Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Myth: Getting the Flu Shot will Give you the Flu

Now, I'm not so sure. Before I go into my tyrade, I must say, I am a believer in the flu shot. I had the full blown version of the flu about four years ago and it was AWFUL!! I don't ever want to feel like that again. It put me outta commish for two weeks. So, ever since then, I get my flu shot faithfully. Friday I got my flu shot from a Senate nurse. It was actually most painless flu shot I've ever had. But since Friday night, I've been in an extreme state of "blah" and my left arm hasn't stopped hurting. Until yesterday it really hurt to lift it and I sleep with my arms over my head. (I'm quite the contortionist in my sleep). Even today my arm is still throbbing a bit. I'm probably over exaggerating, I've been known to be a bit of a drama queen when it comes to being sick. It's just really annoying me and it makes me feel very tired and weak.

This weekend I took Roxanne to the vet's office. And while it cost me more money than I had planned on spending, the vet was very thorough and I really liked her. She didn't really tell me a whole lot though. She said to put foil down because cats don't like the sound or texture of foil. Well, apparently Roxanne isn't like other cats (which I always knew, but was hoping wouldn't be in true in this instance.) It did me no good. She's smarter than the average cat. I also had to take in a urine sample...uh, yes you read that right...a urine sample...from a cat. How do you get a cat to pee in a cup? Geez, the things we do for our pets. I did some major cleaning last night...I hope that does the trick.

Sunday I went to Tatum's baptism and after-party at Lisa's. TONS of people came! I got to meet all the people I'd only heard or read about. It was very nice. I was also chatting with Yvonne about feeling under the weather. She promised to drive down to Virginia to give me chicken noodle soup if I needed it. I have been so fortunate to come across such good friends as Lisa and Yvonne...between the two of them, I can hardly want for anything. They've become my home away from home.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Brothers and Parents and Nieces, OH MY!

I'm sorry this post is so long in coming...I've been in a zombie-like state since I got back from Denver. This past weekend I flew into Denver to spend some much needed time with my family. I loved every minute of it! Unlike most people, I can't get enough of my family. We always have such a good time when we get together. I got to spend tons of time with Baby Raney, Tia and Daven...kids are such a weird thing. They just steal your heart without even trying. Tia's crazy...she just repeats everything you say and runs faster than I can keep up with. And Raney, well, she's still so dependent and fragile. She's very cute though...and really quiet! And then there's Daven. Daven is my little angel. I feel closer to him, I think mainly because I lived with Aspen, Logan and Daven for 6 months before I came out to DC. I truly miss him here in the big city. He's the only one I can't talk to and get updates from. I wasn't sure if he would remember me or not, but I think he really did! I got there and he came right to me...which isn't a big thing because he'll practically go to anyone. But while I was holding him and walking and talking with the rest of the group, he pulled my face so that I was looking at him and gave me the BIGGEST smile!! Oh my...forget it. He can have anything he wants from me!! He's made huge progress in his development. We crawled together, and he stood up for me several times and he walked while holding my hands. He's such a big, growing boy!

Outside of seeing Tia and Raney and Daven, I got to see my brothers Trevor and Tucker and my sis-in-law Jody, Aspen and Logan (Sis and bro-in-law), my parents, Monga and Ponga my grandparents, and even Kristen Trevor's longtime girlfriend. I've really missed them all in different ways. I loved all the laughing and sports watching and chatting. I even got a little misty-eyed when I saw Aspen and my Mom. It was such a good weekend and exactly what I needed! I guess the weirdest part about the whole weekend was, after I got off the plane in DC. I was driving back to my apartment, and it really did feel good to going "home." I like it here...and while it is light years away from my family and my hometown, it is my new home. I feel so grown up! HAHA!!

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Good and Bad

I'll start with the good...This weekend was pretty uneventful. EXCEPT...I found the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I found Tyson's Corner Center...the biggest, most inclusive mall I've ever seen. It almost brought a tear to my eye. Three floors of pure shopping bliss. And the best part...free parking! I didn't know there was anyplace in the city that had free parking. And rumor has it, the place is absoultely stunning at Christmas time...I can't wait for that!!

Sunday I went up to Lisa's to watch football. I had a great time with Lisa and Yvonne's family but the football wasn't so good. It's tough being a Cowboys fan.

And the BEST news...I'm going to see my family this weekend!!! I'm flying to Denver to see Tucker, Jody, Tia and the new baby, Raney on Saturday. Trevor already lives in Denver, plus my parents, grandparents, Aspen and Logan and who could forget DAVEN are coming up to see me too. Wow, I feel so loved. I can't wait to see them...Aspen and I decided yesterday, this is the longest I've ever been away from home. I can't wait to see everyone! I am so close to my family and actually long to spend time with them. I'm counting down the hours...44 and counting!

Okay, so now for the bad...I feel like a horrible mother. Roxanne (my cat) is having some issues. She hasn't been on her most lady-like behavior lately. So, I looked online for more information. It's possible she could have a UTI. I called the vets office to get an appointment. The assistant asked me a few questions. When she was done, I realized her problems are because of me! I did leave her alone for a few days and we have moved around a lot lately. Cats can be very moody and defiant towards change. She had been handling all the moves really well...maybe she's panicing thinking we'll move again, or maybe she can feel I'm going to be leaving her again this weekend, I don't know. But it makes me very sad. I don't want Roxanne to be unhappy or unsettled. She hasn't slept with me in about a week either...which is usually a good indicator of her unhappiness. I know this might seem silly to most, but she is a huge part of my life and I rely on her daily. I can't even imagine the turmoil real parents go through with real children if I'm having such a hard time with my psuedo child.

Monday, October 02, 2006

What a Difference a Plug-In Makes??

This weekend was pretty uneventful...I knew last weekend is going to be hard to top, so I didn't even bother trying! Friday after work I hung out with Lauren and a few other friends from work. I met a whole bunch of new people...it was really nice. But I got home pretty late and it wiped me out on Saturday. I stayed in bed all day until I had to get up and go up to Lisa's house. I promised to babysit Tatum for Lisa and Chris so they could attend a wedding. But before I left I plugged in a Wallflower my mother sent me last week. My mother is always on time and always makes me feel better. Last week I got a package from her to "Celebrate the first day of autumn." In the package was a yellow cable-knit sweater (I looooove cable-knit) and a Pumpkin Spice Wallflower (Bath and Body Works version of a Plug-In). The instant I plugged in the wallflower, I was overcome with a sense of comfort. The Fall is my favorite time of year...football, fires in fireplaces, leaves changing colors, hot chocolate, sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, beanies, cooler weather, and the quickly approaching Christmas season. Smells have always been paramount to me in remembering events or times in my life, and the smell of the pumpkin spice was no exception. Awww, the Fall! This time of year is usually the most exciting in my family's lives. We start getting ready for Christmas in September...I've been listening to Christmas music since Labor Day! While I love this time of year, it hit me hard this weekend that I won't be home for the Christmas tree decorating parties or the many weekends where my dad puts up lights all over downtown (he's quite the Christmas light guru), or even the multiple Christmas parties I was always expected to attend. It will be an interesting next few months...I feel the burden of homesickness will bear heavy on my shoulders. But maybe not...maybe I have to grow up and leave the nest at some point.