Well, what to say, what to say. I'm torn between what to say because I don't want to make it sound like my day was absolutely miserable. Buuuuuuut, I didn't have a very good day. I had a difficult time sleeping last night because my mind was going a million miles per hour. It's been a while since I've had a night like that, but it happened last night.
Since it was difficult for me to sleep, it was also tough to get up this morning, but I was set on getting to the gym. I ended up resetting my alarm a few times, and got up and did a quick 22-minute workout. I did about 4 1/2 minutes on the treadmill, but was having a hard time, so I got on the elliptical for 7 1/2. Then, I ran on the treadmill for 10 minutes to seal the deal. I'm not exactly sure why it was so difficult compared to last week, but maybe because I wasn't feeling well...
I went to Starbucks on the way to work and got an iced mocha latte. Then, when I got to work, one of my wonderful coworkers surprised me with a McDonald's Mocha Frappe or what not. So, by 11:00 a.m., I'd completed both of those drinks and was pretty rowdy and feeling decent, although coughy. Haha. Coffee. HAAAA! I didn't even mean to do that, but anyway...
My coworker and I went to my FAVORITE Mexican restuurant (Monterrey) for lunch, where I had two grilled steak quesadillas. It was so delicious, and she surprised me by treating me! It was so sweet. One of my coworkers had also brought cupcakes, so I was excited about that and brought some of them home.
After lunch I was just having a really hard time. I wasn't feeling very well and it was really bringing me down; I've had a lot weighing on my mind. I ended up having to duck out of work early because I was feeling pretty bad. I came home and things didn't improve much. Then, I headed to rehearsal still in a bit of a funk, but everyone was really sweet and tried to help me out of it.
I got a few really thoughtful gifts that I'm excited about and, even though I probably didn't show it tonight, I am so thankful to have my theatre friends.
So many people wished me a happy birthday and, although Drew's Crew didn't rake it in like I hoped we might, there's still time left. Even though I seemed like a hot mess for the majority of the day, I am so lucky to know so many great people. Now if only the Braves can pull out a win tonight; it's tied right now...
Well, I'm hoping for a great day tomorrow - for everyone. I'm sending positive thoughts all kinds of directions.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Whatcha say?
Well, tomorrow's my birthday. I've never been a big birthday person, but I'm also not a holiday person in general. I know I've mentioned it several times before, but there's just so much hype involved, and then it's just kind of weird. I was considering taking tomorrow off since it's my birthday, but everyone else will be working, so I'm not sure if there's a point. I think I'd rather save the day and use it for a vacation rather than to sit around on my birthday, wondering what's going on at work. It looks like I just got that decision taken care of...
I'm not feeling that great, and I'm not sure why. I'm feeling kind of short of breath. I've also been sneezing, and just feeling really worn down. I've taken it easy this weekend and forced myself to rest, but I'm not feeling like I imagined I'd be after an easy weekend. Hopefully I'll wake up feeling refreshed.
I didn't do a whole lot today. I sat out in the sun for about an hour, which was nice. My ceiling got painted, so hopefully the colors match and I don't have to get the rest of the room repainted. But, even if that happened, it wouldn't be a really big deal.
My mom came by to give me a few presents, and we ended up going out to eat. I got a few bags of gummy bears (shock!) and two shirts. I also got my much-anticipated birthday donation, so I was very happy about that. We picked up my sister and went out to eat at El Toro. I got a gift from my sister, which was a cute journal and a turtle made out of different metal odds and ends. She got him at the Dogwood Festival, and I laugh when I look at him; he is so funny. I wish I could show him to you, but that would involve too many steps that I don't want to perform right now.
Update: Drew's Crew is at $12,800 (I added the $20 donation that my mom just got, even though it isn't posted). YAY! I hope that the birthday thing garners donations in the way it did last year. I was really happy!
What else? The Braves are pretty much sickening right now. It is seriously a joke. This rain delay that they called is probably the best thing that could happen to us right now - save some embarrassment. Haha! My brother and I are twins... He just texted and said, "I've never been so happy for a rain delay. We can't strand runners during a rain delay." I hope they can get it together because this just hurts to watch.
Well, I guess I better get to sleep. I'm going to run in the morning to get my birthday off to a good and productive start. Good night, all!
I'm not feeling that great, and I'm not sure why. I'm feeling kind of short of breath. I've also been sneezing, and just feeling really worn down. I've taken it easy this weekend and forced myself to rest, but I'm not feeling like I imagined I'd be after an easy weekend. Hopefully I'll wake up feeling refreshed.
I didn't do a whole lot today. I sat out in the sun for about an hour, which was nice. My ceiling got painted, so hopefully the colors match and I don't have to get the rest of the room repainted. But, even if that happened, it wouldn't be a really big deal.
My mom came by to give me a few presents, and we ended up going out to eat. I got a few bags of gummy bears (shock!) and two shirts. I also got my much-anticipated birthday donation, so I was very happy about that. We picked up my sister and went out to eat at El Toro. I got a gift from my sister, which was a cute journal and a turtle made out of different metal odds and ends. She got him at the Dogwood Festival, and I laugh when I look at him; he is so funny. I wish I could show him to you, but that would involve too many steps that I don't want to perform right now.
Update: Drew's Crew is at $12,800 (I added the $20 donation that my mom just got, even though it isn't posted). YAY! I hope that the birthday thing garners donations in the way it did last year. I was really happy!
What else? The Braves are pretty much sickening right now. It is seriously a joke. This rain delay that they called is probably the best thing that could happen to us right now - save some embarrassment. Haha! My brother and I are twins... He just texted and said, "I've never been so happy for a rain delay. We can't strand runners during a rain delay." I hope they can get it together because this just hurts to watch.
Well, I guess I better get to sleep. I'm going to run in the morning to get my birthday off to a good and productive start. Good night, all!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Coincidence
Sometimes I read entirely too much into coincidences. I have no idea why I even felt the need to say that because I'm not going to explain what I mean by that. Vague, I know. Moving right along...
A friend treated me to a nice night out on the town, and we hadn't hung out in a while, so I was glad to spend time with her! First we went out to eat at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Given the nastiness of the weather today, I figured it would be nice to escape to the tropics, despite watching the rain through the window. We enjoyed catching up and talking about life, which is always a crowd-pleaser in my book. Then we headed to Cafe Intermezzo where we grabbed some hot chocolate and continued our discussion! I also opened a sweet gift from her - a HUGE bag of Haribo gummy bears AND a gift card to the movies. I need to start getting up-to-speed with current movies so that I can use it wisely! Anyway, I considered tonight my birthday celebration for the most part, and it was time well-spent; it got me thinking.
I got some donations today! I am really appreciative, and the team is sitting at $12,100. I'm hoping to bring home some bacon on my birthday, so I've got high hopes for that! Let's celebrate!
Making that text a hyperlink made me think about the fact that I'm getting kind of good at HTML stuff. I dabble in it at work and have been using it some here and there for different fundraising things, and I actually like it. Basically it's like a brainteaser of sorts, so maybe I should look into learning more... DORK!
I haven't done too much that's noteworthy today... or yesterday. I got enrolled in ANOTHER study that I'll do on Thursday, so I have to start keeping a food journal tomorrow. I hope I don't forget. I don't have a printer, so I'm going to keep track in a gangsterfied way until I can get it printed.
Umm, that's about it. I am feeling motivated in many senses of the word!
A friend treated me to a nice night out on the town, and we hadn't hung out in a while, so I was glad to spend time with her! First we went out to eat at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Given the nastiness of the weather today, I figured it would be nice to escape to the tropics, despite watching the rain through the window. We enjoyed catching up and talking about life, which is always a crowd-pleaser in my book. Then we headed to Cafe Intermezzo where we grabbed some hot chocolate and continued our discussion! I also opened a sweet gift from her - a HUGE bag of Haribo gummy bears AND a gift card to the movies. I need to start getting up-to-speed with current movies so that I can use it wisely! Anyway, I considered tonight my birthday celebration for the most part, and it was time well-spent; it got me thinking.
I got some donations today! I am really appreciative, and the team is sitting at $12,100. I'm hoping to bring home some bacon on my birthday, so I've got high hopes for that! Let's celebrate!
Making that text a hyperlink made me think about the fact that I'm getting kind of good at HTML stuff. I dabble in it at work and have been using it some here and there for different fundraising things, and I actually like it. Basically it's like a brainteaser of sorts, so maybe I should look into learning more... DORK!
I haven't done too much that's noteworthy today... or yesterday. I got enrolled in ANOTHER study that I'll do on Thursday, so I have to start keeping a food journal tomorrow. I hope I don't forget. I don't have a printer, so I'm going to keep track in a gangsterfied way until I can get it printed.
Umm, that's about it. I am feeling motivated in many senses of the word!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Yawn
What a day! Well, today I got up and hit the fitness center before work. I surprisingly ran two miles without stopping, and then walked for a couple minutes before heading back home. I reset my alarm a few times, so I didn't have as much time to exercise as usual when I go before work. Oh well! It was better than nothing. I was really excited to run for 20 minutes without ever even stepping my feet on the side of the treadmill; I haven't done that in a bit!
I went to work and knocked out a TON of stuff all in a few hours of time. I was in the office from a little before 9 until a little before 1, then headed to my CF study appointment.
So, the appointment went really well. Well, it didn't, but it did. When I did my PFTs, they were surprisingly low - lower than my appointment last week, and about on-par with my first study appointment. The doctor basically told me there were two options... 1) try IV antibiotics and see what happens, or 2) have him declare me 'stable' so I would be eligible for the study. Since a drop of a few percentage points can be attributed to many things other than my true lung function, I went with the tell-me-I'm-stable route.
I then proceeded with my EKG, bloodwork, nasal PD (measuring electrical activity in your nasal cells - WILD!), sweat tests, etc. All in all, it took about five hours to complete all of the necessary testing. It looks like I'm good to get randomized as long as today's results come back looking good! It's funny because, after all of the things that could have kept me from being in the study, the biggest issue today was getting blood out of my arms. We moved from arm to arm with multiple people trying to get a good result. Finally we got a good vein and, of the nine tubes that needed to get filled, we got to the ninth one and my arm gave out. Someone else had to come save the day by poking and prodding around to get that final BIG tube filled. Thankfully I don't mind needles in the arms.
After all of that, I met a few theatre friends at El Azteca (Midtown area) before the improv show tonight. It was a showcase put on by the folks in the Improv Studies group, and I had a lot of fun. I probably stayed out later than I should have, as you can probably tell, so I'm about to hit the hay. I have a crew shift at the theatre tomorrow night, so it looks like it will be Saturday before I can relax.
I went to work and knocked out a TON of stuff all in a few hours of time. I was in the office from a little before 9 until a little before 1, then headed to my CF study appointment.
So, the appointment went really well. Well, it didn't, but it did. When I did my PFTs, they were surprisingly low - lower than my appointment last week, and about on-par with my first study appointment. The doctor basically told me there were two options... 1) try IV antibiotics and see what happens, or 2) have him declare me 'stable' so I would be eligible for the study. Since a drop of a few percentage points can be attributed to many things other than my true lung function, I went with the tell-me-I'm-stable route.
I then proceeded with my EKG, bloodwork, nasal PD (measuring electrical activity in your nasal cells - WILD!), sweat tests, etc. All in all, it took about five hours to complete all of the necessary testing. It looks like I'm good to get randomized as long as today's results come back looking good! It's funny because, after all of the things that could have kept me from being in the study, the biggest issue today was getting blood out of my arms. We moved from arm to arm with multiple people trying to get a good result. Finally we got a good vein and, of the nine tubes that needed to get filled, we got to the ninth one and my arm gave out. Someone else had to come save the day by poking and prodding around to get that final BIG tube filled. Thankfully I don't mind needles in the arms.
After all of that, I met a few theatre friends at El Azteca (Midtown area) before the improv show tonight. It was a showcase put on by the folks in the Improv Studies group, and I had a lot of fun. I probably stayed out later than I should have, as you can probably tell, so I'm about to hit the hay. I have a crew shift at the theatre tomorrow night, so it looks like it will be Saturday before I can relax.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Vat o' queso
Guess who's all willy nilly right now... ME! That was a pun, but you don't know it yet. I had steak nachos from Willy's today for lunch. Tonight we had a work call at the theatre. When we finished working, we were treated to a nacho bar from Willy's. After all was said and done, there was a bunch of stuff left over. Most of the people were gone before we realized how much extra food there was, so people got sent home with stuff. I ended up with a big ol' vat o' queso. I must say I'm pretty excited about it; you can never have too much cheese.
Before I forget to give them their proper recognition, the Braves SEALED THE DEAL last night. I was very, very tired and we entered the ninth inning down 3 to 0. The first batter in the ninth automatically got an out, so I was feeling pretty discouraged. I was tired and thought it would be better for me to check the score in the morning than stay up for the last two outs. So, I turned the game off and started trying to sleep. Within minutes, though, I had text messages from my mom and brother. With two outs, the Braves got a two-run homer (Glaus) followed by a solo homer by Heyward. At this point I had the TV on the see the start ofthe tenth inning. After an easy top of the inning, the first battler in the bottom of the tenth (McLouth) got a walk-off home run. It was so awesome! It made me proud. Then they went and lost tonight, but whatever. Go Braves!
I am getting really excited about the benefit show. I plan to unveil the details by Monday, I hope. I'm ready to start selling tickets and seeing that total rise! So many people have offered to volunteer their time and energy, and I just know it's going to be awesome and fun for everyone involved. And, of course, it helps a cause that means so much to me. I am thankful for everyone.
Speaking of, today was AWESOME for Drew's Crew! One of the walkers made BANK today, raising over $500. Some checks got posted as well, so the total of everything posted at this exact moment in time is $11,630. That is only about $50 less than what Drew's Crew raised ALL of last year, and we still have 23 days to go. MAN! I AM SO ENERGIZED! We are going to blow our old selves out of the water!
WHAT ELSE?! Tomorrow I have my study appointment. Yeehaw! I am going into work at the regular time and then will head out a few minutes before 1:00 p.m. The appointment should take about four or five hours. Then, tomorrow night, the Improv Studies Program is performing a show, so I'm going to go check that out. I'm looking forward to seeing them perform!
I'm just feeling really happy. Life is great!
Before I forget to give them their proper recognition, the Braves SEALED THE DEAL last night. I was very, very tired and we entered the ninth inning down 3 to 0. The first batter in the ninth automatically got an out, so I was feeling pretty discouraged. I was tired and thought it would be better for me to check the score in the morning than stay up for the last two outs. So, I turned the game off and started trying to sleep. Within minutes, though, I had text messages from my mom and brother. With two outs, the Braves got a two-run homer (Glaus) followed by a solo homer by Heyward. At this point I had the TV on the see the start ofthe tenth inning. After an easy top of the inning, the first battler in the bottom of the tenth (McLouth) got a walk-off home run. It was so awesome! It made me proud. Then they went and lost tonight, but whatever. Go Braves!
I am getting really excited about the benefit show. I plan to unveil the details by Monday, I hope. I'm ready to start selling tickets and seeing that total rise! So many people have offered to volunteer their time and energy, and I just know it's going to be awesome and fun for everyone involved. And, of course, it helps a cause that means so much to me. I am thankful for everyone.
Speaking of, today was AWESOME for Drew's Crew! One of the walkers made BANK today, raising over $500. Some checks got posted as well, so the total of everything posted at this exact moment in time is $11,630. That is only about $50 less than what Drew's Crew raised ALL of last year, and we still have 23 days to go. MAN! I AM SO ENERGIZED! We are going to blow our old selves out of the water!
WHAT ELSE?! Tomorrow I have my study appointment. Yeehaw! I am going into work at the regular time and then will head out a few minutes before 1:00 p.m. The appointment should take about four or five hours. Then, tomorrow night, the Improv Studies Program is performing a show, so I'm going to go check that out. I'm looking forward to seeing them perform!
I'm just feeling really happy. Life is great!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Cure Found
I don't have much to say, but figured I'd say something...
I'm getting ready for bed. My face has been aching from allergies today. In fact, I worked from home in an effort to recuperate. I really don't want to have to reschedule my study appointment, but I feel like I might have to if my symptoms don't improve. I hope that tomorrow I'll wake up feeling better since the rain helped wash away some of the pollen today.
THIS JUST IN: $100 donation from a complete stranger! Man, I am excited. Now I've gotta investigate to see if anyone knows this person... People are good.
In other CFF-related news, I am tentatively doing an improv benefit show on May 11. I secured some free event space today, and am in the process of ironing out the details. This should be a really great, profitable event. That makes me happy.
I don't have a lot to say. I am just tired.
I'm getting ready for bed. My face has been aching from allergies today. In fact, I worked from home in an effort to recuperate. I really don't want to have to reschedule my study appointment, but I feel like I might have to if my symptoms don't improve. I hope that tomorrow I'll wake up feeling better since the rain helped wash away some of the pollen today.
THIS JUST IN: $100 donation from a complete stranger! Man, I am excited. Now I've gotta investigate to see if anyone knows this person... People are good.
In other CFF-related news, I am tentatively doing an improv benefit show on May 11. I secured some free event space today, and am in the process of ironing out the details. This should be a really great, profitable event. That makes me happy.
I don't have a lot to say. I am just tired.
Ooooh - oh - oooooooh!
That title is me trying to articulate the sound of the tomahawk chop. I went to the Braves game yesterday afternoon, and BOY, was it an exciting one! The Braves were down 3-2 to start the ninth, and came back to win the thing. Jason Heyward came up with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth. He hit a game-winning single, and it was so cute. They huddled on the field and it made me want to cry. Then he got pied in the face! I'm just excited because my record is 1-0 right now. The Braves win 100 percent of the games I attend!
