junima
[Recent Entries][Archive][Friends][User Info]
Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in the "junima" journal:[<< Previous 20 entries]
|
12:29 am
[Link] |
These are the times that try one's soul...
I know this will pass, as it has before, but I grow weary of the fight. My DH's position was eliminated as of July 17. Since it was posted on career builders on July 21, we feel that it may have been a money issue, since the job description was the same, but the title had been changed. His hours had been reduced the month before, so it doesn't take a rocket scientist... Other folks were "eliminated" the same week, others right before.
Trying to find a position when you're over 60 ain't easy. I'm trying to be supportive, I did a new resume, I have emailed, set up his unemployment stuff online--the good wife. He has a possible, but the owner is out of town til the 18th, so we must still do the jobsearch until such time as a decision is made, so that we can draw unemployment benefits. Only one drawback--the local classified can be put on a post-it. I am praying about that possible--one of his business contacts referred him, and was instrumental in getting him the interview. In the meantime, I paste on a smile,and write on my blog.
Current Mood:  depressed
|
|
03:39 pm
[Link] |
It's the little things...
1) Dinner out Saturday (treated by Sean and his family)for my birthday. Got a handmade card from Emma, and one, plus some additional artwork, from Sara. Warmed this ole Mom-Mom's heart. Sara drew a picture on the menu and included DH. She even included his mustache and beard! Really cute. Dinner was yummy, and I got a piece of Raspberry/Vanilla cheesecake to take home for later-it was wondrously tasty.
2) Jim bought me my own bag of pistachios! My favorite guilty pleasure. Now there's a salmonella scare--DAG! Guess I'll read up on the government info, and put them away for now.
3) On Sunday, I was cleaning out the hermit crab's domicile --yeah, I'm a nerd--and found the the smaller of the two was out of his shell. I found some larger shells and put them around him, but I was afraid he was dying. I figured that I would at least try to save him. The bigger one I thought was gone, but he had just molted, and his new shell wasn't hardened yet-WHEW! Monday, little dude was still not in a shell, but was still alive, so I just let him be, and was prepared to find him gone this morning. SURPRISE! He found a shell he liked, and when I picked it up (trying to find him} he waggled his legs at me. I always thought if they were out of a shell for too long, they would die, but 2 days must not be too long! These two have been in my possesion for at least three years, so I must be doing something right.
|
|
09:46 pm
[Link] |
Happy Birthday to me!
I have entered the 7th decade of life. Considering last summer, it's a rather big deal. I had a decent day at work. My birthday buddy brought in a beautiful sheetcake. It was a Spring scene, with blue sky, green grass (colored sugars) with white puffy clouds, tiny 3D flowers, dragonflies, a little bee, and a ladybug! Raspberry filling! 'Twas yummy!
Sean called, and Sara sang Happy Birthday! She said she made a picture of a cake for me! This is quite the big deal for her to do. Dear FIL send a lovely card, with some gifty $$, and called and sang to me also. Quite sweet.
As an added surprise, my DDIL Julie's brother and his wife had their second child today-Brendan Michael! I really was just kidding when I said that the 26th would be a great day for the baby to be born! So-who cares if it rained? It was a day of "yummy goodness".
|
|
11:53 pm
[Link] |
Friday the 13th...
So--work went reasonably well. Had a dentist appointment with the hygienist. One little cavity-no big deal. Came home to DH to watch tv, have supper, the usual. At about 7pm-POP! no picture on the set. Great sound. just no picture. And so tomorrow, we drop off the Monte Carlo to have the brakes looked at, amd go tv shopping. I thought I was gonna get away with it!
|
|
11:10 pm
[Link] |
What the HELL was I thinking????
I actually volunteered to work tomorrow from 7am to 11am. It is a good thing I only live 20 minutes away! I try to do this every once in a while, though, since those folks were very flexible with my work schedule when I needed them to be. They never once said no. It's little concessions that foster some loyalty, at least with me.
|
|
10:56 am
[Link] |
Happy Birthday, DFIL
My DFIL turned 87 on 2/2. We took him, and son w/family out to dinner yesterday. It was very nice. DGD 9 is excited that I am going to babysit later today. She misses me!
She's planning some activities for us. Her choices should be interesting.
|
|
10:17 pm
[Link] |
25 things about me
I got tagged!
