Still fighting the crud

I see that my last post was on April 9th. I looked back on the schedule at work and the first time that I was treated for this crud was March 12. It is now April 21 and I still have it!! I've taken 2 antibiotics, gone through multiple Hall's cough drops and cold medicines and I'm still sick! I am really starting to hate the taste of those cough drops. Yuck! Well, now the Dr. has suggested that I try some Sudafed. It made a difference, but still fighting it. Baby steps, as he says. Brian says I have to be better by Friday. It's my birthday!! 39 years old, ugh!! Now I just feel sick and old.

Sick

I'm tired of being sick!! I stayed home from work today to rest. I was treated for a sinus infection about 4-5 weeks ago and apparently the 10 days of antibiotic didn't quite kill it. I have been coughing my head off everyday since. Then earlier this week I started getting stuffy again. I finally had enough of it yesterday and booked myself an appointment with my doctor. He compared my sinus infection to swamp fires in Florida. He said that they get fires in the south from dry leaves continuously getting all packed down. You think you get the fire out, but deep down there are coals still smoldering underneath. This leads to another fire that starts hundreds of feet away. And, that is the way it is with my sinus infection. I finished the antiobiotic, and started feeling better, but didn't quite get it all "put out", so it flared up again. He put me on some heavy duty antiobiotics that he says cost about $80 a pill. Luckily, for me he gave me samples. He says that if I don't feel better after taking it for six days, to let him know and he will either give me some more or write a prescription for some of the same antiobiotic I took before to finish it off. He also said that I was his 7th patient of the day coming in with sinus crud. Welcome to spring in Iowa!!

So, I'm hoping to get some rest today. My head and body ache from coughing so much. I've got to get feeling better. I have way too many things to do this month. One party down last week and 2 this weekend. Not to mention Easter! Brian's sister turns 50 and so does a friend of ours. One party Friday night the next on Saturday. We then hope to be back from the Saturday night one in time to go have Easter dinner with his family and then supper with mine. Sure wish the rest of my family was here to celebrate with us....hint, hint!

Olson-Thomas household update

What a week and it just keeps on getting busier from here on out.

The kids came for the week. Still missing one though. I guess her mother isn't tired of using her yet. At least Hallie is stilling coming and seems pretty happy to be here. Went to her school conference on Tuesday evening and she is doing great in school. She is behind on a couple of homework assignments. And, seriously, it has to be when she stays at her mom's because she usually does her homework in the first night here and turns it in early. We also found out that her mother didn't even show up for conferences last fall.

Friday we took Ty to meet with an Air Force recruiter. I can't believe we are planning his grown up future already. I'm not ready for him to be grown up, am I? We really liked what the recruiter had to say and are leaning towards this. He was ready to sign up. Matt and I told him to let it sink in a little bit first. In a couple weeks we will go to ISU's college of engineering to check that out and see if that may be in his future. Maybe that is an option too. The Air Force could help pay for that if that is the path he chooses. Did a little shopping while we were in town too. Birthday present for Ty and a book for me. Plus, took Ty out for lunch for his birthday.

We had to pick up supplies for making table centerpieces for a surprise 40th birthday for one of my best friends. We had such fun putting them together when we got home. Here is a picture of them almost finished. Brian did most of the work. Who knew he could be so fussy about how they looked. Everyone loved them. It was a Vegas casino theme.

After we made these, we went to the local fish fry. KJ spent the night with a friend. Ty was working as sound tech for the school drama. And, Hallie was at a birthday party. We picked her up after the fish fry. What a busy day.

Saturday morning, I had to get ready to go to the birthday party later in the day. But, first I had to rush off to do post-prom stuff. I'm on the donations committee. We organized the prizes that had been sent so far. Then rushed off to head to the party in Nevada which started at 3 pm. Brian wanted to get there early so that he could buy a shirt that he wanted at the Harley shop in Ames. His feminine side sure is showing. :) We made it in plenty of time, but worried about what the weather was going to be like for the evening and next day's ride home.

Anyway, the party was a hit. My friend is turning 40 next week and the party was pretty much a surprise. She did get a few giveaway clues. I knew that it couldn't possibly have been kept completely from her. We stayed the night at their house. Just Brian, Hallie, KJ and I went. Ty stayed home because of another showing of their drama production. He was very responsible and the boys that stayed and he even washed the dishes they dirtied while staying at our house. He had 2 friends over, even though I told him only one could. I had a feeling the other one would stay too. I guess I'll find out soon enough if they did something they should not have. The house was still in one piece. The dishes were done and he even helped put them away when I got home and carried out the pop cans they used. He is either buttering me up or is truly growing up.

