UpSyndrome

Uh oh

2010-03-08T20:05:00.000-06:00

So, I'm going to start blogging again. Holy moley.

FBP

2008-11-12T19:51:00.000-06:00

I love Face Book. I’ll be the first to admit that this quite juvenile and somewhat ridiculous, but I find myself going to check Face Book like a day trader dumping Ford Stock.

Like millions of others, I’m part of this FB phenomenon (I’ll refer to it here as FBP) – you know, the phenomenon where you know odd details about a person you hardly know. (They’re on your list because they have friend requested you because you have seen other at the bar after work or maybe you sat next to them in third grade in Mrs. Hafners art class.)

What has prompted me to blog about this FBP is an encounter I had in the break room at work this afternoon. Someone on my “friend list” who is also a colleague of mine updated her FB status about going to the dermatologist today. This is an individual that I don’t know very well and someone I would have no business asking personal questions.
This is where the FBP kicks in: we are standing at the water cooler at the same time – exchanging quiet pleasant nods when I almost say “Hey, how was the dermatologist?” and I find myself STARING at her face wondering why in the hell she went to see a dermatologist when she has near perfect skin?! Ridiculous.

I also know that another co-worker is about to shack up in a hotel room in Vegas with another co-worker (in a different department) over the Thanksgiving holiday. Did I need to know this? No. Would I have been annoyed if everybody else knew and I didn’t? Hell yes.

FBP has made us all mini celebrities, some in good and some in not-so-good ways. Regardless, you added me and now I feel like your stalker.

back with a slight return

2008-11-11T22:01:00.003-06:00

I need to get back here and write. I miss blogging. It's time.

It seems that when times get tough, when I should be writing the most, I clam up and leave. I have recently been talking a few friends through a tough time and I keep saying over and over - communicate - talk to each other. I need to take my own advice.

I'm back, at least for now. So here I sit, breathing through one nostril watching t.v., avoiding homework and trying to figure out how I can get a longer neck and legs. Genetics be damned, I'm sure with enough googling I can come up with a solution.

In other interesting news, the guy I wanted to win the presidential election, won! Awesome. I really needed Obama to win the election. It's lent to my sanity and general well being. I've also been craving donuts for a week. I don't need a doughnut per say, but I'd really like one. Or twelve.

Damn.

NjnbnbnbnbbnbddM

2008-09-16T11:44:00.001-05:00

D
- via my vzw BlackBerry

Test

2008-09-05T11:29:00.001-05:00

Let's see how this mobile blogging stuff works!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

2008-09-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

A long time gone

2008-08-11T19:15:00.002-05:00

I'm back, but this is going to be short because I had strep throat for the eighth time since March (not even exaggerating that one)! So just a few bullet points to let you know whats happened, whats happening and whats going to happen.

-Went to Michigan for my brothers wedding. It was a great time. Got to see lots of family and a few friends. The wedding was beautiful, the reception was a great party and I gained a sister-in-law who is pretty damn amazing. I also got to meet my new niece Abby, also known as "Bathtub" and as Elle calls her: "Baby Babby."

-Came home from Michigan on my 12th wedding anniversary. We went to Chuck E. Cheese's for our anniversary lunch and then drove for 10 hours. I am asking for a spa day for our 13th.

-Two days after we returned home, we fell in to the opportunity to move in to a bigger house with less rent just a few blocks from where we live now. We jumped at the opportunity and we are now settled in to our new place with lots of fun home projects ahead of us. However, I don't really recommend moving spur of the moment with just a sedan and a pickup truck, even if it is just three blocks away.

-Elle started kindergarten today. She did awesome, I was a teary blubbering mommy when I put her on the school bus. It's different with preschool, she is officially a school kid and I just can't believe how time is flying! It seems like we just brought her home yesterday.

-My sister started blogging. Her website is www.matsonminute.blogspot.com I think you should visit her site and maybe encourage her to vote for Obama.

-What's in the future: a visit from Aunt Lynne and Kunkle Egg, a tonsillectomy, and hopefully employment for my husband. Oh, and catching up with YOUR blog.

::black out::

2008-07-06T19:13:00.002-05:00

No internet at home for awhile. I'm waiting for my new usb data card to come in from work. Postings will be few and far between for the time being. In the meantime, please go outside and enjoy the fresh air!

SHINER

2008-06-26T23:39:00.003-05:00

Yesterday evening as I called Elle to the kitchen for dinner I raised her booster seat to adjust her chair. She came running* in to the kitchen and the timing resulted in Elle running face first in to the seat as I raised the chair behind me (almost drawing my arm back like getting ready to toss a bowling ball).

Elle immediately covered her face with her hands and cried, for all of 15 seconds. I think my reaction is what scared her the most since I was all "oh my God I just hit my child in the face with a chair!" Once she let me peel her hands away, a goose egg raised on the bridge of her nose and a black eye started to turn dark. Every time I look at her face I feel a punch in the gut, a wave of guilt, and even though it was a total accident, I can't help feeling like a craptastic mother.

Elle is totally fine and unless she looks directly in a mirror, is not really aware of the fact she looks like she finished 3 rounds in the octagon with Rampage Jackson and won.

*Elle is a runner. She rarely walks and if she is walking, she probably doesn't want to make you aware she is entering a room. She's sneaky that way.

2008-06-26T16:58:00.001-05:00

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Breezy

2008-06-26T15:23:00.007-05:00

This photo perfectly captures one of my favorite parts of summer. Line dried clothes may feel a bit stiffer but they smell like the perfect combination of fresh air and flowers. Hauling the clothes outside, taking the time to shake them out and hang them up with the wooden clothes pins is extra work but for some reason I really like it. It reminds me of my childhood, running and playing hide and seek between the shirts and sheets that would hang to dry in our backyard.

I don't claim to be a photographer in any way, but I like this picture. You can almost feel the sun and the breeze is blowing right at you. I needed summer more than I realized.

Oh dear.

2008-06-24T19:09:00.004-05:00

Last night, I went out with some friends from work after work. It was fun. My peeps insisted that I do some de-stressing. Check.

I drank way way too much and played pool badly. This combination has made for an interesting day. My question is: why do my fingers hurt so bad?