1. I will be married 37 years on February 5. It has been interesting, sometimes frustrating, sometimes joyous. Just a typical, long term marriage, I suppose.
2. I'll be 61 in March. All things being considered, especially 2008, with all its drama, WOOHOOOO
3. I retired from Verizon in December 2002, after 34.5 years. I loved what I did, but it was changing from face-to face work with clients to totally on-line training, and the fun went out of the experience. I think I got out just in time for me.
4. I now work part-time for a call center (20 hours a week). I'll be there three years this April. Pay is decent, and the people are really nice, but I look forward to retiring again!
5. I still enjoy motherhood-I like to believe that my son and I are still close, although I don't live in his back pocket anymore! His wife is wonderful, warm, and a great mom to the special joys-the two granddaughters.
6. I like to read, Stephen King and Dean Koontz especially, but I'll read pretty much anything-magazines, newspapers, cereal boxes...
7. I'm a good cook, but "everyday" meals get boring. I can, however, time it out so it's all done together.
8. I enjoy crafts, but I haven't done a lot lately. I crochet (thread mostly), knit a bit, sew a bit. Maybe come Spring.
9. I garden-have a wee one in front of the house. With all that happened this summer, I kinda let it fend for itself. I promise I'll do better this year.
10. I enjoy my son's friends. They're all good people, and I look on them as extended family.
11. My favorite color is purple or any variation thereof. I think I need more of it in my wardrobe.
12. I am a frustrated English teacher. I correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation in books. I can't help myself. And SIGNS! and ADS! I just want to smack the proofreader.
13. I have a Siamese cat named Jeffrey who sleeps on, not by, my feet. He will come running if I sneeze, and try to bite me. He does not do this to my hubby.
14. I'm not fond of red meat. I do eat ground beef, meatloaf, burgers, etc., but I don't eat roast beef, steak, liver(ewwww) unless I can't find a good excuse. An occasional pork chop, no ham, rarely bacon (love it, dietary restrictions) work their way into my diet.
15. I'm from Baltimore, hon, so I love blue crab, shrimp, most fish. Oysters in stew, clams in chowder (Boston, please).
16. I have 2 hermit crabs that are at least 3 years with me.
17. I have two younger brothers-fraternal twins who look nothing alike.
18. I sometimes write poetry, mostly free verse, some fairly good.
19. I love live theater, but the budget doesn't allow me to see much locally. I was in Drama Club and Glee Club in high school, and never lost the wonder. I seemed to have passed on those genes to my son. And the elder granddaughter is a drama queen in her own right!
20. I drive a Kia Sedona minivan. It has all the bells and whistles that I didn't have on my beloved Dodge Caravan. I loved that Caravan, and cried when I left her behind. She served me well. This one is really nice, though, and I'm spoiled by all the goodies.
21. I am the eternal optimist. I do try to see the good side of everyone and everything.
22. I believe in God, and I believe He belives in me. I'm not as religious as I should be, but I feel I'm a good person, with only the best intentions.
23. I still enjoy my daily newspaper. It "ain't what it used to be", but reading on-line is just not the same. I NEEED to hold the paper, book, magazine, in my hands to really enjoy the experience.
24. I would feel lost without my laptop. I like checking my bank account, paying bills, having on-line friends with similar interests, having answers available when I have questions. It makes the world that I cannot physically reach, reachable.
25. I just got a Facebook account. Now I need to learn how to work it!
|
|
10:40 pm
[Link] |
It'll grow out....
Finally went for a haircut today. Apparently my stylist left after my last visit. New stylist, same description--cut out around the ears, shortish, tapered in the back (NOT a pointed taper, but a / to the neckline). Leave enough to hit with a curling iron if I wanna. Maybe in a month or so. It is extremely short. Not even CLOSE to what I described. Will have to wash. blow dry, and see what I can do to disguise the "style".
I should have figured there was trouble when she used an electric razor around the ears. I know I'm 60, but, geesh! Just what I need--less hair = more face = see my crinkles! DAG!!!
|
|
03:58 pm
[Link] |
All things considered...
Colonosopy went well-all clear! Wheeee! Okay, now we need to do am endoscopy-down the throat for a look see. Dearly beloved son took me on the 30th. I have peptic ulcers! There's the reason for my anemia (no symptoms, though-a good thing) ANOTHER pill-up to 11 a day now, and Nexium ain't cheap!
