Well, I'm back home now. :) Yay! :) I still haven't figured out how I'm going to pay for everything, but hopefully the meeting I have with FEMA tomorrow will help me find a way.
Thursday night *T* came over for dinner. As always, the conversation was great, we were just limited on time, him for work, me for the drive to NJ. I think it will be very interesting to see what topics we hit when we do actually have more than a few hours to spend chatting. I can picture it now, after dinner, in front of the firepit with a few beers... can't wait. :)
I left here, after being in the house one day, to head to New Jersey on Friday. A friend of mine has a dog training center down there and this was their first annual Camp Barking Hills doggie weekend. It's a weekend away with your dog(s) that one can take introductory classes on just about everything there is in the dog world, training, dog sports, behavior, etc., etc. I was down there to teach Flyball classes and do a few seminars on Flyball and Clicker Training, as well as give a different point of view on an "Ask the Experts" question and answer session. I'm very glad I went, as I was paid handsomely for my time and it is very much needed right now.
I think the dogs' brains started melting by Monday though. They've been through a ton of stress with the evacuation and staying at my sister's house - being crated most of the time. Things had gone back to 'normal' for a very short amount of time before I hauled them off to New Jersey. I'm sure they had a good time while we were out doing stuff - during my down time, I was able to drop in on classes and do a few run-throughs. The boys had their photos taken by a well published photographer. She also got a bunch of photos of Freddie on the flyball box.
I was beyond thrilled and surprised when there wasn't a boatload of traffic on the way down -or- on the way back! So it was a quick 4 1/2 hours down and back thankfully. :) I haven't done squat since I've been back. I was still exhausted from all the house stuff, adding a hot, busy dog weekend wasn't my brightest idea, but I had committed well over a year ago and couldn't let my friend down.
While there, I had a few of the New Jersey flyball teams come on Saturday and do a flyball demonstration, which received rave reviews. :) I've already been invited back next year so all's well that ends well. :)
Tomorrow was supposed to be my first full day back in almost 3 weeks, but I now have that appt. with Bob the FEMA guy that I can't miss. So, I'm going into work early, and will have to leave in the middle of the day to meet with him, and then head back to work. I have a back procedure scheduled for Thursday, so I'll be out of work for the rest of the week - hoping that it won't take me more than the weekend to recoup.
But for now, I'm going to take my tired bones to bed so I can get up at the crack of dawn (no pun intended) and head to work. :)
D
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
today's the day (fingers crossed)
Yup, I hope I can move back into my house today. :) I can't wait to sleep in my own bed again. I can't wait to take a shower in my home. I can't wait to make coffee after waking up in my bed and showering in my bathroom. I just can't wait.
I'm not even sure where to start with everything that's been done. I know I got to the house yesterday at 9:30am and didn't leave until 10:50pm. I know the time hasn't been wasted and I know I made good progress but my brain is a little fuzzy right now from being overtired. I bleached the basement walls and power washed them (what a great little machine!) I finished the remainder of the shelves and the workbench. The workbench floated about a foot away from the wall and it's so freakin' heavy, I have no idea how I'll get it back into place.
My sister came by after work to help out. She worked on the first floor, I worked on the basement and we got a ton done. As I'm sure you can imagine, the first floor got *trashed* by people coming in and out, stuff that's supposed to be in the basement (that was salvageable) being all over the place, and cleaning supplies strewn throughout the house.
The heating company is coming back today to finish the water heater and stuff. They didn't line the chimney yesterday, they just installed the furnace. With all the new rules for carbon monoxide and whatever, they had to change the way the furnace was vented. I have 2 new pipes coming out of the side of my house and apparently there is some sort of sign as well.
I was so excited this weekend because my pink rhododendron had started to bloom. The rhodies I planted were young, only about a foot tall or so and it got trampled yesterday by the workers. I was sad when I saw that. Just add that to the list of landscaping that I have to do and re-do because of the flood. I got a chuckle out of seeing some of the mulch that was in the front of the house plastered to the basement wall though. :)
I don't think I mentioned that Freddie went on vacation without me this past weekend. I was supposed to go to Vermont for a flyball tournament, but there was no way I was able to with everything that needed to be done. So, Cindy picked him up and took him with her and her dogs to the tourney. A person that I don't know from one of the teams ran him the whole weekend. I guess he did pretty good despite all of the craziness. I know he came home with a boatload of points. He's less than 2K away from his next title - FMX.
But, it's time to head to the house to finish cleaning up and hopefully test the hot water with a shower. :)
D
I'm not even sure where to start with everything that's been done. I know I got to the house yesterday at 9:30am and didn't leave until 10:50pm. I know the time hasn't been wasted and I know I made good progress but my brain is a little fuzzy right now from being overtired. I bleached the basement walls and power washed them (what a great little machine!) I finished the remainder of the shelves and the workbench. The workbench floated about a foot away from the wall and it's so freakin' heavy, I have no idea how I'll get it back into place.
My sister came by after work to help out. She worked on the first floor, I worked on the basement and we got a ton done. As I'm sure you can imagine, the first floor got *trashed* by people coming in and out, stuff that's supposed to be in the basement (that was salvageable) being all over the place, and cleaning supplies strewn throughout the house.
The heating company is coming back today to finish the water heater and stuff. They didn't line the chimney yesterday, they just installed the furnace. With all the new rules for carbon monoxide and whatever, they had to change the way the furnace was vented. I have 2 new pipes coming out of the side of my house and apparently there is some sort of sign as well.
I was so excited this weekend because my pink rhododendron had started to bloom. The rhodies I planted were young, only about a foot tall or so and it got trampled yesterday by the workers. I was sad when I saw that. Just add that to the list of landscaping that I have to do and re-do because of the flood. I got a chuckle out of seeing some of the mulch that was in the front of the house plastered to the basement wall though. :)
I don't think I mentioned that Freddie went on vacation without me this past weekend. I was supposed to go to Vermont for a flyball tournament, but there was no way I was able to with everything that needed to be done. So, Cindy picked him up and took him with her and her dogs to the tourney. A person that I don't know from one of the teams ran him the whole weekend. I guess he did pretty good despite all of the craziness. I know he came home with a boatload of points. He's less than 2K away from his next title - FMX.
But, it's time to head to the house to finish cleaning up and hopefully test the hot water with a shower. :)
D
Monday, May 22, 2006
well, almost almost there :)
Today I realized that everything goes a heck of a lot slower when you're doing it by yourself. :) But, I made some progress today by finishing up the laundry and cleaning off all of the shelves in the basement. I filled a half dozen bags and will bring them down to the dumpster tomorrow.
Tomorrow the furnace is getting installed and the chimney is being lined. I learned about the chimney needing to be lined this morning. I wasn't expecting it, so I'm sure I'm going to be thrilled to see the final bill.
Because the chimney needs to be lined first, they're not going to have enough time to install the hot water heater. :( I thought I would be home Tuesday night, but it doesn't look like I'll be cleared to move back in. So, they'll come back and install the hot water heater on Wednesday and that's when they'll turn the gas back on and I'll be able to move home again. :)
Every city official has been so beyond helpful that I decided I was going to have a cookout to thank them. After talking to a few of the neighbors, the idea has evolved into a block party in honor of all of the great people that have helped us over the past week. They've all gone beyond the normal call of duty and I think it's only right that we show our appreciation. I went up to City Hall to grab the paperwork needed for a block party and will fill it out tonight so I can drop it off in the morning.