Well, the weather was nasty coming home. We left their place in a snow storm. I think they had 6 inches fall when we left. The main roads were not plowed yet. We had to detour off Hwy 35 because of jack-knifed semi-trailers. Took a terrible backroad that had not even been plowed, but there was one lane that had been tracked over by the many cars ahead of us. Luckily, we only met 2 cars coming the opposite direction, and they had no choice but to pullover because of the 3 semis ahead of us. There was no way that our convoy could all pull over. We finally hit Hwy 20 and that was somewhat plowed and had periods of clear sailing and then 100% snow cover. By the time we hit Waterloo it was raining then outside of Waterloo it was all snow covered again. Then the further we got closer to home the roads were completely clear and we could drive the speed limit again. So, it was a very interesting ride home. And, here I am posting party pictures and blogging while the girls do their homework and Ty is playing with his new ITouch he purchased himself with the money he earned from his job and also some birthday money.

Life is good. Busy, but good.

For the birds

My son says we are getting old, but Brian and I like filling our feeders to feed the birds. I love watching the different colors and types of birds that show up. Soon we will put out the hummingbird feeders too.

Today was no exception. I haven't seen any around our home before, but today on our deck was a bluebird! I love these. So beautiful with their bright blue backs and orange breasts. Usually we have finches, yellows and reds. This spring we have also had a number of woodpeckers. These are a good sign that we need to treat our deck as there were a couple pecking at the rungs of the railing. And, that same day there was a number of cardinals and blue jays in the yard. Plus, we also have a pair of mourning doves or "love doves" as Brian likes to call them. I like to imitate what they may be saying to each other, imagining that they are Brian and I as the male picks at the female and tries to scoot closer to her and her poking back and him and scooting away. :)

Speaking of the hummingbirds, last year I was going to take the cover off the gril to use it, but heard a buzzing from underneath. At first, I thought it may be a large bumblebee, but wasn't quite convinced of that. So, cautiously I lifted the cover and what should buzz out?? A hummingbird! Somehow it got caught underneath the grill cover. Luckily, I did not harm it and it buzzed away as soon as it was freed.

Spring is here!!

It is such a beautiful sunny day, but here I am inside being lazy. Well, not really too lazy. I have cleaned the bathroom and have been doing laundry. Also, had Hallie try on her summer things to see what she needs. She is growing so fast it is hard to keep her in clothes. She is even outgrowing stuff that KJ could be passing on to her. Definitely built different because there is a 6 year difference in their ages. I'll be sending some more things your way sis, soon.

I've still been trying to get over an upper respiratory infection. Today is the last day of antibiotics. I started as a sinus infection and the doctor also gave me a nasal spray because he thinks I have seasonal allergies. That has helped, but I have been coughing up stuff ever since. Must have been sicker than I thought. It has been going on a week now. I guess better to get rid of it now than this summer when I wanna be well for riding.

We had the bike out for a short ride on Monday. It felt great. It was even warmer than one of the days that we went last fall. I know it is early, but this warmer weather sure has us itching to go. We might take a ride next weekend when the kids are at their other parents. Weather permitting.

Jealousy is an evil monster

On Sunday I wrote about our great day mapping out our wedding ride. We had a really good day together. We are so in sync that sometimes it takes me by surprise.

Unfortunately, the good feeling was ruined the next day by Brian's daughter texting him to say that they would not be coming to stay with us for the week. That she felt it would work better if they just came every other weekend and sometimes visited after school. Brian was so heartbroken over it. But, after a few more texts in the evening, (she wouldn't answer when he tried to actually call.) we have come to the conclusion that she didn't have her phone at all. I seriously believe that her mother had her phone all along and was the one pulling the strings and masterminded the whole thing. There were too many clues to that fact.

All because she is jealous that we are happy together. Jealous that I am younger, prettier, can actually work a real job and make my own money, happier, etc. You get the idea. She is afraid of the girls liking me better. She is afraid that they will eventually want to stay with us and not her. Such paranoia. I could care less if any of that happens. I just want a happy existence with no fighting over clothes, who pays what bills, who gets to claim which child on taxes. Any of it. It's maddening. Kids are a lot of work and we should be a team in raising them, but her mind has become so warped that it can never happen.

