Back that thing up

Well, well, well... To address the elephant in the room, the Braves lost the stinkin' playoff game. They made three errors that gave up five unearned runs. Painful. They lost their best scoring opportunity on a pop-up to left field, on which the umpires absurdly applied the infield fly rule. The horrid call got a lot of air time, and the remainder of the game was played under protest. It wouldn't be Braves baseball without some insane drama! Despite the loss, I'm glad I went.

I was supposed to go to the doctor on Monday for a check-up and my annual labs, which meant fasting since Sunday night. When I was getting ready on Monday morning, Noodle took it upon herself to open a cabinet and find the only chocolate that exists in the house. In addition to half of a huge chocolate bar (ahem, dark chocolate, the worst kind for dogs), she ate an entire bag of craisins.

I obviously started freaking out about the chocolate, and my friend (IK) gave me a recipe for a potion to make her throw up. At this time in the saga, it's literally impossible for me to make it to the doctor on time. She drank one dose and I could tell she wanted to vomit, but she was holding it back. I whipped up another dose, but she'd realized it was awful by this point, so I tried adding some peanut butter. Not thinking, I ate a fingerful of peanut butter, accidentally breaking my 12-hour fast. After this, I just threw in the towel and canceled my appointment all together.

When she threw up, boy, did she throw up! Tons and tons of it. The only casualty I suffered was one rug. If you were to make a baked bean and craisin casserole... TMI.

I am slowly injuring every player in the NFL through my fantasy football efforts. I have now injured my back-up running back's back-up. This one was season-ending. In case you aren't following, I'm now on my fourth different starting running back for one slot. Quite impressive, if I do say so myself. I'm 3-2 for the season, so I could be doing much worse given all of my injuries.

I'm sure I have more to say, but I'm very tired. The Falcons are 5-0, which is AWESOME!!!!!

Peace!

It's Wild-Card Friday!

Go Braves!

Tonight is a big night for the Atlanta Braves. After a dramatic season (What's new!?), the Braves will compete in the first-ever one-game Wild-Card playoff tonight. (Lots of hyphens there!) The Braves were playing incredible baseball at the end of the regular season (minus the games that they didn't use their starters), so I am excited to see what's in store.

Speaking of Atlanta sports success (You don't hear that often...), the Falcons have started the season 4-0. There were several too-close-for-comfort games, but they've put together a really solid team this season. I went to the Monday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos a couple of weeks ago. What a game! I somehow ended up in the most obnoxious section ever, but it was still a blast. (By obnoxious, I mean that the fans felt the need to yell ignorant commentary on everything, the boyfriend and girlfriend behind me broke up in the first quarter, the boyfriend proceeded to pass out with his knees where my head should be until the fourth quarter, etc.)

I went to Arizona last Wednesday through Monday. It was mainly for work, but partially for fun. I absolutely loved the weather out there. Supposedly we got there just in time for "cool season" of about 100-degree days, but I loved it. People were joking about how the "dry heat" concept was a myth, but I totally agree. I could be in the heat all day without feeling sticky and gross. The nights there were absolutely perfect. They weren't hot or cold; they were just right. (Goldilocks!) I would love to go back there. I stayed at an incredible resort called Montelucia. It was just as beautiful as it looked in photographs, which isn't often the case.

Well, I better get moving this morning.

Happy Friday to all...and GO BRAVES!

And I gladly stand up

Hello America! Happy 4th of July!

Well, I've had a lot of fun lately! I'll give you some highlights...

• Braves game: I went to a Braves game last Thursday, June 28. Despite the Braves' loss (bringing my season record to 1-2), I had a good time. Woohoo!
• Jerry Seinfeld: I saw a Jerry Seinfeld stand-up show! It was absolutely hysterical! I don't think I truly realized how hilarious he is until I was at that show. I am still laughing about some of the jokes. I know stand-up folks say this about improv folks, but I can't even imagine how difficult it must be to do stand-up.
• Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesney: I actually feel like I've posted since I went to this concert, but I don't remember mentioning it. If I already mentioned it, deal with it. It was on a Sunday night, so that was slightly lame, but it was so much fun! After much debate, I think I prefer Tim's music to Kenny's. I know -- that was bold!