Also, Guinness + SoCo and Lime + Jägermeister + Chicken wings = Headache

Stiumulus? Ha! Surely, you jest!?

2008-06-19T07:42:00.004-05:00

Part of our recent financial issues have stemmed from the fact that good 'ole Uncle Sam has put the hammer down on the deferment of my student loans. Forebear you say? Been there done that. I even made several attempts to work out a payment plan with said crazy uncle and the student loan servicing center (SLSC). I explained to all parties that I am the sole income for my family right now and that I have a child with Down Syndrome who requires extra out-of-pocket needs like additional speech and occupational therapies that bill beyond insurance. I even explained that the reason why I had to defer for so long was the fact cancer cleaned out our bank and kept me out of work for a long time. The individual that was (and I say was for reasons you will read in a moment) is no longer working on my case and it was turned over to the devil's handmaiden for collection. Ms. Beelzebub filed garnishment papers and not so shortly after, 15-20% rolled off my check and right into my loan repayment. This is A LOT of freaking money. A LOT. This money was the difference between making it and being kicked while you're down. Oh, and the former individual who was my case worker? She informed me and I quote (I will never forget this, ever): "Mrs. Forrester, I'm sorry you had cancer and that your kid is retarded, but that is no reason why you can't pay more on your loan. You owe this money and I am here to get it." Nice, eh?

In addition to my garnishment, my $2,500 tax return? IRS wired that to the SLSC in January. I also get a rather large bonus from work each February, %20 of that went directly to the SLSC and the $1,800 stimulus check this May? You guessed it!! It was wired directly to the SLSC!!! That was over $6,500 I "lost!" That would have paid a lot of bills. That money doesn't even include what I paid from my regular check's garnishment. (I promise I will knock it off with the exclamation points!)

Don't get me wrong. I understand I am responsible for my student loans, I do not dispute the loan for a minute. I do however feel I am owed respect. I can't even get the SLSC to negotiate with me, I would like to knock off some of the interest so that all of this money will actually go to the principal and get me out from under this tidal wave of shit.

Now you are probably wondering the whole reason why I wrote all of this, and dear sweet reader, there is a reason and that is Jon Stewart. I was reading some of his satirist editorial and I came across the following quote, and it made me LAUGH!

(March 17, 2008 - speaking of the $600 tax rebate to help home owners)
"I think that'll work out great if your home is made out of plastic and located on Baltic Avenue."

Heh. I needed to laugh.

she's gonna make it after all

2008-06-18T23:44:00.005-05:00

Today was better than yesterday and I am glad for that.

I went to the doctor who confirmed what I had suspected, I have strep throat again. The ENT has suggested taking out my tonsils, adenoids, and putting a tube in my right ear. The nurse who gave me 4 shots (in my bum no less) is a parent and she said "oh my son had that when he was three!" Apparently, I am a late bloomer.

You may wonder whats with all the strep madness. I do take care of myself but I can't take a regular multi-vitaman because of the calcium (history of kidney stones). I also had cancer and received radiation treatment that has caused some residual issues with my ability to fight infection in my face and throat. I'm cancer free so residual effects are worth the pain. The doctor is also encouraging me to come in for weekly B12 shots to help boost my something or other. Ok. I am down with helping my something or other.

Today I hobbled out with 2 shots in each cheek, six scripts and the instructions to "take it easy."

I'll get right on that.

bring me to life

2008-06-18T00:27:00.005-05:00

I have been under a bit of stress lately. Between family, finances, health and the general state of the world, stress has become my main emotion. I don't like it. I'm trying to fix it. I'm not depressed but I suffer from anxiety. I am in a constant struggle not to run around like chicken little, yelling "the sky is falling!"

I was trying to pin point where or what all of this anxiety stems from so I decided to actually write it down on paper. Here is what I came up with:

That end part is totally immature, I know. I just feel that way right now. I feel very back the fuck off and let me breathe. I really wish I could get to a point where I am not waiting for the other shoe to drop or for the shit to hit the fan, I am just not there yet.

Part of the reason why I am not there yet is because I stopped taking anti anxiety medication thinking saving $33 dollars a month would be money well spent on things like Pull-Ups and organic peanut butter. This was a stupid, stupid idea and the fact that I stopped taking the medication only gave me more stress.

Sure, things could always be worse. I could be in the rubble of a quake in China or wiped out by a freak cyclone in Myanmar, but my "things" are all very real to me and they are making a pile of bricks on my chest. I am ready for some good times, you know. I need a teeny tiny bit of "things are ok" for just a little while. I am afraid I am letting life pass me by.

Go out there and do something remarkable

2008-06-16T00:49:00.003-05:00

Dear Andy,

Wednesday you walked across the stage and left high school behind. I would say that you became a man on that summer evening but it began happening long before Wednesday night. I wish I could have been there to see you accept your diploma and to whistle like you had just hit a home run at a ball park. In a way, you did hit a home run Andy, and I am more proud of you than I have ever been before.

I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you and to tell all of your friends stories about you when you little and did weird things like walk around in power ranger underroos and cowboy boots or how you believed Josh's frat letters stood for "we eat small children on fridays." Have you ever told your friends that you made up your own dance to the song "Ice,Ice, Baby" before you had even turned 1 year old? Did you know that from ages 2-3 you greeted me only in french? Do you remember how you audibly sobbed and called out my name as I said my vows at my wedding, or how the the first time you ever held your goddaughter, she clung to you for three hours and when I took her out of your arms it was only the second time I had ever heard her cry.

Arie Pencovici said "Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference" I think you have a firm grasp on what awaits you. Believe in yourself. I believe in you. I think you are one of the most amazing people in the world I am so proud of you Pook. The best is yet to come, buddy. I Love you!

If it's Sunday, it's "Meet the Press."

2008-06-13T14:54:00.005-05:00

Earlier this afternoon I received an sms from CNN breaking news reporting the passing of Tim Russert. I cannot say enough good things about this man. This is the first time a when I have felt moved to tears about the passing of a journalist. Tim Russert never new it but he is one of the individuals that made me passionate about America and American government. I have spent nearly every Sunday morning with Tim Russert for more than half of my life. Mr. Russert was the kind of individual that made you look at an issue from all sides but encouraged you to take the motivation those feelings gave you and turn them into something good and meaningful. I will miss his voice and input during this years election. I will miss his spirited, fair debate and reporting. Godspeed Tim. You will be missed.