I left the house around 5pm so I could relax a bit tonight and spend some time with the dogs. My sister and I are going to get chinese food and enjoy the 2 hour final Alias episode. So, I better tuck into that gargantuan form (read 9 page application) so it won't hinder my Alias viewing. :)
D
Tomorrow the furnace is getting installed and the chimney is being lined. I learned about the chimney needing to be lined this morning. I wasn't expecting it, so I'm sure I'm going to be thrilled to see the final bill.
Because the chimney needs to be lined first, they're not going to have enough time to install the hot water heater. :( I thought I would be home Tuesday night, but it doesn't look like I'll be cleared to move back in. So, they'll come back and install the hot water heater on Wednesday and that's when they'll turn the gas back on and I'll be able to move home again. :)
Every city official has been so beyond helpful that I decided I was going to have a cookout to thank them. After talking to a few of the neighbors, the idea has evolved into a block party in honor of all of the great people that have helped us over the past week. They've all gone beyond the normal call of duty and I think it's only right that we show our appreciation. I went up to City Hall to grab the paperwork needed for a block party and will fill it out tonight so I can drop it off in the morning.
I left the house around 5pm so I could relax a bit tonight and spend some time with the dogs. My sister and I are going to get chinese food and enjoy the 2 hour final Alias episode. So, I better tuck into that gargantuan form (read 9 page application) so it won't hinder my Alias viewing. :)
D
almost there...
I've spent the last 2 days at the house cleaning, emptying, sorting, and hauling things to the dumpster the city gave us to throw out our stuff. I'm sure I've been equally tired at times, but it feels much worse now. :)
The basement is cleared with the exception of some wood and stuff I keep up on shelves. The plan today is to go through those, finish washing all of the wet clothing and towels, and start cleaning out the first floor as that has now become the dumping ground for everything.
Joe, Ellin, Gary, and my Dad worked all day Saturday and got most of it done. Gary & Joe replaced the breaker box and got electricity back on. The heating guys came and wrote up everything they'd need to replace the furnace and hot water heater. They'll be coming back today to get started and will probably finish up on Tuesday.
On Sunday, Mary, Sue, Lisa, Kim, & I finished hauling everything to the dumpster and then got all of the appliances out. I replaced the washer & dryer yesterday and started trying to save all of the stuff that was floating along. I can't believe the amount of clothing you can put into these new washers - it's amazing! I've done 3 loads and I'm about half way done. Laundry is going to be a breeze from now on. :)
My Dad is having the water heater and all pipes/whatever delivered this morning. I have to run into work to do a few things and then head to the house.
I think it's going to be another long day unfortunately, but it's worth it since I'm hoping to be back in the house Tuesday. :)
D
The basement is cleared with the exception of some wood and stuff I keep up on shelves. The plan today is to go through those, finish washing all of the wet clothing and towels, and start cleaning out the first floor as that has now become the dumping ground for everything.
Joe, Ellin, Gary, and my Dad worked all day Saturday and got most of it done. Gary & Joe replaced the breaker box and got electricity back on. The heating guys came and wrote up everything they'd need to replace the furnace and hot water heater. They'll be coming back today to get started and will probably finish up on Tuesday.
On Sunday, Mary, Sue, Lisa, Kim, & I finished hauling everything to the dumpster and then got all of the appliances out. I replaced the washer & dryer yesterday and started trying to save all of the stuff that was floating along. I can't believe the amount of clothing you can put into these new washers - it's amazing! I've done 3 loads and I'm about half way done. Laundry is going to be a breeze from now on. :)
My Dad is having the water heater and all pipes/whatever delivered this morning. I have to run into work to do a few things and then head to the house.
I think it's going to be another long day unfortunately, but it's worth it since I'm hoping to be back in the house Tuesday. :)
D
Saturday, May 20, 2006
so, soooo much to do
I woke up at 4:25am this morning and could not for the life of me get my mind to shut off enough to go back to sleep. I only have a few minutes before it's time to jump in the shower, but I figured I'd post a quick update on what's been happening.
My street it still closed, still flooded out unless you have a really big truck. I spent all day there yesterday meeting with various inspectors, MEMA, FEMA, DPW, and channel 4 news. I finally got permission to pump out the basement, which happened yesterday courtesy of the Methuen DPW. Part of me wishes there was still water in there as I couldn't see the extent of the damage when it was full. There is stuff everywhere. And I truly mean everywhere. I've never seen anything like it at all.
But, the water is out, which was step one. In order to get the power turned back on at the house, I need to have my electricity panel replaced. Thankfully my friend Joe is an electrician and is coming by this morning around 7:30 - 8:00am to switch it out for me. He's also doing my neighbors house so he'll be making quite the pretty penny today between the both of us.
Also happening today: my heating company is coming up to assess the damage to my furnace. I have to replace the furnace and hot water heater before they'll turn the gas back on. So he's coming up sometime this morning to get the specs on my furnace, etc. I'm not sure how quickly that will happen, but I'm hoping it'll be Monday or Tuesday. I'd really like to be back in the home by Wednesday or Thursday.
While all of that is going on, I need to start cleaning out the basement. Home Depot is going to love me today with all the money I'll have to spend in that place. I think the city is planning on putting a dumpster on the street for us residents to throw out all of our ruined items. I need to verify that though, because otherwise, I need to rent one very, very soon.
Work has been extremely understanding in my time of need. I've only been able to work a total of 5 hours this past week. My co-workers have stepped up to the plate and taken on the remainder of my projects that they could. 2 of my projects are being delayed because there isn't anyone that can do them. I'm hoping the delay won't be too great.
Probably the greatest stress factor I have right now is how to pay for everything. Everyone seems to think that FEMA will step up to the plate and help us out, which is great. However, there aren't a lot of people or stores that are willing to wait to be paid until that happens. So, I have to come up with a lot of cash in a very short amount of time. I have a few things in the works, so again, just hoping those will happen very quickly.
Unfortunately my car didn't get through this as well as I thought it might've. The water was 1/2 - 3/4 of the way up the tires, which didn't seem to bad. But once I was there, I could see that it had gotten much higher. The car wouldn't start and the inside was drenched. I'm really not happy about that but there's not a whole hell of a lot I can do about it. I've put a call into the insurance company and they're going to send a rep over sometime next week. Until then, I have a rental car, which I'm sure my sister is happy about since I've been driving her car the whole week.
They greatest irony of all is that I probably haven't been more financially destitute in my life, but I got to drive around in a Lexus all week and I'm living in a house I'd dream to have. Irony certainly is a bitch.
I did, however, get my 15 minutes of fame yesterday when I was shown on the channel 4 news last night. For some reason the news crews never show up when you're all dolled up and have a place to go. No. They show up when you haven't showered and have spent the day shlepping through 3 feet of water with no makeup on and physical exhaustion clearly written upon your face. Great.
