I'm definitely getting older. My body is definitely showing its age.
When I get sick nowadays, it takes me about 2 weeks to recover fully. This cough/throat thing? I'm just at the end of it. Tomorrow it'll be the 2 week mark.
I'm still taking my blood pressure medication. After all the blood work and receiving positive results, my doc told me to stop taking the meds and monitor my pressure. If my readings were higher than 140/90 then I'd give him a call. I stopped taking the meds on a Monday. I noticed that by Thursday my pressure was back up to 145/93. So I'm back on the meds. Even though I'm not overweight or anything my body just needs help keeping my pressure down. Probably a link to the preclampsia I had when I was pregnant with my daughter.
But at the end of this month, I have an appointment with a specialist. You see, during the routine ultrasound of my kidneys they saw what appeared to be a cyst near my kidneys. Yes. A cyst. Now I have to go see a kidney specialist (a nephrologist) to figure out if anything needs to be done. When I was getting the ultrasound on my kidneys, I should have figured something was up when the gal had me turn back to my left so that she could do some additional scans on my right kidney. But dense me...I just thought she was retaking some shots. [sigh]
But thankfully? I'm pretty healthy overall. I'm going to get back onto my run/walk outings in the mornings after dropping the kids off. I stopped working out when I got this cough thing. I tend to breath through my mouth, so when I would run/walk my throat would become inflamed pretty quick with the dry air we've got out here in the desert.
Today was the first day in ages that I've run. And it was a nice one. I was still able to run the entire 2-mile route without walking. I've just got to get my body out there more than twice a week so I can get my blood flowing and stay strong.
How do you stay strong?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
NaBloPoMo - Entry 10
Halloween has come and gone.
The kids' costumes are their dress-up box.
The candy that the kids' collected on their night out with Daddy is still sitting in their bags next to the front closet.
The leftover candy that didn't get handed out is still sitting in the big bowl next to the kids' Halloween bags.
What's funny?
The kids aren't asking about eating the candy. Seriously. Since Halloween they've maybe consumed less than 10 pieces each. They're not bouncing off the walls with sugar. Thank goodness!
Sweets aren't a big thing in our house. I know the kids enjoy eating cookies/cake/candy but it's not a prime thing in their minds. Maybe it's because we don't eat dessert? I'll definitely let them eat sweets when we're at a birthday party or holiday event. Yes. I will.
But what's crazy (in a good way)? They don't go overboard. Like the Bear and I went to a birthday party on Saturday. He ate 3 pieces of pizza and then chose not to have any cake or ice cream. None. He said "No thank you" when they tried to give him a little plate. He's SIX and he refused cake and ice cream!
In another week, I'll just throw out all the Halloween candy. You know what I tell them? That the candy "spoils" after a couple weeks. But this year they might not even notice when I do throw it out. Who knows?
Now is your household still in the throws of the post-sugar-high from Halloween?
The kids' costumes are their dress-up box.
The candy that the kids' collected on their night out with Daddy is still sitting in their bags next to the front closet.
The leftover candy that didn't get handed out is still sitting in the big bowl next to the kids' Halloween bags.
What's funny?
The kids aren't asking about eating the candy. Seriously. Since Halloween they've maybe consumed less than 10 pieces each. They're not bouncing off the walls with sugar. Thank goodness!
Sweets aren't a big thing in our house. I know the kids enjoy eating cookies/cake/candy but it's not a prime thing in their minds. Maybe it's because we don't eat dessert? I'll definitely let them eat sweets when we're at a birthday party or holiday event. Yes. I will.
But what's crazy (in a good way)? They don't go overboard. Like the Bear and I went to a birthday party on Saturday. He ate 3 pieces of pizza and then chose not to have any cake or ice cream. None. He said "No thank you" when they tried to give him a little plate. He's SIX and he refused cake and ice cream!
In another week, I'll just throw out all the Halloween candy. You know what I tell them? That the candy "spoils" after a couple weeks. But this year they might not even notice when I do throw it out. Who knows?
Now is your household still in the throws of the post-sugar-high from Halloween?
Monday, November 9, 2009
NaBloPoMo - Entry 9
I've been thinking about something since I saw it yesterday.
I've been contemplating about what I'd write on a list.
A list you say?
Yes.
