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July 29, 2005
Holding Out For A Hero
I'm 99% certain I have a black widow living under the vanity of the downstairs bathroom.
I want to kill it. Kill it dead. Real dead. But, I'm slow these days and can't afford to risk a spider bite on top of everything else.
I've taken to offering bribes to my favorite (single male) bloggers to come rescue me. Unfortunately none of them are really in the market for pretzels or 7-Up. Either that or they're very far away.
In other news, I've decided that once my back is better that I'm going to get in shape and head out to Reno to work at the Moonlight Bunny Ranch. Perhaps I should have used that as my incentive?
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:25 AM | Comments (23)
Willie Nelson & Jessica Simpson in Town, Twins Due
Willie Nelson and Jessica Simpson appear at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar for a special screening of the new "Dukes of Hazzard" movie for the troops.
I wonder how they'll do with the 25 mph speed limit on base. I guess it won't matter much since the General Lee won't be driven by one of those wild Duke boys. No, the stars will likely be arriving in a limo. Maybe a hummer limo? Who knows.
In other San Diego news, Bai Yun is pregnant with twins.
Aren't y'all glad it's the panda that's pregnant and not Jessica Simpson? And, no...Willie Nelson's not the father of the pandas either.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:21 AM | Comments (0)
July 28, 2005
811 Thoughts
Time travel post - begin dream sequence effects and music:
From last Thursday
811. My room number. Also a good indicator of how many random thoughts are flying through my hazy mind at any one time.I awoke to news of more bombings in the UK. What the hell? I'm not going to speculate on anything there. It is what it is. There are people living in fear and that's not right.
Unrelated, my brain floated back to the DMV last week. I had gone in to get my temporary handicap placard (long overdue) and noticed the missing children posters on the wall. There were five of them. Each with 24 images and names. 120 children's photos on the wall in the corner of the DMV. Families waiting for word of any sort to answer those questions that have persisted since, when? 1989? Yes, some of the dates of abduction or "missing since" go back to the late 80's. Age progressed faces. Some siblings gone missing on the same day. Of those 120 faces, only six had any sort of closure posted on them. Three were stamped "LOCATED", two were stamped "CASE CLOSED", and one, sadly, stamped "DECEASED." I couldn't decide which was more heartbreaking - to have "DECEASED" stamped on your child's photo or to have nothing at all there. I thought of all those families who have waited for answers and still had none. Perhaps that unknown is worse than death. I hope I never have to find out.
Also noted while at the DMV were the signs declaring that a valid social security card, birth certificate, and a thumbprint were required to obtain a driver's license. That information was posted every six inches. I'm wondering how we're supposed to ask people for that information with a straight face anymore when politicians seem to want to give away the privilege of a license to someone who isn't even here in this country legally.
That was enough to cause my brain to almost explode this morning. I kept telling myself that I shouldn't think of anything more than whether or not I'd reached the discharge milestones yet. (I haven't, in case you were wondering.)
But, whether I'm sitting in bed, walking the halls, or crying in the bathroom, my mind doesn't shut off. Even when I drift somewhere in drugged out fog, my mind doesn't want to shut off. There's something very wrong with that, to some extent.
End dream sequence music and effects. Cue today's Amber alert and continued nonsense in politics. Take deep breath, pop another pain pill, drink deeply from my 7-Up. Remembering this: life goes on amid the insanity of people at odds with themselves and each other. Life goes on despite the efforts of others to have it do otherwise. Life goes on or it doesn't. If it does, you just have to accept that life goes on. What you do with it is up to you.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:34 PM | Comments (4)
July 25, 2005
Stitches Out
Little Dude just called to tell me his stitches came out today. He said it hurt, but he didn't cry.
He spent two hours in the pool after. Got all pruny and had fun.
Glad some things are back to normal.
God, I miss that kid.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:16 PM | Comments (5)
For The Curious
For the curious, I submit to you - the incision. To get the larger image, you may have to view this post as an individual entry. Not sure why this is, but it is.
By the way, the wires are for the bone growth stimulator.
Hopefully, I will feel more rested later to bring you the latest news. Ha!
Only big thing I've done today is vote.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:01 PM | Comments (19)
July 24, 2005
Comfort and Threats
Someone in my comments (M+, to be accurate) stated that he finds women who are comfortable enough with themselves to let one rip (burp, that is), sexy appealing. I started to reply in the comments and figured this was worthy of an entry all its own.
M+, it's not a matter of being comfortable enough with myself as it is a byproduct of the surgery. As well, it hurts to burp. Like, a lot. Great big hunkin' bunches.
It's not that I don't have faith in the Holy Trinity of post-op discectomy attractiveness, but there is a certain point where one can simply take no more.
I'm there.
And, I'm willing to blog it.
Send money or I'll do just that.
You don't think I'm serious, do you? Send money or else the readers get it. Use my domain name at paypal.com if you don't want the gory details. See? I am serious. I actually included paypal details.
This is one aspect of what I went through....
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:51 PM | Comments (3)
Collared and Confined
So, I'm home.
I spent yesterday feeling like shit and camped out on the sofa. As long as I stayed medicated I did okay. Unless I tried to eat.
I don't get it. I ate just fine in the hospital, but at home? An English Muffin caused me such grief that I decided to stick with water and whatever else in the way of liquid refreshment I could dig up.
Last night was the first night back in my own bed. Normally, I love my bed. In the past I could have made like Brian Wilson and lived there, but last night, I dunno. I think maybe I went too long without pain meds or didn't have enough pillows. All I know is that I found myself missing the hospital bed.
