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      <title><![CDATA[Mostly Risible]]></title>
      <link>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/index/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Adventures of RisibleGirl]]></description>
      <language>en</language>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 23:08:00 -0400</pubDate>
      
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        <title><![CDATA[Oh good grief]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/oh_good_grief/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/oh_good_grief/#1309</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[So, I haven't mentioned my latest health 'experience' because I'm sick of even thinking about my health, and I can't imagine you're getting much pleasure from reading about it. Alas, this is just <b>too stupid</b> to not blog about it. <br />
<br />
Soooooooooooooo...<br />
<br />
About six weeks or so ago, my left jaw started hurting. I chalked it up to teeth grinding and ignored it. Every time I opened my mouth, I could hear an unnerving grinding noise and it hurt. I kept thinking that it'll go away eventually because everything always does, right? <br />
<br />
Not to mention that I'm SICK.OF.DOCTORS.<br />
<br />
It continually got worse to the point where I started to take my 'cocktail' of night time drugs (*enough to put down an elephant, I'm sure) at about 6pm just so I'd go to sleep and not feel it anymore. This was about a week ago. Two days ago, I went to clean my ears with a q-tip and you would have thought I'd shot a bullet in my ear because, well, just WOW. It hurt like hell. Not to mention that I had an unpleasant knot in front of my ear. <br />
<br />
Oh, and I kept dreaming that people were either punching me in the head, my jaw was falling off, and other assorted '<i>it's apparent that even though I was asleep, I was still feeling it</i>' dreams. <br />
<br />
I decided then, that it was time to go see the doctor. I went to see her today and the nurse was checking my vitals. <br />
<br />
Low blood pressure- CHECK<br />
Low pulse- CHECK (I was 58 today!)<br />
When she took my temp she had a surprised look on her face and so I said, "I know, I have a low temp too- let me guess, it's 96.7" <br />
<br />
She said that no, it wasn't low, that I had a fever of 101.2. <br />
<br />
Hmmmm- in 'normal' humans, that would equate to a fever of almost 103.  <br />
<br />
As soon as the doctor came in and checked my ears she said that I have a nasty ear infection (hence the fever). She said that I also have a case of TMJ (that was what the lump was- it's fluid and the grinding sound is inflammation) and she gave me exercises to do- complete with pictures of a lady with an 80's doo (mall bangs, dontcha know). <br />
<br />
I told her that I was flying tomorrow and the idea that I have an ear infection FREAKS ME OUT. Can you even imagine how that would feel? I flew with a sinus infection once and I was pretty sure that my brains would blow out of my head. <br />
<br />
So, she hooked me up with some Vicoden (yippee!) and antibiotics and told me to take Sudafed about an hour before the flight takes off. <br />
<br />
I'm taking all my camera gear, so plan to have some great pictures when I get back. I'll probably upload pictures while I'm there because I'm bringing my tablet computer (something I *STILL* need to blog about). <br />
<br />
Wish me luck that I'm not crying with the rest of the babies when the plane takes off.  <img src="http://www.mostlyrisible.com/images/smileys/blank.gif" width="19" height="19" alt="blank stare" style="border:0;" /> <br />
<br />
*Cocktail of 100mg seroquel + 1mg klonipin + 1mg requip. Any one of the three would probably knock a normal person on their butt. ]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category><category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
        <pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 23:08:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sorry Cameron- I&#8217;m not Mother of the Year]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/sorry_cameron_im_not_mother_of_the_year/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/sorry_cameron_im_not_mother_of_the_year/#1308</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Cameron wanted to come down and visit us yesterday, but as I talked to him about the plans, I noticed a very stuffed up sounding nose. <br />
<br />
<b>Me:</b> Cam, do you have a cold?<br />
<b>Cameron:</b> I think I'm getting one, yeah<br />
<b>Me:</b> Well honey, I don't want to be anywhere NEAR you<br />
<b>Cameron:</b> But it's Mother's day..<br />
<b>Me:</b> (thinking) Yeah- but you have a gift that I don't want. <br />
<br />
So, Cameron agreed to stay home and sleep. Poor baby. I should have offered to bring him chicken soup or something, but I'm leaving for New York in three days and the last thing I need is a cold virus churning around in my body. <br />
<br />
Since Mo' Nature decided that it was NOT going to be sunny, what's a girl (and her husband) to do? <br />
