high-tech-world...

Well, after several email attempts that I just knew would be fast, you know, "this high tech world we live in" my dad finally got the email with my blog address! (shhh dad, no comment! LOL) Now he and his wife S can check in on us, see pictures, and all.....because I doubt he'd get a facebook or myspace, in this, you know, "high tech world."

The emails only took about 15 minutes to come through, so: open mouth, insert foot on my part!

Love you Dad!

being cute....is hard work!

Merry Christmas

And my mom on the news:
Here.

PRAISES!

1. the million dollar donation
2. the management company being so generous and supportive to their [previous] tenants
3. my mom laughed for the first time last night
4. paying it forward
5. i slept decent last night; once I heard from my mom that their apt manager will be vouching for her and my brother today at the check handing out.
6. my mom will be able to clear her debt and truly start 2009 fresh.
7. my brother and his gf slept in their new apt last night, with blankets, pillows, and things
8. my family and my inlaws great relationship! it really is like we're one [often happier] family.
9. the outpouring of love and gifts from YOU just amazes me. I am grateful for you! Your thoughts and prayers have meant the world to my family. Believe me when I say, they are feeling it-wrapped in warmth!
10. the media: for getting the story right. and getting to the heart of it without being cheesy or self-fulfilling.

24 hrs since the nightmare began

UPDATE:
my mom and 2 neighbors/friends are moving into a 2 bedroom, 1st floor again and brother, his gf, and her mom (apparently she was living w/ bro and gf) in a 2 bedroom, on yup, the 3rd floor (same positions as before the fire)

My mom's cats made it out! Animal control has them until they are settled! My brother's and my mom's friends cats are gone. My MIL is bringing things later tonight, they move in tomorrow. The new apt is super: lunch, no application fee, first month waived. My mom got a couple shirts and jeans and scarf and mittens from the school place last night.

SIZES:
my mom: 6 pants, S, M shirts
my brother: 34 waist, 34 length, large shirts
bro's gf: 5 pants, med shirt
bro's gf mom: 8 long pants, m/l shirts

I can collect things for packages to mail. Please know my mom is shell-shockedand thankful right now. Her words: "J, this is a nightmare. I just want to wake up. " When I told her the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, gifts she broke down and was incomrehensible. My brother deals with things like this completely different: shutting down. I have learned not to push, and he comes to me. He hasn't called yet, but he wrote on my facebook. That's M for you!

The community in Minneapolis-St. Paul has been generous as well. The company that manages the complex, the chairman donated 50K as well as another business man in the cities. Toys, blankets and stuff are being donated by the carload.

I did reorder the photos, mom was on the other line trying to order them at the same time. The sales lady was so sweet, just told her, ma'am we have ordered your photos, they will be ready on the 9th. My mom quickly called to share the "good news" from the photo place and I said, mom, you're welcome. That broke her heart again!

She's realizing the that starting over will be hard. That she's been wantng and needing a "fresh" start, just didn't think it would be this stark, on a holiday winter's night, robbed so brutally.

I think I am all out of tears for now. As much as I have always been the "mother" in this relationship, I am doing all, and doing the best I can right now.

I leave you tonight with this: " When it is dark enough, you can see the stars." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
I believe my family is in darkness, seeing the stars of wonderful, wonderful people.

the 'big guy"

I am feeling God's love today for sure! He's calming my anger and giving me peace in my questions. He's showing me His love in friends and strangers. He's allowing a small smile to creep on my tear-stained face as I whisper "thanks" to the numerous offers for help. He truly is wonderful, the reason for the season!

Fire update

Right now they are getting their december rent and security deposit back from apartment management. Also, nearby apartments are offering tours/possible leases so my mom and brother are looking at those today. Also, they are going to the humane society to see if their pets were among those rescued. They are just devastated.

I have my mother in law as the pivot point for any donations (target, walmart, tracfone, visa, clothes!!!!).
If you'd like to help, email me for the donation information.

This just makes me so numb, i feel so helpless. I talked to my mom and she agreed that I shouldn't rush home and possibly come in January to help them finish getting settled. I just can't imagine that everything is lost.

Thank you for the continued prayers during this horrible, troublesome time. My family thanks you and only wishes the best for you this Holiday Season! (Thanks, just doesn't cover it).

destroyed

My mom, brother, and his girlfriend' lives are destroyed due to a massive fire that engulfed their apartment and is a total loss.

Fire info here

They have nothing besides what is on their backs; my mom didn't grab her purse. They get by barely pinching pennies, barely paycheck to paycheck, this is just life shattering.

DH and me are so helpless. We can't get home due to work. We have nothing to send them. We have no places they can go. They are homeless, broken. I am so anxious: can't eat, can't focus, been organizing everything just to keep my mind busy. This is absolutely awful. Why? the minute my mom gets a tiny bit ahead, her world always comes crumbling down. Why???? I just want to flick off the big guy sometimes.

not me monday

Back in the swing of blogging themes for the day, here's my dose of MckMama's.....

Be sure you check out her cute little Christmas tree!

This week, I did not get my booty kicked, punched, and dropped at the police academy. I did not enjoy learning how to be a DT instructor and I was not so sore all week and weekend long. I did not take more advil in one week then I have taken all year and I did not consume glasses of water like it was, you know the phrase, going out of style.

I also did not get all of our Christmas shopping done, wrapped, and in the mail last week. I was so stressed about getting it all done that I would never have been so efficient!

I did not share a "medium" bag of peanut butter M and Ms with S while she was visiting. We also did not watch 3 great movies, because we normally pick all the really really dumb ones at Bl0ckbuster. I did not laugh with her like old times, and did not have tears in my eyes as she left. I never get that sentimental!

DH was not away from home for 4 days. He did not have to stay awake pretty much all weekend long saving lives (as I like to say) while I was not having fun with my friend from MN. (And I am certainly not happy that in 2 weeks he'll do it again, but then be done til February!)

When S commented on how nice it was listening to the radio without Christmas music, I did not instantly push the button to the Christmas station, and we then did not laugh, and quickly return to the previously scheduled broadcast.

S and I did not eat way to much at the Mexican restaurant that we could not then go too the ice cream spot. We would always find room for a sweet treat, no matter what!

What did you not do this weekend? Be sure you check out MckMama's blog too: I am addicted!

so, about that whole weather-fast-paced-change-up...

Yesterday's weather in OH-IO

7am: Woke up and drove to the police academy in 20ish degree, icy roads, freezing rain coming down, fast.

Around 1pm, 50ish degree, sun-shiney, a slight breeze, think: spring.

10pm: 42 degree, a slow drizzle, peaceful.

yup, OH-IO is known for the fast-paced change-up weather.

