Did you ever get the feeling that you're going straight to hell? No passing go, no collecting $200, no wings, no harp, no nothing. You're just on the fast track to Hades.
I feel that way sometimes.
Like today. I received a 'heads up' call from a coworker that I would be hearing shortly from a professor who needs some work done. Just the mention of his name sent chills down my spine, as it does for virtually anyone around here. To put it delicately, the guy's a ball breaker. And he's untouchable too. I mean, he's an excellent prof, he deserves to be here, but working with him is a whole other story.
So I pulled out my defenses and called someone I know who works with him a lot to get some pointers. I'd dealt with him before (it wasn't too bad, but it certainly was no picnic either) but it's been many years, and I needed advice and support. Along the way we each made some comments about what a hardass he is and how I'm dreading talking to him and just generally venting.
So shortly afterward I get a call from him, and in the course of our conversation he tells me how much he enjoyed working with me in the past and he was very happy to be working with me again.
Now my friends tell me to not let that fool me, that there's a viper beneath those words. But I couldn't help but feel guilty and sorry that I'd said some pretty mean things. I had no idea that he actually enjoyed working with me, and I really did feel bad about what I'd done.
OK, so maybe that's not enough to make me go to hell, but if you do that often enough maybe THAT'S enough to make you go to hell.
Actually, I don't even believe in hell, but being raised Catholic, even if you don't believe it, you still fear it!!!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Think, then speak...
I generally think people should talk less. I can be quite a talker, to be sure, but I think pretty darned hard before I say something, and with good reason. In the words of Samuel Johnson, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than open one's mouth and remove all doubt.”
Seriously amigos, more people need to take that sage advice to heart. I'm not referring to my friends or anything, but to the general public.
Let me tell you a little something that happened to me that will illustrate my point. I was at the grocery store. This is a small co-op in my neighborhood, Outpost Natural Foods, and I shop there regularly. Now, I'm a very polite person when I'm out amongst the general public, and especially there because it's a very small store. I don't like to cause trouble or get into other people's biz or whatnot. I just do my thing and try to leave as small a footprint as possible.
So I had my basket in one arm and was near the produce to get some avocadoes. There was a woman standing near them, and her husband or boyfriend was next to her, bending down to get whatever was on the bottom. She was waiting for him. So I said to her quietly and politely 'Excuse me' and reached a bit in front of her to grab an avocado. She politely moved for me.
End of story, right? Well, no.
As I'm placing the avocado in my basket the man she was with stands up and says, in a voice just dripping venom and sarcasm (think of the comic store guy from the Simpsons):
"The words are 'excuse me'."
It took a minute to register that he was actually talking to me. When it did, I replied "I said 'excuse me.'" Then his wife told him "She said 'excuse me.'"
So then HE says, "Well I didn't hear you." To which I answered "I wasn't talking to you."
So I did a little more produce picking, and got to thinking about what he said. I couldn't believe the nerve it took for that man to talk to me like that, and it's especially hurtful to me, because I'm a person who regularly says 'excuse me' when the situation calls for it, it's just how I was raised, and I try so hard to be polite.
So before leaving that aisle I said to him "You know, I really think you need to mind your own business." And you know folks, I believe I was justified in saying that. What was his response?
"I just think people need to be more polite."
I simply responded "I am polite" and walked away.
But then I started thinking, where does this guy get off being the polite police? Seriously. I'd love to know where he gets the balls big enough to think that he can dictate to complete strangers appropriate public behavior.
So, yeah, people need to shut the hell up MUCH more than they do presently. Or in the words of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, "Know your role, and shut your mouth."
Of course he also said "If ya smell what the Rock is cookin'" and did lots of talking about layin' the smack down on people's asses...
Seriously amigos, more people need to take that sage advice to heart. I'm not referring to my friends or anything, but to the general public.
Let me tell you a little something that happened to me that will illustrate my point. I was at the grocery store. This is a small co-op in my neighborhood, Outpost Natural Foods, and I shop there regularly. Now, I'm a very polite person when I'm out amongst the general public, and especially there because it's a very small store. I don't like to cause trouble or get into other people's biz or whatnot. I just do my thing and try to leave as small a footprint as possible.