Yes, you heard that right. I miss my hospital bed. I had the best setup ever there. The pillows were arranged just so, the angle of the head of the bed was perfect, and I had room service. Okay, so the room service had nothing to do with the bed. Call it a fun little perk.
So here I am, without that bed. The Percocet, the Fioricet, and the Vicodin aren't cutting it. I've even tried the Flexeril (which didn't do much for me in the hospital.) Lots of water, some 7-Up, and an edited-for-TV-version of Bubble Boy. It bothers me that I don't know what happened to my copy. Bubble Boy is a great movie. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise.
But on to the real bitching and moaning. My brace is hideous and it hurts the back of my head. It rides up too high on the back of my head. Then there's the incision. Oy. It's itchy. Actually, it was the dressing that caused my skin to bubble and burn. So, dressing off and open to air. It's okay. The doc said so. The bone stimulator electrode adhesive isn't so bad...yet. I change those things every 12-24 hours.
Oh yeah, the bone stimulator. It does irritate me. If one of the electrodes comes loose, it beeps at me. A lot. If the collar is on, it's not so bad. Damned if I do, damned if I don't.
The oddest after-effect from the surgery is the burping. Whatever weird manipulation was required of the nerves and such in my neck, I'm left with this need to burp frequently. As if the brace and the scar weren't sexy enough, the burping is a sure-fire stud magnet. Hoo boy! I'm gonna be fightin' 'em off with this triple threat treat display of femininity.
I had a call yesterday reminding me of my appointment with my regular doc on Monday. Not sure how I'll get there, but I'm sure she'll appreciate the red ropy itchy being that is now my new companion. The Scar. I'll have to take a pic of it at some point, if I can. It's impressive, to say the least.
I'm still waiting for my personal assistant. I need someone to handle email, phone calls, admirers, etc. I'll be here on my narcotic cocktail waiitng.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:22 PM | Comments (10)
July 22, 2005
Going Home, Home, Home Home
I'm going home later today. I have mixed emotions about this.
I can't wait to get to all my things, including my bed. On the other hand, it's five million degrees out there and I don't relish the thought of wearing my collar in that heat.
No matter. I'm heading home today at some point.
Anyone wanna come play nurse? Preferrably some hot stud with really short shorts.....and the desire to fold clothes.
I'm just saying.
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:58 AM | Comments (18)
July 21, 2005
Nurses, Doctors, and Aides, Oh My!
Before I forget, I want to say how wonderful the staff has been here. Everyone is top-notch. Compassionate, patient, genuinely concerned, and very professional - one and all.
I consider myself lucky to be in their care.
P.S. Remind me to go in the hospital more often. You folks are eating this crap up, aren't you?
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:18 PM | Comments (3)
Romancing the Bone - Now With New And Improved Link!
I know, I know. It sounds like an adult movie title. Actually, this refers directly to my appointment tomorrow with someone who will fit me for a bone stimulator.
I'm also aware that bone stimulator sounds dirty to some of you. If I were not in so much pain or so constipated, I might just agree with you.
Oh? You didn't want to know about the constipation? Tough shit.
Bwahahahaha!
Sorry, I'm just full of it right now.
Throw a rim shot in there. I still got it!
So anyhow, back to the bone growth stimulator. Because I had bone removed from my neck, and then had new bone set in there, screws alone will not encourage the old to fuse with the new quickly or sufficiently. The bone growth stimulator will do that. Little pads will be placed upon the back of my neck (which is still very swollen - think the Hunchback less half the hunch.) Signals will be sent from the machine, through wires, to the pad, from the pad, through the skin, and to the tissue below - the bone. We're going to use the machine to act as a dating/mating service for the old bone and the new.
For those of you interested, I did not go the autonomous/autologous donation route. I had cadaver bone placed. With a now well-documented case of degenerative bone disease, it makes absolutely no sense to weaken any of my bones anywhere else on my body. Cadaver bone is perfectly acceptable. And, the bonus is, you can say I'm sort of like the walking dead, if you really wanted to.
I'm so damn generous tonight, aren't I?
Back to the bone growth stuff.
With all the many options available to us anymore, the stimulator gives patients a chance to heal better than ever before. Think of these machines as promoting healthier, stronger bonds.
Pretty cool, eh?
Lots to still do here before I can go home. Especially more of that sleep thing. And meds.
I'll eventually post my dilaudid-addled entry, but not tonight. I need to get up and walk again. Nobody to walk out tonight, but that's okay. I had good company yesterday and I'm still smiling over the silliness of our "deathbed vigil" shot. Morbid? Maybe. Inappropriate? Perhaps. Did it make me forget the pain for a while? Yeah. Very much so.
Ta for now, kids. I'm off to nap or walk or bother a nurse.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:50 PM | Comments (11)
There Once Was A Post
Eventually my stream of semiconsciousness post will make it online. It's big and I think I say some good stuff in it. I think.
Right now, I'm drifting in and out of lucid thought and can only maintain focus for s short time before I start to fall asleep. Most emails have ended up looking like this
Dear Mr. So and so, I was hoping to let uyo knowaano asome oaaaaaaaall amdi'''' sssssssjjjjjjjj lllllllll
You can see why I'm opting to wait on posting something big, right?