Welcome back to Hockeytown Stanley

2008-06-08T22:36:00.007-05:00

...I'm a few days late getting this posted but... Awww yeah! No matter were I reside, my heart is always with the Wings in Hockeytown.

A couple of pics from the Red Wings Homecoming Parade courtesy of my little brother. Both pics are shots of Nicklas Lidstrom, Wings Captain, holding THE CUP! GO WINGS!!

::beached wail::

2008-06-05T19:04:00.006-05:00

On a lark, Josh suggested that we take a trip to the beach. We headed out to Normandy Lake, a TVA reservoir with beaches about 25 minutes from the house. We thought it would be nice to do something inexpensive and fun for Elle. The sun was shining, it was 88 degrees outside and we grabbed towels, sunscreen** and sand toys, iced down some lemonade and hit the road.

Our child is officially a beach bum.

Elle ran straight into the lake without a second thought*. It scares me that she has no fear of, well, anything. We stayed in the water for almost an hour and then we coaxed Elle up on the beach to play in the sand while Josh and I chilled and drank lemonade. After 20 minutes in the sand Elle took a look at me and Josh on the blanket and then a long look at the lake. We knew what was coming. She dropped the sand shovel and took off running straight into the water. I was running after her but the beach has some rocks and my feet were tender so I was a good 5 feet behind her. She stopped about a foot into the water, turned around and looked and me and said "MOM! HURRY!"We stayed in the water for another hour or so and then called it a day.

I derive the title of today's post from Elle's emotional farewell with the beach. TOTAL MELTDOWN. You would have thought we told her that there were no hot dogs left on earth. She wailed and sobbed and fought the buckles on her car seat. Only after we had completely left Normandy and drove a good mile down the road had she calmed down enough to stop hyperventilating. The promise of Popsicles at home finally mellowed her back to her normal pleasant demeanor so we could ride home with the windows down enjoying the breeze.

There were probably a total of 30 or 40 people scattered between the beach and the water. According to some other parent-types on the beach, today's population was typical for a week day. This has us totally stoked because my days off are week days and now we can hit the beach once a week and avoid the crowds.

We had such a great time today that if the weather cooperates, we are planning to go back next Wednesday with cookout supplies and floaties :) Good times. Yeah, it's summer.

*Josh just read this and requested that I mention that today was Elle's first time in a body of water larger than a puddle. She's been in pools before but she was always in an inner tube or a wading pool shallow enough for small birds. Today she went head first in to a big lake. Without an ounce of fear!

**I remembered to spray Josh and Elle with sunscreen but neglected to protect myself. You'd think with the whole "cancer thing" I would be more careful. Heh. You'd think.

cutie patooties

2008-06-02T21:59:00.007-05:00

After blogging about illness, alcohol and alienesque actresses, I thought I would take a turn for the sentimental and share a pic of my nieces. This is the lovely Miss M, holding her sister, Bathtub. Bathtub is legally known as Abigail but do not tell Miss M. Judging from this photo, Bathtub* may be better served by the name burrito. Can you stand the cuteness? It almost makes me want another child, but not really.

I just wonder if Bathtub will grow up to throw heavy oak chairs at Miss M, just like their mother did to me? (I have the scar to prove this.)

the ugly truth

2008-06-01T19:02:00.004-05:00

What I am about to say is mean but I can't help it. (Truthfully, I can help it. I have a bit'o OCD and I cannot stop thinking about this.) I think Tilda Swinton is a fantastic actress. I have enjoyed her acting in several movies and that is the nice thing I have to say. On the other hand, she looks like she is from a different planet. Is it just me or is this women odd looking to you? I think the resemblance to THIS is stunning!

My kitchen is spotless!

2008-05-28T03:24:00.004-05:00

I have insomnia. I could be using this time to write the great American novel but I'm not. I am awake looking at gossip sites like perezhilton.com and clicking on links about "back porn" at Kotke's site.

This ridiculousness coupled with my inability to talk or swallow without whining like a wounded dog has made my life somewhat sit-com'ish sans the sitcom money.

It's about 3:30 and right about now my younger sister should be getting ready to give birth to my new niece via c-section. Welcome to the world baby bathtub* your parents may be republicans but they are capable of love and compassion, so I don't worry too much for you.

I have also started reading again. I love reading. As I was digging through a box in my shed last week, I found a copy of the novel A Separate Peace by John Knowles and a copy of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I love both of these books so I brought them out of the dusty box and put them on the book shelf so I could read them whenever. I'm ashamed that I had books in boxes. If my mother knew this she would probably beat me with her Borders frequent buyer card. If I was raised to know anything it was to put every book on a shelf and remember not to take the Lord's name in vein. So far I am 0 for 2. I am hoping the whole parenting thing will keep me in good graces. Whose good graces? I'm not exactly sure but it can't hurt to be in them, eh?

I think I am going to make a grocery list and then try the whole count sheep thing. If all else fails, there is the option of a Judy Garland cocktail** Wish me luck!

*Bathtub is the name that my niece Maddy has lovingly given the baby that is to be her sister Abby. I feel that Abby has many confusing years ahead of her not only because I will refer to her as bathtub but because her parents are republicans.

**Judy Garland cocktail = 1 percocet and a bourbon on the rocks. In moderation, of course.

Waiting on the world to change

2008-05-27T01:38:00.006-05:00

I can't sleep because I took a long nap this afternoon. In lieu of laying in bed tossing and turning, I am watching the movie Recount on HBO. Recount is a telepic about the 2000 vote debacle in Florida. I remember this time well. I voted for Al Gore and I was glued to the television whilst Florida effed up the election and incorrectly catapulted George Dubbya Bush into the White House.

The chain of events that drives this movie is amazing. No matter which party you are affiliated with, the 2000 Presidential election shows the importance of each and every vote. I have always been a very "political" person and I will never take for granted my right to vote.

I am enraged with the state of our union. I feel it is my responsibility to help make change by using my vote and educating myself on the issues we are facing. The past 8 years have been a tumble to a hole that is going to take years of work and commitment to crawl out of. I am proud to be an American citizen and I love my country. On the other hand, I am ashamed of our "elected" officials and the lack of leadership shown in Washington.