Aside from those big highlights, several other things have happened:

• I discovered a nail in my tire, so I look forward to fixing that.
• The saga of my floor continues. Yes, the floor that flooded in May of 2011. The new floor is buckling at strange places, and I hope to get it fixed within the next few weeks, although it might involve redoing the entire floor. YESSSSSSS!
• I got some new running shoes! LOVE THEM! (Thank you, Mom!)
• I had a doctor's appointment -- same ol', same ol'. Not wonderful, but not bad.

Well, I guess I better stop running my mouth so I can get ready for a POOL PARTY!

Pink lime

I'm drinking a pink lime frozt (Why the "z"?) at Starbucks. I'm sitting outside, and it's probably about 10 degrees too warm to be doing so. But I am invincible with my pink lime froZt.

I had a busy holiday weekend. I performed in three improv shows, so that was a blast. Saturday I went bridesmaid dress shopping. Sunday I went to a brunch to celebrate the four marriages on my mom's side of the family. Monday I (unfortunately) went to the Braves game, and they lost in a Braves-like fashion. Last night they broke their impressive 8-game losing streak. I had such high hopes for that streak!

Tomorrow I go back to the doctor, so we'll see how that goes. I wish I could say I was looking forward to it, but I'd be a big old liar.

I guess I better head to rehearsal since it takes 15 minutes to go half of a mile in Atlanta.

Smile about something!

Huddy birthday to me!

Guess what! I'm going to the Braves game today! I haven't been to a game yet this season, and I'm fortunate to make my return on the same day Tim Hudson makes his. The temperatures are going to be in the high 80s today, so I'm prepared for a doozy. I'm excited!

I celebrated my birthday on Thursday, and it was nice! I got up pretty early, exercised and scheduled a massage appointment. Then I headed to meet a friend (CP) for Tin Lizzy's (Mmm... Mexican Food Round #1). I then hurried to my massage. It was glorious, but I did think the masseuse might rip off my Achilles' tendon at one point. My Achilles' tendon is my Achilles' heel. I came home and showered before heading to Mexican Food Round #2 with RA. It was a nice, simple day!

This weekend I did the hat trick of improv shows -- Friday's show and both Saturday shows. The shows were a blast! I laugh a lot backstage and even on-stage (oops!). Last night's most surprising moment was when I got hit in the rib cage by a dill pickle spear. Man, it was so unexpected and hilarious!

I know this is a short post, but I better start slathering (weird word) on the sunscreen before I head down to the stadium. Happy weekend, world!

La-dee-da. Dee-da.

Good morning!

I have a pretty bad headache. I also didn't sleep well at all. So, things are cheery on this Monday morning!

Well, it's time for some random updates!

House: REPAIRED! Complete! These hardwood floors are pretty slippery, so I need to get a pad to go under this rug before I fall and hurt something/someone.

Improv: Tons o' fun! I've been performing at least one show almost every weekend, and I'm having a blast.

Braves: Although I should probably omit this topic, the Braves' playoff hopes came down to the final game, and they lost it in extra innings. To the Phillies. I know. Man, it was tough to watch such a promising season turn sour so quickly. Braves 2012!

Fantasy Football: Well, I'm hesitant to write about this since my opponent has two players in tonight's game, but... As of last week, I was the only undefeated team in the league at 4-0. I guess it pays to rely solely on the statistics and/or recommendations. Tonight is going to be way too close for comfort.

I'm about to manage to make myself late, so that's it for now!

Love and happiness!

Whatever!

I just saw the coolest clock ever. All of the numbers are randomly piled in the bottom corner, but the hands are still on a time -- just without numbers. On the face of the clock, it says "Whatever!" I love it! It literally made me laugh out loud.

