tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30057328070613724392024-03-05T14:11:16.213-07:00Dog Days in ArizonaThe diary of a working woman living in Metro Phoenix, and pursuing a healthy life while dealing with Multiple Sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and food allergiesVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.comBlogger1388125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-60156107084506064572021-02-04T17:19:00.000-07:002021-02-04T17:19:04.595-07:00Cactus State AKC Agility Trial<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3HAC7XvG0DfN9E7kgAy_foEPAZxMlRzT-CKTHiGegpG2M7Jxw4_pn73ihelb7VmT2QYdklMPXgtWH174_ACpybg3KFCMt4MtgzLb1cef8Cxnmnklpp62bjdIem6Vf7xAU09lVAuhbU4/s2048/IMG_1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3HAC7XvG0DfN9E7kgAy_foEPAZxMlRzT-CKTHiGegpG2M7Jxw4_pn73ihelb7VmT2QYdklMPXgtWH174_ACpybg3KFCMt4MtgzLb1cef8Cxnmnklpp62bjdIem6Vf7xAU09lVAuhbU4/s320/IMG_1778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-56494736504801133642018-10-07T17:04:00.000-07:002018-10-07T17:04:55.063-07:00Well, hello, sunshine!The world is a mess, so many people I know are going through a mess, and you know, I'm always a mess. But...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dfMXXMH9thc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dfMXXMH9thc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I play this song a lot in the morning when I'm waking up (so slowly...)<br />
<br />
I know it's been a while and I'm not even going to try to catch up. Here's where I'm at now.<br />
<br />
I'm in school! I'm taking online classes to get a Masters so I can teach university. I also want to teach financial literacy to high school and adult learners, which doesn't require the MS but I am treating this time almost as a sabbatical, or a get my shit together time. I am still working but very, very part-time. I spend the majority of my time each week doing work for school, going to yoga or the gym, and taking care of the household and the pets.<br />
<br />
This year (after "quitting" my job, a story for another time), I made my yoga practice a priority, and eventually a habit. I have added a day or two at the gym with a friend who needed someone to go with her. Last month, I did the Whole 30 with another friend--and this story could seriously take up so many blog posts--but the main idea is that I agreed to do it with her because I was feeling sugar-dependent. I didn't feel different while on the diet, but I did end up losing about 10 pounds. I couldn't tell in my clothes until afterward because I literally started and ended the month on my damn period. (Yeah, that ablation didn't do shit for me except make me want to die right then; fuck all the doctors who have not listened and won't let me get rid of these parts that are killing me every 3 1/2 weeks.)<br />
<br />
Oh, where was I...so the yoga has really helped me in a lot of ways and I am continuing to make that time and money commitment.<br />
<br />
I'm going to be adding some walking/hiking now that it is finally cooling off. I have this super cute walking partner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfHuAuFTSzfz2AwANAoexCPaJXWBp0AZp3UDg-m8zrsnRxwu3VvYvO6iyDUc3CQyKaGJLBo3WOiJlYvx9RS2Qb2PwH5rB-Zwk1MhK3kWbjwKqlaCbr8cXcKp2hHAANo0b2_SiK-xE9po/s1600/IMG_20180807_122036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfHuAuFTSzfz2AwANAoexCPaJXWBp0AZp3UDg-m8zrsnRxwu3VvYvO6iyDUc3CQyKaGJLBo3WOiJlYvx9RS2Qb2PwH5rB-Zwk1MhK3kWbjwKqlaCbr8cXcKp2hHAANo0b2_SiK-xE9po/s320/IMG_20180807_122036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bennie the Weimaraner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
He's so big and strong, I am having to use a prong collar but then he is such an angel. I feel like he's a bit behind in training because of a lot of things that happened this year when/since we got him, but things are getting back on track. We have to do this field thing for bird dogs called a ratings test before he is 16 months old, so we started training with a couple of groups for that. He learned to swim a few weeks ago.<br />
<br />
He's also been to his first dog show and he had so much fun and he actually got his first couple of points. Y'all know I'm not ecstatic about showing but it's hard to get a pup without getting that requirement.<br />
<br />
My puppy's name is Bennie. I named him after my dad--his middle name was Benton. My dad died last year, between the time my Cassi dog died at age 15 and my best friend Barb died--all three in a three month period. It was a shitty time for me. My birthday a couple months ago was the first birthday in YEARS that I didn't hear from my dad or Barb. It. Was. Weird.<br />
<br />
So that's the quick update. I'll try to stop back by in the very near future!<br />
<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-71940437912329424462016-11-01T18:33:00.000-07:002016-11-01T18:33:00.149-07:00Red EyesI've been seeing Dr. C, an eye specialist, for my nearly constantly watering irritated eyes. Today, he revisited the idea of Lipiflow ($750 out of pocket) in conjunction with another treatment (3 times at $350 each). I'm not even getting the spray he wanted me to use on my eyelids because my insurance doesn't cover it and it's about $700. But I'm considering it.<br />
<br />
I think my medical bills are so high this year, I may be eligible for a federal tax deduction for the rest of what I spend at this point, so maybe this is the time. On the other hand, I don't have the money, so it's going to go on my credit card and have interest charged.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, he mixed some standard eye drops with some type of glaucoma medicine that he said helps with the redness. It worked right away too. It won't make my eyes less irritated, but I won't look like I've been smoking. So there's that.<br />
<br />
Also of note, since I hit my deductible, I am getting my Restasis for free from Costco. I got a 3 month supply and I'll get another right before the end of the year. I am trying to figure out how that works if I change insurance. My insurance rate goes up December 1, dental goes up January 1, and COBRA coverage ends March. So I'm in the market. I can't even hope for something better, just maybe not worse...Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-44959039373787738612016-10-31T19:42:00.000-07:002018-10-07T17:47:25.508-07:00October update<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I went to Series 7 class and passed that test like BAM. Let's not do that again though, mmm-kay?<br />
<br />
My best friend's son had his wedding in Flagstaff. My friend B was feeling good for it and we had a fantastic time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UF5WwwKJRR37Rg1k0u-T_2kVs0-sgNVBiwUN4g-9WtRzy4lG0DsdLytcV6R47Ra2R-D7CTYhYKpqcbcFxC2g9S16SWnK32ZMfb98YW5OqL5H0GlkqJHVOP-yVPK5KBsE5aHzJyx3pPM/w396-h704-no/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="180" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is a Yoda fountain in SF.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