So I had my basket in one arm and was near the produce to get some avocadoes. There was a woman standing near them, and her husband or boyfriend was next to her, bending down to get whatever was on the bottom. She was waiting for him. So I said to her quietly and politely 'Excuse me' and reached a bit in front of her to grab an avocado. She politely moved for me.
End of story, right? Well, no.
As I'm placing the avocado in my basket the man she was with stands up and says, in a voice just dripping venom and sarcasm (think of the comic store guy from the Simpsons):
"The words are 'excuse me'."
It took a minute to register that he was actually talking to me. When it did, I replied "I said 'excuse me.'" Then his wife told him "She said 'excuse me.'"
So then HE says, "Well I didn't hear you." To which I answered "I wasn't talking to you."
So I did a little more produce picking, and got to thinking about what he said. I couldn't believe the nerve it took for that man to talk to me like that, and it's especially hurtful to me, because I'm a person who regularly says 'excuse me' when the situation calls for it, it's just how I was raised, and I try so hard to be polite.
So before leaving that aisle I said to him "You know, I really think you need to mind your own business." And you know folks, I believe I was justified in saying that. What was his response?
"I just think people need to be more polite."
I simply responded "I am polite" and walked away.
But then I started thinking, where does this guy get off being the polite police? Seriously. I'd love to know where he gets the balls big enough to think that he can dictate to complete strangers appropriate public behavior.
So, yeah, people need to shut the hell up MUCH more than they do presently. Or in the words of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, "Know your role, and shut your mouth."
Of course he also said "If ya smell what the Rock is cookin'" and did lots of talking about layin' the smack down on people's asses...
Check ups and such
Hola Amigos,
Had my first post-op check up with Dr. Hunky McHunk and it appears that all is well. My fears of reinjuring myself appear to be ungrounded. See, when I walk I'm getting some pain that isn't exactly the same but somewhat similar to the pain I had before and all I could think of was that I messed something up by walking too soon or too late or not enough or too much or whatnot. But he assured me with those big brown eyes of his that all is well.
I followed that appointment up with my first therapy appointment, which went remarkably well. I've had therapy before and I'm not a fan, but this therapist and clinic and essentially everything is so much nicer than what I've had before. So yeah, I'm feeling alright folks.
Then I followed that appointment with an appointment with my OTHER therapist (you know, that kind of therapist). I'm not at all ashamed to admit I go to therapy. It's probably one of the smartest things I've ever done, and I've been doing it for years. See, my employer, bless their hearts, has terrific benefits and they have the presence of mind to realize that mental health is as important as physical health. I don't get this stuff for free of course, but it's treated with my insurance just like anything else. Maybe a bit more expensive. But it's worth it.
Oh, I got the statement about my procedure and other procedure-centric treatment. The arthroscopic surgery alone cost $11,000. The sad thing is, that doesn't surprise me. Thankfully, as I noted above, I have insurance. So I'll end up paying something but I don't know what or how much. My strategy is to let them bill me several times. Eventually they get the right number. Usually by the fourth or fifth statements. No lie. I had one come through a while back that said I owed something like $500 for something. So I waited. The next bill said I owed $150. So I waited. When all was said and done I think I owed $15, which I paid. I just give them time to figure out what the hell is going on, then pay it when it seems reasonable and matches what I think to be an appropriate amount.
I mean, come on, I don't really understand much of this insurance crap anyway. And half of what I get from them, or even more, are statements that look exactly like bills and include tear off segments for you to send back to them and return envelopes, but that also have written prominently THIS IS NOT A BILL. So, OK. Tell me when it is, alright fellas? Then we can talk.
Other than that it's the same old thing I guess. Work, home, volunteer. I'm still planning on attending weight watchers tomorrow night (Lord give me strength...this is NOT going to be easy). Dr. Hunky told me that for each pound you're overweight (or was it just each pound period? I sometimes miss what he's saying because I'm trying too hard to keep from tearing his clothes off) it adds 3 pounds of pressure to your knees. Or something like that. It's a lot of pressure, to be sure. So I told him, and I told my therapist and essentially anyone else in the field who would listen, that I have every intention of losing weight.
It's a lot for me to admit I need the help of an organization like weight watchers. I prefer to do things alone. I prefer to be in charge. But with something like, losing a large amount of weight, I think I need to swallow my pride (and not as many donuts) and admit that the group mentality is probably what's keeping me from being successful. So, I'll take the plunge. I actually wish I had someone to go with me. I really do. Normally you won't hear me say that, but in this case it's true.
