All opinions are welcome here, even the unpopular ones. Everyone is allowed to speak their mind as long as they are civil, polite and non-inflammatory. If you feel the need to say something, then by all means do, just be polite about it. Say it in a manner that you would want the opposite to be said to you.
Word: bash (CRITICIZE)-- verb
Definition: to criticize someone harshly or severely
Please note that the definition of bashing is over the top criticism, not just criticism. That's the difference between what I want at this board and what's happened at others. Bashing is not allowed, open and honest discussion - including criticial conversations - is welcome and wanted.
Hello Board!!! -- AmyLynn, firmly grasping the keys to the AquaBago "All Aboard!", Friday, September 04, 8:00:31 [1]
Hi everyone! I took a few minutes to catch up on the the board, and everyone seems to have been through either grief or stress or vacations. So to all - Hang tight and hold on! Seems like we need to take the AquaBago for a spin to get away from it all.
Kat, the hardest part in taking care of my grandma was at the beginning of her dementia, when she knew she was forgetting. Later, it was hard in a different way because she wasn't herself, she wanted us to "take her home" (to her home she was remembering as a little girl), and it was maddening to repeat everything because in just minutes she could forget what we were talking about. It is more stressful to be a caregiver to patients with dementia than to be the one sick. There are good support groups.
TB, I'm so sorry about your grandma. I wish there was more I could think to say, but I can't. It's just such a sad thing to lose someone you love and I'm sorry for your loss.
I've been at my "new" job for 15 months and I love it. I just answer the phone and pay the bills. No stress, great boss, only 15 blocks from home... things are fine. I just don't have the time like before to talk online.
Normal stress with family life: My mom had a mild heart attack last fall, the result of some stress we were dealing with. She's absolutely fine, barely on any medicine, heart is great, doctor's said it's almost like she never had an attack. So on that front, we're good. There are other family members with chronic problems that can't be alieviated or cured - my cousin with Myasthinias Gravis (I always spell it wrong) is doing poorly. She's allergic to the medicine that can help with symptoms, so she's had to come to terms with the fact that her disease will be fatal. She's been suffering several years and is 39.
But who isn't dealing with something?
A trip to Italy this October fell through because my aunt that was coming had to be hospitalized with back problems and she's leary of the long plane flight --- perhaps the spring will be a better time. I have 3 weeks of vacation to use up, so I'll post if anything exciting gets planned.
No much else going on.
Spoiler King, do you ever lurk? If so, here's a big HELLO and cyber hug to you. One day we'll meet when we overhear each other talking about stink factors and ugly purple hotel rooms!!!! LOL
Question - Most reliable way to store digital photos -- Ninja_Girl, Thursday, August 20, 8:48:30 [5]
Facebook seems to be eating up available computer time lately to the detriment of internet forums like the BFZ. I'm not coming here as often as I would like. Kat's photos are so nice, and TB's comment about needing to scan her hard copy pictures made me wonder about this: What is the best way to store digital photos?
I would have thought the best method would be burning them onto a CD, but a friend says a knowledgeable friend of hers said disc storage isn't the best. It's something to do with a 5-year life of disc for optimum quality. Could that be right?
My current storage method is to upload them to a couple of online photo processors. Somehow that worries me, but at the moment it's the most reliable.
Any experts out there with the answer? What do you use, Kat?
I'm still working on the travelogue with stories from the trip (like the poltergeist we picked up in Edinburgh who inhabited our car for the remainder of the trip); the signs warning about sheep on the road and turning a corner to find a cluster sleeping in the lane; the guerilla style of photography which includes driving, seeing a sign for "castle", screeching off the main road, driving for minutes (or longer!) and then pulling off the road to climb a big hill to find even steeper steps to the top of the tower; or the day we hit eight castles in one day - just because we could!
Asking that you all keep KH in your thoughts and prayers.... -- Jennifer, Saturday, July 11, 20:47:13 [5]
She and her family lost their little "baby" on Thursday night. Oscar was a little yorkie, he was about 14, and KH thinks he had a heart attack.
I know how she grieved with me when we lost the Princess Midge, and I know how much she and her husband and daughters are hurting. Some people don't get it, and it really irks me when they say "well it was just a dog...or just a cat..."
No, they were a member of our family, who gave unconditional love and support, and they will be missed. Animals don't talk back, they are always good for a snuggle when you are down.
So if ya'll could keep KH and her family in your thoughts. She left me a message today, she's not up to talking, which I totally understand.
P.S. I did hear from our wandering Scottish traveler. She'd been to like 25 castles that day, and I'm sure we'll get some good pictures when she gets back.
Granny passed away this morning. She had been in the hospital, then was released to rehab & was doing good, but wanted to go home. When we couldn't get her released to go home, (because the house wasn't ready), she took a turn for the worse. She was sent back to the hospital, and had been getting better, but took a turn for the worse Friday. Her sodium was really low, why no one seems to know, & they had to give her fluids, which is bad for someone with congenital heart failure. It causes fluid to build up, which makes it a very fine balancing act to give her IV fluids, yet other meds to take the fluid off, and at the same time keep her sodium & electrolytes in balance. Anyway, I will be headed back for her funeral which should be Wednesday. I had come home for a couple of days, & now I will go back for a while to help Mom & Dad with all the stuff they have to do. -- Texasbrat, Monday, June 29, 6:58:49 [7]
Leaving in two days -- KatRose, Monday, June 29, 9:53:43 [1]
"I'm leaving, on a jet plane..."
Yep, I'm going on vacation starting Wednesday, July 1 and returning home on the 12th. I'm flying to the UK for a 10-day driving tour of the country. I haven't been overseas since 1974, so I'm excited and nervous and anxious and, well, everything, as you can imagine.
A photographer friend of mine is going with me, she's been to the UK before, so she knows some of the places we're going to visit. We'll be flying into Manchester, renting a car and driving to Edinburgh for two days. Then up to the Isle of Sky, down to Oban for a couple of days (and a boat trip to the outer islands). Then we cross back over Hadrian's Wall into Wales for a couple of days, a night at Bath, down to Stonehenge, Avesbury, up to Nottingham and the Sherwood Forest (what's left of it) and back to Manchest before we fly home.
It'll be a whirlwind, but I can't wait. If I get a few moments along the way, I'll post some pix. If not, expect a bunch when I get home.
Going back to the BFZ's JAG roots . . . -- Ninja_Girl, Friday, June 19, 9:10:48 [2]
Would anybody know where to locate a picture of the JAG seal that was on the tv show? It's different than the actual Navy JAG seal. A guy on the USA Forum is looking for one to make a screen saver from. I looked around online and struck out. Decided to go to you experts. Thanks.
How's Granny? -- KatRose, Wednesday, June 10, 15:54:20 [8]
How's Granny doing? Have you guys decided when to go up and start cleaning and sorting her house?