M and I went to San Francisco with my cousin! We had a blast. My sister came with her husband for a day. My favorite was probably our drizzly walk in the forest. And I was reading A Sudden Light by Garth Stein on this trip without realizing the background. You should read it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sXs3vqc5-RFDiF5Ip2NQSf72CIAqAh95sj6-WdP5TO1np3Y1gcN6-SozFu_YGN3qronWziuWT6wVmCPo2ssLPct4xHfIxXWmO3zRlR8VDQzzd073TW21aTWD7hDKw-Xwzy2mZRj15JrIFerKpnppwvkn1wKbOU2y8jBZtTbO2QrKo39TVEu_g1J77KQPdrinIiaDqB6adcAB3rsbB-ROsUxEFJ_FuBbjpybCyODJlffwAn9e_jWnrIoF28R2qAu4YPFMjqYM5DOEwl0q9bcortmFkXoVUOJ4nyKJiHjWvTHdB85EZk3xDeM7kLPck7luzcXictsN39fbP4BHWM6OI4FJ1Vsl_4zI6FmMRag-_sfIfNWfktwV_iDS06bVoYK1IeMvBdm3hnXpiXdJO6eFUWb5qTTJ8VogXtFea1CZvrxZEumJZDTk_HAyE1_CZNSpE6B-RWr4TEU3JapYf8ZPm4EqCtf8Uu0ci2awJdRsl_Vhc08JV57wWfDLQQgGjtRkd4tWCDdwbk3yVvGoawSXI_mAkZa3gHVipEFi4CstmOYWp09zphDrjYN7N3ffZLtFsxGGvx_txsFBUnNA-FIQq6zmxceFyLxTAgWUTjX0xZrneTp2chFo28BqALx7taVv=w1252-h704-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sXs3vqc5-RFDiF5Ip2NQSf72CIAqAh95sj6-WdP5TO1np3Y1gcN6-SozFu_YGN3qronWziuWT6wVmCPo2ssLPct4xHfIxXWmO3zRlR8VDQzzd073TW21aTWD7hDKw-Xwzy2mZRj15JrIFerKpnppwvkn1wKbOU2y8jBZtTbO2QrKo39TVEu_g1J77KQPdrinIiaDqB6adcAB3rsbB-ROsUxEFJ_FuBbjpybCyODJlffwAn9e_jWnrIoF28R2qAu4YPFMjqYM5DOEwl0q9bcortmFkXoVUOJ4nyKJiHjWvTHdB85EZk3xDeM7kLPck7luzcXictsN39fbP4BHWM6OI4FJ1Vsl_4zI6FmMRag-_sfIfNWfktwV_iDS06bVoYK1IeMvBdm3hnXpiXdJO6eFUWb5qTTJ8VogXtFea1CZvrxZEumJZDTk_HAyE1_CZNSpE6B-RWr4TEU3JapYf8ZPm4EqCtf8Uu0ci2awJdRsl_Vhc08JV57wWfDLQQgGjtRkd4tWCDdwbk3yVvGoawSXI_mAkZa3gHVipEFi4CstmOYWp09zphDrjYN7N3ffZLtFsxGGvx_txsFBUnNA-FIQq6zmxceFyLxTAgWUTjX0xZrneTp2chFo28BqALx7taVv=w1252-h704-no" width="320" /></a></div>
I had a lot of trouble finding food I could safely eat in this foodie city. I was hangry. I was treated shabbily. For real, had a waiter at an expensive restaurant tell me I shouldn't be trying to eat out on a Saturday night. We're only staying in places with kitchens from now on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hXiqS_cHNVw0i9SfbfyokBy2zvlBkXg0q-YNr3USwrn0NxvAMVhNic4JbO_Y_R9h1HHv9Q-0oRVGsoZVcRcN36ZEAR4DoBAWJux2xnie6Thg3Ufs_C-8UgOWXLZSJ19DGVpl5ser-x597AjT_3FAH1uCrWjRboGOHWjCfgSoPkqi1PhdO7YmSKTvg0_Di2fbJSG6oHrCtQGYbJ-Zck56vpH253NxAvXEA7J-lSD-2z_BtZm7VZ5h0LZcwvt0pECUlUolNKfdXNSNswKd9SJHI7iAXZ06ldMz7Pp_ntP7RWAcWU_Z5pptChNYuRoUGWza8WtTwaedTIRyv8zHM6jyFgGP9aZF3mG1qyOI07UITXCeSAwX23b4XOGXbZEZXclGuPkRjkqzyw8k3-qmdOHnoELXrIPO0dLScA5taSbPIBL703_bKinNZ_3cORtHqBJTmhiYpQSihpzPGzIFLFgE6JEZPiOhGjm3ViBUiBvUCC2r6xZuNgE0NBx3o1JgcJfgPrjHRnhK_9lxRuxMq2WcGGSO54vJg_0GdY9L5vnhDp1ACY2oK99vGeuFOdk3Yd1mfpYIejTXMp0FP3B9Lan1G9kouasqbGB53uvY7FdAO4IrDP1Ok8DbyGFpkGc6xrue=w396-h704-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hXiqS_cHNVw0i9SfbfyokBy2zvlBkXg0q-YNr3USwrn0NxvAMVhNic4JbO_Y_R9h1HHv9Q-0oRVGsoZVcRcN36ZEAR4DoBAWJux2xnie6Thg3Ufs_C-8UgOWXLZSJ19DGVpl5ser-x597AjT_3FAH1uCrWjRboGOHWjCfgSoPkqi1PhdO7YmSKTvg0_Di2fbJSG6oHrCtQGYbJ-Zck56vpH253NxAvXEA7J-lSD-2z_BtZm7VZ5h0LZcwvt0pECUlUolNKfdXNSNswKd9SJHI7iAXZ06ldMz7Pp_ntP7RWAcWU_Z5pptChNYuRoUGWza8WtTwaedTIRyv8zHM6jyFgGP9aZF3mG1qyOI07UITXCeSAwX23b4XOGXbZEZXclGuPkRjkqzyw8k3-qmdOHnoELXrIPO0dLScA5taSbPIBL703_bKinNZ_3cORtHqBJTmhiYpQSihpzPGzIFLFgE6JEZPiOhGjm3ViBUiBvUCC2r6xZuNgE0NBx3o1JgcJfgPrjHRnhK_9lxRuxMq2WcGGSO54vJg_0GdY9L5vnhDp1ACY2oK99vGeuFOdk3Yd1mfpYIejTXMp0FP3B9Lan1G9kouasqbGB53uvY7FdAO4IrDP1Ok8DbyGFpkGc6xrue=w396-h704-no" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did not leave my heart in SF.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I saw Garbage with my boys, M and B at the state fair. I love that Shirley!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0J8_E9FMV46H8PedLLekEgd_o1zBJCR8U77amrQCMCI68oLLybPYu07xJ5dgb8ZgJAJchZmmRKupsMo4-IiRTumbsgVwqba8h7nmeP3hhTOKxx_HXrkbnaykT9LzMYwL5KNxBvPWnAJQt2hf8Zc1SCXpsSJoJoLw9dz2n5iM6OF5lCnYbsWkPN7RmSRiChqpcD8G4sl0feE5tci-JO937gdlwXNunztnlp6432-ViHj8r5mZ8ivhCOBCP7JvqtTUhsnBskgiF9kCzJQ08BVenPiHpXeB4UVKQJTFMkuWualuVTvpXXULxkK2Sbqfr5rjDB9ld1wg36JNbUQss71FhGx0x3E9rMqrJZuxns43VJCvf6Uq5ybPKM6dr2u0U0565N8XyMzOcLWU46FdWgCuZpr4ESZjL3klx2pixCnPB6dtzD_g0bu1ncJ5L4wWKebNAcDujIC2ScFNeIk8Pj-5HEBe7ihUclfzNQ9Kol4yDoi-jTgbAhhr43XX7AbvQsidybuLBlpsOhLuBavOcfWLeeRRg2iUgQjwNtP_deLN5UNYA7kbuIWkjnKeTAj_WOT2MgB3jMTAvS4a8cFzJIV_PoFNpF9gV-DkPP6WboyVjX5VuxBUysgMBnjUKDo4QJk3=w396-h704-no" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0J8_E9FMV46H8PedLLekEgd_o1zBJCR8U77amrQCMCI68oLLybPYu07xJ5dgb8ZgJAJchZmmRKupsMo4-IiRTumbsgVwqba8h7nmeP3hhTOKxx_HXrkbnaykT9LzMYwL5KNxBvPWnAJQt2hf8Zc1SCXpsSJoJoLw9dz2n5iM6OF5lCnYbsWkPN7RmSRiChqpcD8G4sl0feE5tci-JO937gdlwXNunztnlp6432-ViHj8r5mZ8ivhCOBCP7JvqtTUhsnBskgiF9kCzJQ08BVenPiHpXeB4UVKQJTFMkuWualuVTvpXXULxkK2Sbqfr5rjDB9ld1wg36JNbUQss71FhGx0x3E9rMqrJZuxns43VJCvf6Uq5ybPKM6dr2u0U0565N8XyMzOcLWU46FdWgCuZpr4ESZjL3klx2pixCnPB6dtzD_g0bu1ncJ5L4wWKebNAcDujIC2ScFNeIk8Pj-5HEBe7ihUclfzNQ9Kol4yDoi-jTgbAhhr43XX7AbvQsidybuLBlpsOhLuBavOcfWLeeRRg2iUgQjwNtP_deLN5UNYA7kbuIWkjnKeTAj_WOT2MgB3jMTAvS4a8cFzJIV_PoFNpF9gV-DkPP6WboyVjX5VuxBUysgMBnjUKDo4QJk3=w396-h704-no" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At our hotel in SF :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went to an 80s party for Halloween with my cuz and my friend S and the guys. Fun times were had by all!<br />
<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-28450015692948079232016-10-11T22:26:00.001-07:002016-11-01T15:41:07.013-07:00Phase Four<div dir="ltr">
I'm in the Phase Four trial for Alemtuzamab (Lemtrada) now.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<ul>
<li>500 meter walk under 8 minutes</li>
<li>Read second line from bottom, right eye, was not 20/20. Less able on left eye.</li>
<li>EDSS: 2 at factor 2, several ones.</li>
<li>No reflex in left knee, and he kept trying. Um, ow, cut it out, dude. There's no reflex--pounding on it won't make it happen.</li>
<li>Abnormal reflex for bottom of feet but it was symmetrical so not an issue.</li>
</ul>
<br />
The visit took so long. SO LONG. I'm probably going to have to take vacation days for these visits. Definitely the next one--there's all of this plus the MRI.Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-37397773482061656392016-09-30T21:42:00.000-07:002016-11-15T11:54:09.998-07:00September updateOh, the things that happened this month:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>birthday party for my niece's daughter</li>
<li>Labor Day swimming at my cousin's</li>
<li>(always) Dr. Q</li>
<li>webinar on natural treatments--mostly talking about mushrooms (I don't have time for more crazy #justsaying)</li>
<li>endocrinologist appointment--she was not impressed with how quickly my primary doctor reduced my thyroid meds so she asked me to come back next month for new labs; I am currently taking 100 mcg of Levothyroxine (Synthroid)</li>
<li>work dinner Olive and Ivy--pretty good, and accommodating</li>
<li>went to Becketts Table and it wasn't as good as I remember, kind of weird actually; a small, tasty piece of salmon on a plate of carrots and a side of green beans after I was done eating.</li>
