An IPOD interview!

Put your music player on shuffle.
Press forward for each question.
Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn't make sense.

1. How am I feeling today? Hummingbird- BB King and John Mayer
2. Will I get far in life? Play that Funky Music White Boy- Average White Band
3. How do my friends see me? Face Down- Kate Todd Band
4. Where will I get married? All She Wants to Do is Dance- Don Henley
5. What is my best friend? Last Night- Traveling Wilburys
6. What is the story of my life? Go Rest High on that Mountain- Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs
7. What was high school like? Always Look of the Bright Side of Life- Spamalot Cast Album
8. How can I get ahead in life? Reelin' and Rockin'
9. What is the best thing about me? Tear Stained Letter- Johnny Cash
10. What is today going to be like? Uncle John's Band- The Grateful Dead
11. What is in store for this weekend? It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere- Alan Jackson
12. What song describes my parents? Jambalaya- John Prine and Emmy Lou Harris
13. To describe my grandparents? Who Are You? - The Who
14. How is my life going? Diva's Lament-Whatever Happened to my Part?- Spamalot Cast Album
15. What song will they play at my funeral? Baby's Got Back - Sir Mixalot
16. How does the world see me? Appalachian Stomp- Alison Krauss and Union Station
17. Will I have a happy life? Habibi ya nour el ein- Gypsy Kings and Alabina
18. What do my friends really think of me? Black Water- Doobie Brothers
19. Do people secretly lust after me? Tu Quieres Volver- The Gypsy Kings
20. How can I make myself happy? Something in the way She Moves- James Taylor
21. What should I do with my life? Marriage of Figaro/Overture- W.A. Mozart
22. Will I ever have children? Keep Your Hands to Yourself- George Thorogood
23. What is some good advice for me? Save A Horse, Ride a Cowboy- Big & Rich
24. How will I be remembered? Walk Out the Door- Lyle Lovett
25. What is my signature dancing song? Inspiration- Gypsy Kings
26. What is my current theme song? There Must Be A Better World Somewhere- BB King and Gloria Estafan
27. What does everyone else thing my current theme song is? One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer- George Thorogood

LA Times Festival of Books and 3$ Waters!

Yesterday after church the NSO and I hopped into his little blue sporty car to go on an adventure. We did some errands he had to do and then we headed up to UCLA to go to the Book Fair. It was packed and it was also late in the afternoon on the 2nd day. Had we been organized (which in our world is not apt to happen) we would have been there right after church (dogs be damned) and seen some of the good discussions with authors.

I could have seen Craig Ferguson discuss Between the Bridge and the River, Teri Garr and Speedbumps, Jackie Collins, Tab Hunter, and Michael Connelly, the author of The Lincoln Lawyer. But as usual we got there late. I did however meet the author of The Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell, Lorraine Despres. She was very nice. I told her I tried to get the book as an advance read from Random House, but I didn't get picked. That was neat. We saw the people from KPCC and I also talked to one of the people behind Gather.com. It was really a lot of fun. Lots of walking and people watching. My one and only complaint was THE HIGH COST OF FOOD! Unreal. We should have held out and gone to somewhere else in Westwood to eat. But we didn't.

He dropped me off at my house, exchanged pleasantries with the husband and the dog and I came in to find my fridge had been emptied and cleaned out. God only knows what science experiments were growing in there. Ha.

So life goes on. Today's the great brown out day. Glad I am peach. And we've got June gloom. Life at the beach, what else is new?

Ciao. Babies.

A flower of another color

You Are an Orange Flower

An orange flower tends to represent boldness, energy, and warmth. At times, you are courageous, like a poplar tree. And at other times, you are hopeful, like an orange iris. And more than you wish, you bond too quickly to people, like a honeysuckle.

What Color Flower Are You?

Perhaps yes, perhaps no.

Life is going on. Today it's quiet here. The dog is outside, the skies are clouding up. Rain perhaps. You can't be sure.
The LA Times Festival of Books. I am going Sunday. Maybe I will buy a book or two. I just ordered 2 used from Amazon. I LOVE BOOKS!

THINGS ARE GOING TO BE OKAY. I know this but as with all things, I have to believe it. Sometimes it's hard to be patient.

Lord make me patient and I want it right now!

Gotta go.

I don't know why you expect me to be cheerful

"Sometimes it's all you have energy for."

Church, Costco, Costco gas, Chevy dealer.
You wonder why these people are there. Sell me the car and then don't tell me who is financing. Put me behind an 8ball 30 days later?

White Album rocks. Norwegian Spring.

Musings indeed.