New developments with Granny -- Texasbrat, Tuesday, June 02, 5:40:35 [11]
Mom called late yesterday, they were putting Granny in the hospital. It seems she has had diarreha since sometime Sunday & her medicine wasn't stopping it.
Mom said she was really lethargic, and not very responsive when they got to her house. (Granny called to say she needed help). They got her to the hospital & finally admitted.
The doctors said that she was severly dehydrated, and her kidneys were starting to shut down. They are hoping that fluids, antibiotics, and rest will help. When she got into the room, she had a fever of 107, but by 8 or 9pm the fever was gone.
We haven't heard anything since last night, but a lot will depend on whether her kidneys will respond to treatment. They said her electrolytes were way out of kilter, and they are monitoring her bodily functions. She did drink some last night & went to the bathroom, so that is a good sign.
In the meantime, it is a touch & go, wait & see, type of situation.
I will probably go up tomorrow ( I have a doctor's appointment that can't be changed today).
While she is in the hospital, I can go in & clean her house. And my kids can help.
Right now, I have to mow our grass. Then, pack & get us ready to leave.
News about Mom -- KatRose, Wednesday, May 27, 10:56:52 [10]
If y'all get bored hearing about the trials and tribulations of my Mom, please let me know and I'll stop posting. I know I get tired of hearing me talk about it at times. :-)
Two weekends in a row I went down to see Mom at the Sunrise facility. I don't know if it's because I'm seeing more of her these days that I notice the changes in her personality/temperment or if there really is that much of a change. All I know is that it's disheartening to see her like this, not just because of how I want her to be, but because she knows things are never going back to the way they were before and she hates that.
Mom's now been living at the home for just over six weeks. It's a nice place. Like an upscale dormitory, where everyone has their own private room, but can get together for games, food, reading, etc. Her apartment is in the back corner so she has windows on two sides of her room. I know it's not the two-bedroom, two-bath place she'd been in for the last 23 years, but it's still very nice and comfortable.
My best friend and I went down on May 16th to take her to lunch and a movie. I told Mom we'd pick her up at noon. When we got there, her door was locked and she wasn't answering the door/phone. So we went downstairs to see if she forgot about lunch and was in the dining room. Nope. I asked the front desk if they'd seen her and they hadn't, then Sandi called out she found her. Mom was sitting outside in the courtyard waiting for us. The problem was she hadn't told anyone she was going out there. No problem, I left Sandi with her while I spoke to the charge nurse.
Mom had been complaining that no one was helping her dress in the morning or helping her brush her teeth (long story short on that, her gums are so bad she has to see a specialist and we're hoping to avoid having to pull all her teeth). She said she was having difficulty getting the right meds on time, etc. So I spoke to Carol and was told, as we suspected, that Mom tells the helpers she doesn't need help and then complains to us that no one's helping. Carol promised that they'd insist on helping and would no longer take "no" for an answer. She also told me that she took Mom to the gym once a week, but that Mom would just sit there doing nothing. I told her to keep trying. She said they would.
We took her shopping after lunch to pick up an overshirt and another pair of pants. She liked the shirt so much, she wore it around the store as she toddled down the aisles. lol An aside - Mom told me to toss/give away all her junk jewelry when we cleaned out the apartment, but now every time I see her, she asks if I kept any because she wants her "good" summer jewelry. So, now that we're at the store, she wants to find a while necklace. I point her in the right direction and stroll nearby. She scoots through the jewelry section and tries to make her way through the bath supply aisle. I trot after her and ask "where are you going?" "To look at jewelry?" she says with contempt, as if I couldn't see the obvious. I pointed out that she passed the jewelry and she gave me the look and said "That's not what I want." O---kay.
After realizing they didn't have what she wanted, she headed for the front door. I stopped her and reminded her she needed to pay for her clothes, including the shirt she was wearing. She huffed at me, struggled out of the shirt and then got in line ... in front of a woman with a full basket! I tried to get her to move to the back, but thankfully the woman saw Mom struggling and said, "No, she was first." As she came to the counter and I put the clothes up, she toddled off. I'm glad I had the credit card because she just walked out the door. ::shaking head::
After the movie, we took Mom back to her apartment and talked a bit more. She got grumpy because I caught her in several lies (she claimed to be exercising every day and not eating junk food). Granted, they're not big lies, but given her statement two weeks ago of "I tell you girls what I think you want to hear," I told her to just tell me the truth, even if it's not what she thinks I want to hear. She agreed, but I doubt it'll happen.
This past weekend, my younger sister and I went to visit after our pool party (too many kids to have mom around). I figured since I was down in the neighborhood, if i didn't visit, I'd feel guilty, so we stopped. It was the first time Kris had seen Mom get snippy since she moved into the apartment. I think it's because Mom is so afraid that Kris will leave her to her own devices if she (mom) pisses Kris off, that she stays on her best behaviour. But with me, she feels more comfortable getting snippy if I ask the same questions.
Mom keeps asking if she should change doctors because the one Kris has her going to is "only a GP", which isn't true, he's a family practitioner. It seems that Mom wants a doctor who specializes in old people. That's a great idea, in theory, but considering the only one in their area is another 30 minutes from the apartment, it's not realistic to make that change. Since Mom doesn't drive, Kris has to take time off from work to take her to her various appointments. She could take the Senior Shuttle, but Mom's sense of time and direction are so screwed up that she's afraid to do that on her own. That means more time off from work for Kris and she's not about to do that.
Mom whined about the dispensary not giving her the pain meds when she asks for them. When I asked what they were saying, she kept insisting that she wasn't given her pill, but would say "they wouldn't give me another one for six house." I tried to explain that meant she got the first one and couldn't take another for six hours. That's when beligerant Mom showed up. She snipped that she wasn't abusing the pain pills and that the lady downstairs wasn't giving her the right ones anyway! I know this is a symptom of the disease, but it's still a shock to see/hear. I reassured her that we'd talk to the dispensary and find out what was going on.
Later Mom started rambling on about something - I can't honestly remember what - but I couldn't follow her various threads, so I asked her to clarify. That's when she got snippy again. "Don't interrupt me!" I apologized and let her continue, then tried to synopsize it so I could understand what she was trying to tell us. Whatever it was, was kinda important, but I don't know if we ever got the full gist of what she was saying.
I've read a lot of information about dementia in the last two months. The more I read, the more scared I get for myself. My oldest aunt is in a nursing home (warehouse style) in Minneapolis with Alzheimer's. She doesn't remember who anyone is and has gotten so beligerant that even the nursing staff doesn't want to contend with her, so they keep her doped up. Now my mom has dementia and is slipping away from us. The odds of my getting it are very high. I don't want my family to have to contend with another crazy person. I don't know what, if anything, I can do to prevent or push it off until much later in life. I know I'm too young, right now, to be affected, but it doesn't make the eventual diagnosis any easier to swallow.
I joined in April with one story but got going a couple of weeks ago. There is some junk on eHow but good stuff for the most part. A friend in Hawaii got me started.