Well, I'm off for a day of incredible back-breaking labor. Considering my back is in poor shape to begin with from the accident, it should be quite the painful day.
D
My street it still closed, still flooded out unless you have a really big truck. I spent all day there yesterday meeting with various inspectors, MEMA, FEMA, DPW, and channel 4 news. I finally got permission to pump out the basement, which happened yesterday courtesy of the Methuen DPW. Part of me wishes there was still water in there as I couldn't see the extent of the damage when it was full. There is stuff everywhere. And I truly mean everywhere. I've never seen anything like it at all.
But, the water is out, which was step one. In order to get the power turned back on at the house, I need to have my electricity panel replaced. Thankfully my friend Joe is an electrician and is coming by this morning around 7:30 - 8:00am to switch it out for me. He's also doing my neighbors house so he'll be making quite the pretty penny today between the both of us.
Also happening today: my heating company is coming up to assess the damage to my furnace. I have to replace the furnace and hot water heater before they'll turn the gas back on. So he's coming up sometime this morning to get the specs on my furnace, etc. I'm not sure how quickly that will happen, but I'm hoping it'll be Monday or Tuesday. I'd really like to be back in the home by Wednesday or Thursday.
While all of that is going on, I need to start cleaning out the basement. Home Depot is going to love me today with all the money I'll have to spend in that place. I think the city is planning on putting a dumpster on the street for us residents to throw out all of our ruined items. I need to verify that though, because otherwise, I need to rent one very, very soon.
Work has been extremely understanding in my time of need. I've only been able to work a total of 5 hours this past week. My co-workers have stepped up to the plate and taken on the remainder of my projects that they could. 2 of my projects are being delayed because there isn't anyone that can do them. I'm hoping the delay won't be too great.
Probably the greatest stress factor I have right now is how to pay for everything. Everyone seems to think that FEMA will step up to the plate and help us out, which is great. However, there aren't a lot of people or stores that are willing to wait to be paid until that happens. So, I have to come up with a lot of cash in a very short amount of time. I have a few things in the works, so again, just hoping those will happen very quickly.
Unfortunately my car didn't get through this as well as I thought it might've. The water was 1/2 - 3/4 of the way up the tires, which didn't seem to bad. But once I was there, I could see that it had gotten much higher. The car wouldn't start and the inside was drenched. I'm really not happy about that but there's not a whole hell of a lot I can do about it. I've put a call into the insurance company and they're going to send a rep over sometime next week. Until then, I have a rental car, which I'm sure my sister is happy about since I've been driving her car the whole week.
They greatest irony of all is that I probably haven't been more financially destitute in my life, but I got to drive around in a Lexus all week and I'm living in a house I'd dream to have. Irony certainly is a bitch.
I did, however, get my 15 minutes of fame yesterday when I was shown on the channel 4 news last night. For some reason the news crews never show up when you're all dolled up and have a place to go. No. They show up when you haven't showered and have spent the day shlepping through 3 feet of water with no makeup on and physical exhaustion clearly written upon your face. Great.
Well, I'm off for a day of incredible back-breaking labor. Considering my back is in poor shape to begin with from the accident, it should be quite the painful day.
D
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
we're doing ok...
The last 36 hours have been.... interesting. The dogs, cats, and I are safe. We're staying at my sister's house in Wakefield right now. Just think about what kind of courage it takes to take in me, 5 dogs, and 2 cats and still remain sane. I'm paying her back in home cooked meals for dinner everynight. :)
We were all evacuated by boat early Monday afternoon. The first rescue attempt was via what's called a Deuce and a half (so they say). It's one of those big Army vehicles with the rounded cloth top in the back that soldiers usually sit in. I say first rescue attempt because we didn't actually get to ride out in one. It got stuck in my front yard. Not even kidding, I have pictures and I'll post them once I can get back home. I can't even begin to imagine what my lawn must look like after that piece of work...sigh. Anyway, after that, they sent a boat to take us all away. It took 2 trips to get all the kids over - 1 crate for 3 Min Pins, Poe the rescue in another crate, and the 2 cats in one crate during the first trip. Me, Millie, my bags, my neighbor and his cat on the second trip. There's actually a picture of us in the Eagle Tribune floating down the street if you have the paper.
The Spicket River crested at 2am, so now we're just waiting for the water to recede. I was able to get a look at my backyard today from the convent and cemetery. It's still under water with the water going up about 2 feet or so on my foundation. Since they shut off the power, which shut off the sump pumps, I'm resigning myself to having about 5 feet of water in the basement.
I think my car might be ok as the water was only about 1/2 way the tires. I parked it right next to the house - the highest possible place it could be. I'm hoping that I lucked out with that one.
I talked to my insurance company today and received crappy news. I have separate sump pump coverage on my homeowner's insurance that covers up to 25K worth of damage if A) the sump pump wells overflow (which happened) and/or B) water comes back up via the drains/sewer pipes (which happened). Well, one would think that I would then be able to replace my heating system, hot water heater, appliances, personal items, etc., etc. with that coverage, but alas, No. My insurance company will not apply that coverage to this incident. I plan on fighting it, but I'm not sure how that will turn out. I have a call into a public adjustor and will probably just turn him loose on the insurance company. Just another ass-ache to deal with in an already stressful, depressing, and overall devastating situation. Especially since all of my neighbor's insurance companies are honoring their coverage.
But, like everyone keeps saying, the most important things in my life are safe and sound - myself and my furry kids. I do have a house to go back to and I don't think the water got high enough to ruin anything on the first floor.
And, I have the most incredible friends in the world. I've received many offers for help, which I'll probably have to take you all up on! I'm in pre-planning mode now with friends on stand-by, willing to jump in the second I get the all clear to go back in. I have a commercial pump set up to pump out all of the water, my friend the electrician to come in and make all of that safe (we're assuming the panel is underwater), plans for a dumpster to be delivered for cleanout time, a heating system and hot water tank on order for when the basement is dry, and a bunch of people willing to haul crap from the basement to the dumpster. Now I just have to find the money to pay for all of it. :(
But, I'll manage. I have the best family and the most wonderful friends in the world. Couple that with my furry kids and my life is perfect. :) Even if I do have a few bumps in the road to overcome....
D
We were all evacuated by boat early Monday afternoon. The first rescue attempt was via what's called a Deuce and a half (so they say). It's one of those big Army vehicles with the rounded cloth top in the back that soldiers usually sit in. I say first rescue attempt because we didn't actually get to ride out in one. It got stuck in my front yard. Not even kidding, I have pictures and I'll post them once I can get back home. I can't even begin to imagine what my lawn must look like after that piece of work...sigh. Anyway, after that, they sent a boat to take us all away. It took 2 trips to get all the kids over - 1 crate for 3 Min Pins, Poe the rescue in another crate, and the 2 cats in one crate during the first trip. Me, Millie, my bags, my neighbor and his cat on the second trip. There's actually a picture of us in the Eagle Tribune floating down the street if you have the paper.
The Spicket River crested at 2am, so now we're just waiting for the water to recede. I was able to get a look at my backyard today from the convent and cemetery. It's still under water with the water going up about 2 feet or so on my foundation. Since they shut off the power, which shut off the sump pumps, I'm resigning myself to having about 5 feet of water in the basement.