Well, my boss went into labor. I don't know for sure whether or not she's had the baby or what not, but she was in early labor last night. I am excited to see pictures, but I'm really going to miss her when she's gone.
Today the apprentices went bowling instead of rehearsing. Since the Improv Studies Program has a show this Thursday, we got the night free from apprentice rehearsal. Going bowling was a nice change of pace. It was fun to get to bond a bit in a non-improv atmosphere. Anytime we've gone out in public together, I always wonder if people are curious as to how we are friends. It's just an interesting combination of people. I bowled a 78 on the first game and was at 37 on the second game (with two frames left) when we ran out of time. I had a good time. Bowling is fun! I did get one strike, so that was nice!
Guess what! Today I scheduled my second study screening for this Thursday. They can only re-screen once, so I've got to do awesome on Thursday in order to be eligible. If I do as well as I did at the doctor last week, I should hopefully be good to go - at least lung-wise. I really, really hope that we can get this under way. I haven't gotten too excited about it in the last several weeks because I was trying to focus on the health issues of the present, but I hope everything goes well and I get approved within the next couple of weeks! Send the positive energy this way. I'll have to take half of a day off of work to participate, but hopefully it will be worth all of the positive benefits of the drug (if I don't get the placebo!).
Umm, that's about it. Drew's Crew is at $10,428. I am only $22 shy of $5,000 on my personal page. Yeeehaw! Thank you all!
Well, my boss went into labor. I don't know for sure whether or not she's had the baby or what not, but she was in early labor last night. I am excited to see pictures, but I'm really going to miss her when she's gone.
Today the apprentices went bowling instead of rehearsing. Since the Improv Studies Program has a show this Thursday, we got the night free from apprentice rehearsal. Going bowling was a nice change of pace. It was fun to get to bond a bit in a non-improv atmosphere. Anytime we've gone out in public together, I always wonder if people are curious as to how we are friends. It's just an interesting combination of people. I bowled a 78 on the first game and was at 37 on the second game (with two frames left) when we ran out of time. I had a good time. Bowling is fun! I did get one strike, so that was nice!
Guess what! Today I scheduled my second study screening for this Thursday. They can only re-screen once, so I've got to do awesome on Thursday in order to be eligible. If I do as well as I did at the doctor last week, I should hopefully be good to go - at least lung-wise. I really, really hope that we can get this under way. I haven't gotten too excited about it in the last several weeks because I was trying to focus on the health issues of the present, but I hope everything goes well and I get approved within the next couple of weeks! Send the positive energy this way. I'll have to take half of a day off of work to participate, but hopefully it will be worth all of the positive benefits of the drug (if I don't get the placebo!).
Umm, that's about it. Drew's Crew is at $10,428. I am only $22 shy of $5,000 on my personal page. Yeeehaw! Thank you all!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Shorty
GUESS WHAT! I NEED TO GO TO SLEEP!
Today was a big day for Drew's Crew. We surpassed the $10,000 mark!! To be exact, the online total is reflecting $10,165. This makes me really, really happy. I know that $20,000 is going to be tough to make, but I just know that there are good things to come...
Soooo, I got my hair chopped off today. I think you can officially call it 'chopping' when 100 percent of people that see you acknowledge that it is chopped. I am still accepting the change. It looks great and feels great, so in a couple of days I will be all about it. I also got it a little bit lighter. Only about half of the people I've seen noticed that, so the color isn't very drastic. I can hardly notice it myself because I'm not seeing past the short hair. We'll have to see what happens when I style it on my own...
I was feeling a little unsure afterwards, trying to decide if I looked younger, older, or the same. I had a few people say I looked older (like in a sophisticated way). Then, though, I made a quick stop in Publix and the worker called me "lil' bit." That wasn't at all what I was going for, but all that got erased by some of the kind words my theatre family had for me tonight - particularly 'a perfect haircut.'
I am very tired. Therefore, I shall sleep.
Today was a big day for Drew's Crew. We surpassed the $10,000 mark!! To be exact, the online total is reflecting $10,165. This makes me really, really happy. I know that $20,000 is going to be tough to make, but I just know that there are good things to come...
Soooo, I got my hair chopped off today. I think you can officially call it 'chopping' when 100 percent of people that see you acknowledge that it is chopped. I am still accepting the change. It looks great and feels great, so in a couple of days I will be all about it. I also got it a little bit lighter. Only about half of the people I've seen noticed that, so the color isn't very drastic. I can hardly notice it myself because I'm not seeing past the short hair. We'll have to see what happens when I style it on my own...
I was feeling a little unsure afterwards, trying to decide if I looked younger, older, or the same. I had a few people say I looked older (like in a sophisticated way). Then, though, I made a quick stop in Publix and the worker called me "lil' bit." That wasn't at all what I was going for, but all that got erased by some of the kind words my theatre family had for me tonight - particularly 'a perfect haircut.'
I am very tired. Therefore, I shall sleep.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
RA RA RA RA RAAAAAA
WOW! It's late.
Well, tonight was the night - Drewby Doo's Mainstage Debut. (I realize that was annoying, but I couldn't not say it when it just crossed my mind.) I headed down to the theatre with plenty of time given all of Atlanta's festivities. I left 1 hour and 45 minutes before I needed to arrive to allot time to go to the grocery store and fight Friday traffic on top of Braves traffic, Freaknik traffic, festival traffic, etc. Congratulations to me for going to the grocery store AND getting to Midtown with 1 hour and 15 minutes until call time. That's record time for any day. Period.
So, I ended up going to Starbucks instead. Ironically, before all was said and done, half of tonight's cast members and the house manager were sitting at a table chatting. I'm not exactly sure if people were also surprised by how little traffic there was, if this is routine for some folks, etc., but it sure was an unexpected and almost surreal way to start the night. It was nice to sit around and talk instead of re-reading everything I've ever written in my notebook.
Tonight I played: Stereotypes, Repeat Scene Direction (paranoid, claustrophobic, pregnant), Senior Class President Buzzer Debate (a younger Barbara - Barb), and ABC (starting in the middle). All in all, I had a lot of fun. I was headier than I'd liked to have been, but it was hard not to treat it as something special because... IT WAS! I am feeling an entire series of post-show emotions, but my main feeling is 'thankful.' I am really happy that I got the experience. Oh, and a special shout-out to all of my wonderful friends who were there (in many senses of the word) for me tonight. After 'thankful,' I feel very motivated. I want to absorb everything I possibly can. I mean, I'm even excited about having to work my shift tomorrow, despite it being my sixth day there this week. I'm excited to watch and learn more.
I forgot to drop some big news yesterday (Thursday) - We booked flights to the Dominican Republic! I can't believe I'm going on a real, all-out vacation. I have never done this for myself... this splurging-type thing for a vacation. It is now official, and I'm excited to pamper myself!
Speaking of pampering, tomorrow I am getting my hair done - highlights and a cut. It will be a nice start to the day. After my new hair and before my double at the theatre, I bet I'll end up napping! I'm excited to get all freshened up and rejuvenated hair-wise.
I know there's a lot more to say... I have the post-show chatties. However, I realize it's after 2:00 a.m., and I need to rest my little head on a pillow.
Well, tonight was the night - Drewby Doo's Mainstage Debut. (I realize that was annoying, but I couldn't not say it when it just crossed my mind.) I headed down to the theatre with plenty of time given all of Atlanta's festivities. I left 1 hour and 45 minutes before I needed to arrive to allot time to go to the grocery store and fight Friday traffic on top of Braves traffic, Freaknik traffic, festival traffic, etc. Congratulations to me for going to the grocery store AND getting to Midtown with 1 hour and 15 minutes until call time. That's record time for any day. Period.
So, I ended up going to Starbucks instead. Ironically, before all was said and done, half of tonight's cast members and the house manager were sitting at a table chatting. I'm not exactly sure if people were also surprised by how little traffic there was, if this is routine for some folks, etc., but it sure was an unexpected and almost surreal way to start the night. It was nice to sit around and talk instead of re-reading everything I've ever written in my notebook.
Tonight I played: Stereotypes, Repeat Scene Direction (paranoid, claustrophobic, pregnant), Senior Class President Buzzer Debate (a younger Barbara - Barb), and ABC (starting in the middle). All in all, I had a lot of fun. I was headier than I'd liked to have been, but it was hard not to treat it as something special because... IT WAS! I am feeling an entire series of post-show emotions, but my main feeling is 'thankful.' I am really happy that I got the experience. Oh, and a special shout-out to all of my wonderful friends who were there (in many senses of the word) for me tonight. After 'thankful,' I feel very motivated. I want to absorb everything I possibly can. I mean, I'm even excited about having to work my shift tomorrow, despite it being my sixth day there this week. I'm excited to watch and learn more.
I forgot to drop some big news yesterday (Thursday) - We booked flights to the Dominican Republic! I can't believe I'm going on a real, all-out vacation. I have never done this for myself... this splurging-type thing for a vacation. It is now official, and I'm excited to pamper myself!
Speaking of pampering, tomorrow I am getting my hair done - highlights and a cut. It will be a nice start to the day. After my new hair and before my double at the theatre, I bet I'll end up napping! I'm excited to get all freshened up and rejuvenated hair-wise.
I know there's a lot more to say... I have the post-show chatties. However, I realize it's after 2:00 a.m., and I need to rest my little head on a pillow.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Sleepay
So. Tired.
Today in summary:
I didn't sleep too well, but got up and got gasoline para mi coche and an iced mocha latte before work (Starbucks).
When I got to work, I began by cleaning off my desk. I have no idea why I would do that, other than trying to get motivated. I had a huge stack of random papers on my desk and now they're gone. Awesome. Then, being that it's the biggest mass email day of the month, I was surprised to find that our mass email tool was down. For several hours. Soooo, that brought my work for the day to a screeching halt.
During the time in which I was trying to maintain my sanity, tomorrow night's emcee called me to see if I had plans for tomorrow (Friday) night. Hoping this was going somewhere good, I said I didn't and got asked if I would like to be in the show tomorrow night. I giddily said yes and literally galloped around the office for a few moments. I'm a combination of nervous and psyched, but mostly psyched! It will be fun getting to perform with the mainstagers! I bet I will learn a lot.
I then went and ate steak nachos at Willy's.
The system was up and running for me when I got back, so I got as much done as I could. I didn't get everything accomplished that was on the agenda today, but I made a great effort given the circumstances.
Then I headed to Midtown for tonight's show. I had so much fun tonight, and literally used every ounce of energy I had! I played ABC Buzzer, Repeat Scene Styles (Gladiator, Soap Opera, High School Musical), Helping Hands Oscar (handless), Script in Hand (off-book), and Sounds Like a Song/Rap. Man, it was a lot of fun! [INTERRUPTION: DONATION ALERT!] My parents and a few friends came, including my faaaaaavorite nurse ever. I looooooooooove Script in Hand; it is in my top games!
That donation was the perfect segue to say that Drew's Crew is at $9,777. I hope to hit $10,000 by the end of the week. Have I already mentioned that? I feel like I've already said that. Okay, I'm teasing with you - I had this conversation with myself last night, but I meant it last night. I forgot to look back and see if I'd really said it the day before.
So, how about I go to sleep?! I've got to do some resting so I am energized for tomorrow night!
Today in summary:
I didn't sleep too well, but got up and got gasoline para mi coche and an iced mocha latte before work (Starbucks).
When I got to work, I began by cleaning off my desk. I have no idea why I would do that, other than trying to get motivated. I had a huge stack of random papers on my desk and now they're gone. Awesome. Then, being that it's the biggest mass email day of the month, I was surprised to find that our mass email tool was down. For several hours. Soooo, that brought my work for the day to a screeching halt.
During the time in which I was trying to maintain my sanity, tomorrow night's emcee called me to see if I had plans for tomorrow (Friday) night. Hoping this was going somewhere good, I said I didn't and got asked if I would like to be in the show tomorrow night. I giddily said yes and literally galloped around the office for a few moments. I'm a combination of nervous and psyched, but mostly psyched! It will be fun getting to perform with the mainstagers! I bet I will learn a lot.
I then went and ate steak nachos at Willy's.
The system was up and running for me when I got back, so I got as much done as I could. I didn't get everything accomplished that was on the agenda today, but I made a great effort given the circumstances.
Then I headed to Midtown for tonight's show. I had so much fun tonight, and literally used every ounce of energy I had! I played ABC Buzzer, Repeat Scene Styles (Gladiator, Soap Opera, High School Musical), Helping Hands Oscar (handless), Script in Hand (off-book), and Sounds Like a Song/Rap. Man, it was a lot of fun! [INTERRUPTION: DONATION ALERT!] My parents and a few friends came, including my faaaaaavorite nurse ever. I looooooooooove Script in Hand; it is in my top games!
That donation was the perfect segue to say that Drew's Crew is at $9,777. I hope to hit $10,000 by the end of the week. Have I already mentioned that? I feel like I've already said that. Okay, I'm teasing with you - I had this conversation with myself last night, but I meant it last night. I forgot to look back and see if I'd really said it the day before.
So, how about I go to sleep?! I've got to do some resting so I am energized for tomorrow night!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Givin' Lip
I'll go ahead and say that the title of this post has nothing to do with actually giving lip... I am wearing a shirt that someone gave me because it was too small, and it is a white tank top with the words "Givin' Lip" in pink writing. I actually kind of love it because it's worthless.
Well, I just got home from rehearsal. I guess you can't really call it rehearsal because we actually went hanging up posters around Midtown - at least that's the group my area tackled. [Side bar: I just noticed after posting that I said "group my area tackled" instead of "area my group tackled." I have been doing backwards things like this for a few days, so I'm leaving it as-is for a trip down memory lane.] It was a fun change of pace, but we walked around a lot and I'm feeling kinda worn out. I guess that's good since I should be heading to sleep soon!
Umm, Drew's Crew is at $9,602!!!!! I really, really hope to hit $10,000 by the week's end. Did I say that yesterday? Or say it in my mind? Either way, it's still the truth! I think I did say it. (Can you tell I'm delirious?)
What elsssssssse? I went to the fitness center for a little chunk during lunchtime today. I got in a pretty good workout. I ran for a little on the treadmill, then hopped on the elliptical, then did some sprints on the treadmill, and topped it off with walking at an incline. I didn't feel like I could exert myself in the way that I do when I'm feeling my best, but I was able to do moderately intense things for a decent length of time, so that was good!
I am kinda at a loss of things to say, which is surprising.
I better take advantage of this 'being tired' thing while it's still accurate.
Oh, my boss is going to have a baby any day now. I don't know why it is nerveracking for me! I'm not the one giving birth, but I am just anxiously waiting...in a neutral way. The actual due date is April 22, so I am trying to be prepared, but I don't think I will be. I will miss her while she's on maternity leave.
Okay. Done.
Well, I just got home from rehearsal. I guess you can't really call it rehearsal because we actually went hanging up posters around Midtown - at least that's the group my area tackled. [Side bar: I just noticed after posting that I said "group my area tackled" instead of "area my group tackled." I have been doing backwards things like this for a few days, so I'm leaving it as-is for a trip down memory lane.] It was a fun change of pace, but we walked around a lot and I'm feeling kinda worn out. I guess that's good since I should be heading to sleep soon!
Umm, Drew's Crew is at $9,602!!!!! I really, really hope to hit $10,000 by the week's end. Did I say that yesterday? Or say it in my mind? Either way, it's still the truth! I think I did say it. (Can you tell I'm delirious?)
What elsssssssse? I went to the fitness center for a little chunk during lunchtime today. I got in a pretty good workout. I ran for a little on the treadmill, then hopped on the elliptical, then did some sprints on the treadmill, and topped it off with walking at an incline. I didn't feel like I could exert myself in the way that I do when I'm feeling my best, but I was able to do moderately intense things for a decent length of time, so that was good!
I am kinda at a loss of things to say, which is surprising.
I better take advantage of this 'being tired' thing while it's still accurate.
Oh, my boss is going to have a baby any day now. I don't know why it is nerveracking for me! I'm not the one giving birth, but I am just anxiously waiting...in a neutral way. The actual due date is April 22, so I am trying to be prepared, but I don't think I will be. I will miss her while she's on maternity leave.
Okay. Done.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Dodging a bullet
Well, y'aaaaaaaaalllllllllll........ My doctor's appointment went surprisingly well today! I'll start at the beginning. I got to Emory right at 10:00 a.m. to start my glucose tolerance test. When they finally drew (DREW!) my blood at about 10:30 a.m., I felt like I was going to faint. I survived the blood draws and then drank the special orange drink, which actually tastes pretty decent when you're starved beyond rational thinking. I then headed over for my DEXA bone density scan. After that, I headed back to the lab and had to wait until 12:30 p.m. for my post-orange DRANK stick. The worker was so helpful and, given how weak I was feeling she packed me a baggie with two 4-packs of Oreos and two apple juices, which I thought was really sweet. I want to write her boss and commend her work, but every time I plan to do that it's difficult to follow through...
From there, I headed up to the real doozie - the CF appointment. I didn't have to wait too exceptionally long before completing my PFTs. Believe it or not, my numbers had IMPROVED from the study visit, but were still down a little bit from my baseline. I couldn't believe that I would have improved considering the fact that I didn't feel so great, but I did...so I'll take it! My bloodwork from the morning looked great, with my glucose tolerance test showing that I was normal.