All in a day's work.

You know you're from C-Bus when....

You Know You Are From Columbus When--


The fact that the German Village Oktoberfest is in September (and not in
German Village ) seems perfectly normal. This is just like LaX's Oktoberfest too, but LaX's no doubt is much better.

You beam with pride that we're the hometown of Wendy's, White Castle ,
Rax Roast Beef, and Bob Evans & Donatos. But you wonder why we're the
8th fattest city in America. Can't say I eat at the above places at all: most of my clients work at thesse etablishments!...plus, that whole thing about being the 8th fattest city....stay clear!

You remember very vividly City Center & Northland. City Center: familiar with, Northland not so much. when I interviewed here Feb. 2007, DH told me to check out City Center, it's a great mall. Found out that like 3 stores exist there and Macy's was quickly on it's way out! Easton and Polaris are better malls.

You know how to pronounce " Scioto " and "Olentangy". Yup, sure can do!

You see nothing unusual about a street being called East North
Broadway. Umm, pretty sure I still think this is weird.

You live in the suburbs but your backyard was actually a cornfield last
year. Last year I lived in the same neighborhood, it's well established, and cornfields are at least 10 mi away.

That complex on the corner, with the CVS, Blockbuster's and Kroger,
that was a cornfield last year, too! well, there is a CVS, Blockbuster's and Krogers on the corner....so....but, haven't been here that long to know of the previous cornfield status.

As you lament the loss of all those cornfields, you see the infinite
wisdom of Dublin City Council, who spent over $60,000 on a field of 10'
concrete corn ears. Oh yes, seen this in real life. crazy dumb.


You don't even notice new buildings being built because a new building
goes up every single day. kinda.

You know all the 4 seasons: Winter, Still Winter, Almost Winter, and
Construction. this totally applies to MINNESOTA, not C-BUS!

You drive 3 hours to see Red White & Boom for 15 minutes, and 4 hours
back. But you live 10 minutes away. haven't been to RWB but pretty sure this is what I hear about it!


You know what a real buckeye is, and have a recipe for candy ones. know what a real one is, candy ones are de-lic-ious!

You know screaming O-H anytime, anywhere, will get a reply from a
stranger saying I-O! usually, unless you are someone DH works with, who while in Hawaii sees a couple wearing OSU gear, yells across the path O-H and the only response is unapproving/unknown glares.

The local paper covers national and international headlines on one page
but requires 6 pages for sports. true, true.

You consider going to the zoo in winter VERY normal. still holding out that we'll go for Wild Lights this Holiday season!

You have a buckeye necklace. negative.

You think 45 degree weather is PERFECT for washing your car! heck yes, this is MN spring weather!

You call it POP. Soda is for weirdos. well, duh.

You get chills when you hear 'Carmen Ohio'.. chills, no. uncontrollable radio dial switch, yes.

You know Wyandot Lake is NOT a body of water, and Mad River Mountain is
not really a mountain. true to the first part, not so sure what/where the not a mountain is.....

You say Kroger's. It's really Kroger. lol, yes, it's krogers! hehe.

You remember Big Bear, but now it's gone. nope.

You can see a building downtown but you can't get to it, due to 500
million one way streets! yes, but I'm learning the 1 ways pretty quick! well, at least my 1 ways in and out of downtown! haha!

Monday - 30 degrees, Tuesday - 70 degrees, Wednesday - 45 and humid,
Thursday - -10 wind-chill and Friday 80 degrees and sunny is normal for
you. sooooooo very true! Minnesota weather changing patterns have NOTHING on Ohio's!!!
One out of every 5 cars has something BUCKEYE on it. more like 4/5. seriously. these people are crazy-obsessed!

You remember Flippo. no.

You remember Lucys Toy Shop. and no.

Your big Christmas event was visiting Santa at Downtown Lazarus pretty sure my big Christmas event was the Dayton's display in Minneapolis.


You were surprised that there is ANOTHER Hoover Dam in the Country surprised by the local hoover dam, not the big hoover dam.


People drive 10 mph with the first dusting of snow and 65 mph with 2
feet of snow more like they don't drive at all in any road condition that varies from 70 and sunny.

You know businesses close on Ohio State Football game day. most likely true.


You know all the haunted places in Columbus . ( Mirror Lake , OSU
Library, Palace Theater, etc etc) negative.
You know what 'The Hospital Curve' is.

You think the standard protocol for a tornado warning is to grab lawn
chairs and head for the front porch. no. we ignore. never, ever true here.

You drive down 670 with your windows open to smell the fresh bread from
the Wonder Bread Factory and the cinnamon rolls from the Kroger bakery. sure? i learned where the stinky-smelly places in c-bus were within a week of being here: 71N and 104. jackson pike jail, sewage plant, and dead animal processing all in the same mile. reeeeeek.

You think there's nothing strange about the city of Westerville being
Northeast of Columbus. hehe, true.

You think that ' Columbus ' always needs to be followed by ' Ohio '. kinda.

10 days til...

...Christmas Carols go off the radio...
Ads in the paper get much smaller
...Malls aren't so crazy on the weekends...
Starbucks probably stops selling Salted Caramel hot chocolates
...Stockings aren't hung by the mantle...
Garbage cans are full of papers and ribbons and boxes
...Bellies are full of Holiday goodies...
Wishes come true
...Generosity overflows...
Pillsbury holiday cookies go on sale
...The Zoo's millions of lights go out...
Church congregations celebrate the TRUE reason for the season
...Elf won't be played on TV a few nights a week...
My dad and his wife share dinner at the base with the soldiers and their families
...Bear wears his "Santa's little helper" shirt...
DH and I can sleep in on a week day
...It's almost my MIL and FILs birthdays...
I wish there was more I wouldl have done this year, for others
...Giant Eagle's gift card sales dwindle...
Families come together
...DH and I will have a rainy-grey Christmas here in Ohio...

Here's a shot of us Christmas Eve 2007:


What happens in 10 days for you and yours???

Happy

Another Jillibean Soup Layout!
Black Bean Soup paper: jalepeno pepper, black beans
Alphabeans
Bazzill Bling
Bazzill Black
Chalk ink

First Scrapping Job-Done!

**UPDATE
Well my boss and his wife loved the book! After giving it to him, he let her know it was done, and she stopped to pick it up on her way to work! I saw her text "LOVE it!! She did a VERY good job!" It is such a good feeling to make some one else's memories come to life and for them to cherish it (especially when they aren't the artsy, crafty type!)**

I delivered my first paid scrapbooking project! It was for my boss' son's first year! It was a fun project to create and I enjoyed watching his reaction when looking through it! (he said he liked it, it was nicely done) so I am happy about that!

