The search for documents

Ahhh the joys of going and getting documents for the newly turned adult in the household. Had to prove she was born, and then she had to pay 22$ to the state to get a card to carry so she can be Identified as opposed to driving. She wants to drive but I think her dad will have to do the teaching. She makes me too nervous. And we still have graduation to get through and grad night which is a huge secret. No cell phones, no cameras, no purses. But they know it's not at the ESPN Zone where it has been for the last 3 years.

Someone got a pirated copy of POTC3, from where I don't know. Interesting. You have to wonder how it's done ? I don't know. But I have to say Geoffrey Rush is pretty cool. And why is Keira Knightley so orange ? I noticed that in the theater ( yes I paid and sat through the whole thing and didn't get up once).

Back to work tomorrow. I am going to make copies of all the documents that I have faxed so I have them in case I need to prove something. Sometimes CYA is the only way to be. And since my recheck med date was 4 June, I have seen the doctor two times and have another appointment in July. Of course it won't be much different. Same pain only more drained physcially and emotionally. Still no word on the referral. I guess I can only wait and hope. I have written two letters already and I think they are just thrown out.

That's all from this corner of the universe.... thanks for all the fish!

ciao.

Doritos X13-D or how did they synthesize a burger and catsup.

Hamburgers and pickles.. That is what they taste like. They are not too bad. I kind of like them. I submitted my anonymous choice. Why not? And lots of catsup. They are not too bad. I'd buy them again for giggles.

At least they are not as spicy as a radish though I know some radishes in person who are speecy spicy women. Don't know what I'm ranting about, check out : http://www.krisradish.com/index.html and you'll find out. A neat person to be sure.

Kid #1 went to Carls' and I black mailed him into getting me a combo. Want some zucchini and a big burger sans onions. We'll see if they get it right. Ha. Ha. Ha.

No word from the errant husband. Maybe he is winning, maybe not. I hope he has a good time. I've been reading and actually swifted the kitchen floor. IT was awful and no one else seems to care. But that aggravated my shoulder a little. So I took my meds and feel a little bit better now.

Kinda sorta having a hot flash. Haven't any reason other than taking the Motrin. Never knew Motrin could do that. Am also taking those itsy little aspirin now daily. Heart should thank me?

The mutts are playing outside and grring at each other. Strange dogs. But at least they like each other.

This is rambling. I need to stop.
Ciao.

SPF 50 works well

We went to Costco today and picked up a couple of beach chairs. I sat out in the postage stamp front yard after I slathered bullfrog on and read my books and listened to my Ipod. Got a little pink.

The errant husband is playing poker at the Hustler Casino. That was what he wanted for father's day. SO he took XXX amount of money and went. I hope he does well and has the brains to walk away if he wins a decent amount. He's been known not to. He doesn't have a lot of willpower. When we go to Vegas or Laughlin, I literally take all the credit cards and give him cash. When the cash is gone, he's done. We went one time and he was sure he could win at craps. If I hadn't have had money in my wallet for gas, we would not have got home and he was offended when I said I thought it was pretty crappy to go for my birthday and have him blow all the money on nothing.

Tomorrow I hav e to go to the clerks office at the courthouse and get my daughter's birth certificate. Then to DMV to get her an ID card. She doesn't drive so she needs an ID since she is technically an adult. I hope it goes well. Then we go to the mall and look for a couple of pairs of jeans for her and some camisoles for me to wear to work. She's off till graduation practice on Thursday morning.

Not much else happening. I am going to read my book and let my arm rest a while.

Ciao.

Well today.

WwW.SparkleTags.Com


Guess I'll be carless again tomorrow. Damn, I wanted to go grocery shopping and do a bunch of things. Maybe I'll be able to borrow my stepdad's car and get stuff done. I want to go to Costco and buy some meat and put it in the freezer, get a few things of frozen veggies and just get food in the house.

My #2 kid has her ticket to Chicago. She's leaving on the 1st and coming home on the 16th of July and on my days off so I can get her there and pick her up. It will be quiet around here if she isn't around. Well I'll be at work so it won't be that big of a deal. I am more concerned about standing in line at the checkpoint --- maybe it won't be so bad.

