Monday, August 11, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Oh, the things we take for granted
There are so many nameless things that we human beings take for granted…things we couldn’t possibly think of until something randomly happens that makes us realize that it’s something we, until the present, took for granted.
I have happened upon such an occurrence in that sitting down causes me pain. Yep, the mere act of sitting upon my derriere causes me uncomfortable displeasure. It started a couple months ago as a very mild discomfort and has slowly increased until last week when it was so uncomfortable that I decided to see my doctor. I also happened upon the internet for a little research and was convinced that a pilonidal cyst is causing all of this great irritation. The doctor suggested x-rays and blood work as the first course of action to rule out a fracture and arthritis. During the 6 long days of waiting for x-ray results, I’d re-convinced myself that it was a fracture rendered by a fall at my bachelorette party (oh, what a wonderful war story!) that would cause immense pain for months to come and prevent me from riding a bicycle. Today’s results proved that my tailbone is fracture- and arthritis-free. That’s the good news. I do not yet know the bad news, although my tailbone is still causing me pain every time I sit, which is quite often as you might imagine. I am scheduled to see the doctor again tomorrow and, although the pilonidal cyst has not been ruled out, I am finished with any self-speculation and diagnosis. I will leave all diagnosing up to the doctor. I do speculate, however, that upon sitting comfortably again (hopefully that will be soon), I shall be very grateful on the occasion.
I have happened upon such an occurrence in that sitting down causes me pain. Yep, the mere act of sitting upon my derriere causes me uncomfortable displeasure. It started a couple months ago as a very mild discomfort and has slowly increased until last week when it was so uncomfortable that I decided to see my doctor. I also happened upon the internet for a little research and was convinced that a pilonidal cyst is causing all of this great irritation. The doctor suggested x-rays and blood work as the first course of action to rule out a fracture and arthritis. During the 6 long days of waiting for x-ray results, I’d re-convinced myself that it was a fracture rendered by a fall at my bachelorette party (oh, what a wonderful war story!) that would cause immense pain for months to come and prevent me from riding a bicycle. Today’s results proved that my tailbone is fracture- and arthritis-free. That’s the good news. I do not yet know the bad news, although my tailbone is still causing me pain every time I sit, which is quite often as you might imagine. I am scheduled to see the doctor again tomorrow and, although the pilonidal cyst has not been ruled out, I am finished with any self-speculation and diagnosis. I will leave all diagnosing up to the doctor. I do speculate, however, that upon sitting comfortably again (hopefully that will be soon), I shall be very grateful on the occasion.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
2008 Goals
I won’t call them resolutions because we all know those are made to be broken, but I have been making a mental list of things I’d like to accomplish this year. I write them out here so you can help keep me accountable!
House Goals – Justin and I have completed most of the major projects since we bought our house in December 2005, but there are still some loose ends. I need to make curtains for our guest room, paint our two upstairs bathrooms, hem the living room drapes, and organize the basement, among other things. By the end of 2008, I want our home to feel like it’s “finished.”
Health Goals – Mainly, I’d just like to continue what I’m doing now, which includes seriously reducing the amount of “bad” carbs and excess sugars I put into my body (white bread, white pasta, sweets, etc.), eating more protein, and heavy weight training. I’m really good at keeping up a regular workout routine, but the eating is sometimes a challenge for me, especially on the weekends…I like my treats!
Personal Goals – I’ve noticed recently that I’m constantly obsessing over the status of my marriage. Are we happy? Do we have a good marriage? Is something wrong? The answers to those questions are “YES! YES! And NO!” so I need to learn how to just sit back and enjoy the ride, appreciate what we have, and enjoy being a newlywed. When I allow myself do that, I realize that everything’s fabulous and I’m truly a lucky, lucky girl.
Other personal goals are to read more this year and keep a book journal to document what I’ve read. I also want to get outside more this year. I love the outdoors and I don’t seem to enjoy them enough, especially in the winter when it’s easy to blame laziness on the frigid temps (just put on some cold weather gear and get your arse outside!).
House Goals – Justin and I have completed most of the major projects since we bought our house in December 2005, but there are still some loose ends. I need to make curtains for our guest room, paint our two upstairs bathrooms, hem the living room drapes, and organize the basement, among other things. By the end of 2008, I want our home to feel like it’s “finished.”
Health Goals – Mainly, I’d just like to continue what I’m doing now, which includes seriously reducing the amount of “bad” carbs and excess sugars I put into my body (white bread, white pasta, sweets, etc.), eating more protein, and heavy weight training. I’m really good at keeping up a regular workout routine, but the eating is sometimes a challenge for me, especially on the weekends…I like my treats!
Personal Goals – I’ve noticed recently that I’m constantly obsessing over the status of my marriage. Are we happy? Do we have a good marriage? Is something wrong? The answers to those questions are “YES! YES! And NO!” so I need to learn how to just sit back and enjoy the ride, appreciate what we have, and enjoy being a newlywed. When I allow myself do that, I realize that everything’s fabulous and I’m truly a lucky, lucky girl.