Wanna run away and go somewhere where the sun can warm these bones of mine. Maybe even warm the tendons and ligaments that have done me in.

Shoes were at the Getty. Walking the stones and looking at the masterpieces. Seeing the vistas and the vineyards. Indeed what trace do we leave on this planet? Who will care in 100 years? Where do we keep you after we burn your body to ash?

Ciao."

Back at it

Okay here I am again.

Saw the doctor, need a referral back to ortho. May have damaged a tendon at the bottom of the thumb. Guess who will be wearing a brace?

Enchilada night. Was good. Made spanish rice to go along with it. Will be good for lunch tomorrow if the kid doesn't have it as a midnight snack.

Dog is sacked out on the bed. She looks so peaceful.

Not much else going on. Fog is back. Weather changes. No rain on forecast.

Propel is good. Dasani Raspberry is even better. Gotta lose 10 pounds at least. Goal for my birthday. Maybe I give up Coke and have 1 cup of coffee in the morning. Or a Diet Coke. Something. And of course walk 45 minutes a day. Guess I get those new earphones to plug into the Ipod. Time to take charge. And I need new clothes anyway. Ha.

Ciao!

Wednesday wipe out

Seeing the doc tomorrow about my right thumb.. I think it may be broken or something. It’s been hurting for a long time and it moves funny too. It can be physically moved into place.

Long day today, went to Upland to the groomer. That is 65 milles to get the dogs all nice and purty. No doggie angst in the car today. That was nice. Came home and had 2 glasses of wine and some pizza. Learned how to order online. Cool.

Weather is perking up. Was over 80 in the inland empire. It wasn’t too bad. I had my water.

I am beat.

Ciao Babies!

Idol on Fox or NCIS? The trauma of choosing

It's not that much of a choice. I like Mark Harmon and I don't like Ryan Seacrest. So NCIS wins tonight. I wish they would go up to the base and film again so the errant husband could get an autograph for me. Last week 24 was being filmed at the base.

Things have settled down into routine again. Easter came, church was attended , songs were sung, and dinner was made and enjoyed.

This week the trek out to the hinterlands is due so the dog can get groomed. We take 3 dogs 65 miles to get groomed. That is loyalty. And my pretty puppy looks so good when she is groomed.

Killed my old keyboard. They don't react well to Coca Cola. Got an apple key board, but I have to get used to it and get my nails cut down. It's just a matter of relearning the touch of this keyboard. But it will be fine in the end.

Didn't hear one thing from the inlaws before the holiday. Usually they call and say are you going to do dinner at your house for your side or come out and eat with us? nothing at all this time. I told my husband he should call his mom once a week. She needs to hear from him, even if it's the same BS he always spouts. I know, I could have called too, but I was dealing with enough around here.

Made real burgers tonight. None of that preformed burgers from a bag. I used ground round and seasoned it and the bigger kid cooked them. The kids decided no more American Cheese. They want cheddar. Ok by me, I use swiss on my burgers. I bought the meat at Costco so I divied it up and there are 2 packages to use in the future. Meat loaf here we come.

Also have a lovely hambone to use to make some soup and a lot of ham in the freezer. Will defrost it and make scalloped potatoes and ham for dinner one night this weekend.

Well it's just another Tuesday night in paradise. Time to get some dessert and relax.

ciao babies!

Hi Ho...Hi Ho....

Tomorrow I am trooping up the 405 to the Getty. Can't get tickets to the villa till next year, so we will make do with the castle on the hill. I'm putting new batteries in trusty camera and taking pictures of the kiddos too.

Today was the FIRST DAY OF SPRING BREAK. I was supposed to have a meeting with an environmental atty but you know what, I needed to sleep in. He got his information in an envelope and I will see him in a couple of weeks for lunch and the hey how are you. ( He's a big shot in environmental law...and he does good for the world). But today was my sleep in day with the kids at home. It's nice being a peon.

I have no idea who is going to finance this car. The dealership has to get it done now since it's been more than 3 days and my old car is sitting on the lot with a sticker that says 7991$ on it. Azzhats gave me 3000$ for it and it is worth 5400$. But I know that it is the ticking time bomb of cars. How many Cadillacs have to have a rebuilt transmission at 43000 miles? And it's not because I drove it like a bat out of hell. I was good to my Catie the Catera. Now I have Maxx the golden Malibu. I name all my cars. Weird science. I know.