Onto other things... I went to the Braves game last night and got a Dan Uggla bobblehead. It is awesome! It doesn't exactly look like him, but it's still cool. The Braves won a good game off of a solo HR by Chipper Jones. I don't make many predictions in baseball, but right when he came up to bat, I said, "I feel like he's about to get a solo homerun." Two pitches later, he knocked one out of the park, scoring the only run of the game. GO BRAVES!

I've had a pretty productive week between cleaning, going to the doctor, exercising, etc. It's amazing how much you can accomplish when you're not working! I feel like I would get a lot more done if keeping up with myself was a full-time job. :-) Do I usually use emoticons in blogs? Oh wait, I haven't been blogging regularly enough to know the answer to that.

I just ate some pancakes and bacon and it's 12:40 p.m. Yeah, you know it!

I really want to publish this post so I can take the "W" key off of my keyboard to see what's making it difficult to press.

Lately I've been really happy. Busy, but happy. I worked really hard over these past few weeks to leave Emory in the best shape possible. Although it was a lot of work, I feel good about it.

Well, I hope life is treating everyone well. A friend from CF camp, Megan, died this week, so she's learning what it's like to breathe easy. It's just a reminder that life is precious and that there is plenty to appreciate.

Love to all!

Take out da papers and da trash

Greetings!

There's not a ton I care to share, but I figured I'd stop by since it has been so long. I've been staying pretty busy lately. It's been quite exhausting, but I've enjoyed it for the most part.

My floor still isn't fixed... and by "not fixed," I mean that the contractor hasn't even started replacing it. Basically I'm in insurance limbo right now -- hovering between my homeowner's insurance coverage and my condo complex's master policy. I probably sound more intelligent than I am, but I'm just kind of waiting for the proper person to say that the work should begin. It's been almost two months without floors (Can you believe that?), so I'd be lying if I said I was in an extreme hurry at this point.

What else? My sister got engaged, so that's exciting! I'm going to be her maid of honor. I'm not sure how all of this wedding stuff works, but I'm very happy for her and know that she's found a keeper. This is how we do it! She got engaged just before the Braves game on Friday, July 1, and I went to that Braves game, too (with KS). I can't believe I've been to so few games this season, but it was good to put another win in the books!

I'm hopeful that some positive change is on the horizon. CHANGE!!!!!!!

Well, I'm pretty sleepy, so I'm going to hit the hay. In summary, life has been pretty good, but I know that I've put some important things on the back-burner. I intended for them to be very temporary, but it feels like it's going to last a bit longer than I anticipated. Everything will work out, though; it always does.

In closing, I'm lucky to know so many wonderful people. Life is good!

Horsing around

Happy Tuesday!

Well, I'll go ahead and get my venting out of the way first. Way back in March or maybe April, the ENT scheduled allergy testing for today. I had to discontinue some medications and what not for a week to prepare for the appointment. I took half of a day off work for the appointment. Per usual, I got my appointment reminder phone call on Friday. After riding MARTA down to the appointment, I walked in and the receptionist was like, "Oh, that appointment was rescheduled for Tuesday, June 28 at 9:00 a.m." I was like, "Umm, what?" She said, "Oh, the allergy nurse is on vacation this week." I'M GLAD I CAN READ MINDS. NOT. So, needless to say, I'm not a happy camper. High five on failing.

In other news, the Charley horses are running rampant (AKA galloping). I am literally on the verge of horsing at all times. The weirdest occurrences today were in my hands and in my chin. Yeah, for real. I have been feeling horse-free for the last couple of hours, so I'm hoping this spell is about over... I've never experienced anything like this.

What else? This morning, after I'd been at work for a few hours, I went to Kroger and got biscuits for me and KQ; I had a craving. I also had a major disappointment because I went to two different Krogers, and they didn't have sushi made yet. SIGH.

It's almost my mom's birthday. Happy birthday, cutie! I love you!