I think my car might be ok as the water was only about 1/2 way the tires. I parked it right next to the house - the highest possible place it could be. I'm hoping that I lucked out with that one.
I talked to my insurance company today and received crappy news. I have separate sump pump coverage on my homeowner's insurance that covers up to 25K worth of damage if A) the sump pump wells overflow (which happened) and/or B) water comes back up via the drains/sewer pipes (which happened). Well, one would think that I would then be able to replace my heating system, hot water heater, appliances, personal items, etc., etc. with that coverage, but alas, No. My insurance company will not apply that coverage to this incident. I plan on fighting it, but I'm not sure how that will turn out. I have a call into a public adjustor and will probably just turn him loose on the insurance company. Just another ass-ache to deal with in an already stressful, depressing, and overall devastating situation. Especially since all of my neighbor's insurance companies are honoring their coverage.
But, like everyone keeps saying, the most important things in my life are safe and sound - myself and my furry kids. I do have a house to go back to and I don't think the water got high enough to ruin anything on the first floor.
And, I have the most incredible friends in the world. I've received many offers for help, which I'll probably have to take you all up on! I'm in pre-planning mode now with friends on stand-by, willing to jump in the second I get the all clear to go back in. I have a commercial pump set up to pump out all of the water, my friend the electrician to come in and make all of that safe (we're assuming the panel is underwater), plans for a dumpster to be delivered for cleanout time, a heating system and hot water tank on order for when the basement is dry, and a bunch of people willing to haul crap from the basement to the dumpster. Now I just have to find the money to pay for all of it. :(
But, I'll manage. I have the best family and the most wonderful friends in the world. Couple that with my furry kids and my life is perfect. :) Even if I do have a few bumps in the road to overcome....
D
Monday, May 15, 2006
scared
I don't know when I'll be able to post again. Things are looking bad right now and I'm not sure what to expect. If I do get out of my house, it'll be by boat.
This picture was taken from my driveway, looking out onto the street. I actually have a front lawn under that water somewhere. The Spicket River is in the top left hand corner of the picture, behind the clump of trees.
Wish me luck.
D
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Update....
By watching the news and chatting with my Dad I know that there are places that have it worse than I. So, although I don't have as much to bitch about as people in Peabody and Derry, I think I still have a fair amount!
It's official, I'm trapped in my house. The street has flooded to past my property and the only way I'm getting out is by swimming. The river has risen to 1 1/2 feet past flood stage (whatever that means), which makes me nervous. My pumps have been going on every minute on the minute for a really long time now. There is one tiny dry area in the basement (ironically enough where the new hot water heater is sitting), but the pumps are keeping up with it enough that there aren't inches in the basement. There is a lot of ruined stuff, but I can deal with that later.
Right now, I'm just hoping they don't shut the power off. A mandatory evacuation wouldn't be that wonderful right now. Thankfully my sister called to say she'd take me, and all the critters in if it came to that. I'm really just hoping my little pumps can pull off a Little Engine that Could "I think I can, I think I can" deal so that I don't have inches or feet in the basement.
With that said, I'll leave you with a view of my street and the future home of CVS parking lot. Anything that looks asphalt colored is water. Click on it to see a larger version.
D
It's official, I'm trapped in my house. The street has flooded to past my property and the only way I'm getting out is by swimming. The river has risen to 1 1/2 feet past flood stage (whatever that means), which makes me nervous. My pumps have been going on every minute on the minute for a really long time now. There is one tiny dry area in the basement (ironically enough where the new hot water heater is sitting), but the pumps are keeping up with it enough that there aren't inches in the basement. There is a lot of ruined stuff, but I can deal with that later.
Right now, I'm just hoping they don't shut the power off. A mandatory evacuation wouldn't be that wonderful right now. Thankfully my sister called to say she'd take me, and all the critters in if it came to that. I'm really just hoping my little pumps can pull off a Little Engine that Could "I think I can, I think I can" deal so that I don't have inches or feet in the basement.
With that said, I'll leave you with a view of my street and the future home of CVS parking lot. Anything that looks asphalt colored is water. Click on it to see a larger version.
D
An overabundance of water...
I'm not sure if they've officially said the river has hit flood height or not. At 8am, it was at 7.74 ft - flood height is 8ft. The Spicket River runs behind the neighbor-across-the-street's house and next to the monstrosity of a CVS parking lot they're building at the end of the street. I went out earlier and took pictures
http://www.dawnsdoghouse.com/flood of the area, and the height of the river this morning.
Yesterday I spent the whole day engrossed in my spicy, trashy novels. Today, I've spent the whole day managing the two streams in my basement. Thankfully it seems like there is a natural slope down towards the front of the house, where the 2 sump pumps are located. They've been going off about every minute or so since last night. I'm also trying to sweep/guide one of the largest pools of water towards the sump pump hole, but it's filling up as quickly as I'm emptying it. Right now my main goal is that it doesn't get high enough to get to the heating system. I'm also keeping a very close eye on the river, hoping I don't see it swell over the bank across the street from me. If that happens, I think I'll be in some trouble.
Unfortunately, they're predicting that the river will be 2 1/2 feet over the flood height by Tuesday. Cross your fingers and hope that doesn't happen.....
D
http://www.dawnsdoghouse.com/flood of the area, and the height of the river this morning.
Yesterday I spent the whole day engrossed in my spicy, trashy novels. Today, I've spent the whole day managing the two streams in my basement. Thankfully it seems like there is a natural slope down towards the front of the house, where the 2 sump pumps are located. They've been going off about every minute or so since last night. I'm also trying to sweep/guide one of the largest pools of water towards the sump pump hole, but it's filling up as quickly as I'm emptying it. Right now my main goal is that it doesn't get high enough to get to the heating system. I'm also keeping a very close eye on the river, hoping I don't see it swell over the bank across the street from me. If that happens, I think I'll be in some trouble.
Unfortunately, they're predicting that the river will be 2 1/2 feet over the flood height by Tuesday. Cross your fingers and hope that doesn't happen.....
D
Friday, May 12, 2006
Nice & relaxing...
After another crazy day at work yesterday, it was very, very good to spend time with Lynda last night. We went to Not Your Average Joe's and ate bad-for-you (well, I did), but good tasting food. We always have such great conversations and last night was no different. :)
There are certain friends in your life (ok, my life) that drift in and out at different times. The kinds of friends that you don't hear from often, but when you talk or get together, it's like no time has passed. Lynda is one of those friends. :) I'd like to think it's because we're on the same page as far as beliefs, morals, ideals, etc. go, but, it might just be kismit. :) She has such a calming way about her and she makes me think - which is a good thing. :) She's the gentle breeze on a warm summer day to my bonfire spark and energy.
After dinner and the great conversation that went with it, we went back to my place to hang out and read my cards. I'd love to get my cards done all the time, but, I'm a little particular about who does them. I've paid for people to do them in the past, at psychic parties and such, but I never get accurate readings from them. I've noticed that I need to have that 'connection' with the reader in order for things to make sense. The first reading was beyond bizarre and I think it was because I was interested in the design of them more than relating my query to them. The second reading was much better. I won't go into the details here - I think it's too personal and I really don't feel like sharing that much of me right now.