I have 3 book reviews to do before the 1st of the month. 1 fiction and 2 non fiction. I just have to get back into the game of reading. Monday nights are good because there is absolutely nothing on television that keeps my attention. I don't like 24, there are no sitcoms in my future. Tuesdays are better NCIS and House with occaisional ventures back over to AI. I like my discovery channels though. Seen a lot of babies being borned. 8-)

Here's my Monday Night IPOD Shuffle for y'all:

1. Blinded By The Light Manfred Mann
2. Shake That Thing Vincent Giordano's Nighthawks
3. Riding That Midnight Train Earl Scruggs/Kentucky Thunder
4. One More Saturday Night The Grateful Dead
5. If I Had a Boat Lyle Lovett and Jimmy Buffet
6. Respect Aretha Franklin
7. Surrender to Love Ray Charles with Lauren Hill
8. Danny Boy Johnny Cash
9. Crystal Stevie Nicks
10. Soy Gypsy Kings


Catch ya on the flip flop......

Ciao!

Rain, Wind, and the Lemon Tree Across the Fence

Well the long promised storm has hit. I had an appt scheduled with the cable people today, I have some problems with some channels, but I called them and rescheduled for tomorrow. God only knows I don't want someone traipsing in with wet boots and having to deal with wires in the rain. I can't get CNN and SciFi clearly. They seem to be having sunspot problems, but alas, where are the sunspots? I can live another day without Anderson (sigh) Cooper.

The new car is nice. Has some get up and go. I have to put some gas in it though. This one tells me how many miles I can go without running out. How cool is that?

Finally got some decent pain meds and outside of being a bit nuts, which is normal to my kids, they seem to be working. Now mind you I am taking 500 mg of Naproxen 2x a day, as well as Darvocet N and the Zantac to protect my tummy from whatever. Thank God for pharmacueticals. Yessireee.

My galley proof a new book to review just showed up on my doorstep. Hooooray! Something new and good to read. I am also rereading DaVinci Code to refresh my poor memory.

Not much else. Everyone is getting better from their assorted colds, coughs and maladies. I have firewood and matches for the fire. AI is on tonight along with a new NCIS and HOUSE! What more could a girl want? Except someone to clean my house, do the dishes and take care of the cat box.

Ciao.

Oops I Forgot Something....

I forgot to update on the stepdad.

He spent 24 days in the hospital, we thought we were going to lose him and he turned a corner. The doctors were baffled. He went to a transitional care unit, learned to walk with a walker and he came home.

My husband put in handicapped railings from the kitchen to the family room, and in the bathroom for him. He is sleeping in a hospital bed in the living room but is doing better.
HE's a pretty tough old bird. 85 and beating the odds. Whew.

A bad day above ground is better than the alternative.


ciao.

Mid Week Service tonight

Well it's Lent and there are services every Wednesday night along with a soup supper. I think we will miss the supper but go to church. And after church is choir rehearsal. My kiddo is going to join the choir again this year. She has a lovely voice, has a good voice teacher and should spread the joy. I am hinting to her that she should consider doing the Andrew Lloyd Webber Pie Jesu for Good Friday. She has the range and the timbre to do it.

We have our services around the labyrinth in the back of the church. We have a small altar in the center and go to communion in front of it. Here is a visual of what the labyrinth looks like.
It's based on the one at Chartres Cathedral in France.


What a memory of the meetings and words that went flying when the church thought about remodeling and creating this space in the back. Our congregation was dwindling, from 500 members to 150 and we needed someway to revitalize ourselves. Now we have the indoor one and a garden one. Open to the public and a place to find a quiet peace in your head.

More later.

Ciao.

Thursday Ipod Things

"1. I Wish I Could Fly by The Kinks
2. What is Life by George Harrison
3. Stardust by Vince Giordano's Nighthawks
4. Lonesome Valley by The Fairfield Four
5. Big Spender by Bette Midler
6. Mr. Wonderful by Better Midler
7. One More Day by Keith Ward
8. House of the Rising Sun by Eric Bourdon and The Animals
9. Free Your Mind by En Vouge
10. Arabic Dance 6 by The Gypsy Kings




Of all noises, I think music is the least disagreeable.

Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)"

If A Girl Answers, Hang up !

I don't understand why people hang up when I answer my alternate phone. Could it be that once a long time ago a Doctor who went to Vanderbilt had the number and now has moved on to higher places and a better prefix? The only people who have this number are trusted friends and family. No one else. So if it rings I answer it in a good mood, only to have a click in my ear. I fricking hate that.