I've been pretty inspired to write lately. I haven't exactly pulled the trigger yet, but there is a lot of material brewing. "Brewing" sounds pretty creepy more often than not.

I exercised yesterday morning before work, but I was pretty unsuccessful this morning. I did go up to the fitness center, but I just couldn't make it through. I was feeling a little off-kilter, and I kept thinking I was going to cramp up. Tomorrow...

Well, I guess I'll call it a night. The next several days are gonna be BUSY!

The Braves won tonight. GO TEAM!

Troubled waters

What a week. WHAT. A. WEEK. It's been a while since I've had a week as eventful as this week. Aaaaand I don't exactly mean that in a good way.

Highlights include:
-Dealing with the cops Sunday morning due to some "malicious mischief"
-Losing my phone and wallet on Tuesday night
-Ruining my hardwood floors Thursday/Friday courtesy of my water heater losing its mind

My phone ended up being in my roommate's coworker's car, so it only took about 12 hours to track that down. My wallet ended up being in the grass at the amphitheater after the Jimmy Buffett concert. It took me way longer than it should have to realize my wallet was missing, but an amphitheater employee called me and I went to retrieve it. Everything looks to be intact, with the exception of someone stealing my cash. Oh well, mo' money, mo' problems.

That's the perfect segue into the fact that I spent almost $800 yesterday on home repairs. I had to get a new water heater and the accessories required to install that, so that totaled almost $300. My mom gave me a card for $25 off a purchase of $250+, so I went and got that cost adjusted today. I also had to pay the $500 deductible for the water mitigation and water damage.

Right now my living room is missing about one-third of its hardwood floor and probably six square feet of sheet rock. My utility closet is missing all of its floor and probably 12 square feet of sheet rock. And, finally, my kitchen is missing the hardwood floor bordering two of the walls. The fans and dehumidifiers are so loud that I'm starting to get a headache. However, they're like a whisper compared to that jackhammer that was tearing up the floor today. RIP you jerk of a water heater.

Let's try to move on to more positive things... I ate Yogli Mogli with my mom today! I worked out yesterday and today, which majorly helped in the destressing department. I also got a check in the mail from my mortgage company, so that was a welcomed surprise in the aftermath of Spendfest Friday. Hooray!

I can't believe it's a holiday weekend. I missed improv rehearsal on Wednesday because I felt like I was getting sick, although I'm pretty sure it was stress bogging me down. In retrospect, it's a major positive that I'm not performing this weekend (except for a festival tomorrow) because it would have been so hectic trying to manage that with all of the home repairs. The weekend has felt insane enough without any obligations. It's pretty ironic because, on Thursday before the water incident, I was running my mouth about how I hadn't had such a lengthy stint without an obligation in as long as I can remember. Enter: water.

Well, I'm gonna try to enjoy the rest of my Saturday night. I think it's about time to take some headache medicine. The Braves are in extra innings right now, and I really think I need to give them some attention.

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

That's heavy

Today I had one of those moments when I looked at the calendar and wondered where the last several months have gone. Although this year has had its share of inconveniences, there's a lot that makes me happy, too.

I really want to rant about the things that are stressing me out, but instead I'll list some things that made me smile today:
-Drew's Crew is going to hit the $30K fundraising mark by Saturday's event, and I'm absolutely amazed. I'm less than $500 shy of my personal goal, so if you'd like to contribute, click here.
-I ate Willy's today and they fixed my order without me uttering a word.
-I ran 3+ miles today, and it was a breeze.
-Hines Ward is still on Dancing with the Stars.
-The Braves came from behind to win in extra innings thanks to two home runs by Brian McCann.

It's probably best that I go to sleep. Sleep well, world!

Mmmm, curdle

Yep, I'm back.

Well, tonight I'm sitting at home and I should have been working a reunion at work and, currently, I should be out watching an improv show to celebrate my roommate's birthday. However, I find myself about to doze off, which is good. I haven't been feeling too hot this week.

