Sad. I should call my brother today, the one I'm not close to. I'll see them both on Thursday, though.
I woke up Friday (11/20) with a sore neck. It felt like where your glands are, but on one side and not swollen. I did the neti pot twice a day, loaded up on vitamin C and water, etc. But I wasn't sure if it had more to to with getting a cold or sinus infection, or from all the choke defenses we did in the past week in preparation for testing. I got elbowed in the jaw at one point, too. I was partnered with a lady who will be testing, and she doesn't have as good control as some of us who have been there for a while. (You have to throw the strikes like you're doing it full force, but not hit your partner. Otherwise, it creates bad habits.) I also have two nasty bruises on my wrists from the 360s. I hate those.
I skipped class on Saturday, as it was just review for those testing. He was supposed to text me if he needed more people to help, but he didn't. I had a lazy day, except for doing a bit of shopping. Stocked up of cat food, and bought a couple thin sweaters for work on clearance at Targ3t. One is argyle (couldn't find it on the site, but it's purple with green and white)! And neither is solid black. Well, almost. (Am I too old for that one?) Shocking, I know. The top part of my closet is filled with all these huge sweaters, and I haven't worn most of them in years. I should probably get rid of some of them. Again. It's just too hot to wear those if I'll be inside most of the day. Some of them were my Dad's, though. And Scott's.
I did all my chores on Sunday, including cleaning the shower and peeling and mashing 5 pounds of potatoes for the Thanksgiving pot luck at work. Why did I agree to this? A lactose intolerant lady who was organizing it sort of guilt-ed me into it. I hadn't participated in a few years, maybe since Buzz was missing. Yeah. I remember making those potatoes that year, and while they boiled, I went out through the woods behind the house and into the next neighborhood, looking. That was a sad time.
Anyway. One lady had put no in the column for vegan or vegetarian, and she brought red velvet cake. Another did the same for mac & cheese. Strange. I think they just didn't know, but those were certainly vegetarian, but not vegan. I had plenty to eat, luckily. I didn't count on leftovers for Tuesday, though. I sat with Dean and my old boss in the conference room. Another manager had his teenage (13?) daughter there. She asked if Dean and I were married. I guess we seemed comfortable with each other, but it was more of a brother/sister thing, with the sarcasm and teasing. Weird.
Went to both classes Monday. Then I'll go Wednesday, and that's it for the week. I need to get on the treadmill and lift some weights Tuesday, but J emailed me after I'd gone to bed Monday to say they were getting together with Karen, who is in town from TX, in less than 24 hours. Way to give me plenty of notice. I have to cook dinner, too, since I'll have class Wednesday night and won't have time.
Anyway, class was fun, but I was having trouble with the cool air and my allergies (and lack of sleep). I need to learn to breathe in through my nose. It was worse as we jogged to warm up. And he made us jump rope in level 2! Both in one night. Blegh. That makes my calves burn.
I ended up going to Paula's Tuesday night to visit with Karen, Delaynie, Paula, Jen, Leigh, and Ken. I was making things more difficult for myself as usual, thinking I'd already was planning to make myself work out, shower, get dressed, cook Jeff's dinner, go over there, come back shower again (because of possible mold from her recently flooded house), etc. I gave myself a pass and just cooked dinner, had a snack, and went. It was fun, but short. Karen tells the best stories.
I was off Wednesday, hallelujiah. Slept late, called the stepmother (that's an hour I'll never get back, but it was good to catch up), then I got invited to lunch with Stacey and Megan. We are the Pale Girl Alliance (TM). They are both pale redheads. Because I have similar hair and features to Stacey, I've been asked if I'm her sister, and even called Ms. R at the gym. Weird. When they are out together, people think they are sisters, too. We met at Olive Garden. Yum. We did not count calories, though Stacey is trying to cut weight, too. We split black tie mousse cake and...pumpkin cheesecake! I still have the remaining half of that in the fridge. (And a whole pumpkin pie from yesterday!). I love just about anything with pumpkin in it.
I then went to a couple shoe places looking for some slip on shoes that were not ugly (i.e. Cr0cs) and under $20. No dice. (I thought it might be a good idea for when I have surgery. I'll just make Jeff tie my shoes for me.) Got my free Ult@ reward, then went a little overboard at a huge beer/liquor/wine store. It was crazy in there! Had to call my old boss to remind me which Samu3l Adams beer he suggested. It was Imperial White, which is 10.3%! Haven't tried it yet. I also got some Winter Lager and Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale (see?). Took some of those to AL on Thanksgiving.
Went to class Wednesday night, and it was just me, 3 other women, and a guy who just made level 2. "We know who the hard core people are now." I had to jump rope again. I think he does that on purpose. Then we got to do 2 rounds of harness work, not three because we didn't have time. He said my performance was lackluster. I think he was just fucking with me, though. I thought I did pretty well. Don even said I looked fresh after 2 rounds. (This is an inside joke from the B@s Rutt3n tapes. Between rounds, he says something like, "If you're still feeling fresh, you can do jumping squats...")
I then stayed for a while to watch them do jiu jitsu stuff. Stacey was there, and she's learning more grappling stuff for a competition in January, and a possible MMA fight around February. I could have joined, but they were working with gis, and I don't want to do that. They are so heavy and hot. The collar feels like rope.
Got a letter from the hospital with the price quote, which I already knew - over $7000. 90% of that is covered. The letter informed me that the anesthesiologist is not included. Shit. And the doctor's office sent another letter about my cost ($150 - 10% of $1500), and my pre-op appointment times. Someone at my Dad's said it would be another $1000. Not sure of my coverage. maybe 90%. Wellst@r is closed until Monday, so I can't find out the costs for that.
I'll end this here and continue with Thanksgiving in the next entry. It was a good visit.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
family and HMO drama
Sister update -
She called and asked her paternal grandmother in NC if she could come up there and live for awhile. She said no, and that she needed to figure out her chosen life. Danielle didn't think her mom was serious when she told her before she got pregnant not to come to her when things started going bad between them, because she was not going to move in with her. she said she would have phone numbers to local shelters when she did. So when she left her a message wanting them, she sent them back to her She later called and left a message saying she was going to "die and go to hell" for what she was doing, and a few other choice comments.
Danielle texted her brother on Friday and told him to tell "all" her family "Fuck all ya'll." She said they were all unforgiving and that they are not her family anyway because they didn't take her in. Guess when she found out that her Dad had changed all the locks she went off. (Debbie talked to her son Monday night. He said she came by on Sunday to clean her Dad's house. He was there while she was doing it and the POS wasn't with her.) I asked if that included me, and her mom said no at first. I said I'd have said no if she asked, but she didn't. Either she knew the answer, knows I don't like kids, and don't have a spare bedroom, or she doesn't like all the cats. She then said, oh, yeah, you're included. I haven't heard from her, though, other than a text asking about unemployment extensions, about which I have no clue.
She was asking them to live with them because she doesn't have the money to pay the rent, and she's afraid there at the apartment because it's on the bottom floor. Everyone has told her no because they all saw this coming. Debbie said, "Crazy how he's ok with leaving them there & going off to his Mama's!"
Sorry if that was a bit disjointed. I copied it from emails and changed pronouns and tense, etc.