<br />
We went Cadillac shopping! BJ might need to give up his company car for reasons I'll explain in a post after 'the event' happens, so he needs a new car. Now, he doesn't NEED a Cadillac, but I also don't need a gazillion pair of really great black shoes, so who am I to judge?  <img src="http://www.mostlyrisible.com/images/smileys/tongue_rolleye.gif" width="19" height="19" alt="tongue rolleye" style="border:0;" /> <br />
<br />
This was my favorite part. Push button start. It was so Batmobile-like. <br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2162/2486904996_456ab2721b_m.jpg" /><br />
<br />
He found the one he wants and told the salesperson to write up the figures and call him today (Monday). He said that we needed lunch and he wasn't in a position to purchase today, but does plan to purchase the <a href="http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/model/landing.jsp?model=sts&year=2008" title="STS with the V6">STS with the V6</a>. Interestingly enough- he found that there wasn't enough difference in the V6 vs. V8 to make it worth paying the extra $$$. Yay for that. <br />
<br />
The sales guy let us drive it to our house to make sure it fit in the garage. That would have been a deal breaker. I'll tell you what- it sure looked perty sitting in the spot where his company car (a Taurus) currently resides. <br />
<br />
I'm not sure I'm a Cadillac person, but I have to admit that it sure is a very VERY smooooooooooooooooooooth ride. <i>It's like buttuh.</i>...]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category>
        <pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2008 12:24:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Happy Mother&#8217;s Day!]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/happy_mothers_day/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/happy_mothers_day/#1307</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Happy Mother's day to all my friends; whether they're mothers of the two legged or four legged variety, or simply a mother-figure to people in their lives. <br />
<br />
We were going to go to the Mo's Day buffet at the local horse races track. I know it sounds tacky, but they have a really nice setup. We did it one year before and it was really fun, but "we" waited too long to make the reservations this year. So, we've decided to wait to celebrate Mother's day until we can make reservation at a nice table at the track sometime in the near future. I think Riley will *LOVE* it.<br />
<br />
Yesterday it rained most of the day, and today it's sunny. Go figure. <br />
<br />
Oh wait- weather update- now it's overcast. Hmm....<br />
<br />
I just got a call from Jessica, Casey and Riley to wish me a Happy Mother's day. How cute is that? You know your son has a great woman in his life when you get calls on the important days.  <img src="http://www.mostlyrisible.com/images/smileys/cheese.gif" width="19" height="19" alt="cheese" style="border:0;" /> <br />
<br />
Since the phone call, the weather has turned to sunny. <br />
<br />
Just after the call from the first team, Cameron called and said he wants to come down to spend the day with us- so we're going to hook him up with some nice steaks and all that goes with it. Gotta give the kids a reason for coming back, ya know.... <br />
<br />
Oops, it's overcast again.<br />
<br />
I slept for 13 hours SOLID last night and do not feel <b><i>even a bit</i></b> groggy. I do believe that means that I needed the sleep, right? Happy Mother's day to me with my 13 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Woo!<br />
<br />
I guess I'd better hop in the shower and gussy up for the kid. <br />
<br />
Weather update! It's sunny again. ]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category><category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
        <pubDate>Sun, 11 May 2008 16:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[I feel so diiiirrrrrtttttyyyyyy]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/i_feel_so_diiiirrrrrtttttyyyyyy/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/i_feel_so_diiiirrrrrtttttyyyyyy/#1306</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I just signed up for a MySpace account for the sole purpose of being able to comment on my friend's blog. <br />
<br />
Linda? I hope you're happy. You're responsible for me lowering my standards. This just proves how much I luvs ya. <br />
<br />
 <img src="http://www.mostlyrisible.com/images/smileys/shade_smirk.gif" width="19" height="19" alt="cool smirk" style="border:0;" /> <br />
<br />
PS- no offense to the MySpacers... I just feel kinda old to have skin in that game. You won't be seeing me there AT ALL. <br />
<br />
PSS- have I made enough disclaimers yet? <br />
<br />
PSSS- Oh, I hope nobody finds me. ]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category>