The Washcloth -- KatRose, Tuesday, May 12, 16:41:49 [3]
Ladies, this has to be read, laughed at and passed on. There is not a woman alive who won't crack up over this!
I was due for an appointment with the gynecologist later in the week. Early one morning, I received a call from the doctor's office to tell me that I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9:30 am. I had only just packed everyone off to work and school, and it was already around 8:45am.. The trip to his office took about 35 minutes, so I didn't have any time to spare.
As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort over hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn't going to be able to make the full effort. So, I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that was sitting next to the sink, and gave myself a quick wash in 'that area' to make sure I was at least presentable. I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment.
I was in the waiting room for only a few minutes when I was called in. Knowing the procedure, as I'm sure you do, I hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended that I was in Paris or some other place a million miles away. I was a little surprised when the doctor said, 'My, we have e made an extra effort this morning, haven't we?'
I didn't respond.
After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home. The rest of the day was normal ... Some shopping, cleaning, cooking.
After school when my 6-year-old daughter was playing, she called out from the bathroom, 'Mommy, where's my washcloth?'
I told her to get another one from the cupboard.
She replied, 'No, I need the one that was here by the sink, it had all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it.'
Happy Mother's Day -- Texasbrat, Sunday, May 10, 5:35:06 [3]
This is to wish all the Mother's out there a Happy and Blessed Day.
When everyone gets a chance tell us what you did for Mother's Day. Both the Moms & the Kids.
Mine grilled a steak and potato dinner for me last night, and made S'mores for dessert. It was yummy. I hear the kids got me something, but they are up yet.
A video for all moms of boys: Mothers' Day Card -- Ninja_Girl, Monday, May 11, 13:43:16 [3]
I have laughed ever since getting this from my aunt this morning. Do I relate to it! I was told after my second son was born that there is a special place in heaven for the mother of two boys. I've spent the next 21 years understanding what that meant.
I wonder what the daughters' version of this video would be. You mothers of daughters have my total respect.
Update on Mom -- KatRose, Thursday, May 07, 8:48:45 [3]
NinjaGirl asked about mom's status, so here goes. I don't remember what I've shared and what I haven't yet, so if I duplicate an early post, please chalk it up to tired braincells.
Kit brought clothes for Mom from DC that she had picked up at high-end thrift stores. There were about 6 pairs of pants and a dozen or so shirts/blouses. She showed them to Mom and had her try on one or two pieces with the promise that she'd try on more later. When Kit returned to see Mom two days later, ALL the clothes had been given away because they were "too big." We kicked ourselves for not cutting out the size tags, because Mom refuses to believe she wears anything larger than a 16 or XL.
My sisters took Mom undie shopping and ended up having a meltdown in Macy's. The salesclerk was trying to be helpful and showed Mom some undies that were two or three sizes larger than Mom insists she wears. Therefore she wouldn't even try them on because she "wasn't that big!" Almost had the same problem with the bra, until the professional fitter took Mom into the dressing room and measured her and found the perfect bra to fit. It was 4 sizes and two cups bigger than what she had in the drawer! My sister said "mom's almost skinny, cuz half her belly was boobs!!!" LOL I know, it's cruel to laugh at something like that, but considering all things, I'd rather laugh than cry.
Kris took Mom to see her new doctor a few weeks ago. Kris talked to him first and shared the psychologist's report regarding her dementia and "leaking" (which was refered to as "gushing" instead - lol). When Mom got in there, they talked about the "leaking" and he prescribed a new medication that might help. Her blood pressure is down to normal for someone with high BP.
Unfortunately, less than a week later Mom was whining to me about her back pain and how the meds the dispensary had weren't strong enough. She said she couldn't see her doctor because he was in Long Beach. I reminded her that she had just seen a new doc in Yorba Linda and after several proddings, remembered him. She even remembered that she had his business card, so she was going to call him about new pain meds.
Kris took Mom to her new dentist for a cleaning. They couldn't do anything because Mom hasn't brushed her teeth properly in ages and her gums are infected. They made an appointment to have a deep cleaning (2-hour appt). When she got there, even they couldn't do much because of the gum infection and the bad crowns. They found she has two new cavaties and referred her to a specialist. We're trying to save her teeth as it's looking like she'll need extensive oral surgery to get her teeth and gums healthy or risk having to pull them all.
Mom doesn't seem to understand what that all means. She doesn't want to spend the $4k to get healthy because she's "so old", but also doesn't want to lose her teeth and use dentures. We've talked to her about it several times, but she forgets the conversation happens at all. We made arrangements for the assisted living facility to help her brush her teeth three-four times a day. But Mom's telling us they only came up once to show her how. We don't know what to believe.
Mom called last night to ask that Kris call her first thing this morning with a wake-up call for the eye doctor's appointment. She claimed she didn't have an alarm clock and couldn't do it on her own. Kris reminded her that there's a clock radio on her night stand. Mom hemmed and hawed and finally admitted there was a clock, but still asked that Kris to call her this morning.
We have lots of anecdotal stories of this nature. She insists she's okay, but then insists we help her do everything (shopping, doctor appointments, etc). She tells her sister (my aunt) that she's fine and shares that we're treating her like a child and that she doesn't like living at the facility. So my aunt politely, but firmly, chastises us for treating mom that way. She says she understands that Mom is having cognitive problems, but then feeds Mom's paranoia or angst by believing everything Mom shares! It's aggrevating and heartbreaking.
I wish there was more we could do to help keep mom on the relatively normal plane, but I have a feeling those days are long gone. We have to get used to this different woman and deal with her differently than before. Some of the traits she's showing have always been there, but under control (passive-aggressive behavior), but some of it's new and hard to take. I don't like the whining child routine, but since I know it's because of the dementia, I'm dealing.
I'm just really grateful I'm not down in the same town as Mom. I feel guilty saying that, but I don't know if I have the patience to be firm and civil to her with all the crap she's been spewing these days. I don't envy my sister for her constant interaction, but at least she's got her girls to go home to for relatively uncomplicated love.
Only me -- KatRose, Wednesday, May 06, 18:30:55 [4]
Well, only me could manage to lose my cell phone somewhere between my apartment and my car or the car and the office. It's bright orange, so you'd think it would be easy to spot on the ground. ::headdesk::
Tuesday morning I was preparing to head to the LA Colesium for the annual Revlon Run/Walk load-in week. I had my camera bag and computer bag in a box on a small portable dolly. I had placed the phone and bluetooth earpiece on the top of the bags as I grabbed my keys and put my jacket on. I picked up the phone and bluetooth and stuck them in my jacket pocket.
That's the last time I could swear I had my hands on the phone. I put the box with the two bags in it into the trunk of the Jeep, then I took off the jacket and tossed it into the passenger seat. It was 7am, so I know I didn't call anyone. I vaguely remember checking for any text messages, but that could be from another morning. I got to the Coliseum, put on the jacket and felt the bluetooth piece slide down my neck. I grabbed it before it hit the ground and put it in the cup holder (where it normally resides). Then I took the box and dolly and rolled my way over to the offices we were setting up.
