And here I am with no Europe CD in sight for mood music. *chuckle* That's ok... I'd be forced to dance around, as I always liked them, and then Elizabeth would get all upset that I was moving.
We have found 2 possibilities for babysitting. A gal from our SCA group has agreed to try it out. I don't forsee too many issues, but then, I haven't spent more than a few hours at a time with her. Another possible is Raistlin's friend, who just lost her job. It would be a temporary stop-gap, but something we could at least work with until Fred's child payments were reduced and we had more money coming in.
Elizabeth has taken to being very active most of the day. I think she's getting ready to head out and see the world, and I have the feeling she's impatient to get things started. There are times when it looks like she's polishing the insides of my stomach, either with butt or head, and she's figured out how to tickle me where my thigh meets my pelvis. It's very distracting when she does it.
Got my teeth cleaned yesterday, and saw my doula, Tia. The visit with Tia was great. Got more information on stuff they never tell you about before you get pregnant, and never mention as you go along your pregnancy - apparently you're just supposed to inherently know certain things... The dentist was not so great, but that's a combination of fear and loathing for that place, and the level of pain associated each time I go there. I'm trying to get over my fear, if only so that Elizabeth will not be afraid of going.
Up-shot to the dentist is that my teeth are better looking than they'd expect considering the last time I had them cleaned was when I was 18. Down-shot was that I have a severe infection in my gums, so I have to deal with that. If I take care of them and clean everything really well for the next 2 weeks, I should see a really good improvement on them, and not lose the front lower teeth. yay.
Last night found us gaming. New campaign, and new characters. I almost died twice, but managed to be pulled out by the skin of my teeth. On the other hand, one more game and I'll go up in level. I like the concept of the game, and my character. It's set in a country that is rife with corruption and greed, and the have-nots are being trod upon (fiercely) by the haves. My party is a group of "outlaws", including the paladin and the ranger... We're outlaws only in the sense that we are not going to follow the laws - we're all for justice, but since there isn't any, we are going to make our own. Bwa ha ha. It's been a lot of fun with both equal amounts of combat and cerebral figuring.
Took down the christmas tree today - or at least, removed all the ornaments and the lights. Turns out, Jazzy has a thing for peeing on cloth laying on the floor, so my tree skirt needs laundering. Sigh. Will have to work on that with her, and hopefully break her of it soon. It's not as though she doesn't have a clean box. I think it's just a bad habit she brought with her from her last home.
The cleaning party is still on as well (the reason we took down the christmas tree today). So far, we have 4-5 people who are going to be over to help out, which means if each person takes a room, we should be finished in a matter of hours, rather than in a huge, day-long ordeal. I picked up lil' smokies, 3 types of cheese, small bread slices, ritz crackers, and soda for the event, as well as some more cleaning supplies to make sure we don't run out. One of the volunteers mentioned something about bringing a steam cleaner and a 2nd vacuum, which would be great. I'm not going to steam-clean the whole thing - it could totally destroy a carpet that, I believe, is mostly held together by grime. LOL. But, spot-cleaning, definitely.
Fred cleaned the kitchen today, which was nice. If I can keep it that clean for the rest of the week, then whomever gets it Saturday will have an easy time of it - mostly just doing some cleaning on the tops of the shelves, the top and inside of the fridge, and the hood. Perhaps the inside of the oven, but that's it... Everything else should be good.
I am really looking forward to having everything cleaned, and having the help come in. I could normally tackle most of this myself, but with the back/hip/pelvic pain, and the fact that I simply can't move the way I used to with the extra weight of the baby (carrying extremely out front and waddling... not good for equalibrium), it makes it difficult just to get things out of a lower shelf.
Part of the deal of cleaning on Saturday will be Fred and I looking at stuff and deciding whether we really need it or not. If we haven't seen it in 6 months (discounting camp gear), or don't even remember having HAD it - we probably don't need it, and can get rid of it. So, there should be a lot of de-pack-ratting that weekend, too. Goodwill and Salvation Army will be overwhelmed, but happy, I'm sure.
I work New Years, which shouldn't be that big a deal. I am signed up for an earlier swing shift thing. The schedule didn't have any time between 7am and noon to pick from, so I chose the noon shift. It means an ok shift that I don't have to worry too much about getting to and from work, and time and a half plus holiday pay. Not a bad thing. I'll also be getting the pay for Christmas on this next paycheck, so it should be a nice one to look forward to.
