Levaquin-Magic-Three Books-A Motherboard-An Aspirin & Ice

I've been away...a lot can happen in 21 days.

As noted a few posts previous to this--I was ill. Nasty-scurvy-sick...at one point fearing pneumonia sick. Yes, the green caterpillars did show up, unwelcome guests that they are. Thankfully, Levaquin again lived up to it's killer reputation and rid my meek self of all the nasty germies! Woo-hoo!

This could lead easily to a rant (again) about antibiotic resistant germs and how I feel every single person ever is responsible to help to prevent them...but, I will refrain.

OK, that's not wholly true. I will not rant. I will however copy the 3Ds of antibiotic use. Read them, know them, abide by them.
"Remember the 3 Ds of appropriate antibiotic use:

1. The right Drug. Use only the antibiotic that your healthcare professional prescribed for your condition, and not one used by another person or for another illness.
2. The right Dose. Take the prescribed amount of your drug at the correct times.
3. The right Duration. Even if you start to feel better, continue taking your drug for the full course (the prescribed number of days) to ensure that no bacteria can survive." -www.levaquin.com

   

Thankfully...I was up and (almost) running as I headed to Walt Disney World for a much needed and much enjoyed holiday with a some of my best friends in the world! The weather was great & there weren't really any crowds. We ate lots of yummy things and visited lots of exciting attractions. There were wild animals and scary monsters...water slides and pool chairs to relax & read in! I started and finished three books--THREE!! Having long flights helped this endeavor...but seriously, I love to read! Overall--a vacation so good I forgot what day it was...brilliant!

I guess this means I should catch up on book reviews...I have a little collection I have failed to post :) tee-hee Procrastination!

When I arrived home I found that yet again I had to call Dell XPS support due to the failure of the absolute piece of junk computer I bought from them. When it works it works...I just live in anticipation for the next failure (yes-over a year of struggles with the machine and the company). Thankfully with some prodding the motherboard was replaced within the week....and for the moment I have a computer. Errgh...don't let it's shiny appearance fool you. XPS 1330--junk.

Senor Normie-norm spent a couple of nights at the kennel and then with his puppy friends at his sitter's place whilst I was away...he loves the other pups. Sadly, prior to my departure I was beginning to notice him falling a lot more and beginning to struggle getting up off his puppy bed.

Upon my return he continues to struggle. He shows no real signs of pain, though lots of frustration. He has his vitamins and we're looking into something from the veterinarian. For now an occasional aspirin, a little heat and his cushy puppy bed are keeping him happy. He sleeps lots...and seems to have an aversion to my Canon. This is the best shot I've gotten this week-poor, I know.

Which brings me to the final word in my lengthy title: ice. Here in the Pacific Northwest, fall is here. The leaves are turning (photos to come), the air is crisp and invigorating. It is wonderful. Why do I stay here? The weather. Yup, I love the rain and the seasons! This however is not a post about the + & - of living here...it is about the current season I am experiencing.

Yesterday as I started my auto to leave for work I was a little surprised to see my first icy windshield (windscreen for those across the way) of the season. Today, it was fully coated in a nice sheet of the stuff. Time to start defrosting early! This photo however, is not of my windshield ...and it's not a great shot overall...but it is the frost lingering on the grasses about 1030 this morning.

So, there's my update. Now back to my regularly scheduled life, I hope! Now for you...what's the weather like? ...any fall holidays you're looking forward to? ...what are you reading (or trying to read)?? Fill me in, update me all of internetland!~

Happy weekend!

: )

Since I haven't blogged in abit...

...I thought I'd just toss this in as it sort of tells quite a lot,---nah, really I did it due to this email:

On Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 6:33 PM, Axxxx Bxxxxxx wrote:

Oh, do! I'm sure the occasional passer-by would love to have the visual of slimy green caterpillars crawling up out of your lungs! (this is my sister, bers. We email quite frequently. Well, frequently when we aren't in gtalk--she is a brilliant blogger and I often mention how I should post after reading something wonderful she has done. I will not link to her blog here as I would not want my utter lack of couth to reflect poorly on her shining example of what a blog should be. Please note however, she is thinking of all of you...occasional passers-by.