When one of my co-workers showed up and was using her phone, it dawned on me that I hadn't grabbed it from the car. So I trekked back and couldn't find it. I figured, "oh well, it's in the computer bag." Nope. We tried calling my cell and listened for the ring to find it. Nothing. I called the number a couple of times hoping that if someone had found it, they'd pick up and tell me where they/it was. No luck. Then I hoped I had dropped it at the apartment complex and it was lying on the ground or floor. Again, nope.
I ordered a replacement phone (luckily I had insurance on the darn thing) and it'll be here tomorrow or Friday. In the meantime, I still can't fathom where the heck it got lost. I don't recall hearing it (or anything else) drop on the ground. I think it got into the car, but I couldn't swear to it.
Jen arrived! -- KatRose, Thursday, April 09, 16:53:40 [9]
Since there was no earthquake, flood or firestorm, you might not have known that Jennifer arrived in LA today. :-D We got stuck in a little pre-holiday traffic coming home, but otherwise we've had an uneventful afternoon. Since her body thinks it's 8pm, we're home for the evening to watch a little TV and go to bed.
tomorrow we have to get up around 6 so we can leave by 7 and be in Long Beach before 8. It'll be a busy day as the movers are showing up at 9 and we still have a few boxes to pack and things to set aside for them to take.
Thank you for the thoughts and prayers. I think they're definitely helping as my mom's accepting of the changes and seems to be cautiously optimistic about the move. She's still a little confused about things, but doing better than I've seen in a while. I'm hopeful that this move to the facility will keep her cognitively intact for longer than if she continued to live alone.
Need for prayers and advice -- KatRose, Monday, March 23, 11:09:17 [15]
Last night my aunt in Minneapolis called to tell me my mother (who lives in Long Beach, CA) had fallen and was being taken to the local hospital. Lil didn't have a lot of information, but knew that Mom had fallen sometime around lunchtime. If not for the fact that Lil had been trying to call her all day and finally tried one of the neighbors, my mom might still be laying on the floor unable to move.
The neighbor got the apartment key and then called 911. My mother insisted she didn't need the EMTs, that all she needed was for some help up off the floor. Thankfully Blanca didn't listen. When the EMTs arrived they took her blood pressure and found it was a staggering 220/110!! It's amazing that she didn't stroke out.
After I hung up with Lil, I called Kris and told her what happened. We decided to go to the hospital and sit with Mom while they determined what needed to happen next.
Long story short, Mom has no muscle tone whatsoever. She fell on her back and couldn't even manage to roll over onto her side or stomach, let alone get to her feet. She hasn't been taking her daily medication (there were renewal bottles of pills even though the initial bottle was hardly touched). We never did find her blood pressure meds, so I wonder when she stopped taking those. What makes the BP so scary (beyond the fact that it's REALLY high) is that my mom tended towards the "are you sure you're alive cuz it's so low" side.
After they checked mom into the hospital for her overnight stay, Kris and I went to her apartment. It was a disaster and not just from the EMTs and her falling. Suffice to say that I've been to gas station bathrooms that are less icky. My sisters and I are now trying to get information together to find my mom an in-home nurse for when she's released from the hospital and then an assisted living facility because she can't live alone anymore.
I don't know what to do. I'm scared and I'm angry. She's allowed herself to get to the point that when she falls (not "if), she doesn't have the strength to roll over. She can't keep a neat, let alone, clean house. She doesn't do personal hygiene very well and the kitchen is disgusting. We're waiting for her to come home so we can find her health care paperwork and determine what she can afford and what we'll have to contribute to get her the care she needs.
Any prayers and good thoughts would be greatly appreciated. As would any suggestions on what to do next, beyond wanting to throttle her for allowing herself to deteriorate to this extent.
Octuplets and social responsibility -- KatRose, Monday, February 09, 14:18:12 [16]
It's been a while since we've had a rousing discussion on current affairs. Since Nadya Suleman has been in the news so much lately, I figure why not bring this topic to the BFZ.
For anyone living under a rock, Nadya just gave birth to 8 babies and already has 6 under the age of 7 at home. She is currently unemployed and working towards a Masters Degree. She was injured on the job about 6-7 years ago and has been collecting disability insurance since then (still or did it stop?). She has a history of depression and feels that having a large family will give her the closeness she didn't have as an only child. The sperm donor for the 8 is also the biological paternal unit for the first 6.
My questions are thus:
* What do you make of this woman and her recording breaking pregnancy?
* Do you think the goverment should get involved in her situation (i.e. taking her kids away, providing aid or housing, etc)?
* Does the medical clinic and doctor bear responsbility for limiting the number of eggs to be implanted?
* Should the taxpayers bear the costs for helping her raise her 14 kids?
* If her IVF had resulted in a single or twin birth, would we care or are we doing "involved" because she makes such a sensational "news" item?
I personally think Nadya needs some major counseling on why she thinks it's perfectly appropriate to have IVF when she already has 6 children at home. Not because it's crazy to want a large family, but because there's something off about a woman who doesn't work, lives at home off her mom, at sees no specific way for her to pay for the care and welfare of her family. If she had the means to take care of everyone, then it's no one's business but her own. But when she makes statements that imply her mother, church and community will help her raise her kids, that sounds too much like she's planning on sticking her hand out more than putting it in her own pocket.
I'm trying hard not to pass judgement on this woman, but it's hard. She's 30-something and now is the mother of 14. She wants to go back to school and get her Masters degree, but how does she expect to do that with all those babies at home. I know my sister with only two children had a hard time figuring out the work, home, life thing. Besides, what is her Masters in? Has that been stated, because I can't recall seeing in. Not that it really matters, because what employer is going to pay her the kind of money she'll need when there's no guarantee she'd be at work every day or even every week? I know some of my friends who are recent parents have a tough time juggling their work responsibilities with their personal ones, and many have daycare or living in help. How is she realistically going to do this?
There's also been comments in the news, primarily Time magazine, that maybe we're putting too much into her story and everyone would be better off if we just let it go. Their justification is that when the first large multiple birth took place over 10 years ago, the family got a call from the president and corporate America offered up freebies of every kind. There's also that family who just had their 18th child and they got their own TV show. Yet now we're sneering at a woman because she couldn't see her way to select which eggs got to go full term and which would be terminated in-utereo.
What's the difference? Why was the first celebrated, but the latest jeered at? Why is the family with religious reasons for having so many children given their own weekly show and this woman is reviled in newspapers and in blogs?
Octomooch oops I mean Octomom....Revisted..... -- Jennifer, Tuesday, March 10, 13:26:40 [6]
Sigh...maybe I'm just in a grump mood, I don't know. But more of the Octomom drama, and it really really ticks me off!
Dr. Phil (okay I've watched his show occasionaly since I work at home and am here all day long) has devoted at least 6-8 episodes on this woman, and has another two-part story with her this week.
