living together for a little over two years, and have no immediate plans to get married. We talk very little about marriage and have come to the conclusion that we are just fine (despite what everyone else seems to think) just the way we are. Things are good in David and Rachael land (except that David is VERY unhappy in his job).

Let the Puffiness Ensue!!!!!

Well, my left knee is at it again! Yesterday morning stiffness set in, by late evening I had some very mild swelling, and this morning I'm walkin' funny! I'm putting ice on like crazy. I do not want another week of NOT being able to walk at all.

Life can be a little hazy!

Well I feel like I have been walking around in a haze these past few weeks. Not because I'm numb with stress but because I'm actually able to relax and deflate at night. I'm not falling asleep fretting about the day and all the things I didn't get done. I close my office door, get in my car, take my name badge off and away I go!

Maybe haze isn't the right word. I just know that I'm not so amped up all the time. I'm more go with the flow. I feel more centered--even when my days are stressful (and I do have those, but not in the same sense that I used to).

So far so good!

Well--I just finished up my first month with Headstart. So far, so good. I do have a staffing issue that I need to deal with, but I welcome the challenge!

1139!!!!!!!!!!!

toothpastefordinner.com

Wow--my map has been viewed 1139 times. Only four people (not including ME) have registered with frappr so that leaves me curious. WHO are these people? Are they any of the people who comment on my blog? Will they comment NOW that they know I'm paying attention? There are people looking at my blog all over the world. What brought them here? Was it by accident? Did they related to anything I have written? I am inquiring mind and boy do I want to know!!!!!!

Are you REALLY happy for me? Or just pretending?

Okay-- so I know that I already posted  blog today.  Two is going a little overboard I suppose, but this was just a completely different topic than my other one. . . . . . it deserved it's OWN blog!

Anyhoo. . . I was watcing Dr. Kieth since I was home all day.  The topic was about people who have lost weight and those around them having a tough time with it.  I just don't get it.

  Why can't people just be happy for others?  What is with all the negativity?  "So n so is stuck up now."  "So n so cares about what she eats now."  I couldn't believe it when I saw this show.  This woman lost approximately 100 lbs.  She did it with a surgery, but her health was in danger here.  Her family should have been HAPPY for her.  

Okay. . .I will get off my soap box now!  ;-) Back to the couch I go!

Not Again!

Well--I'm going on day 2 of puffy and swollen round-who-knows-because I've lost count. I called in to make an appointment with a different rheumatologist because I'm not happy with the one I'm currently seeing. I want a better answer than, "I don't know what's wrong with you." Anyhoo--I'll be posting photos of the swollen knee sometime this week that I took yesterday. Today I spent almost the entire day on the couch with my leg up and ice on it (I have swelling paired with heat. I've been told that is NOT a good thing) but no avail--I'm still puffy as of 10:00 PM tonight. It looks like I'll probably have to stay home tomorrow. . . because YOU tell ME how I'm supposed to chase around 10 three-year-olds when I am havin a tough time standing up!!!!!

I LOVE FREE WI-FI

Okay, Wausauites, hop on here and add the free wi-fi spots for the Wausau area! I know where a few are, but I think I might be missing some!!! Anyhoo. . . not too much happening this week. I have had an interesting couple of weeks with the new job, primarily because there is a five-year-0ld in my class that says to me on a daily basis, "**uck you! You're a **itch!!!!!" All the while kicking, spitting, and trying to bite me. This is NOT a child with any type of disability, this is a child in a HORRIBLE home situation. It's so sad. To make things worse, I will ONLY get him for two more weeks so the amount of progress I will be able to make in his behavior will be pretty minimal. It takes about 30 days to change any sort of behavior and this is usually when there is consistency in the process. My heart just breaks for the kids like this. I know that I will see more of them because of the program that I work in, but it STILL breaks my heart.

A random somebody noticed!!!!

So--I'm in the Barnes and Noble cafe tonight and the barista pulls me aside after I order. I'm thinking--oh no--I'm gonna get yelled at for not returning my magazines to the rack or something. But, she looks at me, smiles, and says, "you lost a LOT of (emphasis on the LOT) of weight didn't you." I'm not sure at this point, weather I'm supposed to be annoyed or proud. I'm proud because she is the FIRST random person to make any sort of comment about my weightloss. I'm not sure if people are afraid to say something of if people just haven't noticed. For those of you who have NOT noticed, I have lost 25 lbs at this point. Anyhoo. . . . .she wanted to know what I did and how I was doing it (weight watchers for those of you who wonder). I shared when I go to meetings and she told me she was going to join. She said I'm doing a really good job and it made her want to do something about her weight. I'm proud to know that someone felt motivated by what I've accomplished. I hope that I can continue to make myself just as proud and not need the comments from someone else to feel proud!!!!

The Mysterious Act of Self-Annointing Round 2

Well, tonight it happened again! Cringer started self annointing (sorry no photos of her doing it-maybe next time!) when I sprayed some of my orange room spray from Gold Cayon Candle. Either Cringer really likes the smell of oranges or it is new to her! ;-) Very cute. I hope I get a photo next time!

Could YOU say no to that cute little face?

Well--we're going on week three with Cringer in our home. So far things have been going well. I was able to clip toe nails on three feet. The fourth foot is going to be a little tricky. It' her short leg. She broke one of her legs long before she came into my life. It's sort of crooked and shorter than the other legs. I can single out all of her other legs to clip nails when she starts to ball up that short leg just disappears! I'm going to try again this weekend, but it I can't do it. . .well off to the vet we go!

I also caught Cringer in the mysterious act of annointing today after I put her freshly washed igloo cover back in her cage. I was so excited that I ended up yelling and scaring her. She ran into the igloo before I could catch it on video.

It's official--I'm a geek!