Here is a little perspective for you; this is nothing new to America! Think back to the Regan years, the cold war - when we spent 100 million dollars arming the Afghanis helping them to blow Russia out of Afghanistan's land. Russia withdrew and then what? Did America send money to rebuild the Afghanistan that had we had no problem blowing apart for our own needs? Absolutely not. Not a cent went into building a school or encouraging womens rights. There was no aid sent to the hundreds of thousands of hungry and displaced Afghanis.

So here we are today, marching our men and women in to a war in Iraq. Soldiers are serving their country with dignity and the current administration is using every one of those individuals as a pawn in a disastrous game of one-upsmanship. I'm asking again: Why? Where are the WMD's? What has any of this accomplished?

I wonder what our world would be today had the 2000 election been handled correctly? I guess we'll never know.

yes, I am being totally serious

2008-05-23T12:29:00.005-05:00

I'm so over this whole "sick" thing. I went back to work for 4 days and the strep is back, Elle has pneumonia and I feel like I have been hit by a giant mack truck carrying a load of death.

At this point I feel like if I didn't have bad luck I would have no luck at all.

The Illness tally by numbers:

1 - number of times I googled "death by strep throat"
2 - shots of rocepherin
3 - shots of steroids for me and 3 prescriptions filled for Elle
4 - days of feeling well before round 2 hit
5 - prescriptions filled for Me
6 - over the counter remedies that were tried and failed
7 - (no lie!) boxes of Popsicles purchased and consumed
8 - family sized cans of soup purchased and consumed
9 - the number of times I have watched the Lion King with Elle
10 - days out of work during round 1 of strep

It goes with out saying but I am going to say it anyway. THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!
My throat is so swollen right now I feel like I am choking. Maybe THIS is my future?

...yawn...

2008-05-18T19:57:00.002-05:00

Out of work for two weeks sick and within 45 minutes of being back in the business, I wanted to take a nap.

Ideally, I would be an idle rich person, a philanthropist if you will. However these days, I understand that I need to work, so if you know of a job where you are paid to sleep, let me know.

Annoyed is not adequate

2008-05-17T00:29:00.004-05:00

It's half past twelve and I should be in bed by now. I'd like to be in bed. Ideally, I would be in bed snuggly warm sleeping soundly. I'm not in bed or snuggly warm. Not even close.

Elle took a "power nap" from 5-6 and now she is WIDE AWAKE.

WIDE. AWAKE. NOT SLEEPING.

Music, milk, tv, benadryl by telepathy - nothing is knocking this kid out.

Damn.

Grilled Cheese Interrupted

2008-05-14T23:09:00.006-05:00

Like most people, I appreciate the finer things in life. One such "fine thing" is a good grilled cheese sandwich. I have always been eager to try different takes on the grilled cheese sandwich, adding different bread and cheese combos, and tossing in anything from bacon to grilled onions to tomatoes or all three at the same time. It's been a mega-delicious endeavor that shows no sign of stopping.

I'm not sure if adding everything else keeps the sandwich from remaining a true grilled cheese, (I have not had the time to consult the international grilled cheese association for ruling on this matter,) but it is still a grilled cheese in my book.....

Anyhow, getting back on track.

My most recent foray into grilled cheese interrupted happened tonight and I couldn't be more pleased with the results! (I feel somewhat silly about putting exclamation points in sentences that discuss grilled cheese, but lets face it, this whole entry is cheesy.) Ba dum bum! Heh.

Anyhow, getting back on track.

Tonight's sandwich was simple but brilliant and I'm astonished that trying it had not occured to me sooner. Wheat bread and Pimento Cheese! Pimento cheese is something that is newer to me (newer, as in I had never tried it until I moved south 12 years ago) it's a tasty mix of cheeses, mayo, pimentos and sometimes grated onion, etc... It's good stuff, super yummy. I highly recomend that you try pimento cheese should you have the chance and if you feel like being a wild and crazy girl like me make a grilled cheese sammy with some pimento cheese. It's spicy, yummy, gooey and it goes good with soup. It's off the hook, yo!

2008-05-14T13:35:00.001-05:00

Elle

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2008-05-14T13:07:00.001-05:00

Elle

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2008-05-14T06:57:00.001-05:00

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2008-05-13T22:46:00.000-05:00

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2008-05-13T22:42:00.001-05:00

add

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briefly

2008-05-13T20:39:00.002-05:00

What do I say after not saying anything at all for two years.

What happened to make me stop?

Eventually I will sit down and write it all down for this page but it will take some time and right now I need to convince Elle that it's bedtime.

I'm excited to blog again. I kind of feel like a kid at Christmas.

~o0o~ I enjoy being a girl! ~o0o~

2006-04-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

I make no bones about the fact that I love being a woman.

I like to dress up.
I like my curvy body.
The color pink + me = happiness
I like lipstick.
I like jewelry.

I also love sports, hockey especially - but that doen't deter from my womanlyness - it makes me well rounded.

But something I hate and I know most of you ladies will agree - is shaving the legs. I love smooth legs and "society be damned" is often my motto, however you aren't going to find Grisley Adams gams on this girl.

My skin has not been the same since the 49 lovely doses of radiation that I had to experience. Oddly enough, the cancer was in/on my head but radiation made the skin on my legs ROUGH. I moisturize and exfoliate. I have tried shaving with the grain (as Queer Eye guy Kyan would insist upon). I hate to even shave with the best of razors because I always look like I have wicked razor burn. I have even resorted to using lotion that has small doses of hair remover to thin my leg hair so that shaving isn't such an ordeal - but alas, no luck yet.

Note:I can't afford regular professional waxing so that isn't an option.

So here I sit with Nair on my legs and like the mouth wash commerical says: "the burn says it's working!" Well mother feck, my legs are burning (like they always do with this Nair crap). I swear if my legs aren't sliky smooth when this stuff is washed off, I'll cry.

Do you have any smooth leg secrets? I'd love to know!