The premise? To show off all the "goodies" & help that he has arranged for this selfish, spoiled, irresponsible woman. First there is the "new" 550K + house that she's moving into...Supposedly Octomooch's father "paid" for this house, yet I've heard he was claiming just a week ago that he had less than 100 bucks in his bank account yet miraculously he can afford this new house. Of course who is going to pay off the almost 25K in back mortgage payments on the house that has been foreclosed upon? I think we all know where the funds came from for this new house, but of course nothing will be in selfish Octomooch's name, so she can continue to cry "poor" while accepting welfare benefits. And again, who in the he** is going to pick up that hospital tab?
There is supposedly a nursing type company called Angels in Waiting that are going to "assist" Octomooch when she brings the children home. Of course the $135K they charge (I'm not sure if that's per kid or how that figure is calculated) has been "donated" as well.
I guess I'm just really depressed because many of you guys here, like me, have played by the rules and because we are honest, we take responsibility for our actions, we pay our bills, etc., we are for the most struggling with the economy. It takes someone who LIES, STEALS, CHEATS, COMMITS FRAUD, etc., to "play" the system and in the end, get rewarded for their deception. I know life isn't fair....I know Octomooch isn't the first nor will she be the last person to "take" advantage of the system. I'm just tired of struggling, of being someone who like I said plays by the rules and ends up getting further and further behind, while some user and abuser like this ends up getting rewarded with a free house, probably a free car, no doubt monies, etc., for being irresponsible.
I feel pretty stupid for being responsible for my own bills, my mortgage, my 14 year old car, not being on welfare, paying my own healthcare etc., when all I had to do was be a "cheat" and I'd be in hog heaven.
Sigh...sorry for the rant, I guess I'm just a little down....
School lunches -- KatRose, Wednesday, February 25, 12:51:12 [17]
Jen and I were talking about the Albuquerque school district that is giving kids cheese sandwiches, fruit and milk for lunch when they forget their lunch money or if their pre-paid lunch fund is over drawn. AP posted an article about the hubbub this has caused ( http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090225/ap_on_re_us/cheese_sandwich_flap ) because some parents think it's a punishment for the kids.
Huh?
Her mother, Darlene Vigil, said there are days she can't spare lunch money for her two daughters.
"Some parents don't have even $1 sometimes," the 27-year-old single mother said. "If they do, it's for something else, like milk at home. There are some families that just don't have it and that's the reason they're not paying."
Okay. If you can't spare lunch money, why aren't you making a brown bag lunch? Why are you expecting the school to pick up the slack and feed your kid?
Please understand, I'm not suggesting that we allow kids to starve. Nor am I suggesting that free lunches of approved low-income families go away. What I'm kinda hot about is the lack of responsibility that some parents/adults are forcing on the rest of us. If you can't afford to feed your kids, then apply for the free-lunch program. If you don't qualify for the program, then figure out how you're going to feed your kids. Don't expect us (i.e. the other parents and citizens) pick up the slack.
Am I "out there"? Do I not get it because I'm a single woman with no kids to take care of? Or am I preaching to the choir, as it were, that people need to take personal responsibility for their families and themselves (which brings me back to our octo-mom and her most recent bout of press: the hospital is supposedly looking at the home situation before they release the babies to her care - to which I saw - It's about time!).
Extreme Home Makeover -- KatRose, Tuesday, March 03, 10:00:19 [4]
I just got a note from my friend out at the Forever Wild Exotic Animals Sanctuary - the place where I periodically volunteer with the tigers - they were part of the ABC show Extreme Home Makeover and their episode is airing on 3/29! I'm thrilled to pieces by the news, but am curious as a "kat" about how the show will deal with the exotic animals that live on the property.
I can't wait to see it and hope y'all will tune in too.
Status checks -- Ninja_Girl, Monday, February 16, 21:22:23 [14]
Three questions have come to mind lately -
1. Heather, are you doing okay during the divorce process?
2. How is Jagglebelle? It's been several weeks since hearing.
3. Are you fully settled into your new digs, Texasbrat? Are the kids liking school and finding friends? Hubby's job what he had hoped it would be? TB is happy there?
I'm dropping in this morning to drop a very sad message from Jennifer today... -- KH, Thursday, February 12, 7:11:23 [7]
I'm sure over the years you've all read many posts about Jennifer's Mom's beloved companion Princess Midge. Jennifer called me this morning and I report today with a very saddened heart that Midge passed away in her sleep last night. My heart goes out to Jennifer's Mom and Jennifer. For those of us who have pets, we understand they are such a wonderful part of your family/life with their unconditional love and devotion and just their mere presence, that losing them is devastating. I was fortunate to meet this adorable little dog and being a dog owner myself, my heart just breaks for them. My heart and thoughts are with you Mom and Jennifer and Take Care.
I'll let Jennifer explain Midge's health problems when she is able to get onto the board.
Sometimes life throws you a curveball..... -- Jennifer, Wednesday, February 04, 19:34:56 [4]
I got some sad news today, from one of my contact at the Brain Tumor Foundation.
As you all know, I am the chairperson of an event that my boating group hosts for the special kids of Brain Tumor Foundation, Make-A-Wish, and Starlight/Starbright foundations. We provide some special kids and their families a day at the lake, with a picnic and boat rides. Kat comes out every year to photograph the event for us.
Anyway, today I got word that two of the "special" kids that came to the Reynolds Rendezvous in 2008 have passed on. I know we didn't know the kids very well, but they brought us such joy in such a short period of time.
I hope in some way, we were able to bring a little joy into their lives as well, and Sherry said the moments that Sophie got to smile were rare, and that the pictures of her in the boat where she's smiling are worth a thousand words.
So I am humbled this evening, and ask you all to keep Sophie and Audrea's families in your thoughts and prayers.
I believe Kat will post a couple of pictures later of both Sophie and Audrea.
Is it Spring yet??? -- Northstar, Tuesday, January 27, 1:09:13 [3]
Is there anyone else out there who is wishing spring would hurry up and just get here. I'm getting sick of snow, ice, wind and cold temps!! UGH My fave times of the year are spring and fall. I'm actually one of those that breaks out in little itty bitty blisters if I get too hot so summer is not my fave time of year. LOL
Hey, Kat, have you filed your tax return yet? -- Texasbrat, Monday, January 19, 4:58:25 [4]
Just saw a blurb on the news that California is broke, and many people will receive I.O.U's instead of dollars on their state refunds. Apparently, if you've already filed, you may actually get your money.
Sounds like a real bummer for California residents.
Hello -- Northstar, Monday, January 12, 14:34:50 [16]
Well, it sure has been a while since I've been here but I didn't have the 'net for a long time and I just got it back. So this is a big hello from a friend from the past. I know I'll be back :-)
Ode to Christmas....LOL! Knowing me, you know that there has to be a story!!!! -- Jennifer, Saturday, January 03, 8:06:21 [8]
Christmas is over...my question is where did it go and how in the heck did I miss most of it? The answer to that is pretty simple, my life got turned upside down thanks to my sister, god love her.