Today (actually today and probably the last month) I'm eating what I feel like. I know I've packed on some pounds recently (being home bound and hobbled will do that to you), and I just stopped caring. It will be great to have some structure and purpose, and I'm hoping that's what I get from the meeting.
Know something weird? Over the weekend I was just stressing about my weight (you should read my journal; I get pretty scary when I'm journaling). When I came in to work Monday someone had dropped off some journals for me to withdraw (wait...I'm getting a feeling of deja vu...did I write this already?), a whole bunch of People magazines. I'm not a People magazine fan, but as luck would have it (either that or this person was trying to send me a message) the one sitting on top (of about 30 journals) was the special 'weight loss' issue. "No Surgery! No Pills! Half Their Size!" And there staring me in the face are people who used to be like me. And I thought, "People do accomplish this. It can work." I read the article of course, and I felt bolstered and encouraged. :) And on a more personal level, my buddy Alabaster Mom sent me some very dear words of encouragement. Just hearing her say "I know you can do it" gives me a spark of hope that I can.
Now I'm getting teary eyed. Maybe I'm afraid to go to the meeting tomorrow because I think I might cry...I do cry rather easily...I don't know. Either way amigos, you'll get every last detail.
Had my first post-op check up with Dr. Hunky McHunk and it appears that all is well. My fears of reinjuring myself appear to be ungrounded. See, when I walk I'm getting some pain that isn't exactly the same but somewhat similar to the pain I had before and all I could think of was that I messed something up by walking too soon or too late or not enough or too much or whatnot. But he assured me with those big brown eyes of his that all is well.
I followed that appointment up with my first therapy appointment, which went remarkably well. I've had therapy before and I'm not a fan, but this therapist and clinic and essentially everything is so much nicer than what I've had before. So yeah, I'm feeling alright folks.
Then I followed that appointment with an appointment with my OTHER therapist (you know, that kind of therapist). I'm not at all ashamed to admit I go to therapy. It's probably one of the smartest things I've ever done, and I've been doing it for years. See, my employer, bless their hearts, has terrific benefits and they have the presence of mind to realize that mental health is as important as physical health. I don't get this stuff for free of course, but it's treated with my insurance just like anything else. Maybe a bit more expensive. But it's worth it.
Oh, I got the statement about my procedure and other procedure-centric treatment. The arthroscopic surgery alone cost $11,000. The sad thing is, that doesn't surprise me. Thankfully, as I noted above, I have insurance. So I'll end up paying something but I don't know what or how much. My strategy is to let them bill me several times. Eventually they get the right number. Usually by the fourth or fifth statements. No lie. I had one come through a while back that said I owed something like $500 for something. So I waited. The next bill said I owed $150. So I waited. When all was said and done I think I owed $15, which I paid. I just give them time to figure out what the hell is going on, then pay it when it seems reasonable and matches what I think to be an appropriate amount.
I mean, come on, I don't really understand much of this insurance crap anyway. And half of what I get from them, or even more, are statements that look exactly like bills and include tear off segments for you to send back to them and return envelopes, but that also have written prominently THIS IS NOT A BILL. So, OK. Tell me when it is, alright fellas? Then we can talk.
Other than that it's the same old thing I guess. Work, home, volunteer. I'm still planning on attending weight watchers tomorrow night (Lord give me strength...this is NOT going to be easy). Dr. Hunky told me that for each pound you're overweight (or was it just each pound period? I sometimes miss what he's saying because I'm trying too hard to keep from tearing his clothes off) it adds 3 pounds of pressure to your knees. Or something like that. It's a lot of pressure, to be sure. So I told him, and I told my therapist and essentially anyone else in the field who would listen, that I have every intention of losing weight.
It's a lot for me to admit I need the help of an organization like weight watchers. I prefer to do things alone. I prefer to be in charge. But with something like, losing a large amount of weight, I think I need to swallow my pride (and not as many donuts) and admit that the group mentality is probably what's keeping me from being successful. So, I'll take the plunge. I actually wish I had someone to go with me. I really do. Normally you won't hear me say that, but in this case it's true.
Today (actually today and probably the last month) I'm eating what I feel like. I know I've packed on some pounds recently (being home bound and hobbled will do that to you), and I just stopped caring. It will be great to have some structure and purpose, and I'm hoping that's what I get from the meeting.