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:18 PM | Comments (2)
July 20, 2005
A visit to the owner of this blog
Guest blogger Sean here, tonight, me, Tragic, The Smashes and Grace (blog groupie) decided to head down to the hospital and bring some cheer to the celestial Goddess, but alas she was out for the count. As you can see in the picture, this tore Smash up more than going to Iraq. Seeing a strong man like him bawl like a baby set the rest of us off and we spent most of the night weeping. Hopefully, when she regains consciousness, she can look at this picture and see that we care. Bwahahhahah!
HAH! Just kidding, she's doing great and walked us all the way out of the hospital.
Posted by Doc in the Box at 10:34 PM | Comments (8)
No Good Super Bad Extra Crappy Day Shot To Hell By Cheery Visitors
The hospital was invaded by visitors today and then again tonight. I loved it!
I'd had the shittiest day ever and these warm, wonderful, kind, and funny people totally reversed all the tears and frustrations.
Doc in the Box, Tragic, Smash, Mrs. Smash, and Gracie all came by. We took photos and told stories. After that, they all went out to eat. I was a little envious of them getting to head out, but I know it'll be soon enough for me. I'll be out of here and on my way home soon.
My mom also stopped in today. She came around lunchtime and brought me some lovely flowers. We had a very nice visit. It helped make the weirdness of my morning and then that of the afternoon a little more passable. I wish I could explain it all fully. Bad is bad is bad. My mom and then the other group made it all better.
Here's hoping this post is relatively free of serious typos or stuck letters. Earlier, I tried to leave a comment on one of my posts only to leave a nice string of zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz or kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. Yeah, I actually had to delete several of those. I kept falling asleep and that, it would seem is the trend for me lately. Go figure.
Look for photos from Doc in the Box to surface at some point soon.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:50 PM | Comments (0)
We Now Interrupt This Burning Pain To Bring You A Special Report
Thanks for all the great comments! So nice to get those.
I'm really tired and am currently in a great deal of pain. For whatever reason, this last round of meds didn't help as much as the previous sets.
The surgery was completed earlier than anticipated. I was actually in my room by noon. So, surgery, recovery, and the move on up to the 8th floor were all done in just over 4 hours. The swelling in my throat is exactly as it was described to me. I'm on oxygen to help keep my saturation levels in the good range. I have squeezers (sequentials) on my feet to help promote circulation. The machine is somewhat noisy but the benefits completely outweigh the minor irritation of the pump. My collar is very attractive. Gray, hard plastic, a little foam, exactly the sort of thing I know that crazy Paris will be emulating in a couple of weeks.
I've been up walking on several occasions and it feels pretty good to be able to move about freely. Or as freely as one can attached to an IV pole.
My nurses have all been spectacular! I've also been on my very best behavior and I don't think anyone has even considered shooting me yet.
All my medication issues were resolved. The gripe earlier was that they had written for dilaudid to be given as a shot instead of via the IV. Didn't make any sense since the IV is there to facilitate the process. Yes, I bitched to the Smashes about that. I did get the nurse to ask the doc and it turned out that the order was meant to be IV and/or IM depending on how my IV was holding up.
My only complaint now is that no one has bothered to turn down the volume of the IV alarms on other pumps. The confounded shrill coming from other rooms all around me is significant and I can't understand how the patients tolerate it. I had turned the volume down on my pump from the moment it I got hooked up. I did it in front of the nurse, too, so I know at least one person besides me knows how to do it. I'd go adjust all the others, but it's hardly appropriate for me to do so.
Someone is eating their "lunch" right now. Ham, I think. It smells good. Even if it weren't 2 a.m., I think I'd be craving some. If I can swallow better by my lunchtime, I may have to see if there's ham on the menu.
Thanks again for all the prayers! If you want to give a call and have my cell number, please do. If you're in the area and want to visit, that would be lovely. Just don't expect me to get dressed up, put on makeup, or dance a jig. Leave a message for the Smashes and they can direct you to the hospital and my room.
I'm going to head out to the nursing station to request some more meds. Hopefully, this time they will take and I'll be able to get a little relief.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:57 AM | Comments (31)
July 19, 2005
The Big Day
In two hours I leave for the hospital. I think it's apparent by the timing of this post that I'm starting to feel a little nervous. I feel like I have a million things to do still and not enough time to do them.
I spent part of yesterday in urgent care with Little Dude. Whittling accident. Four stitches for the poor kid. I teased him and told him that I knew he was trying to upstage his mom, but this was a little drastic. He smiled. He was very brave through the entire ordeal. The only tears came during the third stitch when the doctor hit an area that lacked enough Lidocaine to sufficiently numb it. Fortunately, it was over quickly.
Well, I guess I should go finish up the few last minute tasks at hand. Thank you for all the kind words and prayers. The phone calls and emails mean the world to me.
I'll be back in a couple of days. Be good! And if you can't be good, be sure to blog it!
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:51 AM | Comments (41)
Blogging Claims Another Job
Dear Mrs. Olen,
As I read your take on the "New Nanny Diaries" I asked myself why you didn't simply close out the browser window if you were uncomfortable reading your nanny's blog. I was disappointed with your characterization of this young woman because it seemed as though you couldn't possibly comprehend that blogging is at once both fact and fiction. Bloggers often recount moments from their lives, moments of anger, frustration, joy, love, and lust in a manner that allows them to wash clean their souls. We pepper anecdotes with wishes and what-ifs, woulda, coulda, shoulda phrases. For many of us, it's how we cope. Just because it's written doesn't make it entirely true.