I had the strangest dream on Tuesday night. Someone had broken into our house, I think, but the main thing I saw was that our car and truck were stripped to the frame and left in the driveway. It was strange. Apparently I was not home, and Jeff heard something and got both guns (kept in the bedroom). But, how could he hear something and not do something or call someone in time for them not to strip two cars? Weird. It may have something to do with the fact that he finally installed the motion sensor flood lights we bought a while back, and a comment our asshole idiot neighbor made to our other neighbor. I did look in my book, but like I said, the thought of the lights and the possibilities (what about the dog and cats?) if someone broke in could have been the catalyst. Oh, I also remember that it appeared that the doors were kicked in, or attempted, but an alarm must have gone off before they went in (after the cars?). I've been thinking of having an alarm reinstalled, but so far cost has prevented it.
Yay! We didn't catch them. I didn't like the inheritance bit at all, anyway.
I don't think this fits. We never actually saw a robber or burglar. Well, Jeff heard something.
Hmmm.
Did another marathon phone session with the HMO and W3llstar yesterday. They had until today to process the claim, but it was not out there. The other one was out there in triplicate, though, and they said they didn't have the main claim in their system. I called W3llstar, and finally got someone to agree to call the HMO to see what's going on and resubmit if necessary.
Before that, I called the hospital billing department with the code the doctor's office gave me to get a price - $7000. Almost twice the max estimate on the HMOs website, but within the estimated patient responsibility (max, actually, 10% = $700). That's ok. I'm not panicking. I had that number in my head already (the estimate), and the fact that I can set up a payment plan. I'm not sure if this includes the $150 I'll owe my dr office. Probably not. And once the HSG claim goes through meeting the deductible, that should be $400 less. Wait, no. It would have been deductible plus 10% without the HSG. Never mind.
I remained very calm, even joking with the particularly chatty guy giving me the price while waiting for his system to catch up. I guess that gets better results than freaking out. Can't help it sometimes.
And now one side of my neck in the glandular area is sore to the touch. No other symptoms. My sinuses have been draining for about a week, and I've been using the neti pot. I just had H1N1 vaccine on Tuesday. but we also have been practicing choke hold defenses in class, so who knows?
I don't have time to be sick.
She called and asked her paternal grandmother in NC if she could come up there and live for awhile. She said no, and that she needed to figure out her chosen life. Danielle didn't think her mom was serious when she told her before she got pregnant not to come to her when things started going bad between them, because she was not going to move in with her. she said she would have phone numbers to local shelters when she did. So when she left her a message wanting them, she sent them back to her She later called and left a message saying she was going to "die and go to hell" for what she was doing, and a few other choice comments.
Danielle texted her brother on Friday and told him to tell "all" her family "Fuck all ya'll." She said they were all unforgiving and that they are not her family anyway because they didn't take her in. Guess when she found out that her Dad had changed all the locks she went off. (Debbie talked to her son Monday night. He said she came by on Sunday to clean her Dad's house. He was there while she was doing it and the POS wasn't with her.) I asked if that included me, and her mom said no at first. I said I'd have said no if she asked, but she didn't. Either she knew the answer, knows I don't like kids, and don't have a spare bedroom, or she doesn't like all the cats. She then said, oh, yeah, you're included. I haven't heard from her, though, other than a text asking about unemployment extensions, about which I have no clue.
She was asking them to live with them because she doesn't have the money to pay the rent, and she's afraid there at the apartment because it's on the bottom floor. Everyone has told her no because they all saw this coming. Debbie said, "Crazy how he's ok with leaving them there & going off to his Mama's!"
Sorry if that was a bit disjointed. I copied it from emails and changed pronouns and tense, etc.
I had the strangest dream on Tuesday night. Someone had broken into our house, I think, but the main thing I saw was that our car and truck were stripped to the frame and left in the driveway. It was strange. Apparently I was not home, and Jeff heard something and got both guns (kept in the bedroom). But, how could he hear something and not do something or call someone in time for them not to strip two cars? Weird. It may have something to do with the fact that he finally installed the motion sensor flood lights we bought a while back, and a comment our asshole idiot neighbor made to our other neighbor. I did look in my book, but like I said, the thought of the lights and the possibilities (what about the dog and cats?) if someone broke in could have been the catalyst. Oh, I also remember that it appeared that the doors were kicked in, or attempted, but an alarm must have gone off before they went in (after the cars?). I've been thinking of having an alarm reinstalled, but so far cost has prevented it.
Burglar - A dream of contrary. Burglars in your dream predict an increase in worldly goods, and if you caught them, it will probably be by way of an inheritance.
Yay! We didn't catch them. I didn't like the inheritance bit at all, anyway.
Robber - Oddly enough, this dream pertains to affairs of the heart and suggests that you are in danger of losing your head over an unworthy (albeit fascinating) person; try to look behind the dazzling facade.
I don't think this fits. We never actually saw a robber or burglar. Well, Jeff heard something.
Hmmm.
Did another marathon phone session with the HMO and W3llstar yesterday. They had until today to process the claim, but it was not out there. The other one was out there in triplicate, though, and they said they didn't have the main claim in their system. I called W3llstar, and finally got someone to agree to call the HMO to see what's going on and resubmit if necessary.
Before that, I called the hospital billing department with the code the doctor's office gave me to get a price - $7000. Almost twice the max estimate on the HMOs website, but within the estimated patient responsibility (max, actually, 10% = $700). That's ok. I'm not panicking. I had that number in my head already (the estimate), and the fact that I can set up a payment plan. I'm not sure if this includes the $150 I'll owe my dr office. Probably not. And once the HSG claim goes through meeting the deductible, that should be $400 less. Wait, no. It would have been deductible plus 10% without the HSG. Never mind.
I remained very calm, even joking with the particularly chatty guy giving me the price while waiting for his system to catch up. I guess that gets better results than freaking out. Can't help it sometimes.
And now one side of my neck in the glandular area is sore to the touch. No other symptoms. My sinuses have been draining for about a week, and I've been using the neti pot. I just had H1N1 vaccine on Tuesday. but we also have been practicing choke hold defenses in class, so who knows?
I don't have time to be sick.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
nervous nervous nervous
This cat's eyes, not to mention the whiskers, are freaking me out. Really cool.
So the store didn't have any 6.5s in the other colors, so they ended up ordering them from another store to be shipped to my house for free! And I used a $10 off coupon! I got the orange ones. And no, I don't care how crazy it made me seem. I will not wear shoes with pink on them.
I met Stacey to work out, and we did legs, then went for a walk. We had a lot to catch up on, since it had been so long since we hung out. When was that, a couple months ago when we went to lunch with Megan? She's in Jasper Monday through Thursday, then here (maybe) on Fridays, and sometimes she comes to class on Saturdays. She said the loan had gone through, but "no money has changed hands" yet. But she is runnin' thangs up there now.
I had a little fun last week torturing a guy from the message board who goes to my classes now. He messaged me a while back after seeing me post about it before, and asked me if I still went, liked it, etc. (I figured out who he was early on, well, I was 95% sure.) Then he started to ask more recently if I was in class on a particular night. From my profile, he had it narrowed down to a few women. He would guess, and I would say no. I was vague about when I was there. I like my anonymity, but had agreed to tell him if he guessed. I sat there one night as he asked another lady if she was my screen name. I said nothing. Once he figured it out (by my admitting that I look like and have been asked if I am Stacey's sister), he said, "I can't believe you!" I said, "Damn, my fun is over. Guess I'll have to beat the crap out of you now."