Here are a few blank pages I did for them to complete the album. Since baby T is only 8mos right now, these pages go through his 1st birthday in February!


My Mind's Eye Bohemia, ribbon from stash, Pink Paisley "holly doodle" letters, pop dots

white bazzill, colored cardstock from HL textured stack, Deja View's "little ones" patterned paper-ribbon-die cuts, misc shimmer scalloped circle die cut, pink paisley letters

Pattern paper from boy-girl glittered HL stack, bazzill cardstock, thickers letters, deja views "little ones" ribbon, chalk ink for edging

a little holiday survey

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper! more like a present that way, and, I like doing ribbons!

2. Real tree or Artificial? artificial. never done real and it kind of scares me. i would hate having needles all over!!!

3. When do you put up the tree? a week before christmas. i hate clutter and anything that disrupts the flow of the living room stresses me out.

4. When do you take the tree down? 12/26, are you sensing that I would almost rather not put it up at all...well, if you are, then ding ding ding: you're right!

5. Do you like eggnog? yes

6. Favorite gift received as a child? my first cd player

7. Hardest person to buy for? david

8. Easiest person to buy for? my mom

9. Do you have a nativity scene? yup! love the willow angel one

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail handmades

11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? a pot that looks like a tomato. david's grandma bought one for every woman in the family.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? elf, makes me laugh every time!

13.. When do you start shopping for Christmas? a week before. shopping doesn't stress me or DH out, so we just wait.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? prolly

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? cookies

16. Lights on the tree? yup! I love the bubble lights we have.

17. Favorite Christmas song? o holy night

18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? depends. since living in c-bus, we stay there. i would like to go to MN but it's not happening, again, this year

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? "On Dasher, on dancer, on prancer, on vixen, on comet, on cupid, on donner, and blitzen...and of course rudolph!

20. Angel on the tree too or a star? star, and i really like it!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? growing up it was eve, but now it's christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? cold air, grey skies, and windy, oh, about christmas? ummmmmm the stress of putting up the tree, ornaments and all that.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? our first christmas

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? ham, and all the fixins!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? scrapbooking stuff, a vera bradley purse.....to have fun with DH and our c-bus friends.



MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

new in town : 2009 movie!

i must see this!

totally 29 til 2009

so, since I didn't go to the jail today, and I didn't really see any clients either, no tales from the jail episode today.

instead, i noticed on my office calendar that there are 29 days left in 2008. so, I'm doing an "in no particular order, cept how i think of it, totally random" list of
29 things about this year:

1. Seeing Kelly and Reba x2
2. Watching UFC and BWs with C-Bus friends (also, x2)
3. Going to Zincks Scrapping weekend with great friends (and all crops with my cs friends)
4. Finding Stauff's coffee shop for a little touch of St. Paul in C-Bus
5. Seeing a guy with a C-Bus t-shirt at the mall (the bus was a school bus! i want!)
6. Relaxing for a week in Minnesota
7. Doing my shots daily (as prescribed) after my bout of (not loved) optic neuritis
8. Going to Kentucky and Cincinnati with DH for a Spring vacation and
9. Spending at least an hour watching the funny penguins at the aquarium there
10. Creating and delivering a wedding scrapbook to SIL and BIL
11. Getting hired to scrapbook
12. Becoming Ohio State Police certified to instruct others in using OC spray (Mace) (and dealing well with being sprayed!) (defensive tactics instructor in 2 weeks baby)
13. Pretending I'm a rockstar with DH while playing Guitar Hero on the Wii
14. Having a healthy (and ooooh soooo adorable) puppy despite a couple bad back episodes
15. Lighting candles on the mantle just for fun
16. Finding out I enjoy baking (I may not be a pastry chef, but it is all good)
17. Realizing that the best pizza really is only in MN and WI: Punch. Del Re.
18. Enjoying fun nights at movie tavern (or just movies at home) with C-Bus friends
19. Photographing like crazy with my 4 year old digital camera
20. Discovering pagemaps.com for scrapbook inspiration
21. Being known for only wearing fun socks
22. Loving salted caramel hot chocolate
23. Paying $1.06 for gas when it was $3.39 thanks to Giant Eagle Fuel Perks
24. Living in a country where we can vote freely without threats or violence
25. Realizing that DH is truly my best friend
26. Being ever amazed by Basic Grey
27. Lounging while watching America's Next Top Model marathons
28. Enjoying C-Bus visitors (E, B, JR, S, MIL, FIL..)
29. Admitting that coming "home" to your own house is quite satisfying

Not Me Monday!

MckMama's kids didn't eat pecan pie for breakfast...and pecan pie sounds delish! Check out her charming blog:


This last week I did not enjoy lots of time with family and friends. I did not eat at two favorite pizza places, and I did not plug a St. Paul meter for 25cents for 9 minutes. Nope, not at all!

And I never would have been excited to shop in a store all about my homestate: Minnesota. I didn't buy a sweatshirt, in Ohio State Buckeye Red, just to have fiendish glee upon wearing it in C-Bus supporting Minnesota and um, not the buckeyes.

I did not think about buying Ole and Lena fortune cookies for my dad for Christmas. I then did not put them back because well, Ole and Lena and Fortune Cookies just don't quite mesh. (And I do not wonder what Ole would tell Sven about that!)

And I didn't make my uber-delish mashed potatoes for the family.

My mom, brother, his girlfriend, DH, and me did not get portraits taken and DH and I did not laugh and make silly faces during the shoot of us facing eachother.

I am so enjoying being back at work today after 1.5 weeks off. In fact, I was looking forward to this during my vacation and am so thrilled it has finally come!

What did you not do, what do you never do, and what is certainly untrue about your life right now?? Please share!

changes

I have realized that life goes on. I think I had this idea that life in MN would "stand still" while we experienced life in Ohio.

I know, not possible, but I was hoping!

Things change.

Seeing old sights, new buildings, old friends. Things have moved on.

I'm not in the mix. It was hard to realize.

But,

times spent here were fun. I was energized. I enjoyed laughing and reminiscing. I loved the hugs and the comforts of favorite MN eateries.

It was worth it.

And I can't wait for more.

phew...i've still got time for Not Me Monday!

At least I didn't have it as bad as MCKmama and the poop escapade! Check out her not me monday post here!



I did not enjoy a Kelly and Reba concert for the 2nd time with my bff JR. We were not in the 2nd row and I did not scream when I realized just how close that was! I did not sing along, as I must be a true fan after seeing the show more than once this year!