Know something weird? Over the weekend I was just stressing about my weight (you should read my journal; I get pretty scary when I'm journaling). When I came in to work Monday someone had dropped off some journals for me to withdraw (wait...I'm getting a feeling of deja vu...did I write this already?), a whole bunch of People magazines. I'm not a People magazine fan, but as luck would have it (either that or this person was trying to send me a message) the one sitting on top (of about 30 journals) was the special 'weight loss' issue. "No Surgery! No Pills! Half Their Size!" And there staring me in the face are people who used to be like me. And I thought, "People do accomplish this. It can work." I read the article of course, and I felt bolstered and encouraged. :) And on a more personal level, my buddy Alabaster Mom sent me some very dear words of encouragement. Just hearing her say "I know you can do it" gives me a spark of hope that I can.
Now I'm getting teary eyed. Maybe I'm afraid to go to the meeting tomorrow because I think I might cry...I do cry rather easily...I don't know. Either way amigos, you'll get every last detail.
Monday, February 25, 2008
I didn't win.
Not only did I not win the Oscar pool, I tanked. Big time. Honestly, it was really frustrating for me. I just couldn't get anything right. And I did some heavy research beforehand. I got a lot of the smaller categories wrong, and boy do those add up. A lot of times that's what makes the winner. I did get a couple of the biggies right, like actor, movie, director, but not enough to win anything back.
The ceremony was as annoying as ever. No matter how hard they try they just can't make it good. Jon Stewart is a great host, but he can't make up for the production numbers, the inanity...blech.
I spent a goodly amount of time flipping between the awards and Pride and Prejudice on PBS. If you compared the time watched side by side P and P would win hands down. I've seen it many times but I just can't get enough of it! A straight male friend of mine has exclaimed numerous times "I'd go gay for Colin Firth" based strictly on his role as Mr. Darcy. If you haven't seen it, you must. It's so wonderfully done, and Colin Firth is simply divine, the ultimate Mr. Darcy. It's such a dear story, to watch her falling in love with him, and how he comes to understand himself. Simply amazing. I'm reading the book now too, and simply love it.
I didn't do a whole lot this weekend. I'm watching LOST on dvd and just finished disc 2 of season 2. It's a surprisingly good show. And it's got Matthew Fox in it. 'nuff said. I am also watching another Werner Herzog movie, this one starts out in Germany and ends up in Wisconsin. It's very odd.
I made sort of a decision this weekend too. It's been a very difficult decision for me, for many reasons. Some monetary, some emotional, some fear-based. But I've decided to join Weight Watchers. I wouldn't say it's against my better judgment, but it is against my gut (I am fully aware of the irony). I've been in weight watchers before, it's probably been a good 12 or 13 years. I stopped going because of an incident that really bothered me. Back then there were several ways you could pay. I chose some sort of ticket system (it's fuzzy to me). Anyway, one week I couldn't go to my regular meeting so I opted for another one later in the week at the same location. According to them I had to relinquish 2 tickets. It sounds minor here, but it really, really bothered me. I was trying to do the right thing by attending a meeting in lieu of the one I missed. But since I'd gone over this arbitrary number of days they insisted that I pay twice (i.e., give them 2 tickets). I was floored that they were so concerned about getting that from me, and believe me, they were. I turned in my 2 tickets and I never went back. It just bothered me so. It may sound petty here, but it really rubbed me the wrong way, that they couldn't understand my situation and that it was so God awful important to them to get their money. I realized that these people didn't care about me at all. They didn't know my name, nor anything about me. They just wanted to be sure I didn't get a 'freebie.' I don't know if it was WW themselves or just that chapter, but that hurt man. Just sucked all the enthusiasm right out of me.
However, I know I need help, I need to do something. I'm not accomplishing anything on my own, and I hope that the structure of a weekly meeting will help me get back on track. I know Weight Watchers works. The meeting I will be attending is for people with 50+ pounds to lose. I don't have 50+ pounds to lose, I have 50+100 pounds to lose. But I have to do something amigos. I'm not discussing this with many people. Mainly my mother (is it a coincidence that I decided to do this while she is in Texas visiting her sisters? I think not). I can't explain to you why (that's between me and my therapist) but getting praise from her has the opposite effect on me. If I could drop 50 pounds without her noticing I'd be a very happy person. I realize that's fucked up but it's the way things are between my mom and me. Her usual phrase of encouragement is "Keep it up." Not "great job" or anything. But "keep it up." Sorry amigos, that's not good for me to hear. It just means that in her eyes I've got a long way to go.