<li>went to my niece's daughter's and son's birthday party at a park</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-m53TNPZiguBGC4tZM0-Co43oCgqmgWGgQ1yLYB70Scn63o-es5UNYJuRUzxajLa7sQMOgHv2Yy6z1M7h60J7P5U_LbSujNFJAwZ2oNkyIkKOKSuEj6xhw2a0Orilq2c7B2wqpLiWFc/s1600/IMAG1160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-m53TNPZiguBGC4tZM0-Co43oCgqmgWGgQ1yLYB70Scn63o-es5UNYJuRUzxajLa7sQMOgHv2Yy6z1M7h60J7P5U_LbSujNFJAwZ2oNkyIkKOKSuEj6xhw2a0Orilq2c7B2wqpLiWFc/s320/IMAG1160.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cat in a bag - tongue out Tinker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZg9WRzItQnhnK2_sPZU_bNHCyNI27G1GW3KwFQP4oMOywTe89TzrX41XoMYB-7Mg0UyrFy-A6ER2ykDT1L6ARCd3TOXllRZ8G3fhmEg2L1nMZpIZe_ba2mYgI23hd6sXUYr4j7LlZWw/s1600/IMAG1163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZg9WRzItQnhnK2_sPZU_bNHCyNI27G1GW3KwFQP4oMOywTe89TzrX41XoMYB-7Mg0UyrFy-A6ER2ykDT1L6ARCd3TOXllRZ8G3fhmEg2L1nMZpIZe_ba2mYgI23hd6sXUYr4j7LlZWw/s320/IMAG1163.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sandwich on Bread SRSLY (a gift!) #giddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVxszmzUkrOXWnKMChm7vXlc9IJpuHX9L740bCvpFGmz1_-3JjvTl2k1hBkdYAtkKAHWowVsmbzJY20fkgHiVCvkN2e65InfvmpKb0w1igDXgObZFBWP6qdXc61xxpGMa4QobNtmUBdE/s1600/IMAG1180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVxszmzUkrOXWnKMChm7vXlc9IJpuHX9L740bCvpFGmz1_-3JjvTl2k1hBkdYAtkKAHWowVsmbzJY20fkgHiVCvkN2e65InfvmpKb0w1igDXgObZFBWP6qdXc61xxpGMa4QobNtmUBdE/s320/IMAG1180.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sandwich on a Bread SRSLY roll #happiness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwnB0IKX9axVie8DCQj9EvA6fOChmmgcZXYuq1VqryXjOUlWHUNlBzwF57jqe_DN19K68HX2AYZgVVnriTvXLFv61iPrssyoUDfusrnw9GfUvTujC9GVYb3eJ_3m00wiRC7jfrQP6d1w/s1600/IMAG1172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwnB0IKX9axVie8DCQj9EvA6fOChmmgcZXYuq1VqryXjOUlWHUNlBzwF57jqe_DN19K68HX2AYZgVVnriTvXLFv61iPrssyoUDfusrnw9GfUvTujC9GVYb3eJ_3m00wiRC7jfrQP6d1w/s320/IMAG1172.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Cassi--but I missed the photo contest deadline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTB49f7LFbLpLpkKOkxT9dHWdyFxXkxb2WzQ8yNw_gLjN-wWozGfbUnmoE8VkGM79nSdeQRUR4fo9By_gZ_XHrZ-rVrgDjEEsNeI1NrCjb3r3fK6CR9oP0NK453L8gHph7v7hcKnGwBk/s1600/IMAG1174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTB49f7LFbLpLpkKOkxT9dHWdyFxXkxb2WzQ8yNw_gLjN-wWozGfbUnmoE8VkGM79nSdeQRUR4fo9By_gZ_XHrZ-rVrgDjEEsNeI1NrCjb3r3fK6CR9oP0NK453L8gHph7v7hcKnGwBk/s320/IMAG1174.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmm, bacon--the low sodium has a shorter ingredient list.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2K6k9YTJEBDrhQkzyA7uGzypYo8Pq7O0tE3TiDPSDdWZiHj-ex21id4Twu8UoRuEjA9Mkow_P01ee0ssyw6BDMzhoSP9VpBqRXjKIZUSY0txW9WNWudAFNjiVjfM3HuOe0fyyPNxaM2g/s1600/IMAG1175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2K6k9YTJEBDrhQkzyA7uGzypYo8Pq7O0tE3TiDPSDdWZiHj-ex21id4Twu8UoRuEjA9Mkow_P01ee0ssyw6BDMzhoSP9VpBqRXjKIZUSY0txW9WNWudAFNjiVjfM3HuOe0fyyPNxaM2g/s320/IMAG1175.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRlVZXNlq3yR5M6Wr1wIrWjAx4irsbcsD4CUOaUw8_mZXrj29ObtUb9068o7w7Sp97XxRAx0R-ELKTJux7IzFEFfmeUv2soOM3NEpkbEIlEbB9HQ-7r2mkI9oCLYZDdKu57649uJsrSM/s1600/IMAG1176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRlVZXNlq3yR5M6Wr1wIrWjAx4irsbcsD4CUOaUw8_mZXrj29ObtUb9068o7w7Sp97XxRAx0R-ELKTJux7IzFEFfmeUv2soOM3NEpkbEIlEbB9HQ-7r2mkI9oCLYZDdKu57649uJsrSM/s320/IMAG1176.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacon, and bacon wrapped apricots #yum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNR8HlSqM7MozVFy650fhieScTHV6dkOr7N69XNHhnI08cGzFfOUx1b1h3nCewI9gns-p25B0ZUgCaZHNIB7WxF5Opo9zJxEYeVTEY7iecbXmdVxXu96dhd8d5VWPONY06NdCpOaKKDg/s1600/IMAG1177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNR8HlSqM7MozVFy650fhieScTHV6dkOr7N69XNHhnI08cGzFfOUx1b1h3nCewI9gns-p25B0ZUgCaZHNIB7WxF5Opo9zJxEYeVTEY7iecbXmdVxXu96dhd8d5VWPONY06NdCpOaKKDg/s320/IMAG1177.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No weird ingredients--a Costco find!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIj3JO8hBC995DRH_Sm7cRlN49BTWav9nQ3hufY6h7FMWNVNqL2VmgEWQfOOJ1Z1gpw2vaN440fq91w1QjsLihfHX_8LZdj8N8gfSl2_qQCursgyPPrntAU_gbZ3JJQ626QEfJj9U4y8/s1600/IMAG1179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIj3JO8hBC995DRH_Sm7cRlN49BTWav9nQ3hufY6h7FMWNVNqL2VmgEWQfOOJ1Z1gpw2vaN440fq91w1QjsLihfHX_8LZdj8N8gfSl2_qQCursgyPPrntAU_gbZ3JJQ626QEfJj9U4y8/s320/IMAG1179.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tri-tip after cooking #nomnom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTdU3dOQCrJg8gw9MrZCc4_oWmJbFUFTxfE97we2pPQoWR5NRMDkgdFD3jeUEXOLO07tN1ddUbeHEXno12sVLu_LYeKWD61tM-ZNVj3UjynKOnDx9CGoPYtpMnIVs_D3qkLR-cZ-xiZQ/s1600/IMAG1178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTdU3dOQCrJg8gw9MrZCc4_oWmJbFUFTxfE97we2pPQoWR5NRMDkgdFD3jeUEXOLO07tN1ddUbeHEXno12sVLu_LYeKWD61tM-ZNVj3UjynKOnDx9CGoPYtpMnIVs_D3qkLR-cZ-xiZQ/s320/IMAG1178.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roasted asparagus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My major malfunction has been the eye doctor/glasses shopping. This seems like a short, simple process for most people. However, I:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>went to the eye doctor, got a glasses prescription, </li>
<li>went to Costco and found frames, had glasses and sunglasses made, </li>
<li>picked up new glasses and sunglasses, couldn't see but they said it was the prescription,</li>
<li>went back to adjust (the ear piece was painful),</li>
<li>went back to the eye doctor but they just had me see one of the technicians in the front and said it was probably the coating on the lenses (#WTF), </li>
<li>went back to Costco where they checked the prescription and sent the glasses back to be remade, but not the sunglasses, </li>
<li>picked those up and still couldn't see, </li>
<li>made and had an appointment with my friend's eye doctor at another Costco, got a new prescription, </li>
<li>got my glasses and sunglasses remade, picked up the glasses first,</li>
<li>picked up the sunglasses and had the glasses in for an adjustment.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDZl-eGL1eSdoyjoPvZ5x-AOIK2FTlzmfApZ7lDduLsWnQ3802Ak1oQ8wE69R7ORb7JD6erb9mFK4xjhxSgQZ28GcWJ7BmoY1itTgC_eqXr_47BNzls-yjIWNTTu_sZQ-kFDmW3ECuAo/s1600/IMAG1165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDZl-eGL1eSdoyjoPvZ5x-AOIK2FTlzmfApZ7lDduLsWnQ3802Ak1oQ8wE69R7ORb7JD6erb9mFK4xjhxSgQZ28GcWJ7BmoY1itTgC_eqXr_47BNzls-yjIWNTTu_sZQ-kFDmW3ECuAo/s320/IMAG1165.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got this style of sunglasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I still need to take the sunglasses in for adjustment as one of the arms is too loose, but seriously, who else goes through this kind of crazy to cross ONE ITEM OFF MY LIST? I cope but I hate that this is my normal. An item on my to-do list took me two months to accomplish. I can't wait to do it again next year! #IspeaksarcasmVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-6146637157274513692016-09-02T18:35:00.000-07:002018-10-07T17:10:31.081-07:00Sad<div dir="ltr">
The hardest part of divorce may be losing friends. Of course, some friends have loyalties to the one they knew first. I expected that, although most of his friends and family have kept me on social media. I expect this could be an issue at some point but I don't have a solution yet.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I was most surprised by friends I had, who were not really close friends, who stepped up, supported me and my decision, and really encouraged me to blossom and grow and thrive.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