First I always pick up some extra hours for some extra bucks at the UPS Store...so working retail during the madness might of made me miss out some...I'm sure it accounted for some of the grump factor LOL!
Then my sister schedules not ONE but TWO mini-vacations in December. I'm like WTH, but she had most of the month of December off so there you have it. The first was only from Saturday to Tuesday, they went to N'awlins and then 5 days later embarked to Las Vegas. That was only supposed to be a Sunday to Wednesday adventure, meaning when I left there on Wed. morning all was good...yeah right...Vegas on that day got more snow than they've ever gotten, and of course all flights were cancelled. So I trudge back to the Taj Mahal (that's what I call their house, I mean seriously 5 bedrooms for 2 people and a spazoid Jack Russell)...Helta (that's Delta) had them on a flight out Thursday, but of course that flight was cancelled due to a mechanical failure. Mind you their luggage has somehow made it home (so much for Homeland Security, I thought no unmatched bags i.e. no bags without their owners would be allowed on a commercial aircraft) and they are stuck. So I'm back at the Taj Mahal, just waiting word on when exactly Helta is going to be able to get them home. And remember this is the weekend before Christmas, so not only is every single flight booked, they are SERIOUSLY overbooked. She is #30 on a stand-by list, what are the chances of GASP actually making a flight? So in their infinite wisdom, HELTA decides to get them to Atlanta via Los Angeles. There are seats on an LA flight to ATL, but of course they get to LA, and because they weren't able to check in an hour before flight (gee dumbasses they were in the air) HELTA gives their seats away, so now they are stuck in LA. Thankfully my sister had a very good friend (the ones they were in Vegas with) whose husband came and got them, and of course my California Bud offered as well...This is Friday, and the earliest CONFIRMED seats HELTA can get them is Sunday. So they go to Wally World and purchase some ahem necessary clothing items, and yes finally make it home on Sunday. So I spent 4 extra nights at the Taj Mahal, which threw me off as well.
In the middle of all this, I'm dealing with a stupid cat who has been battling crystals in in urine for about a month. Damn vet put her on antibiotic...then some PEOPLE anti-depressant that's supposed to relax the bladder, and finally the Monday before Christmas I take her back in cause she's not getting any better. They want to keep her for the afternoon and give her fluids so they can get a "pee" sample. I ask what time they close, and am told 6:30. I call at 5:45, and am told they got their sample, the Doctor is examining it, and will call me. Okay I have until 6:30 right? At 6:15, I decide to once again call, and get "You've reached Auburn Animal Hospital." I'm like WTF, and their hours are until 6....and then the machine tells me that its not set to take any messages, so I will have to call back when they are open. I'm yelling at the phone "You have my cat!!!" I spent a worrisome night, and got madder and madder at the vet, and didn't sleep much at all. Call first thing Tuesday, and they want to keep her cause of the XRay. I'm like that's fine, but you should've called me YESTERDAY to tell me this! Anyway, I went to visit, and the poor pathetic thing was laying in her litter box. So I take off my shirt (my denim ACBS shirt) to leave as a kinda comfort for her. Anyway, she won't be home until the Friday AFTER Christmas, which was a bummer....More on that later....
Yeah its Christmas Eve! Not much happening, decide to spend the night at Mom's. She wakes up first Christmas morning, cause of course Princess Midge has to go out. Mom settles in with her coffee, with the Princess sitting at the door to the downstairs bedroom (where I am) wanting in. So Mom puts her on the bed with me, and she proceeds to walk on the back of the pillows trying to find "her" spot, and I feel something hit my head, and then a few seconds later "sniff sniff" as I shot up noticed she had pooped on the pillow, which of course had hit my head first. Yes! Merry Christmas to me from Princess Midge! I start laughing, she's oblivious and curls up on the pillow, Mom comes in and starts laughing it was one of those moments where you want to say "where's the candid camera?"
We had a good Christmas, lots of good food, good friends and family and of course a Christmas Story on TBS. My day ends with me getting to my house, its rainy and cold, but I know the garbage and recycles have to get to the curb for tomorrow. So I do this, and then where are my keys? Can't find them anywhere, I of course had thrown them in the garbage, so I have to empty the can on the driveway, using the headlights to sift through, because I can't get into the house with my house key. The day starts with me getting sh*t on by a Shih-Tzu and ends with me dumpster diving. Merry Christmas to me!
Finally Friday...the day Sassafrass can come home. I go to get her, and they hand me this thing that I don't recognize. Its my favorite shirt, they've thrown it in the washer with bleach and its totally ruined. On top of that, I have a $431.00 vet bill, so once again Merry Christmas to me! LOL LOL LOL!
Yes Sassy appears fine. A change in diet, of course I go from 7 bucks a bag to 25, tell me again why I have cats? LOL LOL LOL!
I hope everyone had a good holiday, and is staying safe.
Prayers needed -- KatRose, Wednesday, December 10, 14:39:28 [19]
One of my new colleagues got married over the weekend. After the reception ended and most of the guests had headed back to their hotel rooms, the groom dove into the swimming pool not realizing it was only four feet deep. He fractured two of his vertebrae and had to be airlifted to San Diego for surgery.
At this moment they know the surgery went well, but he still doesn't have any sensation from his chest down. They're hopeful that once the swelling goes down, that will change, but it will still be months before he's able to be up and moving on his own. Kristen and their combined families are staying at a hotel nearby and sitting with Frank to keep his spirits up and help him start early rehab (keeping the muscle moving, etc). It looks like they'll be down there for a couple of weeks and then coming back to L.A. for home and more rehab.
Any thoughts and prayers will be greatly appreciated. It's hard enough to have a loved one injured, but it seems especially cruel to happen on the night of the wedding.
Photos for sale -- KatRose, Wednesday, December 31, 20:01:31 [1]
I re-opened my Cafe Press store. If you're interested in note cards, greeting cards, or a 2009 calendar, please stop by.
Merry Christmas to each of you -- Ninja_Girl, Tuesday, December 23, 6:57:01 [3]
The best of the season to my friends. I consider it a blessing to have become acquainted with you via the internet and look forward to many more years of friendship.
I love recipes and sharing them, so here are recipe gifts for you that could be useful in the next week. The first two happen to be Pampered Chef recipes since I sell the stuff (go to my website every month for a couple of new recipes - http://www.pamperedchef.biz/yourchefjackie ), and one contains CHOCOLATE! The third is from a friend, a hearty dip recipe that goes fast, so you might want to make a double recipe if you are serving more than 4.
FRUIT AND OAT SCONES
1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
1/2 cup dried mixed dried fruit (chopped raisins or currants work fine, as do dried cranberries or apricots)
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 400° F. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and mix just until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 8-10 times. Roll or pat out dough into a 9 inch circle, about 1/2 inch thick.