Got home on Oct 1, voice mail reminding me of an appointment with a diabetes educator on Friday the 3rd, at 10 am. Ooooookay. Minor detail--nobody told me! Apparently, my endocrinologist's office set it up and failed to tell me! Called and canceled until I got a referral (done today). I'll call and set up THAT appointment. . And I get to have another endo procedure on the 28th of this month. Helluva reason to have lunch with my kid. But, at least, I'M STILL HERE!!!!
|
|
04:12 pm
[Link] |
New Native American Name!
So, I get home from work on Thursday, the 4th. Phone rings, I answer. This is X from Dr. Y's office. Your blood test came back indicating anemia. You need to come in for additional tests (more blood, apparently). No problem-on vacation next week, so totally do-able. Next sentence--you need to have a colonoscopy to rule out any other problems, since anemia can be indicative of some gastro-intestinal issues. Swell, just swell!
I have the appointment for that next Friday. My dearly beloved son is taking me, since DH used up his vacation among his mom, dad and my recent issues. (and yes, it means I'll be home alone all week, getting reeallllly friendly with the porcelain throne.)
I have assumed the name"LITTLE BLACK CLOUD", which makes perfect sense to anyone who has been keeping up.
Current Mood: crappy
|
|
08:41 pm
[Link] |
and so it goes...
Endocrinologist visit on Wednesday. He's basically happy with the way my glucose levels are going. Found a nodule on my thyroid. Back I go on Friday. Four needle aspirations later,(and no odd cells or somesuch), a sonogram is sheduled for Tuesday, the 19th. This is to make sure nothing untoward is happening, as the nodule was smaller and less firm on Friday than when he found it on Wednesday. .
Even my primary care doc doesn't want to see me unless something unusual happens-said I have enough docs poking at me already!
Current Mood:  grumpy
|
|
12:34 pm
[Link] |
June, July,and now it's August
It's been an interesting coupla months. On 6-11, last day of school for the little ones, I had to call 911 and Sean, in that order. Told him to call his dad, and take the girls to school. Turns out I had a myocardial infarction. No damage to the actual heart muscle, but I had 4 stents put in due to blockages. While at the CCU, I had a doppler done on my carotid arteries, and had a 98% blockage on the right side. So...surgery scheduled for 6-30. BTW, also diabetic-on insulin.
On 6-30, I go in for pre-op, and tell them I took ONE nitroglycerin pill the night before. Decision is made to send me back to the CCU and have the "into the groin, sfter which you must lay flat and not move your leg" dye run through to make sure no new heart issues. Okay-passed! While waiting for my turn for the operating room, I feel like I need to cough. I need to sit up to do that--NOPE! I kept saying I need to sit up and cough. Break out in major flop sweat. and I remember screaming "help me NOW! I can't breathe!" Woke up thinking surgery done, and it's Monday afternoon. NOPE again. It's Thursday nite, and I have been unconscious and on multiple machines since Monday morning. Diagnosis-flash edema (congestive heart failure).
Surgery rescheduled to 7-21. This time all went well. Had some new interns come in to say hi--@@. Within earshot of hubby they discuss the reasons why I should have had neurological damage! NOPE again. Apparently, for as sick as I was on 6-30 (heart stoppage, bright blue Smurfette due to hypoxia (no oxygen), and such, I'm actually in very good shape! AND I'VE LOST 13 POUNDS!!!! WHOOO HOOOO!
|
|
11:54 pm
[Link] |
Mid-April Ruminations
The tax-man cometh, and grabbeth all my money. The older I get, the less I got, and the more they want what I ain't got!!
DH catches up with me on the birthdays tomorrow (or today, depending on when I finish this).
I got a promotion at my part-time job-a nice little bump in pay, and a special project to give my life meaning (cough, cough). Actually, I had mentioned that it was something I'd like to try. I want to organize, edit, and update the online reference material that we use in our jobs. I need to learn how to do keywords and get a better handle on links, so when you type in ABC, it'll take you where you want to go, and the blue keywords will take you to additional info if you need it. I've asked for a test site so I can try things without screwing with the real site until I'm ready to bring it over. I know it will save time with editing, since I could edit in place, rather than creating a word-doc copy, doing a rename, and inserting in place of the original. This is on an intranet site, so we shall see.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
Current Mood:  optimistic
|
|
11:05 pm
[Link] |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
Today I reached another milestone! I reached the big 60! The weather cooperated and it was warm and sunny. I get a nice check from DFIL, and he called and sang "Happy Birthday" to me. It was sweet, as he and DMIL did this every year, and I could hear a little sadness in his voice, but he perservered. Got a cute card from the DH, and a promise of a shopping jaunt later. I want to wait til I'm really in the right frame of mind, and plan my purchases.