Funny aside: At the gym the other day, Raistlin looked at me and asked what my plan for having the baby was... I looked her straight in the eye and said "To stay as calm as possible". *chuckle* What she was ACTUALLY asking was whether I was going to need a ride or not. I told her that honestly, I wasn't sure - really, I don't know how long things might take, and when Elizabeth is going to decide to head out, so it's difficult to know what's going to happen until it does. So, she offered her services as a taxi-driver, which I truly, truly appreciate.
I'm heading to bed at this point, I think. While I took a 2 hour nap today, I'm still tired, and need to get some sleep for work tomorrow.
~M
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Loot for 2007!!!
It was a pretty darned awesome Yuletide at our house this year. Fred's haul was pretty impressive, as was mine.
Fred got:
New sneakers
2 new books (Garrett PI series)
a pair of sparring gloves
Creative Labs mp3 player
Movie "300"
From others -
gift certificate to Oregon Leather
I got:
New pots and pans (Farberware)
COBY mp3 player
Quilting block and mat
rotary blade
t-square (x 2)
Box of Ferrero Rochet chocolates
From others -
magnetic wrist pin holder
fan of basic quilt block patterns
book "The Complete Crochet Answer Book"
Stuffed Hedgehog for the baby
Candles with rustic candle holders
Check from mummy ("for Figgy Pudding")
I just realized this morning that I still need to get a diaper pail and compare whether diapers or a diaper service is going to be more cost efficient... I finally got 1 bottle, 3 extra nipples, some lanolin for breastfeeding, and some storage containers and cheap bottles to store breast milk in.
We still haven't figured out the whole child-care thing, so if there's anyone with ideas, please shoot them over to me...
~M
Fred got:
New sneakers
2 new books (Garrett PI series)
a pair of sparring gloves
Creative Labs mp3 player
Movie "300"
From others -
gift certificate to Oregon Leather
I got:
New pots and pans (Farberware)
COBY mp3 player
Quilting block and mat
rotary blade
t-square (x 2)
Box of Ferrero Rochet chocolates
From others -
magnetic wrist pin holder
fan of basic quilt block patterns
book "The Complete Crochet Answer Book"
Stuffed Hedgehog for the baby
Candles with rustic candle holders
Check from mummy ("for Figgy Pudding")
I just realized this morning that I still need to get a diaper pail and compare whether diapers or a diaper service is going to be more cost efficient... I finally got 1 bottle, 3 extra nipples, some lanolin for breastfeeding, and some storage containers and cheap bottles to store breast milk in.
We still haven't figured out the whole child-care thing, so if there's anyone with ideas, please shoot them over to me...
~M
"God, That's Good!"
So, the aftermath of Sweeney Todd… Definitely, a movie worth paying the full amount of money for in the theatre. The cinematography is amazing, the songs are well done, and the story sticks to the original play like glue. I was happily amazed by how well it turned out, even with Sondheim’s endorsement.
If you are squeamish about blood shooting everywhere, it’s not the movie for you. As Peter O’Toole said (not in this movie) “those who have nervous dispositions would do well to protect yourselves!” (and if you can name that movie, I’ll give you a cookie!). There’s blood, gore, guts and veins in the teeth in this movie, and the chosen path that Tim Burton went down was reminiscent of Sleepy Hollow with its dark streets, darker characters and horribly dark deeds.
Johnny Depp delivered a stunning Sweeney character. His voice, while not the deep baritone of the stage, was rich with pent-up frustrations, dashed dreams and violence – just the right combination for Todd. I loved how dangerous he could make a pair of razor blades and a cravat look…
Helena Bonham Carter played an extremely convincing Mrs. Lovett as well. The pair of them had a great on-screen chemistry, and her voice was perfect for the ever-delectable, opportunistic pie-maker.
Judge Turpin, played by Alan Rickman, was executed with the style and panache that could only be delivered by him. His voice was amazing (I’d never heard him sing before, and I was quite pleasantly surprised by it), and Rickman’s powerful on-stage presence was perfect for Turpin’s character.
The other characters I haven’t seen in anything else at this point, but I do know they did a great job in this movie.
The only disappointment at all was the lack of the chorus. No "God, That's Good" response to Mrs. Lovett's pies, and no introduction to Sweeney Todd at all ("Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd")...
Even so, all in all, a definite win all around for everyone – the audience included.