That's kind of the perfect segue to tell the unfortunate series of events that went down last Saturday. It went a little something like this: I enjoyed a few beers at the Braves game with friends (KQ and BB). Then, BB and I headed to the Inman Park Festival to meet up with some other friends (ERR and crew). We walked around and found ourselves at a pub. After a few beers, people suggested a birthday shot. I explained that I don't really do shots, so they were going to pick something simple and delicious. Well, I received the shot (which looked like some kind of liqueur-based thing, take a sip of it, and notice there are chunks in it. Trying to be appreciative, I take another sip and then decide that there's no way this looks right. So, I asked the people at the table and they said that it looked curdled and not to drink anymore.

Fast-forward a little while later and I am projectile vomiting all over Atlanta. Locations included: outside of a bathroom in a pub, on myself, in someone's car, in a gas station parking lot, in a BP, and on my bathroom floor. The count for the night was about 20, and I still feel sick to my stomach every now and then. Today, every time I even took a sip of anything, my stomach cramped up. It was ROUGH.

What else happened this week? Operation: Get Rid of the Office Termites.

I sold a lot of benefit show tickets, but you can get yours here: http://www.cff.org/great_strides/laughtilyoucough.

I performed improv on Cinco de Mayo and, despite it being Cinco de Muerto, the show was fun. I did a straight scene, female stereotypes, Hip or Not, and Oscar Musical Funeral. Between the termite chemicals and the curdled milk, I wasn't at my prime, but I still had a good time. And made a rhyme! Hop on pop!

I'm about to go to sleep in hopes of feeling almost 100 percent tomorrow. My stomach is cooperating right now, but I'm also not consuming anything. I have a long day of work ahead of me.

In other news... I! AM! INSPIRED!

SUNday

Welcome to Sunday!

My roommate just walked in with groceries and it reminded me that I still want a donut. I actually had a dream last night that I was eating a white powdered donut at my grandmother's house (although it wasn't her actual house). It's sad that I've let this become such an issue.

I'm about to be angry at the Braves. I went to the home opener on Friday night and the Braves won. The rest of the weekend hasn't been quite as pleasant for them. It ain't over 'til it's over, though, and they have two more at-bats today. COME ON, BOYS!

What else? Well, tomorrow is back-to-work day. I was on vacation last Monday through Wednesday, and I telecommuted on Thursday and Friday of last week. I wish I could say I wasn't going to be in a billion meetings this week, but I'd be lying if I said that. Also, my boss's last day was last Monday (SURPRISE VACATION PHONE CALL!), so things are going to be a little insane tomorrow.

One at-bat left. Don't get me started.

The Phillies just got a triple. Don't get me started.

The Phillies just scored a run. I have started.

I worked a crew shift at the theatre last night. I enjoyed the shows and devoured a piece of cake, so I'd deem the night a success.

Well, it's time to write some thank you emails to the latest Drew's Crew supporters. My fundraising team has raised $14,701 online. We're in the mid-campaign slump, so I'm expecting us to pick up the pace in the next couple of weeks. Go team!

Okay. I'm gonna post this before the Braves' last at-bat.

Have a swell Monday!

Slacker

Hey! I've been a major slacker since...well...a while ago. My fancy phone has been the primary culprit considering I spend significantly less time on the Internet when I'm at home. I really only blog from home, and now there are days when I don't open my laptop at all. Enough of my making excuses, but I really do aspire (fun word!) to write in here more frequently. I enjoy it. It looks like I better download a Blogger app. Yep, I just said that.

So, I'm going to say random bullets about my cruise:
-The population was mainly comprised of senior citizens (love it!) and rednecks (amused by it!).
-It doesn't get much better than watching toothless karaoke.
-I held an alligator!
-Spinning out in a boat is an incredibly exhilarating feeling.
-Cottage cheese is good.
-Tanning on a beach and seeing snow in a 36-hour period isn't normal.
-Consider getting a second opinion when asking someone the time; the bus will leave without you.
-Hold onto your balloon hat when you go to the top of the boat, even when docked.
-Kayaking through mangroves is like something out of a movie.
-Cruises re-program how often you think you need to eat.