Morning To Do List or Thank God for Coffee

2006-04-04T10:01:00.000-05:00

Laundry (3 loads)
Fold Laundry and Put away

Unload Dishwasher
Reload Dishwasher

Clean Puppy area of Laundry Room
Give Puppy a bath

Make Elle breakfast
Change Elle
Eat something healthy for breakfast

Get Elle to rest before school (still no naps for her!)
Shower
Paint toe nails

Write letter to "whom it may concern" as to why it is unfair that I am 29 and still get zits

.... and that is just this morning.

The Forrester Report: Ins and Outs

2006-03-15T16:30:00.000-06:00

I don't know if any of you read Entertainment Weekly, but there is a small feature each week called the Shaw Report, by Jessica Shaw. The Shaw Report, a staple aspect of EW, rates the "In-Factor" of various life aspects. I often think the feature is full of hot air - but I enjoy it nonetheless. So, with that in mind, here is the Forrester Report - with notes!

In: Hummus and Pita
Out: Peanut Butter and Jelly
*ed note: My love affair for hummus and pita has projected itself on to my daughter. She is brilliant, this child, no?

In: Health
Out: Sick
*ed note: Can I just tell you how totally over sickness is? I am TIRED of it. I refuse to acknowledge it. Goodbye sickness - I'm over you and your yuck.

In: The Wonder Pets
Out: BoohBah
*ed note: Thank GOD that the Wonder Pets now trump Boohbah. The colorful dancing penis-like creatures that are Boohbah were begning to make me question Public Television, and I love me some PBS. Yay for NickJr. and their cool AND educational programming!

In: Not napping
Out: Napping
*ed note: This sucks. Napping is not out by MY choice. Napping is not out because it is not cool. Napping is cool. Why can't a certain child realize this?

In: Toast
Out: Oatmeal
*ed note: Sometimes there is nothing better than a good piece of wheat toast with butter and jam to get you going in the morning. Add coffee and OJ and it could very well be the perfect breakfast.

In: Blogging
Out: Not Blogging
*ed note: You'd think with my lack of updating that it would be the other way around. But really, I am constantly thinking about blogging. It's just getting me to sit in front of the computer that is the problem. I need someone to invent sublimenal blogging.

525,600 boogers - Seasons of Phlem

2006-03-02T09:27:00.000-06:00

Life is finally settling down a bit. After all of the drama of the last few weeks, I am ready for the settling. So what's been going down? Here's the re-cap:

My Gram is doing alright, resting at home and having good days and bad days - keep her in your prayers, please.

Elle and I got mega sick. It was a snotty phlem fest. Everyone got antibiotics and other helpful medicine. We're on the mend now. THANK GOD! I don't think I could have handled another bad day. We are also considering buying stock in the Proctor and Gamble, the parent company of Kleenex.
Side Note - How brilliant are Kleenex for putting lotion in their product so our noses do not fall off from the constant blowing? Very brilliant, I'd say.

Elle is so versed in the nose-blowing technique that she is now instructing random people when to blow their noses. A woman standing next to us in Eckerd sneezed and Elle said: "Hey, godda glo noose! Now!"

The puppies are GROWING. I have new names for them too. There is Hoss, the big fatty and Bitty, the littlest one and then there is Tater Tott who is nearly as big as Hoss. Tater Tott received his name from Promise, his 4 year old owner who is SO FREAKING EXCITED THAT SHE IS GETTING A PUPPY.

We are also an American Idol house. We never miss an episode. Do you watch? Who are you rooting for? We are big fans of Taylor and Chris. We like Paris as well. Ace's brooding is killing us and I pointed out long before the show did - that Kevin Covais bears striking resemblance to Chicken Little. Oh, and I am SO OVER Randy Jackson speaking in third person and saying [insert name here] "can blow!" What is the matter with calling singing, singing? I'm just saying . . .

So that's about it. I have a stack of DVD's that need watching and there is a big ol' cup of Lemon Zinger with my name on it. But wait!

Before I go, a quick Elle story that will make you laugh. So she's watching Sesame Street today and the theme is trees. Somewhere in the episode Ernie says rhetorically: "Let's hear it for the trees!" and Elle says: "Yay! Trees! Go Trees!"

How funny is that?

peee esss: I haven't read your blog in a week. I'm sorry. I promise to read AND comment soon!
pee pee esss: Does anyone else find it funny that blogger's spell check does not acknowledge the word blog? I find that quite humorous.

this little light of mine

2006-02-22T21:40:00.000-06:00

After all that has gone on during the last several days, I have found my solace in Elle. She is such an amazing little light. The hugs and kisses have been plentiful and her smile, oh that smile melts me. I could go on and on but you know how mothers tend to gush, so I will just share a couple of pics that make me smile.

She is deep in contemplation. Thinking about what?

This is her hair after taking out her pig tail. She loved the way it was sticking up. She kept looking in the mirror and giggling.

I asked her to smile, and this is what I got. The kid is a total ham.

Recovering - The Gram update

2006-02-21T16:22:00.000-06:00

I am going to cut and paste here, what I have written on my Gram's care-page website for our family. Here is the run down. By the way, don't worry, it is ALL good news!

February 20, 2006 at 07:04 PM EST
GOOD NEWS! Gram got out of surgery at 1:15 (EST) and she is doing great. The nurse taking care of her in ICU said that she is 100% where she needs to be. I feel like we've won the lottery! They are beginning to "bring her around" meaning that they are slowly bringing her to consciousness. They allowed Papa to touch her hand and when he did, she opened her eyes! She also opened her eyes when Mom said "I love you, Mom." A nurse promptly scolded Mom, telling her that there was NO TALKING ALLOWED! This is because Gram is on the ventalator and they don't want her to try to talk. Speaking of the ventalator, they will try to take Gram off the vent sometime late tonight. I will let you know in the morning how that went. I also wanted to let you know that the surgeon said that post-op complication rate was only 2% (yes, that is a two) and Gram was a prime canidate for this surgery. It will be a few days before Gram is in a regular room where she can have regular visitors, flowers, cards etc... I am giving Papa your messages and will print and mail them to Gram when she is up to reading them. Please continue to be praying for Gram. She made it over the big hurdle but her recovery is going to be slow and sore and she needs all the support she can get. I will post again when I have more news to share.