You also seemed to have a difficult time separating your memories of that period from your life with the life she leads. Your experiences were not hers and neither were hers yours. You painted a picture of an irresponsible and unprofessional woman when, in fact, I could find no such evidence of that in her writings. The difference between going out for drinks and being a lush is a wide, wide chasm. If she had shown up at your home with alcohol on her breath and the inability to stand, speak, or focus, perhaps that would have been a better example to her pattern of behavior. However, you did not indicate that she had ever done this. Instead, you speak of her writing of going out for drinks. That is hardly the same thing.
One of the most disappointing aspects to your piece on your nanny's blog is that you stated you were uncomfortable with her referral to her employment with you as work. Guess what? If you were paying her for a service, it was, indeed, work. No matter how much anyone loves a job or the people one works with or for, paid employment is still work. With every job comes the occasional bad day. With every job there comes a time when one considers leaving for another position. With every job comes the frustration that one cannot please everyone all the time.
I was a nanny many years ago. I remember those days with a mixture of love and irritation. I remember the bad days such as the time one of my young charges leaned over to where I was sitting and bit my breast so hard that I bled. Yes, through a blouse and a bra, that child had managed to still bite hard enough to draw blood. The instructions from the parents had always been to reprimand their children in a firm, no-nonsense manner. If they bit, they were to be bitten back. Or spanked. I couldn't bring myself to do that. Ever. And, my employer understood. To me, striking your hand against the bottom of a child who is not your own seemed inappropriate. On this occasion I took the youngster to his mother and explained what he had done. I told her that I was willing to nip him back, lightly, if only she were present. I wanted no misunderstanding to the facts of the discipline. The mother kindly took over at that point, after I had told the young boy that I was upset that he had hurt me so badly. My reaction, calm as it was, caused him to cry. At 3 years of age, he didn't have full control of himself and was testing his limits. When he realized that he had hurt me and that I was upset, he knew he had not displayed the behavior we expected from him. I don't know what his mother did after I left the room. I had another child to attend once my bite was bandaged. I do know that I was never asked to discipline the children in a manner that was not consistent with what I felt was appropriate, though. Please note that having a nanny or other caregiver does not absolve the parent of parental duties such as discipline.
That was a bad day.
There were many other days filled with the laughter of small children, sunlight shining on the droplets of water from the sprinklers we danced under, hugs, silly faces, and singing ABC's. My time as a nanny was rewarding and challenging, but it also was frustrating at times.
As well, it wasn't my entire life. I had a boyfriend. I had sex. I had arguments with people. I got caught lying to my parents. I smoked cigarettes. I even drank alcohol as a minor. But all of those things were separate from the time I spent with any of the children in my care. I suspect the nanny in your article had a separate life as well.
Regardless of how rewarding caring for children can be, too often it is the parents who sour the experience. Usually, when one is employed as a nanny, unless it's expressly stated prior to the employment, a nanny is there for the children. A nanny is not the parents' servant - not a cook, a chauffeur, errand runner, or maid. The nanny is there to care for the children. If your nanny was kind enough to go beyond the call of duty and help you on occasion, consider yourself lucky. That is rarely the case. I did have a friend at that time in my life who also happened to be a nanny. As per her contract, she did cook and clean. She also ran the children to school and occasionally ran errands for the mother - if it was something that could be done easily while she managed her other duties. Mostly, though, she tended her charges. She also got paid more for those extra duties.
As well, a nanny is not a referee for spousal disputes. Those arguments should never be conducted in front of your employees. If you were the manager of a store or the president of a company and had a disagreement or issue with someone else, you'd conduct those sessions behind closed doors. Not everyone needs to be privvy to your temper or private matters. It's totally uncalled for.
Did my friend and I become close the families with which we worked? Yes, on some level. At the same time, we were reminded of our status as employees each payday. No matter how much you come to care for a family, as a nanny, you are still paid for your work.
I'm sad that you thought you had to air your grievances with your former nanny in such a public manner. If I were seeking work as a caregiver and read your article, I would not be at all interested in working for you. Regardless of what you thought of her blog or her life, your conduct was unbecoming and jeopardizes your integrity for all your future childcare needs.
Hopefully, you and your former nanny have both learned valuable lessons on maintaining distance between employer and employee. She learned not to share her innermost feelings with her boss and you, as curious as you may be about your employee's offduty behavior, learned not to read more into the words on a blog. If not, please consider doing so.
Also posted to BlogCritics
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:08 AM | Comments (0)
July 15, 2005
Oh, The Things I'll Do For Attention
| You Are 89% American |
 |
Shamelessly stolen from Kit - thanks for the chat!
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:26 PM | Comments (5)
Sick, Sick, Sick
Okay, so it's not bad enough that we have adults destroying property and beating up cops and then bragging about it....now we have kids raping other kids and sending it to all their friends via cell phone:
The rape of a teenager was filmed by her attacker's friends on their mobile phones in the latest sickening example of a crime tagged "happy slapping". .... It is the latest in a series of violent attacks been recorded on the new generation of mobile phones in a sick craze among young thugs.Last month, an 11-year-old girl was gang raped and filmed at a North London school.
What the fuck hell is this world coming to?
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:35 PM | Comments (7)
July 14, 2005
Uncle - Or, Live From Sofaland
UNCLE!!!
I give up.
This is the third day this week that I'm stuck in bed or on the sofa. I'm so tired of this crap.
I hate Sofaland. It gets old after a while. I passed "a while" months ago.