        <pubDate>Sat, 10 May 2008 02:04:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[It&#8217;s been an interesting week at work this week]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/its_been_an_interesting_week_at_work_this_week/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/its_been_an_interesting_week_at_work_this_week/#1305</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I've mentioned it before, so it's no surprise when I write that I really REALLY like my co-workers. This is, without a doubt, the most cohesive group that I've ever worked in. It's an interesting cohesive though. It's almost family like. I think they've all been together for quite a while before I came along, and it shows. The cool thing is that I feel 100% accepted by all of them and it's a great feeling. <br />
<br />
This week I've had some awesome conversations with a few of them. I think many of them see me as someone they can trust with whatever they tell me (which is true), so they share a lot of their feelings about things with me and they ask me for advice. I also have several 'playmates' in the group. <br />
<br />
One group LOVES to make me paranoid. They're always poking at me about things that make me think I'm going to get in trouble for something or another. They have me pegged for sure. <br />
<br />
My manager? She's awesome. I told her the other day that she is one of the best managers I've ever had when it comes to communication. She has great communication skills and she's been very kind to me during my bad brain days. She tells me it's because even though I was having difficult times, I was still performing. I don't think she realizes that the 'performance' wasn't even close to what used to be able to do. Still not quite there, but she makes me feel appreciated and that's worth a lot, especially with what I've been through over the past few months. <br />
<br />
There's another gal who is just about the cutest thing on the planet. She dresses to the nines and is smart. She's the whole package. If I were a guy I'd stalk her....(oops, too much info?). I was intimidated by her in the beginning too, just because she's so gorgeous- but man, she's fun! She calls me "Miss Thang". <br />
<br />
Then there's Top Dog's assistant. Geez, she's such a sweetheart and just darling. She used to sit across the aisle from me and we had so much fun. Now she's moved with Top Dog to another floor and I miss her. When she pops down to my floor and visits, it just brightens my day.<br />
<br />
Of course there's my goofy co-worker that makes me laugh all day long. Most of our co-workers don't know he's funny. He kind of keeps to himself and doesn't talk much to other people unless he needs something from them. I can see why people haven't figured him out yet. I'm glad that I have. He's made things that would be boring really fun. We both are stupid at math and Excel and we're muddling through it together. I don't think I would have thought math would be fun. OK, it's still not fun. I take that back. <br />
<br />
I think the icing on the cake for this week was the last email of the day today that I received from the project manager in our department after I helped him with something. It simply read, "Lori, you're a good person". <br />
<br />
Knowing him, I know that he didn't just throw that out there as a thank you. He truly meant it and that meant more to me than he'll ever know. Especially after that nightmare. <img src="http://www.mostlyrisible.com/images/smileys/smile.gif" width="19" height="19" alt="smile" style="border:0;" /><br />
<br />
Hey, log in! I have something funny to share...]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category><category><![CDATA[Work Related]]></category>
        <pubDate>Sat, 10 May 2008 00:34:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Please let it be sunny tomorrow]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/please_let_it_be_sunny_tomorrow/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/please_let_it_be_sunny_tomorrow/#1304</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I've been making GREAT progress on my yard over the past 3 weekends. The worst part of it is done- the cleanup of the stuff that died out over the winter, and the danged weeds that think they're pretty enough to be showcased (they're not). <br />
<br />
I've been doing something different this year and I hope my yard doesn't overdose on preen. I go over the areas that have already been weeded each time I garden and then  pour another light dose of preen. So far, it's taking me about 10 minutes to re-weed those areas. Y'all have seen my yard by now- when I say areas, I mean BIG areas. The preen makes a HUGE difference. <br />
<br />
Stuff is starting to grow back and the yard is not depressing to look at anymore. I tell you what, I have the MOST beautiful and relaxing yard until winter comes. Then it just depresses the heck out of me. I guess dead and brown would depress anyone. <br />
<br />
Anyhoo...<br />
<br />
I'm really hoping to FINISH the major stuff tomorrow- I don't care HOW long it takes. I was gardening for six hours straight last Sunday. I'm not talking namby-pamby gardening, I was hacking at things most of the time and filled my 48 gallon yard waste container with stuff that was no bigger than my hand. That's a lot of stuff. Trust me. <br />