The young ones are off this week, so I have a bonus of sleeping in a bit, since I don't have to be on the road til 9, rather than 7:10.
All in all, with dinner with the kids and kidlets planned for Saturday, a VERY GOOD DAY!
Current Mood:  giddy
|
|
11:47 am
[Link] |
My mother-in-law passed away 2/28
Apparently she died in her sleep, was discovered "unconscious and unresponsive" at the rehab center. I feel sadness at her passing, but I honestly feel that she hadn't had the will to live/get better in months. She canceled multiple doctor's visits in the past few months, and was content to lie in the bed. She refused to get up and even get in a wheelchair. She wasn't eating properly, even after the doctors told he she needed more meat and veggies.
I feel worse for my father-in-law. He hasn't been able to get there this past week or so, since he is recovering from chemo. He is suffering from guilt. We are trying to make him see he did the best he could. He was by her side almost daily since July. He had her placed in the best rehab center in the area. He tried everything to encourage her to participate in her wellness plan. She just wasn't buying into it. The emotional toll on him was tremendous.
They were married almost 62 years. This will be a very stressful time for our little family.
Current Mood: sad
|
|
09:00 pm
[Link] |
stolen from ORK who stole it from....
1) Are you currently in a serious relationship? Yes-36th anniversary on 2/5
2) What was your dream growing up? Teach English
3) What talent do you wish you had? Play the piano
4) If I bought you a drink what would it be? Bloody Mary
5) Favorite vegetable? Lima Beans
6) What was the last book you read? "Whirlwind" by Joseph R Garber
7) What zodiac sign are you? Aries
8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where. Piercings-ears
9) Worst Habit? NOT eating breakfast
10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride? You betcha!
11) What is your favorite sport? Baseball, although I like Professional football too
12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude? Usually optimistic
13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
14) Worst thing to ever happen to you? My mom dying when I was 16
15) Tell me one weird fact about you. uhmmmm-I like to watch "Poker After Dark"???
16) Do you have any pets? Yes, 1 Siamese male cat (Jeffrey) and 5 hermit crabs
17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly? If you knew me, you wouldn't!
18) What was your first impression of me? Tall, nice, and what the H*** is he doing with HER?
19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary? In a circus-cute, up close and personal, not so much
20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? I'd be 3 inches taller
21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? Depends on the crime..
22) What color eyes do you have? Brown
23) Ever been arrested? Nope
24) Bottle or can soda? Cans nowadays
25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it? Buy a top of the line washer and dryer, pay bills with the leftovers
26) What do you want to see or do before you die? I'd love 2 weeks (paid) in Hawaii
27) What's your favorite place to hang at? I'm nearly 60, I don't "hang" anymore!
28) Do you believe in ghosts? Yes
29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time? Read
30) Do you swear a lot? Not as much as I'd like!
31) Biggest pet peeve? George Bush????
32) In one word, how would you describe yourself? Caring
33) Do you believe/appreciate romance? Yes-see question 1
34) Do you believe in God? Yes
35) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you? Yes
Current Mood:  curious
|
|
10:28 pm
[Link] |
36 years and counting!
Today is Jim's and my 36th wedding anniversary. We will celebrate later in the month, on a non-work day. We did get carry-out for dinner, so I had no cooking or dishwasher duty, so all in all, I was happy. Also got a bag of pistachios! My favorite treat.