Not much good news on the stepdad. Yesterday the infectious disease specialist came in and aspirated a goodly amount of fluid from his knee which was still inflamed. Could he have a staph infection that didn't show on the blood cultures, the LP, the ultrasound of his legs? What caused him to have delerium, agitation and be semi comatose for several days. He still is confused, thinking he is working when he is in the bed. He's restrained by a passive vest so he doesn't get out of bed and fall down and break a hip. I don't think he's near ready to come home yet. He can't even negotiate stairs and there are several in the house. Of course we are all worried about what will happen. His son who couldn't be bothered to see him for 4 months is now right on top of him every weekend. He is the most controlling person i have ever met. His wife must chafe under the scrutiny. He calls his kids every 5 minutes it seems. What will happen when his son goes to college and has to be away from his dad's influence? They have been homeschooled and pampered their entire lives.

But if they stay in their little cocooned world they won't have to worry about outside influences, people who actually have trauma in their lives. Oh well, I have my kids to worry about not them. And gee I wish I could have bought my 16 year old an Excursion to drive to'/from school. My kids don't even have their licenses yet.

I am still trying to find another orthopedist. My shoulder hurts so bad. I am tired of the pain. But finding a docotor who wants to deal with the DOL is another thing. Will be on the phone again this afternoon calling offices. Maybe I will have to pay money to see one to get something going. All I know is that I am in PAIN.



Oh well. Life goes on.
Ciao.

I need 48 hours of peace and quiet

Stepdad had a stroke. Husband was home because I called him at 0500 and asked him to come down from the base because I had a terrible earache. 3 hours later my mom calls and says can you come and sit with P as he is not doing well and had fallen. I couldn't, was out on pain pills. Husband went. Talked to the dr, told Mom when she got back to call 911. By 1145 I was at hospital sitting with Mom. He was admitted at 1900 but not in a room till way late. Today he was moved to a private room. He is hallucinating and very restless. They will give him some antipsychotics to settle him at night, and use soft restraints. He can't get out of bed because he has no strength in his legs. Did a contrast CT with negible results. Did an ultra sound of both legs to check for clots.

We are worn out already. Back and forth to the hospital to try and keep up Mom's spiris. His son will come on Sunday so Mom can go to church. He will drive from Acton to be with his dad.

Took kids to hospital with me. They need to see and be aware. Scared them a little. But it made them realize that life goes on whether we contol it or not.

That's all.

The elusiveness of pain

Last week I had an MRI/Arthrogram which was to pinpoint the cause of the unending pain I have in the front of my shoulder. Today the boy wonder said there was nothing there. Why I asked, do I have constant pain in the crease of my shoulder? He doesn't know, but he says you can go back to work tomorrow. I said what about the pain? He gives me shot#7 in my shoulder and sent me off on my way.

I wrote to the DOL and asked what am I supposed to do now? Of course that may be a no use thing since they can't even get my address changed after a years worth of address change notices. I also copied my letter to the district director of the DOL?OWCP because I am tired of being in pain.

Where I had the injection hurts like hell. I just took a muscle relaxant and perhaps that will let me sleep tonight.

I just need to get some relief somehow.

Ciao.

You're putting that long azz needle where?

Arthrogram.

Isn't that a wonderful word?

Well after waiting what seemed to be an inordinate time I was ushered into a room to change into 2, yep count them 2 hospital gowns. Luckily I could keep my shoes and unders one, but not the top stuff. Then they called me and took me into the Xray room. I sat for a few minutes answering questions about the meds i took, what I have metal wise in my body (nothing). The doc came in and I felt comfortable with her. They marked my arm with sharpies as well as my chest area by the shoulder crease. Evidently that is the best way to get to the socket, going up from the body. Had to use super strong paper tape and move the girls out of the way, so they didn't flop over into the area of the needle.

First they inject lidocaine all the way down. That worked quick. Then another longer needle goes in with a tube attached to it. That is filled with a contrast agent. The contrast agent helps illuminate areas on the MRI that aren't easy to see. Okay, so now I am numb and filled with contrast agent. I hobble over to the MRI waiting room and am taken to their newest machine out in the trailer. ( Always knew I'd end up in a single wide...LOL).

The first series of pictures are taken with my arm above my head, rather like what they do when they take mammograms. AFter that, my arm is strapped to my side, my head encased in a capsule and the pictures start to be done. I fell alseep. I zoned myself into a state of semi wakeness. Taking a low dose Valium helped that too. I woke myself up snoring. Then it was done and over. Drove to pick up the kid and came home. See the doc next week.

Husband turns 50 this year and Seattle is going to the Super Bowl. He could ask for no more. He's taking the kids to Magic Mountain.I don't go.

Dog got groomed yesterday. She does not like having her nails done. Took 2 people to hold her. She slept pretty sound last night. Snored even.

What's with American Idol? Sheesh.

that's all.

