Friday, June 29, 2007

Wanna be a Simpsons character?

Mash here and you can create your own Simpsons avatar!!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

The Jimmy is on its last legs....

So as you may or may not know if you read my "100 things", my truck is a LEMON. Yesterday afternoon was yet another flash of that fact ringing true. It died on me TWICE on my 48 mile commute home. The first time I was able to steer safely to the side of the road. I managed to get it cranked and made it another 5 miles when it died again. Only this time, I lost all steering AND brakes. I came within 2 inches of a deep culvert. I kind of wish it did make it into the culvert. Maybe it would have been totaled and I could get $5.00 for it. I really love the truck and it looks great because I have taken excellent care of it while I have been its owner. It just runs like shit. The SupaHubby took it to the shop this morning, the 4th trip in less than 2 months, to see how much more cashola we can blow out of our asses to get it repaired. SupaHubby did mention getting me a newer car instead of spending money on constant repairs, but I really don't think we can afford it. Of course I want a newer convertible of the Volvo variety, but that would mos def be out of our price range. I refuse to drive an Echo, Geo, or any of the "roller skate" cars out there right now. I have decided that I will never ever again own another GM product. THEY SUCK!!!! I am all for being patriotic and buying US made vehicles, but it isn't gonna happen. I refuse to spend my hard earned money on an unreliable, poorly designed vehicle. I don't like Fords and have owned 2 Chryslers with similar results. They were all crap. I am considering a plain old ambiguous sedan (when did I turn into a mom?). I want something safe that gets good gas mileage and doesn't cost an arm and a leg to repair. Any suggestions people? I would love another SUV but don't want to spend all my extra money filling up the tank!!

Cruisin for a bruisin

This is my almost 1 week post procedure update. Most of the bruising on the upper half of my torso is slowly fading out. I noticed yesterday that the bruising below my belly button has gotten worse! It was kind of yellow yesterday afternoon. Last night it turned purpley-black and is sooooo very tender. This morning, I noticed the lap part of the seatbelt was really pushing on my belly bruise and was quite uncomfortable. I will try to remember to take a picture of my grody tummy bruise to show off! I can't believe that tomorrow will be 1 week!

Instead of posting the gross pic, here is a link to the picture so you can view it at your own risk. The pic is quite blurry since I took it myself, but I think you can get the jist.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Back in the saddle

I am back at work today! I am feeling much better but am still somewhat bruised and tender in places. I was pleasantly surprised once I took off the device o' torture that I wasn't bruised in more places! I will have to take a picture of the tummy bruises. My wounds have stopped oozing and a few are already scabbed up. YAY!! I can tell a slight difference in my hips already. I don't have "armrests" anymore and my pants are fitting much better.....actually, I now need a belt to keep them in the right place! I will have to wait up to 6 months to see the complete results, but I can imagine I will be pleased. :)


Monday, June 25, 2007

Oozing the day away - Sunday

Today will be the third day since my my upgrade. I am able to move around easier and am not as sore. Another good thing, I have 3 hours and 43 minutes left before I can take this mf'ing compression garment off! I know I have to wear it for a reason, but it is just so damn uncomfortable! The velcro that covers the zippers on the inside, presumeable to prevent the zippers from digging into your swollen flesh, is digging into my swollen flesh. It is also really hurting my back. In the morning when I wake, my back feels all knotted up and tight from having zero mobility throught the night. I easily fix that problem with the painkillers. :)

I will admit, I had a bit of a freakout Saturday afternoon. The SupaHubby had come in to change my bandages. He removed one of the band-aids from the side of my abdomen and the wound started oozing. Now I didn't know the extent of the oozing because I couldn't see over my ginormous boob. My only gauge was SupaHubby's face. I saw fear on his face. The floodgates opened and I started crying. I wasn't scared that I was oozing. I was scared because reality had finally caught up with me. I had undergone a procedure much bigger than anything I have had in the past and it just hit me.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Cladeeclucla, V2.0 now available!!