Anyway, we had a great time and the night flew by way too quickly for my liking. Thankfully, life has calmed down for her and with school 12 weeks away, life will soon be calm for me as well. :) I'm hoping we can get together more frequently in the future than once a year. ;)
I was working this morning when all of a sudden I heard this loud "bzzzt!" sound. I couldn't figure out what it was until I realized that my brain wasn't functioning the way it had been a few seconds before. I think the heavy deadlines/pressures/etc. finally took their toll on me (with regards to work anyway) and that was my brain shutting off for the day. No bother, I instead went out to lunch with Kate. :) A 2 hr lunch with a friend is just what the doctor ordered! Obviously I'm having a hard time concentrating on work stuff still (since I'm blogging instead of working), but that's ok. I have to work this weekend anyway. :)
Another meal time with great conversation, going over the whole *S* thing, gushing about the recent baby delivery of one of our friends, and just normal gal nonsense. :) We stopped at Barnes & Noble before ending our extra long lunch. It's absolutely impossible for me to enter that place and not walk out with at least 3 books. Today it was 5, but Kate bought me two since I paid for lunch. Apparently I'm about to become addicted to a new author and I'm quite excited about it!!! It's a good thing I'm a fast reader because I think I have about 26 books lined up that I have, and have to read (including todays 5). Huge bonus that the weather is going to completely blow this weekend and I don't have any plans. :)
Well, I guess I should get some work done before leaving. :)
D
There are certain friends in your life (ok, my life) that drift in and out at different times. The kinds of friends that you don't hear from often, but when you talk or get together, it's like no time has passed. Lynda is one of those friends. :) I'd like to think it's because we're on the same page as far as beliefs, morals, ideals, etc. go, but, it might just be kismit. :) She has such a calming way about her and she makes me think - which is a good thing. :) She's the gentle breeze on a warm summer day to my bonfire spark and energy.
After dinner and the great conversation that went with it, we went back to my place to hang out and read my cards. I'd love to get my cards done all the time, but, I'm a little particular about who does them. I've paid for people to do them in the past, at psychic parties and such, but I never get accurate readings from them. I've noticed that I need to have that 'connection' with the reader in order for things to make sense. The first reading was beyond bizarre and I think it was because I was interested in the design of them more than relating my query to them. The second reading was much better. I won't go into the details here - I think it's too personal and I really don't feel like sharing that much of me right now.
Anyway, we had a great time and the night flew by way too quickly for my liking. Thankfully, life has calmed down for her and with school 12 weeks away, life will soon be calm for me as well. :) I'm hoping we can get together more frequently in the future than once a year. ;)
I was working this morning when all of a sudden I heard this loud "bzzzt!" sound. I couldn't figure out what it was until I realized that my brain wasn't functioning the way it had been a few seconds before. I think the heavy deadlines/pressures/etc. finally took their toll on me (with regards to work anyway) and that was my brain shutting off for the day. No bother, I instead went out to lunch with Kate. :) A 2 hr lunch with a friend is just what the doctor ordered! Obviously I'm having a hard time concentrating on work stuff still (since I'm blogging instead of working), but that's ok. I have to work this weekend anyway. :)
Another meal time with great conversation, going over the whole *S* thing, gushing about the recent baby delivery of one of our friends, and just normal gal nonsense. :) We stopped at Barnes & Noble before ending our extra long lunch. It's absolutely impossible for me to enter that place and not walk out with at least 3 books. Today it was 5, but Kate bought me two since I paid for lunch. Apparently I'm about to become addicted to a new author and I'm quite excited about it!!! It's a good thing I'm a fast reader because I think I have about 26 books lined up that I have, and have to read (including todays 5). Huge bonus that the weather is going to completely blow this weekend and I don't have any plans. :)
Well, I guess I should get some work done before leaving. :)
D
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
I'm done!!!!!!!!!
Finally, I'll have a little time to myself now as I'm done with my "Interactive Web Scripting Blah Blah Blah" class. :) I just turned in the last 3 homework assignments (which were thankfully very easy since I hadn't opened the book until 7pm tonight), and my final project (which is a work project that is now complete) and I have nothing else due!
I have one more class to go before the certificate is complete, which I was going to do starting tomorrow, but, I've changed my mind on that one because of all of the traveling I have scheduled for the last 2 weeks in May. So, I'll have that class 2nd session, Summer quarter - about 12 weeks (I think) or so away. This will be the first time I've had any significant time off of school in over a year! Yay!
I've figured out all of the requirements for my bachelors degree and can you believe I'll be in school until 2011?!?! Unreal. But, it's worth it. I got a lot of value from the classes I've taken so far and I still have my 4.0 GPA, so I'll keep going for as long as they (work) let me (read pay for it). :)
I also got a hint of a potential side job coding CSS sheets for a web designer who doesn't know how to write them. I don't know how any web person could not possibly know CSS, but, whatever. It will be extra money in my pocket if it works out - and for very little work! I've been hand coding CSS for years! Woohoo!
I had such a crappy day at work too. I was beyond busy, slammed with meetings, and I just learned I need to document every process for an application I built in anticipation of the COSO audit. Gotta love Enron for giving us the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Bastards. But, it's a good act, designed to protect employees from money-hungry bastards like the Enron execs. I just didn't need to be hit with that on top of all of my other deadlines before I go away.
On top of that lovely piece of news, I got into it with *S* over IM as well. Can I tell you that I am beyond done with guys at this point? Every conversation we have is this huge deep thing and today was just the breaking point for me. Now, I'm not against deep conversations. On the contrary, I love them! But, there's a time and place for them. Work is neither the time or the place. And besides what the hell do you say to someone that proclaims "I am malevolent" to you? Great. Good for you. Now please go away. So I told him I was done. That's it. I've had it. I don't have the time, energy, or desire to deal with that level of drama. And I like my boyfriends to be non-malevolent Thank-You-Very-Much. Needless to say, that wasn't received nicely. Ah well. Oh wait, I'm supposed to be heartbroken...darn. Forgot about that. ;) heehee
So, I'm retiring from the dating scene for a while. I think I need a little *me* time now instead of more deep conversations and bad dates and boring men and men older than I am living at home with Mom & Dad. If it was Matthew McConaughey, that would be one thing. But, I don't know Matthew McConaughey (though I'd like to!), and I'm not dating him, so the living with the parents thing is unacceptable. It should have been unacceptable from the get-go but I'm an idiot, plain and simple. :)
Tomorrow night I have dinner plans with my friend Lynda, who I haven't seen in over a year! I still have her wedding present, which I was unable to go to because of car troubles that day. :( So, we have a lot of catching up to do. I think we'll hit "Not Your Average Joe's" for a bite and then come back here to chat. She's also going to bring her Tarot cards and give me a couple of readings. Hopefully they'll be able to tell me how to avoid people that say things like "I am chaos" and "I am malevolent". :-D Regardless, we'll have a great time, like always. :)
Ugh! I just noticed it's 11:30pm! Off to bed for me and the pups. :)
D
I have one more class to go before the certificate is complete, which I was going to do starting tomorrow, but, I've changed my mind on that one because of all of the traveling I have scheduled for the last 2 weeks in May. So, I'll have that class 2nd session, Summer quarter - about 12 weeks (I think) or so away. This will be the first time I've had any significant time off of school in over a year! Yay!