<br />
I still haven't used my prized rototiller yet. The area that I plan to till now has that nasty stinging nettle higher than my head. I need to wack that stuff down before I can get to where I want to go. I suspect I will have the same story to tell that I tell every year. <br />
<br />
"I got smacked in the face with the nettle again".<br />
<br />
You'd think I'd learn, but when I'm on a mission- I'm like a machine. I sometimes envision getting my garden to the point one day where I can have a cute little basket and a nice gardening hat and just pick the pretty flowers; weeds being a thing of the past. I have a feeling that if that day comes, I will have hired someone to do the 'dirty' work- and that's just not going to happen. There's something very therapeutic about wacking things. <br />
<br />
Oops- did I say that out loud? <br />
<br />
With every plant that comes back to life, my gratitude meter raises another few notches. Within a month, there will be no living with me because that's when EVERYTHING starts going to town in my garden and it different things bloom every few weeks until fall. That's a lot of joy, my friends. <br />
<br />
I"ll take some pictures of "now" and upload them to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/risiblegirl/sets/72157604972901331/" title="my flickr account">my flickr account</a> later on today. Every year I try to add something new (that also means removing something I didn't care for very much from the previous owners), and even though it'll probably look the same to y'all- it becomes more beautiful and more 'mine' every year. This is 'our' (me and my garden) third anniversary and it still takes my breath away. <br />
<br />
No wonder I've become such a homebody. It's hard to leave a place that brings me such peace and joy. <br />
<br />
If you haven't been with me long, <a href="http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/confession/" title="here's the entry ">here's the entry </a>of when I first saw this place and had to rely on my faith that my gut wasn't steering me wrong. ]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Acting like a tree-hugger]]></category><category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category>
        <pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 12:53:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Kids, I&#8217;ve completely LOST it]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/kids_ive_completely_lost_it/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/kids_ive_completely_lost_it/#1303</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I kid you not... every time I walk past this robin's nest, I want to take some scissors to it to trim it up a bit. <br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2038/2477549578_b1bc41b09c.jpg?v=0" /><br />
<br />
I do have to give her props for using some pretty colors:<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2062/2476736895_58e3b2eb4d.jpg?v=0" /><br />
<br />
I know... I know.... I really have to let go of "everything must be neat and tidy". ]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Acting like a tree-hugger]]></category><category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category>
        <pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 02:20:01 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[What is up with the nightmares?]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/what_is_up_with_the_nightmares/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/what_is_up_with_the_nightmares/#1302</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I had a nightmare while we were at my parent's house, that BJ decided to leave me. It was horrible because, in the nightmare, he actually moved out and then came back 'pretending' that he was back for good. However, he was doing things that made it obvious he was preparing for a more permanent departure. <br />
<br />
"I think we should sell the house and move into an apartment. Then you wouldn't have to spend so much time in the garden" or "I think we should sell some of our stuff, that way we'll have more money in our checking account" <br />
<br />
Whenever I'd question him about all that he was doing, he'd do his best to assure me that I was imagining things. I'd pretend that I believed him and it was really hard on me. <br />
<br />
To be honest, it was very much like when my ex-husband left me in real life, so it was all very real to me and left me feeling very empty for a few hours after I woke up. <br />
<br />
Last night, I had another one of those dreams that BJ was leaving me. I'm still really disturbed because it was so horrible and seemed to go on so long. I feel like someone punched me in the stomach and I can't make that feeling go away.<br />
<br />
Those that have read my blog for a long time know that I've had issues with BJ's crazy step-mother. Part of the reason she's such a thorn to me is that she did all she could after BJ's dad died, to convince BJ (and who knows who else) that I was a mean and horrible person. That's the basis of this nightmare. I think it came from my trying to find a mother's day card to send to her that wasn't all "oh- you're such a great mother". Sadly, there aren't any "I wish you weren't a part of our lives" mother's day cards. <br />