Well folks, I just got back from my procedure! It wasn't as scary as I had anticipated. They started the procedure around 3 and finished up a tad bit before 6. I took a brief look at myself after they finished up and I can already tell a difference. They now have me in a VERY constrictive compression thing (like biking shorts from back in the day) that I will have to wear for a few days. The interesting thing, it is crotchless! tee-hee I found it very difficult to pee with it on. My brain kept telling my pee "noo, not yet, she still has clothes on", but I eventually got a good stream. I am also oozing at the holes they went in through. I feel good now but I think the pain will be setting in overnight. I am already noticing some soreness in my abdominal area.
The doctor and his staff were extremely personable and easygoing. I prefer that much better than the old stuffy doctors with absolutely no bedside manner. We all cut up and the doctor ended up singing several of the Pink Floyd songs we listened to throughout the procedure.
I am so happy today has finally come and gone. The anticipation and the desire to rid myself of those problem areas was overwhelming. I know that my results from the procedure could take at least 6 months to really show themselves, but I already feel more confident in my skin.

Props to my SupaHubby for being so attentive and helpful. I <3 you baby.


Saturday update: I feel like a freaking sausage in these short things. My upper thighs are so swollen they have smooshed out into the crotchless area. My cash and prizes are almost not visible because of this. My main method of movement is now waddling. I just hope that when the swelling goes down, I don't keep walking like this!! One other funny thing I didn't notice last night. This compression garment has lace along the bottom of the leg so it is SUPER sexy!!

I have also figured out that it is best to stay in a reclining position. It is difficult to breathe while sitting due to the extremely constrictive nature of this garment. Now I know what it was like to wear a corset back in the day! I am also scared to eat too much, no room for expansion!

The oozing was really bad last night and continues today. I am having to replace the gauze pads every few hours and am sleeping on a towel so I don't stain the sheets. The abdominal pain is setting in now, but that is nothing a painkiller won't fix! Tylenol 3, here I come!!!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The Disco incident

Last night, the SupaHubby and I were discussing possible vacation plans in our back office. He suddenly realized that the dogs were entirely too quiet in the living room. We knew Baraka (the camera shy older brother) wouldn't be misbehaving, sleep is one of his favorite pastime these days. We also knew of Disco's love of all things ropey, twiney and thread-ish. SupaHubby jumped up and went into the living room, catching our precious baby girl in the act. She was rolling around in the floor with market bag #2 and it's attached skein of yarn. Yipee, what fun! She managed to unravel about half of the skein and everything was goey. ewww. This bag was suppposed to be for Shmanda, and I pondered giving her bag #1, leaving me with drooley bag #2. She declined and will accept the drooley bag, as long as I wash it first. Come on, the doggie drool would be an added bonus! Consider it a form of Scotchguard! I just finished untangling the now crunchy yarn and will get back to work on the bag. I think we are gonna have to take away all ropey forms of entertainment for the little Disco and go back to regular toys. I am also going to have to find a secret unreachable hiding place for all my crochet and crochet accessories.



Disco and Baraka, doing tricks for treats.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

100 Things

I have been working on this list for a few weeks now. This is 100 miscellaneous things about ME!!

1. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. :)
2. I collect seltzer bottles.
3. I have the hots for Dane Cook.
4. I hate bad drivers.
5. As a child I wanted to be a veterinarian.
6. I have never been fired from a job.
7. I do my best thinking in the shower.
8. I love to sleep.
9. I have been bitten on the ass by a dog.
10. I got chicken pox on the last day of school of 5th grade.
11. I never had a Sit-n-spin as a child.
12. I am a visual learner.
13. I love the smell of coffee, but hate the taste.
14. I love useless trivia.
15. Two of my pets were rescued from animal shelters, two were strays.
16. I have seen dolphins "do it."
17. I like steaks cooked rare/medium rare.
18. I have never cheated on a boyfriend or my husband.
19. I passed out in health class in high school.
20. I love stand-up comedy.
21. I was in the marching band in high school. I did NOT play the flute.
22. My favorite soft drink is Root Beer.
23. My favorite board game is Apples to Apples.
24. I am a reality TV show junkie.
25. I organize my DVD's alphabetically. nooo, really?
26. I prefer to print rather than write in cursive.
27. I don't wear mascara.
28. I would prefer to be cold than hot.
29. My truck is a LEMON.
30. My Oma used to pat my heinie to help me fall asleep.
31. I have 3 nephews and 1 niece.
32. I love scary/gory movies.
33. I have never had a perm.
34. I like burned hot dogs.
35. My favorite dessert is tiramisu.
36. Sedona AZ is my favorite place in the world.
37. I have never broken a bone.
38. Drowining is a fear of mine.
39. Bird ears freak me out.
40. I am an excellent cook and have the badonkadonk butt to prove it.
41. Growing up I had more guy friends than girl friends.
42. I hate driving in the rain.
43. I have a handful of friends and I love them dearly.
44. I am a military brat.
45. I love the smell of horses.
46. I was a world traveler by the age of 8.
47. I was born on the Winter solstice.
48. I was adopted.
49. My favorite flower is a Gerber daisy.
50. Seeing homeless people makes me sad.
51. I am terrified of sharks.
52. I have a dog that can yodel.
53. I love anything chocolate.
54. I hate country music.
55. I used to tickle my little brother until he peed his pants.
56. I love the color red.
57. I have elf ears.
58. I do not litter.
59. I am tooky about my writing pens.
60. I have been in 3 car accidents, none serious, one was my fault.
61. I have had a recurrent nightmare once in my life.
62. I have had my urethra stretched. ewwww.
63. I love to make jewelry.
64. I floss until it hurts. And I love it.
65. I have 3 tattoos.
66. I have a bad case of potty mouth.
67. I hated History class in high school.
68. I would spontaneously combust if I met Madonna.
69. I have a love/hate relationship with working out.
70. I love a British accent. Think Jude Law.
71. I am slowly growing to like eating fish.
72. I love list of any sort.
73. My mom is always proud of me.
74. I can't stay away from gossip.
75. I love real Margaritas. No flourescent mixer for me!!
76. I was named after a friend of my parents.
77. Orchestral music gives me goose bumps.
78. I have always wanted to learn how to fence.
79. I really don't like lima beans/field peas/butter beans. gross.
80. I am a very open minded person.
81. My next crafting foray will be silversmithing.
82. I grit my teeth while I sleep. Bad-bad Cla!!
83. I L-O-V-E getting cracked by the Chiropractor.
84. I used to prefer sleeping without a pillow.
85. I enjoy cleaning my house. It is so cathartic.
86. I like to play simulation games like Zoo Tycoon, The SIMS and RollerCoaster Tycoon.
87. I opened and closed a business in 3 months. Too much paperwork.
88. I have 3 friends who have won their battles with cancer.
89. I am pro-choice.
90. I hate stupid people.
91. I color my hair to cover those pesky grays.
92. I am a follower.
93. I love all things tekkie. Not trekkie, tekkie.
94. I loved Land of the Lost and Dr. Who as a child.
95. I could live in a Hobby Lobby or Michaels store.
96. I love old houses.
97. I am NOT a morning person.
98. I planned the majority of my wedding.
99. I hate Cilantro.
100. I used to bite my nails to within a millimeter of their life.

Jobby-job

I had a meeting with my supervisors today regarding my job. Everyone at the office has been vying for weeks to get me hired on permanently. To my surprise, I was told that I would be able to stay another 3 months, possibly 6 months. Apparently money have been moved from one fund to another and since it is all Katrina related, my pay can still be factored in. This will be enough to pay my wages for another 3 months, possibly 6! I am so friggin happy. It will now entail a little more architectural background, but I am always willing to learn. Everyone knows I love old buildings! What a weight off my shoulders (and the SupaHubby's shoulders). Thanks ereeebody who crossed their fingers for me!!!