Ciao.

Friday I Pod Shuffle:::::

1. He's Not Yet Dead ========Spamalot Soundtrack
2. Hot Rod Lincoln, =========Asleep at the Wheel
3. Crazy Old Soldier ========Johnny Cash and Ray Charles
4. Kryptonite =============Three Doors Down
5. Roadhouse Blues ========The Doors and JL Hooker
6. Tears in Heaven ========Eric Clapton
7. Requiem/Pie Jesu======= Maurice Durufle
8. I'm Fat ===============Weird Al
9. Funky Town ===========Lipps Inc
10. Cocaine Blues ========Johnny Cash

So. We had a holiday. That meant togetherness. All of us. One place. Same time. And me off the antidepressants. Not a good thing. Managed to get through it though there were tears and some angry words.

Saw the doctor on Friday. Am waiting for approval of an artho-MRI where they can get a better idea of what is going on with this bicep tendon. After that, we will schedule surgery on the shoulder to repair the bicep tendon and resect it to the bone. This way, it has a lessened chance of rupture and having a pile of tendon above my elbow. I am hoping that the pain will lessen significantly. There is no way of telling people what it's like to have constant chronic pain in a joint. Too bad I don't do the evil weed anymore. At least I might have a better opinion of things. Ha.Anyway, he refilled my meds, the T3, Zantac ( I take 150mg 2x a day) and my friend the Naproxen. Sure has cut my drinking down. 8-(

The husband saw his gastro on Friday. He has Hep C. He will not consent to another biopsy but he will have an ultrasound and regular blood tests. He doesn't want to take the Interferon treatment as he thinks it would case a personality change. I don't know. I just don't want to wake up one morning and see him bright yellow.

So this coming weekend we are taking a road trip. Not in the motorhome. In the car. I hope that it goes well. I have to take the car over and get the oil changed on Friday or Saturday. We leave Sunday and come home on Wednesday. At least that is the plan.

So there. I've updated. What a life. But I am above ground so that is a good thing.

ciao.

I have a kid who will do this. Honest to God, she used to be Little Mary Sunshine, but now she's the ogre from the 7th level of hell in the morning. Unless she wants to do something. Then she is wide awake. They are both like that. They are 16 and 18. Christmas Morning, instead of sleeping in and letting Mom and Dad get some peace, they are at the door hollering and shouting. We have a 7 AM rule. I get up at 6AM and turn on the oven, put in the strada and go back to bed. Then we get up and open gifts and I go back to bed to sleep until I have to get up to go to church. Of course the breakfast is done, they have their eggs, sausage,cheese and maple syrup. I get my rest. This is odd, posting about Christmas 2 weeks late. Oh well.

I see the boy wonder this Friday. IT's coming up on 3 years now that I have had this injury, 3 years of dealing with doctors, mri's, surgery, no surgery, PT, no PT, and of course dealing with the DOL. Believe me, it's not been any fun at all. Pain, chronic pain that is, can be one of the leading causes of depression and more serious problems. I take a heavy dose of anti depressants because I have major issues. I didn't ask to get hurt, I didn't ask that my shoulder be in such a mess. I do think that the lack of proper training, the total disregard for the proper instruction of employees in the rush to meet the government deadlines and the laugh that is the organization is a reason for a lot of this. Hell I wish I could go back to work and do something. I am right handed. My right shoulder is the one that is damaged. I can type for 30 minutes max. I can't file, lift anything greater than 5 lbs, and then the pain comes with such a vengeance that I am in tears. What a saga. And then add being broke and not having enough money to do much of anything.

The only reason we are going to laughlin is that I got 2 free nights. It will be gas and food and I will eke out of the budget maybe 75$ for gambling. That's not a lot. So I take a book, sit in the sun by the spa and relax.

This is a rant. Needed to do it.

Wanna see a picture of the inside of my right hand look up.

Another Sunday and you have to wonder where the time went? I went to church, and it was nice to be there. Greg was there too, played his violin. What a talent. Some people are blessed.

The errant husband took the truck over to his friends to work on it and now it won't start. "Do you want me to come and get you and you can drive the car tomorrow? Come back over tomorrow and work on it then?" His reply: I will call you at 1900. Curt and hung up on me. Damn, don't blame me if the thing isn't working. I didn't screw with it.

The shoulder is really bothering me. I have a doctor's appointment on the 13th. Just what we need, huh? I hope that they can fix it once and for all. Otherwise the rest of my life I will have a bum right shoulder. The pain is enough to keep me from doing normal things. Things that you take for granted.

Well I am going to end this.
Ciao.