Too much happening to really "party hearty". DMIL STILL in rehab, and not progressing. DFIL CT scan came back clean, but will be taking a round or two of chemo, just in case there are a few stray cells that need zapping. He is scheduled to have the port inserted on the 12th, with chemo to be the 18,19,20. Apparently, I will need to check my schedule to see what I can do to work around this schedule if he needs home care. Schools are closed the 12th and 18th, so I'm clear there, I think. After that, I need to work around granddaughter duty, work, and checking in on DFIL. Hopefully, his side effects will be minimal. If serious after-care is needed, I'm going to suggest that a home-care aide be hired for the duration, since there are things that I can't physically do for/to him. In a surprising turn of events, DFIL and DBIL have decided that perhaps it's time to tell DMIL what's going on. DUH! Ya think??? Jim and I have been saying this since September. Of course, our wisdom was thought to be too cruel-might shock DMIL into who knows what. Mollycoddling her hasn't worked. Maybe truth will.
And so it goes....
Current Mood: crazy
|
|
10:07 pm
[Link] |
stolen from Julzlady
Bold the ones that are true for you.
The list is based on an exercise developed by Will Barratt, Meagan Cahill, Angie Carlen, Minnette Huck, Drew Lurker, Stacy Ploskonka at Illinois State University. The exercise developers ask that if you participate in this blog game, you acknowledge their copyright.
If you post this in your blog, please leave a comment on this post. To participate in this blog game, copy and paste the above list into your blog, and bold the items that are true for you. If you don't have a blog, feel free to post your responses in the comments.
Father went to college
Father finished college
Mother went to college
Mother finished college
Have any relative who is an attorney, physician, or professor
Were the same or higher class than your high school teachers
Had more than 50 books in your childhood home
Were read children's books by a parent
Had lessons of any kind before you turned 18
Had more than two kinds of lessons before you turned 18
The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively
Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18
Your parents (or a trust) paid for the majority of your college costs
Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs
Went to a private high school
Went to summer camp
Had a private tutor before you turned 18
Family vacations involved staying at hotels
Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18 I was the only girl in the family for years!!!
Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them
Had a phone in your room before you turned 18
You and your family lived in a single family house
Your parent(s) owned their own house or apartment before you left home. (moved to an apt in a better eare of town after I graduated HS)
You had your own room as a child
Participated in an SAT/ACT prep course
Had your own TV in your room in High School
Owned a mutual fund or IRA in High School or College
Flew anywhere on a commercial airline before you turned 16
Went on a cruise with your family
Went on more than one cruise with your family
Your parents took you to museums and art galleries as you grew up
You were unaware of how much heating bills were for your family
|
|
04:28 pm
[Link] |
And so the year is drawing to a close...
All in all, not a bad year. DMIL is still in a rehab center, so she has been out of her home for more than 5 months. I'm not really sure if she'll ever be coming back to her home. She seems to be making very little effort to do the physical therapy that she must do, so she can walk (even with the aid of a walker). My DFIL, who had surgery for a cancerous lesion on one of his lungs, is not physically able to care for her alone. He's doing well, but he is 85, and can't get her up and out of bed, nor tend to her personal needs, by himself.
My Dad passed away in August, but I'm at peace with that.
My part-time job location moved waaay closer to home, and closer to where Sean lives, so that's a good thing. Cuts about 23 minutes, and toll tunnel $$ (and GAS $$) from my commute. Also, since Sean was ousted in a force reduction from his former position and has a nice shiny new place to be as of 1/2/08, I can get the girls to school, and still make it to work in plenty of time! And that's a VERY good thing.
DH is still liking his job and the folks he works with/for.
Friend Don got his d-i-v-o-r-c-e AND CUSTODY OF HIS KIDLETS! An extremely good thing.
For the moment, the sun is shining, and I'm looking forward to 2008.
|
|
10:55 pm
[Link] |
10 things that make me happy
1. My marriage of 35+ years to Jim
2. My wonderfully great son Sean
3 His equally wonderfully great wife Julie(the daughter of my heart)
4. The soon to be eight years old (going on 21) Emma,intelligent, budding artiste, totally gregarious, giggly first grandchild
5. The 4 year old Sara, sunshine on two legs, always singing, always smiling, whirling dervish, who, although diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, leaves joy in her wake
6. My son's friends, who have allowed me to be their friend and play a small part in their lives. I adore young people!
7. My Kia Sedona van--with all the bells and whistles I so richly deserve!
8. My new laptop-which allows me to have a blog in the first place!
9. Great in-laws, who, although they sometimes drive me nuts, really love me.
10.Today, each and every one is a gift!
Current Mood: full
|
[<< Previous 20 entries] |
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
junima's journal