Little Dude was happily sent over to his friend's house for part of the morning. He came home having been fed lunch (thank you, J!) and ready to play quietly while I occupied the sofa, dozing off for a few minutes here and there. After a bit, I gave him a project to complete for scouts and he jumped right into it. He's such a good kid.
He just got back from playing with his friend again and is currently invading the living room with a full complement of action figures. War has been waged against G.I. Joe by the "Corps" characters. I can't tell who's doing what to whom, but it doesn't really matter as long as the only explosions are in Little Dude's imagination. (We have a pretty strict rule here about blowing things up in the house.)
The oddest thing happening right now, is the layered levels of sound. LD's watching Fairly Odd Parents and I'm listening to Joe Cocker (it's a DVD but I had to stop watching. Joe Cocker is not meant for close ups. It's too distracting.) Additionally, the lawn mowers and leaf blowers outside occasionally drown out our various entertainment choices. Oh well, as long as I don't have to be doing the work, what do I care?
I can't wait for this surgery. Only 5 more days.
Oh, update from the doc - I need to plan on being at the hospital for at least three days. Two was good, three is sort of like Sofaland. Oh well, I plan on taking full advantage of the room service and personal assistance I'll have there. Too bad the car can't get an oil change while I'm there. I'd be living the good life then.
Somebody come save me from Sofaland. Pleeeeeaaaasssssse!
Posted by Da Goddess at 03:18 PM | Comments (10)
July 13, 2005
Bueller Post #18592
If we had never metand the world got on without us
Just as if we were never here at all....
I always hoped for this to become a full-fledged song instead of a fifty-six second bit of heaven on television.
Know what it's from? Anyone?
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:37 PM | Comments (3)
Shutterbud
He's budding!
Little Dude has turned into a great photographer. On two occasions recently, I've handed him the camera and let him have at it. Not every shot is perfect, but then the same can be said of a pro.
He's always had a little digital (Kodak 3200) ever since I got the Olympus, but he complains that he's "limited" with the Kodak. Yes, my precocious child said that.
"I can't zoom and I can't take super-up-close shots with that thing. I can't do much with it at all."
I can relate. I felt the same way after a bit.
Now, I can hand the Olympus to LD and he'll adjust settings himself. Exposure - we're working on it. Framing - same thing. But he has a knack for it.
We have a serious dilemma here these days. He wants my camera. I want it too. I don't mind sharing, but I also don't want to deny him the opportunity to develop his skills.
I've been wanting a new camera, no secret there. It looks like it'll soon be more of a need than a want if Little Dude continues with this obsession. If you want to help us both out, go for it! When it comes to toys, we love that sort of thing!
Click for more LD photos...you'll see what I mean.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:47 PM | Comments (8)
July 12, 2005
Frustration - Not At My Best
It should be noted that I'm not in the greatest mood today.
I had to quit my shower in midstream because my back hurt so much. It took me three hours to get comfortable enough to walk down the stairs and get my pain meds.
Now that I'm feeling a little better (although somewhat dopey), I'm mad that I'm missing out on time with Little Dude. He's the reason I get up in the morning. He's the reason I smile. He's what makes life fun and interesting.
I hated making that call this morning. Tearfully, I got the phone and punched in the numbers.
Sometimes the frustration is overwhelming. I keep telling myself this will be over soon and I'll have my life back. Still, that's little comfort when I miss my son so much. I hate disappointing him. Of course, if I can't move, it's disappointing for him to be stuck here doing nothing all day.
Soon. Soon. Soon. Right?
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:46 PM | Comments (4)
Surgical Notes
I got a call this morning from an OR nurse. After three hundred questions, I was informed that my surgery time is set for 7:20 a.m. next Tuesday. I have to be at the hospital at 5:30. In the morning. After showering with a special soap. Twice.
And I can't put lotion on once the shower is done.
That's cruel and unusual punishment in my book.
The nurse also told me to expect the surgery to take about 5 1/2 hours. I asked if I'd heard her correctly and she said yes. I told her I was glad I hadn't opted for the outpatient surgery and she gasped. Yes, she actually gasped.
"Outpatient? What? Did they actually tell you this could be done on an outpatient basis?" she asked.
"Yep."
"No way would I ever want this particular procedure done anywhere but in a hospital," says the nurse.
I tell her I'm with her all the way on that one. I tell her that my experience with the surgical center (where my steroid epidurals were done) were less than pleasant after a minor procedure and that I can't imagine being subjected to subpar care after a major one. She agrees.
I'm glad I'm staying at the hospital after my surgery. For one, the doctor will access my cervical spine by making an incision on the front of my neck. It's the best approach as it doesn't involve the muscles on the back of your neck. However, because of the anterior approach, there's often a lot of swelling that can cause problems with swallowing and breathing. I'd rather be where 911 isn't my only hope. I'd rather be where I know nurses and doctors can respond quickly should I have a problem with swelling. Overnight at the hospital is the best option.
Let's face it, I have fairly "interesting" luck. I'm just the sort of person who ends up with my throat closing up on them.
Outpatient surgery for a 5 1/2 hour procedure that compromises my ability to breathe and swallow....yeah, right. As if.
Anyhow, I have the time, I know the place, I'm getting ready. I keep telling myself that this is going to work and I'll soon be pain-free. I can live my life without pain meds and without taking forty-five minutes to write a post. I can manage a shower without tears. I can go out and play with my kid again. That's going to happen.
Now, cleaning my house before I go to the hospital is another story.