I did not have beef in my queso because JR did not ask me in time. We did enjoy the movie "Zac and Miri {make a porno}" and we did not learn what a dutch rutter is and and right now, I am not embarrased to post that. (eek!)

I did not smile happily when I saw the Mississippi River this afternoon. It wasn't nice to see a real river!

I did not nap today on my MIL and FIL's blue couch. I never, ever nap there! (ever!) {but I was not missing my SIL B when napping, so I definately do not want her to come home from college asap so we can laugh about not napping!)

DH and I did not hear Jason Mraz's new song about 50 times on the way from C-bus to MN this weekend. We also did not realize that Pink doesn't sing about her rock boots, but rather her rock moves. We then did not laugh together about my proud singing of the incorrect lyrics on this {and several} songs. Hey, a girl's gotta have confidence. (and posting this does NOT make me realize that singing in front of DH is something I am comfortable with, so maybe singing in front of others, {like D} will get easier too {hint, hint D}).
________________________________________________________________________
Well, this is a whole bunch of random Not Me's but I hope you enjoyed it and will tell me what you most certainly did not do this past week! I really do want to know!

meandering ... home

You know you're getting close to home when you see:

baker's square (but then get mad because they don't have chicken pot pie or tomato basil soup for your grown up grilled cheese. the chicken cheddar bacon melt is delish. so's the pie(s). )
cub foods, perkins, super target
pizza del re
uwec (univ. of wisconsin eau claire)
hwy 94 (and knowing that uwec is 65 miles from MN).
cities like pewaukee, eau claire, menomonie, and wauwatosa (and you know the correct pronounciation)
you see water on the side of the highway, over and over. (lakes and rivers, aww yea)
the djs start talking like you {used} to (and you can tell!)
sports broadcasts are for teams that never can quite muster up a win
streets and parking lots already have tall metal posts up for snow plows to use in order not to hit the curbs. that is to prepare for 120 inches of snow for the season.
christmas lights up, but not on because is is already too cold to put them up any time in the future.
a cute puppy named penny, who loves cuddling on my lap.
a comfortable home that feels just like where you belong.
familiar faces with wide open arms and smiles.
family.

overheard.....jailhouse style.

I liked this post from last week, and I think some of you did too :)

a coworker says this EVERYDAY: {heading to the jail? make some friends} as I was um yes, head to the jail. and no, i don't make my friends there. I tell this coworker this, EVERYDAY.

i ask, "how long have you lived there" to which I hear {i been there a min, it's been a long minute.} ummm, how long is that? most people answer in months or years, you're keeping track of it in minutes? no wonder you can't remember your court dates, your phone number, that stealing is bad.

i ask, "where do you live, when you get out, where will you go" and I hear {well, I was living at xyz ghetto street for like about a couple months, and before that i was at my girl's house, but we ain't really getting along so then i had to move to 123 another ghetto avenue, but my cousin, she don't really want me to be living there, so i hope to go to my friends house.} to which I respond, "okay, where is your stuff. where are you going to be sleeping and eating at" and he responds {oh, like where I live?} me thinking, uh yah, that is what I asked you in the first 5 min of this conversation.

i ask "what's your phone number" about 5 min into my interview, that has been a question answer format, pretty rapid, and he's been playing along well. he replys {oh, you asked me too fast} (seriously, I hear this about 20 times a week. and no, I'm not suddenly saying it what'syourphonenumber (phew). Then, they all seem to stutter when giving the info: 456, no, 443, uhhh 436, ummm, let's go with 444-xyzz. like, really? you have at least 4 numbers I could use to verify your info and possibly get your OUT of jail, but you're okay with me "just" using that one? (and 50% of the time the number is either: not working, a wrong number, or goes to someone that definately does not care whether the person is out of jail or not. quality.

I say "i'm with FCCourts, here to do a pretrial report on you for court on such and such day. you will talk to a PUBLIC DEFENDER on such and such day before court. i am not your LAWYER and cannot talk about your case, nor do I care about your case (yes, I say that I don't care, otherwise, they still tell me....and....they still tell me anyways!) first guy sits down to start the interview {so, are you my public defender?} (seriously?!) (oh, don't worry, about 3 other guys will ask that same question, with all seriousness.)

at least they keep my job entertaining; even if frustrating at times.

not me monday!

Check out MckMama's blog and see her cute kids! ">HERE!
I did not get a DQ cupcake after my friend D told me about how good they are. I was not curious and I resisted the DQ urge. Nope, I did not experience the DQ treat the D always gets.

I did not try beginner and then try expert on guitar hero, just to check em out. I did not get bored at beginner and did not get booed off (almost immediately) on expert.

I did not do a happy dance in M1chaels when I discovered they carry the Basic Grey calender kit. I did not race to the check out, quickly pay, drive (safely, but fast) home and begin working on it. I did not get upset when I realized the papers are preprinted and that in order to do the kit I would need 12 pictures. Nope. So, then, I did not quickly print out 12 pictures (1 from ea month this year) and begin kitting away. I would never get so excited over Basic Grey, never ever!

I did not forget to fill a prescription, again, this month until today, when it is a day after I'm supposed to begin the month. I never forget anything. haha.

I did not go scrapping with M, M, and D on Friday at B and B (that is the name) and did not enjoy their company and a delicious chocolate birthday cake. In fact, I would hate to spend my Friday nights scrapbooking with friends and cake!

I was not uber-estatic when DH came home after 130 hours at work, straight. I was not especially happy because he came home on my birthday, and definately was not surprised that he got me a small gift due to his crazy work hours.

What did you NOT do this week

please o please!

I think I might just CRY when the holiday season is over. I am sooo totally enjoying the salted caramel hot chocolate from St@rbucks that when it sadly goes away, I will not be a happy lady! This is uber delicious: hot chocolate, whip cream, a swirl of caramel, topped with coarse roasted sea salt. Yum. Oh. The first sip is just fabulous, makes me smile every time. If you haven't tried this yet, I am begging you: do it or you'll be missing out!!!

thankful thursday

random things i'm thankful for:

-friendships: restoring old and making new.
-nacho cheese dip and tortilla chips
-cpr
-DH being home early tonight for dinner
-being motivated to cook us that dinner
-happy birthday wishes on facebook and columbus scrappers
-guitar hero world tour (no pun: it rocks)
-camaras
-long chats over a late dinner with a fun scrapping friend
-my puppy (he goes on this every week cuz he brings a smile to my face)

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to.....

cry tears of happiness that is. DH has been at the hospital since 0530 on November 7. Yup, that's right: 5 days of on call, plus today working. We have found that it works best for his sanity and us if he just stays there and sleeps and eats when he can instead of driving home only to get stressed by me (lol) and have to head back to the hospital, inevitably, in the night. over. and. over.

so, tonight, after work, he gets to come home! yahoo! It seems this "consult service" he is on has him working late; however, so he may not be home until 730/8ish. barf. at least it's a bit of time together to celebrate!