Proceed at your own risk)

On Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 6:23 PM, deb sxxxxxxx <onexxxxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:

DUDE!!! I just totally watched the episode where he used the broadsword on the side of beef!!! There are three shows per disc--not bad. I do like the library! (Here I am responding to bers's response to my mentioning I am currently watching Connections--a BBC documentary with James Burke made in the 1970s. I'm watching series 3-4-5-6 which I obtained from my local library. I was incorrect however, on the number of episodes--t he correct number is TWO per disc, not three. There is a newer series (same name/same guy)which I don't think I recommend-I checked it out a year or so ago and recall not being very fond of it.. Which leads to my liking the library--I really do like the library. I go once a week. I primarily borrow DVDs galore (yes, usually documentaries, British series, Jamie Oliver and Good Eats) & cookbooks. Serious fun!)

I think I'm going to rest too. Next week will be crazy with work...and then off to Walt Disney World! I'll have to work on the planes, but that's not so bad, at least no one will interrupt me :) I don't have anything going on this weekend...so lots of rest and I bought some yummy juice! (I do have many details to take care of with my work. Many of which I'd like to accomplish next week. On the plane I will enter notes that need to be entered whilst watching a DVD. I actually love interruptions--so much so that if I'm working on my contact notes in my office I create them all by myself. Seriously...not a good idea. I nearly ALWAYS work on my contact notes anywhere besides my office. Yes, I am going to Walt Disney World. Yes I am excited. Yes, I will be more excited when I am feeling well again. Oh, the juice really is yummy too. It's apple/cherry--try some!)

Do keep me posted. I like the B12 idea...that could help with your energy level too! Eat green things!!! (Don't we all need a little more B12??? And seriously, green things are YUMMY!! Bring on the broccoli and brussels sprouts!!! Sadly...there is no B12 in any fruits or veggies, but milk has some!)

I am a bit concerned...if I have a down turn on the weekend my doc is out on Monday. I do have antibiotics--but they are the really strong stuff for if I come down with the bronchial business that creates pretty green caterpillars that crawl out of my lungs. (as noted, I haven't been feeling well--pretty wonky actually. No fever or greenies...but not right in the least. I'm currently resting on the couch with Connections and an occasional email and now you. This paragraph is, as you saw above the spark for this rather unorthodox blog post.

My concern is due to my inability to take antibiotics willy-nilly. I become seriously outraged to hear of folks taking antibiotics without true need of them or (I think this might be worse) to begin taking antibiotics and then stop just because they feel better. SERIOUSLY!!!!! Do they NOT know about drug resistant bacteria?????!!!!!???? This can sometimes be a bad thing...I'll wait to make sure I'm really unwell--like so ill I can hardly move. Yah, I know. Brilliant.)

I should blog something--anything---what a descriptive email....perhaps I should just post it! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA (ha ha is right. what is it about sisters anyway. I just HAD to do it after she sent that mail! Ah well...to those of you still reading I do have a number of real posts to come. Time seemed to get away from me as I prepared for the Dallas trip--there will be a meager post there since it is where this wonkiness all began.)

To rest on the couch now. (yup, resting. Though I think a cough drop is in order...and perhaps some water for tea...)

: )

(I thought I'd include my signature...I like my quotes. I absolutely believe in adventure and this quote defines it perfectly for me. I'm also a huge fan of justice...and that quote reminds me of it's importance in our world that lacks accountability.

Do you have an email signature? If you do...what is it and why did you choose it for all the world to see???)

--
http://ocm1.blogspot.com

"And now, Harry, let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure." --Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

"Mercy, detached from Justice, grows unmerciful."--CS Lewis

Arizona: Day 01

Well...here I am in Arizona. It has been quite hot...but a nice day. I arrived last night (though I intended to arrive tonight...I'm really not very bright sometimes). I arrived at SeaTac and was checked in by about 1545. I decided to check out Waji's in the Alaska terminal. The sell teriyaki--I had the chicken.