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:06 PM | Comments (15)
Enormous Pet Peeve
You know what I hate? I hate clothing that has writing across the ass.
I don't care how beautiful your derriere is, putting someone or something's name on your backside is like saying it's worth crap.
I see some gal walking down the street with HAWAII plastered across her butt and all I can think of is, "wow, what a shitty place."
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:02 PM | Comments (5)
July 11, 2005
Hey, Let's Commit Assault and Then Brag About It!
Let's all go protest the G8 Summit with illegal fireworks and destruction of property! And, then, when we're sure we have a police presence, let's beat one of the cops!
Yeah, that's the way to do it. We'll show those capitalists who's boss around here. And, for good measure, let's boast about it online.
You will never see this as the top local news story. Why? Because the media, in an effort to show that they remain unbiased, will either run some fluff piece about Tom Cruise or they'll report on the atrocities committed by America abroad. Note to media: bending over backwards to prove you're "unbiased" has the opposite effect.
Via Smash.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:33 PM | Comments (2)
July 10, 2005
Sexy Crazy Cool Book Meme!
Mean Mr. Doc in the Box has tagged me with a meme. Mad Mikey tried to do the same a few weeks ago, but I was in a bad way with pain and such. So, to appease them both....here we go:
1. Number of books I own
I used to own hundreds and hundreds. As time went on and I had to pack up and move with children, the books became fewer and fewer. Many were donated to the local library, school libraries, USO, the VA Medical Center, or given to Goodwill.
Now, I'm not too sure how many I have. Probably less than 100. I take great joy in passing books on to others anymore.
2. Last book bought
Eagle Strike - Anthony Horowitz (for Little Dude)
3. Last book I read
The Boys of Pointe Du Hoc by Douglas Brinkley
4. Five books that mean a lot to me:
Earth Abides - George R. Stewart
In The Way That Elephants Do - David Kilpatrick
To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee
Reflections of Eden: My Years With The Orangutans of Borneo - Birute M.F. Galdikas
My Life And Hard Times - James Thurber
Rules as per DITB - hit up five other bloggers. They need to copy the questions and supply their own responses.
Who do I dare tag for this one? I'm sure everyone I know has already done this (I'm so lame, I can't keep up with y'all.) Oh balls! Who cares! Tag! You're it:
Stew
Darcey
Dr. Chaplin - who may not have time for this until he's delivered his 312th baby
The Brew Mistress
My Favorite Wolf
P.S. Mrs. Smash currently has my copy of Elephants. I think I shall need to steal it back from her soon.
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:55 PM | Comments (7)
July 09, 2005
A Day Without Orange Juice Is Like A Day Without Sunshine
Little Dude surprised me today. A couple of times.
First, he slept until 10:30 this morning. Okay, maybe that was due to the fact that we got caught up in a game and it was after 1 a.m. by the time he went to bed, but still... (Yes, I'm aware that I'm a horrible parent for letting an 8 1/2 year old child stay up that late...bite me. We were having fun.)
Second, at brunch today, I asked if he wanted apple juice and he replied, "I'll have orange juice, thank you."
I sat in the booth at Denny's (work with me here, I just got my check and I didn't have the ingredients or energy to make him French Toast) with my mouth hanging open, staring at him. He was busy with his newspaper (don't ask) and didn't notice my reaction for a couple of minutes. Upon catching me in my shocked state, he tells me "relax, Mom. It's just orange juice."
"B..b...but, you never drink orange juice!"
"Hey, I've been drinking 'Sunny Delight' for a while now. I decided it was time to branch out."
Branch. out.
Someone pass me the valium, please. This kid's gonna be the death of me yet.
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:25 PM | Comments (6)
400K
By the time I hit save on this entry, I'll have reached 400K on the old sitemeter. What a cool thing for me to randomly catch today.
What does that really mean, if anything?
Well, I don't know that it means much. On one hand, we all know that Site Meter tends to count only certain hits and disregards others. On the other hand, the fact that I reached some ridiculous number after 3 years of blogging has me believing that I must be doing something right - even if it's only an occasional occurence.
Beneath the pretense that numbers matters lies one undisputable truth for me....from those who have stopped by this humble site, I have made some wonderful friends. Not everyone has ended up my new best buddy, but I have met incredible people through this medium. My life would be much less interesting without them. I'd be deprived of inspiration, frustration, comfort, irritation, and a host of other emotions. Each and every person who has stopped by this site and commented has influenced my life to some extent. For ill or for good, I'm different because of their presence.
Thank you, all of you.
P.S. #400,000 was from Canada and surfed over from Something...and Half of Something
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:10 PM | Comments (7)
Almost As Much Fun As Shooting Kittens From A Cannon....Almost
Keep your eye on the wind speed, direction, and of course, the penguin
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:57 AM | Comments (2)
July 08, 2005
Music
I need to take piano lessons.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:01 PM | Comments (0)
Smokin' OP's - Bob Seger (reissue)
Remastered and reissued, Smokin' OP's is a reminder of how much fun it is to listen to Bob Seger. Even before he proclaimed himself of lover of old time rock 'n' roll in a song by the same title, Seger expressed that same sentiment through his rockin' delivery on each song on this disc.
Starting with "Bo Diddley", Seger cranks out some serious 'I gotta dance!' music. He shares with the listener his version of "Love The One You're With" and does a damn fine job of it. Passing over the rest of the covers (which are all terrific), we get to the last two songs on the CD, both original tunes - "Someday" and "Heavy Music." Having grown up on "Heavy Music", I must say that this is a real treat to hear it with such vibrant clarity. Have I mentioned how much I love remasters?