But I am most saddened by the friends I lost over the last year and a half. The ones I kept investing effort into after they started doing or saying shitty things. And then THEY (for the most part) decided we weren't friends anymore.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
It makes me feel as though *I* was the shitty friend. But all I did was stand up for myself, or at least not let someone run all over me.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
My loving friends remind me that some people have only seen me as this person who does what is expected and takes it, no matter what *it* is. And maybe some people can't be friends with someone who decides to actively pursue happiness. Because that is a person who is not going to put up with your bullshit.<br />
<br />
Or maybe they just liked me when I could be miserable with them or entertain them with stories of how miserable my life was.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
But each time, I realize that this person, who was my friend for X years, and was with me through certain times, this person has decided my friendship is not important to them. And I want to run after them and say, wait, I can make it work!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
But they have already told me that I am not important to them. Through their uncaring petty comments, by missing dates with me, by only seeing me when I reach out--if it's convenient or they don't have better offers, by never inviting me or contacting me, by giving me their big news on social media, by deleting me as a friend from their social media. By supporting my ex, however subtly. My eyes are open; I see you and your actions. Or inactions.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I want to be that person who doesn't care. I don't care enough to be a doormat, or to be on call at someone's whim, for a friend, or to stay married to my ex and his parents. But I care. I understand how these people I loved feel about me.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I am not important.</div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-4283580802816435212016-08-31T19:39:00.000-07:002018-10-07T17:36:10.607-07:00August updateMy friend S asked me if I wanted to go to see the Piano Guys. We had a small group and it was so fun; they are great to see live. If you have a chance, you should go!<br />
<br />
I took and passed my Insurance licensing test. Whew.<br />
<br />
M and I went to see the Gipsy Kings. They are amazing. The venue was not amazing. The seats are smaller than airplane seats. There was NO leg room.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68Bvk9an7uCRISu4It7wbnpUviz_ce5ll09Z7aiLYbA6Ebk6Uk9SRO4-aqb6cmUbHQUzvueAZ4FlZqRidZi3mbfBNHKsbVKvT65TRx5SrqO6stLe2Qb5MgIrwiL8jfGx-zhCLzfRfDHg/s1600/IMAG1119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68Bvk9an7uCRISu4It7wbnpUviz_ce5ll09Z7aiLYbA6Ebk6Uk9SRO4-aqb6cmUbHQUzvueAZ4FlZqRidZi3mbfBNHKsbVKvT65TRx5SrqO6stLe2Qb5MgIrwiL8jfGx-zhCLzfRfDHg/s320/IMAG1119.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
My friend from high school and my ex-SIL B had a birthday dinner for me. My cousin got me some pretty flowers, and I also got tequila because you know, tequila.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGNlAIAPKXAjrpR5iBE_UwF0BSAUg8KY0_nK_7_BAuVWK9BVAjt7yIj9RWaJVHRaki6-iXeO5zfUJSnC5gvM4HdMZmAVQl0lB89zPA_f3fFzudylHyZu_90egk9a12YXH2EGnU15JdIw/s1600/IMAG1121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGNlAIAPKXAjrpR5iBE_UwF0BSAUg8KY0_nK_7_BAuVWK9BVAjt7yIj9RWaJVHRaki6-iXeO5zfUJSnC5gvM4HdMZmAVQl0lB89zPA_f3fFzudylHyZu_90egk9a12YXH2EGnU15JdIw/s320/IMAG1121.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My sister came to visit for my Grandma's birthday. Grandma is in her 90s, so it's a big deal. She's also been in bad health for a while, but she's hanging out and doing the best she can. My grandpa takes care of her for the most part. My sister and I had a good time with a couple of our cousins.<br />
<br />
I had a doctor's appointment so I got a prize, I mean treat!<a aria-label="Photo - Portrait - Aug 22, 2016, 1:20:55 PM" class="p137Zd" href="https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMRxbFBA07Bn1CReHxvf1JqdU7hgJjaFPG5SVnJ" jsaction="click:eQuaEb;focus:AHmuwe; blur:O22p3e;" tabindex="0"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDz5BlG-4Lc8v0o7ADnmSnETr6_95PIkDLkF_mPIoXrMtzXiPRGYV3bTaHuYmrbfg0gRYuNXX14OB3V7pYjRSfArETHlzja798k3LotnTnw3a4Zrvn6Yiz2nxtBbDGqS-bGr-ipF3zfU/s1600/IMAG1092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDz5BlG-4Lc8v0o7ADnmSnETr6_95PIkDLkF_mPIoXrMtzXiPRGYV3bTaHuYmrbfg0gRYuNXX14OB3V7pYjRSfArETHlzja798k3LotnTnw3a4Zrvn6Yiz2nxtBbDGqS-bGr-ipF3zfU/s320/IMAG1092.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nami donut (and dirty chai)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-71123665161748625952016-04-15T18:46:00.000-07:002016-11-01T15:47:40.194-07:00Just venting<div dir="ltr">
I went to the eye clinic this morning. I was there for two hours. It was overwhelming and sucky; it was maybe beneficial. Tests were done. Treatment options and the huge cost to me were discussed. The plug was removed from a gland in my left eye but the one in the right was not removed.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I didn't fall apart till I left.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwBXVTsrNPosAc8UNS24i4rYUwFrbiJXVFAIYPkwz68uQpKMyaIAUF25m-no1I5YcNESYMU71liwXQJ3pQZ7n5Xr5MyttiAN48BpkZIZDzYEjBJ0leWJTc_mrPhlOydh9Xa-SkJC5oR4/s1600/FB_IMG_1457394489922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwBXVTsrNPosAc8UNS24i4rYUwFrbiJXVFAIYPkwz68uQpKMyaIAUF25m-no1I5YcNESYMU71liwXQJ3pQZ7n5Xr5MyttiAN48BpkZIZDzYEjBJ0leWJTc_mrPhlOydh9Xa-SkJC5oR4/s640/FB_IMG_1457394489922.jpg" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I. Am. So. Tired. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm tired of sleeping - not enough because I can't, or enough, or more than enough, and in all cases, still feeling bone weary exhausted. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm tired of appointments and tests and treatments with no real benefit. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm tired of spending So Much Fucking Money on my health. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm tired of making decisions about what to try next or what to skip altogether. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm tired of being a guinea pig. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm tired of doctors who don't know me after years of seeing me. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm tired of eating "right" and still fighting my digestive system. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm tired of thinking I should or could do more (I should do that diet and figure out what *else* I can't eat). </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm tired of collecting diseases. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm tired of fighting but it's all I know.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