SH and Noah react to my good news.

*no kitty cats were harmed during the creation of this post.*

Monday, June 18, 2007

Market bag & Fathers Day....complete.


It fascinates me how crochet is basically one giant "knot" that will unravel if you pull the right thread. Whenever I rip out previous work, I love to watch the pattern disappear as if it were some kind of magic trick. Mesmerizing.

So, my father's birthday is the day after Father's day. I baked him a cake for this occassion as opposed to buying a gift. He already has everything he could want or need and everyone loves food!! This was the cake. In my haste, I decided to go ahead and bake the cake rounds,then get the rest of the recipe together. Big mistake. I re-read the instructions after putting the rounds in the oven and realized that I was supposed to add other ingredients to the cake mix BEFORE baking!! DOH!! After a few expletives and a bit of huffing and puffing around the kitchen, I decided to make do with what I had and make a version of this. I used the mandarin oranges from the Citrus Cake in place of the pineapples in the Lush Cake.

We took the cake and the dogs to Enterprise for the visit with the family. It just so happens that my nephews were there for a visit! After Disco was introduced to everyone, I decided we all needed to sample the cake. It actually was quite tasty!! After our little cakey snack, we visited and my two nephews rolled around in the floor with Disco. The boys LOVED her.
Disco and her wicked stepsister, Fatty-Boombalattie.


Now, back to crochetland....
I finished the bag Sunday afternoon. I only used 1 3/4 of my 4 skeins so I am making ANOTHER bag. This one will most likely be given to a friend. Like most new patterns, it takes me a few tries to get the instructions down pat. I think I got through row 8 before I had to rip it all out and start over. I hate to do that, but due to my OCD-ness, I want the piece to be as perfect as possible. I think the second bag is gonna turn out even better than the first.

before:



after:

Friday, June 15, 2007

LYS going out of business

The local yarn shop in town is going out of business and they have all yarn marked 50% off! I have never been in a yarn store before. Since we would be losing money if we did not invest in the 1/2 off yarn, my partner in fibery-crime and I made a quick trip there this afternoon. I was overwhelmed to see all the different colors and textures available for my crafty little hands. I have always picked up my yarn at craft stores and *gasp* Wal-Mart. I ended up getting 4 small skeins of a pinky-orange-purple variagated cotton yarn and 2 shades of a bright pink yarn from Greece. I am planning on using them in a netted "market" bag. There are several patterns for this type of bag online, but the bag I will be crocheting came from this book. I can't wait to get home and get my craft on!!!

My Favorite Words

This post has been moved to ITS OWN BLOG!!!!

Phrase origins

All my phrases and phrase origin information has been moved here.

Questions

My questions have been moved to another blog so I can keep up with them better.

Slime'd

It has been many years since I had a puppy around the house so I don't know if this is par for the course or simply a labrador retriever trait, but I just noticed last night that Disco touches EVERYTHING with her nose. She walked by me last night and as she did, she nosed my hand, my laptop, my leg, my laptop again, my other leg, and finally the table. Everything in her wake had been slimed. I always find myself wiping my hands/arms/legs because somehow they end up covered in Disco goo.
The fine art of licking one's chops after eating or drinking has yet to be mastered, so there is always a paper towel nearby to catch those Puppy Chow chunks and waterbowl drool before she slimes one of us.
Licking people is one of her favorite pastimes. The bend behind a knee, the notch in a bent arm and eyelids are her favorite places. Yep, I said eyelids. If you lay down in the floor with her, she will be in your face in a flash.
So consider yourself warned, if you come into contact with our little girl, there is a good chance you will come out of it looking like you just got off a waterpark ride. That's my girl.