Interestingly, though, the doctor did notice that a particular liver enzyme was elevated. It didn't worry her too much, but she did take note of it since some CFers end up with liver disease for a variety of reasons. Then, we got to talking about the pain that I'd had (the ER-inspiring pain), and she was convinced that the pain was in my gall bladder/liver area. She said that lungs don't really have pain censors, with the exception of when the lining is inflamed, but my pain didn't seem to be affected by my breathing. So, with the combination of the pain and the elevated enzymes, she wants to do an ultrasound of my gall bladder/liver if the pain returns. Hopefully it was just an odd occurrence, and I'm optimistic since I've been painkiller- and pain-free for a week.
Needless to say, after all of that news, I don't have to go to the hospital and I don't have to return for a follow-up until June 1. YAAAAAY! The doctor also mentioned trying to get me back in the study, so I'm hopeful for that. I let that fall to the back-burner temporarily because obviously my current health is the most pressing, but lately I'd been thinking how I really hope to get to participate in the study even though my initial screening indicated otherwise. I'll keep you posted on that.
I don't really have too much to say, as the doctor's appointment was the bulk of my day. Drew's Crew is at $9,367. I'm excited! I think my next endeavor is to encourage friends to email everyone they know. We've come a long way, but we're still only halfway to my aspirational goal!
Thank you to everyone who sent well wishes my way; they helped!
From there, I headed up to the real doozie - the CF appointment. I didn't have to wait too exceptionally long before completing my PFTs. Believe it or not, my numbers had IMPROVED from the study visit, but were still down a little bit from my baseline. I couldn't believe that I would have improved considering the fact that I didn't feel so great, but I did...so I'll take it! My bloodwork from the morning looked great, with my glucose tolerance test showing that I was normal.
Interestingly, though, the doctor did notice that a particular liver enzyme was elevated. It didn't worry her too much, but she did take note of it since some CFers end up with liver disease for a variety of reasons. Then, we got to talking about the pain that I'd had (the ER-inspiring pain), and she was convinced that the pain was in my gall bladder/liver area. She said that lungs don't really have pain censors, with the exception of when the lining is inflamed, but my pain didn't seem to be affected by my breathing. So, with the combination of the pain and the elevated enzymes, she wants to do an ultrasound of my gall bladder/liver if the pain returns. Hopefully it was just an odd occurrence, and I'm optimistic since I've been painkiller- and pain-free for a week.
Needless to say, after all of that news, I don't have to go to the hospital and I don't have to return for a follow-up until June 1. YAAAAAY! The doctor also mentioned trying to get me back in the study, so I'm hopeful for that. I let that fall to the back-burner temporarily because obviously my current health is the most pressing, but lately I'd been thinking how I really hope to get to participate in the study even though my initial screening indicated otherwise. I'll keep you posted on that.
I don't really have too much to say, as the doctor's appointment was the bulk of my day. Drew's Crew is at $9,367. I'm excited! I think my next endeavor is to encourage friends to email everyone they know. We've come a long way, but we're still only halfway to my aspirational goal!
Thank you to everyone who sent well wishes my way; they helped!
Monday, April 12, 2010
what a day
At least the Braves didn't lose 17 to 2. Oh wait, they did. Darn.
I'd say the Braves score is indicative of my overall day. I know that's kind of melodramatic, but oh well. Today was one of those days where it was hard to snap out of it. ARGGGGH! At least it's about over...
Surprisingly, I was able to sleep through the night like I hadn't taken 6 hours of naps immediately before laying down for bed. I'm just amazed that I could sleep from almost 3:00 p.m. until 6:22 a.m. That's quite the accomplishment. Sadly, it's probably the biggest success of the day.
I did get up and exercise this morning, although it was extremely difficult to wake up this morning. I did about 32 minutes of varying activities in the fitness center, experiencing some of the same exercise ADD that I had yesterday. I then headed off to work where I kicked off my day with a lovely 1.5-hour meeting that we have once a month. I went out to eat for lunch (Mexican), so that was a highlight.
I went to Starbucks on the way to rehearsal because I figured I needed some kind of fake enthusiasm in order to do a good job. It's getting increasingly difficult to go to rehearsal with an open mind on Mondays after work. Mmm, maybe if I anticipate it on Mondays from here on out, it won't take me by surprise. Anyway, rehearsal was a lot of fun. We played ABC Buzzer and Blind Scene, and the fact that I hadn't had a good day didn't cross my mind once!
Well, tomorrow's the big day at the doctor. I have to do a two-hour glucose tolerance test, which means I am beginning to fast. BLAH! I will never be as hungry as I will be tomorrow morning. Anyway, I need to get my blood drawn at 10:00 a.m., then I'll drink the orange drank and get blood drawn again at noon. I need to get a DEXA bone density scan somewhere in that time, too, so that the doctors can tell me I have osteopenia. Then, I have my pulmonary function tests (PFTs) at 12:30 p.m. and my actual appointment at 1:00 p.m. Yeaaaaaaaah, it's gonna be a pretty long day. While the optimist in me wants to say that it will go well, the pragmatist in me doesn't have very high hopes. Whatever happens, I will handle it with grace... and probably IV antibiotics.
Umm, what else? That's all. No money raised online for Drew's Crew today, but one of the crew members should have made his first push tonight, so I'm hoping I'll see an increase when I check the total in the morning. Unless you beat him to it....
Have a good night. I will report on judgment day tomorrow.
I'd say the Braves score is indicative of my overall day. I know that's kind of melodramatic, but oh well. Today was one of those days where it was hard to snap out of it. ARGGGGH! At least it's about over...
Surprisingly, I was able to sleep through the night like I hadn't taken 6 hours of naps immediately before laying down for bed. I'm just amazed that I could sleep from almost 3:00 p.m. until 6:22 a.m. That's quite the accomplishment. Sadly, it's probably the biggest success of the day.
I did get up and exercise this morning, although it was extremely difficult to wake up this morning. I did about 32 minutes of varying activities in the fitness center, experiencing some of the same exercise ADD that I had yesterday. I then headed off to work where I kicked off my day with a lovely 1.5-hour meeting that we have once a month. I went out to eat for lunch (Mexican), so that was a highlight.
I went to Starbucks on the way to rehearsal because I figured I needed some kind of fake enthusiasm in order to do a good job. It's getting increasingly difficult to go to rehearsal with an open mind on Mondays after work. Mmm, maybe if I anticipate it on Mondays from here on out, it won't take me by surprise. Anyway, rehearsal was a lot of fun. We played ABC Buzzer and Blind Scene, and the fact that I hadn't had a good day didn't cross my mind once!
Well, tomorrow's the big day at the doctor. I have to do a two-hour glucose tolerance test, which means I am beginning to fast. BLAH! I will never be as hungry as I will be tomorrow morning. Anyway, I need to get my blood drawn at 10:00 a.m., then I'll drink the orange drank and get blood drawn again at noon. I need to get a DEXA bone density scan somewhere in that time, too, so that the doctors can tell me I have osteopenia. Then, I have my pulmonary function tests (PFTs) at 12:30 p.m. and my actual appointment at 1:00 p.m. Yeaaaaaaaah, it's gonna be a pretty long day. While the optimist in me wants to say that it will go well, the pragmatist in me doesn't have very high hopes. Whatever happens, I will handle it with grace... and probably IV antibiotics.
Umm, what else? That's all. No money raised online for Drew's Crew today, but one of the crew members should have made his first push tonight, so I'm hoping I'll see an increase when I check the total in the morning. Unless you beat him to it....
Have a good night. I will report on judgment day tomorrow.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Snoozer
At what point does a nap no longer classify as a nap? Does it depend on what time it starts or its duration? Either way, I basically slept from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. this afternoon, with the exception of one or two little stints of waking up for 30 minutes. I mean, that's incredible. I'm afraid it could be difficult to sleep tonight, which is why I'm going to be quick-like. Gotta keep this napping momentum going!
Today I got up and hit the gym first thing. I experienced the worst cast of gym ADD that I've ever had. I would get on one machine for a few minutes, feel like changing to something else, then repeat that again. All in all, I did a little over 30 minutes of stuff, but it was really hard to stay focused. I have no idea why!
Then, I got picked up to go eat an early lunch at El Azteca (Peachtree). I was graced by my two female apprenti, which was fun. We chit-chatted and had a few margaritas before heading to WWIT for the monthly teen performance. It was a lot of fun to watch! I was also excited because I knew that a fellow CFer was in the show (small world, I know), so I got to talk to his mom. CFers just have this inherent bond.
That reminds me that I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. I'm not exactly worried about it, but I'm definitely feeling some hesitance. I just don't know if it will go well. I haven't felt GREAT in a while.
Speaking of not feeling great, the Braves are kinda sucking. I mean, they could be doing worse, but they have 3 wins and 3 losses right now. I'm kinda thankful that I fell asleep for most of today's game. I started off with a feeling that this season was gonna be different, and it's starting to dwindle. COME ON!
Well, there's more I could drone on about, but I really didn't have a productive weekend. It was just kinda there. I tried to write and had no success. I just kind of piddled around, but I guess I'm entitled to that considering how busy I've been lately.
I'm hoping for a good week of fundraising. Drew's Crew is at $8592. I hope we can pick up some momentum this week and hit maybe $11 or $12K. We'll hit the one-month-out mark on Wednesday, so we've gotta get it going!
Good night, y'aaaaallllllllllllll!
Today I got up and hit the gym first thing. I experienced the worst cast of gym ADD that I've ever had. I would get on one machine for a few minutes, feel like changing to something else, then repeat that again. All in all, I did a little over 30 minutes of stuff, but it was really hard to stay focused. I have no idea why!
Then, I got picked up to go eat an early lunch at El Azteca (Peachtree). I was graced by my two female apprenti, which was fun. We chit-chatted and had a few margaritas before heading to WWIT for the monthly teen performance. It was a lot of fun to watch! I was also excited because I knew that a fellow CFer was in the show (small world, I know), so I got to talk to his mom. CFers just have this inherent bond.
That reminds me that I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. I'm not exactly worried about it, but I'm definitely feeling some hesitance. I just don't know if it will go well. I haven't felt GREAT in a while.
Speaking of not feeling great, the Braves are kinda sucking. I mean, they could be doing worse, but they have 3 wins and 3 losses right now. I'm kinda thankful that I fell asleep for most of today's game. I started off with a feeling that this season was gonna be different, and it's starting to dwindle. COME ON!
Well, there's more I could drone on about, but I really didn't have a productive weekend. It was just kinda there. I tried to write and had no success. I just kind of piddled around, but I guess I'm entitled to that considering how busy I've been lately.
I'm hoping for a good week of fundraising. Drew's Crew is at $8592. I hope we can pick up some momentum this week and hit maybe $11 or $12K. We'll hit the one-month-out mark on Wednesday, so we've gotta get it going!
Good night, y'aaaaallllllllllllll!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Do you hear what I heaaaaar?
A child, a child. That title was inspired by a blog I just read. (Yes, you.) I misread the title and started singing that song.
It seems like it's been forever, but I know it hasn't. I'm just being overly dramatic.
Well, Thursday was a pretty good day! However, it started off a bit dicey (that's a pun, but you don't know it yet). I stopped by my sister's place on the way to work to pick up a shirt she was handing down to me. On the way out of her door, the storm door (the technical term - one of those glass doors outside of the front door) attacked my ankle. I wish I could convey the extent of the pain in words, but I don't know that I can. I was afraid to look at it because it was hurting so bad, but surprisingly the actual wound doesn't do it justice. Neither does this picture because it's one of those awkward injuries where it breaks the skin in a way that stings and what not. It kind of skipped a chunk and then actually bled on the back of my heel. It's so sore! Hey - Look at my lil vest machine down there! Aren't my sheets cute with the asterisks? That's a hard word to say.
It's about three inches of ouch. The jaggedness should illustrate PAIN.
Also on Thursday, my mom and I went out to lunch at my favorite Mexican place of all time (I think) - Monterrey on LaVista. Man, it was incredible! I had two grilled steak quesadillas. That's the first time I've ever broken my improv show tradition of having Willy's for lunch. It was so good and I didn't notice it affecting my performance.
That's the perfect segue to mention Thursday's show! I played Sounds Like a Song, ABC Buzzer, Narration Switch (started off-stage), and Confessions (as Barbara Buchanan). The show was a lot of fun and the audience was very participatory, which is awesome! I had fun with all of the games, especially ABC Buzzer. That's always been a favorite of mine! It's fun having to blurt out a new word in a split-second, and we got to do it many times! I could have been much better at Confessions, but I thought it went well for a game I'd never played. I had a good ol' time, and had some friends and family come check it out!
Today was pretty low-key. I worked from home, and then grabbed dinner at the Cheesecake Factory with my neighbor before heading to my crew shift. I was doing suggestions tonight. Although I've enjoyed my weekends off from volunteering, it was fun to be back and see a show! And guess what .... DRUMROLL ............
I saw my first proposal tonight! A guy had coordinated with the emcee to incorporate their proposal into the show. Man, I felt so special all night for knowing the secret, even though all of us did. On the last scene of the night, the emcee got volunteers and they came up on stage. The guy was so nervous and his voice was shaking and he asked his girlfriend to marry him. It was really sweet! I'd slap anyone in the face who did that to me, but hopefully he knows her well enough to know that she'd like that... Well, she said yes!
That's about all. I just read an AJC article about Roethlisberger being innocent in an assault accusation and it referred to him as a 'pro-bowler.' I was like, 'No he's not; he's a pro football player.' Then I realized there's something called the pro bowl...
I'm WAY excited about tomorrow. I have no plans in any form or fashion! And I am NOT setting an alarm!!!!
Drew's Crew is at $8,532 online!
It seems like it's been forever, but I know it hasn't. I'm just being overly dramatic.
Well, Thursday was a pretty good day! However, it started off a bit dicey (that's a pun, but you don't know it yet). I stopped by my sister's place on the way to work to pick up a shirt she was handing down to me. On the way out of her door, the storm door (the technical term - one of those glass doors outside of the front door) attacked my ankle. I wish I could convey the extent of the pain in words, but I don't know that I can. I was afraid to look at it because it was hurting so bad, but surprisingly the actual wound doesn't do it justice. Neither does this picture because it's one of those awkward injuries where it breaks the skin in a way that stings and what not. It kind of skipped a chunk and then actually bled on the back of my heel. It's so sore! Hey - Look at my lil vest machine down there! Aren't my sheets cute with the asterisks? That's a hard word to say.
It's about three inches of ouch. The jaggedness should illustrate PAIN.
Also on Thursday, my mom and I went out to lunch at my favorite Mexican place of all time (I think) - Monterrey on LaVista. Man, it was incredible! I had two grilled steak quesadillas. That's the first time I've ever broken my improv show tradition of having Willy's for lunch. It was so good and I didn't notice it affecting my performance.
That's the perfect segue to mention Thursday's show! I played Sounds Like a Song, ABC Buzzer, Narration Switch (started off-stage), and Confessions (as Barbara Buchanan). The show was a lot of fun and the audience was very participatory, which is awesome! I had fun with all of the games, especially ABC Buzzer. That's always been a favorite of mine! It's fun having to blurt out a new word in a split-second, and we got to do it many times! I could have been much better at Confessions, but I thought it went well for a game I'd never played. I had a good ol' time, and had some friends and family come check it out!
Today was pretty low-key. I worked from home, and then grabbed dinner at the Cheesecake Factory with my neighbor before heading to my crew shift. I was doing suggestions tonight. Although I've enjoyed my weekends off from volunteering, it was fun to be back and see a show! And guess what .... DRUMROLL ............
I saw my first proposal tonight! A guy had coordinated with the emcee to incorporate their proposal into the show. Man, I felt so special all night for knowing the secret, even though all of us did. On the last scene of the night, the emcee got volunteers and they came up on stage. The guy was so nervous and his voice was shaking and he asked his girlfriend to marry him. It was really sweet! I'd slap anyone in the face who did that to me, but hopefully he knows her well enough to know that she'd like that... Well, she said yes!
That's about all. I just read an AJC article about Roethlisberger being innocent in an assault accusation and it referred to him as a 'pro-bowler.' I was like, 'No he's not; he's a pro football player.' Then I realized there's something called the pro bowl...
I'm WAY excited about tomorrow. I have no plans in any form or fashion! And I am NOT setting an alarm!!!!
Drew's Crew is at $8,532 online!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Pollination transformation
I'm gonna attempt to make this quick-like since it's past my bedtime already...
Today was a somewhat successful day. I worked from home, which brought great relief to a week that hadn't started out as I'd hoped. I decided to sit outside on my patio and work for a while. I knew I was taking a risk given the pollen count, but it seemed to have been a risk worth taking. When pollen has really irritated me before, it's almost instantaneous, so I think I may have dodged a bullet. Knock on wizzooood.
Instead of going anywhere to pick up lunch, I decided to exercise for part of my lunch hour and put some of last night's groceries to good use. Well, exercising was a bit tough, but I outdid myself and did 3.4 miles today. I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to how much time I spent running versus walking, but I did the 3.4 in 36 minutes, so that's averaging about 6.0 mph at all times. So, I considered that a win. I am pretty pleased with myself AND my dedication. I'd like to work out in the morning, but it's getting pretty unlikely if I'm going to get sufficient sleep.
Well, I am in tomorrow night's improv show, so that should be fun. I was between a rock and a hard place because I really, really wanted to see a Braves game in their first home stand of the season, but my only off-day was their only off-day. As it got closer and closer to showtime and I didn't have a Braves plan yet, I didn't want to end up with no show and no game. So, given the rain in the forecast for tomorrow, plus the fact that it would be difficult to throw that together last-minute, I'm glad I won't be able to attend the game for a solid, legitimate, also fun reason. I'm excited because one of my old bosses is coming! Congrats on being 2-0, Bravos!