I missed him! It was a looooong 5 days, longer for him than me I presume!

A kit...

Last night a couple fun scrappers came over and we created kits for the families of kids staying at Children's Hospital to make and share with the child, the staff, other family...basically, a change to let it out, creatively.

Here's my "Hope" banner. my wish is that in creating this, their Hope in healing, the season, and in life is restored and renewed.

The family resource center is full of "let it out" activities from a fitness center, TV, computer check out, scrapbook/creation station... Columbusscrappers.org (which I'm community service diva for...) sponsors the scrapbook area. There's a bunch of supplies from papers, embellishments, adhesive, and a die-cutting system. Also, there's quick kits they can put together and share.

Here's my banner, it'll be pretty simple for the family members / friends to put together: just glue, put ribbon through, and hang.

overheard this week.

"MRSA patrol" as heard while at the jail, after being hit in the arm with an inmate's crusty bedroll. can I reply with a big ole gag?

"Why don't you get out of my life and shut up" as heard by Napolean to his crusty family.

"Hey big spender" as heard after we got our letters announcing our raise at work. holla!

"I like big snakes" as heard from B at a meeting where her child found a stuffed snake. think. about. it.

"woof, woof, bark, whine" as heard from the puppy who lives at my house who just doesn't mind me but absolutely listens to DH. all. the. time.

"i used c0caine" as heard from my client right after he was told he wasn't going to submit a drug test today. (an aside, I hate that some in our department call them 'urine screens,' ewww. gross). great, alleged criminal, too bad I hate you and now want to test you so the judge has a bad update. (kidding. i am not that cruel. or unusual.)

"i want papa johns" as heard from DH as he is ordering it online. "i am going to be so f-ing late" as heard by DH as he gets paged, again, and again, won't make it home before 8.

"what do you want for christmas" as heard from my mom who always asks this and then I always feel guilty because I just want her to put that money to use for herself and not get us anything. she doesn't understand or accept that though. btw, she wants socks, again, this year. nice. apparently, her washer eats them like they are going out of style. and socks for some, are not their style. hahaha.

"trick or treat" as heard from the kids in the neighborhood walking up to our house as we're leaving out the front door, porch light just turned on, to go out with friends. "oh, sorry, we don't have candy," as heard when I respond, kinda embarassed, kinda humored "we're just heading out for the night." (btw, DH quickly turned off the porch light and we returned to a darkened house on halloween night.....ooooooo aaaaaaaaahhhhh)

so.....what did you overhear this week????

to my girls: EZE and JRAE

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost."
- Charles Caleb Colton


(can't wait to sing that song with your from Moulin Rouge, you know, that movie I still haven't seen!)

Wednesday in the Word

My friend M has this on her blog and I think it's a great idea: "Be sure to check out the above site: http://www.the160acrewoods.com/ .
She is the one who started Word-Filled Wednesday. I think it's a pretty cool idea. If we all decide to share a favorite BIBLE verse just think about how many verses we can read in a years time!!! Come on, try it!! Let me know if you join in so I can read your verse for the day.
Have fun & open your Bible and find that verse that touches your heart today.

John 3:16 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

16-18"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

Tuesday Tip

Get out and VOTE

Thanks for SS for the picture (I hope you don't mind)

thankful day that isn't thursday

I am thankful / glad it is the weekend. never before have DH and I wanted a weekend sooooo badly! he is just plain exhausted, worn out, cranky. This week has been rough on him, with on-call, 2 dept dinners, a presentation, and trying to get in studying. We'll just be hanging out low-key this weekend. and we can't wait!

I am thankful that my general mood and sleeping "habits" have improved. I am enjoying life (again) and finding that I don't need naps and I am able to go to sleep easily at night! phew!

I am thankful the weather is going to be a bit warmer come next week, nothing like 60-70s in November!

I'm excited for my birthday, in exactly 13 days (hehe, if you need my address to send me greetings...you know how to contact me LOL)

so, there are some thoughts from today, what are you thinking??? hmmm...

i'm craving....

this. check out punch pizza here.

for real, the best pizza in the world.

this is where i love enjoying this pizza:

and i can't wait til november to induldge in a little bit of paradise.

wordless wednesday

I heart fall lots!

angry?

Did I make my ohio blog readers angry after yesterdays Not Me post about the buckeye loss......and if you're one of them, please leave some love, leave some hate, just leave something in my comment section so I know you'll still be a reader!

I find fiendish glee in cheering the bucks to a loss.....but it's all in fun! Yes, the life of Ohio residents revolves around the highs (and lows) of this team, but give a girl a break! I'm not a true fan to any one team....I spread my love around (cheering for the gophers and badgers when they are up, and cheering for the bucks when it is a "big" game!) Plus, I do find amusement in the many, many excuses fans give when they lose and also nothing but satisfaction when they win. (except when it's close, then it's a mix of excuses and satisfaction [or maybe relief!])

So, nothing personal to my ohio buddies, I just don't have the passion for that one team like you all do. :)

Not me Monday!

I am not happy the OSU Buckeyes lost and the MN gophers won. I am not waiting [anxiously] for my co-worker to give me his 1,000th excuse for why they lost. I just love it when I get to hear all these reasons, even from many seasons past. I was not happy to hear that the bucks won't even make the championship game this year! Fans are still holding out for the rose bowl, and I am not, most certainly not, hoping that the buckeyes don't even make it to that!

I did not wake up with a cold this morning, a stuffed up, itchy cold. I did not want to stay in bed, roll over, and cuddle with my puppy. He was not the cutest sleepy puppy ever, this morning and every other morning too! He did not go right into his crate this morning after his walk and sulk in there because mommy was leaving....nope, he nevers behaves that well!

DH was not on call this weekend, he has not been at the hospital since 0600 Friday morning, and he will not still be doing hospital stuff til late this evening. He is never, ever gone from home that long! And he never goes without sleep for that long either! He also never gets annoyed at "dumb" consults and never complains about his "pager going off just as he's going to sleep." Never!

I did not get a pumpkin shake from McDonald's today and then I did not complain about it not being as good as DQ Pumpkin Blizzard. In fact, I don't even like pumpkin flavored things, and especially wouldn't like icecream with it! not!

Check out MCKMAMA's not me:

What did you NOT do!?!

Reba and Kelly Concert anyone?

If you want to see this AMAZING concert, featuring two very talented artists, please let me know! My bestie JRae has 2 tickets for sale, 4th row (that's about where I sat when I saw them in February, and it was wonderful!)