I went to the second class on Saturday, but it may have been a mistake. I'm too stubborn for my own good sometimes. He had us jump rope to warm up, and that was a bad idea. I shouldn't have been doing that having been on my period (made worse by the procedure), and still recuperating from the procedure. But, I hate to wimp out in there. I left feeling defeated. It pisses me off when I can't do things in there. The ab stuff wasn't good either, especially the leg lifts. And I know he probably doesn't want to know my personal stuff, but I feel like maybe he would understand what my problem is in there if he knew. Maybe Stacey told him something, since he didn't heckle me. I swear he acts like a third big brother, even though I'm older.
I got the inside of my car cleaned out Saturday afternoon. It doesn't get that dirty, except my windshield and the driver's side floor. Besides my hair, because I park right next to the grass, it gets tracked in all the time. My brother asked me once if I was keeping a golden retriever in there, and an emissions guy wondered if I was a landscaper. Yeah, right, on both counts.
Went to both classes Monday, and he even made us jump rope. It went better than it did on Saturday, at least. The Bas Rutt3n tape with all the "defense" (sprawl) sucked a little more than usual. And it was hard to breathe. It gets a little humid, hot and smelly in there.
The boss' boss rescheduled a meeting he's scheduled and canceled twice already, and it was for today. Gah. I'm working at home, but also have a chiropractor appointment. If given more than a day's notice, I could have worked at home yesterday, but the chiropractor's office is closed Tuesdays and Fridays. I guess I could have put it off until next week, but he could be closed even more days for the holiday. I was worried he'd want me to work at home, go to my 10:00 appointment, then drive to work for the 1:00 meeting. But, he hasn't said anything and I doubt he will. He won't likely get everyone in a meeting anyway. We're a large team with varying schedules. And the telework thing is not supposed to interfere with meetings and other obligations, but the appointment...
My surgery is scheduled for 12/7. I'm nervous about finding a ride, the money, and the surgery, of course. Mondays are bad for Leigh, Stacey can only do it on Fridays (and the dr only does surgery on Mondays), Beth has two small kids, and Jeff hates hospitals, and his paychecks are pitiful enough lately. I'd like someone to stay with me, but I will survive if it's not possible. He can probably drop me off when he comes home for lunch if necessary.
And I'll owe the dr office $150, not sure about the hospital. The HMO calculator said $548-700 "patient responsibility," but the HSG claim, which meets the deductible, has not been processed yet. They have until 11/20.
I thought maybe I was so hesitant to ask Jeff about it because I was being too concerned with his discomfort, or stubborn, whatever. So I talked to him while he was home for lunch. He nodded when I asked if he could do it if I couldn't find a ride. Then as he left, he said, "So I'm taking the 7th off?" I said I wasn't sure, but that he could work in the morning if I needed him to take me. He said he'd just take the whole day. I'm actually surprised.
So the store didn't have any 6.5s in the other colors, so they ended up ordering them from another store to be shipped to my house for free! And I used a $10 off coupon! I got the orange ones. And no, I don't care how crazy it made me seem. I will not wear shoes with pink on them.
I met Stacey to work out, and we did legs, then went for a walk. We had a lot to catch up on, since it had been so long since we hung out. When was that, a couple months ago when we went to lunch with Megan? She's in Jasper Monday through Thursday, then here (maybe) on Fridays, and sometimes she comes to class on Saturdays. She said the loan had gone through, but "no money has changed hands" yet. But she is runnin' thangs up there now.
I had a little fun last week torturing a guy from the message board who goes to my classes now. He messaged me a while back after seeing me post about it before, and asked me if I still went, liked it, etc. (I figured out who he was early on, well, I was 95% sure.) Then he started to ask more recently if I was in class on a particular night. From my profile, he had it narrowed down to a few women. He would guess, and I would say no. I was vague about when I was there. I like my anonymity, but had agreed to tell him if he guessed. I sat there one night as he asked another lady if she was my screen name. I said nothing. Once he figured it out (by my admitting that I look like and have been asked if I am Stacey's sister), he said, "I can't believe you!" I said, "Damn, my fun is over. Guess I'll have to beat the crap out of you now."
I went to the second class on Saturday, but it may have been a mistake. I'm too stubborn for my own good sometimes. He had us jump rope to warm up, and that was a bad idea. I shouldn't have been doing that having been on my period (made worse by the procedure), and still recuperating from the procedure. But, I hate to wimp out in there. I left feeling defeated. It pisses me off when I can't do things in there. The ab stuff wasn't good either, especially the leg lifts. And I know he probably doesn't want to know my personal stuff, but I feel like maybe he would understand what my problem is in there if he knew. Maybe Stacey told him something, since he didn't heckle me. I swear he acts like a third big brother, even though I'm older.
I got the inside of my car cleaned out Saturday afternoon. It doesn't get that dirty, except my windshield and the driver's side floor. Besides my hair, because I park right next to the grass, it gets tracked in all the time. My brother asked me once if I was keeping a golden retriever in there, and an emissions guy wondered if I was a landscaper. Yeah, right, on both counts.
Went to both classes Monday, and he even made us jump rope. It went better than it did on Saturday, at least. The Bas Rutt3n tape with all the "defense" (sprawl) sucked a little more than usual. And it was hard to breathe. It gets a little humid, hot and smelly in there.
The boss' boss rescheduled a meeting he's scheduled and canceled twice already, and it was for today. Gah. I'm working at home, but also have a chiropractor appointment. If given more than a day's notice, I could have worked at home yesterday, but the chiropractor's office is closed Tuesdays and Fridays. I guess I could have put it off until next week, but he could be closed even more days for the holiday. I was worried he'd want me to work at home, go to my 10:00 appointment, then drive to work for the 1:00 meeting. But, he hasn't said anything and I doubt he will. He won't likely get everyone in a meeting anyway. We're a large team with varying schedules. And the telework thing is not supposed to interfere with meetings and other obligations, but the appointment...
My surgery is scheduled for 12/7. I'm nervous about finding a ride, the money, and the surgery, of course. Mondays are bad for Leigh, Stacey can only do it on Fridays (and the dr only does surgery on Mondays), Beth has two small kids, and Jeff hates hospitals, and his paychecks are pitiful enough lately. I'd like someone to stay with me, but I will survive if it's not possible. He can probably drop me off when he comes home for lunch if necessary.
And I'll owe the dr office $150, not sure about the hospital. The HMO calculator said $548-700 "patient responsibility," but the HSG claim, which meets the deductible, has not been processed yet. They have until 11/20.
I thought maybe I was so hesitant to ask Jeff about it because I was being too concerned with his discomfort, or stubborn, whatever. So I talked to him while he was home for lunch. He nodded when I asked if he could do it if I couldn't find a ride. Then as he left, he said, "So I'm taking the 7th off?" I said I wasn't sure, but that he could work in the morning if I needed him to take me. He said he'd just take the whole day. I'm actually surprised.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Why can't I be sterile?
This makes me sad. And angry.
I didn't hear anything Monday about anything called in to my pharmacy (as they had mentioned before), so I called right before I left work. They called as I was driving home to say that I was just to take 1600mg ibuprofen. OK. This scared me a bit, but after some searching, I found that it is ok as long as it isn't long term. Luckily I had no stomach issues.
They called me around 11:00 Tuesday morning saying that they wanted to call in some vicodin. Hmmm. Not very convenient, but at least Leigh was able to get there a little earlier so we could pick it up. I took that when I got to the doctor's office. In a few minutes, they called me back to get a muscle relaxer injected into my butt, and a 10mg valium. Leigh left to run an errand, and was back just as they called me back.
They gave me another 10mg valium. They kept asking me if I was relaxed. And I was more relaxed, but told them that anything short of knocking me out wouldn't alleviate my stress. I talked to her about the M.I.A. implant, and she assured me again that it would not cause problems, and in fact it would cause more damage to go in there to get it than to leave it. OK.