All in all, I had a blast on the cruise! I have one observation that I noticed on the last cruise, and then reconfirmed this cruise: Time seems like it's passing slowly for the first day or two -- like, you really think you have all the time in the world -- and then it just speeds up and you feel like it all happened in the blink of an eye. I need to go on a 4352342-day cruise next time.

This week was a pretty stressful one since it was mass email week AND I was already backlogged. I survived it, but it definitely wasn't easy. I performed on Thursday night, so that was fun. I played Conducted Rap, Sounds Like A Song, Foreign-Dubbed Soap Opera, Sit Stand Lean Oscar, Dating Game, and Musical Styles. It was a pretty big crowd for a Thursday night, so that was cool. Yippee!

Oh man! Guess what! One of my friends (MV) gave me a baseball "To Drew" from John Smoltz! I literally couldn't believe it. I am sooooo ready for the season to begin.

Well, I've been taking it easy this weekend. I was so delirious by yesterday evening that I was barely functioning. I seriously reached into the oven without a mitt on my hand. That's not a metaphor; that's the truth. Thankfully I caught myself before I grabbed the tray, but I think that speaks for itself. I'm hoping next week will be slightly more relaxed, but you never know!

It's time to read a little bit and sleep for another 10 or 12 hours. I started to feel like I could be getting sick, but I'm thinking it was just the stress from the workweek.

Happy weekend, all!

P.S. I won a trophy and medal on the cruise -- gotta keep representin' for the Dotson household. There was some kind of brain teaser trivia and I pretty much dominated. I guess that makes me a total nerd, but I have a trophy and medal to prove it.

Mi migraine

To give a quick update since I've fallen off the planet...

I got placed in a room yesterday afternoon, got a PICC line, started on IV antibiotics, etc. I also spent the evening watching the Braves LOSE, but at least I did it with two good friends. My arm was in a lot of pain from the PICC line, so laughing was traumatizing, but I still had a great time. As sad as I am that the Braves are out of the playoffs, we'd been hanging by a thread for far too long. Now I can look forward to 2011 with optimism and a new manager - Fredi Gonzalez.

Did I get to mention yet how much fun I had on Sunday night? Despite the Braves' loss, I was so happy to be a Braves fan. Turner Field was out of control, and I wish it could be like that all the time. We were tomahawk chopping left and right, and I just couldn't have asked for a more memorable evening. Yes, I could have asked for a win, but oh well...

Today was not a very good day. I woke up with the worst headache I've ever had. Unfortunately it wasn't going away, either. I thought it might have been from one of the IV antibiotics I had just finished, but the headache stuck around. I took a Percocet and it didn't help. I then took Tylenol and that didn't really help. Finally, around lunchtime, they started giving me legitimate migraine medicine, and it knocked me out for most of the afternoon/evening. I guess I officially experienced a migraine. Thankfully the pain is very dull right now. I wonder if it was caused by the antibiotics or what...

I've been lucky to have some visitors, and have several folks coming by tomorrow. Today I got some steak nachos from Willy's. AWESOME!

Good night to all...

Wiffle ball

Hello!

Well, today started out a bit differently than usual. I did sleep in until about 10:00 a.m. Anyway, shortly after I woke up, my friend (PM) from a previous workplace texted me to ask if I could play on his wiffle ball team. They were short some girls and he knew that I lived nearby the field -- and he and I were on the same kickball team once, so he knows I like sports. It sounded intriguing, so I threw on some clothes and made it to the field shortly after the game started.