Place dough on round baking stone or a greased pizza pan. Dip a long knife in flour and cut dough into 12 wedges; separate wedges slightly. Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over dough.
Bake for 15-17 minutes. Serve warm. Great with warm drink.
(Sometimes instead of cutting wedges, I make several criss-cross cuts to create smaller squares. Kids like the smaller pieces, and they are easier to hold and eat.)
CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
1/2 cup crunchy-style peanut butter
3/4 cup vegetable shortening or margarine
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 package (6 ounces) chocolate morsels
Preheat oven to 375°F. Measure peanut butter, shortening and brown sugar into Classic Batter Bowl using Measure-All® Cup. Add granulated sugar, egg and vanilla; beat until thoroughly combined. In Small Batter Bowl, stir together flour, baking soda and salt. Add to peanut butter mixture; mix well. Stir in chocolate morsels.
Using Medium Scoop (2 tbsp.), drop batter 2 inches apart onto Rectangle Stone or cookie sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes; remove cookies to Stackable Cooling Rack to cool.
Yield: 4 dozen cookies
HOT CHICKEN DIP
1 (10 oz.) can of cooked chicken, white meat, or homecooked
1 (8 oz) bar of cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 (4.5 oz.)can mushrooms drained
1/2 cup sliced almonds (save a few to sprinkle over the top)
Stir ingredients together; heat till bubbly. Serve warm with Ritz-type crackers or your favorite as dippers. The recipe stays hot very well in a 1-quart Crock Pot.
The northeast is checking in.... -- Heather, Saturday, December 13, 16:25:46 [2]
Well we are in the heart of the devastation...the main roads are somewhat open, no power, no cell, limited phone. We were lucky the trees that fell just missed! One tree landed on the truck but the big steel ladder racks saved the truck! Same tree just missed the neighbors cars and house. Only damage we seem to have is the steel roof is bent from the ice weight, nothing worth claiming.
We have a generator heating the house, otherwise it's camping girl scout style! Heated and a roof! Word is the main transmission lines are down and we won't have anything until late next week.
I'll try to stay in touch but phone service comes and goes!
Any word from Shaz, heard the tide was higher than usual.
Holiday Tipping -- KatRose, Saturday, December 06, 20:39:44 [6]
I just read an article http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/the-shocking-rules-on-tipping-this-holiday-season-323658/ that has me a bit flabbergasted. It says, basically, there's "a rule" that during the holiday season you should tip your stylist/manicurist/massage therapist/etc 100% of their fee as a gratuity. i.e. if you're charge $50 for a haircut, you'd give them a $50 tip, so you'd be paying $100.
What do you think? Do you tip extra over the holidays? Who do you tip and is it cash or goodies?
For me, since I used to work in the service industry before tip jars because so ubiquitous at the coffee house or donut shop, I have a hard time tipping for non-individual services. If I go to a restaurant or a stylist, I'll leave a tip commissurate with the level of service (15% for average, 20% for excellent), but I don't tip at Starbucks or the lunch counter at work. It seems that there's a tip jar or can at nearly every cash register at most establishments around. To that I say: WTF??
When I waited tabled years ago, I was paid $2.01/hour (minimum wage was $3.75, I think), so my income needed the tips I got. But that's why I worked so hard to be nice to the customers and take care of their needs, so I would deserve the 15% and hope to get even more. Sometimes I did, sometimes I didn't. At least I never got the dreaded penny - which was a HUGE indication that you did very very poorly. But because I was nice and treated each customer like they were special, I usually got enough to make my rent and buy groceries. Even then, I worked two jobs, one where I got tipped (sit-down restaurant) and one where I didn't (Burger King).
When did it become obligatory to give someone a tip? Wasn't the point of a tip/gratuity to give a little extra for the service? Have American service workers developed a sense of entitlement that they don't deserve or am I woefully out of touch with what is truly acceptable and reasonable in today's society?
I get the newspaper delivered every day from the LA Times. I pay my bill in a timely manner, I live in an apartment complex where at least 1/3 of us get the paper and I have never met nor seen my delivery person. Yet every year at this time, I get a self-addressed envelope stuck to the front page of my paper with a note attached that says, "thank you for letting me serve you this past year. Your gift is much appreciated." HUH?? So not only are they expecting a tip, but they're soliciting for it too AND providing the means to get it? Pardon me for saying this again, but W.T.F??
I don't think I'm cheap. I say "please" and "thank you" whenever I'm out at stores or restaurants. I smile at the staff and employees. I try to make them feel like they're not just some faceless, nameless entity. But I also don't feel like I should be made to feel that I have to give anyone a tip just because they did their jobs. Am I wrong? Should I be using my pocketbook more to augment someone else's sense of self-worth and their rent check? What do you think?
Anywhere but here! (NT) -- Heather being short and too the point, Wednesday, December 03, 19:08:41
Hey, TexasBrat! -- Ninja_Girl, Saturday, October 04, 7:29:29 [7]
What's up with your relocation? Last we heard, you were escaping Hurricane Ike and dealing with old folks who are uncooperative medically. I don't know which would be worse.
Checking in....and thinking fo becoming a nun.... -- Heather, Saturday, November 22, 17:58:27 [8]
Well short story is I'm getting divorced, papers have been files and got a date... Jerk wants everything and I'm at the point of letting him have it all and becoming a nun!
Currently going through my stuff and getting rid of what I don't need. First to go was the risque items... nuns don't need such things!
So anyone ever gone though this.... any advice?
Back to cleaning out the closet!
PS for those that have my email it has changed to a gmail account.
Good news! -- KatRose, Friday, November 21, 22:52:00 [7]
I was offered full-time employment at the studio today. I start as an official staffer on Monday! I can't tell you how thrilled I am about this. Not just because it's a steady paycheck with benefits - though that's important - it's because I like my boss and my colleagues. What a change from my last job.
There's been a lot of concern about my "going back" to being an assistant after managing my own department, which is why I was temping in the job for the last month. I can say I'm probably the only one who wasn't concerned about the change. I'm a darn good assistant. This is what I've done for most of my career. Why would I see that as "going back" to anything. Especially since I never went looking for the manager position, it was handed to me with a "you'll take it unless you're stupid and I know you're not stupid." LOL
Turns out I was probably stupid for having put up with that job for as long as I did, but I learned a lot about myself and how to handle difficult peoplee. All of that is valuable information and one that should give me years of reflection to use as I continue to grow.
So, I go into the holidays I have something very good to be thankful for: a job, a place where I'm wanted and people who I enjoy being with. What more of a present could I ask for?
SoCal Fires -- KatRose, Saturday, November 15, 19:30:25 [9]
I could use your prayers tonight. My sister's family is down in Yorba Linda dealing with the fires that have taken over their part of town. Her mother-in-law is under mandatory evacutation, and it appears that the fire has moved to the far end of her street. My sister loaded the car with papers, computers, cameras, photo albums, kids and hubby and headed out to a friend's place because they could see the flames cresting the hill less than 1/2 mile from their home.