The injections into my cervix were a little less painful than last time, but that's about it. Despite all the drugs, it was just as painful. I left a pool of sweat on the table again. They tried several times, lining up, going to insert, denied. It's like my fallopian tube was rejecting it. I was spasming, but they also said that it could be occluded. Either it already was, or it was from the other implant. So yeah. I managed not to jump off the table, but it was a struggle. I tried deep breathing again, but it only helps so much. (I also tried to "think happy thoughts" as they suggested, which ended up being about the cats curling up in my lap, and the laughs that Jeff and I have shared recently.) They kept telling me I was "doing good," but I wasn't buying it. Toward the end, around the 4th or 5th attempt, I said, please tell me you're close. They said that they were. A couple more tries, and I begged them to hurry (as I did last time). They tried once more, and it would still not go into the tube. So...they all lined up and left the room, except for the doctor and Dolores, her longtime nurse. She kept watching me, asking me how I was doing, if the pain was subsiding. (I don't think she wanted to leave me alone.) It took what seemed like forever to subside. It was constant for a while, then it would ease up and come in waves. Finally I was able to sit up. We discussed what I wanted to do, what was my goal? Did I want an IUD? Stay on the pill? No. My goal all along was to get off the pill, and not have to worry about that small percentage of error, having to take antibiotics, or checking for the position of an IUD, etc. So, they'll be in touch to set up tubal ligation, which will be at the hospital under general anesthesia. Eek. I haven't read much about it yet, but I saw 4-6 days recovery. Hmmm. I want this done before 2010 due to the deductible. More on that in a minute*.
Leigh took me home, and gave me a S'mores as a treat. I was still cramping, and very sad and frustrated. I ate the whole thing when I got home, which I normally never do. I deserved it. Thanks again, Leigh, for everything.
I held it together until Jeff got home and I hugged him. Now I hate to cry, or for anyone to see me cry, even Jeff. He asked what was wrong. I got out, "It didn't work." And he asked what that means. I told him. And he didn't have much to say. Which Leigh finds strange, but that's just how we are. He is considerate, especially when he knows I'm stressed or don't feel well, and I'll leave it at that.
On Wednesday, which I would have been off for anyway (Veteran's Day) I relaxed and piddled online. I meant to go out by the mall to exchange my shoes and stock up on my fancy shampoo and conditioner (I have a coo-pin), but I relaxed instead. I kept falling asleep. (And Lucy actually got up on the couch with me (and Roscoe, Polly Prissypants, etc.)! She's a lot like PPP used to be, but now PPP prances in demanding attention. Maybe Lucy will be like that one day. (Smokey, on the other hand...) And I didn't take any pain pills. I felt some cramping, but nothing bad. We'll see how my period is this weekend. And no, I didn't go to class, though I wanted to. I felt ok, but didn't want to push it.
*So a claim has been sitting there on my HMO account for a while. I thought it was incorrect for the longest. Turns out, it was for the reading of the x-ray, not the actual x-ray. There will be two claims. I had no idea. The big claim was submitted on 10/20, and the HMO must be given 30 days to process. After nearly having a breakdown (Thursday) and pulling out my hair (and finding a clock tower), I finally got someone to explain this to me. She was from W3llstar, believe it or not. I'd talked to her earlier, and she knew I was about to break down or break something. She said that I was not the first to complain about the policies of the facility (requiring payment up front, giving the incorrect impression that a payment was due in 30 days, when in fact a payment plan can't be in effect until the claims are processed completely to know the final amount due). She also said that they are passing these complaints along and trying to "educate" them on the proper procedure.
And also, the HMO said that regardless of which claim went in first, the HSG or the tubal, I would only have to pay the deductible once. The HMO kept telling me to call W3llstar and then have them call them to clarify, but they wouldn't. W3llstar kept telling me to call the HMO, and I started to freak out. I am so fucking stressed about this shit, and I don't need people who don't give a shit giving me the run around.
I must admit to listening to Tori's Midwinter Graces (on imeem). It calmed my nerves a bit. And they were stingy with the valium (only giving me the two that day).
I went to class Thursday night and did ok, partially because he is preparing a few people to test on the 21st, so it ends up being not as rigorous. I did ok punching, kneeing, and kicking, but avoided holding a pad for anyone, since that jars the entire body.
And today I've got to run back out near the mall to exchange my shoes (and hope they have an acceptable color in 6.5), get my shampoo and conditioner, run another errand if I have time, and meet Stacey to work out at 5:00. It's been a while. I miss hanging out with her, even if it's only lifting weights.
I didn't hear anything Monday about anything called in to my pharmacy (as they had mentioned before), so I called right before I left work. They called as I was driving home to say that I was just to take 1600mg ibuprofen. OK. This scared me a bit, but after some searching, I found that it is ok as long as it isn't long term. Luckily I had no stomach issues.
They called me around 11:00 Tuesday morning saying that they wanted to call in some vicodin. Hmmm. Not very convenient, but at least Leigh was able to get there a little earlier so we could pick it up. I took that when I got to the doctor's office. In a few minutes, they called me back to get a muscle relaxer injected into my butt, and a 10mg valium. Leigh left to run an errand, and was back just as they called me back.
They gave me another 10mg valium. They kept asking me if I was relaxed. And I was more relaxed, but told them that anything short of knocking me out wouldn't alleviate my stress. I talked to her about the M.I.A. implant, and she assured me again that it would not cause problems, and in fact it would cause more damage to go in there to get it than to leave it. OK.
The injections into my cervix were a little less painful than last time, but that's about it. Despite all the drugs, it was just as painful. I left a pool of sweat on the table again. They tried several times, lining up, going to insert, denied. It's like my fallopian tube was rejecting it. I was spasming, but they also said that it could be occluded. Either it already was, or it was from the other implant. So yeah. I managed not to jump off the table, but it was a struggle. I tried deep breathing again, but it only helps so much. (I also tried to "think happy thoughts" as they suggested, which ended up being about the cats curling up in my lap, and the laughs that Jeff and I have shared recently.) They kept telling me I was "doing good," but I wasn't buying it. Toward the end, around the 4th or 5th attempt, I said, please tell me you're close. They said that they were. A couple more tries, and I begged them to hurry (as I did last time). They tried once more, and it would still not go into the tube. So...they all lined up and left the room, except for the doctor and Dolores, her longtime nurse. She kept watching me, asking me how I was doing, if the pain was subsiding. (I don't think she wanted to leave me alone.) It took what seemed like forever to subside. It was constant for a while, then it would ease up and come in waves. Finally I was able to sit up. We discussed what I wanted to do, what was my goal? Did I want an IUD? Stay on the pill? No. My goal all along was to get off the pill, and not have to worry about that small percentage of error, having to take antibiotics, or checking for the position of an IUD, etc. So, they'll be in touch to set up tubal ligation, which will be at the hospital under general anesthesia. Eek. I haven't read much about it yet, but I saw 4-6 days recovery. Hmmm. I want this done before 2010 due to the deductible. More on that in a minute*.
Leigh took me home, and gave me a S'mores as a treat. I was still cramping, and very sad and frustrated. I ate the whole thing when I got home, which I normally never do. I deserved it. Thanks again, Leigh, for everything.
I held it together until Jeff got home and I hugged him. Now I hate to cry, or for anyone to see me cry, even Jeff. He asked what was wrong. I got out, "It didn't work." And he asked what that means. I told him. And he didn't have much to say. Which Leigh finds strange, but that's just how we are. He is considerate, especially when he knows I'm stressed or don't feel well, and I'll leave it at that.