While Smokin' OP's isn't full of Bob Seger's greatest hits, and you have to scream "who cares? It's still awesome!", this is an essential CD for any rock lover's archive.
By the way, it should be noted that this disc has been enjoyed by three generations of my family. I've had to threaten my own father with revoked grandparental rights to get it back
Originally posted at BlogCritics.
Posted by Da Goddess at 04:04 PM | Comments (0)
July 07, 2005
Sad news
I walked into a meeting yesterday with some of our base firemen, and the Master Sergeant wearing his Battle Dress Uniform had a stripe of black electrical tape across the shield of his firefighter's patch. It signified that a member of our fire department is no longer with us; he was killed in a traffic accident this 3 days ago, someone that I knew and worked with on occasion. The news had not made it out to the base population yet so his family would have a chance to come to terms with this tragic loss prior to getting deluged with the flood actions that follow shortly. I cannot begin to express my grief for his wife and children. When asked about ways we could help his family, the fire chief said that he would get back to me about the family's needs.
This is the 3rd Airman we have lost at this base in the last 3 months. With a population as large as ours, statistics says that it is likely to happen. It doesn't make it any easier to deal with when it happens. The world is a darker place today without him.
Posted by TSgt at 06:28 PM | Comments (3)
Chasing Elvis by Glenn Marcel
If Elvis hadn’t died in 1977, do you think he’d be a bank robber?
That’s what one cop thinks. As he chases down leads, he sets in motion a chain of events that introduce us to some interesting characters and take us from Memphis to British Columbia, and from Los Angeles to London.
Chasing Elvis is a fun novel with more twists and turns than a Six Flags roller coaster. It exposes the inner workings behind some of the stranger tabloid headlines. It also examines the continued fascination millions have for Elvis Presley. Marcel transcends mere fan fiction with rich, intriguing characters, drama, humor, and most of all hope.
In a world where cultural icons fall left and right, it’s refreshing to pick up Chasing Elvis and remember that things may not be as they appear.
Glenn Marcel has a genuine knack for real dialogue, true-to-life characters, a believable plot, and gives us a thoroughly enjoyable novel. Chasing Elvis is funny, touching, heartfelt, and just plain fun - all the ingredients for ideal summer reading.
Posted by Da Goddess at 04:36 PM | Comments (3)
A Son Called Gabriel by Damian McNicholl
Set in Ireland in the 60's and 70's, A Son Called Gabriel is a touching and honest coming-of-age tale replete with rich, genuine characters and an overall brilliant story.
Gabriel is but a boy when we first meet him. His family is like many found around the world and the reader can immediately identify with Gabriel's love, fascination, and frustration with them and the secrets they hold.
The growing conflict between Catholics and Protestants of the time mirror the conflict within Gabriel as he makes his way through adolescence. Principle, desire, and autonomy are all a part of this young man's struggles, things to which most of us can relate.
Damian McNicholl has a wonderful gift and I'm grateful he chose to share it with us. McNicholl effectively weaves family, politics, and approaching adulthood deftly into a compelling novel. He never overwrites or imposes a broader scope to the story than one would expect from Gabriel himself. After all, it is Gabriel's tale. We don't know his family's secrets until he does. His family knows not of his until he is ready to come to grips with them.
Beautifully crafted, honestly told, and hauntingly heartbreaking with a gentle dash of humor A Son Called Gabriel is simply one of the best books I've read in years. Be ready to share your copy with friends or be prepared to buy more - and now that the book has been released in paperback, you can afford it.
Also posted at BlogCritics.org
Posted by Da Goddess at 03:18 PM | Comments (0)
The Trouble With Books
The trouble with books is that they can be distracting. Other things in life tend to fade into the ether. This is why you should never take a book to the beach or the pool with you.
Sunscreen? Check. Pool? Check. Book too good to put down and reapply sunscreen? Check.
Raccoon eyes? Check. Skin too pink and tender for a real shirt? Check check check check check check check.
I will miss the pool in a terrible way. There, in the water, I feel my spine relieved of compression and general strain. One only needs to remember not to try grabbing a toy away from a child.
This is my penance for being so inattentive due to delicious reading material. What book, you ask? The Boys of Pointe Du Hoc by Douglas Brinkley. You were thinking something else, weren't you?
My writing assignment for today:
Next time I go to the pool I will not take a book. Next time I go to the pool I will not take a book. Next time I go to the pool I will not take a book. Next time I go to the pool I will not take a book.
Only 96 more times to go.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:14 PM | Comments (5)
Terror Strikes London
Smash has a continually updated post with good resources.
One of the sources he quotes said:
This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty and the powerful; it is not aimed at presidents or prime ministers; it was aimed at ordinary working class Londoners, black and white, Muslim and Christians, Hindu and Jew, young and old, indiscriminate attempt at slaughter irrespective of any considerations, of age, of class, of religion, whatever, that isn't an ideology, it isn't even a perverted faith, it's just indiscriminate attempt at mass murder, and we know what the objective is, they seek to divide London. They seek to turn Londoners against each other and Londoners will not be divided by this cowardly attack...I wish to speak through you directly, to those who came to London to claim lives, nothing you do, how many of us you kill will stop that flight to our cities where freedom is strong and where people can live in harmony with one another, whatever you do, how many you kill, you will fail.