There is a lot of fear involved here. Tons of fear. Fear of failure and fear of success. Fear of changing my lifestyle, fear of changing the way I look. I'm not going to burden you all with any of this. That's what I'm going to see my therapist tomorrow to do. But I figured I'd let you know. Maybe that's the turn this blog will take, my journey. Or maybe not. I don't know. But my first meeting is going to be Thursday night. I'll let you know how it goes.
Peace out.
The ceremony was as annoying as ever. No matter how hard they try they just can't make it good. Jon Stewart is a great host, but he can't make up for the production numbers, the inanity...blech.
I spent a goodly amount of time flipping between the awards and Pride and Prejudice on PBS. If you compared the time watched side by side P and P would win hands down. I've seen it many times but I just can't get enough of it! A straight male friend of mine has exclaimed numerous times "I'd go gay for Colin Firth" based strictly on his role as Mr. Darcy. If you haven't seen it, you must. It's so wonderfully done, and Colin Firth is simply divine, the ultimate Mr. Darcy. It's such a dear story, to watch her falling in love with him, and how he comes to understand himself. Simply amazing. I'm reading the book now too, and simply love it.
I didn't do a whole lot this weekend. I'm watching LOST on dvd and just finished disc 2 of season 2. It's a surprisingly good show. And it's got Matthew Fox in it. 'nuff said. I am also watching another Werner Herzog movie, this one starts out in Germany and ends up in Wisconsin. It's very odd.
I made sort of a decision this weekend too. It's been a very difficult decision for me, for many reasons. Some monetary, some emotional, some fear-based. But I've decided to join Weight Watchers. I wouldn't say it's against my better judgment, but it is against my gut (I am fully aware of the irony). I've been in weight watchers before, it's probably been a good 12 or 13 years. I stopped going because of an incident that really bothered me. Back then there were several ways you could pay. I chose some sort of ticket system (it's fuzzy to me). Anyway, one week I couldn't go to my regular meeting so I opted for another one later in the week at the same location. According to them I had to relinquish 2 tickets. It sounds minor here, but it really, really bothered me. I was trying to do the right thing by attending a meeting in lieu of the one I missed. But since I'd gone over this arbitrary number of days they insisted that I pay twice (i.e., give them 2 tickets). I was floored that they were so concerned about getting that from me, and believe me, they were. I turned in my 2 tickets and I never went back. It just bothered me so. It may sound petty here, but it really rubbed me the wrong way, that they couldn't understand my situation and that it was so God awful important to them to get their money. I realized that these people didn't care about me at all. They didn't know my name, nor anything about me. They just wanted to be sure I didn't get a 'freebie.' I don't know if it was WW themselves or just that chapter, but that hurt man. Just sucked all the enthusiasm right out of me.
However, I know I need help, I need to do something. I'm not accomplishing anything on my own, and I hope that the structure of a weekly meeting will help me get back on track. I know Weight Watchers works. The meeting I will be attending is for people with 50+ pounds to lose. I don't have 50+ pounds to lose, I have 50+100 pounds to lose. But I have to do something amigos. I'm not discussing this with many people. Mainly my mother (is it a coincidence that I decided to do this while she is in Texas visiting her sisters? I think not). I can't explain to you why (that's between me and my therapist) but getting praise from her has the opposite effect on me. If I could drop 50 pounds without her noticing I'd be a very happy person. I realize that's fucked up but it's the way things are between my mom and me. Her usual phrase of encouragement is "Keep it up." Not "great job" or anything. But "keep it up." Sorry amigos, that's not good for me to hear. It just means that in her eyes I've got a long way to go.
There is a lot of fear involved here. Tons of fear. Fear of failure and fear of success. Fear of changing my lifestyle, fear of changing the way I look. I'm not going to burden you all with any of this. That's what I'm going to see my therapist tomorrow to do. But I figured I'd let you know. Maybe that's the turn this blog will take, my journey. Or maybe not. I don't know. But my first meeting is going to be Thursday night. I'll let you know how it goes.