I believe that when she is done using the girls to hurt Brian that they will be the ones hurt most of all. And, what can we do to stop it??

Wedding ride route

Ok, Brian and I went for a drive today to scope out the route that we were thinking of for our wedding ride. The place I had in mind for the actual event we decided to scratch. It will be part of our route though. It is a magnificent overlook of the Mississippi river valley and a nice place to stop. There will be pictures! The only problem is that there really isn't a nice place to do it right there. So, we brainstormed about some other options. I want it to be significant and we both have to agree, plus it has to be accessible on motorcycle. The spot we have in mind is a short gravel ride to get to it, but I think it might work. We will scope this option out at a later date. And, we still are not agreeing on a date. He wants it earlier this summer. I am leaning towards later. I am more afraid of what the weather could bring early in the summer, but then it could rain anytime. Let's pray for a nice warm day with lots of sunshine!!

Time to relax

This has been such a busy week. I had to work on Tuesday evening. Wednesday was Ash Wednesday service and our choir had to sing. Oh, and I had to make a salad earlier in the week for a funeral that day. On Wednesday evening we found out another member of the congregation died and that funeral was to be today, Saturday. Our choir was asked to sing for that. Thursday night was the only night that we actually could stay home and relax. There was a big winter storm on Thursday, so I got to come home early from work too!! Yeah! Then Friday was rush rush when I got home.

As soon as I got home, I helped KJ straighten her hair as she was going to go with us even though it wasn't our week for kids. Brian and I changed clothes and we headed over to the local fireman's Friday fish fry. When we got there the line was sticking out the door of the fire station and winding inside. We waiting 45 minutes to an hour before we could get our fish, etc. It was getting close to 7:00 pm and we had to get going to a danceline performance where we were meeting friends from out of town. Their daughter was performing. Luckily we made it in plenty of time to spare, but I think I could haven't eaten more fish!! Oh, well good enough for my diet. Besides it was a little greasy and I have been trying really hard the past month to eat healthy and I think the grease didn't set that well in my stomach. After the performance we went to the local bowling alley where our friends sat with the mother of one of their daughters and discussed buying a car for her upcoming 16th birthday party. That was interesting to sit in on. But, a nice change to see exes sit together in a relaxed atmosphere and talking amicably about their mutual charge. I really wish that we could do that with Brian's ex. I don't ever see that happening.

So, then after we got the kids all off to where they were going to be for the night, the other couple and Brian and I had a nice night out. Fun, laughter and conversation.

But, then it was up again and ready to go this morning. Had to take buns to the school for some peewee tournament that the rec board was putting on. Not sure why I still get asked to donate them, but I do. Two packages of buns every year. I guess it is the least I can do for the school kids. I'm just glad that I don't have to work the concessions all day. After dropping those off, it was on to the funeral. A little warm up singing before hand then sit through the funeral. It turned out to be an interesting one. I found out a little bit about the man and who he was related to that I knew. It is nice to be in a small community sometimes. I think the choir did an excellent job.

While I was doing this, Brian was doing his good deed by helping the neighbor move his daughter for the fifth time within a year. Luckily, she is young and they only had to make one trip. They loaded Brian up around 10:00 and he was home shortly after me. I made us a big breakfast/brunch and after our tummies were full, we laid down to a nap after our short night. And now here I am posting on my blog late in the afternoon. And, the fun just keeps repeating itself for every week from now until probably mid summer. Oh, isn't life fun when you have things to do!!

Meme

Ok, I finally decided to take the time to do a meme that my sister tagged me on. I'm not sure how to tag anyone else. Not that there is very many others that read my blog anyway. But, at least I can write something about me. This is me, taken today.

And this is my purse. I can't really name just one thing in it because there are so many things in it. It really is just a tote made for me by one of my coworkers. She is very talented. I am not, at least not when it comes to sewing. I picked the fabric for her though. And, there was extra fabric in the Betty Boop material that she is going to make into a scrub top for me. I'm still waiting on that. The inside has many pockets along the walls of it where I can hold various things. For me it is the perfect size because I like to carry everything I possibly can in it. You never know when you are going to need something from inside it. Plus, when going to ball games, etc. you can always throw in some snacks and a water bottle or 2. Definitely a mom kind of purse. Plus, it is wide enough and roomy enough to find things without having to dig forever.

This and that

It has been a while again since I have posted. I keep thinking that I will be more regular at this but I run out of things to add and when I think of stuff, I am not available to post.