<br />
... so I guess the following nightmare is basically Karma for me having those evil thoughts while shopping for a Mother's day card for her. <br />
<br />
In the dream, she finally convinced EVERYONE that I know, including BJ, that I'm an evil and horrible person. I'd been out somewhere and came home to a house full of people that hated me because I was such a horrible person. The step-mother was dragging me around by the arm to person after person to tell me that I didn't deserve BJ or deserve any friends and that FINALLY people believed her that I was evil and mean. <br />
<br />
BJ wouldn't even talk to me in this dream, no matter how much I begged him to listen to me. I wanted to tell him that I'm not that person that she'd convinced everyone I was- but it was like talking to a wall. The step-mother was standing next to him smiling like the Cheshire cat. All around them were people yelling at me. <br />
<br />
I left the house and outside were friends from work that the step-mother hadn't talked to yet, and they assured me that I'd be fine in the end- even without BJ. I was relieved that I had at least a few people that believed in me. <br />
<br />
Then the step-mother came outside and convinced my work friends of what a horrible person I was. She then directed her awful diatribe to me, saying that she has told BJ from the beginning that he should leave me because I am always sick and I'm fat and now have turned stupid. <br />
<br />
Finally, I found a shack on our property that I'd never seen before and went inside. Inside, were a bunch of people smoking crack and they seemed really nice. I told them that if they'd continue being nice to me, that I'd let them live in that shack for free. They agreed. <br />
<br />
I guess it's easy being nice to a horrible person if you get to smoke crack in their house for free. <img src="http://www.mostlyrisible.com/images/smileys/wink.gif" width="19" height="19" alt="wink" style="border:0;" /><br />
<br />
The dream ended with me walking outside and there was nobody around except BJ and his step-mother. He saw me come out of the house and turned his back on me and walked off. His step-mother just stayed there staring at me with a big evil smile. <br />
<br />
The end.<br />
<br />
Happy Mothers day!]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category><category><![CDATA[Dreams/Nightmares]]></category>
        <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 00:11:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Lesson learned]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/lesson_learned/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/lesson_learned/#1301</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I simply MUST carry some sort of camera/video device every where I go. I almost ALWAYS have something with me (my cellphone and Flip are always in my purse), but sometimes when walking to the drugstore during a break at work, I usually just take my wallet. <br />
<br />
Yesterday I cursed the day I was born because there, before me, was the BEST photo op ever. Try to picture this in your mind, and then try to forgive me for not taking a picture. <br />
<br />
At first glance, I saw a lady with a baby buggy-like stroller. Not unusual, right? <br />
<br />
Let's take this apart. <br />
<br />
<b>The lady</b><br />
In her late 40's or early 50's wearing leopard print leggings, leather jacket with fur trim, and big movie star sun glasses. OH yeah, and a leather beret. <br />
<br />
<b>The buggy</b><br />
Also adorned with leopard print. Upon closer inspection, the buggy did NOT contain a baby. The buggy contained a little Yorkie, laying in the middle of a bunch of leopard print blankets. <br />
<br />
I promise from now on to NEVER go outside my home without a camera. <br />
<br />
Forgiven? <br />
<br />
Oh yeah- GO DAVID COOK!]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category>
        <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2008 11:44:01 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[You guys will let me know, right?]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/you_guys_will_let_me_know_right/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/you_guys_will_let_me_know_right/#1300</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I'm back from my visit with the neurologist with new drugs! Woo! I'd asked her to up the Klonopin prescription because it's just not doing what it used to do. She gave me a very emphatic "NO". She said that she doesn't want me to walk around like a zombie. <br />
<br />
My employer will thank her. <br />
<br />
However, I need something for the jerking and jaw clenching (yes, it's Baaaacccccckkkkkk), because some nights it drives me CRAZY. It also drives me crazy when the jerking decides to make an appearance in meetings. She said she'd up my dose of Seroquel and keep me at the same levels of klonopin, and add Requip. Requip is prescribed for restless leg syndrome, but she thinks it might help me with the full body jerking and jaw clenching. <br />