~M
If you are squeamish about blood shooting everywhere, it’s not the movie for you. As Peter O’Toole said (not in this movie) “those who have nervous dispositions would do well to protect yourselves!” (and if you can name that movie, I’ll give you a cookie!). There’s blood, gore, guts and veins in the teeth in this movie, and the chosen path that Tim Burton went down was reminiscent of Sleepy Hollow with its dark streets, darker characters and horribly dark deeds.
Johnny Depp delivered a stunning Sweeney character. His voice, while not the deep baritone of the stage, was rich with pent-up frustrations, dashed dreams and violence – just the right combination for Todd. I loved how dangerous he could make a pair of razor blades and a cravat look…
Helena Bonham Carter played an extremely convincing Mrs. Lovett as well. The pair of them had a great on-screen chemistry, and her voice was perfect for the ever-delectable, opportunistic pie-maker.
Judge Turpin, played by Alan Rickman, was executed with the style and panache that could only be delivered by him. His voice was amazing (I’d never heard him sing before, and I was quite pleasantly surprised by it), and Rickman’s powerful on-stage presence was perfect for Turpin’s character.
The other characters I haven’t seen in anything else at this point, but I do know they did a great job in this movie.
The only disappointment at all was the lack of the chorus. No "God, That's Good" response to Mrs. Lovett's pies, and no introduction to Sweeney Todd at all ("Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd")...
Even so, all in all, a definite win all around for everyone – the audience included.
~M
Monday, December 24, 2007
Things they never warn you about...
when considering becoming pregnant...
1. You may be sick, you may not - either way, though, the first 3 months, you probably won't be interested in having sex.
2. Relaxin may be the *name* of the hormone your body releases, but it's anything but.
3. Sleep becomes a fond memory as you get further along, partially due to stress, and partially because of pain.
4. Speaking of pain - The last three months is an increasing FONT of it.
5. Pools and deep bathtubs become your friend around month 5, and only become increasingly tantalizing as you get further along.
6. Heating pads and massages are also great, but are only effective for the time they're directly in touch with wherever you're in pain.
7. The more independant you were before, the less independant you become as you get further along.
8. Brackston-Hickes are not comfortable, and do not even *remotely* give you a sense of what is to come when you go into labor.
9. The number of horror stories regarding 38 hour hard labors and emergency c-sections will increase exponentially based on the number of issues experienced throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
10. When someone asks you afterward whether you'd do it again, your brain may indeed override common sense and say "yes" - even after knowing all of the above...
1. You may be sick, you may not - either way, though, the first 3 months, you probably won't be interested in having sex.
2. Relaxin may be the *name* of the hormone your body releases, but it's anything but.
3. Sleep becomes a fond memory as you get further along, partially due to stress, and partially because of pain.
4. Speaking of pain - The last three months is an increasing FONT of it.
5. Pools and deep bathtubs become your friend around month 5, and only become increasingly tantalizing as you get further along.
6. Heating pads and massages are also great, but are only effective for the time they're directly in touch with wherever you're in pain.
7. The more independant you were before, the less independant you become as you get further along.
8. Brackston-Hickes are not comfortable, and do not even *remotely* give you a sense of what is to come when you go into labor.
9. The number of horror stories regarding 38 hour hard labors and emergency c-sections will increase exponentially based on the number of issues experienced throughout the rest of the pregnancy.
10. When someone asks you afterward whether you'd do it again, your brain may indeed override common sense and say "yes" - even after knowing all of the above...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
I'd be more amused, but it's just so dumb.
Even after telling me that I need to send her a "Special" email to "remind" her of my upcoming appointments, my boss has yet to even bother to open it. Nice.
So, I will go to my appointment tomorrow, regardless of the fact that it's not on the schedule, since she can't seem to do her job. I am doing everything *I* am supposed to do. If she can't do her job, it's not my problem. And I'm just too tired to hound her about it constantly any further.
~M
So, I will go to my appointment tomorrow, regardless of the fact that it's not on the schedule, since she can't seem to do her job. I am doing everything *I* am supposed to do. If she can't do her job, it's not my problem. And I'm just too tired to hound her about it constantly any further.
~M
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Stress, sir - it's a killer...
This whole physical therapy / OMLA thing has been driving me batty. OK - specifically, not the physical therapy (which has been helping - sort of), and actually not the OMLA, which has been assisting in *getting* me the the physical therapy. No, it's my BOSS that's driving me batty, in regards to it.
She had to sit down with me today and tell me that, because she can't keep up on her job, she wants me to now send her a personal email along *with* the request for time off, so she can keep a head's up on everything and make sure that OT is posted correctly. Yeah... Lady, if you can't do your job, and you admit as much, don't you think it's time you decided to do something ELSE?!