I think that's about it. Drew's Crew kept it pretty low-key today, but we're looking at $8317 today. I'm excited because I am at $4000 on the nose. That's 40 percent of my goal, which is a little AHHH since I am not keeping a steady pace, but it's AWESOME! Shameless plug.
Umm, yeah. Going to BED!
Today was a somewhat successful day. I worked from home, which brought great relief to a week that hadn't started out as I'd hoped. I decided to sit outside on my patio and work for a while. I knew I was taking a risk given the pollen count, but it seemed to have been a risk worth taking. When pollen has really irritated me before, it's almost instantaneous, so I think I may have dodged a bullet. Knock on wizzooood.
Instead of going anywhere to pick up lunch, I decided to exercise for part of my lunch hour and put some of last night's groceries to good use. Well, exercising was a bit tough, but I outdid myself and did 3.4 miles today. I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to how much time I spent running versus walking, but I did the 3.4 in 36 minutes, so that's averaging about 6.0 mph at all times. So, I considered that a win. I am pretty pleased with myself AND my dedication. I'd like to work out in the morning, but it's getting pretty unlikely if I'm going to get sufficient sleep.
Well, I am in tomorrow night's improv show, so that should be fun. I was between a rock and a hard place because I really, really wanted to see a Braves game in their first home stand of the season, but my only off-day was their only off-day. As it got closer and closer to showtime and I didn't have a Braves plan yet, I didn't want to end up with no show and no game. So, given the rain in the forecast for tomorrow, plus the fact that it would be difficult to throw that together last-minute, I'm glad I won't be able to attend the game for a solid, legitimate, also fun reason. I'm excited because one of my old bosses is coming! Congrats on being 2-0, Bravos!
I think that's about it. Drew's Crew kept it pretty low-key today, but we're looking at $8317 today. I'm excited because I am at $4000 on the nose. That's 40 percent of my goal, which is a little AHHH since I am not keeping a steady pace, but it's AWESOME! Shameless plug.
Umm, yeah. Going to BED!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
loooooove
First things first, let me announce the newest online total of $8259. This makes me so happy for Drew's Crew. This is such an important time of year for me, and it's awesome people who make it possible for me to be so successful. Sometimes I feel like a 'thank you' isn't enough for the support and the love I get from the people in my life. Seems cliche, but I mean it. It's amazing to think about how excited my mom and I used to be when we broke $1000, but as I meet more and more incredible people, it becomes that much simpler to do.
Well, today was a success. I didn't sleep very well, but I did get up early to exercise. I ended up exercising for 34 minutes and, of those minutes, I only walked for about 8. That was a pleasant surprise! In total, my distance was about 3.2 miles, so it was an awesome way to start the day. I haven't accomplished anything physical like that in quite a while. I hope to do something similar tomorrow because I felt so fulfilled when I finished.
I've spent the last two days at work catching up on some tasks I have been putting off left and right - some low-priority things. It feels good to get some of that out of the way so it's not staring me in the face anymore. Tomorrow, when I work from home, I'll get to spend my time building next week's mass emails to ATL and NYC. Oooh, how exciting! It'll be nice to take care of it distraction-free for a change. Speaking of, I wore a sundress today bracing myself for the 80+ degree temperatures in the office, and then it ended up being pretty chilly. I was relieved it was fixed, though, because it made for an easier day.
I had El Torero for lunch. It was fun!
Tonight I ended up going out to El Azteca for dinner, and then getting some groceries. Yeah, I planned on staying home and relaxing tonight, but El Azteca was too tempting and I kind of wanted to go out and do something instead of sitting around in a funk like I've been doing a bit too much lately. So, off I went, and I'm really glad I did!
I think that's about it. The Braves didn't play today, so I didn't get to enjoy that on my 'off' night... They're back at it tomorrow, though, so I'm looking forward to it!
Well, today was a success. I didn't sleep very well, but I did get up early to exercise. I ended up exercising for 34 minutes and, of those minutes, I only walked for about 8. That was a pleasant surprise! In total, my distance was about 3.2 miles, so it was an awesome way to start the day. I haven't accomplished anything physical like that in quite a while. I hope to do something similar tomorrow because I felt so fulfilled when I finished.
I've spent the last two days at work catching up on some tasks I have been putting off left and right - some low-priority things. It feels good to get some of that out of the way so it's not staring me in the face anymore. Tomorrow, when I work from home, I'll get to spend my time building next week's mass emails to ATL and NYC. Oooh, how exciting! It'll be nice to take care of it distraction-free for a change. Speaking of, I wore a sundress today bracing myself for the 80+ degree temperatures in the office, and then it ended up being pretty chilly. I was relieved it was fixed, though, because it made for an easier day.
I had El Torero for lunch. It was fun!
Tonight I ended up going out to El Azteca for dinner, and then getting some groceries. Yeah, I planned on staying home and relaxing tonight, but El Azteca was too tempting and I kind of wanted to go out and do something instead of sitting around in a funk like I've been doing a bit too much lately. So, off I went, and I'm really glad I did!
I think that's about it. The Braves didn't play today, so I didn't get to enjoy that on my 'off' night... They're back at it tomorrow, though, so I'm looking forward to it!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Gooooo Bravooooooooos
Well, I was really sad to miss the Braves home opener today. It's the first time I've missed in several years. I missed for a few reasons - 1) Since I was home from work last week, I didn't want to take another day off, 2) I had improv, and 3) The pollen is ridiculous. The Braves beat the Cubs 16 to 5, so it would have been a fun game to see. Oh well... I know I'll get to one sooner than later!
Today was a rough day. As I mentioned last night, it had been a while since I'd been in the office, and it was tough to be back. I didn't sleep well last night, so I was already a little perturbed. Then the day didn't improve a whole lot from there. Moodwise, at least. I was in a bit of a funk all day, but I surprisingly felt better when I walked into the theatre. I was worried I wouldn't be able to shake it, but I did; I didn't even think one time about how bad my day had been.
I think part of that is because, as I was walking into the theatre, one of my friends gave me a $250 donation from his dad! That made me smile BIG TIME! Then, when I was getting out of improv, I looked at my phone and my mom had texted me to tell me about a $500 donation from my old boss. All in all, today was an awesome fundraising day, with a total of $850 raised! Now Drew's Crew's online total is $7662! SOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!
What else? I got over to the Emory area a little early today, so I stopped by Kroger and got some granola bars and cashews. I ate a granola bar for breakfast. Is anyone in particular who is reading this proud of me for eating breakfast????????????????? I had steak nachos for lunch at Willy's, which was a ray of sunshine on this bleak Monday.
Oh yeah, I ended up not working out today. I think I have a really good explanation, though. It took me a long time to get to sleep, so it was really hard to get up this morning. I decided to sleep in a little later and use my exercise hour at work today to hop on the elliptical before improv. However, the AC was broken at work today, so my office was 83 degrees, with some neighboring offices getting up to 87. That being said, the exercise room was like a sauna and it wouldn't fare well with my heading-straight-to-improv-after-a-sink-shower plan that I was hoping to accomplish. So, I'm getting up and doing it tomorrow. No excuses. Man, it's already late. I better get on this sleeping thing!
Cheers to a better Tuesday!
Today was a rough day. As I mentioned last night, it had been a while since I'd been in the office, and it was tough to be back. I didn't sleep well last night, so I was already a little perturbed. Then the day didn't improve a whole lot from there. Moodwise, at least. I was in a bit of a funk all day, but I surprisingly felt better when I walked into the theatre. I was worried I wouldn't be able to shake it, but I did; I didn't even think one time about how bad my day had been.
I think part of that is because, as I was walking into the theatre, one of my friends gave me a $250 donation from his dad! That made me smile BIG TIME! Then, when I was getting out of improv, I looked at my phone and my mom had texted me to tell me about a $500 donation from my old boss. All in all, today was an awesome fundraising day, with a total of $850 raised! Now Drew's Crew's online total is $7662! SOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!
What else? I got over to the Emory area a little early today, so I stopped by Kroger and got some granola bars and cashews. I ate a granola bar for breakfast. Is anyone in particular who is reading this proud of me for eating breakfast????????????????? I had steak nachos for lunch at Willy's, which was a ray of sunshine on this bleak Monday.
Oh yeah, I ended up not working out today. I think I have a really good explanation, though. It took me a long time to get to sleep, so it was really hard to get up this morning. I decided to sleep in a little later and use my exercise hour at work today to hop on the elliptical before improv. However, the AC was broken at work today, so my office was 83 degrees, with some neighboring offices getting up to 87. That being said, the exercise room was like a sauna and it wouldn't fare well with my heading-straight-to-improv-after-a-sink-shower plan that I was hoping to accomplish. So, I'm getting up and doing it tomorrow. No excuses. Man, it's already late. I better get on this sleeping thing!
Cheers to a better Tuesday!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Back to work
It's hard to imagine that I haven't been to work in almost a week. Yeah, I was telecommuting, but it will be nice to see everyone's faces when I'm back in the office tomorrow. I kind of wish I was feeling 100 percent, but I'm not sure when I will be given the weather, etc.
I haven't had any of the same pain that I had on Friday. However, I've also been taking the prescription Motrin pretty regularly, so I don't know if I'd be pain-free without it. I was experiencing some shortness of breath (again) Saturday and today, but I do think I'm on the road to recovery. Fatigue has been trying to hold me back, so I'm hoping tomorrow won't be too difficult at work.
Guess what! Today I went to the gym for the first time in what felt like forever. I haven't tried to run in at least two weeks, but probably more like three. As I mentioned recently, I was starting to feel like I needed to work out - just that my body was withering away or something. The gym was tough, but I walked for three minutes, ran for five, walked for two, ran for five, then walked for three again. I then did twelve minutes on the elliptical, and finished with a ten-minute walk. It felt a little measly compared to how I usually push myself, but it was the most I felt like I could do. I have high hopes of getting up and going over there again in the morning to start my week off on a positive note.
Yesterday we went for a get-together at my aunts' house, and today we had a gathering at my grandmother's house. It was fun to get to see everyone on my dad's side of the family; it seemed like it had been a while. I enjoyed today, but everything was set up to eat outside and I knew it probably wasn't the best idea for me. Last year I got very, very sick from allergies on Easter Sunday and missed a week of work. Geeee, sounds sort of familiar, but I'll say this year has been nothing in comparison to last year (knock on wood). Anyway, I ended up sitting inside and one of my cousins joined me so I wasn't all alone. :-)
I know it seems like all I've been talking about lately is my health, but whatever - I'm more cognizant of it now than I usually am. That reminds me that I have only a few days left on this oral antibiotic, and a doctor's appointment next Tuesday. We'll see how all of that unfolds...
Although I am all talk regarding my book, I've been thinking about it a lot over these last couple days. I think that the revelation I had at the end of the year is gonna get tossed by the wayside and I should take a slightly different approach. Sometimes I wish I was better at acting rather than talking my way through things. I'm getting annoyed with myself by how badly I've been procrastinating. However, to go easy on myself, I haven't had much free time on my hands and, when I've found it, I've ended up using it for life's essentials - i.e. sleeping and eating.
Speaking of sleeping, I'm just finishing up a round of vesting so I can get a good night's sleep to start my week off... and so I'll get up to exercise!
I haven't had any of the same pain that I had on Friday. However, I've also been taking the prescription Motrin pretty regularly, so I don't know if I'd be pain-free without it. I was experiencing some shortness of breath (again) Saturday and today, but I do think I'm on the road to recovery. Fatigue has been trying to hold me back, so I'm hoping tomorrow won't be too difficult at work.
Guess what! Today I went to the gym for the first time in what felt like forever. I haven't tried to run in at least two weeks, but probably more like three. As I mentioned recently, I was starting to feel like I needed to work out - just that my body was withering away or something. The gym was tough, but I walked for three minutes, ran for five, walked for two, ran for five, then walked for three again. I then did twelve minutes on the elliptical, and finished with a ten-minute walk. It felt a little measly compared to how I usually push myself, but it was the most I felt like I could do. I have high hopes of getting up and going over there again in the morning to start my week off on a positive note.
Yesterday we went for a get-together at my aunts' house, and today we had a gathering at my grandmother's house. It was fun to get to see everyone on my dad's side of the family; it seemed like it had been a while. I enjoyed today, but everything was set up to eat outside and I knew it probably wasn't the best idea for me. Last year I got very, very sick from allergies on Easter Sunday and missed a week of work. Geeee, sounds sort of familiar, but I'll say this year has been nothing in comparison to last year (knock on wood). Anyway, I ended up sitting inside and one of my cousins joined me so I wasn't all alone. :-)
I know it seems like all I've been talking about lately is my health, but whatever - I'm more cognizant of it now than I usually am. That reminds me that I have only a few days left on this oral antibiotic, and a doctor's appointment next Tuesday. We'll see how all of that unfolds...
Although I am all talk regarding my book, I've been thinking about it a lot over these last couple days. I think that the revelation I had at the end of the year is gonna get tossed by the wayside and I should take a slightly different approach. Sometimes I wish I was better at acting rather than talking my way through things. I'm getting annoyed with myself by how badly I've been procrastinating. However, to go easy on myself, I haven't had much free time on my hands and, when I've found it, I've ended up using it for life's essentials - i.e. sleeping and eating.
Speaking of sleeping, I'm just finishing up a round of vesting so I can get a good night's sleep to start my week off... and so I'll get up to exercise!
Friday, April 2, 2010
GOOOOOOD Friday
Hi y'all!
I write you tonight with a smiling heart. Today has been such a great day, primarily due to the major advancements made by Drew's Crew! I, as an individual, raised $577 today - through a mere four donations! A really great friend left me in complete and utter shock with her generous donation, and it's like that positive energy carried into other people as well. It seemed like every time I logged onto Facebook, someone new was posting my link, which means a lot to me. Drew's Crew's up-to-date online total is $6,762!!! While it's not officially official yet, there is approximately $1,000 in checks that haven't been posted online yet. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE MAGNITUDE OF HOW HAPPY I AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today I stopped by my mom's school to meet her kindergarten students. I haven't been able to go there in quite a while (pretty much since I finished college), so it was super-exciting to get to see all of the children. The kids were participating in an egg hunt today, and immediately upon entering the classroom, a student asked me if I was the Easter bunny. Man, that cracks me up. I've considered teaching and seeing those little kids today pulled at my heartstrings. I typically have a problem with children, but they were sooooooooo adorable.
I'll throw one tiny little twinge of negativity in here, more for informational purposes than anything. I have been doing really great pain-wise in the lungs since Tuesday, but today I got some more dagger-like pains. It's tough to imagine pain like this not being caused by something of concern, but they stopped shortly after taking the prescription Motrin. I had one 30-minute episode of being short-of-breath, too, so I guess I'm still monitoring this... That headache is lingering, too. I wonder if it has to do with a lack of oxygen or something.
ANYWAY! I'll end on a positive note. Tonight I got a post on my Facebook from a father of a CFer who said that my posting has motivated him to start fundraising again. That makes me very happy, so a shout-out to him!
As you go to sleep tonight, send some positive thoughts to a blog friend of mine who ought to be in the throes of a double-lung transplant right now. Someone's about to be breathing easy!
I write you tonight with a smiling heart. Today has been such a great day, primarily due to the major advancements made by Drew's Crew! I, as an individual, raised $577 today - through a mere four donations! A really great friend left me in complete and utter shock with her generous donation, and it's like that positive energy carried into other people as well. It seemed like every time I logged onto Facebook, someone new was posting my link, which means a lot to me. Drew's Crew's up-to-date online total is $6,762!!! While it's not officially official yet, there is approximately $1,000 in checks that haven't been posted online yet. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE MAGNITUDE OF HOW HAPPY I AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Today I stopped by my mom's school to meet her kindergarten students. I haven't been able to go there in quite a while (pretty much since I finished college), so it was super-exciting to get to see all of the children. The kids were participating in an egg hunt today, and immediately upon entering the classroom, a student asked me if I was the Easter bunny. Man, that cracks me up. I've considered teaching and seeing those little kids today pulled at my heartstrings. I typically have a problem with children, but they were sooooooooo adorable.
I'll throw one tiny little twinge of negativity in here, more for informational purposes than anything. I have been doing really great pain-wise in the lungs since Tuesday, but today I got some more dagger-like pains. It's tough to imagine pain like this not being caused by something of concern, but they stopped shortly after taking the prescription Motrin. I had one 30-minute episode of being short-of-breath, too, so I guess I'm still monitoring this... That headache is lingering, too. I wonder if it has to do with a lack of oxygen or something.
ANYWAY! I'll end on a positive note. Tonight I got a post on my Facebook from a father of a CFer who said that my posting has motivated him to start fundraising again. That makes me very happy, so a shout-out to him!
As you go to sleep tonight, send some positive thoughts to a blog friend of mine who ought to be in the throes of a double-lung transplant right now. Someone's about to be breathing easy!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Foggy
Tonight's show was fun. It was a pretty quiet crowd, but I'm getting better at accepting the fact that a non-reactive crowd doesn't mean a displeased crowd. I had several friends and family members there, so that made me happy. I also had a surprise appearance by one of the CF doctors! One of my friends went to see him today (Hi E!) and I asked her to pass the info along to him. I didn't see him during the show, but was so excited when he was out in the cafe afterwards.