<br />
I hope so. <br />
<br />
The nice thing is that she always gives me 2 weeks of samples when trying me on new drugs. So, I'll start it tonight. <br />
<br />
Now, the pamphlet tells me to talk to my doctor if I experience new or increased gambling, sexual or other intense urges (what? other than peanut butter M&Ms?) while taking Requip. <br />
<br />
If you see me writing about quitting my job because I'm going to hang out at the pony races and talk of supplementing my income by working for Heidi Fleiss, be sure to let my doctor know. I have a feeling I might not notice because of all the other drugs I'm taking.<br />
<br />
She told me that I'm pretty much where I'm going to stay (unless I bonk my head again). I'm almost a year out from the original injury and it's been quite a journey. The only time it really bothers me is when I'm under ANY kind of stress. I go back to ground zero immediately. It's really amazing to watch myself in stressful situations. I want to ask, "hey, where did Lori go?". <br />
<br />
She said that I'll probably be on various combinations of these drugs for the rest of my life and I'm OK with that. Why? Because they really help and I don't have a problem in doing whatever it takes to make me feel better.]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category><category><![CDATA[Head Bonking]]></category>
        <pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2008 22:58:01 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Visit to the &#8216;rents- part II]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/visit_to_the_rents_part_ii/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/visit_to_the_rents_part_ii/#1299</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I am sitting here waiting for Mo' Nature to make up her mind as to whether she's gonna let me garden or not. Right now, it's not looking favorable, so I guess I'll write part II of the trip to see the 'rents. <br />
<br />
It's been a while since we've seen my parents and brother, so when I saw my mom and dad at the airport I hugged the stuffin' right out of them. My dad probably wondered what the heck happened to the daughter who he had to chase around the house to get a hug. <br />
<br />
Seriously, he'd chase me around saying, "give me a squeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzeeeeeeee" and I'd run. I was in my.... ummmm... 30's at that time. It was a fun game. <br />
<br />
My dad has changed a lot since I saw him last. He's shaved the mustache that he's had since the 70's and he's changed his hair. He now has a metrosexualish 'doo. Kind of a flat top. It's SOOOOO cute on him! <br />
<br />
I hope this doesn't insult my dad, but he's turning into a <i>very cute</i> old man. We all know how much I love old men. Now I have one of my own. tee hee. <br />
<br />
Mom looked just like she did the last time I saw her, except she's now sporting an oxygen tank almost 24/7. I'm thankful that I've been around that sort of thing a lot between my Hospice experiences and BJ's dad- so I knew what to expect when I saw her. Quite honestly, I'm surprised she hasn't found a way to jazz the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_cannula" title="nose cannula ">nose cannula </a>up a bit. Surely there must be some sort of bedazzler kit for cannulas.<br />
<br />
Of course, it's always shocking to see my parents after I haven't seen them in a while, because when I talk about them or think about them, I picture them in their 40's. Now I'm the one in my 40's, so I guess it stands to reason that they're older than that. And my brother Joel. He'll always be my 'little' brother, even though he'll be 42 in June. That's just nutty to me. <br />
<br />
Dad took us for a short walk from their house to see the petroglyphs- aka <i>blogging for cave dwellers</i>. Looking at some of the petroglyphs made me wonder what story these people were trying to tell. I'm guessing that they had a more urgent reason got get to the point than I do. Not sure if I'd be so wordy if I had to carve my stories in stone.<br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2460292518_78a3f350ef.jpg?v=0" /><br />
<br />
As long as I've known my dad (trust me, it's a long time), he's always been a putterer. It seems that my dad is having a good time puttering in his yard, creating vegetable gardens and stone gardens. According to my dad, this stone garden represents the sun. <br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2460290872_a0f0dafa6f.jpg?v=0" /><br />
<br />
<img vspace="0" hspace="5" border="0" align="left" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/2459466685_5089ae0beb_m.jpg" />Mom is an artist as well as writer, so she spends a lot of time indoors doing those sorts of things. I gave her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wacom-Intuos3-x-Pen-Tablet/dp/B00030097G/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1209928254&sr=8-4" title="this ">this </a>for an early Mother's day present. I'm expecting to see some great digital art out of her. Hint, hint.... *When* she sends me something I'll share it here. I know it will be amazing. I think I became a photographer because of my mom's ability to draw. I was always envious of that talent. <br />