Her exact words were "Well, you know, it's no picnic setting up schedules for 33 people in a 24/7 call center, so it's been difficult making sure that I get everyone scheduled properly. I can't always have the time to go into [the folder showing what days everyone is requesting off], so I need you to send me a personal email to give me a head's up, so I can go in and specifically look for your requested days off."
I see. Never mind that, as the supervisor, that's your JOB! Never mind that you're supposed to do that at least twice a day (once when you get to work and once when you leave)... Never mind that it's yet one more way for you to admit that you're incompetent. OMG.
I smiled and nodded. It was clarified that I wasn't going to be able to give her 3 weeks notice - sometimes I would only be able to give her a few days notice, but I would try and keep that to a minimum - and that I would agree to send her said "special" email. I wonder if I should gift-wrap it and put a pink bow on it as well.
She also tried to jolly me along with anecdotes about her friends being pregnant - she's never been pregnant, but assumes that as she has friends who were, she knows everything there is to know about being pregnant. Whatever.
Of course, this whole discussion simply underlined what was already apparent - she can't do her job, and she's going to end up losing it within the next few months because of her repeated incompetence. And she won't see it coming because she can't see how idiotic she is:
Instead of asking for help on union-related issues regarding seniority, she simply makes an arbitrary decision - and ends up almost having a call center-wide riot on her hands.
Instead of paying attention and making sure that EVERYONE got a copy of updated schedules for Thanksgiving graveyard, she only sent out updated schedules to those who had theirs changed - and then didn't even bother to actually FILL the position for that night at all, causing the graveyard person on call to be dragged in - much to their annoyance and surprise.
Now there's this. First, she decides to ignore OMLA law and tell me that I *have* to give her 3 weeks notice for all my PT appointments. Now, she's still trying to set terms, all the while backpedalling and trying to save her ass from being raked over the coals by HR, since she put the original request in writing.
She is not long for this call center - and it looks like there will be a huge sigh of relief from a number of people when she leaves.
Needless to say, I've spent the last 3 days feeling nauseous and dizzy from the stress, and my back is killing me. I didn't go to the pool on Monday, as I was still recovering some from the cold that's been kicking my butt (and has now moved onto poor Fred). I *am* going tonight, dammit, even if all I do is sit on the steps and just let the water pull the weight off my back for a bit... I need it desperately.
Friday I have another PT appointment. I will also be meeting Tom, the guy from our brace shop, and will hopefully be getting a pregnancy belly band. Apparently he has *ONE* - and luckily, it fits my current measurements. So, I'll be calling him to have him meet me at the appointment, and we will fill out paperwork, etc.
~M
She had to sit down with me today and tell me that, because she can't keep up on her job, she wants me to now send her a personal email along *with* the request for time off, so she can keep a head's up on everything and make sure that OT is posted correctly. Yeah... Lady, if you can't do your job, and you admit as much, don't you think it's time you decided to do something ELSE?!
Her exact words were "Well, you know, it's no picnic setting up schedules for 33 people in a 24/7 call center, so it's been difficult making sure that I get everyone scheduled properly. I can't always have the time to go into [the folder showing what days everyone is requesting off], so I need you to send me a personal email to give me a head's up, so I can go in and specifically look for your requested days off."
I see. Never mind that, as the supervisor, that's your JOB! Never mind that you're supposed to do that at least twice a day (once when you get to work and once when you leave)... Never mind that it's yet one more way for you to admit that you're incompetent. OMG.
I smiled and nodded. It was clarified that I wasn't going to be able to give her 3 weeks notice - sometimes I would only be able to give her a few days notice, but I would try and keep that to a minimum - and that I would agree to send her said "special" email. I wonder if I should gift-wrap it and put a pink bow on it as well.
She also tried to jolly me along with anecdotes about her friends being pregnant - she's never been pregnant, but assumes that as she has friends who were, she knows everything there is to know about being pregnant. Whatever.
Of course, this whole discussion simply underlined what was already apparent - she can't do her job, and she's going to end up losing it within the next few months because of her repeated incompetence. And she won't see it coming because she can't see how idiotic she is:
Instead of asking for help on union-related issues regarding seniority, she simply makes an arbitrary decision - and ends up almost having a call center-wide riot on her hands.
Instead of paying attention and making sure that EVERYONE got a copy of updated schedules for Thanksgiving graveyard, she only sent out updated schedules to those who had theirs changed - and then didn't even bother to actually FILL the position for that night at all, causing the graveyard person on call to be dragged in - much to their annoyance and surprise.