I was in the following games tonight: Emo Speed Date (changer), Buzzer Game Show (as Barbara Buchanan), Helping Hands Oscar (sitting on the lap), Foreign-Dubbed Soap Opera (as a translator), and Repeat Scene Musical Styles. I had a lot of fun with all of the games, even though my head was really foggy tonight. I think it was a combination of how lethargic I was all week, plus the prescription pain medicine. I have never found myself blanking as much as I did tonight, like completely forgetting what the last person just said, etc. I had this faint headache throughout the show - a dehydrated-like feeling. I'll say my biggest accomplishment for the night was Repeat Scene Musical Styles. I tend to lurk in the background in musical games because singing isn't my forte, but I really gave it my all tonight. We did R&B, Opera, and Rap. It was the perfect scene to end the night!
Right now I am in my childhood room.
OH! Before I forget... Yesterday I was at Starbucks and was talking to the worker as my drink was made. He commented on how nice the weather was, and I told him that it was beautiful and that I have bad allergies, so it would be a few weeks until I could actually go out and enjoy it. He was like, "I'm lucky I don't have that problem, but now I will just appreciate it more. I will breathe easy for you, my friend." Honestly it about stopped me dead in my tracks because of the words 'breathe easy.' Now, I realize they aren't the most uncommon words in the world, but I don't often hear them in reference to something other than CF. Two of my best friends have gotten those words tattooed on them in honor of me, so those words are really special to me. It was a really interesting word choice on his part and it made me shudder. In a good way.
Today I was thinking about how I really need to get back into an exercise routine. I know it's only been a few weeks and my slacking has been for mostly legitimate purposes, but I feel kind of useless lately. Not in an oh-how-depressing kind of way, but I just don't feel very strong lately. I just feel kind of 'there' and lacking some substance. I hope the way I'm describing this makes sense to someone somewhere.
Well, my car has a check-up in the morning, so I better get to sleep. I'll probably work on my laptop using wireless Internet at Nissan as it happens. This week has been weird since I haven't been at work, but I have gotten just as much accomplished telecommuting each day. So I am worn out.
I was in the following games tonight: Emo Speed Date (changer), Buzzer Game Show (as Barbara Buchanan), Helping Hands Oscar (sitting on the lap), Foreign-Dubbed Soap Opera (as a translator), and Repeat Scene Musical Styles. I had a lot of fun with all of the games, even though my head was really foggy tonight. I think it was a combination of how lethargic I was all week, plus the prescription pain medicine. I have never found myself blanking as much as I did tonight, like completely forgetting what the last person just said, etc. I had this faint headache throughout the show - a dehydrated-like feeling. I'll say my biggest accomplishment for the night was Repeat Scene Musical Styles. I tend to lurk in the background in musical games because singing isn't my forte, but I really gave it my all tonight. We did R&B, Opera, and Rap. It was the perfect scene to end the night!
Right now I am in my childhood room.
OH! Before I forget... Yesterday I was at Starbucks and was talking to the worker as my drink was made. He commented on how nice the weather was, and I told him that it was beautiful and that I have bad allergies, so it would be a few weeks until I could actually go out and enjoy it. He was like, "I'm lucky I don't have that problem, but now I will just appreciate it more. I will breathe easy for you, my friend." Honestly it about stopped me dead in my tracks because of the words 'breathe easy.' Now, I realize they aren't the most uncommon words in the world, but I don't often hear them in reference to something other than CF. Two of my best friends have gotten those words tattooed on them in honor of me, so those words are really special to me. It was a really interesting word choice on his part and it made me shudder. In a good way.
Today I was thinking about how I really need to get back into an exercise routine. I know it's only been a few weeks and my slacking has been for mostly legitimate purposes, but I feel kind of useless lately. Not in an oh-how-depressing kind of way, but I just don't feel very strong lately. I just feel kind of 'there' and lacking some substance. I hope the way I'm describing this makes sense to someone somewhere.
Well, my car has a check-up in the morning, so I better get to sleep. I'll probably work on my laptop using wireless Internet at Nissan as it happens. This week has been weird since I haven't been at work, but I have gotten just as much accomplished telecommuting each day. So I am worn out.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Invisible
Today was a much better day, fans!! Thank you all for the support and the encouragement; I think I am on the right track to feeling better. I was feeling very sore today, but didn't have even half of the lung pain or breathing difficulty today. Woohooo! I can't tell you how relieved I am to have had a day where I felt better than worse. Forward progress is GREAT!
Speaking of progress, Drew's Crew is only $60 shy of $6K online right now, so that makes me smile! I know that we have at least $500 in checks, too, so we are probably 1/3 of the way to my big ol' goal. I got one donation and two new walkers today, so I'm excited about all of that.
My boss suggested that I stay home from work tomorrow if it will help me get back where I need to be, and I haven't yet decided whether or not to take her up on that offer. I'd kind of like to be up and about for the first day this week, buuuut my body is also radiating from the soreness right now, so we'll see how I sleep tonight. I think I remember exactly how I had the three pillows situated last night in order to minimize the pain as much as possible. Geez, I sound pitiful!
Today I had some yogurt at a place called Yogli Mogli. I got strawberry and raspberry yogurt topped with gummy bears, strawberries, kiwi, mango and pineapple. It was pretty fun, but they really ought to invest in some better quality gummy bears. For me, Drew Dotson, to throw out a gummy bear, something is horrendously wrong. The green gummy bears were absolutely awful. It got me thinking about how great Haribo gummy bears are. I learned the other day that the green Haribo bears are actually strawberry-flavored. All gummy bear companies should look into doing something like that because green is notoriously bad when it comes to candy.
Well, I guess I better get ready for bed. I mean, I've been in bed for much of the day, but I guess I better proceed as though I'll be sleeping soon. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for me whether I go to work or not - surviving an improv show when I didn't think my body would survive the week.
I am glad you are reading this.
Speaking of progress, Drew's Crew is only $60 shy of $6K online right now, so that makes me smile! I know that we have at least $500 in checks, too, so we are probably 1/3 of the way to my big ol' goal. I got one donation and two new walkers today, so I'm excited about all of that.
My boss suggested that I stay home from work tomorrow if it will help me get back where I need to be, and I haven't yet decided whether or not to take her up on that offer. I'd kind of like to be up and about for the first day this week, buuuut my body is also radiating from the soreness right now, so we'll see how I sleep tonight. I think I remember exactly how I had the three pillows situated last night in order to minimize the pain as much as possible. Geez, I sound pitiful!
Today I had some yogurt at a place called Yogli Mogli. I got strawberry and raspberry yogurt topped with gummy bears, strawberries, kiwi, mango and pineapple. It was pretty fun, but they really ought to invest in some better quality gummy bears. For me, Drew Dotson, to throw out a gummy bear, something is horrendously wrong. The green gummy bears were absolutely awful. It got me thinking about how great Haribo gummy bears are. I learned the other day that the green Haribo bears are actually strawberry-flavored. All gummy bear companies should look into doing something like that because green is notoriously bad when it comes to candy.
Well, I guess I better get ready for bed. I mean, I've been in bed for much of the day, but I guess I better proceed as though I'll be sleeping soon. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for me whether I go to work or not - surviving an improv show when I didn't think my body would survive the week.
I am glad you are reading this.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
FIGHT
Well, I ended up staying home from work today because the sleeping thing didn't work out too well last night. I was also short-of-breath, so I thought it would be best to work from home today. I was feeling decent the first few hours after waking, but my health started to gradually decline over the afternoon, and now I'm feeling probably the worst I've felt all day. I just took my second dose of the antibiotic, though, so I think it's too early to make a judgment on whether or not that's working.
One of the doctors checked in today and would like me to get admitted Friday if I'm not feeling any better. I am confident that I'll start feeling better, but I must say that my body has surprised me a bit over these last few days. Usually I feel kind of in control even when I'm out of control, but not so much in recent days. I am scheduled to be in the improv show on Thursday, so my goal is to at least hang in there for that. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but surprisingly I tend to check my health problems at the door when I walk in there. Sooo, I'm not concerned.
Today I made my squares for this CF quilt that is being auctioned off. They look kinda decent, but they also look a little child-like. The fabric markers I got this weekend were bleeding a bit on the fabric, but I think they turned out okay. I had one for Love, Peace, Beauty and Smile. I know those words don't necessarily go together, but I had to keep it to basics when I realized how the markers were working out on the fabric. Oh well... it's for charity. The paper said I could write the person's name and age and I almost put something like 'Mary, 4' to save a little face, but whatever! I don't imagine any of the other participants having much luck with the type of material we had.
I got a few donations today, so those made me smile. I think I'll have some luck in the coming days since it's almost a new month... The best thing that could come out of being hospitalized is more awareness. That'd be the light at the end of that tunnel. I really, really think I can shake this without IVs. I might try walking on the treadmill tomorrow if it seems at all feasible.
Mmm, I am looking forward to a much better day tomorrow. I think I just realized I haven't even laughed today, which is so not like me. There's a chance I laughed during a quick phone call earlier, but I remember wondering if I sounded as out-of-breath as I felt. Oh, Drewdle. Get it together.
Send any extra positive energy my way. NO! HOSPITAL! FOR! DREW!
One of the doctors checked in today and would like me to get admitted Friday if I'm not feeling any better. I am confident that I'll start feeling better, but I must say that my body has surprised me a bit over these last few days. Usually I feel kind of in control even when I'm out of control, but not so much in recent days. I am scheduled to be in the improv show on Thursday, so my goal is to at least hang in there for that. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but surprisingly I tend to check my health problems at the door when I walk in there. Sooo, I'm not concerned.
Today I made my squares for this CF quilt that is being auctioned off. They look kinda decent, but they also look a little child-like. The fabric markers I got this weekend were bleeding a bit on the fabric, but I think they turned out okay. I had one for Love, Peace, Beauty and Smile. I know those words don't necessarily go together, but I had to keep it to basics when I realized how the markers were working out on the fabric. Oh well... it's for charity. The paper said I could write the person's name and age and I almost put something like 'Mary, 4' to save a little face, but whatever! I don't imagine any of the other participants having much luck with the type of material we had.
I got a few donations today, so those made me smile. I think I'll have some luck in the coming days since it's almost a new month... The best thing that could come out of being hospitalized is more awareness. That'd be the light at the end of that tunnel. I really, really think I can shake this without IVs. I might try walking on the treadmill tomorrow if it seems at all feasible.
Mmm, I am looking forward to a much better day tomorrow. I think I just realized I haven't even laughed today, which is so not like me. There's a chance I laughed during a quick phone call earlier, but I remember wondering if I sounded as out-of-breath as I felt. Oh, Drewdle. Get it together.
Send any extra positive energy my way. NO! HOSPITAL! FOR! DREW!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Trial and error
Well, today was a big ol' waste of time.
As you know, I emailed the doctor in the middle of the night to try to get some sort of answer for the unusual pain I was having in my chest/lungs. Well, I got a return phone call right as I walked into an 11:00 a.m. appointment at work, so I made a quick exit. The nurse recommended that I go to the ER because the pain in my lungs was concerning and the doctor didn't have clinic hours until Thursday. Sooooooo, one of my coworkers and I headed over to the ER. Mind you, I hate the ER, so I hope that illustrates the desperation I was facing.
Upon arriving, we had to wait practically forever to check in, even though I marked chest pain and shortness-of-breath as symptoms (two of the top things to acknowledge according to the signs all over the walls). When they finally took me back to check out my vitals, my blood pressure was by far the highest it's ever been - 154/96. That's absolutely unheard of for me, but they didn't seem too concerned.
After a while, they opted to do some bloodwork and a chest x-ray. The bloodwork came back showing elevated white blood cell counts, and the chest x-ray came back looking really good. Soooo, thinking the x-ray would be the tell-tale sign of what was causing the lung pain, we were left with really no indications. However, we got one of my doctors on the phone who highly encouraged that I be admitted to the hospital, but I wasn't quite buying the argument since there aren't any symptoms that are typical of when I have a lung infection that requires IV antibiotics.
So, after spending six hours in different holding areas of the ER, I walked out with a prescription for a different, higher-dose oral antibiotic, as well as prescription pain medicine. I promptly went to Target and got my prescriptions filled and enjoyed a medicine cocktail for dinner. I'm not even sure what to think of today's colossal waste of time, but I guess it's relieving to know that they didn't see pneumonia or a collapsed lung or anything. I was honestly terrified after the way last night went.
Well, I am just ready to try to sleep. I haven't yet decided what I'll do workwise tomorrow, but I guess it will depend on if I feel well-rested after tonight. I'm happy to report that nothing seems to be overly concerning...just the usual shenanigans.
Thanks to everyone who was looking out for me today. :o) If I didn't get back to you, that's where I was - between the guy with the sliced-open hand and the perforated-bowel dude.
As you know, I emailed the doctor in the middle of the night to try to get some sort of answer for the unusual pain I was having in my chest/lungs. Well, I got a return phone call right as I walked into an 11:00 a.m. appointment at work, so I made a quick exit. The nurse recommended that I go to the ER because the pain in my lungs was concerning and the doctor didn't have clinic hours until Thursday. Sooooooo, one of my coworkers and I headed over to the ER. Mind you, I hate the ER, so I hope that illustrates the desperation I was facing.
Upon arriving, we had to wait practically forever to check in, even though I marked chest pain and shortness-of-breath as symptoms (two of the top things to acknowledge according to the signs all over the walls). When they finally took me back to check out my vitals, my blood pressure was by far the highest it's ever been - 154/96. That's absolutely unheard of for me, but they didn't seem too concerned.
After a while, they opted to do some bloodwork and a chest x-ray. The bloodwork came back showing elevated white blood cell counts, and the chest x-ray came back looking really good. Soooo, thinking the x-ray would be the tell-tale sign of what was causing the lung pain, we were left with really no indications. However, we got one of my doctors on the phone who highly encouraged that I be admitted to the hospital, but I wasn't quite buying the argument since there aren't any symptoms that are typical of when I have a lung infection that requires IV antibiotics.
So, after spending six hours in different holding areas of the ER, I walked out with a prescription for a different, higher-dose oral antibiotic, as well as prescription pain medicine. I promptly went to Target and got my prescriptions filled and enjoyed a medicine cocktail for dinner. I'm not even sure what to think of today's colossal waste of time, but I guess it's relieving to know that they didn't see pneumonia or a collapsed lung or anything. I was honestly terrified after the way last night went.
Well, I am just ready to try to sleep. I haven't yet decided what I'll do workwise tomorrow, but I guess it will depend on if I feel well-rested after tonight. I'm happy to report that nothing seems to be overly concerning...just the usual shenanigans.
Thanks to everyone who was looking out for me today. :o) If I didn't get back to you, that's where I was - between the guy with the sliced-open hand and the perforated-bowel dude.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said
no more monkeys jumpin' on the bed.
Well, it's Monday. Wooooooooooo. It seems like the weekend was never even here - probably because I spent a good portion of it sleeping or sitting around in bed.
I didn't have a good end to my weekend. I started to get some pretty serious chest pain yesterday afternoon, and it hasn't let up much since. It's basically right below my breastbone, but it also radiates into my right lung. I'm not sure exactly what could be causing it, but it doesn't seem digestive-related because of the time it started and the fact that it's still continuing. I ended up emailing the doctor at about 4:00 a.m. because I was up off and on throughout the night. I asked the soonest that I can be seen, so hopefully I'll be hearing something earlyish today. I can't remember if/when they have clinic hours on Mondays, but I better not put it off any longer.
My ceiling got a little work done on it yesterday and it isn't looking too far from normal, which is relieving. It's nice for there to be no more hole! Now it's a matter of sanding it down and painting it lighter to match the rest of the ceiling. It looks worlds better and makes me happy. I'm a lucky little chicken.
I've been in the midst of a donation slump, but I also realize expenses are usually tight at the end of the month. Soooo, I'm hopeful that I'll see a jump this week. When I got up during one of my middle-of-the-night shenanigans, I checked my email and saw that I had gotten a donation, so that was the shining light! I'm about 27 percent to my goal right now (online). Go, Drew, go!
Well, I hope I'll be feeling good enough to make it to rehearsal tonight. I am hopeful that, as I get going for the day, the pain will just kind of fall by the wayside and I'll be able to proceed with my day. Also, I am supposed to go to the doctor two weeks from tomorrow for a routine check-up anyway, so maybe if I can get in today, we'll call it even.
Anyway, I know I haven't said much of anything uplifting lately, but hopefully I'll have great things to say once my body decides to cooperate.
Oh, and I think I am going to PUERTO RICO!
Well, it's Monday. Wooooooooooo. It seems like the weekend was never even here - probably because I spent a good portion of it sleeping or sitting around in bed.
I didn't have a good end to my weekend. I started to get some pretty serious chest pain yesterday afternoon, and it hasn't let up much since. It's basically right below my breastbone, but it also radiates into my right lung. I'm not sure exactly what could be causing it, but it doesn't seem digestive-related because of the time it started and the fact that it's still continuing. I ended up emailing the doctor at about 4:00 a.m. because I was up off and on throughout the night. I asked the soonest that I can be seen, so hopefully I'll be hearing something earlyish today. I can't remember if/when they have clinic hours on Mondays, but I better not put it off any longer.
My ceiling got a little work done on it yesterday and it isn't looking too far from normal, which is relieving. It's nice for there to be no more hole! Now it's a matter of sanding it down and painting it lighter to match the rest of the ceiling. It looks worlds better and makes me happy. I'm a lucky little chicken.
I've been in the midst of a donation slump, but I also realize expenses are usually tight at the end of the month. Soooo, I'm hopeful that I'll see a jump this week. When I got up during one of my middle-of-the-night shenanigans, I checked my email and saw that I had gotten a donation, so that was the shining light! I'm about 27 percent to my goal right now (online). Go, Drew, go!