It's been an off/on pain day so I've taken the meds to help. I am not taking the Neurontin anymore, just made me sick. And the Celebrex doesn't go with my other meds. So it's back to the Vicodin and the Motrin. Makes you kind of sad when you can't get a referral to someone to help manage the pain.

And I have a question? I have an approved absence, documented and it's related to the injury-- it's an aggravation of the injury. I get paid by someone else and my department has all the paperwork in place. So I still have to call in every single day to report my absence. Except I forgot yesterday. I sent a fax to my department and said I hope I don't get an awol because I forgot to call in, since it's already an approved absence. WE shall see. Would I have to call in if I was severely injured or in the hospital? Probably so. This quasi military wannabe org. Oh well, things will work out.

I sent a refill request in online, but they have to contact the boy wonder's office to approve it. I should call and see if they did.

Letters need to be mailed. I will put them out for tomorrow. My neighbor is going on a 4 day cruise to Mexico. Lucky him.

Nothing else new and exciting on this corner of the planet.

Ciao.
- 30 -

Owwww

I was taking something out of the oven and somehow I managed to get a burn on my left forearm. It doesn't really hurt but it's raised the area under it. It's not peeling or anything but it does ache a little when I run my hand over it. I remember a sharp pain but then I didn't think anything of it. I was baking trader Joes tempura vegetables--- they are awesome by the way and when I pulled the pan out. Ouch.

We are waiting on something to be funded. It's like watching grass grow. The hoops have been jumped through and it's just the waiting. I can't say much else.

No change in the pain with the meds. Just weird odd dreams. I think I wake up more tired from all the activity in my dreams than in real life. Dosage goes up again tonight, I don't know if that will make a difference or now.

I have dutifully called in every day that I have been out. Wonder why they treat you as less than human? The absence is verified and supported. For craps sake, I am what they so wonderfully call light duty and I am there because I have an injury that occured at work and has not been cured and never will be.

I love it when people who have no clue as to what it means to have a tendon cut and attached to a bone that it should not be attached to tell me that I will regain my use and ability to lift. Walk in my shoes a day. I can't even lift a 7 lb bag of ice without severe pain. If you aren't bleeding and don't have any obvious sign of discomfort you are suspect. I met a guy who has 4 pins in his back and whose pain management doctor said no you do not belong at work--- not to mention he takes morphine tablets for his pain. It's a true comedy of errors. As long as I don't overdo hopefully I can return and do okay. But the question is, will they honor the restrictions that the doctor has placed on me? If not I will have to request some other kind of assignment. Like that will work?

Time for some mundane household chores that don't require much thought.

Ciao.

Attack of the sprinkler

Okay-- so we have these inground sprinklers that have a mind of their own. I haven't quite got the knack of getting out of the way because of the way the darn things are situated, I get soaked to the bones just trying to turn it on. Maybe I'll let it go at night and don't worry about it. But if I want to have my lilies look nice I guess it's the price you pay.


I started to watch Take the Lead last night and am finishing it this afternoon. A nice movie. I love to watch dancing. I can't do a simple waltz. God did not give me the gift of rythym. A curse of a white person I guess.



Time for some meds, a quiche from Trader Joes and some meditation for me.

ciao.

Sheesh again

I had to post those graphics so I can save them and send them to my ninja son. He thinks I am a silly mom to tease him like that.

And now I can do things like this!


I love my Packers.

Ignore this burst of energy. It's only temporary.

ciao.

ha?

for my son

Sunday Thinking

I like rainbows. I think it's still the promise that God gave Noah that makes me like them. Of course you need rain to have a rainbow and lately here we have had not a scant trace. I'd like a nice long day or two with rain and maybe a little thunder and lightning mixed in. A wish of course.

I am just in one of those strange moods. The wind is blowing outside, the dogs are trying like mad to get into the house but I don't want them to. Errant husband is downstairs. Exhausted daughter is sound asleep after her adventure at the prom and the son is at work.