February 21, 2006 at 10:29 AM EST
More good news! Gram is off the ventalator! She is smiling (smiling is GREAT!) and talking just a little bit. Mom stayed the night and said she did well overnight. Mom went home to get a few hours of sleep and Pop and Uncle Tom are there with her now. Mom should be back there soon - she calls me with the updates. Uncle Tom said that the nurse told him that Gram is 100% where she needs to be in her recovery post-surgury process. Gram is a good patient, and she is being very strong. She also has excellent care. Papa wanted me to tell you that. He said "please tell everyone that she is getting excellent care." He also said that Gram's nurse is a tough as nails lady but Papa said, I quote, "top notch, excellent, one of the best nurses I have ever seen." So that is pretty great. And the fact that he is pleased with her care makes us all feel better too. Gram will be in the special post surgery "locked down" ICU for atleast one more night. After which she will be moved to a "room" where she can have visitors other than immediate family.

February 21, 2006 at 05:16 PM EST
Another Good news update. Gram sat for two hours in a chair this afternoon. While sitting, Pop fed her a bananna popsicle, an orange popsicle and some broth. Gram wasn't really excited about sitting up for two hours, but she is in great spirits. She is resting again and her nurse once again reported that Gram is doing excellent. We couldn't ask for more, could we?

So that is where we are now. I'm so thankful that she made it through the surgery as well as she did, but then again, I didn't expect anything less ;) Tenativly, I will be going to Michigan next week to help Gram with her recovery and her first week home. I will let you know more as plans develop.

Gram

2006-02-20T08:11:00.000-06:00

I have been quiet for awhile because it has been a stressfull couple of days. My grandmother went in on Saturday morning for cardiac-cath and the news wasn't good. As I write this, she is having open heart bypass surgery. My gram is a wonderful woman. We are very close - we talk on the phone everyday sometimes 5 times a day. We have a very special relationship, one I treasure. Some of my favorite things about her are:

- She knows and understands the importance of the right shade of Lipstick
-She is the best cook, ever.
- She respects my dislike for sweet pickels and won't put them in my potato salad or tuna.
- She is one of the smartest people I know - She has the answers to questions that many
PhD's cannot answer.
- She can dish with me on the soap operas with out shame. I don't know who else I would talk to about the Young and the Restless.
- She is beautiful with out being difficult.
- She always smells good. Like powder, soap and dentine.
- She has a big vocabulary (but she keeps it a secret and whips out big words when we are least expecting it).
- She can always make me feel better. Even if I am feeling great, she'll make me feel better than great.
- She might be small, but she is mighty. She is one of the strongest people I know.

Could you please remember my gram in your thoughts and prayers, meditations and wishes today? It would mean a lot.

Happy Valentines Day

2006-02-14T10:05:00.000-06:00

Three puppies! Two girls and a boy. I know it is so uber cliche, but really, how cute is it that Pippy had her puppies on Valentines Day?!

I almost can't stand the cuteness - but knowing that they will start pooping soon makes the cuteness barable.

Is there a doctor in the house?

2006-02-14T02:46:00.000-06:00

It's 2:45 and I am wide awake. "Why am I awake," you ask?

THE PUPPIES ARE BEING BORN!

I woke up at about 2:30 with a strong sense of urgency to check on Pippy and when I came out, she was birthing her first pup.

Welcome to the world Olympia! (That is what I am calling it (don't know yet if it is a boy or girl) until it goes to it's own home in 6 weeks.

We're having puppies! On Valentines Day!

::what's in a name?::

2006-02-10T23:22:00.000-06:00

Will somebody tell me why they (the man, the powers that be, NBC, EVERYONE) are calling the Winter Olympics the Torino Olympics when it is in Turin? What in the heck is wrong with the name Turin?

We didn't call the Atlanta olympics the Georgia Olympics and the Salt Lake games were not refered to as the Mormon Olympiad,etc . . .

So what gives? Have you seen any reports giving credit to this jackassery?

::becuase i'm so gracefull like that::

2006-02-09T22:25:00.000-06:00

I am going to have a bruise on my cheek. I already have a hugeish throbbing goose egg (that sounds really sick), so I fully expect to see a bruise there when I wake up tomorrow morning. That is if I wake up, because lately my clumsyness is at an all time high and I'm pretty sure I am capable of some sort of night-time mishap.

Oh yeah, I'm babbling and I never even told you why I have a throbbing goose egg (gross) on my cheek.

I bent over to pick up one of Elle's 13 zillion toys and misjudged where my head would land and I smacked into the corner of the sewing machine (which is and antique, literally 100 years old, does not sew and doubles as a junk table). I hit it hard, hard enough to make the f-word fly out of my mouth without a second thought. And believe me friends, when you have a 2 and half year old tape recorder following you around - you think twice before bustin' out the big eff.

I wonder what the eff it'll look like in the morning... It kind of reminds me of when I was going through my radiation treatment and I would always wonder what new kind of wierdness my face was going to look like after a treatment. I'm still saddled with this carnage:

It's not quite as red anymore, but it's as smooth as a baby's arse and it repels water. You'd think that would gain me superhero qualifications, but alas - it doesn't. Too bad the throbbing goose egg (still sickin me out) wasn't on that side, then I could just turn to the right whenever someone spoke to me. Heh, but no, now turn to the left: cancer face - turn to the right: clumsy knocked on a sewing maching face...

I'm glad I don't go out for the weekend anymore.

My dog is having puppies and I am having a COW.

2006-02-08T09:39:00.000-06:00

My dog is pregnant. I can't even tell you the ammount of distress this is causing me. I feel so old fashioned right now. I just want to send her to some dog convent - let her have the puppies and come back to live with us like it never happened. It's not shame. It is total inconvenience. I HAVE NO TIME.

I can't be birthin' no puppies.

She is due within the next week and a half. THIS IS HORRIBLE. I have no place to put puppies. I have to keep them for SIX WEEKS. Puppies crap - a lot. I have nowhere to put small crapping puppies.

pausing to breathe into paper bag

Have any of you done this before? I have googled a bunch of stuff but I am in no way ready to be a canine mid-wife. Jeezie Creezie. I want to scream, cry and shoot the rapist dog from across the street.

Excuse me, I'm going to go scream some more.

another reason why rural tennessee is backasswards

2006-02-02T16:46:00.000-06:00

Grrr..... I DO NOT LIKE DSL.