I've figured out all of the requirements for my bachelors degree and can you believe I'll be in school until 2011?!?! Unreal. But, it's worth it. I got a lot of value from the classes I've taken so far and I still have my 4.0 GPA, so I'll keep going for as long as they (work) let me (read pay for it). :)
I also got a hint of a potential side job coding CSS sheets for a web designer who doesn't know how to write them. I don't know how any web person could not possibly know CSS, but, whatever. It will be extra money in my pocket if it works out - and for very little work! I've been hand coding CSS for years! Woohoo!
I had such a crappy day at work too. I was beyond busy, slammed with meetings, and I just learned I need to document every process for an application I built in anticipation of the COSO audit. Gotta love Enron for giving us the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Bastards. But, it's a good act, designed to protect employees from money-hungry bastards like the Enron execs. I just didn't need to be hit with that on top of all of my other deadlines before I go away.
On top of that lovely piece of news, I got into it with *S* over IM as well. Can I tell you that I am beyond done with guys at this point? Every conversation we have is this huge deep thing and today was just the breaking point for me. Now, I'm not against deep conversations. On the contrary, I love them! But, there's a time and place for them. Work is neither the time or the place. And besides what the hell do you say to someone that proclaims "I am malevolent" to you? Great. Good for you. Now please go away. So I told him I was done. That's it. I've had it. I don't have the time, energy, or desire to deal with that level of drama. And I like my boyfriends to be non-malevolent Thank-You-Very-Much. Needless to say, that wasn't received nicely. Ah well. Oh wait, I'm supposed to be heartbroken...darn. Forgot about that. ;) heehee
So, I'm retiring from the dating scene for a while. I think I need a little *me* time now instead of more deep conversations and bad dates and boring men and men older than I am living at home with Mom & Dad. If it was Matthew McConaughey, that would be one thing. But, I don't know Matthew McConaughey (though I'd like to!), and I'm not dating him, so the living with the parents thing is unacceptable. It should have been unacceptable from the get-go but I'm an idiot, plain and simple. :)
Tomorrow night I have dinner plans with my friend Lynda, who I haven't seen in over a year! I still have her wedding present, which I was unable to go to because of car troubles that day. :( So, we have a lot of catching up to do. I think we'll hit "Not Your Average Joe's" for a bite and then come back here to chat. She's also going to bring her Tarot cards and give me a couple of readings. Hopefully they'll be able to tell me how to avoid people that say things like "I am chaos" and "I am malevolent". :-D Regardless, we'll have a great time, like always. :)
Ugh! I just noticed it's 11:30pm! Off to bed for me and the pups. :)
D
Monday, May 8, 2006
in a word... beat
The weekend was great, but physically taxing to say the least. :) The tournament went oh so much better than we thought it would, despite the number of obstacles that were there. First, and I'll keep this brief because I'm still pissed off about it, Christine couldn't come to the tournament on Saturday (I should add that we only entered 2 teams because she said she would), but promised she would be there on Sunday to relieve some of the pressure for some of the dogs. Well, she never showed up. Nor did she call. Being the drama queen she is, I'm sure we'll hear about some tragedy that took over her life and prevented her from coming. Now, if something really bad did happen, I'll probably feel bad (hmmm...maybe not....), but I think a phone call would have been warranted in any situation. I have to stop there or I'll go on a tangent and never shut up.
Moving on, I was completely surprised and thrilled that Steffi ran for Kate all weekend! She's getting more adaptable as time goes on, which is awesome. Towards the end she started doing her running up and down the lane thing, but I guess that's understandable since she was overworked! I mentioned in earlier posts that all of the dogs had double the number of races they usually do in a 2 day tournament. On top of that, about half of them did double duty - running on 2 teams.
Scarlet held it together all weekend, which is beyond incredible for a green dog in their first tourney - especially with double the number of races. There were a few times where she could have reacted (other dogs chasing her) and she didn't - Kudos to Scarlet!
Koffan, an 11 year old Belgian Shepherd, ran cleanly all weekend. Usually he comes in as a backup because he's older, but we needed him to run full-time this weekend because of Christine and he did stupendously.
Jeter and Freddie ran full time on their teams and then switched back and forth on the other team to fill the position left vacant by Christine (grrr...). I'm so proud of my little man and Cindy should be just as proud of Jeter! They both ran about 14 or 15 races over the weekend - unheard of - and still kept it clean!
Freddie was in quite a mood by the end of the weekend. We were sitting for the awards and he was being so silly. I laid back to get away from him giving me kisses and he thought that was just grand so he gave me even more. He was acting so cute though, I couldn't bear to stop it for the first minute. :) I'm sure his little nub of a tail was going a mile a minute too. I'm so happy he came into my life - another reason to make my heart smile. :)
Freddie and I crashed on the couch around 6pm. I wish I knew the names of the muscles in my legs, then I could tell you what was so sore. :) The bruises from running him in the start dog position (launching off of my legs) are pretty impressive too. :)
We slept a solid 10 hours last night, which we both really needed. The other pups weren't that thrilled, but they didn't put up a fuss. :)
And now that I've spent a huge amount of time venting in blogs, IM, and email, I'm going to go do some actual work! lol
D
Moving on, I was completely surprised and thrilled that Steffi ran for Kate all weekend! She's getting more adaptable as time goes on, which is awesome. Towards the end she started doing her running up and down the lane thing, but I guess that's understandable since she was overworked! I mentioned in earlier posts that all of the dogs had double the number of races they usually do in a 2 day tournament. On top of that, about half of them did double duty - running on 2 teams.
Scarlet held it together all weekend, which is beyond incredible for a green dog in their first tourney - especially with double the number of races. There were a few times where she could have reacted (other dogs chasing her) and she didn't - Kudos to Scarlet!
Koffan, an 11 year old Belgian Shepherd, ran cleanly all weekend. Usually he comes in as a backup because he's older, but we needed him to run full-time this weekend because of Christine and he did stupendously.
Jeter and Freddie ran full time on their teams and then switched back and forth on the other team to fill the position left vacant by Christine (grrr...). I'm so proud of my little man and Cindy should be just as proud of Jeter! They both ran about 14 or 15 races over the weekend - unheard of - and still kept it clean!
Freddie was in quite a mood by the end of the weekend. We were sitting for the awards and he was being so silly. I laid back to get away from him giving me kisses and he thought that was just grand so he gave me even more. He was acting so cute though, I couldn't bear to stop it for the first minute. :) I'm sure his little nub of a tail was going a mile a minute too. I'm so happy he came into my life - another reason to make my heart smile. :)
Freddie and I crashed on the couch around 6pm. I wish I knew the names of the muscles in my legs, then I could tell you what was so sore. :) The bruises from running him in the start dog position (launching off of my legs) are pretty impressive too. :)
We slept a solid 10 hours last night, which we both really needed. The other pups weren't that thrilled, but they didn't put up a fuss. :)
And now that I've spent a huge amount of time venting in blogs, IM, and email, I'm going to go do some actual work! lol
D
Sunday, May 7, 2006
My poor little man...