Maybe I just need to go downstairs and read a book and not let the world in for a while.
Hmmm.
Sounds like a good idea.

CIao!

2.4 off Manhattan Beach

Just had an earthquake here. Felt like someone hit the house with a car. No shaking, just a bump but a good bump. Kinda odd. Dogs been acting hinky all day, guess they knew. Should pay attention to the dogs, eh?

Ciao!

Prom Day

Today my baby had her hair done up and her face put on, bought some fancy undies and a lovely gown and went to her senior prom. Do I feel old or do I feel old? Most of my friends have kids that are in college or married and my baby is graduating this year. She is so excited. She looked lovely today. She is a great kid though she is a friggin mess when it comes to her room.

Today the errant husband was in a mood. I wish I had somewhere to go and escape to. Even work would have been a relief. Work will come soon enough. I am trying the neurontin, slept like a log last night. Took my motrin and vicodin this afternoon and felt pretty good with that. I am hinky about neurontin but we shall see what the upped dose does tonight.

whoa i think we just had an earthquake. hmmmmmm.

ciao.

Don't make me......

Have you ever wondered what you would do if someone said to you:
" As far as I can tell from your job description, you don't need your arm to do it".
Yeah, I only point to exits, show people how to get places on maps and the like. Where's my can of Whoopass when I really need it?

Finally got some response from the doctor's office
(btw the doctor is the bright bulb who said that to me)
and I saw him again today. He is not happy that the referral to pain management has not been received. He's Rx Neurontin for me and we shall see what happens with that. I don't know at this point. Will try it tonight and see if it does any good. Right now my collarbone hurts like mad. Almost time for more meds.

Last night was the senior recognition concert. Went well. I cried. Tomorrow is prom. Time is flying.

So as it stands now I don't go back to work till the 19th. I hope the pain pills work and the Neurontin works. I am tired of being in pain.

Ciao.
-30-

What is so hard about returning a call from a patient?

OK it's been established that I have a significant problem with my shoulder. The thing hurts and hurts >8 on a scale of 1-10. It's been hurting and I have been off work. I called the doctor's office yesterday because I am supposed to go back today. Well the pain is off the chart. I asked them to return my call yesterday and and no call. I called again and said please call me and let me know if he approved an extra couple of days because I am miserable and I have to let my employer know if I am coming back. No return call. SO I call again today. Well he's out today. He wasn't out yesterday when I called. Do you understand the concept of pain? I am miserable. SO if they don't call by Noon I am going to go down there and holler. It hurts to lift my arm.

Other than that life is going on as normal. Kid goes to the prom this weekend. Sniffile.
Kid goes to Disneyland for senior excursion. Kid is tapping out the bank of Mom and Dad.

I just would like to throttle someone with regards to this shoulder. It is just unreal.

Rant over.
Ciao.

Day 3 of June Gloom

They aren't kidding when they say June Gloom. It got to a whopping 64
degrees here today. Inland it's warmer but who wants to live inland?

Have been doing the medicine bit but still hurt like a mofo. I am going to call the office tomorrow and see what he wants me to do? I hurt across the collarbone and into the joint. When I pull apart a chicken wing I always say sorry to the chicken because I know how badly the joint can hurt. I can't even stretch it out and pull it because it hurts so bad. I am wearing my Hely & Weber figure 8 brace because it makes me sit up a little straighter. That doesn't stop the pain though. It's actually called a clavicle splint to help with broken collarbones. For me it's to try to correct the posture, slumping and slouching be damned.


Kid #2 is downstairs with her friend, helping him create a power point presentation for his senior project. She told him she wished he had given her his essay before he turned it in because it was pretty bad. They'll come up with something good for the power point though. She's good like that. She did hers on the difference in films over the years--quality, acting, general relationships between characters and the like. A smart kid.

#1 kid came home from work and said there had been a disturbance at the store last night ( and this one that doesn't serve alcohol) and lots of machines were broken. He worked on all that he could and then they said okay, go home, see you Wednesday. So he's in his room with his friend doing gaming or something.