Our telephone company is a TOTAL RACKET. I have no idea how they get away with what they're doing. How is it that BellSouth is not allowed to offer service to this area? I live 30 minutes away from my old home that had digital cable and bellsouth and ammenitites!

I'm not a snob. I'm not a princess. I don't ask for much! I would just like an internet connection that costs me 60 junior bacon cheese burgers to work when the wind blows harder than 5 miles an hour! I don't mind paying for good service. We upped our DSL to the highest speed offered and we've gone from snail/slug speed to elderly woman with a walker speed. Is fast internet too much to ask for? Is a continuous connection too much to ask for? Jeeze Creeze!

I'm going to go chill with Elle and watch Monsters, Inc. It's her new favorite movie and it is sooo nice to have a break from SpongeBob.

Happy Famaversary to Us!

2006-01-30T09:03:00.000-06:00

Dear Elle,
Two years ago, we became a family. You changed our lives with your sweet unconditional love. We had no idea on Tuesday morning that we'd be your parents on Wednesday morning - the very next day! We are overwhelmed with joy to be your mama and daddy. You make it so easy for us, your smiles, hugs, kisses.

You have grown into a smart, thriving, beautiful little girl. Two years have flown by, while all at once it feels like forever and I can remember it like yesterday. Elle, you have a joy for life that is unlike anyone else. You see the good and sunshine in everything. I don't know what we did to deserve you, but we are never letting you go. Thank you for loving us too.

Happy Famaversary to us!

Milestones

2006-01-27T08:22:00.000-06:00

Today is a MAJOR day in the Forrester house. Can you guess what it is? Here are three clues:

1. It isn't any of our birthdays
2. It is not our wedding anniversary
3. Our lives were NEVER the same after this day

Commence the guessing. I will write more when Elle and I return from her first gymnastics class this afternoon. I can't wait to see what you'll guess.

The winner gets???

The Big Bounce

2006-01-24T18:45:00.000-06:00

I didn't realize until a few minutes ago, I haven't blogged for a couple of days. I can imagine that you've been waiting with baited breath to see what has been going on...

Oh, but something cool to share - On Friday, Elle and I went to The Bounce Factory with her schoolmate Autumn and Autumn's mom Katie. I'm not sure who had more fun, Elle or me? The Bounce Factory is a big warehouse that is filled with the gigantic inflatables that you can rent for parties, like the gigantic slides and obsticle course and bounce castle. It's only 5 bucks a kid and parents bounce free. Did you read that? PARENTS BOUNCE free. Who cares about the free part - parents get to BOUNCE! The cool thing is - during toddler time (which is when we went) there weren't many people so I was totally bouncing! It was so much fun - I can't wait to go back. I hurt my knee from bouncing so much - but hey by the time it feels better it will be time to go bounce again :)

Eh, American Idol is on. I need to go. Elle is a big fan, you know.

Sick and Tired of Sick and Tired

2006-01-19T07:56:00.000-06:00

I am borderline disgruntled this morning. I'm going on a week of having a sinus headache at some point during every day, and this morning it is killing me to swallow and my ears are hurting too. I imagine that the fact that it was SNOWING Tuesday and it is supposed to be 60 degrees today factors into the sinus issue. I like to experience the seasons over the course of a year - not a week.

Fortunatly Elle is in a cooperative mood this morning. She is watching Sesame Street and eating her traditional breakfast of pizza snacks and 2% lactose free milk combined with Vanilla Carnation Instant Breakfast. Today is Oscar the Grouch's birthday, ironic, eh?

Just kidding about the pizza snacks. Admit it, you were suprised for a second there, weren't you?

So anyway, yeah a headache. A BIG craptastic headache and I can't think of any legal way to remedy the solution while keeping my parenting skills in tact. It's 8:22 AM and I already want to go back to bed - until tomorrow.

Did I mention that the dog has been barking constantly this morning and I think the Jack Russel terrier across the street has knocked her up? (open sarcasm)Today is going to be grrrrrrrrrrrreat!(close sarcasm) Yeah.

Wouldn' it be loverly?

2006-01-16T21:13:00.000-06:00

I tried something new today. I wish I could tell you it was a spicy Moroccan dish, or page 36 of the Kama Sutra (but who are we kidding here, it's a Monday for chrissakes and I have a 2 year old). No, it was neither of those.

I spoke to Eleanor with an English accent. Just for fun. Just because it was Monday, she had the day off from school and well, there was nothing else to do. This played as well as Brokeback Mountain in Salt Lake.

At first she just stopped and stared at me, conveying mild interest. I went on for a few more minutes, just to see if she really noticed. At one point she cocked her head to the side to see if I possibly looked different, and maybe that is why my voice was different. Her interest wained as I continued untill she finally put her hand over my mouth and said "uh, uh, stop."

"Wots the mattar?" I replied in my best Mary Poppins meets Eliza Doolittle.

She blinked very hard, then smacked both of my cheeks at once and said "My. Momma. Back!"

All I need is a wand and chiffon dress and I am totally going to rock out at tooth fairy time!

I will give you $100 bucks if you'd just take a nap!

2006-01-14T13:55:00.000-06:00

Will somebody tell me why my child won't take a nap?

Jeezie Creezie

We're going on two hours of yelling "Maaaaaaaaa ma. Hey! Mom mom mom. Hey!"

She has a clean diaper, soft music and her tummy is full. She needs to take a nap.

I NEED her to take a nap. 30 minutes - that is all I am asking for. ONE. HALF. HOUR.

PLEASE!

2006-01-11T17:30:00.000-06:00

I still haven't figured out how to fix my comments. If I know you and you want to help me out - let me know. I really don't want to have to 86 this layout- I like it. Maybe you know how to fix it?

On to other news . . .

Elle doesn't have to have another surgery. The surgeon told us that to redo the surgery, it would have to be very invasive and may not help. The other option was to wait a year to see if she out-grows the tearing issue. We opted for the wait and see choice. I couldn't see putting her through another surgery (which would have a much longer recovery time) when it had a chance of not working. I'm glad we won't have that looming over us in the new year.

I need to run - I've got a meeting in 20 minutes and it my hair could use some attention and I need to locate some lipgloss.