I saw someone write about their experience with "101 Things in 1001 Days".
That got me to thinking.
What the HECK would I have on this kind of list?
Basic things? Like learn to actually use a sewing machine?
Or more complicated projects? Like actually sew a quilt?
Now that the idea is stuck in my brain, I'm going to have to mull it over for a bit so it can marinade.
Maybe I'll come up with a list.
And see how much I can possibly finish/cross-off on my list.
Maybe. Just maybe.
But I'll have to look into what others have written on their "lists" and see what I find.
What I find may push me forward. Or maybe just make me create a smaller and less daunting list.
We'll see.
Now have YOU created one of these lists? Or do you know anyone who has taken up the challenge?
I've been contemplating about what I'd write on a list.
A list you say?
Yes.
I saw someone write about their experience with "101 Things in 1001 Days".
That got me to thinking.
What the HECK would I have on this kind of list?
Basic things? Like learn to actually use a sewing machine?
Or more complicated projects? Like actually sew a quilt?
Now that the idea is stuck in my brain, I'm going to have to mull it over for a bit so it can marinade.
Maybe I'll come up with a list.
And see how much I can possibly finish/cross-off on my list.
Maybe. Just maybe.
But I'll have to look into what others have written on their "lists" and see what I find.
What I find may push me forward. Or maybe just make me create a smaller and less daunting list.
We'll see.
Now have YOU created one of these lists? Or do you know anyone who has taken up the challenge?
Sunday, November 8, 2009
NaBloPoMo - Entry 8
This weekend has shown me that my kids really do love each other.
Don't get me wrong. I do know they love each but this weekend they showed me how much they love and ENJOY each other.
You see, they played with each other so fabulously all weekend. They played Wii. They dressed up. They got all their stuffed animals together and did some kind of "show" upstairs. They took turns and played on the computer together. They watched our rented DVDs together. They chased each other & did somersaults in the family room. They played and played some more.
What's funny is that earlier today, the Hubs decided to trim some of our bushes out front. I told him that I was going to sit outside and read while he trimmed.
Can you believe it? They were so engrossed with what they were doing that they decided to stay inside. Together!
Don't get me wrong. I do know they love each but this weekend they showed me how much they love and ENJOY each other.
You see, they played with each other so fabulously all weekend. They played Wii. They dressed up. They got all their stuffed animals together and did some kind of "show" upstairs. They took turns and played on the computer together. They watched our rented DVDs together. They chased each other & did somersaults in the family room. They played and played some more.
What's funny is that earlier today, the Hubs decided to trim some of our bushes out front. I told him that I was going to sit outside and read while he trimmed.
Me: Prin? Bear? Mom & Dad are going outside for about a half hour. Dad's going to trim the bushes.
Kids: Okay Mom.
Me: You coming?
Princess: No thanks. We're going to play inside.
Can you believe it? They were so engrossed with what they were doing that they decided to stay inside. Together!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
NaBloPoMo - Entry 7
Don't you just love it when you're feeling under the weather and your kids have activities that they need to attend?
Oh joy!
I took the Princess to a Girl Scout activity at our local library around 10am. The girls are learning to quilt, so they were getting experience with sewing by hand and sewing on a machine. The Princess was able to make her first sewing project in less than hour. She made a nice little pot holder for me. She enjoyed using the sewing machine. Of course, she did have to get used to the foot pedal. But once she got it? She did great.
The Bear attended a birthday party for one of his neighborhood friends. They did a treasure hunt for "gold". They danced while the boy's older brother played guitar hero. They got into teams and "raced" to create a mummy with toilet paper. Of course, there was a pinata that took the kids a while to break. After each of the kids had two chances to hit the pinata, the Mom ended up turning it over and splitting it. Such a relief for everyone.
My yuckiness has turned into a head cold. I've now got nasal congestion along with some sneezing. I seriously don't like it when there's pressure in my head. I've been taking a Motrin about twice a day to take the edge off. Mainly I've just been drinking water and attempting to rest. Ha!
But I do hope that tomorrow will be a HUGE day of rest for me. Hopefully the Hubs will let me sleep in since I woke up with the kids this morning. I hope...I hope...I hope...
Oh joy!