The errant husband, who worked all day yesterday and then came crawling up to bed >0230 because he fell asleep on the couch is out at his friends. He was in a bitching and crappy mood and that is not my fault. My fault is just being here sometimes.

Nothing else exciting or otherwise.

Ciao.
-30-

Action-- yes action

Came home early Tuesday in dire pain. Called doc and finally got a slot today to come in. Saw doc. Doc agreed with me. I said I can go back tomorrow, he said nope, at least a week off. So I go back Tuesday. Being referred to a pain mgmt doctor as soon as the DOL approves. I really need something to be done. Look up thoracic outlet syndrome-traumatic. That's what it is.

Did some shopping at Costco. Wanted to get printer ink but they stopped carrying the Epson cartridges that I need. So I went over to Office Depot, used my Star Teacher card and got their generics for less than it would have cost me at Costco. Good deal.

Used my stepdad's 88 Chevy wagon to get around. What a sled. Drives okay and it's not too bad on the arm. But it smells! Like poop. After I was done with the running around I came home and got the hot water machine going on my arm.

When husband came home we took Chevy back to parents, and then headed out to Walmart, 2 Walgreens and then home with dinner for the big kid. Little kid is at a movie under the stars tonight freezing her tuckus off. Water on sale at Walmart so that is a good thing. I got a sleeveless shirt to wear so I can use my water machine and not have to push up sleeves.

So no terminal observations for a couple of days. I need to get the arm simmered down. It really really hurts. The other night I had 2 glasses of wine and slept like a rock. Probably was a good thing. Today I came home and typed up a fax to the office with my doctors note as a followup, an email to HR with the progress report and doctor's note as information, and a letter to my case worker asking her to intervene with the agency that approves referrals so i can get some help. Funny thing, typing does not bother me. My arms are at my side. Of course I type with all the fingers on my left hand and only 2 on my right. Stranger than fiction, eh?

I am going to go to bed and read. My pooch is waiting for me. The husband is downstairs watching The Military Channel. Must be talking about guns again tonight.

Ciao!
-30-

Been kind of busy

Had an interesting week at work. Wasn't as busy as I would have thought for before a holiday but hey, at least it wasn't terribly dull. Saturday night a guy who was in the well had a full blown grand mal seizure. Scary. And I will bet you dollars to donuts that none of the sups or managers are CPR or first aid trained. Sure didn't seem like it.

Since today is my day off it didn't seem like much of a holiday. The stores were pretty much open, I had to take the kid to Office Depot and then I found out my printer needed a cartridge and I didn't have it in my stash. Crapola. Hopefully the husband will go to Costco tomorrow and buy the 4 pack.

Bought some ribeyes on sale this afternoon and grilled them the right way. After they came off the grill we let them sit for 5 minutes and then plated them. I also sliced 4 Vidalia onions (not nearly enough for this group) and sauteed them and added a touch of brown sugar to make them sweet. They were yummy. Add some corn on the cob and it's near perfection! And some White Zin and life is good.

Tomorrow it's back to work. Hopefully the week will go fast. As long as I am not stuck in the dungeon I will be okay. It gets so boring down there. At least at the bridge you can talk to people.



This is what I had done nearly a year ago. I can do some things which is good, but after a couple of nights of checking wheelchairs I have such pain that I have to take the big gun pain killers. The lump where the biceps was still aches, the top of the shoulder bone throbs and yet the doctor says there is nothing left surgically to do, Well what non surgical things can we do? I watch my posture, do lower body exercises and still hurt like an s-o-b. Nothing like residual pain a year later is there? And yet we have to suck it up and do the "job" we are posted too. Too bad the job irritates the muscles and causes us pain.

I can't think of much else exciting things to share==== Oh we did go see POTC-3 and it was good. Kind of long at 2h45m but it had some good moments.

Ciao.

- 30 -

Working Out a Plan

Well today I worked out. Used a bunch of machines for the lower body and then I rode the bike. I think I will do the bike more than anything else. But of course, without a car how do I get to the gym and home on days that I work? This too will work itself out.

I was so tired this morning. Didn't sleep well at all last night. Swing plays havoc with me. I will take something tonight so I can get to sleep before 0230.