Now there's this. First, she decides to ignore OMLA law and tell me that I *have* to give her 3 weeks notice for all my PT appointments. Now, she's still trying to set terms, all the while backpedalling and trying to save her ass from being raked over the coals by HR, since she put the original request in writing.
She is not long for this call center - and it looks like there will be a huge sigh of relief from a number of people when she leaves.
Needless to say, I've spent the last 3 days feeling nauseous and dizzy from the stress, and my back is killing me. I didn't go to the pool on Monday, as I was still recovering some from the cold that's been kicking my butt (and has now moved onto poor Fred). I *am* going tonight, dammit, even if all I do is sit on the steps and just let the water pull the weight off my back for a bit... I need it desperately.
Friday I have another PT appointment. I will also be meeting Tom, the guy from our brace shop, and will hopefully be getting a pregnancy belly band. Apparently he has *ONE* - and luckily, it fits my current measurements. So, I'll be calling him to have him meet me at the appointment, and we will fill out paperwork, etc.
~M
Friday, December 14, 2007
Calling all cleaners!
Cleaning party!
Date: January 5th, 2008
Time: 10am to whenever we poop out
Why? Because I need some extra help before the baby gets here
Where: Our House – you can contact us for an exact address if you need it…
I know - you're all thrilled to be offered a part in this. BUT – I promise to feed you! Such a deal!!
Honestly, I am asking this as a final step to get ready for Elizabeth's arrival. I know we can't do it without help, and we only have a few weeks left before she makes her appearance, and the house is in desperate need of assistance…
So – if you can make it over to help us, please let me know by New Years so I know how much to have ready… There will be snack-food items all day, and I'll be baking a few Papa Murphy's pizzas as well.
Date: January 5th, 2008
Time: 10am to whenever we poop out
Why? Because I need some extra help before the baby gets here
Where: Our House – you can contact us for an exact address if you need it…
I know - you're all thrilled to be offered a part in this. BUT – I promise to feed you! Such a deal!!
Honestly, I am asking this as a final step to get ready for Elizabeth's arrival. I know we can't do it without help, and we only have a few weeks left before she makes her appearance, and the house is in desperate need of assistance…
So – if you can make it over to help us, please let me know by New Years so I know how much to have ready… There will be snack-food items all day, and I'll be baking a few Papa Murphy's pizzas as well.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
4-6 weeks...
That's how little time I have left with Elizabeth on the inside. How scary is that? VERY, that's how... It means I really need to buckle down and get the rest of the room ready, clean up our room, clean up the front room, and get started with filing like I had originally planned.
I finally got all but 1 of my plants trans-potted, though that was before I re-wrenched my back this weekend. Still haven't gotten the window coverings up. Seems like whenever I get to a point where I can, Fred can't. Whenever I can't, Fred can... I know that it technically only takes 1 person to do it, but it's easier and goes faster with two.
Speaking of a wrenched back, yes, indeedy, that's what I did this last weekend. I was coughing and sneezing so much that I was out for 3 days this week trying to get it to calm down and move without pain. This morning is the first time I've woken up after a pretty decent (though typically intermittant) night's sleep with NO MAJOR PAIN! I was very excited.
I'm sure that I'll get an attempt at a lecture from the bosses today or tomorrow. If they say anything, I am going to request that the union rep be there with me, and there will be no discussion prior to that - and I won't sign anything without him present and advising me, thank you very much.
Currently, I'm just trying to get everything together to get out the door to work. So, ta! and I will write more later.
~M
I finally got all but 1 of my plants trans-potted, though that was before I re-wrenched my back this weekend. Still haven't gotten the window coverings up. Seems like whenever I get to a point where I can, Fred can't. Whenever I can't, Fred can... I know that it technically only takes 1 person to do it, but it's easier and goes faster with two.
Speaking of a wrenched back, yes, indeedy, that's what I did this last weekend. I was coughing and sneezing so much that I was out for 3 days this week trying to get it to calm down and move without pain. This morning is the first time I've woken up after a pretty decent (though typically intermittant) night's sleep with NO MAJOR PAIN! I was very excited.
I'm sure that I'll get an attempt at a lecture from the bosses today or tomorrow. If they say anything, I am going to request that the union rep be there with me, and there will be no discussion prior to that - and I won't sign anything without him present and advising me, thank you very much.
Currently, I'm just trying to get everything together to get out the door to work. So, ta! and I will write more later.