Well, I hope I'll be feeling good enough to make it to rehearsal tonight. I am hopeful that, as I get going for the day, the pain will just kind of fall by the wayside and I'll be able to proceed with my day. Also, I am supposed to go to the doctor two weeks from tomorrow for a routine check-up anyway, so maybe if I can get in today, we'll call it even.
Anyway, I know I haven't said much of anything uplifting lately, but hopefully I'll have great things to say once my body decides to cooperate.
Oh, and I think I am going to PUERTO RICO!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Not myself
I've gotta say... I don't know if it's a combination of the medicines, if it's my body, if it's the allergies, or what, but I don't feel like myself at all. I am feeling extremely run-down when I haven't even done much. I'm just not keeping up with my daily activities like I was a few weeks ago. I don't know what's causing it, but I might need to make a guest appearance at the doctor soon if something doesn't improve. I'm feeling short-of-breath a lot, and I've been having some pain in my lungs when I breathe. I tried to take a nap because it was the only thing I could think of to make me forget about it, but I couldn't even fall asleep. I'm starting to feel very tired now, though, so maybe it will enable me to get a great night's sleep.
Friday was a pretty good day. My back started hurting me from the 'roided up activities I did during the improv show. I stopped at Chick-fil-A to pick something up on the way into work. I was only at work for a few hours, but I was feeling like I'd been there for days by the time I got in my car to head home. Not in an I-don't-want-to-be-here kind of way, but in an I'm-not-feeling-well kind of way. I went out to eat with my friend for dinner, and we enjoyed ourselves at Cheeseburger in Paradise. It was nice and tropical. Made me want to get to warm weather by skipping the brunt of the allergy season.
I slept for close to 11 hours last night. My mom came and got me and we went to my grandmother's house for a while. The three of us ended up going out to eat at El Toro for a sort of late lunch. My mom and I went to the mall after we finished at Gran's house, hoping to find another pair of the very inexpensive jeans that fit me pretty well, but didn't have such luck. Oh well!
When I got home, I sat around for a while reading and doing things online. Then I decided to treat myself to a bubble bath, in which I couldn't make the drain on my bathtub close for some reason. Sooo, that plan got canceled pretty quickly. I finished reading this book called Beyond Breathing a few minutes ago, and I'll probably go to sleep very soon. I'm literally running on empty. This is weird for me.
Drew's Crew is doing pretty awesome. We are at almost $5,400 online, with another $400 or so in checks. I know some truly incredible people. I also learned of a CFer that died today, so it makes me want that $20K goal so much more. Gotta keep fighting the good fight.
Friday was a pretty good day. My back started hurting me from the 'roided up activities I did during the improv show. I stopped at Chick-fil-A to pick something up on the way into work. I was only at work for a few hours, but I was feeling like I'd been there for days by the time I got in my car to head home. Not in an I-don't-want-to-be-here kind of way, but in an I'm-not-feeling-well kind of way. I went out to eat with my friend for dinner, and we enjoyed ourselves at Cheeseburger in Paradise. It was nice and tropical. Made me want to get to warm weather by skipping the brunt of the allergy season.
I slept for close to 11 hours last night. My mom came and got me and we went to my grandmother's house for a while. The three of us ended up going out to eat at El Toro for a sort of late lunch. My mom and I went to the mall after we finished at Gran's house, hoping to find another pair of the very inexpensive jeans that fit me pretty well, but didn't have such luck. Oh well!
When I got home, I sat around for a while reading and doing things online. Then I decided to treat myself to a bubble bath, in which I couldn't make the drain on my bathtub close for some reason. Sooo, that plan got canceled pretty quickly. I finished reading this book called Beyond Breathing a few minutes ago, and I'll probably go to sleep very soon. I'm literally running on empty. This is weird for me.
Drew's Crew is doing pretty awesome. We are at almost $5,400 online, with another $400 or so in checks. I know some truly incredible people. I also learned of a CFer that died today, so it makes me want that $20K goal so much more. Gotta keep fighting the good fight.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
'Roid rage. ROOOOAAAAAR!
Hey y'all!
As you can probably assume from the title of this post, I got started on steroids today. I am really relieved because I think this is exactly what I need to get my breathing under control right now. I'm on a certain dose for five days, and then will wean off of it over 10 days if it works over the five days. I truly already feel better. I am also pretty hyperactive, but I'm tired at the same time, so I'm not sure how that works. I do wish I could have this energy all of the time.
Tonight's show was a lot of fun. The audience wasn't the biggest its ever been, but they were enthusiastic and seemed to have a good time. I had many wonderful friends and family members supporting me, so it felt awesome. Because it's my post-show ritual, I will recount the games I played... Tonight I was in Touch Collaborative Monologue (New!), Emo Interview (changer), Helping Hands Oscar (New!), Buzzer Talk Show (New!) and Musical Styles. Thanks to these 'roids, I was high-energy throughout the whole thing, which is usually the toughest part for me. Everyone was just really positive and went out there and had fun!
I decided to do a new character tonight - Barbara Buchanan. I figured there wasn't any night better than a night where I felt invincible due to medication; I was glad I went out on the limb. It was fun to try a character that was completely outrageous for a change. I tend to create characters that are 'me' with a twist. It was fun to step way outside of the box.
This morning I had set my alarm as though I was going to exercise before work. However, I ended up oversleeping by nearly an hour and a half. I was going to get up at quarter til 6:00 a.m. so that I could exercise before work. However, I heard a car honk outside and was like, "Who is honking at this hour?" Then, I looked at my phone and saw that it was 7:02 a.m. and I was supposed to leave in 40 minutes. Soooo, it was a quick morning and I threw show stuff together without rhyme or reason. Oh well, perhaps tomorrow I'll make it to the gym. And 'roid rage!
Tomorrow I'll be going into work in the afternoon because I need to be there for an appointment. I'm going to work from home probably up until lunchtime and then head over to gear up for a 3:00 p.m. meeting. After that's done, I'll probably head back to try to beat traffic on a Friday afternoon. Plus, I'm meeting a friend for dinner!
My team almost hit $5K today, so I'm pretty pumped! I got a new walker, too!
Well, Steroid Magee is headed to bed. NIGHT!
As you can probably assume from the title of this post, I got started on steroids today. I am really relieved because I think this is exactly what I need to get my breathing under control right now. I'm on a certain dose for five days, and then will wean off of it over 10 days if it works over the five days. I truly already feel better. I am also pretty hyperactive, but I'm tired at the same time, so I'm not sure how that works. I do wish I could have this energy all of the time.
Tonight's show was a lot of fun. The audience wasn't the biggest its ever been, but they were enthusiastic and seemed to have a good time. I had many wonderful friends and family members supporting me, so it felt awesome. Because it's my post-show ritual, I will recount the games I played... Tonight I was in Touch Collaborative Monologue (New!), Emo Interview (changer), Helping Hands Oscar (New!), Buzzer Talk Show (New!) and Musical Styles. Thanks to these 'roids, I was high-energy throughout the whole thing, which is usually the toughest part for me. Everyone was just really positive and went out there and had fun!
I decided to do a new character tonight - Barbara Buchanan. I figured there wasn't any night better than a night where I felt invincible due to medication; I was glad I went out on the limb. It was fun to try a character that was completely outrageous for a change. I tend to create characters that are 'me' with a twist. It was fun to step way outside of the box.
This morning I had set my alarm as though I was going to exercise before work. However, I ended up oversleeping by nearly an hour and a half. I was going to get up at quarter til 6:00 a.m. so that I could exercise before work. However, I heard a car honk outside and was like, "Who is honking at this hour?" Then, I looked at my phone and saw that it was 7:02 a.m. and I was supposed to leave in 40 minutes. Soooo, it was a quick morning and I threw show stuff together without rhyme or reason. Oh well, perhaps tomorrow I'll make it to the gym. And 'roid rage!
Tomorrow I'll be going into work in the afternoon because I need to be there for an appointment. I'm going to work from home probably up until lunchtime and then head over to gear up for a 3:00 p.m. meeting. After that's done, I'll probably head back to try to beat traffic on a Friday afternoon. Plus, I'm meeting a friend for dinner!
My team almost hit $5K today, so I'm pretty pumped! I got a new walker, too!
Well, Steroid Magee is headed to bed. NIGHT!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
This is the most interesting part of this post
Words are seriously escaping me right now. I just hit this wall of exhaustion. I will highlight the day in bullet form...
- Drew's Crew jumped over the $4K mark today, and I smiled
- I had Chipotle for lunch (no, you've probably never read that from me...)
- I had Steak and Shake for dinner (needed onion rings)
- Tomorrow I'll be working from home, and that makes me smile again
- I will be performing on Thursday night
- Part of my ceiling got fixed today from the Great Flood 2K10
- I was short-of-breath for a lot of the day (High allergy count...correlation? Yes.)
- Sudoku is the bomb
It's time to sleep like a log.
Monday, March 22, 2010
GREAT DAY!
Today was an amazing day. I haven't felt as loved as I have in a long time as I felt today... As you all know, I've really kicked off the fundraising for the Great Strides Walk over the last few days. With the finalization of my awesome video, I felt geared up to tackle this thing, but even more so than in years past because I thought people might be more inspired than before. As a team, our total jumped nearly $1,500 today, which is incredible.
I garnered four new walkers that I'm really excited about, and just had such an outpouring of support from people - some being people I interact with regularly, others being folks I haven't seen in years. It feels really great to watch people come to the forefront to help a cause so important to me. A team that went into last weekend with about $1,300 now has at least $3,760, assuming that there's no money that hasn't yet been posted. What an awesome feeling!!! I have also appreciated everyone so much who has offered to spread the word. There is no humility in fundraising, so start your spreading! www.cff.org/great_strides/drewdotson5267
In other news (but similar, nonetheless), I was short of breath for most of the day. Today has been crazy in that, when I left for work, it was snowing. The high was seriously near 70 on Saturday, and today it's snowing? Crazy talk. I'm not sure what's up, but I woke up coughing a lot last night. It made for a difficult night's sleep, but I was able to stay energized all day anyway because each donation is like a new adrenaline rush. Kinda dorky, I know, but I love it!
Today was also great because I found out I was approved for a second telecommute day each week, so starting NOW, I'll be working from home on Wednesdays and Fridays of each week. I really think this will make a world of difference to me. As I make pretty evident, there's so much I want to do, but maintaining my health is very important as well, so this enables me to spend some more time focusing on my health, which in turns buys time back into the day. Woooooo!
Finally, I'll just end on rehearsal, which was fun. I was glad to have the early rehearsal or I'd still be there now. I was a little concerned going into it because I haven't been facing the short-of-breath issue much in my improv career, and it makes it very difficult to stay out of your head when you're conscious of your breathing. Amazingly, though, I was able to forget about it for the duration of rehearsal.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaand, on that note, I'll go to sleep. I may pull an early shift tomorrow at work so that I can get home and get a lot of rest to help with this...issue.
I garnered four new walkers that I'm really excited about, and just had such an outpouring of support from people - some being people I interact with regularly, others being folks I haven't seen in years. It feels really great to watch people come to the forefront to help a cause so important to me. A team that went into last weekend with about $1,300 now has at least $3,760, assuming that there's no money that hasn't yet been posted. What an awesome feeling!!! I have also appreciated everyone so much who has offered to spread the word. There is no humility in fundraising, so start your spreading! www.cff.org/great_strides/drewdotson5267
In other news (but similar, nonetheless), I was short of breath for most of the day. Today has been crazy in that, when I left for work, it was snowing. The high was seriously near 70 on Saturday, and today it's snowing? Crazy talk. I'm not sure what's up, but I woke up coughing a lot last night. It made for a difficult night's sleep, but I was able to stay energized all day anyway because each donation is like a new adrenaline rush. Kinda dorky, I know, but I love it!
Today was also great because I found out I was approved for a second telecommute day each week, so starting NOW, I'll be working from home on Wednesdays and Fridays of each week. I really think this will make a world of difference to me. As I make pretty evident, there's so much I want to do, but maintaining my health is very important as well, so this enables me to spend some more time focusing on my health, which in turns buys time back into the day. Woooooo!
Finally, I'll just end on rehearsal, which was fun. I was glad to have the early rehearsal or I'd still be there now. I was a little concerned going into it because I haven't been facing the short-of-breath issue much in my improv career, and it makes it very difficult to stay out of your head when you're conscious of your breathing. Amazingly, though, I was able to forget about it for the duration of rehearsal.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaand, on that note, I'll go to sleep. I may pull an early shift tomorrow at work so that I can get home and get a lot of rest to help with this...issue.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Run, Dora, Ruuuun
Right now my sister should be finishing the ING half-marathon on Team 65 Roses. She raised over $1,000! I haven't been awake for long, but it looks like the rain might have held off so far, so my fingers are crossed. Claire's going to text me when she knows what time they'll be at breakfast because I'm going to meet them. I tried to find the place's menu online like the dork that I am, but I can't find it. I guess I'll have to be surprised and select from the menu like normal people do.
Yesterday was a pretty nice and relaxing day. The weather was beautiful, but unfortunately for me that means to stay inside at this time of year. My allergies have been killing me this weekend - keeping me short of breath more often than not. I'm hoping that this rain that starts AFTER the half-marathon will wash some of it away.
I met my old boss (most recent one!) at Starbucks yesterday, and it was great to catch up with her. She's moving to Philly on Thursday, so we wanted one last rendezvous before she left. I'm sure we'll keep in touch as much as we have here, but it's weird knowing she'll be so far away.
Well, yesterday was an awesome day fundraising-wise. My aunt and one of my cousins signed up to join Drew's Crew, so that makes me happy. We raised about $400 yesterday. I just calculated that, to make my $20,000 goal, we need to raise about $327 every day up until the day of the walk. When I look at it that way, it's a little scary, but WE WILL DO OUR BEST! Actually, when I divide that between the team members, it's not that much. Goooooo Drew's Crew! For those of you walking in late, visit www.drewdotson.com/p/walk-for-cf.html.
Yesterday evening I went to Publix in my reindeer pajama pants because I was feeling very thirsty. I mean, I didn't wear the reindeer pants because I was thirsty; I went because I was thirsty. I got an 8-pack of Gatorade and a gallon of milk. I know I looked like a nut, but hopefully people thought I must not be feeling well or something.
It's been quite a while since I accomplished anything bookwise, but I think about it often. It's the thought that counts... Maybe that will be my goal for the day when I return from eating my yet-to-be-determined breakfast.
Yesterday was a pretty nice and relaxing day. The weather was beautiful, but unfortunately for me that means to stay inside at this time of year. My allergies have been killing me this weekend - keeping me short of breath more often than not. I'm hoping that this rain that starts AFTER the half-marathon will wash some of it away.
I met my old boss (most recent one!) at Starbucks yesterday, and it was great to catch up with her. She's moving to Philly on Thursday, so we wanted one last rendezvous before she left. I'm sure we'll keep in touch as much as we have here, but it's weird knowing she'll be so far away.
Well, yesterday was an awesome day fundraising-wise. My aunt and one of my cousins signed up to join Drew's Crew, so that makes me happy. We raised about $400 yesterday. I just calculated that, to make my $20,000 goal, we need to raise about $327 every day up until the day of the walk. When I look at it that way, it's a little scary, but WE WILL DO OUR BEST! Actually, when I divide that between the team members, it's not that much. Goooooo Drew's Crew! For those of you walking in late, visit www.drewdotson.com/p/walk-for-cf.html.
Yesterday evening I went to Publix in my reindeer pajama pants because I was feeling very thirsty. I mean, I didn't wear the reindeer pants because I was thirsty; I went because I was thirsty. I got an 8-pack of Gatorade and a gallon of milk. I know I looked like a nut, but hopefully people thought I must not be feeling well or something.
It's been quite a while since I accomplished anything bookwise, but I think about it often. It's the thought that counts... Maybe that will be my goal for the day when I return from eating my yet-to-be-determined breakfast.
Friday, March 19, 2010
It's raining men
So, last night's improv show was fun AND sold out. My parents came, and were in the front row, so no pressure there... I was in Emo Date as the changer, Sounds Like A Song (first time), Buzzer and Oscar Musical. I was slightly concerned during download when I found out I'd be in two singing games considering the hoarseness and what not, but it's subsided a lot and I'm feeling almost back to normal. I didn't notice it in the first singing game, but I definitely did in the second because I was Musicaled right after I was Oscared, so my throat was RAW!
When I walked into my empty house after the show, I heard a weird sound; it sounded almost like crackling. I flipped on the light, terrified that something was on fire. I headed toward the corner of the living room where I heard the sound, then felt the water drip on me. I looked up and water was dripping from several areas of the ceiling, mainly in the shape of a rectangle. I ran upstairs and my bathroom was flooded. The water was all the way out onto the carpet in my bedroom. I mean, it was a LOT of water.
I majorly started freaking out and putting towels down, getting containers to put on the floor downstairs, etc. I ended up spending almost two hours moving furniture, soaking up water, etc. And, to top it all off, I got a blood-drawing papercut. I unplugged something from an outlet and it had one of those plasticy-paper tags warning you about electricity and as I pulled the plug out from the wall, I papercut the palm of my hand, right above the thumb crease. Perhaps they should add that to the warning tag. The cut seriously consumed enough of my attention that I lost focus on the fact that the ceiling was about to fall down.
Today I woke up and wasn't as upset. I went downstairs and, while part of the ceiling will need replacing, it looked much better today. There haven't been any drips all day. My resident handyman came over and tore some of the drywall down - about an eight square foot area. Now there's just a gaping hole in the living room ceiling, but at least the wood is drying out. I love being a homeowner!