Interestingly enough, I sat down to eat and pulled out the book I'm reading (Order of the Phoenix...I took a detour on my reading schedule). Next to me was a pilot--seemed to be in his mid-late forties...also reading. As we both had a lull in our eating, I asked if he was reading anything interesting. He looks over rather sheepishly...and flips the cover over to show me Eldest. I immediately asked how he liked it and found it. He said his son's favorite book is Eragon (the first in the Inheritance Trilogy by Christopher Paolini) and after they watched the movie together and his son informed him how awful it was...he decided he wanted to check it out. This book is the second in the series.


After eating...I traipsed back over to the Southwest Terminal and continued reading until it was time to board my flight...well, mostly...I did realise I forgot my auto confirmation and made a few calls about that--in the end, it didn't matter at all. Off to Phoenix I flew.




It is always fun to see people reading! I came across a blog that is all about people reading...I like to check in once a week to see she's found...I've found a few reads to add to my list! If you want to check it out it's a blogger called People Reading.



So...my first day (the unexpected one) in Phoenix was nice. I changed a couple of meetings up with people...and rested that morning--I was pooped! I went to WHATABURGER! for early lunch had a little pool picnic with Maggie, that little Malti-poo in the photo here. If anyone in AZ has a Maltese...this little lady would love to have some pups!





It was pretty hot. I got into the pool. The pool was rather chilly--but nice when I'm super hot from the sun0the pool feels GREAT!




I did see friends in the afternoon, Tammy and Dave met me at Starbucks for a nice afternoon chat over some Pelligrino :) It is always so difficult coming to Arizona...I lived here a very long time and it is impossible to see everyone on a trip. Having felt unwell for so many weeks prior to coming...I'm really trying to take it easy.




On my way home I stopped at Claim Jumper to eat with Lauren. It seems we always seem to stuff ourselves...and thoroughly enjoy it! It seems like the portion size for the chicken fried steak meal is a bit smaller. This is a good thing--I couldn't eat as much.


I was back in the house before eight...and ready for bed. Already feeling puffy and exhausted, I was ready for a good night of sleep. The last thing I want is to feel rotten while away from home...


First day in the Valley of the Sun was very mellow...which was just perfect.
Temperature: low nineties and there was a breeze. A bit warm...but not too bad in the shade.
Average rate of speed on the roads: 70mph.

A little Easter Surprise...

As much as one can surprise themselves, that is :) Whilst on our little excursion to Pike's Place Market, Megan and I were rumbling about quite a few of the food shoppes (little specialty markets). This was very much at my request...and I found some real treasures. I literally gasped and pulled dear Megan over when I saw these wonderful Kinder eggs.

I first had the opportunity to indulge in these grand little eggs in Hungary at Eastertime 1998. Ever since, I have really missed them. When overseas in 2007 I was only able to find the Kinder Joy...which is quite different, yet also quite enjoyable!

Anyway...I purchased two (the fact our dollar is worth nearly nothing in the world market meant they were a little pricier than my budget had room for). Megan and I shared one on the bus ride home and I save the other for Easter.

Basically, this is a hollow egg. It has a double layer shell--one of milk chocolate the other milky white. The 'surprise' part is the toy inside! Way better than anything Cracker Jack has handed out in decades! There are themed sets of toys...usually you have a hand in putting the toy together and they are often quite silly.

This time around I had a spy themed toy. I'll have to take some photos of my Kinder Toys and post them up sometime.

Here you'll see the Bunny Mr. Potato Heads that were in my office. My spring time decor :)
They came down rather quickly since my secret pal at work gave me three of the Mr. Potato Head Parts and Pieces sets in my eater basket : Doctor, Police Man and Snowman. (THANKS SECRET PAL!!!) Here is a photo of them standing together. On a potato note...I just saw that there is a a new one!!!!! Taters of the Lost Ark--WOW! Here is a photo from the Hasbro Site:
Goodness...So many Potato Heads...so little time! My Star Wars Spuds are still lacking the company of Spudda Fett (Boba is absolutely one of my favorite villains!!!) and Darth Mash.

Well...needless to say, Easter was quite enjoyable for me in the PacNW. I was still feeling quite unwell and spent much of the day resting (doing nothing other than feel rather awful, that is).

The thing I always long to hear on Easter:
One: "He is risen!!"
Many: "He is risen indeed!!!!!!!"

Either way...He is truly risen!