#justventing #FML #MSwarrior #MSismybitch #Iamenough #NoOneTalksAboutGravesDisease #lostmythyroidhaveyouseenit #MSsucksballs #autocorrecthatesfucking #butIlookgood #outofspoons #allergicgirl</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-71481870165296830822016-04-05T19:22:00.000-07:002016-11-01T16:25:15.236-07:00Phase 4 trialI still haven't gotten my last check from the Phase 3 trial but here we are, on to Phase 4. It's at Barrow's, and it took a little finding. No tests were really done today, just a review of my file. It appears I cannot change my initials to match my name but otherwise, pretty uneventful. And I only have to go every six months!Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-51407682185259571142016-01-12T20:35:00.000-07:002016-11-01T15:52:39.582-07:00Last Phase 3 visit<div dir="ltr">
It seems I'm doing pretty good overall. My EDSS was 2.5 and I did the 500 meter walk in 9 minutes. I'm done with the Phase 3 trial and moving on to the Phase 4 trial, which is done at Barrow's, so my contact will change, as well as the location, and I'm sure some other relevant things.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I'm not sad about that change, since I'm having trouble getting my contact information updated and the piddly payments I'm supposed to get are sporadically given to me. That may seem minor but I get TAXED on that shit! So of course, she did not have my check today. She's going to send it. Probably to the wrong address since I can't get her to update it. It's always something...</div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-7077805195072949542015-10-08T18:27:00.000-07:002015-10-08T18:27:00.081-07:00Break<div class="blogaway-section">
I realize I have been MIA. I have posted <a href="http://azbirddogs.blogspot.com/2015/01/of-good-courage.html">once this year</a>. And that was only a Bible verse. I have a LOT of drafts and photos that may never be posted. The perfectionist in me is not happy about this. At. All. But.<br />
<br />
But. Oh, where to start...<br />
<br />My posts became more infrequent and less personal last year as I started changing my story. See, I'm a good southern girl. Marriage is forever; you only leave if he's hitting you or cheating on you. You don't leave for all the other reasons that eventually make you feel less yourself, unimportant, stressed out, out of control, and hopeless. With some help from my sister and a few patient friends who didn't tell me what to do but let me know all the important things that eventually seeped in, I changed my story.<br />
<br />
They told me:<br />
<br /><b><i>My happiness is as important as his. I deserve to be happy. I am worthy. I need to choose me. Love yourself. It's okay to be divorced.</i></b><br />
<br />Ooh, deep breath. That last one...it was hard but my sister asked how I felt about her being divorced and then why it was okay for her but not me. Damn, girl. That was what I needed to hear.<br />
<br />But it took me some time. I thought I could make it work. He didn't want to go to counseling. PEOPLE! If your girl or guy asks you about counseling, something is wrong. GO!<br />
<br />I started the new year with bronchitis. I was so sick of being sick. I was tired of getting help that wasn't helpful. I was tired of redacting my blog posts to not offend potential readers who know me IRL. I was tired of relying on my friends for support my spouse did not want to give. I was tired of his jealousy of my friends who were just trying to be there for me as I fell apart.<br />
<br />
I decided I would make my number one priority this year my health. I would ask myself "does this support or improve my health?" I wanted to be intentional about focusing on what I could control and (trying to) let the rest go.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguaqp_WtmCsyeCW054VqQwYhJunPUoBx65jAOPYPR9JIm7D4T-MglrW2GNaWZZN1-CCok2UDXCRMZiYURRZOuna4KoSy_UWncvtN7PBXKd170XqhWx9Q6JDgnuoPXtnRqYVtObhkIopA/s1600/PST_Focus_ThingsThatMatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguaqp_WtmCsyeCW054VqQwYhJunPUoBx65jAOPYPR9JIm7D4T-MglrW2GNaWZZN1-CCok2UDXCRMZiYURRZOuna4KoSy_UWncvtN7PBXKd170XqhWx9Q6JDgnuoPXtnRqYVtObhkIopA/s320/PST_Focus_ThingsThatMatter.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Focus via the Behavior Gap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />There was an argument. I told him I didn't feel safe in my kitchen due to the "help" I was getting from a family member. He assured me it was my kitchen; I should feel safe. But my food allergies weren't taken seriously. A few days later...<br />
<br />The last straw. Some people who <i>get</i> my allergy issues understand this was indicative of the relationship; others only see this as the last straw. I see it as both. He cut some Velveeta, which of course I can't eat, then wiped the knife on the towel hanging on the front of the sink. The one I use for my hands. And dishes.<br />
<br />I questioned him and he said I should assume the towels are contaminated. Um, then I should NOT feel safe in "my" kitchen. <b>I realized HE was an obstacle to my health.</b><br />
<br />And I was done. I started looking for a rental. Someone pressured me into scheduling counseling, even if I had to go alone. When I told him, he tried to argue that we didn't need it. He decided to go when I told him we might not need it but I'm moving out. <br />
<br />So he went with me.<br />
<br />It was enlightening. He finally heard me. He said several things that opened my eyes that we were living his life and his dreams and he ignored the things I said, the things I let him know were important, and the things I needed. And it had been this way since our first date. No wonder I was so miserable. (Don't get me wrong--there was a time we were happy. And THAT makes me the saddest of all.)<br />
<br />I moved out. We hired a mediator. (I hate her; don't ask for a recommendation.) He decided to take an out of state transfer for work. (His job wasn't staying here.) We sold our house--his dream house, this overwhelming weight dragging me down. We split the dogs and the stuff, with the only real debate coming from my desire to keep our piano.<br />
<br />While I was looking at how to improve my health, some things happened at work that concerned me. I thought I would tackle getting a new job next year but several opportunities came up and I started a new job.<br />
<br />I'm currently in the process of buying a house; my rental is going to be sold soon so it is time to find my permanent place.<br />
<br />I have worked so hard this year to take this picture of what I want my life to be and make it my reality. I'm creating my bubble.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mFAC2OMKKjMsfI5EXdIjdjrUAI0orSvjMJyV81VvpG2-VbPP08ADg1elDCN2wnpBsBDRi-MBKdjkwzieFYN5D0aGWr04oH5broUikbm7YFLSfDa0IIYgdFuJoRJcGR7DuogF7WvdvpU/s1600/image001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mFAC2OMKKjMsfI5EXdIjdjrUAI0orSvjMJyV81VvpG2-VbPP08ADg1elDCN2wnpBsBDRi-MBKdjkwzieFYN5D0aGWr04oH5broUikbm7YFLSfDa0IIYgdFuJoRJcGR7DuogF7WvdvpU/s320/image001.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />I will share a little of my bubble with you.</div>