I took the Princess to a Girl Scout activity at our local library around 10am. The girls are learning to quilt, so they were getting experience with sewing by hand and sewing on a machine. The Princess was able to make her first sewing project in less than hour. She made a nice little pot holder for me. She enjoyed using the sewing machine. Of course, she did have to get used to the foot pedal. But once she got it? She did great.
The Bear attended a birthday party for one of his neighborhood friends. They did a treasure hunt for "gold". They danced while the boy's older brother played guitar hero. They got into teams and "raced" to create a mummy with toilet paper. Of course, there was a pinata that took the kids a while to break. After each of the kids had two chances to hit the pinata, the Mom ended up turning it over and splitting it. Such a relief for everyone.
My yuckiness has turned into a head cold. I've now got nasal congestion along with some sneezing. I seriously don't like it when there's pressure in my head. I've been taking a Motrin about twice a day to take the edge off. Mainly I've just been drinking water and attempting to rest. Ha!
But I do hope that tomorrow will be a HUGE day of rest for me. Hopefully the Hubs will let me sleep in since I woke up with the kids this morning. I hope...I hope...I hope...
Friday, November 6, 2009
NaBloPoMo - Entry 6
For the last week or so, the Hub's car has been making a funny sound when he starts it up in the morning. When it's a "cold" start.
Earlier this week he called the small mechanic owned auto repair shop that he goes to for an appointment. He brought it into the shop this morning around 8:30am so it could get fixed and it was all fixed by 11:30am.
According to the mechanic, the Hubs' car was in desperate need of a tune up. The spark plugs were down to the nub. The fuel injectors were almost clogged up. With over 120k miles, the Hubs was just gunked up. And the mechanic fixed it up in no time flat.
Thank goodness for the work ethic of the small business owner!
Earlier this week he called the small mechanic owned auto repair shop that he goes to for an appointment. He brought it into the shop this morning around 8:30am so it could get fixed and it was all fixed by 11:30am.
According to the mechanic, the Hubs' car was in desperate need of a tune up. The spark plugs were down to the nub. The fuel injectors were almost clogged up. With over 120k miles, the Hubs was just gunked up. And the mechanic fixed it up in no time flat.
Thank goodness for the work ethic of the small business owner!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
NaBloPoMo - Entry 5
I'm trying to ever-so-patiently wait for a return call.
Important, you ask?
Yes. To me.
This week I've been dealing with my hacking cough and haven't been sleeping well. Not only did I wake up on Tuesday night at 3:30am, I also woke up last night at 1:05am. [sigh] I got up drank some water, took more cough syrup, then lay on the couch so that the Hubs could have a good night's sleep.
Alas, sleeping on the couch was not the best thing for me. I never really got back to sleep the night before. I barely dozed last night. Sleep? Sleep? Where art thou? Definitely not with me!
Today I'm tired. And I've felt a bit off. Since I've been "sick" I chose not to run. The last time I ran was last Wednesday! Curses! Been way too long. So around 10am this morning, I decided to go take an easy 2-mile walk. But before I went for the walk, I decided to take my blood pressure.
Did I happen to mention that my last dose of blood pressure meds was taken on Monday morning? Yes. I spoke with my doc's nurse and she said that I could get off the meds since they didn't find anything out of the ordinary with my tests.
So I stopped taking my meds. I'm still sick. I'm not sleeping well.
My blood pressure at 10am this morning? 134/83.
Definitely NOT where it's supposed to be.
This made me even MORE motivated to go out for my walk. Maybe a good long walk would get my pressure down.
After my walk and a quick rinse? It was still high. 138/85.
So I decide that since I'm unusually tired that a nap might do the trick. I took a brief & restless snooze of about 45 minutes. My pressure post-nap at 1:30pm? 143/94.
Okay. Okay. Red bells in my head!
I called my doctor's office and left a message.
And now at 3:30pm? I'm still waiting for a return call back.
What I need to find out is if I should get back on my meds today or wait until they see me? You know?
[twittling my thumbs]
Important, you ask?
Yes. To me.
This week I've been dealing with my hacking cough and haven't been sleeping well. Not only did I wake up on Tuesday night at 3:30am, I also woke up last night at 1:05am. [sigh] I got up drank some water, took more cough syrup, then lay on the couch so that the Hubs could have a good night's sleep.