Face value requested $150.

Concert is tonight in Minneapolis! So, let me know asap if you want to go!

contradiction

I find this funny, well, funny may not be the right word, but that's what I'm going to call it.

So, Starbucks gives "fiber sleeves" to keep the hotness of your oh-so-delicious beverage away from your hands. It has a "caution:very hot" label, and boxes where they are *supposed to check off your drink choice (mine was the salted caramel hot chocolate. highly recommended! oh, and no boxes were marked, but they still got it right. remember: its delicious) (and by the way, what is the lady in the starbucks logo supposed to represent?)

Anyways back to the *funny, yet not sure if it is part, I was reading my sleeve, as I do with every hot beverage I drink (you just never know what will be on there, eh?) Well, starbucks certainly caught my attention with this:

"Starbucks is committed to reducing our environmental impact through increased use of post-consumer recycled materials. help us help the planet."

then the stats: "First-ever 10% (woah) post-consumer fiber cup. 60% (that's more like it) post-consumer fiber sleeve"

So, I'm thinking "that's cool, I'm all for the 3 Rs...reduce, reuse, recycle"

But in the smallest print of the whole sleeve it says.....
"intended for single use only"

Guess one can't have it the best of all ways: using a recycled product and reusing that product to reduce the future post-consumer efforts?

makes ya think. see, funny isn't the exact word I was going for, but it works.


ps: i am not starbucks bashing, as obviously I am a customer :)
pps: try. the. hot. chocolate.

ppps: this is the thankul banner created by me and members of the swap (I made the L)

It's Not Me Monday TIME!

I did not spend all day yesterday in my jammies because I would never be caught in my favorite black pants for a whole day!

I did not spend all saturday scrapping, because I don't even like scrapbookinganymore!

We did not have the best semi-homemade dinner last week and we certainly won't have it again!

And, like MCKMAMA (she developed this Not Me Monday theraputic blogging topic), I didn't sign a check last week with my maiden name. you think I'd do that after being married 4 years? not me!

I did not induldge this morning in the most delicious drink ever, Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks and I did not feel guilty about going to Starbucks because I'm missing the REAL coffee shops of St. Paul, MN. Not. At. All.

DH and I did not turn the heat on yesterday only to discover that it really wasn't necessary in this "mild" weather we're having here in O-H-I-O.

I was definately not giddy-happy I found a DIPPING DOTS STORE with oodles of flavor choices. I don't even like ice cream, especially not dipping dots.

I most certainly DO love hearing what you didn't do this past week!!! please share!

for your enjoyment, I hope!

I've been scrapbooking again, here are some layouts from the weekend DH's parents were in C-Bus!

[feeding the lorakeets at the c-bus zoo! we love it, DH's sister E, um, not so much]
Jillibean Soup, Bazzill, Hero Arts Bird Stamp, Misc. Ribbon, and Sizzex alpha cut on my cuttlebug

[my puppy sleeping, love him!]
Jillibean Soup, Bazzill, Bo Bunny Ribbon

[department where DH works honorary night, with the yum-yum random food-who would know that water chesnut wrapped in bacon is a delicious up-e-ty treat!]
Misc pattern paper (columbusscrapper's garage sale find), bazzil, misc ribbon, buttons, fiskar's circle punch, stiching rub-ons found in stash, autumn leaves flourish stamps

[MIL, FIL, DH, and I went to the zoo-FIL takes more pictures than me {and I take a lot!}]
Basic Grey "Archaic" paper, bazzil, misc rub-ons "family, together," stickles (glitter-glue)

[the north market is quite possibly my favorite place to go {besides scrapbooking stores of course!} and the MIL and FIL loved it so much we went TWICE during their visit!]
Basic Grey paper, flower die-cut from my cuttlebug, jillibean alphabeans, stickles

And more coming soon! (very soon! so check back!) oh, leave some love!

wordless day.....

Tuesday Tip: how to save a buck!

We shop mostly at Giant Eagle. They don't have all our favorites from home, but then, no grocery store in Columbus does. We shop there for a few main reasons.

1. The pharmacy is great....10$ for 3 month generics. Gotta love that!

2. The meat shop has these yummy bacon-cheddar burgers for a special dinner treat! Plus, the bakery teases us with their yummies and the salad bar is great too!

3. A great flower shop so my vase is never empty!

4. Double Coupons: we save (on average) 10-15 dollars per big shopping day! That adds up!

and finally, the best deal of all:

5. For every 50$ spent, you get 20 cents off per gallon of gas. We stock these 20 cents up and eventually save about 1.50 - 2.00 per gallon! And, we'd be spending the 50 bucks anyways! You can also rak up the points by purchasing gift cards there, so for back to school shopping, gifts, or a special night out, we can purchase a card from a great assortment and still earn "fuel-perks." Our receipt this week said this year we've saved $180 in gas.....that's mega-cool.

Check it Out!

4s

Four, Four, Four, Four...

A) Four places I go to over and over:
1. Courthouse and Jail (Work)
2. Giant Eagle
3. Staufs
4. any scrapbook store

B) Four people who e-mail me (regularly):
1. d(via CS)
2. m(via facebook)
3. any scrapbook store
4. dh(via texting)

C) Four of my favorite places to eat:
1. Firstwatch
2. Baker's Square
3. punch pizza
4. home

D) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. any scrapbook store
2. staufs
3. minnesota
4. in bed

E) Four TV shows I watch all the time:
1. America's Next Top Model
2. Simpsons
3. Project Runway
4. anything on A/E or TLC

not me monday!

this week:

I did not take my puppy to the groomers and I never-ever secretly think that the staff there like my pup the best. I don't think they give him extra attention and love at all!

I did not get bored at "motivating offenders to change" training for two days. I did not complain that most of the sessions do not apply to my job and that I did not have too much work waiting for me at the office.

I did not spend the weekend with my inlaws and I did not enjoy every minute of it. I did not go shopping, eat good food, go to the zoo, and pick applees at the orchard. we would never have that much fun!

I absolutely did not sleep until 1 today because it is Columbus Day and that means no work for me! I did not start laundry (and I certainly did not put some of DHs in with mine because we ALWAYS do our own laundry) I would never do any of DHs laundry!

What did you not do this past week???

donde' esta??

I've been sort of MIA these last few days for a few reasons:

1. work was a tad bit busier this week then previously noted (i.e. boring)
2. I was at "motivating offenders to change" training for two days...yet, i don't work with offenders, i work with defendants and there is uh-hem, a big difference.
3. my MIL and FIL are in town and we're enjoying the time with them.