<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0Phoenix, United States33.5825855 -112.0086264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-47026496693293113202015-01-15T18:15:00.000-07:002015-01-15T18:15:00.488-07:00Of good courage<h3 class="qt-before" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; text-align: center;">
Your verse is:</h3>
<h3 class="qt-short" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
Deu 31:6</h3>
<h4 class="qt-long" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.</h4>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-63372820852606553672014-12-26T22:41:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:22:54.944-07:00Infused tequila<div dir="ltr">
The infused vodka (strawberries and vanilla beans in a potato vodka) came out so good that I decided to try a sweet and spicy tequila. I used Hornitos with (unfortunately, frozen) strawberries and (from our garden!) jalepenos.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXMrfYF_hl2ODKcDU2JvIDK5dbxSSVMGjKcJSonUhouWkmAex_WlgbAUBILeUdqbPeHnxXuXZ0aerNxbL8qTNU6ZKV0CYZvpw_pN3-h3TNl_RxbTmU0fWangrf5rWi-xS-J9TME1sNus/s400/20141226_161220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXMrfYF_hl2ODKcDU2JvIDK5dbxSSVMGjKcJSonUhouWkmAex_WlgbAUBILeUdqbPeHnxXuXZ0aerNxbL8qTNU6ZKV0CYZvpw_pN3-h3TNl_RxbTmU0fWangrf5rWi-xS-J9TME1sNus/s400/20141226_161220.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infusing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr">
I wouldn't drink it straight like the vodka but it would *probably* be okay in margaritas or something.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh5.ggpht.com%2F-gj3HtWxhP7c%2FVLVYrEfjtOI%2FAAAAAAAALcw%2FTaSobKJHasc%2Fs400%2F20141226_161220.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXMrfYF_hl2ODKcDU2JvIDK5dbxSSVMGjKcJSonUhouWkmAex_WlgbAUBILeUdqbPeHnxXuXZ0aerNxbL8qTNU6ZKV0CYZvpw_pN3-h3TNl_RxbTmU0fWangrf5rWi-xS-J9TME1sNus/s400/20141226_161220.jpg" -->Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-23335021892838542782014-12-20T22:47:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:19:37.675-07:00Thunderbird Cholla Trail<div dir="ltr">
We're making the rounds of some different hiking trails. I liked this cactus surrounded by other cacti.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1xg0CMRgRsxrgotlW1rGoGzoZeY0mYchbnFzt27dDNDgkg1rsgdRiKOHbun9LfMZ1ls6sMhzEt7gfngDUvshVi6knqZLaf01fM2-fuvkCe_DhAPHULqYmSWlj_a31IziSA7yuqEu1CE/s1600/20141220_122459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1xg0CMRgRsxrgotlW1rGoGzoZeY0mYchbnFzt27dDNDgkg1rsgdRiKOHbun9LfMZ1ls6sMhzEt7gfngDUvshVi6knqZLaf01fM2-fuvkCe_DhAPHULqYmSWlj_a31IziSA7yuqEu1CE/s400/20141220_122459.jpg" height="400" width="225" /> </a> </div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-409355080358404002014-12-19T22:48:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:17:54.680-07:00Pineapple Thai chicken<div dir="ltr">
I bought this sauce at the farmer's market. I like all the ingredients except some "natural" stevia.I made it with some chicken and zucchini and rice. It wasn't bad. I would probably eat it or something like it again but I don't think I'd go out of my way to buy the sauce.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTAYSCTkZRBsekBeLpiMQwd0Ftn1i1zUJoabVMRmALNu8AKuK6tay-kJmrcjTrh2HNrHxD_SUK0iCmlz4Ab4GoMeSrr_IhXFFAu4NTtuNUx2ILDA5opsORo_c1T6NEkHTRaX72gU16pw/s1600/20141219_201434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTAYSCTkZRBsekBeLpiMQwd0Ftn1i1zUJoabVMRmALNu8AKuK6tay-kJmrcjTrh2HNrHxD_SUK0iCmlz4Ab4GoMeSrr_IhXFFAu4NTtuNUx2ILDA5opsORo_c1T6NEkHTRaX72gU16pw/s400/20141219_201434.jpg" height="225" width="400" /> </a> </div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-30895646669931342062014-12-18T22:49:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:15:23.972-07:00Supine<div dir="ltr">
I can't get up. There's a dog pinning me down. I got a lot done today but now I'm exhausted.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOVTb-IqgxDnLgYaMhltO6gF49_laPhYC22lZv6CqGcXtbEoNQCOFMyxyFSKbeXXI0l0wBCDPLbo8ulL7wNOXlxZyOLc9GPlGJor1myEJ6Tjmjo_CFRZ3kFSZSUyi77pUKAePHp3lnEs/s400/20141218_192004.jpg" height="225" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.6666669845581px; text-align: start;">"Lying down is a perfectly good position to be in. I quite recommend it."</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOVTb-IqgxDnLgYaMhltO6gF49_laPhYC22lZv6CqGcXtbEoNQCOFMyxyFSKbeXXI0l0wBCDPLbo8ulL7wNOXlxZyOLc9GPlGJor1myEJ6Tjmjo_CFRZ3kFSZSUyi77pUKAePHp3lnEs/s1600/20141218_192004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-2527006267088086392014-12-01T20:10:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:33:33.958-07:00Last trial visit of 2014<div dir="ltr">
I got matching bandaids for my arms. Lan rarely (I think maybe never) misses but today...well, right, then left. And they both hurt. Not terribly; I didn't cry, but it hurt. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
On the eye exam, I got to Line 10 for the right eye but only Line 8 for the left eye. It was so blurry and there was a red line between 8 and 9 that was superimposed on line 9 when he asked me to read it. I. Just. Couldn't. It kind of made me want to fucking bust out crying. Of course, that's not going to help my vision!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Sensation all seemed good. He had me count backwards from 100 while testing my reflexes, since I barely have any. He said I have abdominal reflexes, which most people don't. See, I have it all!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The 500 meter walk took 9 minutes and I think he said my EDDS is 2.5.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-44265217512884333072014-11-28T17:03:00.000-07:002015-01-15T17:05:28.477-07:00Mint chocolate<div dir="ltr">
Although it has some stevia, I decided to try this lovely idea: mint chocolate coconut milk. Hmm. It was...good, chocolatey, a little mint, thick like coconut milk but not as much as egg nog which I thought it was originally. The only issue that I can't get past is the aftertaste due to the stevia. I drank it but I don't think I'd buy it again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67b35ah2OmzKiPYtlvEIrIKdjBe8R_qD3ntblN-_6OotnUKyC6sBqaGu7nG8tKCrVmTt272FDG_rH3ZMizZsmUZg4AqU355zH1XguJXPJhp0rKFph2T2I9S5xJO581JEI3CNFQlGtBbU/s1600/20141128_202806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67b35ah2OmzKiPYtlvEIrIKdjBe8R_qD3ntblN-_6OotnUKyC6sBqaGu7nG8tKCrVmTt272FDG_rH3ZMizZsmUZg4AqU355zH1XguJXPJhp0rKFph2T2I9S5xJO581JEI3CNFQlGtBbU/s400/20141128_202806.jpg" height="400" width="225" /> </a> </div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-58543693472611191192014-11-14T22:40:00.004-07:002015-01-15T17:34:31.910-07:00ClassyHrm.<br />
<br />
<h3 class="qt-before" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; text-align: center;">
You are a:</h3>
<h3 class="qt-short" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
Classy Wife</h3>
<h4 class="qt-long" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
You are truly a class act. Both inside and out, you are amazingly beautiful. You have an undeniably jovial nature that always gives off radiant happiness wherever you go. You are a perfect treat that always stays delightful no matter how much time passes by. And believe it or not, you have some of the most contagious smiles. Your significant other must be incredibly grateful for you!</h4>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-19171366612540672902014-10-29T20:44:00.000-07:002014-10-30T14:46:54.870-07:00Culinary Dropout<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