Made brats for dinner tonight. Sauteed some onions in butter and then added some brown sugar. Added the beer and brought it to just below a simmer, and then added the brats. Brought them to just below a simmer and then let them sit and steam. The house smelled so good. Had the bbq lit and then threw them on, and voila, they cooked so fast. We also took the onion pieces out and put them in foil and bbqed them too. Next time I'll let them cook a little longer in the brown sugar before I add the beer. They were good. I did 15 brats and had 2, there are none left. The boys were hungry I guess. Didn't have any potatos so next time I make them I'll make German potato salad and I bet that there won't be any left overs of that either. Potatos and bacon, what more can you ask?

I've shrunk. They measured me at the gym. I'm 5'2" now. Where did that elusive extra inch go? I do need some decent work out shoes and some pants. I have a good top but I need pants. I will have to plan on that when I get another decent check.

Back to the grind tomorrow. I hope that it goes by fast this week. It certainly was busy on Saturday. But everyday is a new day and we shall see how it goes. I haven't had to work with the 2 women who dislike me. That's okay. Just because they think they have the job down pat. Oh hell, I have to find something else in the realm because sitting at an exit for 8 hours is dulling the brain.

So until the next time... I am outta here.

Ciao.

- 30 -

Random thoughts ---Sunday

I'm just enjoying today. Slept in. Didn't get to sleep till nearly 0200 last night. It was busy. I don't think the wheelchairs had a chance to cool down with all the people that were transported up to the entry area. I spent a lot of time asking people to stand back and keep the exit clear and to stand back and let the passengers get off the elevator before they started to board it.

Saw some good hootch get thrown away...Johnny Walker Blue Label. Can't take it on the airplane even if it's sealed. Gotta be in checked luggage. One guy went back downstairs and took his mescal and tequila that he bought on his cruise and checked the bag after double wrapping it in plastic bags. Hope it got to his location in one piece and no one from the airline decided to remove it when it got through bag check.

Tomorrow is gym day and then I am going to do some checking into other federal careers. Must be something out there for a middle aged woman who can't lift more than 5 lbs. I know there is, just have to be more aggressive about finding it.

ALso have to find out if Blue Cross will cover an eye exam for me. Then I get reimbursed from my Vision carrier. I have to get new glasses and frames.

No haircut this week. Will tough it out till the weekend and then go for it. It's getting ugly and I need it shorter. Quickly.



I am looking forward to next weekend. I AM going to see Pirates of the Caribbean 3. Gotta go, love the movies.

Well that's all for now.
Life goes on.

Ciao.
-30-

Say what? You want proof? I don't think so.

There's a new manager over our department. And let's just say, he's not making the best of impressions with anyone. He's been around but he's got his own ideas and how things are run HIS WAY. I put in for my kids graduation. It's annual leave and it's my privilege to use my annual days any way I please. He sends it back to our admin person saying show proof. I wrote an email to my HR person and said if he's asking for proof that I have the time, no biggie. But if he's asking for me to provide proof of my daughter's graduation he's full of shit....BIG TIME. That's none of his business. I asked the admin if I planned on taking my birthday off would I have to show a copy of my drivers' license? She said the way things are going, probably yes. That's against the law. So hopefully our HR person will set things on the right path.

Today is my Friday. I have a decent attitude but I really would like to stay home and take the dogs to the dog park, walk around the block and not be there. My oldest is sick, so the husband took him to the doctor. I have to be at work at 1430 bright and cheerful. Well at least bright. I bought some new socks for work so I can identify mine...they keep disappearing and the person who wears black socks to work probably has a stash. These have a mark on them so I know they are mine. Socks and underwear seem to wander away from my drawers, 2 different children but they are the culprits. ( I know it's not the dog).

The husband is bitchy. Pure and simple. I don't need or want that aggravation. Have enough at work.

Oh I saw someone semi famous last night. David Hasselhoff. Looked ghastly, came flying out the jetway on a flight from Vegas. He's not that handsome anymore. Maybe he needs to book a German tour to have some ego pumping.

Ciao.

-30-