I know they're going to be okay, everyone is safe and sound. But it breaks my heart to hear the weariness and resignation in her voice as she said, "I saved everything of importance, if I lose the house, I lose the house."
It feels strange and a little terrifying here in the LA/OC area today. A friend who lives out in Santa Clarita is cut off completely from getting into LA because they've closed all the freeways that lead between the two areas. I can't get to my sister's part of town (even before she started to evacuate) because they closed down the freeways that abutted her area. If there was any need for me to leave San Fernando Valley, I'd have one option: the 101, which is the only option anyone else has too.
The smell of smoke and flitter of ash in the air makes this all so surreal. I was out at the Sylmar fire last night (I saw it as I crested Sepulveda Pass on my way home from a screening) and spent about two hours taking pictures. It was smoky and very windy, but I never suspected that when I woke up this morning the fire would have spread so far and so fast. Then to have it hit Palos Verde and then Yorba Linda? I know they're not technically related (embers don't fly *that* far), but it really does feel a bit like I expect hell to.
Great pictures! -- Deemus, Saturday, November 22, 15:14:57 [1]
I haven't checked in here lately, but I stopped by today and had to comment on the photos. The yellow flower at the top is stunning, and the fire pictures are dramatic and actually frightening. Great photo work!
Hope things are going well for everyone here. Good luck in your new job, KatRose.
AmyLynn's in L.A.!! -- KatRose, Wednesday, June 18, 20:21:52 [9]
I just wanted to give y'all a heads-up...AmyLynn's meeting me at the studio tomorrow for lunch. So if you hear of an earthquake or an errant Aquabago incident or the studio disappearing in a sinkhole, you'll know why. LOL
Breast cancer awareness -- Katrose, Monday, October 06, 18:52:49 [5]
Two things:
1)
Favor to ask, it only takes a minute....
Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on 'donating a mammogram' for free (pink window in the middle).
This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammograms in exchange for advertising.
While this is an amazing story and, imho, vital for all women to watch, it touches me even closer than that. The reason? Dr. Slamon, the subject of the movie, is someone I work with every year at the Revlon Run/Walk for Women's Cancers over Mother's Day weekend. He is an amazing man who has done so much for women everywhere. It was at the Revlon Run/Walk in, I believe, 1999 that Dr. Slamon announced that Herceptin had been approved for clinical trials by the FDA and that it was curing women of Stage 4 breast cancer.
I'm thrilled to pieces that this story is coming to TV. I can only hope that the portrayals of the key people (Dr. Slamon, Lilly Tartikoff, etc) are along the lines of what I've seen and known all these years.
Calling in sick to work -- KatRose, Tuesday, October 07, 9:51:58 [3]
We've all had trouble with our animals, but I don't think anyone can top this one:
Calling in sick to work makes me uncomfortable. No matter how legitimate my excuse, I always get the feeling that my boss thinks I'm lying.
On one recent occasion, I had a valid reason but lied anyway, because the truth was just too darned humiliating. I simply mentioned that I had sustained a head injury, and I hoped I would feel up to coming in the next day. By then, I reasoned, I could think up a doozy to explain the bandage on the top of my head. The accident occurred mainly because I had given in to my wife's wishes to adopt a cute little kitten.
Initially, the new acquisition was no problem.
Then one morning, I was taking my shower after breakfast when I heard my wife, Deb, call out to me from the kitchen.
'Honey! The garbage disposal is dead again. Please come reset it.'
'You know where the button is,' I protested through the shower pitter-patter and steam. 'Reset it yourself!'
'But I'm scared!' she persisted. 'What if it starts going and sucks me in?'
There was a meaningful pause and then, 'C'mon, it'll only take you a second.'
So out I came, dripping wet and butt naked, hoping that my silent outraged nudity would make a statement about how I perceived her behavior as extremely cowardly.
Sighing loudly, I squatted down and stuck my head under the sink to find the button. It is the last action I remember performing.
It struck without warning, and without any respect to my circumstances. No, it wasn't the hexed disposal, drawing me into its gnashing metal teeth. It was our new kitten, who discovered the fascinating dangling objects she spied hanging between my legs. She had been poised around the corner and stalked me as I reached under the sink. And, at the precise moment when I was most vulnerable, she leapt at the toys I unwittingly offered and snagged them with her needle-like claws. I lost all rational thought to control orderly bodily movements, blindly rising at a violent rate of speed, with the full weight of a kitten hanging from my masculine region.
Wild animals are sometimes faced with a 'fight or flight' syndrome. Men, in this predicament, choose only the 'flight' option. I know this from experience. I was fleeing straight up into the air when the sink and cabinet bluntly and forcefully impeded my ascent. The impact knocked me out cold.
When I awoke, my wife and the paramedics stood over me.
Now there are not many things in this life worse than finding oneself lying on the kitchen floor butt naked in front of a group of 'been-there, done-that' paramedics. Even worse, having been fully briefed by my wife, the paramedics were all snorting loudly as they tried to conduct their work, all the while trying to suppress their hysterical laughter.... ..and not succeeding.
Somehow I lived through it all. A few days later I finally made it back in to the office, where colleagues tried to coax an explanation out of me about my head injury. I kept silent, claiming it was too painful to talk about, which it was.
'What's the matter?' They all asked, 'Cat got your tongue?'
Surgery Update! -- shippermom, Thursday, October 02, 7:56:02 [4]
As of last night she had come through a four hour surgery and was in recovery. They had checked and it had not spread so it is out! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming for a speedy recovery.
Prayer Request -- shippermom, Thursday, September 11, 8:02:36 [8]
We just found out yesterday that my sister has colon cancer and we could use all of the prayers and positive thoughts we can get. She had a CT scan yesterday to see if it has spread. We are awaiting the results and I will let you know when I know. Thank you
Where is everyone? -- shippermom, Thursday, August 14, 10:37:34 [21]
What is everyone up to? This board is soooo quiet. We are taking a last few trips before school starts and enjoying some sun. How about you?
Ninja_Girl, Thursday, August 20, 8:48:30 [5] 
Octuplets and social responsibility -- KatRose, Monday, February 09, 14:18:12 [16] 
(NT) -- KatRose, Thursday, February 12, 10:36:03
Sometimes life throws you a curveball..... -- Jennifer, Wednesday, February 04, 19:34:56 [4] 
(NT) -- KatRose, Wednesday, February 04, 22:18:02
LOL! Makes me feel better about my boring Christmas. (NT) -- Shaz, Tuesday, January 06, 14:31:14
(NT) -- KatRose, Tuesday, December 02, 9:02:11
Good news! -- KatRose, Friday, November 21, 22:52:00 [7] 
(NT) -- KatRose, Saturday, November 15, 21:04:48
I have just sent this message to all of my friends and hope that they will pass it along. (NT) -- shippermom, Monday, October 06, 20:51:44