England will not back down. They will not be terrorized to inaction. The same can be said of the U.S. And, anyone taking sides with the people who would attack a country with the intent to cause terror for terror's sake, know this - you are not being led by some benevolent god to do these things. These actions are the actions of men with evil in their hearts. The majority of the world sees that and understands that. You will not win. You will not. Ever. Win.
The Gay Patriot has a post up with Bush's thoughts on the bombings. And, Independent Sources has a short roundup of Bear Flaggers who've posted on this.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:44 AM | Comments (2)
July 06, 2005
Rhymes and Reasons - John Denver
Until the release of Rhymes and Reasons, most people knew of "Leaving, On a Jet Plane" only as a Peter, Paul, and Mary tune. Very few people had ever heard of a sandy-haired folk singer named John Denver. Five years later, this young man was the best-selling recording artist in America.
The Rhymes and Reasons reissue from BMG contains early favorites like "Leaving" and the title track of "Rhymes and Reasons." There are also two bonus tracks – "Rusty Green" and "Take Me to Tomorrow." Along with the songs that went on to become huge hits are politically biting nuggets like "The Ballad of Spiro Agnew" and "The Ballad of Richard Nixon." While those cuts don’t hold up as well as the more well-known tracks, they do capture the essence of the autumn of 1969 when this was recorded.
One of my favorite things about reissues is that you get the opportunity to revisit yesterday, but with better sound. For John Denver fans, this release is a real treasure. The clarity of the title track lends greater resonance to the message of the song. The timelessness of the simple lyrics really hit home after September 11, 2001.
So you speak to me of sadness And the coming of the winter Fear that is within you now It seems to never end …Though the cities start to crumble
And the towers fall around us
…For the children and the flowers
Are my sisters and my brothers
Their laughter and their loveliness
Could clear a cloudy day
Rhymes and Reasons didn’t just mark the debut of John Denver, it hinted at what was yet to come. For long time fans, this is an essential addition to their collection. For new fans, R&R is a great opportunity to follow the development of a singer/songwriter who changed with the times but never lost his passion. And that passion touched the hearts of millions.
Also posted to BlogCritics.org
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:01 PM | Comments (0)
July 05, 2005
Life-Altering Experience
I missed my opportunity to file the first claim against NASA for altering my life completely with their Deep Impact shenanigans.
A Russian astrologist...is suing the U.S. space agency for damages of $300 million...NASA deliberately crashed its probe...into the Tempel 1 comet...
"It is obvious that elements of the comet's orbit, and correspondingly the ephemeris, will change after the explosion, which interferes with my astrology work and distorts my horoscope," Izvestia daily quoted astrologist Marina Bai as saying in legal documents submitted before Monday's collision.
Yeah, yeah, sure. All those NASA folks will say that astrology is a bunch of hooey, but can they prove it?
I'm always a day late and about $300 million short.
Hmmm, you know what? Maybe all that space exploration is responsible for that. Yeah, that's the ticket. I'll have to round me up some Bear Flag League lawyers to get started on the case.
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:20 PM | Comments (4)
Wanted
Wanted: Someone technically astute enough to upgrade my phpBB (whatever the hell that is) in a timely manner.
The hosting company says everyone needs to upgrade.
The catch? I have three sites that must be whipped into shape and no money to throw at the problem.
If you believe that you are the ideal candidate for this job, please leave me a comment.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:44 AM | Comments (4)
July 04, 2005
Independence Day 2005
Normally on the 4th of July you would find me out on some remote dusty bit of land, sweating up a storm, and laboring over explosives. I had to give that up this year and it feels very strange.
One of the things I've enjoyed most about setting up a fireworks show is that I knew people of all ages and backgrounds would be gathering together later that evening to see them go off.
Once the sky darkens, nothing else matters except community. It doesn't matter where you come from, how much money you have, what candidate you supported in the last election, or what language you speak, people still congregate to oooh and aaah over the spectacular display in the sky. For a small bit of time, we are one.
It's very satisfying to think of the people in this country as "one" for that moment. Our citizens can get along for thirty minutes, indifferent to what keeps us at arm's length from each other the rest of the time. It gives me hope to think that we may actually achieve those same results again for a few minutes longer....more than once a year.
Our tossed salad of humanity is so very diverse. Each of us bringing something a little different to the table. A variety of colors, tastes, experiences, emotions. Alone - we can be interesting, together - we can be fascinating.
I hope that you've found a few minutes in your busy weekend to remember what this day is about.
Freedom and unity. People seeking the opportunity to live freely, to worship as they chose, to govern themselves in a manner that allowed for everyone to chase their dreams.
And, I hope that you were able to thank someone in the Armed Forces for protecting our lives, liberty, and the constant pursuit of happiness.
Happy Independence Day!
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:54 PM | Comments (2)
July 02, 2005
Lots o' Green
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:46 AM | Comments (0)
Used
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:33 AM | Comments (4)
July 01, 2005
Your Mission
Your mission for the 4th of July weekend, should you choose to accept it, is to go to America Supports You and send a positive message to our troops. It'll take you all of two minutes at the most, leaving you free to enjoy the long weekend and know that you did something good.
Remember, those folks out there are part of the reason you can gather with friends and family, drinking beer, grilling burgers and dogs, and holding a child's hand as you watch those glorious fireworks. Tell them how much you appreciate their sacrifices.
That's your assignment. Don't let me down.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:06 AM | Comments (5)