My first at-bat was a total embarrassment, but I felt pretty solid after that. The first time I hit the ball and started to run, I immediately felt pain in my left hip flexor ... primarily because I didn't stretch, didn't warm-up, and haven't sprinted in quite some time. Then, the second time, I got on base and had major pain in my right hip flexor -- like thought-I-was-gonna-have-to-leave-the-game bad. I ended up scoring that inning and, thankfully, it was the end of the game. I have been in pain ever since, but only on the right side. It mainly hurts when I walk and when I lift my leg for any reason, such as going up the stairs, repositioning myself on the bed/couch. I honestly think that a wiffle ball injury is more humiliating than my infamous cornhole injury. We'll see how it feels in the morning. Oh, it also hurts when I laugh or cough. LAUGH 'TIL YOU COUGH! Needless to say, the wiffle ball incident impeded my exercise goal, but at least I did something active.

The rest of the day has been pretty relaxing. I came home, worked on some mass emails, then watched some college football with my roommate. My friend (JM) and I went out to eat at MiMi's Cafe, and I got meatballs and ravioli. It was good!

Tomorrow is a big day for me! Not only is it my last day before the hospitalization, but I am going to my parents' house for a cookout and then the BRAVES GAME! I am really, really looking forward to it all, which is why I'm getting an early night's sleep.

I've got my Braves pajama shirt on. GO TEAM!

Loving the view from cloud 9

Oh man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Braves just made me so proud! When we were down 4-1 going into the 7th, I've got to admit I was getting a little concerned. Then, WAM BAM, THANK YOU MA'AM to tie it up in the 8th. It took 11 innings, but the Braves and Giants are now tied 1-1 in the 5-game series. Whew! I wish I could articulate how excited I am right now. It's funny because I'm so wound up that I don't even feel tired! It's so similar (yet different) from last night.

So, the Braves lost a very uneventful 1-0 game last night (Thursday...it's Friday in my mind right now). I mean, I think there were seven total hits between both teams and it was basically a pitchers' duel, although Lincecomb definitely outpitched Lowe. Anyway, I was just perturbed because of the umpire's botched call that kept a runner on base -- that particular runner being the only player who scored in the entire game. I literally was up in the night having a conniption fit over it. When I woke up this morning, it was the first thing that crossed my mind. Now, though, that junk is chump change. CHUMP CHANGE! AHH!

SUNDAY CAN'T COME SOON ENOUGH! I am exerting so much energy right now.

Well, yesterday (Thursday) was a really great day, despite the game. I received a comment on my blog that made my entire day, if not my whole week. It's incredible that something simple can make a big difference to someone. I find myself feeling so inspired this week. It's odd to imagine the 'woe is me' person I was on Monday when I feel so invincible now.

This morning I saw my cousin (BH) before her appointment with the CF doctor. We went to IHOP and I had a really great breakfast. PANCAKES! I was feeling so appreciative that I left a gigantic tip. Now, I know it's not really generosity if you feel like you need attention for it, but I am trying to illustrate that happiness/positivity really does have a snowball effect.

What else? My sinuses are causing pain in places I've never had it before, such as directly behind my eyeballs and in my cheekbones. I can truly say that I am looking forward to my surgery. RELIEF IS ON THE WAY!

Gosh, I need to chill out. It is 2:00 a.m. I'm going to try to get to sleep, I guess. Tomorrow's gonna be an alarm-free day. Oh, and I think I'll exercise.

LET'S! GO! BRAVES!

How things change again...

I am in totaaaaaaaally different spirits than I was on Monday, so get excited, y'all!

First, to give you an update, the rodent has been eRATicated. Last night when I got home from work I noticed a fly. Now, I remember doing a double-take, thinking that I'd never seen a fly in my house in two years. The fly was dying on the floor, so I went to the library and to Publix. Well, that's not why I went those places, but anyway... After my errands, I walked back in and saw a few more flies buzz by. At this point, with my malfunctioning nose, I decided (in my mind) that I smelled something. My roommate was not here to borrow her sense of smell, so I called my uncle. He came over, looked under the dishwasher (where I'd convinced myself the smell was), and said, "Your suspicions are confirmed." He then extracted the carcass. THIS IS A RAT-FREE ENVIRONMENT. Ugh, the weight of the dead rat in a grocery bag made me nauseous.