On Wednesday, which I would have been off for anyway (Veteran's Day) I relaxed and piddled online. I meant to go out by the mall to exchange my shoes and stock up on my fancy shampoo and conditioner (I have a coo-pin), but I relaxed instead. I kept falling asleep. (And Lucy actually got up on the couch with me (and Roscoe, Polly Prissypants, etc.)! She's a lot like PPP used to be, but now PPP prances in demanding attention. Maybe Lucy will be like that one day. (Smokey, on the other hand...) And I didn't take any pain pills. I felt some cramping, but nothing bad. We'll see how my period is this weekend. And no, I didn't go to class, though I wanted to. I felt ok, but didn't want to push it.
*So a claim has been sitting there on my HMO account for a while. I thought it was incorrect for the longest. Turns out, it was for the reading of the x-ray, not the actual x-ray. There will be two claims. I had no idea. The big claim was submitted on 10/20, and the HMO must be given 30 days to process. After nearly having a breakdown (Thursday) and pulling out my hair (and finding a clock tower), I finally got someone to explain this to me. She was from W3llstar, believe it or not. I'd talked to her earlier, and she knew I was about to break down or break something. She said that I was not the first to complain about the policies of the facility (requiring payment up front, giving the incorrect impression that a payment was due in 30 days, when in fact a payment plan can't be in effect until the claims are processed completely to know the final amount due). She also said that they are passing these complaints along and trying to "educate" them on the proper procedure.
And also, the HMO said that regardless of which claim went in first, the HSG or the tubal, I would only have to pay the deductible once. The HMO kept telling me to call W3llstar and then have them call them to clarify, but they wouldn't. W3llstar kept telling me to call the HMO, and I started to freak out. I am so fucking stressed about this shit, and I don't need people who don't give a shit giving me the run around.
I must admit to listening to Tori's Midwinter Graces (on imeem). It calmed my nerves a bit. And they were stingy with the valium (only giving me the two that day).
I went to class Thursday night and did ok, partially because he is preparing a few people to test on the 21st, so it ends up being not as rigorous. I did ok punching, kneeing, and kicking, but avoided holding a pad for anyone, since that jars the entire body.
And today I've got to run back out near the mall to exchange my shoes (and hope they have an acceptable color in 6.5), get my shampoo and conditioner, run another errand if I have time, and meet Stacey to work out at 5:00. It's been a while. I miss hanging out with her, even if it's only lifting weights.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
metal, shoes, and pain
I worked at home on Thursday since I would be leaving to go to Leigh's shop, then the concert. I got off work at 1:45 (that's just how it worked out, since I worked over M-W even though I took Friday off), and took a much needed nap. I got ready, put on jeans and a black t-shirt (shocker!) and my new boots (cheap, all man-made, motorcycle-looking boots I got at W@lmart, but can't find them on their site. Love the square toe.). I got to the shop around 5:00. I wasn't sure when I wanted to get there, because the two opening acts were hardcore bands, and I'm not into that (which would be proven even more when we saw C0nverge). But the seats are general admission, which is a pain in the ass. I wanted a front balcony seat.
I drove this time, because Leigh was getting over a cold and still didn't feel too good, and she *always* drives. The major difference when I drive - much more cursing. We had a good dinner at Ch!nese Buddh@, then headed over. Paid $10 to park, but got a good spot because someone had just left. "VIP!" The first band was playing when we got there, and we headed up to the third floor. We could see ok, but were about 5 rows back from the front of the balcony. Dammit. Couldn't see the fights below like at QOTSA.
C0nverge was next, and...yeah, not impressed. Leigh even said she thought it was an odd fit for a Mastodon show, as they are two totally different genres. The singer said something about being friends with them, but who knows. The dude sounded like he was barking the entire time. We sat there looking bemused as they played, sighing heavily as they kept on and on.
Then Mastodon came on! WTF? We weren't expecting them to play before Dethklok. I guess they aren't quite as brutal. They played their entire new album first, as they did last time, but this time there was a screen behind them showing clips from what looked like an old ass B&W horror movie. Kinda cool. I was glad to stay this time to hear songs from other albums (after a short pause), but they didn't play Blood & Thunder, my favorite. (So I played it in the car on the way home.) But it was pretty awesome. It was like apples and turds comparing them to C0nverge. Sorry, but it's true. Actual musicianship.
Dethklok's set was like an episode of Metalocalypse (which just started a new season with 30 minute episodes!). They played clips between songs, and started with the Deththeme. Those dudes are talented. As Leigh said, who knew a cartoon band could be so awesome? (This is our favorite song.) There were videos playing while the songs were played, and I thought, damn, that's a lot of pressure to stay in synch! He almost slipped a few times, having to run back to the microphone in time to sing. Toward the end, before an encore, Brendon Small did all 5 voices, having a conversation. It was freaky and funny.
I took Friday off, and got a few things done around the house...like cleaning the mildew off the ceiling above the shower. Ugh. I wish we had replaced all the sheet rock (not just the three walls above the shower) and tiled everything. Annoying.
Went to class on Saturday, but they started early, so I missed "the good stuff." I got a good workout, but felt like I needed to do more...and didn't. Oh well. Went home to have lunch and watch DVR recordings, and piddle online, of course.
Later we went to D!ck's, and I didn't find P3nguin Wash, despite it being on their website. (Kroger quit selling it.) I got some other wash, just to try out. Whatever. I also got some new running shoes, but I'm taking them back. I didn't realize how much pink is on them. I saw a little bit that looks like a breast cancer ribbon on the top, but figured I could cover it. But...no. You can't tell from the pic, but it's on the side stripes, and on the bottom. I cannot abide. Hopefully they have 6.5 in one of the other colors. Sp0rts Authority has free shipping, but they're $10 more. Hmmm. I don't mind the orange ones, or these, or even these (unless that looks too pink in person). Believe it or not, I think the black ones are kind of ugly. I know I'll be wearing these mostly indoors on the treadmill, but still. Bottom line is, they felt really good, and will help with the ankle/leg pain caused by my flat feet/over-pronation. And yes, I ran up and down the aisles.
I'm getting nervous about the pain tomorrow (today). Not to mention...what should I do about the MIA implant? If they don't see it tomorrow, she said she could remove it surgically. But...that's why I didn't get a tubal ligation - to avoid incisions. Gah. I guess I'll try to deal with one thing at a time - get over this, and hope it is successful this time.
I'll have to get into this tomorrow, or later this week. Abridged version - it didn't work, and was just as painful despite the valium, vicodin, and muscle relaxer.
I drove this time, because Leigh was getting over a cold and still didn't feel too good, and she *always* drives. The major difference when I drive - much more cursing. We had a good dinner at Ch!nese Buddh@, then headed over. Paid $10 to park, but got a good spot because someone had just left. "VIP!" The first band was playing when we got there, and we headed up to the third floor. We could see ok, but were about 5 rows back from the front of the balcony. Dammit. Couldn't see the fights below like at QOTSA.
C0nverge was next, and...yeah, not impressed. Leigh even said she thought it was an odd fit for a Mastodon show, as they are two totally different genres. The singer said something about being friends with them, but who knows. The dude sounded like he was barking the entire time. We sat there looking bemused as they played, sighing heavily as they kept on and on.