~M
Sunday, December 09, 2007
What, again?!
Yes, indeed... I have, yet again, gotten the nasty sinus infection that I've had at least 3 times prior during this fall and winter season. I know it's the same, because it starts off exactly the same. It comes on so fast that I can't even get a bit of Zycam out before I'm toppled.
This time it hit me Thursday. I went to work feeling slightly tired, but otherwise ok. By 3pm, my throat had ended up having a wire brush taken to it by several nasty elves, all of whom were sadistic enough to not stop until 7am Friday morning. I went to work because I had to, since I didn't (at that point) have any real back pain.
I ended up on a Theraflu diet again, which, as before, didn't do much of anything other than make me sleepy and sort of cranky. Saturday I spent cleaning the kitchen and taking a 3 hour nap, then heading out to meet Lil for a two hour shopping trip to Fabric Depot (a.k.a. Mecca). Yes, I was sick - however, this was also the 40% off monthly sale they have, and I needed patterns that were running at $2.50 per packet - you can't skip that... You just can't.
I made it home in time to have steak, a baked potato and green beans that Fred had whipped up, and then sit and chat with friends while trying to ignore the fact that I was exhausted, sick, and had to be up by 5 this morning for the dreaded mandatory meeting at work.
This morning greeted me with patches of ice on the parking lot floor - so, I decided to take the cab all the way into work. Turns out, it was only $20, which was a small price to pay to make sure that I got there safely, and didn't freeze my butt off, either.
The meeting was useless, as always. The only interesting highlight was having the ornament exchange. I got a few pretty ones, and gave out 7 hand-crocheted snowflakes (Yes, I'm nuts...). Then, got a ride home from one of my co-workers.
Fred decided to head out to do some Christmas shopping, since yesterday our kicker checks came in from the State. Yay, us. Raistlin decided to kidnap me to watch "Into The Woods" at her place and do laundry (saved me quarters and running back and forth up and down stairs, etc).
I got all the laundry done for me, and enjoyed watching the Sondheim classic (which I'd seen prior, but only once or twice, about 15 years ago or so). Then we headed back to my place, picking up dinner for Fred and I on the way.
Currently, my throat, which had calmed down for a bit, is back to being on fire. My sinuses have completely betrayed me and are providing no end to the green goo which is apparently so chic in nasal cavity decoration these days, and I'm in a lot of back and hip pain. We'll see how we are in the morning, but if it's still this bad, I'm not going to be able to do anything tomorrow. If I can get up, I'll go to work. If not, I'll be bugging my physical therapist for the date of my next visit.
~M
This time it hit me Thursday. I went to work feeling slightly tired, but otherwise ok. By 3pm, my throat had ended up having a wire brush taken to it by several nasty elves, all of whom were sadistic enough to not stop until 7am Friday morning. I went to work because I had to, since I didn't (at that point) have any real back pain.
I ended up on a Theraflu diet again, which, as before, didn't do much of anything other than make me sleepy and sort of cranky. Saturday I spent cleaning the kitchen and taking a 3 hour nap, then heading out to meet Lil for a two hour shopping trip to Fabric Depot (a.k.a. Mecca). Yes, I was sick - however, this was also the 40% off monthly sale they have, and I needed patterns that were running at $2.50 per packet - you can't skip that... You just can't.
I made it home in time to have steak, a baked potato and green beans that Fred had whipped up, and then sit and chat with friends while trying to ignore the fact that I was exhausted, sick, and had to be up by 5 this morning for the dreaded mandatory meeting at work.
This morning greeted me with patches of ice on the parking lot floor - so, I decided to take the cab all the way into work. Turns out, it was only $20, which was a small price to pay to make sure that I got there safely, and didn't freeze my butt off, either.
The meeting was useless, as always. The only interesting highlight was having the ornament exchange. I got a few pretty ones, and gave out 7 hand-crocheted snowflakes (Yes, I'm nuts...). Then, got a ride home from one of my co-workers.
Fred decided to head out to do some Christmas shopping, since yesterday our kicker checks came in from the State. Yay, us. Raistlin decided to kidnap me to watch "Into The Woods" at her place and do laundry (saved me quarters and running back and forth up and down stairs, etc).
I got all the laundry done for me, and enjoyed watching the Sondheim classic (which I'd seen prior, but only once or twice, about 15 years ago or so). Then we headed back to my place, picking up dinner for Fred and I on the way.