...is so tired! He passed out as soon as we got home yesterday, which was at a fairly decent time. But, he ran 9 races yesterday, which is about 3 more than what we do in a normal tournament over 2 days! It's safe to say, Bubba is beat. :) As am I. :)
But, he did very well yesterday, including one race where I was out getting lunch for everyone and he had to run for Cindy. I'm thrilled that he's so adaptable he can race for anyone. :)
Steffi is doing really well too! She's running for Kate fairly consistently and (I don't think) has run back up the lane once. Holly & Rob came up for most of the day with TJ so everyone got a chance to meet the latest member of our flyball team. Jen just had her baby this past weekend and Renee is having hers on Friday, so there will be plenty more introductions by the time our tournament comes around in June. :)
Ok, off to shower so I can get there on time. ;)
D
But, he did very well yesterday, including one race where I was out getting lunch for everyone and he had to run for Cindy. I'm thrilled that he's so adaptable he can race for anyone. :)
Steffi is doing really well too! She's running for Kate fairly consistently and (I don't think) has run back up the lane once. Holly & Rob came up for most of the day with TJ so everyone got a chance to meet the latest member of our flyball team. Jen just had her baby this past weekend and Renee is having hers on Friday, so there will be plenty more introductions by the time our tournament comes around in June. :)
Ok, off to shower so I can get there on time. ;)
D
Saturday, May 6, 2006
Garbage
I'm the type of person that, when I find new music I like, or am in the mood for something particular, I play it *allllllll* the time. The latest obsession is the last album from Garbage - Bleed Like Me. That's all I've listened to for the last 2 weeks and it's still going strong.
I'm listening to 'Metal Heart' as I type, again, singing at the top of my lungs (which I'm my neighbors appreciate at 6:30 in the morning.) I like Garbage for a number of reasons. I'm a big fan of strong female role models - we need more of them. Girls that are going to be themselves and not apologize for not fitting into society's ideal of what they should be, look like, or act. I also love their music. They've created music that makes me move when I hear it. I can't help it - it's catchy. And then there are the lyrics. Shirley doesn't pull any punches with what she writes. At one point or another in my life, I can relate to most of what she's written (ok, not cherry lips - I've never been a guy wanting to be a girl, but I know people that have.) My latest favorite chorus from her is:
Now that we know for sure they're telling lies
when they say noone gets hurt
and therefore nobody dies
you know it's hard to believe anything that you hear
they say the world is round
That probably means different things to different people. Maybe you're reading this questioning my sanity, who knows. But I can relate, and I agree, and I like it, and it's my blog so I can write whatever I want. :)
Anyway, I'm off to my flyball tourney, but thought I'd throw my appreciation out there for a band I've been a fan of for years and years that doesn't get the credit I feel they deserve. :)
D
I'm listening to 'Metal Heart' as I type, again, singing at the top of my lungs (which I'm my neighbors appreciate at 6:30 in the morning.) I like Garbage for a number of reasons. I'm a big fan of strong female role models - we need more of them. Girls that are going to be themselves and not apologize for not fitting into society's ideal of what they should be, look like, or act. I also love their music. They've created music that makes me move when I hear it. I can't help it - it's catchy. And then there are the lyrics. Shirley doesn't pull any punches with what she writes. At one point or another in my life, I can relate to most of what she's written (ok, not cherry lips - I've never been a guy wanting to be a girl, but I know people that have.) My latest favorite chorus from her is:
Now that we know for sure they're telling lies
when they say noone gets hurt
and therefore nobody dies
you know it's hard to believe anything that you hear
they say the world is round
That probably means different things to different people. Maybe you're reading this questioning my sanity, who knows. But I can relate, and I agree, and I like it, and it's my blog so I can write whatever I want. :)
Anyway, I'm off to my flyball tourney, but thought I'd throw my appreciation out there for a band I've been a fan of for years and years that doesn't get the credit I feel they deserve. :)
D
Friday, May 5, 2006
ahhhhh..... :)
Now this is what I'm talking about for incredible weather! I took some cool pictures of my flowers this morning. I have a new type of tulip blooming - it's really different than the rest. What do you think?? I can't wait to see what happens when it's fully open!
This weekend I have a flyball tournament up at All Dog's Gym in Manchester. There are double the number of normal races so I think Freddie and I are going to be really tired by the end of it. ;) I'm not going to bring Pacie either - I think I'll have enough to do between running Freddie, boxloading, and helping Kate run Steffi. I'm really hoping that Steffi will run for Kate, but I don't have high hopes to tell you the truth. But Boy! do I hope that I'm proven wrong!!! Worst case, I think I can run both of them on the same team, I'll just have to pass off a dog to someone before letting the next one go. No sense in worrying about it now - I'm probably going to be too tired to care. ;) But, I have Monday off (partially working from home), so I'll be able to recoup then. I'm wishing for a day like today so I can take a nap out on the deck in the gravity chair. Yeah baby!
I had a nice night with *S* the other night. Nothing big, just talking. It will be interesting to see where this goes. Our personalities are different, but have similar characteristics. I'm not sure which one of us has the stronger of the personalities at this point, although I'm leaning towards me. ;) Hey, I'm a strong, independent woman, I know what I want out of my life, and I also know what I don't want in my life. Drama is certainly not one of those things I'm willing to tolerate or compromise on so if he stays drama free, we'll get along just fine. :) (Not holding my breath tho')
And in "oh happy day for me" news, I'm wearing a pair of capri's that I haven't been able to wear since the car accident and I'm completely chuffed over it! Driving in to work wasn't the chore that it normally is, feeling good, beautiful weather, sunglasses on, windows open, music blaring with me singing along at the top of my lungs...ok, trying to sing along. :)
Today really needs to be a productive day, but I don't really see that happening as I sit here with my feet up on my desk, keyboard on my lap, window open, birds playing in the tree in front of my window, gentle breeze wafting in and stirring my hair....sigh. One would think having a window office would be ideal....until one realized that it's that much easier to be distracted on nice days!!
Ah well, back to work. :)
D
This weekend I have a flyball tournament up at All Dog's Gym in Manchester. There are double the number of normal races so I think Freddie and I are going to be really tired by the end of it. ;) I'm not going to bring Pacie either - I think I'll have enough to do between running Freddie, boxloading, and helping Kate run Steffi. I'm really hoping that Steffi will run for Kate, but I don't have high hopes to tell you the truth. But Boy! do I hope that I'm proven wrong!!! Worst case, I think I can run both of them on the same team, I'll just have to pass off a dog to someone before letting the next one go. No sense in worrying about it now - I'm probably going to be too tired to care. ;) But, I have Monday off (partially working from home), so I'll be able to recoup then. I'm wishing for a day like today so I can take a nap out on the deck in the gravity chair. Yeah baby!