Well, I'm really tired because I was up until 3:00 a.m. I got up and worked for a while this morning and then had to take the afternoon off to tend to the house. I'm really relieved that it seems like it's going to be minor, or at least people are good at lying to me to make me feel better.
I have already gotten several donations for the CF walk, so I'm really excited.
Cheers to a lazy weekend!
When I walked into my empty house after the show, I heard a weird sound; it sounded almost like crackling. I flipped on the light, terrified that something was on fire. I headed toward the corner of the living room where I heard the sound, then felt the water drip on me. I looked up and water was dripping from several areas of the ceiling, mainly in the shape of a rectangle. I ran upstairs and my bathroom was flooded. The water was all the way out onto the carpet in my bedroom. I mean, it was a LOT of water.
I majorly started freaking out and putting towels down, getting containers to put on the floor downstairs, etc. I ended up spending almost two hours moving furniture, soaking up water, etc. And, to top it all off, I got a blood-drawing papercut. I unplugged something from an outlet and it had one of those plasticy-paper tags warning you about electricity and as I pulled the plug out from the wall, I papercut the palm of my hand, right above the thumb crease. Perhaps they should add that to the warning tag. The cut seriously consumed enough of my attention that I lost focus on the fact that the ceiling was about to fall down.
Today I woke up and wasn't as upset. I went downstairs and, while part of the ceiling will need replacing, it looked much better today. There haven't been any drips all day. My resident handyman came over and tore some of the drywall down - about an eight square foot area. Now there's just a gaping hole in the living room ceiling, but at least the wood is drying out. I love being a homeowner!
Well, I'm really tired because I was up until 3:00 a.m. I got up and worked for a while this morning and then had to take the afternoon off to tend to the house. I'm really relieved that it seems like it's going to be minor, or at least people are good at lying to me to make me feel better.
I have already gotten several donations for the CF walk, so I'm really excited.
Cheers to a lazy weekend!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Because you're an insider...
First, I want to say one thing that I forgot to say last night when recounting the choking-of-the-baby story that left me up in arms...
Yesterday morning when I was walking back from the gym, I stopped by my mailbox per a friend's gentle request. There was a little envelope from a good friend and inside was a Starbucks gift card! She said it was a little "just because" after seeing me talk about it so much in my blog. How sweet is that?! It started my day off right, and I'm still excited about it! If I can get ready fast enough, it might get a swipe today!
Now, drumroll, the moment we've all been waiting for...
Since you've probably been following this CF video journey since its beginning, it's time for the unveiling of the 98%-completed video. I'm not crazy about the way it's sitting on the page, but I didn't want to make you patient souls wait a moment longer!
ARE YOU READY TO SEE THIS?!
Yesterday morning when I was walking back from the gym, I stopped by my mailbox per a friend's gentle request. There was a little envelope from a good friend and inside was a Starbucks gift card! She said it was a little "just because" after seeing me talk about it so much in my blog. How sweet is that?! It started my day off right, and I'm still excited about it! If I can get ready fast enough, it might get a swipe today!
Now, drumroll, the moment we've all been waiting for...
Since you've probably been following this CF video journey since its beginning, it's time for the unveiling of the 98%-completed video. I'm not crazy about the way it's sitting on the page, but I didn't want to make you patient souls wait a moment longer!
ARE YOU READY TO SEE THIS?!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
It takes a village
Today I went out to eat at El Azteca and was watching a boy (about 8-10 years old) hold a baby sitting at a nearby table. The table was very chaotic and had multiple families, several young children, etc. I was very surprised the parents were letting him hold the baby because he was NOT doing a good job. Watching it was extremely anxiety-provoking because it looked like he was going to drop the baby. He then started shaking the baby, and the parents asked him to stop, but let him continue to hold the baby. Then, I looked over and he was putting the stick of his lollipop into the baby's ear, which made me cringe, but he took it out almost immediately.
This whole time I couldn't take my eyes off the boy and the baby - like I was watching a trainwreck. I noticed the boys hands were around the baby's neck and the baby looked to be straining and her face started turning red. Although this is not my typical behavior, I had to get up and go over to the table at this point. I told one of the men at the table that I really didn't think the boy should be holding the baby because I had been watching and saw him put his hands around the baby's neck. The man actually said to me that he was just playing with her, so I told him that the boy also stuck a lollipop stick into the baby's ear. The man was slightly rude, and I said that I was watching and would not have gotten up if I was not very concerned with what I saw, especially when the baby's face turned red with the boy's hands around the baby's neck.
I sat down feeling kind of embarrassed because I didn't mean to step on anybody's toes, but it was awful to see. It turned out that the man I was telling was not the father of either child, but the father was across from him and heard me voicing concern. The father then went and took the baby away from the boy. A little while later, a lady from the group came up to me and thanked me. I thanked her for letting me know because I wasn't trying to upset anyone. She told me that it takes a village, and that she was glad that I came over to say something. I turned maroon, but I was glad she said something because I was feeling like maybe I had crossed a line.
ANYWAY!
Happy St. Patrick's Day! I forgot to wear green. I had my first improv show a year ago today. Awwww....
Speaking of, I am in the show tomorrow night, so I'm looking forward to that, even though it's been a long week. I wouldn't mind if my character, Rebecca Miller, made her first appearance in a show, especially with her newly acquired Goodwill outfit.
It's past my bedtime, so I'm going to sleep. The video is getting uploaded TONIGHT, and I'm not even yanking your chain one bit!
This whole time I couldn't take my eyes off the boy and the baby - like I was watching a trainwreck. I noticed the boys hands were around the baby's neck and the baby looked to be straining and her face started turning red. Although this is not my typical behavior, I had to get up and go over to the table at this point. I told one of the men at the table that I really didn't think the boy should be holding the baby because I had been watching and saw him put his hands around the baby's neck. The man actually said to me that he was just playing with her, so I told him that the boy also stuck a lollipop stick into the baby's ear. The man was slightly rude, and I said that I was watching and would not have gotten up if I was not very concerned with what I saw, especially when the baby's face turned red with the boy's hands around the baby's neck.
I sat down feeling kind of embarrassed because I didn't mean to step on anybody's toes, but it was awful to see. It turned out that the man I was telling was not the father of either child, but the father was across from him and heard me voicing concern. The father then went and took the baby away from the boy. A little while later, a lady from the group came up to me and thanked me. I thanked her for letting me know because I wasn't trying to upset anyone. She told me that it takes a village, and that she was glad that I came over to say something. I turned maroon, but I was glad she said something because I was feeling like maybe I had crossed a line.
ANYWAY!
Happy St. Patrick's Day! I forgot to wear green. I had my first improv show a year ago today. Awwww....
Speaking of, I am in the show tomorrow night, so I'm looking forward to that, even though it's been a long week. I wouldn't mind if my character, Rebecca Miller, made her first appearance in a show, especially with her newly acquired Goodwill outfit.
It's past my bedtime, so I'm going to sleep. The video is getting uploaded TONIGHT, and I'm not even yanking your chain one bit!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Change=on the horizon
Woooooooooooooooo! It's Tuesday!
Well, I am not very excited to be awake and getting ready for work, for no other reason than I'm tired as all get out. I had a difficult time sleeping last night, and laid down for bed late after a late rehearsal anyway. I got maybe six hours of sleep, but they weren't uninterrupted. And I did have a dream involving some female friends trying to kill each other with their bare hands, one stabbing people with needles with an unknown liquid in the syringe. YAY! Things must be all warm and fuzzy inside for me!
I had a ton of fun on Sunday. I got to catch up with two people I hadn't seen in a long time - one being a close friend from childhood, and the other being a friend I knew from a previous workplace. It was a lot of fun just chatting about life (little life and big life) and enjoying some delicious food. Ahhh, if only every day could be spent yapping with good people!
Yesterday was pretty good for a Monday! I mean, I don't remember much about it, so that had to have been good. I'm still hoarse, but I'm not in pain in any way. I don't know yet if these antibiotics are working. They've been upsetting my stomach a bit, but well-tolerated overall. It's about time I pop one of those suckers off.
Rehearsal was... different. I practiced dialects for the first time, which was quite the experience. I think it helped that I was pretty tired before I arrived because I think that lowered my inhibitions and acknowledgement of the discomfort I probably felt. Anyway, it was a pretty good exercise and it was a big step for me considering it's not something that has ever made me excited.
Well, I'm gonna hurry to get ready so I can treat myself to Starbucks. I'm bummed because I have a late meeting at work today, so I didn't get to do my usual early Tuesday. Maybe it's a blessing since I didn't sleep well, but it'd be nice to get home before 7-something. That'll all be irrelevant when I get my hands on that Dark Cherry Mocha!
Have a swell day.
Well, I am not very excited to be awake and getting ready for work, for no other reason than I'm tired as all get out. I had a difficult time sleeping last night, and laid down for bed late after a late rehearsal anyway. I got maybe six hours of sleep, but they weren't uninterrupted. And I did have a dream involving some female friends trying to kill each other with their bare hands, one stabbing people with needles with an unknown liquid in the syringe. YAY! Things must be all warm and fuzzy inside for me!
I had a ton of fun on Sunday. I got to catch up with two people I hadn't seen in a long time - one being a close friend from childhood, and the other being a friend I knew from a previous workplace. It was a lot of fun just chatting about life (little life and big life) and enjoying some delicious food. Ahhh, if only every day could be spent yapping with good people!
Yesterday was pretty good for a Monday! I mean, I don't remember much about it, so that had to have been good. I'm still hoarse, but I'm not in pain in any way. I don't know yet if these antibiotics are working. They've been upsetting my stomach a bit, but well-tolerated overall. It's about time I pop one of those suckers off.
Rehearsal was... different. I practiced dialects for the first time, which was quite the experience. I think it helped that I was pretty tired before I arrived because I think that lowered my inhibitions and acknowledgement of the discomfort I probably felt. Anyway, it was a pretty good exercise and it was a big step for me considering it's not something that has ever made me excited.
Well, I'm gonna hurry to get ready so I can treat myself to Starbucks. I'm bummed because I have a late meeting at work today, so I didn't get to do my usual early Tuesday. Maybe it's a blessing since I didn't sleep well, but it'd be nice to get home before 7-something. That'll all be irrelevant when I get my hands on that Dark Cherry Mocha!
Have a swell day.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Get outta my dreams
Well, good morning. Let us all give a moment of silence to the hour of sleep we lost last night. ARGH!
Mm, so I am writing because a particular dream has me feeling a little jarred this morning. You know when there are certain things in your waking life you really don't want to think about, and then they find a way of making you think about them anyway by subconsciously inserting themselves into your dreams? Yep, that's the story of my most recent dream.
This dream was honestly just weird. I basically dreamt that I got home and a lot of familiar people were in my house. I walked into the kitchen and the refrigerator was gone and there was some significant structural damage to the walls, but no parts of the fridge anywhere. I asked someone where the refrigerator went and the person explained to me that it exploded because of something involving pressure, jargon, blah blah blah. It was just odd because, even though the fridge had vanished into thin air, we were happy to see each other and it was kind of sweet for a short minute. The end.
Somehow in this same string of dreams, a colleague had been planning things on the wrong dates because she was looking at a calendar for 2011.
And, while I'm on the topic of dreams, let me mention the one from Thursday night, I believe. I had a dream that I traded my car in to get a beat up, old, red SUV, which would not have been a smart choice because I didn't get any money in return. Then, though, I was at my parents' house and noticed that someone had parked my car literally up against (side-by-side) another car, where there would probably be no way to move the car without damaging it much more. Somehow I go do something else and come back, find that the car is gone, and my mom tells me she's sorry, but the car was totaled and they did away with it. I was crying, talking about how I couldn't get anywhere, and my mom showed no remorse. I woke up as I was bawling, trying to figure out how I would get to work and improv without a car. Weird.
So, off of dreams and onto reality...
The Dark Cherry Mocha was a good choice. I won't act like it was the best thing I've ever had a taste of or anything, but it was good and fun. It was a nice change of pace with a fun kick to it. It must have helped me get through the night because I don't recall ever thinking about how tired I was.
I started losing my voice yesterday afternoon and, by nighttime, it was practically gone. I haven't spoken yet today to see if it's still messed up, but I just said 'hello' to myself and it's definitely not at its full potential. I also lost my voice on Wednesday, so I tried to look at my dorky pollen alerts to see if there was something in common that might have triggered it. Then I saw that I didn't get one on Wednesday because the pollen level wasn't high enough, so I got confused and gave up.
OH! Yesterday I went to the gym for the first time in a week after the allergy shenanigans. I ran two miles and then walked a third, which was pretty good. I didn't know how I'd handle it with the allergies, the antibiotic making me groggy, etc. But I trucked on through!
I better shut up and get dressed because I have a friend coming over at 12:30 p.m. Then, at 5:00 p.m. I am meeting another friend to discuss health history for a study she's doing. Here I come, Sunday!
Mm, so I am writing because a particular dream has me feeling a little jarred this morning. You know when there are certain things in your waking life you really don't want to think about, and then they find a way of making you think about them anyway by subconsciously inserting themselves into your dreams? Yep, that's the story of my most recent dream.
This dream was honestly just weird. I basically dreamt that I got home and a lot of familiar people were in my house. I walked into the kitchen and the refrigerator was gone and there was some significant structural damage to the walls, but no parts of the fridge anywhere. I asked someone where the refrigerator went and the person explained to me that it exploded because of something involving pressure, jargon, blah blah blah. It was just odd because, even though the fridge had vanished into thin air, we were happy to see each other and it was kind of sweet for a short minute. The end.
Somehow in this same string of dreams, a colleague had been planning things on the wrong dates because she was looking at a calendar for 2011.
And, while I'm on the topic of dreams, let me mention the one from Thursday night, I believe. I had a dream that I traded my car in to get a beat up, old, red SUV, which would not have been a smart choice because I didn't get any money in return. Then, though, I was at my parents' house and noticed that someone had parked my car literally up against (side-by-side) another car, where there would probably be no way to move the car without damaging it much more. Somehow I go do something else and come back, find that the car is gone, and my mom tells me she's sorry, but the car was totaled and they did away with it. I was crying, talking about how I couldn't get anywhere, and my mom showed no remorse. I woke up as I was bawling, trying to figure out how I would get to work and improv without a car. Weird.
So, off of dreams and onto reality...
The Dark Cherry Mocha was a good choice. I won't act like it was the best thing I've ever had a taste of or anything, but it was good and fun. It was a nice change of pace with a fun kick to it. It must have helped me get through the night because I don't recall ever thinking about how tired I was.
I started losing my voice yesterday afternoon and, by nighttime, it was practically gone. I haven't spoken yet today to see if it's still messed up, but I just said 'hello' to myself and it's definitely not at its full potential. I also lost my voice on Wednesday, so I tried to look at my dorky pollen alerts to see if there was something in common that might have triggered it. Then I saw that I didn't get one on Wednesday because the pollen level wasn't high enough, so I got confused and gave up.
OH! Yesterday I went to the gym for the first time in a week after the allergy shenanigans. I ran two miles and then walked a third, which was pretty good. I didn't know how I'd handle it with the allergies, the antibiotic making me groggy, etc. But I trucked on through!
I better shut up and get dressed because I have a friend coming over at 12:30 p.m. Then, at 5:00 p.m. I am meeting another friend to discuss health history for a study she's doing. Here I come, Sunday!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
This post is me psyching myself up
Woooooooooo! Wooooooohooooooooooooo! I am so energized!
I have to be in Midtown in about an hour, and I'm extremely tired, but at the end of this post, I will be ENERGYFIED!
On the way, I plan to go to Starbucks and try the newest thing that caught my fancy - the Dark Cherry Mocha. I tried to get it a week or so ago, but they said they didn't have it yet. I am excited to try it because I think it's exactly the potion I need.
Tonight's gonna be a long one at the theatre... I start at 6:30 and will probably get to leave around 1:00 or 1:30 a.m., which will kinda be 2:00 or 2:30 a.m. given the time change. DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS! We're so inundated with technology that most clocks will just change for us, but in case you're confused...
I think that's about all I have to say. There's definitely more I could say, but the longer I type, the more hectic it will be trying to make it to the theatre on time, and we all know I can't sacrifice that Dark Cherry Mocha I just swooned over.
ENERGY! ENERGY! ENERGY!
I have to be in Midtown in about an hour, and I'm extremely tired, but at the end of this post, I will be ENERGYFIED!
On the way, I plan to go to Starbucks and try the newest thing that caught my fancy - the Dark Cherry Mocha. I tried to get it a week or so ago, but they said they didn't have it yet. I am excited to try it because I think it's exactly the potion I need.
Tonight's gonna be a long one at the theatre... I start at 6:30 and will probably get to leave around 1:00 or 1:30 a.m., which will kinda be 2:00 or 2:30 a.m. given the time change. DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS! We're so inundated with technology that most clocks will just change for us, but in case you're confused...
I think that's about all I have to say. There's definitely more I could say, but the longer I type, the more hectic it will be trying to make it to the theatre on time, and we all know I can't sacrifice that Dark Cherry Mocha I just swooned over.
ENERGY! ENERGY! ENERGY!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Revolution's not easy
Man, I know I should be sleeping, but I am feeling so energized right now. I spent the last several hours dictating (ha!) changes to my fundraising video, and I am really excited to share it with everyone. There are still a few things to make it absolutely perfect, but I am rowdy! Gosh, it is awesome! I sure hope the anticipation is building...