Cladee V2.0 coming July 07

Ok. I have dealt with this long enough. I have scheduled an appointment for cosmetic surgery to be SmartLipo'ed. My weight has been an issue since 7th grade and to this day it is something that is constantly on my mind. It is the first thing I think of when I wake and the last thing I think of when going to sleep. My first memory of being "bigger" than everyone else came as a result of all the girls in gym class getting weighed and I was a good 30 lbs. more than everyone else. I have no idea who the sadistic bastard was that decided this was necessary, but nonetheless, I have been scarred ever since.
Even at my smallest and lightest, I have problem areas that refuse to go away. I don't mind being hippy and curvy, that is not the problem. I am just GINORMOUS in areas and extremely disproportional. I would kill to be able to walk into a normal store and buy something off the rack that fits me properly. My goal of this surgery is to "shave off" the extra fat in a few areas that won't seem to go away. I am not doing this to become a size 2. I would shit myself if I could fit into a size 10.
Now before you cringe in horror, this is not the same Lipo you are accustom to seeing on television. This type of lipo is a fairly new procedure and is MUCH less traumatic that the regular stabby kind. It involves a much smaller cannula (the sucker probe thingy) and on the tip of the cannula is a laser. The laser will melt the fat as opposed to shredding it and sucking it. This results in a smoother "finish". The body will slowly absorb the lasered fat over approximately 6 months. This procedure is less invasive, less traumatic and has a much speedier healing time. They say that it is possible to return to work the same day, but I certainly will not. I am scheduled for a Friday so I will have the weekend to begin healing.
I am a little scared but a lot excited. I took out a small loan to help cover the cost which is much less than regular lipo.
Steve is hesitant about me having it done and I understand why, but I know he (and I) will be pleased with the results.
Dr. Ferguson will be doing my procedure. http://www.thefaceclinic.net/

Wait, I am confused....

So my 6 months is almost up at my temporary job at the Historical Commission. The time has flown by and I really don't want to have to leave. Everyone has been nice and I feel like I was just starting to fit in.
Earlier in the week, I sent the HR person an email inquiring about my insurance coverage and when it would end since my 6 months will be up on June 18th. She answered my question about the insurance and added: "Cla, we have not said that your employment is going to end in June." . Wait.....what? Was a decision made I was not aware of? I was under the impression that as of June 19th, I would be returning to my previous job. Now I am being told that I can stay? The HR person told me yes, I could continue working past the 18th. She said that funding/work is still available so I can stay. I decided to check with my supervisor. She hadn't heard anything either way.
I was evaluated a few weeks ago for my 6 month evaluation, and passed with flying colors (duh). The letter regarding my evaluation stated that I would be awarded a raise and it would be reflected in my August pay. I thought that in the event I returned at a later date, the raise would THEN apply. Apparently the letter stated that I have been awarded a permanent position. I am still confused.
I am gonna try not to poke too many people about this in the hope they don't change their mind. The big boss has been out all week so I am sure the HR person will touch base with him regarding this tomorrow. It is still entirely possible that as of the 19th, I will no longer be employed here. I have already sent resumes to other possible options as a backup plan. Archaeologists aren't really in demand around here, so I have responded to several doctors offices with job listings. After all, I did that for almost 10 years working for Dr. McA. I can do secretarial/office work with my eyes tied behind my back.
I hope this isn't too good to be true. Fingers crossed!!!

Looking for a new cat?

Check this out:
http://lifestylepets.com/ (click on Cats at the bottom of page)

Be sure to check out the price. EEK!!

Blog this

This blog is the result of my friend Shmanda getting herself a shiny new blog. I have been doing a smidgen of blogging on my myspace, but it doesn't have all the bells and whistles Blogger does. I am gonna slowly move all the myspace vomit to this blog. I have never been one to keep a "diary" so we will see how this one turns out. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to comment!