I had a nice night with *S* the other night. Nothing big, just talking. It will be interesting to see where this goes. Our personalities are different, but have similar characteristics. I'm not sure which one of us has the stronger of the personalities at this point, although I'm leaning towards me. ;) Hey, I'm a strong, independent woman, I know what I want out of my life, and I also know what I don't want in my life. Drama is certainly not one of those things I'm willing to tolerate or compromise on so if he stays drama free, we'll get along just fine. :) (Not holding my breath tho')
And in "oh happy day for me" news, I'm wearing a pair of capri's that I haven't been able to wear since the car accident and I'm completely chuffed over it! Driving in to work wasn't the chore that it normally is, feeling good, beautiful weather, sunglasses on, windows open, music blaring with me singing along at the top of my lungs...ok, trying to sing along. :)
Today really needs to be a productive day, but I don't really see that happening as I sit here with my feet up on my desk, keyboard on my lap, window open, birds playing in the tree in front of my window, gentle breeze wafting in and stirring my hair....sigh. One would think having a window office would be ideal....until one realized that it's that much easier to be distracted on nice days!!
Ah well, back to work. :)
D
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
exhausted...
I have no idea why I'm so tired, but I can barely keep my eyes open as I'm typing this. I got enough sleep last night - didn't go to bed early but was in at a decent time. I woke up the standard 8 hours later. But boy have I been dragging all day!
I had a dr's appt. with the new guy and I'm thoroughly pleased with him. We get along well, communicate well, he listened to what I had to say, answered my questions - pretty much what a doctor is supposed to do. :) After spending a bunch of time talking with him while he was going over the previous dr's notes, we did the standard "show me where it hurts" stuff. I didn't think I was doing that bad today, but apparently I was completely off base on that one as I almost passed out from pain during the examination.
He reiterated what I'd heard from the other doctors - we'll never know exactly what's wrong with what, what's causing it or the why behind the what's causing it. I can't say that I was pleased hearing it again. Thinking you're going to be in pain and have back problems for the rest of your life and having it drilled into your head from multiple doctors are really 2 different things unfortunately. But, I pretty much dealt with how I feel about that the 2nd time I was told so I guess I've accepted it. Time to move on and figure out what can be done to manage it.
Which brings me to the procedure that is now booked for the beginning of June. Another Radiofrequency ablation, but this one with a twist I guess. Instead of using pulse mode electricity, he's going to use heat instead. The upside is that it's supposed to last longer, the downside is that I'll be in more pain from the procedure itself then anything else for 3-4 weeks afterwards. If I could only go back in time and change something about that day - left earlier, later, was in the 2nd lane instead of the 1st....sigh. Pipe dreams. Jun 1st will be 2 years since the accident.
School has been tough the past couple of weeks, spending hours and hours doing homework to get everything working correctly. This week though, hasn't been that bad at all. I think I'm getting the hang of it or something because I was done with my first assignment a scant 2 hours after I started it. Now I just need to finish the other two (after I read the chapter on it!)
And in the 'Amazing News' category (this is for you Dad), the sink has finally departed the deck! I replaced the sink in my kitchen when I first moved in (going on 2 years now) and the huge, heavy, cast-iron sink has been sitting on my deck since then. Normally stuff like that happens because of my tendency to procrastinate, but this time, it wasn't actually that at all! Since the thing was so freakin' heavy, I wasn't able to carry it down to the street by myself. And, a lot of people visit, but never on a trash (Monday) night. So, Sue & Chris came over on Sunday for a bit and Chris helped me bring it down there. Knowing how heavy it was, I waited to jump in the shower this morning until the garbage men came. When they pulled up in front of my house, I was out there waiting to help load it in - I didn't want to take the chance that they'd leave it because it was too heavy to lift!! So, the sink has left the building. :)
Now I'm off to go read that chapter...in bed!
D
I had a dr's appt. with the new guy and I'm thoroughly pleased with him. We get along well, communicate well, he listened to what I had to say, answered my questions - pretty much what a doctor is supposed to do. :) After spending a bunch of time talking with him while he was going over the previous dr's notes, we did the standard "show me where it hurts" stuff. I didn't think I was doing that bad today, but apparently I was completely off base on that one as I almost passed out from pain during the examination.
He reiterated what I'd heard from the other doctors - we'll never know exactly what's wrong with what, what's causing it or the why behind the what's causing it. I can't say that I was pleased hearing it again. Thinking you're going to be in pain and have back problems for the rest of your life and having it drilled into your head from multiple doctors are really 2 different things unfortunately. But, I pretty much dealt with how I feel about that the 2nd time I was told so I guess I've accepted it. Time to move on and figure out what can be done to manage it.
Which brings me to the procedure that is now booked for the beginning of June. Another Radiofrequency ablation, but this one with a twist I guess. Instead of using pulse mode electricity, he's going to use heat instead. The upside is that it's supposed to last longer, the downside is that I'll be in more pain from the procedure itself then anything else for 3-4 weeks afterwards. If I could only go back in time and change something about that day - left earlier, later, was in the 2nd lane instead of the 1st....sigh. Pipe dreams. Jun 1st will be 2 years since the accident.
School has been tough the past couple of weeks, spending hours and hours doing homework to get everything working correctly. This week though, hasn't been that bad at all. I think I'm getting the hang of it or something because I was done with my first assignment a scant 2 hours after I started it. Now I just need to finish the other two (after I read the chapter on it!)
And in the 'Amazing News' category (this is for you Dad), the sink has finally departed the deck! I replaced the sink in my kitchen when I first moved in (going on 2 years now) and the huge, heavy, cast-iron sink has been sitting on my deck since then. Normally stuff like that happens because of my tendency to procrastinate, but this time, it wasn't actually that at all! Since the thing was so freakin' heavy, I wasn't able to carry it down to the street by myself. And, a lot of people visit, but never on a trash (Monday) night. So, Sue & Chris came over on Sunday for a bit and Chris helped me bring it down there. Knowing how heavy it was, I waited to jump in the shower this morning until the garbage men came. When they pulled up in front of my house, I was out there waiting to help load it in - I didn't want to take the chance that they'd leave it because it was too heavy to lift!! So, the sink has left the building. :)
Now I'm off to go read that chapter...in bed!
D
Monday, May 1, 2006
Comments
I figured out how the comments work. So, one of you knows who this is for. :)
If you click on the "0 comments" link, there's a space that you can enter a message. Beneath that, there are 3 radio buttons. The "blogger" one is for if you have an account with blogger (you don't). The second one is for if you want to enter your name and your site (both optional) and the third one is if you want it to be anonymous. So, just change the radio button from blogger to one of the other choices and then click publish. :)
I have a Dr's appt at that place in N. Andover tomorrow morning, so I'll be working from home (not "working from home" like some people think), until it's time to go. ;)
Now, back to homework (desperately wishing it was to bed instead)...sigh.
D
If you click on the "0 comments" link, there's a space that you can enter a message. Beneath that, there are 3 radio buttons. The "blogger" one is for if you have an account with blogger (you don't). The second one is for if you want to enter your name and your site (both optional) and the third one is if you want it to be anonymous. So, just change the radio button from blogger to one of the other choices and then click publish. :)
I have a Dr's appt at that place in N. Andover tomorrow morning, so I'll be working from home (not "working from home" like some people think), until it's time to go. ;)
Now, back to homework (desperately wishing it was to bed instead)...sigh.
D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