So, I am really excited about reading Eat, Pray, Love, but I haven't gotten around to it today. I'll definitely spend some time reading this weekend. Last night I started reading it to help wind down for bed, but I ended up feeling rejuvenated instead. When I turned off the lights, I kept thinking about how I wanted to read some more. That being said, I can't wait to have some free time to read this weekend.
Well, I finally talked to the nurse today... at about 4:30 p.m., so I was getting pretty impatient. The doctor decided to put me on a 21-day course of Bactrim (oral antibiotic) two times a day. That's definitely better than being in the hospital, but I will stand by my case that we are overreacting. However, if this potentially gets me into the study sooner when I get my lung function numbers back up, then that's what I'll do. I popped my first pill this evening and nothing too weird happened, so hopefully I'll be side effect free! I think the recent onslaught of rain has also helped alleviate some of my sinus issues.
I did awesome at the dentist this morning, but I've always been pretty good at getting good reports at the dentist. The guy wasn't playing around with those pokey things, but I got nothing short of compliments on my grill. I'm going back September 16. I am writing it here for when I start wondering when my next appointment is...
What else? I emailed more than 52,000 people at work today, so I hope somebody found something useful. If not, oh well. I feel accomplished.
Tomorrow evening I am meeting my most recent boss to catch up before she moves to Philadelphia. Sad day, but I'm happy for her.
Saturday night I am pulling a DOUBLE at the theatre. As much as I've enjoyed having some time off this week, I'm definitely eager to get back there.
It's probably time for bed. I really want to read some, but I don't want to get even more hyper than I already am.
So, I am really excited about reading Eat, Pray, Love, but I haven't gotten around to it today. I'll definitely spend some time reading this weekend. Last night I started reading it to help wind down for bed, but I ended up feeling rejuvenated instead. When I turned off the lights, I kept thinking about how I wanted to read some more. That being said, I can't wait to have some free time to read this weekend.
Well, I finally talked to the nurse today... at about 4:30 p.m., so I was getting pretty impatient. The doctor decided to put me on a 21-day course of Bactrim (oral antibiotic) two times a day. That's definitely better than being in the hospital, but I will stand by my case that we are overreacting. However, if this potentially gets me into the study sooner when I get my lung function numbers back up, then that's what I'll do. I popped my first pill this evening and nothing too weird happened, so hopefully I'll be side effect free! I think the recent onslaught of rain has also helped alleviate some of my sinus issues.
I did awesome at the dentist this morning, but I've always been pretty good at getting good reports at the dentist. The guy wasn't playing around with those pokey things, but I got nothing short of compliments on my grill. I'm going back September 16. I am writing it here for when I start wondering when my next appointment is...
What else? I emailed more than 52,000 people at work today, so I hope somebody found something useful. If not, oh well. I feel accomplished.
Tomorrow evening I am meeting my most recent boss to catch up before she moves to Philadelphia. Sad day, but I'm happy for her.
Saturday night I am pulling a DOUBLE at the theatre. As much as I've enjoyed having some time off this week, I'm definitely eager to get back there.
It's probably time for bed. I really want to read some, but I don't want to get even more hyper than I already am.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Eat, Pray, Love
Well, I have a dentist's appointment this morning. I am not really looking forward to it, but I'm not exactly dreading it either. The dentist is something I could take or leave and I wouldn't care much either way.
Yesterday was an interesting day. Around 2:30 p.m., I got an email from the study guy to get me up-to-speed. He basically told me that, while he doesn't think that Tuesday's shenanigans will necessarily exclude me from the study, he did talk to my doctor and she wants to 'treat' me. Mind you I never saw my regular doctor on Tuesday. The study guy told me that the doctor or physician's assistant would call me to get me started. However, that didn't happen yesterday. By the end of the day, I decided to give them a call, but did not succeed. I'm not sure if 'treating' me involves a course of antibiotics, whether those would be oral or IV, etc. I guess I shall find out today.
I was coughing kind of a lot, but it was a dry, hacky cough - the kind that results in almost losing your voice. By the end of the day, my voice was really scratchy, which is completely different from the kinds of symptoms I get when it's a CF-related problem. Anyway, I will take what the doctor says into consideration, but we don't need to get all out-of-hand here; this happens to me every year as the weather starts to change.
Despite how I was feeling, I ended up meeting a friend for dinner at Tin Drum. Let me tell you that this was a great decision. I got this sweet and sour stir-fry, and will be enjoying the leftovers for lunch. Anyway, I saw my friend Karen that I hadn't seen since 2008, and it was really nice to see her again. We talked about everything under the sun, and that's why I like about her most. We have a connection... not in a romantic way. (HA!) She told me I should really read "Eat, Pray, Love."
After we finished eating, I knew it was time for me to head home and get to bed, but I instead went to Target to get the book. I am working on being quick-to-action (not in a rash way - in a non-procrastination way). I ended up getting the book, a cute t-shirt, a black zip-up sweater type thing, and a prescription. I consider it successful.
I gotta hurry and get ready so I can go 'get my tooth' on at the dentist.
Yesterday was an interesting day. Around 2:30 p.m., I got an email from the study guy to get me up-to-speed. He basically told me that, while he doesn't think that Tuesday's shenanigans will necessarily exclude me from the study, he did talk to my doctor and she wants to 'treat' me. Mind you I never saw my regular doctor on Tuesday. The study guy told me that the doctor or physician's assistant would call me to get me started. However, that didn't happen yesterday. By the end of the day, I decided to give them a call, but did not succeed. I'm not sure if 'treating' me involves a course of antibiotics, whether those would be oral or IV, etc. I guess I shall find out today.
I was coughing kind of a lot, but it was a dry, hacky cough - the kind that results in almost losing your voice. By the end of the day, my voice was really scratchy, which is completely different from the kinds of symptoms I get when it's a CF-related problem. Anyway, I will take what the doctor says into consideration, but we don't need to get all out-of-hand here; this happens to me every year as the weather starts to change.
Despite how I was feeling, I ended up meeting a friend for dinner at Tin Drum. Let me tell you that this was a great decision. I got this sweet and sour stir-fry, and will be enjoying the leftovers for lunch. Anyway, I saw my friend Karen that I hadn't seen since 2008, and it was really nice to see her again. We talked about everything under the sun, and that's why I like about her most. We have a connection... not in a romantic way. (HA!) She told me I should really read "Eat, Pray, Love."
After we finished eating, I knew it was time for me to head home and get to bed, but I instead went to Target to get the book. I am working on being quick-to-action (not in a rash way - in a non-procrastination way). I ended up getting the book, a cute t-shirt, a black zip-up sweater type thing, and a prescription. I consider it successful.
I gotta hurry and get ready so I can go 'get my tooth' on at the dentist.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Not. My. Day.
Well, as indicated by the title of this blog, I'm not in the best mood I've ever experienced.
First off, I can't believe I posted this morning; that seems like it was three days ago, but I guess time drags when you're NOT having fun. Welcome melodrama.
So, this morning started off fine. I went to work and what not, per usual. Well, I had meetings that began at 9:00 a.m. and lasted until I needed to leave for the doctor, which wasn't exactly the ideal way to spend the half-day I had in the office. Granted, the meetings had to happen, but I would have loved to have spent the four hours doing solid work.
I then went to the CF center to begin the screen for the drug study. Within 30 minutes of my arrival, I was pretty disappointed. I don't know if I went into much depth on my last doctor's appointment blog post, but at my appointment in January, I recorded the highest lung function numbers I've gotten in quite some time. Well, today was a stark contrast.
Honestly, when the numbers first appeared on the computer screen, I was thinking something must be horribly wrong. I mean, these were worse than hospital numbers. By the time I completed the tests with enough consistency to be accepted, I was only down about 6 percent, but that's a lot in the CF world - especially when it means .2 liters of air.
Then, when it came time for the physical exam, the doctor looked at my lung function numbers and was surprised at the decline. She then completed the rest of the exam and looked at my nose, at which point she was impressed by the significance of the inflammation. She then started inquiring about my last sinus surgery, which wasn't exactly something I was imagining to hear at this study screening visit.
At the end of it all - after the lung function tests, bloodwork, ECGs (two), sweat tests, etc. - I don't even know if I'll qualify. With my lung numbers being as low as they are right now, the doctors definitely wouldn't consider me to be at a 'stable' point as far as my lung health. I've got my fingers crossed that we can wait it out until the end of allergy season and that I won't have gotten disqualified for my out-of-the-ordinary numbers today. If I don't get to participate, I will be very, very disappointed. I have been following this particular drug since 2006. Plus, regardless of whether I get the real drug or the placebo, study participants get to enroll in an extension study, in which I would be eligible to take the drug until it gets approved and marketed by the FDA. PLEASE! LET ME BE INCLUDED!
Anyway, talking about it isn't going to change what happened today, so I should probably just sleep it off. I went to eat Mexican at El Azteca in order to boost my mood, and it definitely helped. It's time to sleep again. My aching face just can't get enough sleep these days.
First off, I can't believe I posted this morning; that seems like it was three days ago, but I guess time drags when you're NOT having fun. Welcome melodrama.
So, this morning started off fine. I went to work and what not, per usual. Well, I had meetings that began at 9:00 a.m. and lasted until I needed to leave for the doctor, which wasn't exactly the ideal way to spend the half-day I had in the office. Granted, the meetings had to happen, but I would have loved to have spent the four hours doing solid work.
I then went to the CF center to begin the screen for the drug study. Within 30 minutes of my arrival, I was pretty disappointed. I don't know if I went into much depth on my last doctor's appointment blog post, but at my appointment in January, I recorded the highest lung function numbers I've gotten in quite some time. Well, today was a stark contrast.
Honestly, when the numbers first appeared on the computer screen, I was thinking something must be horribly wrong. I mean, these were worse than hospital numbers. By the time I completed the tests with enough consistency to be accepted, I was only down about 6 percent, but that's a lot in the CF world - especially when it means .2 liters of air.
Then, when it came time for the physical exam, the doctor looked at my lung function numbers and was surprised at the decline. She then completed the rest of the exam and looked at my nose, at which point she was impressed by the significance of the inflammation. She then started inquiring about my last sinus surgery, which wasn't exactly something I was imagining to hear at this study screening visit.
At the end of it all - after the lung function tests, bloodwork, ECGs (two), sweat tests, etc. - I don't even know if I'll qualify. With my lung numbers being as low as they are right now, the doctors definitely wouldn't consider me to be at a 'stable' point as far as my lung health. I've got my fingers crossed that we can wait it out until the end of allergy season and that I won't have gotten disqualified for my out-of-the-ordinary numbers today. If I don't get to participate, I will be very, very disappointed. I have been following this particular drug since 2006. Plus, regardless of whether I get the real drug or the placebo, study participants get to enroll in an extension study, in which I would be eligible to take the drug until it gets approved and marketed by the FDA. PLEASE! LET ME BE INCLUDED!
Anyway, talking about it isn't going to change what happened today, so I should probably just sleep it off. I went to eat Mexican at El Azteca in order to boost my mood, and it definitely helped. It's time to sleep again. My aching face just can't get enough sleep these days.
Alllllllergies
So, this allergy thing isn't faring too well for me yet this year. I have literally limited my outside time to running to and from the car, and haven't had any luck yet. Sunday night I had to forego a theatre-related opportunity because it was taking place outside, which didn't sound like a good use of time. I ended up trying to go to bed pretty early, but had a difficult time going to sleep because laying down was making me cough more.
Yesterday I got up and went into work early, knowing that, with allergies like this, they tend to elevate as the day continues... I was in the building by 7:30 a.m. and got started on the million mass emails I need to get done this week. Supposedly there was a middle-aged man stranger roaming the building carrying a big duffle bag. It's weird because, at the time, it was only me and a lady from another department in the building. I doubt it was anything to be concerned about and I didn't see the man myself, but the cops came and what not. These are the kinds of bad things that happen when I get to work early.
I went to Willy's for lunch, hoping that eating would help rid me of some of my allergy-in-the-face pain, but it didn't quite work as planned. By about 1:30 p.m., I couldn't take it anymore and headed home to work the remainder of the day from bed. I swung by the post office to pick up a piece of certified mail from my incompetent homeowners association, telling me that my doorknobs were brass. As much as I wanted to send the nastiest email known to man, I kindly emailed the property manager and said, as you know, this issue was corrected on December 6. Please do not mail me anything else. Or I will slap you silly.
After I finished up working, I dozed off just before 5:00 p.m. for what turned into a three-hour nap. I'm not sure at which point a nap becomes sleeping, but it sure was a doozie. I got up for about an hour and a half or two and then went back to sleep. I am a sleeping machine.
Today I go for the screen for my research study. I'm not exactly sure what it will entail, but I imagine I'll do a pulmonary function test and some other random test. It's supposed to take several hours, so I took the afternoon off. I hope my allergy issues don't jack this up.
HAPPY TUESDAY.
Yesterday I got up and went into work early, knowing that, with allergies like this, they tend to elevate as the day continues... I was in the building by 7:30 a.m. and got started on the million mass emails I need to get done this week. Supposedly there was a middle-aged man stranger roaming the building carrying a big duffle bag. It's weird because, at the time, it was only me and a lady from another department in the building. I doubt it was anything to be concerned about and I didn't see the man myself, but the cops came and what not. These are the kinds of bad things that happen when I get to work early.
I went to Willy's for lunch, hoping that eating would help rid me of some of my allergy-in-the-face pain, but it didn't quite work as planned. By about 1:30 p.m., I couldn't take it anymore and headed home to work the remainder of the day from bed. I swung by the post office to pick up a piece of certified mail from my incompetent homeowners association, telling me that my doorknobs were brass. As much as I wanted to send the nastiest email known to man, I kindly emailed the property manager and said, as you know, this issue was corrected on December 6. Please do not mail me anything else. Or I will slap you silly.
After I finished up working, I dozed off just before 5:00 p.m. for what turned into a three-hour nap. I'm not sure at which point a nap becomes sleeping, but it sure was a doozie. I got up for about an hour and a half or two and then went back to sleep. I am a sleeping machine.
Today I go for the screen for my research study. I'm not exactly sure what it will entail, but I imagine I'll do a pulmonary function test and some other random test. It's supposed to take several hours, so I took the afternoon off. I hope my allergy issues don't jack this up.
HAPPY TUESDAY.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Oh my face
My face tells me that it's allergy season. I have been fearing this time since last year's shenanigans. It's funny (not 'haha' funny) that allergies paralyzed me more than this silly disease of mine ever has. Oh man. It's scary to even think about when I got taken to the ER and missed almost an entire week of work. My face has been aching and I have slept more than should even be humanly possible. The counts are telling me to stay indoors.
Yesterday I took four - yes, you read it right - FOUR naps. They totaled about six hours, which is just ridiculous in its own right. Last night, I went to bed before midnight and woke up in the middle of the night feeling like I was burning alive. I ended up sleeping another 10 hours last night, and truly only got up because of all of the stuff I have to do today. I am finishing up my breathing treatments right now.
As you might have been able to infer from the uncanny amount I've been sleeping, this weekend hasn't been very productive. I've tried to write on a few different occasions, but it's hard to feel inspired in the few hours that it fits into my calendar. Any of you artsy people out there know what I mean. I wish I could just be inspired when it works with my schedule, but that's not how it works... back to the drawing board.
I'm excited because a friend and I are in the midst of planning a vacation for this summer. Her aunt has a timeshare that she's not going to use, so I truly can't pass up the opportunity. I have been on short weekend excursions here and there, but the last REAL trip I went on was the family cruise we took in July 2008. I mean, that was the last trip where I truly got to be away for an entire workweek. I plan on doing it up big this summer because I feel like my mind's going to explode.
Umm, I just forgot what I was going to say. I don't know why I'm commentating now.
Oh yeah! It's nearing time for the CF walk. I'm not quite ready to launch the fundraising campaign since my video is in its final stages. I'm hoping the video will be inspiring and that it will be best to really get my raise on when I have that as a visual aid. We'll see! I have a reaaaaaally good feeling about this year.
Time to go see what kinds of sinus medicine I have up in here. I pray that I'm done with sinus surgeries.
Yesterday I took four - yes, you read it right - FOUR naps. They totaled about six hours, which is just ridiculous in its own right. Last night, I went to bed before midnight and woke up in the middle of the night feeling like I was burning alive. I ended up sleeping another 10 hours last night, and truly only got up because of all of the stuff I have to do today. I am finishing up my breathing treatments right now.
As you might have been able to infer from the uncanny amount I've been sleeping, this weekend hasn't been very productive. I've tried to write on a few different occasions, but it's hard to feel inspired in the few hours that it fits into my calendar. Any of you artsy people out there know what I mean. I wish I could just be inspired when it works with my schedule, but that's not how it works... back to the drawing board.
I'm excited because a friend and I are in the midst of planning a vacation for this summer. Her aunt has a timeshare that she's not going to use, so I truly can't pass up the opportunity. I have been on short weekend excursions here and there, but the last REAL trip I went on was the family cruise we took in July 2008. I mean, that was the last trip where I truly got to be away for an entire workweek. I plan on doing it up big this summer because I feel like my mind's going to explode.
Umm, I just forgot what I was going to say. I don't know why I'm commentating now.
Oh yeah! It's nearing time for the CF walk. I'm not quite ready to launch the fundraising campaign since my video is in its final stages. I'm hoping the video will be inspiring and that it will be best to really get my raise on when I have that as a visual aid. We'll see! I have a reaaaaaally good feeling about this year.
Time to go see what kinds of sinus medicine I have up in here. I pray that I'm done with sinus surgeries.
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