This has been a fairly interesting week with the kids. Typical stuff probably, but interesting. We watched our school's girls basketball team win a game on Tuesday night in District play but then ended up losing a tough match on Friday night to end their run. I'm so glad that I did not have anybody playing. I am such a nervous wreck watching my own daughter play and this was hard enough when it is such a small school and you know these girls.

Brian's youngest daughter ended up staying the night with a friend and we picked up one of his other daughter's friends to go to the Friday night game with us. Ty of course could not bring himself to ride with us, of course. He rode with other friends. And what should we find when leaving the game?? Ugh, more snow. Most of our snow had melted and we ended up getting another 5-7 inches. Oh, well, spring is coming and it will melt later this week when temps get in the 50's.

KJ also started attending a pitching camp on Wednesday nights following confirmation classes. Her dad is taking her to it and catching for her. I'm so glad that he is taking an interest in what she does. And, I'm proud of her for doing this. I have wanted to get her involved with someone who can really help her learn how to do it correctly. After only 2 practices she has improved her form and says she is learning alot. People come from all over the state to have this guy coach them, so I am really excited to see what she can do this summer. And, maybe Grandma can see her play. (and maybe Grandpa too) I can't believe she will actually be playing high school ball already this summer!!!

Valentine's update

Supper at the Brick City Bar and Grill was great! My lobster was actually not too bad. Since I have never been to the coast and had really good fresh lobster, I don't have much to compare it with, but it was good for the most part. And my dinner partners all enjoyed their steaks. And, surprise of all surprises, my son got a job there!! yeah, finally, no more forking over money for nights out and gas, etc. He is washing dishes and the funny thing is that is one of the first jobs that I ever had and at the same place!!! I talked to him today and he said that he was there until 1 am. Wow, that was a busy night. Good to see for that place. I hope they can keep up the good business in this small community.

After we ate, we sat out at the bar and added another couple, where we visited for a while. It was a good night for conversation with good friends.

Today, following church, we went over to another friend's place to check out the bar he built and watch the Daytona race. About half way through, we both decided we could use a nap, so we headed home. Now I'm posting while they announce that the race is finished due to rain with 48 laps left!! I must have missed a bunch during my nap, because a totally different few racers ended up in the lead. I am glad that the driver who was in the lead ended up in the back. But, my favorite driver didn't fair so hot today. Maybe next time.

Happy Valentine's Day

I texted a few of my friends and family to wish them Happy Valentine's Day today. I tried to tell them I love them as much as I can, because life is too short not to. Today has been a nice relaxing day so far for us. We slept in. I did some chatting with a friend on Facebook and then made a big breakfast late this morning. Then we finally decided to get cleaned up and go out and get a few things from the grocery story then when we got home we finished watching the American Idol episode that we missed earlier in the week. Turned out to be a week full of meetings.

Wednesday night was my first church council meeting at our current church and the a Post Prom meeting on Thursday night following the girls' district game. They won!! I'm really hoping the girls get a chance at state this year. They have some very talented girls on the team. We didn't make it to as many games this year as we would have liked to, but we did make a few.

Tonight we have dinner reservations at a local restaurant. Am hoping to try some good lobster. I haven't had that in quite some time. It's not as if it is readily available here in the Midwest. I have a goal to visit one of the coasts sometime and get a chance to taste some real fresh seafood. I guess I should start a bucket list, because I have lots of little goals like that that I wish to accomplish in the future.

Oh, and I got a nice gift basket from my sweetie for the day, full of chocolates and a bottle of wine. I got him some chocolates (homemade by a coworker) and a nice card. And we also hit the Harley shop today and bought each other a couple of tops. He got a nice shirt to wear tonight and I bought a vest that I have been eyeing. Gives us something nice to wear out. So, now I should get ready for that dinner date and will post and update tomorrow. I hope. I may be napping in between watching the Daytona race.

Happy Valentine's day to the ones I missed earlier. I love you all.

Long time no post

I can't believe it has been this long since I last posted. Life has just been so busy lately. And, things always pick up in the spring. Before long we will have every weekend booked with activities and goings-on.

This past weekend, the kids had a pancake breakfast fundraiser to help raise funds for their trip this summer to New Orleans with their Luther League. I think the parents did most of the work. I know I was exhausted. We had a fairly good turnout. Mostly members of our own church, but that was nice too. They made around $600, which divided between 7 amounted to about $85 apiece. 3 of the 7 were ours, so you know there weren't many people involved. Just sets 4 of parents. One other couple had 2 kids going and the other couples had one child each.