Alas, sleeping on the couch was not the best thing for me. I never really got back to sleep the night before. I barely dozed last night. Sleep? Sleep? Where art thou? Definitely not with me!
Today I'm tired. And I've felt a bit off. Since I've been "sick" I chose not to run. The last time I ran was last Wednesday! Curses! Been way too long. So around 10am this morning, I decided to go take an easy 2-mile walk. But before I went for the walk, I decided to take my blood pressure.
Did I happen to mention that my last dose of blood pressure meds was taken on Monday morning? Yes. I spoke with my doc's nurse and she said that I could get off the meds since they didn't find anything out of the ordinary with my tests.
So I stopped taking my meds. I'm still sick. I'm not sleeping well.
My blood pressure at 10am this morning? 134/83.
Definitely NOT where it's supposed to be.
This made me even MORE motivated to go out for my walk. Maybe a good long walk would get my pressure down.
After my walk and a quick rinse? It was still high. 138/85.
So I decide that since I'm unusually tired that a nap might do the trick. I took a brief & restless snooze of about 45 minutes. My pressure post-nap at 1:30pm? 143/94.
Okay. Okay. Red bells in my head!
I called my doctor's office and left a message.
And now at 3:30pm? I'm still waiting for a return call back.
What I need to find out is if I should get back on my meds today or wait until they see me? You know?
[twittling my thumbs]
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NaBloPoMo - Entry 4
I've basically been awake since 3:30am.
THREE THIRTY in the FREAKING MORNING.
Why? Why was I awake that early?
Because I had a huge coughing fit.
I was coughing so much I had to get up out of bed so I wouldn't wake up my husband. [sigh]
I got a glass of water and some cough syrup before sitting in the front den. I first sipped on the water to calm my throat some. Then I drank the cough syrup.
Even after I took the cough syrup, I had some lingering irritation. So I stayed up and watched a show online for a little bit. Then I laid on the couch and tried to get some sleep. I didn't get back into bed with the Hubs because I wasn't sure if I would have another coughing fit. You know?
Anyway, I am now tired. My throat still feels a bit dry/irritated. I will again keep the Bear home with me. If I'm feeling yucky, he's probably feeling yucky too. I'll be able to cuddle with him on the couch today since I did a bit of work yesterday AND because I'm feeling gosh-darn tired.
THREE THIRTY in the FREAKING MORNING.
Why? Why was I awake that early?
Because I had a huge coughing fit.
I was coughing so much I had to get up out of bed so I wouldn't wake up my husband. [sigh]
I got a glass of water and some cough syrup before sitting in the front den. I first sipped on the water to calm my throat some. Then I drank the cough syrup.
Even after I took the cough syrup, I had some lingering irritation. So I stayed up and watched a show online for a little bit. Then I laid on the couch and tried to get some sleep. I didn't get back into bed with the Hubs because I wasn't sure if I would have another coughing fit. You know?
Anyway, I am now tired. My throat still feels a bit dry/irritated. I will again keep the Bear home with me. If I'm feeling yucky, he's probably feeling yucky too. I'll be able to cuddle with him on the couch today since I did a bit of work yesterday AND because I'm feeling gosh-darn tired.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
NaBloPoMo - Entry 3
Anyone dealing with the scratches?
"Put Neosporin on it" you say?
No. Not that kind of scratch.
I'm talking about the scratches that irritate your throat. The kind of scratches that make on feel like coughing when you lie down on your side to sleep.
ARGH!
I've been dealing with a scratchy throat for almost a week now. I thought that the darn cough was getting better over the weekend. But last night and today? Ultra-scratchy! It feels DRY and scratchy. Ugh!
What's even worse? The Bear seems to have caught whatever throaty ailment I've got. I mean, there's no fever. No congestion in my nose. Actually? My nose last week was SO ultra-dry it wasn't even funny. The Bear had a nosebleed on Sunday, so he's definitely got whatever I've got.
And the Bear? Because he's got an irritated throat that makes him cough? He stayed home with me today. And it was a pretty uneventful day. It's so nice when the kids are home sick but not really THAT sick. There's no medication to give them. There's no constant vomit watch. I just had to make sure the kid stayed hydrated. I made him bring a thermos filled with water with him wherever he went today. Why? Because I know that this throat thing feels better for me when I'm hydrated.