Then Mastodon came on! WTF? We weren't expecting them to play before Dethklok. I guess they aren't quite as brutal. They played their entire new album first, as they did last time, but this time there was a screen behind them showing clips from what looked like an old ass B&W horror movie. Kinda cool. I was glad to stay this time to hear songs from other albums (after a short pause), but they didn't play Blood & Thunder, my favorite. (So I played it in the car on the way home.) But it was pretty awesome. It was like apples and turds comparing them to C0nverge. Sorry, but it's true. Actual musicianship.
Dethklok's set was like an episode of Metalocalypse (which just started a new season with 30 minute episodes!). They played clips between songs, and started with the Deththeme. Those dudes are talented. As Leigh said, who knew a cartoon band could be so awesome? (This is our favorite song.) There were videos playing while the songs were played, and I thought, damn, that's a lot of pressure to stay in synch! He almost slipped a few times, having to run back to the microphone in time to sing. Toward the end, before an encore, Brendon Small did all 5 voices, having a conversation. It was freaky and funny.
I took Friday off, and got a few things done around the house...like cleaning the mildew off the ceiling above the shower. Ugh. I wish we had replaced all the sheet rock (not just the three walls above the shower) and tiled everything. Annoying.
Went to class on Saturday, but they started early, so I missed "the good stuff." I got a good workout, but felt like I needed to do more...and didn't. Oh well. Went home to have lunch and watch DVR recordings, and piddle online, of course.
Later we went to D!ck's, and I didn't find P3nguin Wash, despite it being on their website. (Kroger quit selling it.) I got some other wash, just to try out. Whatever. I also got some new running shoes, but I'm taking them back. I didn't realize how much pink is on them. I saw a little bit that looks like a breast cancer ribbon on the top, but figured I could cover it. But...no. You can't tell from the pic, but it's on the side stripes, and on the bottom. I cannot abide. Hopefully they have 6.5 in one of the other colors. Sp0rts Authority has free shipping, but they're $10 more. Hmmm. I don't mind the orange ones, or these, or even these (unless that looks too pink in person). Believe it or not, I think the black ones are kind of ugly. I know I'll be wearing these mostly indoors on the treadmill, but still. Bottom line is, they felt really good, and will help with the ankle/leg pain caused by my flat feet/over-pronation. And yes, I ran up and down the aisles.
I'm getting nervous about the pain tomorrow (today). Not to mention...what should I do about the MIA implant? If they don't see it tomorrow, she said she could remove it surgically. But...that's why I didn't get a tubal ligation - to avoid incisions. Gah. I guess I'll try to deal with one thing at a time - get over this, and hope it is successful this time.
I'll have to get into this tomorrow, or later this week. Abridged version - it didn't work, and was just as painful despite the valium, vicodin, and muscle relaxer.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Blacker than the blackest black, times infinity!
Piece of shit.
Another.
Anger rising.
Went to HIT class Saturday morning (10/31). Good times. I've been using the inhaler before class, and that seems to help. I still get weird sinus stuff, like, stuffiness, and my ears will feel stopped up. Maybe a little wheezing, but no full blown attack.
Went shooting Sunday (11/1), only for about an hour. The indoor rifle range was $30 an hour, so we just went to the closer range and shot the handguns...and The Judge! It was pretty cool. We used .45 long Colt rounds, because they don't allow 410 shotgun shells. Those things were very smoky. It created a cloud around whoever shot it, and it was only 5 rounds. Maybe it will be dry one Saturday (and not too chilly) and we can take it to the outdoor range.
I saw a used Sig 9mm made in 1979 (!!!) that I actually liked. I liked how if felt, it had a hammer, and a good trigger pull. But, of course, I can't get a rubberized grip for it. H0gue doesn't make one, and the P@chmyr is hard plastic, or so they told me. It was $429, but it was a good gun. Damn. They don't make them like that any more. I decided the grip issue was a deal-breaker. I'll keep looking. It's not like I have the money, anyway.
What is the deal with 3:00 meetings? I "declined" one for Wednesday (11/4), when I'd need to leave at 3:30 to get to the allergy doctor's office early enough before their 4:00 closing time to get my allergy shots. And another for Thursday, since I'm working at home. Technically, I'm not supposed to let working at home affect meetings, but I have prior plans, which would have prevented me from being there had I driven to work anyway. Then the weekly meeting Tuesday morning. I'm on annual leave that morning to get things done around the house in preparation for the Essure re-do that afternoon. So...I feel like I'm shirking my responsibilities. My office mate always has to assure me that I'm not.
Went to class on Monday (11/2), but left before level 2. It was just a couple of the teenage boys, a newer guy, and another guy. They were going to spar, and I was not in the mood, especially since I was the only girl that stayed. So I went home. Got a good workout in level 1, though. I was tired, but made myself go since I won't be there Thursday night.
Oh, I found out why my sister blew me off on Friday (10/30). She took her baby daddy with her to her Dad's to clean, where he proceeded to steal some headache medication from her older brother's room. Idiot. He has to be right on top of her all the time, apparently. And she called her mom crying (again) over the weekend, saying that someone that he supposedly snitched on (though he denies it) got out of jail and was looking for him. He went to his family's. Wow. Way to be concerned for the safety of your baby and baby's mother. Unless this is all a line so he can be free, as he said he wanted to be just 2 weeks ago. She said this has nothing to do with that, though. Sure. I know her mom has backed off saying anything critical or confrontational to her. Well, except to deny her request to stay there. She does NOT want to open that can of worms. I won't be able to contain myself if/when I see or talk to her again. "Are you really gonna take his shit like this? Why?" It does no one any good, least of all a child, to stay with a piece of shit partner.
I'm a little sad. One of Jeff's friends died about a week ago, but I just found out. We were figuring out which numbers were saved on his SIM card, setting up his new (used) cell phone, and her said, "I guess that number won't work any more." Who? "I didn't tell you? Dr. John died." Really nice guy. He was in his late 50s (I think), and had prostate cancer. They operated and he had radiation, but it wasn't enough. He was one of the few friends of Jeff's I enjoyed talking to...about computer nerd stuff, movies, music, guns. He was going through (or finishing up) a nasty divorce, too, and had just moved to an apartment. We offered to help him move, but he said he had it covered. He was a bit of a pack rat. We went to his house last summer, and the basement was right up there with Hoarders. He always copied DVDs for us, cover image and all.
Rest in peace, Dr. John.
I'll have to do another entry to cover last week, and the Dethklok/Mastodon show. |m| Short version - it was BRUTAL.
Another.
Anger rising.
Went to HIT class Saturday morning (10/31). Good times. I've been using the inhaler before class, and that seems to help. I still get weird sinus stuff, like, stuffiness, and my ears will feel stopped up. Maybe a little wheezing, but no full blown attack.
Went shooting Sunday (11/1), only for about an hour. The indoor rifle range was $30 an hour, so we just went to the closer range and shot the handguns...and The Judge! It was pretty cool. We used .45 long Colt rounds, because they don't allow 410 shotgun shells. Those things were very smoky. It created a cloud around whoever shot it, and it was only 5 rounds. Maybe it will be dry one Saturday (and not too chilly) and we can take it to the outdoor range.
I saw a used Sig 9mm made in 1979 (!!!) that I actually liked. I liked how if felt, it had a hammer, and a good trigger pull. But, of course, I can't get a rubberized grip for it. H0gue doesn't make one, and the P@chmyr is hard plastic, or so they told me. It was $429, but it was a good gun. Damn. They don't make them like that any more. I decided the grip issue was a deal-breaker. I'll keep looking. It's not like I have the money, anyway.