Well folks, it's official. I knew I was a geek before, but now I REALLY am questioning myself. I made Cringer a facebook page! I'm not sure if that makes me a big geek or just totally pathetic!!!

I am so excited!

This week at work I was asked if I'd like to give a presentation at a conference about getting parents involved in their children's literacy development! I have never presented at a conference, so I'm both excited and nervous! I have until Mid-October to prepare!!! Wish me luck everyone!!!

Week 1

S0, this was my first week being away from BBA. It has been FABULOUS! First off, I am home by 5pm. I haven't been home, let alone done with work, by 5pm in a VERY long time. Second, I do not have to do work at home, which has been a real blessing! My class has had VERY low numbers (I had 4 at the most this week), so I have been able to really get to know the kids and give them individual attention. It has been helpful also that I am able to spend a lot of time focusing on learning specific Headstart policies and procedures (there are MANY). I have also been spending some time really trying to learn the curriculum that I will use at Headstart, Creative Curriculum. I've had time to actually meet with some friends this week and cook dinner!!!!! I am missing some of my old team members and I hope that we will REALLY stay in contact. I also am wondering how my old clients are doing this week. Finally, I've been able to get to know and enjoy time with my new Hedgehog, Cringer.

The Moaning Meme

I got tagged by the super duper Uncivil!

FIVE people who will be annoyed you tagged them. (It is by no means limited to only them!)
Greggles
Liz
Bill
Mandy
Miss Dee Lovely

Be part of something new - Spread some moans!)

FOUR things that should go into room 101 and be removed from the face of the earth.
1) people who are NEGATIVE all the time (we're all negative SOMETIMES) I'm talking about those people who ALWAYS have something to complain about . . . . . . .
2) slow computers
3) the entire payday loan industry
4) anyone who abuses a child or animal (I'm going to have agree with Uncivil on that one)

THREE things people do that make you want to shake them violently.
1) leaving children (or animals) in a car unattended
2) Tailgaiting
3) Constant moaning/whining

TWO things you find yourself moaning about.
1) Bitchy people
2)
(sorry--I only have one right now. . .I'm sort of on clound nine this week)

ONE thing the above answers tell you about yourself.
That I'm postive to the point that it is probably a fault.

RULES• Link to the original meme at freelancecynic.com so people know what it's all about!
• Be as honest as possible. This is about letting people get to know the real you!
• Try not to insult anyone - unless they really deserve it or are very, very ugly!
• Post these rules at the end of every meme!

Introducing--Cringer!

Well, everyone, Cringer has arrived! She is one cute little hedgie! At this point, she is a little crabby, or what hedgie owners call "huffy." I'll have to make a recording of what "huffy" sounds like. It sounds quite silly even though it's meant to let others know she is NOT a happy girl!

Say hello to my little friend!

Grimm and Reaper 2

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Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so freakin excited!!! It could be this coming week or NEXT Sunday that I get to pick up
Cringer,the retired mama I am adopting. She is a CUTIE! Three is getting old for a hedgie, but she has had good care so I could have her for a few years before her health begins to decline. I'm thinkig of investing in some VPI (pet insurance). What do you guys think? Good idea or waste of money?

The swelling, the swelling

Well, the evil puffy knee fairy has struck again! My left knee began to hurt on Saturday (i do not usually have pain) and by today there is moderate swelling. Walking is challenging but not completely out at this point. The swelling is accompanied by heat on the top and to the side of my knee (this is typical of my flare ups).

10 year class reunion

It's official. I am undetectable. I was unable to be located so that an invitation could be sent to me for my class reunion! A classmate's wife found me on Myspace and sent me a nice little note asking for my address so that she (a person, who has NO idea who I am), could get into the paws of the appropriate person, who also, probably don't know who I am! Okay, so I'm kidding there. I went to a VERY small school where I, think, most people grew up and moved away, so I'm not really too shocked that I was undetectable. I googled my name to find myself and found it was true. . . not too much going on in Rachael land. But---if you google my first and last name all mushed together--that is another story!

Here I am on
Flickr
I OFFER
Yahoo
Here
Hedgehog Freeshare
Coffee Message Board

Some family history

Click on that photo. Enlarge it. Read it carefully. That photo tells me where my Grandfather is burried in France. It's one of the many neat-o pieces of family history I was able to pick up while I was at my Dad's house this week. My Dad and Step-Mom, Ann, have decided to move from Rib Lake, WI to Rice Lake, WI. Because of this, Dad is downsizing. This means that I get to remove lots of things from the farm that I had long been avoiding moving, but it also means that I get to learn a little bit about who I am. I always knew that my Grandfather died in a war. I knew that he was a pilot and that he earned several medals. After I began sorting through the piles of things that I wanted to save for myself and the things that I want to ship to my brother, I really then began to learn the details about who my Grandfather was and where he spent his last years. The photos that follow are entries from his flight journal and a letter that was sent to my Grandmother after my Grandfather's death.



If you click on the journal and enlarge it, you can read exactly what Grandpa was doing on that particular day. This journal is one of the items that I have decided to mail to my brother. I scanned a few select pages into my computer and will mail the rest. It should be a treasured piece for him, he loves history--especially this period of time and the journal is in very good condition.



Here is another page from this flight journal. You will notice that the dates skip around. There were weeks where he did not write anything and then there were others where he went on and on like this particular week.



Here is the final page that I scanned in.



Here is the first page of the letter I scanned in. You'll have to click on it to enlarge it.




This is the second page of that same letter.

Some of the photos are cut off as posted in this blog, but if you click on them you'll see the full page and can read as you like.

Happy 4th of July

Well, I hope everyone is having a super-duper Fourth of July. Today it rained here in Wausau.

Finding Happiness

Take a minute to take a peek at this blog, The Joys of Autism!!!! You will love it!