So the Bear and I were actually able to head out for some fresh air this morning. We stopped by the library. We stopped by the bank. We even stopped by the DVD store to pick up the latest action movies that were released.
The Bear is now on the couch with the Princess watching one of the movies we picked up. They both have finished their homework. They've both done their 15 minutes of reading for the day. Now they're relaxing before the Hubs gets home.
Pretty easy day. Right?
"Put Neosporin on it" you say?
No. Not that kind of scratch.
I'm talking about the scratches that irritate your throat. The kind of scratches that make on feel like coughing when you lie down on your side to sleep.
ARGH!
I've been dealing with a scratchy throat for almost a week now. I thought that the darn cough was getting better over the weekend. But last night and today? Ultra-scratchy! It feels DRY and scratchy. Ugh!
What's even worse? The Bear seems to have caught whatever throaty ailment I've got. I mean, there's no fever. No congestion in my nose. Actually? My nose last week was SO ultra-dry it wasn't even funny. The Bear had a nosebleed on Sunday, so he's definitely got whatever I've got.
And the Bear? Because he's got an irritated throat that makes him cough? He stayed home with me today. And it was a pretty uneventful day. It's so nice when the kids are home sick but not really THAT sick. There's no medication to give them. There's no constant vomit watch. I just had to make sure the kid stayed hydrated. I made him bring a thermos filled with water with him wherever he went today. Why? Because I know that this throat thing feels better for me when I'm hydrated.
So the Bear and I were actually able to head out for some fresh air this morning. We stopped by the library. We stopped by the bank. We even stopped by the DVD store to pick up the latest action movies that were released.
The Bear is now on the couch with the Princess watching one of the movies we picked up. They both have finished their homework. They've both done their 15 minutes of reading for the day. Now they're relaxing before the Hubs gets home.
Pretty easy day. Right?
Monday, November 2, 2009
NaBloPoMo - Entry 2
Since the middle of last week we've been dealing with sketchy cable service. Unfortunately for us, we get our television and internet service via cable. So both of these "essential" services were sucky for more than a couple days. In the mornings and at night, the tv screen would break up and the sound would come in hiccups, so we couldn't really watch any shows.
The Hubs? He seemed unconcerned. He figured it was an area outage issue. Some equipment from the "station" in his mind was messed up. He said he'd call the cable company to find out what was going on.
Wednesday night? I asked him about it. He said he didn't call.
Thursday night? I asked him about it. He said he didn't call.
You seeing a pattern here?
Friday morning? I saw that we were still having the reception issue. So I called at 7am when the Hubs was getting changed for work. The customer service rep tested the signal going to our house and she said that we were getting a "low" signal. What she actually meant by that? I have no idea. Suffice it to say. It wasn't good and would need a technician to save the day. Since it was Friday, the earliest appointment available was Monday (meaning today) and we got set up for the time frame of 1pm-5pm. And I verified that the technician would call before they came by because I pick up the kids at 4pm and it takes about 30 minutes round-trip.
The technician came at 3:10pm. He was super nice. He changed out some cables & splitters. And everything LOOKS to be okay now. We'll see though tonight and in the morning.
Just another example where the Hubs is leisurely about getting things done while I want things done NOW.
The Hubs? He seemed unconcerned. He figured it was an area outage issue. Some equipment from the "station" in his mind was messed up. He said he'd call the cable company to find out what was going on.
Wednesday night? I asked him about it. He said he didn't call.
Thursday night? I asked him about it. He said he didn't call.
You seeing a pattern here?
Friday morning? I saw that we were still having the reception issue. So I called at 7am when the Hubs was getting changed for work. The customer service rep tested the signal going to our house and she said that we were getting a "low" signal. What she actually meant by that? I have no idea. Suffice it to say. It wasn't good and would need a technician to save the day. Since it was Friday, the earliest appointment available was Monday (meaning today) and we got set up for the time frame of 1pm-5pm. And I verified that the technician would call before they came by because I pick up the kids at 4pm and it takes about 30 minutes round-trip.
The technician came at 3:10pm. He was super nice. He changed out some cables & splitters. And everything LOOKS to be okay now. We'll see though tonight and in the morning.
Just another example where the Hubs is leisurely about getting things done while I want things done NOW.
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