What is the deal with 3:00 meetings? I "declined" one for Wednesday (11/4), when I'd need to leave at 3:30 to get to the allergy doctor's office early enough before their 4:00 closing time to get my allergy shots. And another for Thursday, since I'm working at home. Technically, I'm not supposed to let working at home affect meetings, but I have prior plans, which would have prevented me from being there had I driven to work anyway. Then the weekly meeting Tuesday morning. I'm on annual leave that morning to get things done around the house in preparation for the Essure re-do that afternoon. So...I feel like I'm shirking my responsibilities. My office mate always has to assure me that I'm not.
Went to class on Monday (11/2), but left before level 2. It was just a couple of the teenage boys, a newer guy, and another guy. They were going to spar, and I was not in the mood, especially since I was the only girl that stayed. So I went home. Got a good workout in level 1, though. I was tired, but made myself go since I won't be there Thursday night.
Oh, I found out why my sister blew me off on Friday (10/30). She took her baby daddy with her to her Dad's to clean, where he proceeded to steal some headache medication from her older brother's room. Idiot. He has to be right on top of her all the time, apparently. And she called her mom crying (again) over the weekend, saying that someone that he supposedly snitched on (though he denies it) got out of jail and was looking for him. He went to his family's. Wow. Way to be concerned for the safety of your baby and baby's mother. Unless this is all a line so he can be free, as he said he wanted to be just 2 weeks ago. She said this has nothing to do with that, though. Sure. I know her mom has backed off saying anything critical or confrontational to her. Well, except to deny her request to stay there. She does NOT want to open that can of worms. I won't be able to contain myself if/when I see or talk to her again. "Are you really gonna take his shit like this? Why?" It does no one any good, least of all a child, to stay with a piece of shit partner.
I'm a little sad. One of Jeff's friends died about a week ago, but I just found out. We were figuring out which numbers were saved on his SIM card, setting up his new (used) cell phone, and her said, "I guess that number won't work any more." Who? "I didn't tell you? Dr. John died." Really nice guy. He was in his late 50s (I think), and had prostate cancer. They operated and he had radiation, but it wasn't enough. He was one of the few friends of Jeff's I enjoyed talking to...about computer nerd stuff, movies, music, guns. He was going through (or finishing up) a nasty divorce, too, and had just moved to an apartment. We offered to help him move, but he said he had it covered. He was a bit of a pack rat. We went to his house last summer, and the basement was right up there with Hoarders. He always copied DVDs for us, cover image and all.
Rest in peace, Dr. John.
I'll have to do another entry to cover last week, and the Dethklok/Mastodon show. |m| Short version - it was BRUTAL.
Friday, October 30, 2009
tech support, my ass
I rescheduled my appointment for 11/10 so I could go to the concert. Priorities! |m| Leigh's gonna take me. I took that day off, and I'm off for Veteran's Day the next day. I remember last time I had the feeling I better get my chores done before the procedure, so I took the entire day off. And that ended up being a wise decision.
I took Buzz to the vet on Friday. His blood sugar was back down after the dosage increase, so I am to take him back in 3 weeks. I also took Rufus, because his eye was not better after over 10 days of terramycin. He has a scratch (damn Coltranes), so they gave me oral antibiotics and another eye ointment. And yes, he is thrilled about this. I have to give the ointment 3 times a day (morning, afternoon, before bed), and the antibiotic twice a day "until gone." So...10 days? Yeah. The eye looked better within 24 hours, though.
More than once I had to yell at one of the Coltranes to leave Rufus alone, and that they're costing me too much money ($94 for the meds and office visit). Bastards. Normally I let them be, since they all try to out-asshole each other.
I had a decent weekend. Had a really good workout on Saturday, came home and showered, had lunch while finishing Metal0calypse Season 1 Disc 1. That is some funny shit. My favorite is episode one, when their chef is shredded in the dethcopter blades. And Murderface proclaims, "I'm the FAT ONE!"
Skipped class on Monday again. That seems to be a bad day. I need to go to bed at a decent hour, but especially on Sunday. I'm always tired on Monday nights. Didn't do anything Tuesday, either. Left a little late, traffic was a bitch because of rain, and I had to stop by the store for something I forgot (cornmeal). By the time I got home and did my chores (and fed/medicated the cats) it was time to make dinner. Gah.
I went to class on Wednesday, and it was a bit of a repeat of Saturday. We shadow-boxed for, what, 3 rounds, doing ab work in the 1 minute between each. Then we did 3 rounds each (including the round with all the defenses/sprawls, ugh), alternating with a partner, on the heavy bags. I never noticed how many left hooks Bas Rutt3n calls, but it was getting old. Then we had to do an obstacle course of sorts. We had to jump up onto steps, then down, then up, then down, then jump over stacks of shields, then back again. I was having a hard time clearing the 2 shields, though they're not quite up to my knees, probably because I was so tired at that point. But it did feel good to get such a good workout, and then walk out into the cool night air.
I sent my sister a text on Monday to wish her a happy birthday. I told her to let me know when she's over this way again (at her Dad's). She said today. Oops. I'm sure she expects a gift, but I don't have one. I can take her to lunch, but that's about it.
I finally texted her back yesterday, after I figured out my schedule. She said she wants to hang out, but she is so broke and there's just so much going on. She's depressed and just doesn't feel like being there. Hmmm. I hate to be so suspicious, but...is this a line? She mentioned depression last time. She may be, but I can't help but wonder about her motives. And I just get so invested. I want to help. Let's check your credit! Let's establish credit, job, whatever...and then she's gone.
I've been trying to decide what to do about xmas gifts, what with my medical bills, vet bills, car repair (more in a second), credit card balance, etc. I am thinking I can buy gifts just for my niece and nephews, maybe something for Dad and Barb. I'm not sure. Even that can't be much. Leigh and I agreed not to buy each other anything. Other than a new iP0d nano (and cash), I can't really think of anything I want or need. Jeff wants a Bull3t Express. Really. I could tell them to get that for both of us or something. It comes with a juicer attachment, too. And Scott gave me the D3thklok/M@stodon tickets since he couldn't go. So that can be my gift from him, if he insists.
Speaking of medical bills, the claim hasn't been filed for the HSG yet. Hmmm. I have another payment due on 11/15. I was holding out hope that it would be paid, but I guess I'd better not hold my breath. And the next one...
Car repair - I need a new rear view mirror. The auto dimmer has mostly quit working, except sporadically. It's really annoying on the highway, for example, and it doesn't work like a regular mirror that you can tilt. I also had this repaired a few years ago while it was still under warranty. I'm still waiting for Jeff to get a price for me. He thinks it will be around $200. I could ask my Dad what he could get it for, too. I could always put it on credit card. I guess that's part of my problem, huh? I am keeping the only active card balance under control, though. My part is only about $300 right now, which I am paying off as I go, or most of it every month.
So. I spent a while on Saturday on the phone with AT&T. I saw an ad for their mobile remote DVR website. Didn't work on my phone. Didn't work on my PC. That tech decided it was my phone. Called back on Tuesday (or was it Monday?). Finally got through to someone who I convinced it was not my phone (after having them try to log in with my info, and my calling the cell 800# to check my phone capability, just to get them to shut up about it). He was going to escalate it, and gave me a direct number to the "tier 2" tech support. Never called me back. I called back on Thursday to find that it had been closed. Uh huh. Had to start basically from scratch with another tech. Luckily he contacted the tech from before, tried to log in on his PC, then his Blackberry, then contacted Yahoo, who hosts the site.