Other personal goals are to read more this year and keep a book journal to document what I’ve read. I also want to get outside more this year. I love the outdoors and I don’t seem to enjoy them enough, especially in the winter when it’s easy to blame laziness on the frigid temps (just put on some cold weather gear and get your arse outside!).
Thursday, January 10, 2008
In memory...
When my mom married her husband, John, we not only gained a really caring and generous stepfather, but we were welcomed into his huge Italian family, which included John's father, Vince. Unfortunately, Vince passed away yesterday morning after a two-month-long fight with stomach cancer. His obituary does a wonderful job of catching the spirit of this one-of-a-kind man, so I'll post that, but I will mention that I'll always remember Vince for his "Carpe Diem" look on life and his jolly personality.
Vincent J. -----, of Penndel and long-time Bucks County Realtor, passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 in Newtown, Pa.
Mr. -----, a first-generation Italian-American, and member of Our Lady of Grace Church, graduated from Conshohocken High School and served in the U.S. Army, stationed first at Ft. Hood, Tex., then in Germany. Upon his return, he worked for the Allen Wood Steel Co. and graduated from Pierce Business College. He became a partner at The Skyline Agency in Penndel, was an original founder of the Penndel Wildcats Baseball Club and a member of the Bella Gente Lodge.
In 1970, Mr. ----- founded ----- Real Estate where he was a trusted Realtor, Tax Accountant and advisor to his many friends and family for 38 years. He enjoyed a wonderful and fun-loving marriage to his wife, Betty, for 40 years before she passed away in 1994.
Family meant everything to Vincent and he was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Linda and Tom ------ of Alexandria, Va., Joseph and Lisa ----- of Langhorne, Karen and John ------- of Penndel, and John and Sharon ----- of Falls Township; four grandchildren, Gabriel V. ------, Jamie Lyn ------, Zachary ------- and Karly -------; four great-grandchildren, Gabriel J. ------, Joseph ------, and Sophia and Ava ------; his beloved friend of nine years, Sandy ----------- of Langhorne, Pa.; his brother Joseph of Conshohocken; several aunts and uncles; many cousins, nieces and nephews; his sisters and brothers-in-law; and a lifetime of friends all of whom knew him as Daddy, Vince, Uncle Ace or Pop-Pop Vinny.
Vince lived his life as if each day was his last and inspired his children and everyone who met him with his "Carpe Diem" personality. When he wasn't in his office, he liked to play golf, enjoy a day at Philadelphia Park with family and friends, and traveled throughout the U.S., Caribbean and several European countries. Many years, on the first Saturday in May, he could be found in Louisville at the Kentucky Derby, one of his favorite trips.
Daddy will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his children and we invite all who knew our father to celebrate his life with us.
Vincent J. -----, of Penndel and long-time Bucks County Realtor, passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 in Newtown, Pa.
Mr. -----, a first-generation Italian-American, and member of Our Lady of Grace Church, graduated from Conshohocken High School and served in the U.S. Army, stationed first at Ft. Hood, Tex., then in Germany. Upon his return, he worked for the Allen Wood Steel Co. and graduated from Pierce Business College. He became a partner at The Skyline Agency in Penndel, was an original founder of the Penndel Wildcats Baseball Club and a member of the Bella Gente Lodge.
In 1970, Mr. ----- founded ----- Real Estate where he was a trusted Realtor, Tax Accountant and advisor to his many friends and family for 38 years. He enjoyed a wonderful and fun-loving marriage to his wife, Betty, for 40 years before she passed away in 1994.
Family meant everything to Vincent and he was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Linda and Tom ------ of Alexandria, Va., Joseph and Lisa ----- of Langhorne, Karen and John ------- of Penndel, and John and Sharon ----- of Falls Township; four grandchildren, Gabriel V. ------, Jamie Lyn ------, Zachary ------- and Karly -------; four great-grandchildren, Gabriel J. ------, Joseph ------, and Sophia and Ava ------; his beloved friend of nine years, Sandy ----------- of Langhorne, Pa.; his brother Joseph of Conshohocken; several aunts and uncles; many cousins, nieces and nephews; his sisters and brothers-in-law; and a lifetime of friends all of whom knew him as Daddy, Vince, Uncle Ace or Pop-Pop Vinny.
Vince lived his life as if each day was his last and inspired his children and everyone who met him with his "Carpe Diem" personality. When he wasn't in his office, he liked to play golf, enjoy a day at Philadelphia Park with family and friends, and traveled throughout the U.S., Caribbean and several European countries. Many years, on the first Saturday in May, he could be found in Louisville at the Kentucky Derby, one of his favorite trips.