Peace out.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
My Oscar Predictions, So Far
Hola Amigos,
The ballot isn't due until tomorrow, but I've made some good headway in my Oscar predictions for my annual pool. I reserve the right to change my mind, but here are my predictions for the biggies.
Best Picture: Well, this is tough, but I'm currently going with No Country for Old Men. To me it comes down to this, or There Will Be Blood. Truly a tough call because they are both brilliant. But I think that NCFOM is going to win.
Best Director: I'm going with Joel and Ethan Coen for No Country for Old Men.Another tough call, because PT Anderson directed TWBB and it's incredible. But these are the Coen Brothers we're talking about. I think their time has come.
Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis. If he doesn't win I'll eat a bug.
Best Actress:Not as much of a lock as Best Actor, but I'll say Julie Christie.
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem. Duh.
Best Supporting Actress: I really haven't a clue in this category, and the only nominee I've seen is Tilda Swinton in Michael Clayton (and she turned in the best performance in the film, hands down). However, the buzz seems to be all about Cate Blanchett and since I'm in it to win it I'm choosing her.
Best Screenplay, Adapted: This is a tough one for me. I had to rely on some savvy internet snooping to see what critics and those in the know think. They think No Country for Old Men is the frontrunner, and I'm inclined to agree.
Best Screenplay, Original: I understand that Juno is really heading up this bunch, and I also understand that it's really clever, so I've chosen it. I did see Michael Clayton and it was a very good story, but I don't think it's going to win.
Animated Feature: I still have nightmares of the year I saw 2 of the animated films nominated for the year (Finding Nemo and Triplets of Belleville) and went with the underdog thinking it stood a chance (I think we all know which of these 2 is the underdog) and I lost it all. Literally if I'd won that category I would have taken the prize. So ever since then I've played this category nice and safe. Everyone thinks Ratatouille is going to win. Therefore I think Ratatouille is going to win. Does it deserve it? I don't know, I never saw it. But I need the points.
So, there they are, my predictions for the biggies. I will probably list the others just for posterity's sake at some point. And of course I'll report back on how well or poorly I do. I actually won some money last year. The same group of people do this every year, and for a while there was a particular couple who kept winning, and I don't really care for them much. A lot of my motivation to succeed is to prevent them from winning. All in all I'm pretty damn serious about this. Wish me luck.
The ballot isn't due until tomorrow, but I've made some good headway in my Oscar predictions for my annual pool. I reserve the right to change my mind, but here are my predictions for the biggies.
Best Picture: Well, this is tough, but I'm currently going with No Country for Old Men. To me it comes down to this, or There Will Be Blood. Truly a tough call because they are both brilliant. But I think that NCFOM is going to win.
Best Director: I'm going with Joel and Ethan Coen for No Country for Old Men.Another tough call, because PT Anderson directed TWBB and it's incredible. But these are the Coen Brothers we're talking about. I think their time has come.
Best Actor: Daniel Day Lewis. If he doesn't win I'll eat a bug.
Best Actress:Not as much of a lock as Best Actor, but I'll say Julie Christie.
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem. Duh.
Best Supporting Actress: I really haven't a clue in this category, and the only nominee I've seen is Tilda Swinton in Michael Clayton (and she turned in the best performance in the film, hands down). However, the buzz seems to be all about Cate Blanchett and since I'm in it to win it I'm choosing her.
Best Screenplay, Adapted: This is a tough one for me. I had to rely on some savvy internet snooping to see what critics and those in the know think. They think No Country for Old Men is the frontrunner, and I'm inclined to agree.
Best Screenplay, Original: I understand that Juno is really heading up this bunch, and I also understand that it's really clever, so I've chosen it. I did see Michael Clayton and it was a very good story, but I don't think it's going to win.
Animated Feature: I still have nightmares of the year I saw 2 of the animated films nominated for the year (Finding Nemo and Triplets of Belleville) and went with the underdog thinking it stood a chance (I think we all know which of these 2 is the underdog) and I lost it all. Literally if I'd won that category I would have taken the prize. So ever since then I've played this category nice and safe. Everyone thinks Ratatouille is going to win. Therefore I think Ratatouille is going to win. Does it deserve it? I don't know, I never saw it. But I need the points.