4. DH has been on vacation and we've been enjoying the time together when he's not super-duper-uber sleepy.
5. we had a department where DH works shin-dig and had to schmooze it up with the higher-ups (aka the attending docs) and eat very random food

tuesday's tip:

don't believe every internet quiz! I don't think this is me at all!!!

You Should Live in Missouri

If you don't want to live in Missouri, you might also consider: New Mexico North Carolina Ohio Delaware Iowa

What State Should You Live In?

you see...ohio did make that list? hmph.

no, never, not me monday!

1. I did not smell DH's clothes everyday and remark "you smell good" due to the fact that I did not use liquid fabric softener for the first time last week. I did not do it in front of company and I did not smile all childlike either! Nope....That'd be weird!
2. I did not enjoy a pumpkin pie chai because I really do not like pumpkin and I hate the fall drinks out there right now. Yuk.
3. I did not tell my puppy at least 10 times a day last week that he is the cutest pupy in the world, come on...I'm not THAT obsessed!
4. I would never enjoy the whole medium popcorn at the movie theater while having all intentions of savind "some" for DH. Nope, not me!

The not me list is kinda short today; prolly cuz I'm a little tired and hungry and that does not make for a happy J. nope....not me! haha!

your postings are welcome:) as always!

National Card Making Day!

In honor of this, I participated in a Sketch "challenge" at Columbus Scrappers!

here are my first ever sketches:



and here are a couple cards I made from another member's posted sketches:

products: jillibean soup-split pea line, making memories and kaiser craft flowers, making memories brad, colorbox ink, jillibean soup letters, unknown ribbon


products: jillibean soup - black bean line, making memories ribbon, chipboard stars, and paint, hero arts stamps, colorbox ink

Not Me Monday!

This past week...I did not.....

1. I did not get my hair colored darker and cut with lots and lots of fun chunky layers. Nope, I hate when my hair is shorter with fun chunky layers!
2. Not me: I did not use liquid fabric softener for the very first time and enjoy how lovely the laundry smelled!
3. I did not go scrapping on Saturday with D and get absolutely nothing done.
4. I did not nap all day yesterday, did not shower at 5:30ish, and did not put my jammies back on after being in them all day. Nope, never.
5. I did not root for the MN gophers against Ohio State all by my lonesome in this Buckey-crazed state. Nope, I'd never do that!
6. I did not babysit the most adorable kids in the city on Saturday and I most certainly hated playing ice man on the submarine with them. Not me!
7. My emotions certainly did not go on roller-coaster mode with Bear's back. And I most certainly was not estatic when his personality finally sparked back on.

What did you NOT do this weekend?

thankful thursday

I am thankful for this girl:


She comes to visit me in Columbus in less than TWO months. We'll be shopping at Easton, going to the Kelly-Reba Concert, eating fruit and fluff, and staying up way too late.

Then, she'll join DH and me on our drive to MN. We'll stop 1/2 way at her place, sleep, then continue on to home. We'll be home for a whole week!

I. Can't. Wait.

Tuesday Tip

The very first mall I went to in Columbus was Easton!

I believe the president of the Limited Brand Corp created this as a "destination" shopping experience. It has strip mall mixed with an indoor mall and movie theater. The stores are unique, cute, and the ambiance is neat! There's fountains the kids play in, cobblestone roads, a trolly, boat races, and various events taking place.

Some favorite stores: Moochie & Co for fun stuff for bear, Archiver's, Trader Joe's, New York and Co. for me, Apple store for DH, and the smoothie shop for chocolate-peanut butter-banana goodness. Oh, DH loves the pretzel bites at the movies too! (but at $9, the budge is a better deal!)

Build a bear workshop with JR and EZE was fun, anthropologie: I wish i wish, Color Your World is something I want to try, and of course: buckeye corner for all your OSU needs!

So, when you come to visit us in Columbus, don't forget to beg us to take you to Easton! You won't be let down!

Nope, Not Me Mondays!

I read a blog pretty regularily about a woman with MSC (many small children) and all the joys that some with that! (say a prayer for her family and her little MckMuffin!) She started a Not Me Monday "carnival" on her blog and encouraged her readers to do the same....so I'll try this too!



This past week, I did not eat a whole bag of tostitos with a whole jar of white queso dip at work. Nope, not me!

I did not think about crinkling the cracker bag loudly when DH had a migraine, that'd be mean!

Not me: I didn't wear my favorite black sweats to run errands because it was after work and I was sick of being dressed up!

And I certainly did not tell an annoying client that it was okay not to come in for his report day last week because I most certainly did not feel like listening to his "drama." No way!!

I did not forget my badge, license, and check card in the drawer at my office this weekend. And that did not cause a lot of frustration with me and DH this weekend when shopping, picking up prescriptions, and trying to buy some new clothes. Nope, not me!!

***
So, what did you NOT do this past week?

Vote for my friend's book to be published!!

Here's the email she sent out:

Hey everyone!
Last February I entered a children's story into an online contest called ABC Children's Book Contest. My story was selected as one of the 10 finalists and now it's up to a vote! The book with the most votes wins and the winner's book will get published!

All of the finalists were partnered with an illustrator and now the stories along with their pictures are all available to read online. Once you read the stories you can vote for your favorite. Everyone is allowed to vote once per day and the voting goes until October 5th.

Please take a few minutes to look at the website below and vote for your favorite story!
Mine is called I Am Twin 1, And I Am Twin 2.

http://www.abcbookcompetition.org/fourth_comp/index.htm

THANK YOU!
Kaye :-)

thankful thursday

Today, I want to write about my little pup, that I am so thankful for!


1. He has the best personality! He is happy, spoiled, and if he thinks he's A-Numero Uno dog!
2. He is mama's little cuddler, won't even lay down until I move over for him to get in "his spot." (see, spoiled!)
3. He loves walks, treats, cheese, and peanut butter. (and in that order too, if we let him!)
4. It absolutely breaks our hearts when his back acts up. He has a disc disease that strikes suddenly and causes his back to spasm. (he has it right now, again).
5. He is soooo smart! He knows sit pretty, spin around, go to your bed, gentle, wait, speak, kennel, and kisses.
6. He greets the 2nd person home at the door, tail wagging, and practically flying up into the arms for some nuzzle-loving.

I love love love my puppy!!!

Since.....

I posted some layouts, I thought I'd skip wordless wednesday today.....

1. My eye is better....only when wearing my glasses. So, I may need a cute new pair. right?

2. I am finally feeling a bit better from those steroids. Enough with the bloaty, flushed, heart racing, achey -ness. I was reading online, and so many MS patients have been on those steroids lots and lots and I can't imagine feeling the effects of them so frequently. Yup, I'm thankful for being MS-Healthy!