Speaking of nauseous, the Phillies pitched a no-hitter tonight. I'm hopeful that they've now blown their wad too early and will completely flop. Rather than smack-talking, I should probably just say that I'm way excited to watch the Braves tomorrow. My boss has even given me permission to wear Braves attire to work, so it's gonna be a great day! GO TEAM!

I've totally digested and accepted the hospital news, so that's just chump change to me at this point. Do y'all know what chump change is? I've always used that saying, especially with my family. I Googled it and there were results, so I guess I'm not crazy.

I know I sound totally soapboxish, but it's amazing what can happen when you spend your time on positive things. I had a related email conversation with a friend (SW) today, and it really is incredible the difference it can make. :-)

How things change...

Well, today went much differently than expected. That sentence sounds weird, but I'm out of it. Anyway, I went into work super early (7ish) because I wanted to get home early so that I could see a friend who is (was) leaving the state tomorrow. When I got to work I was very focused, knowing that I have a lot to accomplish this week before I take off for surgery. I emailed the staff about my upcoming leave and started cranking things out.

Out of nowhere I started getting a call from an unknown number. I could tell it was an Emory number, so I answered, thinking it probably had to do with surgery talk or something. To my surprise, it was one of the CF doctors. I still assumed she was calling to verify that all systems were go, but she was instead informing me that some tests from my doctor's appointment (on September 2) showed that I had developed a bacteria in my lungs. As you can imagine, I was very shocked - not only because that appointment was so long ago, but also because this information was nowhere to be found last week.

After an emotionally exhausting day, the new plan consists of me getting admitted to the hospital next Monday to start IVs, with surgery being postponed until next Thursday. As tough as today has been, I am feeling at peace with what is going to happen. Needless to say, I was too much of an emotional wreck to tack on the goodbye, so that has been postponed until tomorrow.

In positive news, THE BRAVES ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS. I am going to the game on Sunday! The doctor tried to get me to come into the hospital on Friday, but I negotiated my way out of it. When I was emailing the surgeon's assistant to explain my unrelenting need to get the date changed, I was like, "To be completely honest, I am a die-hard Braves fan." She was very sweet and encouraging - one of the highlights of my day. My friend (ES) gave me some Braves SillyBandz today! I have on a tomahawk right now.

I am running on low emotional fuel right now, so I'm going to go to sleep. Although I never would have imagined it earlier in the day, I'm starting to see the positive...

Thank you for any thoughts of healing and happiness that you can send my way.

P.S. No word from the rat.

TOMAHAWK CHIZZZOP!

I am in such a great mood today. I'm really not even sure why, but I feel awesome. I mean, physically my face is aching because my sinuses are my worst enemy. But mentally? I feel spectacular!

I just got home from Starbucks. If you need a decaffeinated option at Starbucks, I highly recommend the Spiced Apple Cider. I can't remember if that's the name of it, but it is AMAZING! I chatted with my friend (MV) and it made me think about a lot of life-related things, which often gets me energized. Woooohoooo!

Today I went to Willy's, which is par for the course on Tuesdays. I don't think I've ever used that saying, but it felt good. Anyway, my steak nachos were off the chain. I don't think they could have been any more incredible than they were. True story.

THE BRAVES ARE ONE STRIKE AWAY FROM WINNING!

Umm, last night was way enjoyable. I read some, I watched TV, I took some naps, and the night dragged on forever. I ended up falling asleep pretty early, and woke up to a pleasant extra-innings win for the Braves. Come on, boys!

THE BRAVES WON! (Right now.) While the Phillies clinched the NL East last night, the Braves are in the running for the Wild Card. I have a GOOD feeling about it! Now I just need the Cubs to beat the Padres tonight.

I'm pretty sure I'll stop talking right now. It would be the first time I've done that all day.