Well, they can suck it. After over 20 minutes on the phone while he messaged with someone, he was told that the site is only viewable on iPhones. What a crock of shit. The reason I wanted to do it, anyway, was because the site doesn't work correctly with all the internet restrictions at work, but is fine at home, which defeats the purpose. Fuckers. Who do I complain to now, Yahoo's programmers? And look, don't dumb it down for me. I am a programmer, I know how to eliminate possible sources of a problem. And even if I wasn't, I do have common sense. It was incredibly hard to get them to agree that the fact that it would not work on my phone, multiple PCs and browsers, indicated that it was NOT MY PHONE. Well, I guess in a way it is. Luckily the other sites I access on my phone, for the most part, work just fine.
Had a good couple of classes last night. But, damn, that parking lot is tiny. I had to park behind someone who works there in a gravel lot behind the building. There was some sort of Halloween thing going on.
Anyway. My partner in level 1 (a teenage girl!) complimented me on my punching. We were doing side kicks, and talking about how much we both suck at it. She said, "I won't be using this in a dark alley." Me either. "At least you are awesome at punching..." Or something like that. (And she was jealous that I'm going to see Dethkl0k.) Then in level 2, we were doing rounds on the heavy bag. Jack came over there to harass me, but then stopped to watch. After a couple minutes, as the round ended, he said, "Pretty good." He is not one for many compliments.
Well my sister hasn't called or texted me yet. Hmmm. I guess telling her I'm broke did the trick?
I took Buzz to the vet on Friday. His blood sugar was back down after the dosage increase, so I am to take him back in 3 weeks. I also took Rufus, because his eye was not better after over 10 days of terramycin. He has a scratch (damn Coltranes), so they gave me oral antibiotics and another eye ointment. And yes, he is thrilled about this. I have to give the ointment 3 times a day (morning, afternoon, before bed), and the antibiotic twice a day "until gone." So...10 days? Yeah. The eye looked better within 24 hours, though.
More than once I had to yell at one of the Coltranes to leave Rufus alone, and that they're costing me too much money ($94 for the meds and office visit). Bastards. Normally I let them be, since they all try to out-asshole each other.
I had a decent weekend. Had a really good workout on Saturday, came home and showered, had lunch while finishing Metal0calypse Season 1 Disc 1. That is some funny shit. My favorite is episode one, when their chef is shredded in the dethcopter blades. And Murderface proclaims, "I'm the FAT ONE!"
Skipped class on Monday again. That seems to be a bad day. I need to go to bed at a decent hour, but especially on Sunday. I'm always tired on Monday nights. Didn't do anything Tuesday, either. Left a little late, traffic was a bitch because of rain, and I had to stop by the store for something I forgot (cornmeal). By the time I got home and did my chores (and fed/medicated the cats) it was time to make dinner. Gah.
I went to class on Wednesday, and it was a bit of a repeat of Saturday. We shadow-boxed for, what, 3 rounds, doing ab work in the 1 minute between each. Then we did 3 rounds each (including the round with all the defenses/sprawls, ugh), alternating with a partner, on the heavy bags. I never noticed how many left hooks Bas Rutt3n calls, but it was getting old. Then we had to do an obstacle course of sorts. We had to jump up onto steps, then down, then up, then down, then jump over stacks of shields, then back again. I was having a hard time clearing the 2 shields, though they're not quite up to my knees, probably because I was so tired at that point. But it did feel good to get such a good workout, and then walk out into the cool night air.
I sent my sister a text on Monday to wish her a happy birthday. I told her to let me know when she's over this way again (at her Dad's). She said today. Oops. I'm sure she expects a gift, but I don't have one. I can take her to lunch, but that's about it.
I finally texted her back yesterday, after I figured out my schedule. She said she wants to hang out, but she is so broke and there's just so much going on. She's depressed and just doesn't feel like being there. Hmmm. I hate to be so suspicious, but...is this a line? She mentioned depression last time. She may be, but I can't help but wonder about her motives. And I just get so invested. I want to help. Let's check your credit! Let's establish credit, job, whatever...and then she's gone.
I've been trying to decide what to do about xmas gifts, what with my medical bills, vet bills, car repair (more in a second), credit card balance, etc. I am thinking I can buy gifts just for my niece and nephews, maybe something for Dad and Barb. I'm not sure. Even that can't be much. Leigh and I agreed not to buy each other anything. Other than a new iP0d nano (and cash), I can't really think of anything I want or need. Jeff wants a Bull3t Express. Really. I could tell them to get that for both of us or something. It comes with a juicer attachment, too. And Scott gave me the D3thklok/M@stodon tickets since he couldn't go. So that can be my gift from him, if he insists.
Speaking of medical bills, the claim hasn't been filed for the HSG yet. Hmmm. I have another payment due on 11/15. I was holding out hope that it would be paid, but I guess I'd better not hold my breath. And the next one...
Car repair - I need a new rear view mirror. The auto dimmer has mostly quit working, except sporadically. It's really annoying on the highway, for example, and it doesn't work like a regular mirror that you can tilt. I also had this repaired a few years ago while it was still under warranty. I'm still waiting for Jeff to get a price for me. He thinks it will be around $200. I could ask my Dad what he could get it for, too. I could always put it on credit card. I guess that's part of my problem, huh? I am keeping the only active card balance under control, though. My part is only about $300 right now, which I am paying off as I go, or most of it every month.
So. I spent a while on Saturday on the phone with AT&T. I saw an ad for their mobile remote DVR website. Didn't work on my phone. Didn't work on my PC. That tech decided it was my phone. Called back on Tuesday (or was it Monday?). Finally got through to someone who I convinced it was not my phone (after having them try to log in with my info, and my calling the cell 800# to check my phone capability, just to get them to shut up about it). He was going to escalate it, and gave me a direct number to the "tier 2" tech support. Never called me back. I called back on Thursday to find that it had been closed. Uh huh. Had to start basically from scratch with another tech. Luckily he contacted the tech from before, tried to log in on his PC, then his Blackberry, then contacted Yahoo, who hosts the site.
Well, they can suck it. After over 20 minutes on the phone while he messaged with someone, he was told that the site is only viewable on iPhones. What a crock of shit. The reason I wanted to do it, anyway, was because the site doesn't work correctly with all the internet restrictions at work, but is fine at home, which defeats the purpose. Fuckers. Who do I complain to now, Yahoo's programmers? And look, don't dumb it down for me. I am a programmer, I know how to eliminate possible sources of a problem. And even if I wasn't, I do have common sense. It was incredibly hard to get them to agree that the fact that it would not work on my phone, multiple PCs and browsers, indicated that it was NOT MY PHONE. Well, I guess in a way it is. Luckily the other sites I access on my phone, for the most part, work just fine.
Had a good couple of classes last night. But, damn, that parking lot is tiny. I had to park behind someone who works there in a gravel lot behind the building. There was some sort of Halloween thing going on.
Anyway. My partner in level 1 (a teenage girl!) complimented me on my punching. We were doing side kicks, and talking about how much we both suck at it. She said, "I won't be using this in a dark alley." Me either. "At least you are awesome at punching..." Or something like that. (And she was jealous that I'm going to see Dethkl0k.) Then in level 2, we were doing rounds on the heavy bag. Jack came over there to harass me, but then stopped to watch. After a couple minutes, as the round ended, he said, "Pretty good." He is not one for many compliments.
Well my sister hasn't called or texted me yet. Hmmm. I guess telling her I'm broke did the trick?
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