Daddy will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his children and we invite all who knew our father to celebrate his life with us.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Here we go again…
With the holidays successfully under our belts, we’ve turned our attention back to the wedding. That’s right, people; we have more wedding festivities to plan! Our casual at-home reception will take place in March and I am crunched for time in sending invitations, and that’s the first to-do in a long list of to-dos, which includes making a to-do list. You got that? Truth be told, I’m so ready for all this wedding stuff to be over. Planning a wedding can be STRESSFUL and I’m sure planning this reception will have its stressful moments as well (oh wait, it already has!). BUT, I’m sure we’ll have fun and this will give us the chance to celebrate with ALL of our friends and family, including those who couldn’t make it to Jamaica. I’m actually really excited about the caterer we found. She’s a Jamaican woman located in the Bronx (New York), which is about two hours from us. I found her through a Google search and didn’t think she would deliver to our area, but she was just as excited about us contacting her all the way from Philadelphia. She’s put together the most amazing menu for us and we’re excited to be having some traditional Jamaican cuisine at our reception. Since we stayed at a Spanish resort, the fare may even be more Jamaican than most of what we ate in Jamaica!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Classic Jen Moment
You could say "that was a classic Jen moment" to anyone who knows me even slightly well and they'd know exactly what kind of Jen behavior you are talking about.
This morning at work, I went in to heat up my oatmeal while everyone else is toasting bagels, choosing their muffins, and so on (our company supplies a bagel, donut, muffin, etc. breakfast every Friday). While my oatmeal is in the microwave, I’m getting coffee and filling my water bottle, all while chatting with co-workers. Here are bits of the convo:
St (while attempting to heat his breakfast): Oh, there’s something in the microwave.
Si: Yeah, I don’t know whose it is…it must’ve been in there for a while and I need to use it too.
St: Would it be rude to take it out?
Me: No, it’s been sitting in there for a long time, just take it out.
…………………………
Me (after a long pause): Oh God…that’s mine!!! I’m so sorry.
Everyone laughs
Me: I’m sorry St, I haven’t had my coffee yet.
I used to have air headed moments all the time. I’ve gotten better, but this was classic Jen. My mom used to say that I should’ve been a blonde =o) At least I can laugh at myself!
This morning at work, I went in to heat up my oatmeal while everyone else is toasting bagels, choosing their muffins, and so on (our company supplies a bagel, donut, muffin, etc. breakfast every Friday). While my oatmeal is in the microwave, I’m getting coffee and filling my water bottle, all while chatting with co-workers. Here are bits of the convo:
St (while attempting to heat his breakfast): Oh, there’s something in the microwave.
Si: Yeah, I don’t know whose it is…it must’ve been in there for a while and I need to use it too.
St: Would it be rude to take it out?
Me: No, it’s been sitting in there for a long time, just take it out.
…………………………
Me (after a long pause): Oh God…that’s mine!!! I’m so sorry.
Everyone laughs
Me: I’m sorry St, I haven’t had my coffee yet.
I used to have air headed moments all the time. I’ve gotten better, but this was classic Jen. My mom used to say that I should’ve been a blonde =o) At least I can laugh at myself!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Poor Puppy Girl
I feel like such a bad pet owner. Daisy’s been acting funny since Monday. We woke up at Justin’s sister’s house early to head to Baltimore for the day. As I was in the shower, Daisy hopped in with me. I thought she was just being silly (this is completely unlike her) so I just gave her a bath while she was in there with me. Afterwards, she was shivery and acting very clingy (again, very unlike her). I figured she was just cold from her bath, so I wrapped her up in a towel and held her until she dried off and then I bundled her in her winter coat. We dropped her and Bruiser off at Justin’s mom’s house (they watched our pups while we were in Baltimore) and scooted on our way. When we picked them up on Tuesday, Daisy seemed fine and then started acting clingy and shivery again yesterday. I made an appointment with the vet and Justin and I spent last night feeling so sorry for her and discussing what could be wrong. Sure enough, this morning the vet diagnosed Daisy with a serious yeast infection in her ear. This is where I feel like a bad pet mommy. The ear infection showed up a couple weeks ago, right before Christmas. I decided not to take her to the vet right away, but began cleaning her ear every day to see if it would clear up. The redness and stinky smell went away, while the scabbiness stuck around, but Justin and I figured that it was getting better. That is, until she started acting really funny yesterday. So, I let my dog go two weeks with an ear infection getting worse and worse, then I left her at my mother in law’s house while I gallivanted around Baltimore before I finally noticed that my puppy girl is in some serious pain (hence the shivering). The vet gave me some ear cleaner and medicine, which will clear it up, thank goodness, but he said this will most likely be a recurring problem since terriers are prone to chronic ear infections. This could be the first of many more, though I hope not for my little Daisy girl’s sake. In the meantime, I’ve learned a lesson and I will not put off a vet visit ever again!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