Currently, my throat, which had calmed down for a bit, is back to being on fire. My sinuses have completely betrayed me and are providing no end to the green goo which is apparently so chic in nasal cavity decoration these days, and I'm in a lot of back and hip pain. We'll see how we are in the morning, but if it's still this bad, I'm not going to be able to do anything tomorrow. If I can get up, I'll go to work. If not, I'll be bugging my physical therapist for the date of my next visit.
~M
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Update...
Yeah, I know. It's been a while. I haven't had time - or energy - to write until this morning. So, what's happened...
Well, the ergonomic assessment for the main work-site was a no-go. Ended up having to call in because I couldn't get up from bed for a good 2-3 hours due to my back. Have to reschedule that, but in the meantime, I'm setting everything up as best as possible.
I got the OMLA approved as of Thursday afternoon, which was good since, as I mentioned, I had to call in the next day. Whilst this was going on, I still hadn't been approved for time off for PT for Monday and Wednesday - I'd submitted them 3 weeks earlier, and had ended up getting them denied with no explaination. So, after talking with my union steward and filing OMLA, and after the steward talked with the new supervisor, I still hadn't gotten them approved. So, I submitted the request under "2nd request", and finally got them approved within a few hours...
Unfortunately, the new supervisor decided to write me an email about the whole thing... It was titled simply "PT Appointments", and said (and I quote):
I want you to know that I have accepted your requests this week for PT appointments. They are noted in Call Center Time.
I realize that with the recent schedule change these appointment were hard to change, however I will not be able to do anymore last minute requests of this nature in the future. There is a big impact on the Call Center when we are not properly staffed, Mondays being a very busy day, we need every agent scheduled. The callers, our customers, are the ones that suffer when we are not properly staffed, which is why I need to be very cautious when making these types of exceptions.
I hope that you feel better, if you have any appointments in the future three weeks is necessary.
My response was not amused...
As these are now covered under OMLA, I am given to understand that I am able to present them to you as my physical therapist feels them to be necessary. In regards to the two appointments that were submitted, they had been originally submitted 3 weeks in advance, but were initially denied - no reason was given.
It was at that point that I discussed options with the union representative. I do have future PT appointments, and at this time, they are not going to be 3 weeks out - mostly due to the fact that, per my physical therapist, I need them as soon as possible. This is why I applied for OMLA.
I will be submitting for time off for them under OMLA as soon as I have new appointment dates scheduled.
If you have any questions, you may contact me, or my Physical Therapist - or you may speak with our union representative.
Thank you.
So far, I haven't heard anything back from her. It's been a week, and she's only just *now* said "Good night" to me when I've headed out the door. I think she suddenly realized that she made a MAJOR goof-up.
In any case, I have had my two PT appointments this week, and they have me on the wait-list for next week for appointments. I think I overdid it at the gym last night, though... I've been heading out 3 times a week and walking the pool there for about 15-20 mins. It's mostly been helping, though with excessive walking outside of the pool, which I sort of did, ends up hurting my hip and lower back/butt muscles by the next morning... So - will have to be careful of that.
In other news, baby has officially eaten the last of my brain. Last night, I was leaving the office and inventoried my bag, which I always do, then walked out... leaving my purse behind. I didn't realize it until I was completely across town and about a 5 minute walk away from the gym. Brilliant. I panicked, and called a co-worker, who apparently can't tell what a purse looks like - he said that it wasn't there... Which led me to work out for about an hour, rather than 20 minutes, trying to relax. Which didn't work.
I then called the lead on duty, who *did* find the purse there, and he put it in the back of my desk drawer for safe keeping. I swear to the heavens - if I am this forgetful once Elizabeth is here, they're going to arrest me for child neglect because I'm going to be leaving her everywhere... *sigh*
Meanwhile - on to more pleasant things... Saturday, Lil and I will be headed over to Fabric Depot and brave the 40% off sale. I need patterns, which they'll have for $2.50 a pop, and perhaps some baby fabric - though I'm not sure... Sunday, I'll probably pop over to Raistlin's house for the day to watch "Tinman", the latest of the SciFi channel's groupings of mini-series. I got to see all but the last 2 hours of it, and while they're running it again on Sunday night, I'm not staying up until 11pm to see it. I need my sleep, dammit.
The less pleasant thing is, I put on my pants this morning and found that the baby has grown again - I haven't gained any weight to speak of, but the baby has grown... I now officially have 2 pairs of pants that I fit into. Period. The ones with zippers just don't fit. So, it'll be off to goodwill or someplace and try and find sweats and stretch pants to fit me - otherwise I'll be in mu-mu's, which just doesn't work for winter here.