Test

2006-01-10T08:02:00.000-06:00

FREAKING CODE! I'm so annoyed with my own lack of uderstanding that MY NECK HURTS. AND - I can't find where in the feck is the right place to change the font color. I am also OUT OF COFFEE.

I need to scream and get caffinated. Pronto!

Update: Ok, what in the hell is going on? Why does this specific entry have a place that says comments and the last one didn't? I don't think I did anything differently. . . I still need coffee.

Craptastic

2006-01-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

Why can't I see the contents of my comments? I can read them via e-mail (obviously) but I can't read them on the site. ARGH! I hate not understanding code.

Back in the game

2006-01-09T06:36:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

My blogging hiatus is officially OVER. This is the longest "quiet" period of time I have had since I started blogging almost 5 years ago. I've decided that I am going to leave UpSyndrome parked here at Blogger. It isn't exactly what I like, but I am going to learn how to deal with it. My biggest annoyance is uploading photos, so I am going to get flicker all sorted out and just use that for now on.

I have missed this, more that I can tell you. I can't tell you how many times a day I say to myself "I should be blogging this." However, life and general laziness got in the way and I would forget about it.

A lot has happened since November 14th - so I should have plenty to say for awhile. It feels good to be back in the game :)

The Elle Chronicles. Episode: 1017

2005-11-16T09:52:00.000-06:00

Elle's surgery went well. She is recovering like a champ, eating a popsicle ('sicles, as she calls them) and watching Blue's Clues as I write this. The reason why I'm writing is that I wanted to share an Elle story with you. My beautiful daughter amazes me everyday but this time, she has outdone herself. Here goes (with a bit of background included for good measure):

The type of surgery Elle had is called tearduct probing. A pediatric opthamalogist inserted probes into her tear ducts to help her tears and sinuses drain properly. Once the surgeons got her into surgery, they realized that her sinus passages are more lateral than vertical (due to the typical craniofacial structure of a person with Downs) and she would need a stint to help with drainage. So, they took a tiny tube and strung it through her sinues & tear ducts . . . let me describe: Picture a string across the bridge of your nose going through your tear ducts in the inner corner of your eyes, through your nose, like an inverted triangle, then tied at the point of the V, at the base of your nose. This is what they did to Elle.

I was quite surprised that the doctors chose to do the temporary stint (one that you can see) rather than a permanent stint because this is a girl who will not leave a barette in her hair. I had to ask them to put a brace over the IV so she wouldn't pull it out. What made them think she was going to leave a rubber band strung through her head? Doctors!

Regardless, her doctor explained that this temporary stint would have to stay for 6 to 8 weeks. Sure.

Elle came home without incident. She breezed through recovery, asking for her "Pippy" (our dog), not her Momma, although she was glad to let me rock her and feed her popsicles :) She looked scary post surgery. I know that is an awful thing for a parent to say but it surprised me. Have you seen the move Outbreak where the people have the Ebola virus? Well, suffice to say my babe had blood coming from her eyes and nose (which was normal) and I was somewhat freaked, but still able to handle it without looking like I was going to have a breakdown.

We were home by 11:30. I put her down for a nap at 12:30 to let her sleep off the rest of the antistesia, checking on her every half hour or so. She was sleeping face down, with her face towards the wall so I couldn't see her face but I saw that she was breathing fine and resting well, so I let her sleep until 4:30. Whe I woke her, I noticed immediatly that the stint was G O N E. Meaning, there was no longer a tube in her head that I could see. The ensuing conversation went like this (and I am not kidding - this is what happened):

Me: Elle! Oh no!
Elle: Hi.
Me: Elle! Where did it go?
Elle: (matter of factly, knowing EXACTLY what I was talking about) It bye, bye.
Me: Oh my gosh! Elle! I can't believe this?!?!
Elle: Hi.
Me: Elle, where is bye, bye?
Elle: (reaching under her pillow and producing the rubber tube) Here.
Me: Oh, holy heck.
Elle: Yeah, bye, bye. (holding out her arms)
Me: Elle, there *is* such thing as a tooth fairy. NOT a tube fairy. I'm not paying you for this.
Elle: Ok. Hi. Sicles?

How smart is my kid? She actually saved the stint under her pillow. She knew that I'd want to see it - so she put it under her pillow. Yeah. It bye, bye, alright. Six to eight weeks? We didn't even hit the eight HOUR mark.

Oh, my sweet sweet Elle.

I have talked to her Doctor a few times and they expect she will be fine but there is the chance that she will have to have the surgery redone after the first of the year with a permanent tube put in (one that is subdermal). Anyhow, there is my Elle story. And no, there aren't accompanying pics this time. I never got a chance to take one of her with the stint in (hello, eight hours!?!) and she won't be still enough to allow me to take one this morning. She has too much to do, apparently.

So there is my Elle story. I hope you enjoyed it. I will be contacting the Social Security Admin this afternoon and officially changing her middle name from Elizabeth to Houdini.

UpSyndrome

Uh oh

FBP

back with a slight return

NjnbnbnbnbbnbddM

Test

A long time gone

::black out::

SHINER

~~Breezy~~

Oh dear.

Stiumulus? Ha! Surely, you jest!?

she's gonna make it after all

bring me to life

Go out there and do something remarkable

If it's Sunday, it's "Meet the Press."

Welcome back to Hockeytown Stanley

::beached wail::

cutie patooties

the ugly truth

My kitchen is spotless!

Waiting on the world to change

yes, I am being totally serious

...yawn...

Annoyed is not adequate

Grilled Cheese Interrupted

briefly

~o0o~ I enjoy being a girl! ~o0o~

Morning To Do List or Thank God for Coffee

The Forrester Report: Ins and Outs

525,600 boogers - Seasons of Phlem

this little light of mine

Recovering - The Gram update

Gram

Happy Valentines Day

Is there a doctor in the house?

::what's in a name?::

::becuase i'm so gracefull like that::

My dog is having puppies and I am having a COW.

another reason why rural tennessee is backasswards

Happy Famaversary to Us!

Milestones

The Big Bounce

Sick and Tired of Sick and Tired

Wouldn' it be loverly?

I will give you $100 bucks if you'd just take a nap!

Test

Craptastic

Back in the game

The Elle Chronicles. Episode: 1017

Breezy