So, there they are, my predictions for the biggies. I will probably list the others just for posterity's sake at some point. And of course I'll report back on how well or poorly I do. I actually won some money last year. The same group of people do this every year, and for a while there was a particular couple who kept winning, and I don't really care for them much. A lot of my motivation to succeed is to prevent them from winning. All in all I'm pretty damn serious about this. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
And she's back!
Hola Amigos,
Did you miss me? Don't tell me. Just let me imagine that you did.
I was out for the last week for arthroscopic surgery. As luck would have it, there was indeed a tear in my meniscus. Sorry, I don't know if it's the lateral or medial, all I know is it hurts.
Surgery was OK. I wouldn't want to do it again, if that tells you anything. First off, due to the snowstorm the previous Wednesday, they had several extra surgeries crammed in that day (since dr. so and so is only there on Wednesdays, etc.). So I got there, got prepped, and sat for an hour and a half. I don't normally get uptight, but I was ready the minute I checked in, so that extra hour and a half just gave me time to get scared. So they finally wheel me into the operating room, which is just hellish. First of all, I hate being wheeled somewhere. Second of all, the room is huge, bright, noisy and freezing. Then there's all these people around. WTF were like 10 people doing in this room? And no, I'm not exaggerating. Then you have to move and shimmy to get on the table right. Then they're poking you and moving this and untying that and sticking this here. Then they strap on the mask and you have to breathe in really deeply, and my doctor was there poking around my knee and I had this horrible feeling that he was going to start working before I was alseep. Amigos, that's a terrible thought to have running through your mind.
Thankfully as I was thinking that very thing I was out. Didn't even see it coming. The next thing I know I'm coming out of anesthetic, and the people in the room were now somehow about 90 times more obnoxious than they were when I was wheeled in. My leg was tightly wrapped from foot to thigh, my knee felt like it was on fire, and they were hollering and removing tubes and poking me and giving me a pep talk and congratulating me on the good cough I had. I was under full anesthetic so my throat was sore, my mouth was drier than it's ever been, and my lips were puckered up like an asshole. Bless their hearts, I know they were taking very good care of me. But coming out of anesthetic is like entering fresh hell. How I wish it could be in a warm, dark room with soothing words, and a glass of cold water you can drink immediately.
So they get me into recovery and give me a glass of ice water, and then I start coughing and burping and all I can taste is the horrible anesthetic. Then I had to choke down some soda crackers so I could take the percoset on something other than an empty stomach. Then things starting looking up. :) The percoset was a Godsend for me, and took the edge off the pain. And from that point it's just been a matter of me resting and healing.
I'm feeling not too shabby today. I made a big mistake and walked in from the parking structure though. Not smart. But I'll get public safety to take me back when I leave this afternoon.
My doctor prescribed blood thinners for me for this week. Subcutaneous blood thinners. I have the deepest respect for anyone who has to inject themselves on a regular basis (heroin addicts and meth heads excluded). It didn't really hurt or anything. Maybe some stinging directly after injecting, and since it's a blood thinner there are bruises around the injection site that are a bit sore. But it is just unsavory. And this wasn't a small amount of blood thinner either. I'd say the vial was about the size of my pinky finger. The first day, even the second day was fine. But by the third or fourth day I was starting to dread it, and today it was all I could do to do it. Like I said, it wasn't particularly painful, but that doesn't mean it's fun.
Speaking of my doctor, and I don't know if you followed the link above to his bio (it's not necessary, I just thought it was funny) the picture does not do him justice, he's actually much better looking in person. Anyway, I just chuckled at the last sentence where it says he enjoys spending time with his wife. Not that I don't believe him, I just have this image of a woman bitching at him "You'd better put something about me in there." Or, maybe it just means he thinks highly of himself and if left to his own devices the sentence would actually read "...I enjoy spending time with my wife, just in case any of you ladies out there thought I was single. No dice." :) Anyway, it just made me laugh. He's actually a very nice guy and I don't mean to poke fun at him, it's just the way my mind works.
So here I am back in the real world. I have to say that being stuck at home wasn't so horrible. My dogs were so sweet, such good healers (their favorite thing is to make a Leslie sandwich while in bed). And I had lots of my favorite foods around (soup, cereal, popcorn), plenty to read (like Pride and Prejudice), plenty to watch (like Pride and Prejudice). And it was just nice to sit still and watch the world go by. And to not feel guilty about it. I was supposed to sit still and watch the world go by. There is a bit of a let down after something like this. But one can't make a living recovering from surgery, you know?