<br />
<img vspace="0" hspace="5" border="0" align="right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/2459468101_e48267ef3e_m.jpg" />My brother, Joel, is one of my favorite people to hang around because he ALWAYS laughs at my jokes. I like that in a person. Of course, the more he laughs, the more it eggs me on, so I get pretty obnoxious after a while. Poor BJ...... he tries so hard to convince me that I'm not THAT funny and then Joel has to go ruin all his good work. <br />
<br />
I think- no, I KNOW- this visit was one of the best visits I've ever had with my parents. Something has changed in my relationship with them- especially with my mother- and I believe it's because of my blog. I send 99% of my blog entries to them (the 1% are things that they wouldn't want to know, like my second career as a table dancer. KIDDING!), and so now they know me and now I know they accept me for who I am (mostly, anyway). I never really gave them that opportunity before because I never really shared all of me with them. If for no other purpose, I'm glad that I started this blog because it brought me closer to my parents. Now they get "all" of me (probably more than they'd ever want to know... ha!). <br />
<br />
My long-time blog readers probably knew me better than my parents up until the time I started copying them on my posts. Strange, isn't it? I'm not going to question the pathology behind what made me so secretive, I'll just be happy that I've stopped.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed every minute of my visit with my parents and Joel, and for the first time in my life I honestly wished we had been able to spend more time with them. I like being in this 'space' where I enjoy my parents. <br />
<br />
Mom and Dad, I love you so very much and it was very hard for me to say goodbye. How awesome is that? Lemme tell you... it's AWESOME. <br />
<br />
More pictures of the trip (including LOTS of petroglyphs) can be found on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/risiblegirl/sets/72157604846082164/" title="flickr account">flickr account</a>. <br />
<br />
I think I have another post about the trip I need to add. It'll only interest the bird people. Stay tuned. ]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category><category><![CDATA[Family]]></category><category><![CDATA[Reflection]]></category>
        <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2008 18:34:00 -0400</pubDate>
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      <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Visit to the &#8216;rents- part I]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/visit_to_the_rents_part_i/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/visit_to_the_rents_part_i/#1298</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Finally. FINALLY!!!!!!!!! Gheesh, we got back home a week ago. <br />
<br />
(note to self- 100 sit-ups or some other excruciating punishment next time this happens).<br />
<br />
It takes two flights on two different airlines to get to my parents' place. The first leg, Alaska, had problems from the get-go. Here's kinda how it went. Note- the pilot came out to make every one of these announcements. We later discovered that he was just as yacky when behind the wheel. <br />
<br />
<i>"Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like we're going to have a slight delay. The temperature controls aren't working quite right so we've decided to fix it here, since we have the parts. It should only be a few minutes. "</i><br />
<b><br />
20 minutes later</b><br />
<br />
<i>"Ladies and gentlemen, we thought that this would be something we could quickly fix, but once we got it apart it was apparent that we needed a part that we don't have here. Someone is driving to the Boeing plant to pick up that part. It looks like we have tail winds going to our destination. We should be able to make up the time." <br />
</i><br />
<b>20 minutes later</b><br />
<i><br />
"Ladies and gentlemen, we've picked up the part and we're now installing it. We should be boarding soon."</i><br />
<br />
....and we did- approximately <b>1.5 hours </b>after we were supposed to leave. <br />
<br />
Still, we thought we'd make the second flight because we had 2 hours between flights. We weren't worried. <br />
<br />
Until......<br />
<br />
<i>"Ladies and gentlemen, you've probably noticed that we've been sitting on the tarmac for quite some time. Apparently a passenger got on the wrong airplane and we have to wait until they taxi that plane back to the gate. We should be on our way shortly. Please stay in your seats. "</i><br />
<br />
OK, that's when I started to panic. I'd asked my parents to pick us up from the airport at 5:05. I had no way to call them to tell them that we might not make that flight. <br />