My company decided to do an annual birthday celebration so they could do something bigger and better without costing the firm more. The receptionist wanted to get everyone's orders ahead of time but I was still messaging with someone from the restaurant on FB by the time we went. She also had <a href="http://azbirddogs.blogspot.com/2014/10/sprinkles.html">asked for cupcake orders</a> so I went to Gluten Free Creations Bakery yesterday to get cupcakes.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j70GWnuImPNCyPg_kbBkWPmI9EIIl8QQ1yvwbpeqE4G5SUHMpqmLaSG_rfjdM4SUmjsfPNgG28i5lUp3Qw_eKoPN8ViJdHmCDeQZQjUeviMkqqJRXfeyvFkUGk8I__8qaJMbnaPWV_E/s400/20141028_121252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j70GWnuImPNCyPg_kbBkWPmI9EIIl8QQ1yvwbpeqE4G5SUHMpqmLaSG_rfjdM4SUmjsfPNgG28i5lUp3Qw_eKoPN8ViJdHmCDeQZQjUeviMkqqJRXfeyvFkUGk8I__8qaJMbnaPWV_E/s400/20141028_121252.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Spice cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr">
We went to Culinary Dropout, which is a Fox Concepts Restaurant. I generally have good luck at their restaurants so the chef talked with me and we decided I could have a burger and sauteed veggies (in olive oil.) They don't use any soybean oil. I used the mushrooms and onions on top of the burger so I didn't even need anything else like ketchup.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70Ta6P2ylp7YdiwTmslHsFLcGI3UxTKS9lnG0Ss8OT3MlR70-3F6l1gvMS9cnL1XsKfpFpamXLOv-EfqixdRvLXWAjBSOuEHk2Jm0DTUTNsskAVu-8Z7IT8TPqsdYxvR2_pcoA3w67Sc/s400/20141029_125452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70Ta6P2ylp7YdiwTmslHsFLcGI3UxTKS9lnG0Ss8OT3MlR70-3F6l1gvMS9cnL1XsKfpFpamXLOv-EfqixdRvLXWAjBSOuEHk2Jm0DTUTNsskAVu-8Z7IT8TPqsdYxvR2_pcoA3w67Sc/s400/20141029_125452.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks simple, tastes good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr">
Culinary Dropout is one of the restaurants around The Yard so we went out there to play some games. There was cornhole, ping pong, and Foosball. I played a couple rounds of Foosball. I'm not good but it was fun! I didn't play any more after that because I was already sweating and was concerned I would be stinky. My over-sweatiness is a problem without end.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
J drove back to the office so we stopped by her place to let her dogs out and I got to check out her digs. Cute place. She's making progress on her renovations.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I've been going to a free weekly yoga class (it's only 8 weeks so I'm really trying to take advantage of it while it lasts.) Last week, the instructor told us it's not "zombie yoga" when she was reminding us to breathe.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Free yoga tonight included Halloween themed music. Very weird. I had a lot of trouble with my left hip popping and spasticity in my lower left leg so I wasn't able to really do some things on both sides. So annoying. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-tZ7XSXxlxEw%2FVFKcZSda62I%2FAAAAAAAAKQE%2FOnLRfLQ2qqY%2Fs400%2F20141029_125452.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70Ta6P2ylp7YdiwTmslHsFLcGI3UxTKS9lnG0Ss8OT3MlR70-3F6l1gvMS9cnL1XsKfpFpamXLOv-EfqixdRvLXWAjBSOuEHk2Jm0DTUTNsskAVu-8Z7IT8TPqsdYxvR2_pcoA3w67Sc/s400/20141029_125452.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-b1x66Y3xBaY%2FVFKcaKLXZII%2FAAAAAAAAKQM%2FxTosnsM_zU4%2Fs400%2F20141028_121252.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j70GWnuImPNCyPg_kbBkWPmI9EIIl8QQ1yvwbpeqE4G5SUHMpqmLaSG_rfjdM4SUmjsfPNgG28i5lUp3Qw_eKoPN8ViJdHmCDeQZQjUeviMkqqJRXfeyvFkUGk8I__8qaJMbnaPWV_E/s400/20141028_121252.jpg" -->Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-11132538271815715372014-10-27T21:59:00.001-07:002014-10-30T14:49:39.140-07:00Pasta dinner<div dir="ltr">
It took me a little while after I got home to get started on dinner. I had to wait for the Advil to kick in. I'm glad I didn't get my cramps during the weekend but it would be even better if I didn't have to get them at all.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Costco is selling rice pasta in a box containing 4 bags of pasta. The directions are so different from any other pasta I've cooked. It is boiled for a few minutes and then left in the hot water, burner off, for 15 minutes. I kinda messed up, forgot to stir it so it clumped, but it cooked (maybe a little too much.)</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Well, it works. My dinner was yummy. And yes, that is zucchini from our garden! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYkivO41jjRbOpu_3H_K9vP27sd8I1tafoMcbiCzDbvmN5DA6A-u8dj9thlS4FXBLQgrP_Oon8fd0T_hZNeZQ58iZuhRliExapQt1AQrnDqh4x0RSE3onjVNVKWBMhSF-vJIYxxU5nzk/s400/20141027_202707.jpg" height="225" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYkivO41jjRbOpu_3H_K9vP27sd8I1tafoMcbiCzDbvmN5DA6A-u8dj9thlS4FXBLQgrP_Oon8fd0T_hZNeZQ58iZuhRliExapQt1AQrnDqh4x0RSE3onjVNVKWBMhSF-vJIYxxU5nzk/s1600/20141027_202707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-88830244337938186052014-10-26T20:27:00.000-07:002014-10-30T14:28:02.610-07:00Octoberfest 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a larger group for Octoberfest this year, so in addition to my FIL driving us, dropping us off, and picking us up, we had a second driver, our friend M who lives near us and doesn't drink. And apparently is SO nice--who doesn't drink and then spends his Saturday driving drunks?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPudxgYFKaqQ0f_MtVMRWjhRUK57Zw_B7t_Le5prot6q6Uua9inHpsqdeq_NelXyaMPbvTzUrIy3iyB8l7JbYk0naATbCWNRxvAeTGQxLDd64Pd9day59_gCPzqRN2XhIJ17i1AyLzRPU/s400/20141025_180710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPudxgYFKaqQ0f_MtVMRWjhRUK57Zw_B7t_Le5prot6q6Uua9inHpsqdeq_NelXyaMPbvTzUrIy3iyB8l7JbYk0naATbCWNRxvAeTGQxLDd64Pd9day59_gCPzqRN2XhIJ17i1AyLzRPU/s400/20141025_180710.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This coaster gets a big glass mug!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Someone backed out last minute so my cousin came with us. Mick wanted to be there early so it was a little bit of a slow start but we had a blast.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbe0mlrbWURtvsfE3MCXtrcqq9maGu-QY5bPUryn84OOfxXOpWYFdfy9Nlw70_lf4KzqNF-5-FuZoNoPPZhjveAHOIHd9NTaG5VGDh3VN7UUA0XWmqebqdsn1LcxFbhe6f0TWRLyr8v0/s400/20141025_195132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbe0mlrbWURtvsfE3MCXtrcqq9maGu-QY5bPUryn84OOfxXOpWYFdfy9Nlw70_lf4KzqNF-5-FuZoNoPPZhjveAHOIHd9NTaG5VGDh3VN7UUA0XWmqebqdsn1LcxFbhe6f0TWRLyr8v0/s400/20141025_195132.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R bought shots. Of course.