Did you miss me? Don't tell me. Just let me imagine that you did.
I was out for the last week for arthroscopic surgery. As luck would have it, there was indeed a tear in my meniscus. Sorry, I don't know if it's the lateral or medial, all I know is it hurts.
Surgery was OK. I wouldn't want to do it again, if that tells you anything. First off, due to the snowstorm the previous Wednesday, they had several extra surgeries crammed in that day (since dr. so and so is only there on Wednesdays, etc.). So I got there, got prepped, and sat for an hour and a half. I don't normally get uptight, but I was ready the minute I checked in, so that extra hour and a half just gave me time to get scared. So they finally wheel me into the operating room, which is just hellish. First of all, I hate being wheeled somewhere. Second of all, the room is huge, bright, noisy and freezing. Then there's all these people around. WTF were like 10 people doing in this room? And no, I'm not exaggerating. Then you have to move and shimmy to get on the table right. Then they're poking you and moving this and untying that and sticking this here. Then they strap on the mask and you have to breathe in really deeply, and my doctor was there poking around my knee and I had this horrible feeling that he was going to start working before I was alseep. Amigos, that's a terrible thought to have running through your mind.
Thankfully as I was thinking that very thing I was out. Didn't even see it coming. The next thing I know I'm coming out of anesthetic, and the people in the room were now somehow about 90 times more obnoxious than they were when I was wheeled in. My leg was tightly wrapped from foot to thigh, my knee felt like it was on fire, and they were hollering and removing tubes and poking me and giving me a pep talk and congratulating me on the good cough I had. I was under full anesthetic so my throat was sore, my mouth was drier than it's ever been, and my lips were puckered up like an asshole. Bless their hearts, I know they were taking very good care of me. But coming out of anesthetic is like entering fresh hell. How I wish it could be in a warm, dark room with soothing words, and a glass of cold water you can drink immediately.
So they get me into recovery and give me a glass of ice water, and then I start coughing and burping and all I can taste is the horrible anesthetic. Then I had to choke down some soda crackers so I could take the percoset on something other than an empty stomach. Then things starting looking up. :) The percoset was a Godsend for me, and took the edge off the pain. And from that point it's just been a matter of me resting and healing.
I'm feeling not too shabby today. I made a big mistake and walked in from the parking structure though. Not smart. But I'll get public safety to take me back when I leave this afternoon.
My doctor prescribed blood thinners for me for this week. Subcutaneous blood thinners. I have the deepest respect for anyone who has to inject themselves on a regular basis (heroin addicts and meth heads excluded). It didn't really hurt or anything. Maybe some stinging directly after injecting, and since it's a blood thinner there are bruises around the injection site that are a bit sore. But it is just unsavory. And this wasn't a small amount of blood thinner either. I'd say the vial was about the size of my pinky finger. The first day, even the second day was fine. But by the third or fourth day I was starting to dread it, and today it was all I could do to do it. Like I said, it wasn't particularly painful, but that doesn't mean it's fun.
Speaking of my doctor, and I don't know if you followed the link above to his bio (it's not necessary, I just thought it was funny) the picture does not do him justice, he's actually much better looking in person. Anyway, I just chuckled at the last sentence where it says he enjoys spending time with his wife. Not that I don't believe him, I just have this image of a woman bitching at him "You'd better put something about me in there." Or, maybe it just means he thinks highly of himself and if left to his own devices the sentence would actually read "...I enjoy spending time with my wife, just in case any of you ladies out there thought I was single. No dice." :) Anyway, it just made me laugh. He's actually a very nice guy and I don't mean to poke fun at him, it's just the way my mind works.
So here I am back in the real world. I have to say that being stuck at home wasn't so horrible. My dogs were so sweet, such good healers (their favorite thing is to make a Leslie sandwich while in bed). And I had lots of my favorite foods around (soup, cereal, popcorn), plenty to read (like Pride and Prejudice), plenty to watch (like Pride and Prejudice). And it was just nice to sit still and watch the world go by. And to not feel guilty about it. I was supposed to sit still and watch the world go by. There is a bit of a let down after something like this. But one can't make a living recovering from surgery, you know?
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