3. We had a great dinner on Monday and I will post the recipe for our Chicken-Ranch-Jack soon! I hope you love it as much as we do!

4. DH's parents come to visit in about 3 weeks: and we're so excited! What fun things should we do??!?! (OOh, that means DH has a week off coming up too!)

5. I really need to call my hair stylist J and get in with her next week: it has been too long and I'm in need of a mega cut and color! (Don't worry, I'll post pics when I get it done-I'm thinking something new eh?)

6. Work, Schmerk. bleh. I did NOT miss being there and really really really want to see if I can make a PT/no work life work! hehe. DH isn't too keen on that idea, and I know the more I think of it I wouldn't be either, but living it up last week was ooh, soo, nice!

sharing some scrapping!

*adapted from Love, Elsie's 52 challenges

i've been busy...

scrapbooking of course. and I so want to share some new layouts with you! so, stay tuned, some of my current favorite layouts will be uploaded soon for you to check out!

i hope you like them as much as I do! hehe.

I have about 20 min left and the IV leaves my arm! wahoo!!!

so what exactly is this Optic Neuritis I'm having....

In case you're unfamiliar, I'll give a little explanation and photo to see "what I was seeing" (mine never got quite this bad, but you get the idea!)



The main symptoms of Optic Neuritis are:

1. Loss of visual acuity (blurring of vision) which occurs in around 58% of ON cases. This can range from mild blurring of vision in 34% of cases, through moderate loss of acuity (12%), to severe or total loss of light perception (complete blindness) in 54% of cases. (I have this)

2. Eye pain occurs in 53% to 88% of ON presentations. In one study examining the pain associated with ON, 12% of cases reported no associated pain, 21% patients reported that the pain was only noticeable with eye movement, in 16% the pain preceded a loss of visual acuity, in 22% it occurred as a general eye ache, in 16% it was reported as a headache centering on the affected eye and in 13% it was reported as a generalised dull headache [Nikoskelainen, E. 1975]. (I had pain during eye movement, and a dull-achey headache)

3. Dyschromatopsia (reduced colour vision) occurs in 100% of optic neuritis cases. Typically this is reported as a reduction in colour vividness, particularly reds. An Ishihara colour chart and/or Farnsworth-Munsell hue tests are often used to evaluate the degree of dyschromatopsia. If the inflammation is not visible on the macular (back of the retina), then dyschromatopsia is the most sensitive clinical diagnostic measure of optic neuritis. (I experienced some cloudy/color loss)

4. Movement and sound phosphenes (visual flashing sensations brought about by side-to-side eye movement or sound) often occur with optic neuritis. They are most obvious in a dimly lit room. Obscuration of the visual field in bright light is another common symptom of optic neuritis and many people with ON, particularly those with a chronic condition, report that they see better in dimly lit rooms. It is likely that both of these symptoms are caused by fluctuating interference of the nerve transmissions along the visual pathways. (It was like seeing stars, but all the time!)

5. Uhthoff's symptom, the worsening of symptoms with heat or exhaustion, is present in about 58% of cases of Optic Neuritis. (heat and my MS are not BFFs...so a few days without a working AC did not help this situation!)

TESTING: Visually Evoked Potential (VEP, VER) tests, which detect the speed of nerve transmissions down the optic nerve, are used as a diagnostic test for optic neuritis. (This was done on 9/5 and the delayed vision response was noted. This prompted a visit to the ER on Sunday to start steroids for the optic neuritis. I go back today, 9/12, for a recheck.)

The rate of onset of Optic Neuritis varies from a few hours to few days and occasionally greater. Typically sight is at its worst around one week after onset of symptoms. (mine was about a week, til it got so bad I was freaking out!)

Recovery from ON is usually very good, often complete and even in the worst cases patients seldom fail to recover some sight. In around 65-80% of patients, the sight recovers to 20/30 or better, although many report some enduring visual deficits. (I'm already noticing some increased vision and no more pain!)

Reoccurrence of Optic Neuritis in one or other eye is seen in about 33% of cases. Reoccurrence is more likely in people with Uhthoff's symptom (48%). (oh, great!)

The inflammation associated with Optic Neuritis can often be observed with an opthalmoscope on the back of the eye (macular) provided that the inflammation is not further back along the optic nerve (retrobulbar optic neuritis). (not sure if this was seen, but my inflammation could be in the way back of the nerve and possibly not noticed on this test.)

Cortico-Steroids (oral prednisone and IV methylprednisolone) have been shown to significantly increase the rate of the recovery from optic neuritis. Continued use of steroids for around 3 years has been shown to delay the reoccurrence of ON and conversion to multiple sclerosis [Beck, R. W., 1995]. However, such studies have shown that after 4 years of use, they have no long term effect on either the reoccurrence of ON nor on conversion to MS. Indeed one study has shown oral prednisone treatments to actually increase the long-term probability of reoccurrence. It should also be remembered that cortico-steroids, particularly their continued use, have significant side effects. (I'm on solumedral. raging appetite, hot hot hot, flushed face and lips, can't sleep, figity....let me tell you it's so fun...but it's worth it in the end to be able to see clearly!!!)

COP-1 (Copaxone) and beta interferons have both been shown to reduce the probability and severity of reoccurrences of optic neuritis in addition to the other symptoms of multiple sclerosis. (I take a daily injection of Copaxone...and after this flair up, I'm doing it every day, no matter what! Yes, I inject myself daily with 20mg of an MS drug that without insurance costs $1800/month.)

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful to be an American. To be living in America and all that is afforded to our citizens.

Today I'm thankful for the men and women serving here and abroud to protect democracy for all.

Today I'm thankful I'm tolerating the steroids well, that my port isn't clotting, that I'm halfway done with the IVs.

Today I'm thankful I have health insurance, double coverage at that. It makes the stress of living with an auto-immune disorder easier knowing that I can get the care and coverage I need.

Today I'm thankful to be an MS patient with a bright life outlook, ability to work (mostly) full time, and to be able to rest when needed. So many MS patients put a bad "face" on this disease and their struggles only make my lack of acceptance of my diagnosis grow. (this is a daily growth area for me).

Today I'm thankful I have married into a medically knowledgable family, that gives me sound advice, a patient ear when I'm complaining, and genuine care.

Today I'm thankful DH comes home from being on call after a long overnight at the hospital.

Today I'm thankful I have lots of friends, family, and well-wishers thinking good prayers for me! I heart you all!

here I am with the IV

the part in my arm through the white part in my fingers stays in me. yup. And I'm sporting an 80s double band tube sock. it is cool.