<br />
The story is getting long enough. I'll end it by letting you know that we did NOT make that flight. Since there were no more flights going to that airport that night, Alaska set us up in the roach motel and gave us food vouchers for the night. <br />
<br />
::I'm not kidding about the roach motel comment::<br />
<br />
We left the hotel at a bright and early 6am and caught the first flight out in the morning.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for part II]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category>
        <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2008 16:08:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[It&#8217;s a good thing I&#8217;m family oriented]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/its_a_good_thing_im_family_oriented/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/its_a_good_thing_im_family_oriented/#1297</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[We spent last weekend with my mom, dad and Joel; Kathy invited me to have a girls day with her today; Jessica said that they (Jess, Riley and Casey) were all mine for Mother's day; and the weekend after that we'll be joining my mother-in-law in New York to attend a wedding reception for BJ's cousin. <br />
<br />
That's a lot of weekends with family, and I wouldn't have it any other way. SCREECH...... I would change something. There is no mention of Heidi or Michael in any of these weekends. If they were thrown in the weekend mix, that would nirvana. I miss my sis and brother. <br />
<br />
I still need to blog about the visit with Mom, Dad and Joel- and hopefully will get to that tomorrow. I'm running out of time this morning because I need to get ready soon for my girls day with Kathy. <br />
<br />
I hope y'all have a fab Saturday. Mine is looking up to be a spectacular one. <br />
<br />
See you in the 'hood tomorrow. Well, unless it's a really sunny day. In that case I plan to soak up the sun working in the garden. ]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category><category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
        <pubDate>Sat, 03 May 2008 16:40:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Next time you think you&#8217;re having a bad day&#8230;.]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/next_time_you_think_youre_having_a_bad_day/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/next_time_you_think_youre_having_a_bad_day/#1296</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Think about this poor bird<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2459477437_b790f51952.jpg?v=0" /><br />
<br />
::SPLAT::]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2008 22:28:00 -0400</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Ackkkkkkkk]]></title>
        <comments>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/weblog/comments/ackkkkkkkk/</comments>
        <guid>http://www.mostlyrisible.com/index.php/title_permalink=site/ackkkkkkkk/#1295</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I'm so behind on reading blogs and writing about my adventures visiting the parents. Work is JUST.CRAZY. But then, y'all know I like it that way. <br />
<br />
Well, to a degree....<br />
<br />
I have a follow-up with the neurologist on Monday. Can't come soon enough. I'm feeling a little bit of a slide in some areas. I'm hoping that it's just because I'm so tired. I know that does have an effect on things. <br />
<br />
I'm having nightmares and acting out my dreams almost every night and I'm having problems with the dyslexic typing and random spelling of words again. On the other hand, everything else (except the missed word here and there when I talk) is pretty much OK. <br />
<br />
I am pretty certain that my meds need to be upped. I started out with 25 mg on the Seroquel (I think) and now am up to 100. Soon, I'll be getting into the levels that qualify for crazy meds. <br />
<br />
Not such a stretch, eh? <br />
<br />
What stinks about this particular med is its side effect is weight gain. That completely sucks. Of course, the <strike>candy of the devil </strike>peanut butter M&M binge I've been on certainly isn't helping. I need to get back on the stick before Casey and Jessica's wedding. I'd really like to show <b><i>the man who divorced me because I was fat </i></b>a thing or two. OK, OK, that's not nice. <SMALL>(but it's kinda true)</SMALL><br />
<br />
The klonopin has been at .5 mg since the beginning and I think it needs to be at least doubled. The jerking is driving me insane. I'm afraid of that one because it is an addictive drug. I'll tell you this- I'm addicted to NOT jerking, TYVM.<br />
<br />
Next post will be about my trip to visit the fam. Pictures too! Those petroglyphs were amazing. ]]></description>
        <category><![CDATA[Daily]]></category><category><![CDATA[Head Bonking]]></category>
        <pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2008 12:10:00 -0400</pubDate>
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