Other than that, nothing much is going on. Elizabeth is apparently practicing to be the world's next kickboxing and somersaulting champion... She's very active of late...
~M
Well, the ergonomic assessment for the main work-site was a no-go. Ended up having to call in because I couldn't get up from bed for a good 2-3 hours due to my back. Have to reschedule that, but in the meantime, I'm setting everything up as best as possible.
I got the OMLA approved as of Thursday afternoon, which was good since, as I mentioned, I had to call in the next day. Whilst this was going on, I still hadn't been approved for time off for PT for Monday and Wednesday - I'd submitted them 3 weeks earlier, and had ended up getting them denied with no explaination. So, after talking with my union steward and filing OMLA, and after the steward talked with the new supervisor, I still hadn't gotten them approved. So, I submitted the request under "2nd request", and finally got them approved within a few hours...
Unfortunately, the new supervisor decided to write me an email about the whole thing... It was titled simply "PT Appointments", and said (and I quote):
I want you to know that I have accepted your requests this week for PT appointments. They are noted in Call Center Time.
I realize that with the recent schedule change these appointment were hard to change, however I will not be able to do anymore last minute requests of this nature in the future. There is a big impact on the Call Center when we are not properly staffed, Mondays being a very busy day, we need every agent scheduled. The callers, our customers, are the ones that suffer when we are not properly staffed, which is why I need to be very cautious when making these types of exceptions.
I hope that you feel better, if you have any appointments in the future three weeks is necessary.
My response was not amused...
As these are now covered under OMLA, I am given to understand that I am able to present them to you as my physical therapist feels them to be necessary. In regards to the two appointments that were submitted, they had been originally submitted 3 weeks in advance, but were initially denied - no reason was given.
It was at that point that I discussed options with the union representative. I do have future PT appointments, and at this time, they are not going to be 3 weeks out - mostly due to the fact that, per my physical therapist, I need them as soon as possible. This is why I applied for OMLA.
I will be submitting for time off for them under OMLA as soon as I have new appointment dates scheduled.
If you have any questions, you may contact me, or my Physical Therapist - or you may speak with our union representative.
Thank you.
So far, I haven't heard anything back from her. It's been a week, and she's only just *now* said "Good night" to me when I've headed out the door. I think she suddenly realized that she made a MAJOR goof-up.
In any case, I have had my two PT appointments this week, and they have me on the wait-list for next week for appointments. I think I overdid it at the gym last night, though... I've been heading out 3 times a week and walking the pool there for about 15-20 mins. It's mostly been helping, though with excessive walking outside of the pool, which I sort of did, ends up hurting my hip and lower back/butt muscles by the next morning... So - will have to be careful of that.
In other news, baby has officially eaten the last of my brain. Last night, I was leaving the office and inventoried my bag, which I always do, then walked out... leaving my purse behind. I didn't realize it until I was completely across town and about a 5 minute walk away from the gym. Brilliant. I panicked, and called a co-worker, who apparently can't tell what a purse looks like - he said that it wasn't there... Which led me to work out for about an hour, rather than 20 minutes, trying to relax. Which didn't work.
I then called the lead on duty, who *did* find the purse there, and he put it in the back of my desk drawer for safe keeping. I swear to the heavens - if I am this forgetful once Elizabeth is here, they're going to arrest me for child neglect because I'm going to be leaving her everywhere... *sigh*
Meanwhile - on to more pleasant things... Saturday, Lil and I will be headed over to Fabric Depot and brave the 40% off sale. I need patterns, which they'll have for $2.50 a pop, and perhaps some baby fabric - though I'm not sure... Sunday, I'll probably pop over to Raistlin's house for the day to watch "Tinman", the latest of the SciFi channel's groupings of mini-series. I got to see all but the last 2 hours of it, and while they're running it again on Sunday night, I'm not staying up until 11pm to see it. I need my sleep, dammit.
The less pleasant thing is, I put on my pants this morning and found that the baby has grown again - I haven't gained any weight to speak of, but the baby has grown... I now officially have 2 pairs of pants that I fit into. Period. The ones with zippers just don't fit. So, it'll be off to goodwill or someplace and try and find sweats and stretch pants to fit me - otherwise I'll be in mu-mu's, which just doesn't work for winter here.
Other than that, nothing much is going on. Elizabeth is apparently practicing to be the world's next kickboxing and somersaulting champion... She's very active of late...
~M
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