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were lots of "saved" seats and a lot of them never filled up. We liked the signs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl3-VxP-Szlp9Y5Qa7oGizTz-5zI_VNWbnbqC2xpMmBIaR6TvPibxcuJqErsgHC4DR6BbuGQn5IpC8ie0N-h-wAeEB0I4UQiSRAo4DzP1P6v-0mAhzSQP-q5VJgf71OiV8FPDF6vf55E/s400/20141025_204303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl3-VxP-Szlp9Y5Qa7oGizTz-5zI_VNWbnbqC2xpMmBIaR6TvPibxcuJqErsgHC4DR6BbuGQn5IpC8ie0N-h-wAeEB0I4UQiSRAo4DzP1P6v-0mAhzSQP-q5VJgf71OiV8FPDF6vf55E/s400/20141025_204303.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I go both ways. Or do I?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I knew I wouldn't be able to eat anything or drink the beer so I brought chili, cornbread, Tito's and lemonade.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP2iqZdJCDyx8Il4m5d2m0R_cfFaH1IsN7Zv6m6HApsEDJbcS35k5FWdITH_aqfPF9n5Iku5y6BW3nXGvTHWmoCjqoCB7UHHsetKI8L-QmHSCLFA-OC-kcsIuXhAp5K1_wOa0ecCKl5c/s400/20141025_202114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP2iqZdJCDyx8Il4m5d2m0R_cfFaH1IsN7Zv6m6HApsEDJbcS35k5FWdITH_aqfPF9n5Iku5y6BW3nXGvTHWmoCjqoCB7UHHsetKI8L-QmHSCLFA-OC-kcsIuXhAp5K1_wOa0ecCKl5c/s400/20141025_202114.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suns Cheerleaders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most of the group spent the night. R made breakfast. The person who had backed out of going was also supposed to go to the Cardinals game with R and his girl, so Mick was able to go instead. And I was able to spend the day relaxing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh5.ggpht.com%2F-FJ_F7ZGzqTM%2FVFKdPUgpUVI%2FAAAAAAAAKQU%2FprRord13_1s%2Fs400%2F20141025_204303.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigl3-VxP-Szlp9Y5Qa7oGizTz-5zI_VNWbnbqC2xpMmBIaR6TvPibxcuJqErsgHC4DR6BbuGQn5IpC8ie0N-h-wAeEB0I4UQiSRAo4DzP1P6v-0mAhzSQP-q5VJgf71OiV8FPDF6vf55E/s400/20141025_204303.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh5.ggpht.com%2F-IOHJhkwC_MY%2FVFKdQYzB9wI%2FAAAAAAAAKQc%2F5r5AJVC0frw%2Fs400%2F20141025_202114.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP2iqZdJCDyx8Il4m5d2m0R_cfFaH1IsN7Zv6m6HApsEDJbcS35k5FWdITH_aqfPF9n5Iku5y6BW3nXGvTHWmoCjqoCB7UHHsetKI8L-QmHSCLFA-OC-kcsIuXhAp5K1_wOa0ecCKl5c/s400/20141025_202114.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-lte7LDXGG3U%2FVFKdRCuDx6I%2FAAAAAAAAKQk%2Fg0aSOL8FZmg%2Fs400%2F20141025_195132.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbe0mlrbWURtvsfE3MCXtrcqq9maGu-QY5bPUryn84OOfxXOpWYFdfy9Nlw70_lf4KzqNF-5-FuZoNoPPZhjveAHOIHd9NTaG5VGDh3VN7UUA0XWmqebqdsn1LcxFbhe6f0TWRLyr8v0/s400/20141025_195132.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F-TN-Kwh4DX90%2FVFKdR4VU8lI%2FAAAAAAAAKQs%2Fe43dhEa_MVo%2Fs400%2F20141025_180710.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPudxgYFKaqQ0f_MtVMRWjhRUK57Zw_B7t_Le5prot6q6Uua9inHpsqdeq_NelXyaMPbvTzUrIy3iyB8l7JbYk0naATbCWNRxvAeTGQxLDd64Pd9day59_gCPzqRN2XhIJ17i1AyLzRPU/s400/20141025_180710.jpg" -->Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-12130437320789111562014-10-25T14:06:00.000-07:002014-10-30T14:13:49.477-07:00Saddle Mountain Brewery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last night, we went to our neighbor's grand opening. As I understand it, this is the first brewery to open in Goodyear. The service was terrible but it looks promising and hopefully they will work it all out. Mick invited our friend M, which surprised me since he doesn't drink (and some other reasons outside the scope of this blog), but it is a restaurant too. My SIL called and said Dr. Q told her to go out with me this weekend so I invited her too since Mick had already invited M. YES, my doctor told my SIL, who I sent to him, to go out with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had sweet tea and a bunless burger with a "bare" side salad. My dinner came much later than everyone else's (pretty sure they messed it up and had to remake it) so I forgot to take a photo. The salad actually came first but since it had no dressing, I thought I'd wait. It was spring mix and spinach with cranberries and tomatoes. I finally decided I couldn't wait and ate most of by the time my burger arrived. The salad and burger were good. I think Mick and M really liked their pizzas and my SIL liked her sandwich. M and my SIL got a flight of beers and found one they both liked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even with the service hiccups, we had fun. They came back to our house to hang out a little before heading home.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizFogV10VxhYtmHEjIX31PwB9Ac9WTAagh8ONOo0Kv2DW8q2sFfUsxze8u7C-QooKMTr0kQH3YDPZxdcxMYjJfwc5GWtbdchZcbnuk0-6kkcV36uwu7hoA3KqYMK8Ms8SMjXz3FmDvNQ/s400/20141024_192410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizFogV10VxhYtmHEjIX31PwB9Ac9WTAagh8ONOo0Kv2DW8q2sFfUsxze8u7C-QooKMTr0kQH3YDPZxdcxMYjJfwc5GWtbdchZcbnuk0-6kkcV36uwu7hoA3KqYMK8Ms8SMjXz3FmDvNQ/s400/20141024_192410.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, I got my hair color done--wash those grays away! I mentioned to a couple people, including Mick, that I was thinking of going a little redder. Since I have some red undertones anyway, my hairdresser said she wanted to mix my old brown color in with the redder color this time, see how it takes, and then go all with the new color next time. It turned out fantastic.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I came home, he told me he doesn't like the color. WTH. Can a wife get a muther-effin compliment in here? (The answer to that is NO, in case you don't know.)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Update: I have a photo on tomorrow's post if you want to see the color. No compliments necessary. I got them from M (who knew I was having it done) and my coworker/friend J (who did not know I was getting it done.)</i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Update 2: I sent Mick the free head shot I got at my recent conference and he replied with a comment about "hottie" so apparently I CAN get a muther-effin compliment! A little more often would be nice but I guess that's what I have friends for.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh4.ggpht.com%2F-i_kbbC8mGxg%2FVFKeaJ3tUFI%2FAAAAAAAAKQ4%2F5TR3-lNrd2c%2Fs400%2F20141024_192410.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizFogV10VxhYtmHEjIX31PwB9Ac9WTAagh8ONOo0Kv2DW8q2sFfUsxze8u7C-QooKMTr0kQH3YDPZxdcxMYjJfwc5GWtbdchZcbnuk0-6kkcV36uwu7hoA3KqYMK8Ms8SMjXz3FmDvNQ/s400/20141024_192410.jpg" -->Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3005732807061372439.post-31250914653120773242014-10-24T17:27:00.000-07:002014-10-30T13:28:06.816-07:00The Lagasse Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I received this gift from my generous coworker. I hope to find a few things I can make. I should look at my old Emeril Lagasse cookbooks and see if I can make anything from those....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWT-_JIzbX7miFoTStVanxaXjTGrCDsQCfY71B-FbLuKmBRUC1GYg2dZWQ0rA8ZwY15ghg8s4lvWwH-rpgvS-M67WxRxl7wPmEW9rRzzTgo9zuQxcrNsuqTPG1I5tmaY8a7ndGulaLH4/s1600/20141024_130152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWT-_JIzbX7miFoTStVanxaXjTGrCDsQCfY71B-FbLuKmBRUC1GYg2dZWQ0rA8ZwY15ghg8s4lvWwH-rpgvS-M67WxRxl7wPmEW9rRzzTgo9zuQxcrNsuqTPG1I5tmaY8a7ndGulaLH4/s400/20141024_130152.jpg" height="400" width="225" /> </a> </div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11155014837308613853noreply@blogger.com0