Going to spend Saturday evening (Valentine's night) out for dinner with friends. Should be fun. My friend made reservations already. I still need to pick up something for my sweetie. He asked what I wanted, but I figured the ring was enough for this year. He has always been good about bringing me flowers the past couple of years to work. He sure has the my coworkers thinking he is pretty special. I think they are right.

Today is a sunny and beautiful over 50 degree day. I got the chance to take most of the day off, so I jumped at it. Have been busy getting some little tasks done around the house that I've been working on. And, wasn't looking forward to trying to cram it all in on my weekend. Thought I would try to do one of the meme's that Juli sent me, but my camera seems to have disappeared. I think KJ borrowed it. Will try sometime soon to get those done. I think they would be fun. As soon as, Brian wakes up, I am making him go on a walk with me. KJ and I did on Sunday afternoon that was a nice walk. Also, good mother/daughter time.

Sorry Dad!! I love you-happy belated birthday

I am such a terrible daughter. I forgot my father's birthday. I even called to make it up to him, but he didn't answer. So, I will explain myself this way...and I'm sure I will get a call from mom, as soon as, she read this. :)

We had been planning a big weekend with friends, so that is mostly what was on my mind, but still no excuse for forgetting his special day. We left on Friday to do some shopping. Here is what we found.

Yes, it is an engagement ring!! I finally decided that it was time that I say yes to Brian's proposals. After over 2 years together and already living as man and wife, it was time. I can't see spending the rest of my life with anyone else. He and I are like soulmates and my friends say that they have never seen me happier. This is not a very good picture of the ring, and I should really put lotion on my hands, they look so dry and old! The ring is a solitaire triangle cut diamond and will be the engagement and wedding all in one. After all, we are older and it is not the first marriage for either of us. We are not planning anything extravagant and haven't really set a date, but it will be sometime this year and will be take place somewhere in our motorcycle travels. I think we may have the spot picked out. Then maybe we will just have a picnic gathering with our friends and family to celebrate this summer. Nothing too expensive or extravagant.

Hoping for Brighter Days

I'm not really sure what I want to post tonight. No kids this week, so have some computer time to myself. I've ranted enough to everyone I know about the most recent trouble with Brian's ex. Just more of her greed and selfishness. I wish she would wake up and realize how much she is hurting the kids more than she is trying to accuse us of. I think she is just an unhappy person and is jealous of what Brian and I have together and is afraid that her kids might actually be happy here too. And, it wouldn't bother me if the kids were happy at her house too. Like I told mom it is so hard not to resent her kids when she acts this way. And that makes me stressed more than I need to be.

There are no games this week. KJ has just the one left next week. I took Friday off. We are going to visit friends for the weekend. We haven't had a get away all winter, so will be a nice change of scenery and hope it helps to get me out of this winter funk that I have been in. Everytime something doesn't go right it seems to send me into a downward spiral. We need some good news and fellowship with our friends to help pick up my spirits. Bring on the sun and warm weather I say.

Detox

I am so happy that we got our TV back, although I'm going to miss getting to read as often as I did. I guess I really don't have an excuse. I can always go into another room or shut off the TV to read. But, I am such an addict. I guess we should have gone longer without it to completely detox me from it.

Speaking of detox. I've decided to cleanse myself from the negativity at work also. Everyday at breaktime I sit with the same group of gals and everyday it brings me down. Everything new we try to do to improve the clinic brings some negative comment of how it won't work or what is wrong with it. One even complained because I was putting people's birthdates in the newsletter that I write each week. Not the year, just the date. Come on! It's supposed to be a positive thing, a morale booster. How can it be wrong? Unless you are the sort that doesn't celebrate birthdays. But, I happen to know she is not. Just negative, negative, negative. So, I stopped taking my breaks with them and I hope that I can cleanse myself of the negativity and be a happy positive person again. I've tried sticking up to them, but when it is one again several it is so hard. So, I guess I am taking a passive approach? I don't know, but I'm starting to feel better.

Ramblings

I know I said that I would post more last week, but I guess that didn't happen. I still wasn't feeling well and still not feeling the best yet, but at least there is a little improvement. I just didn't feel like sitting her long enough to put down my thoughts.

Well, I'm off today and taking this opportunity while the kids are getting ready for school to do it. Last week was pretty uneventful, still waiting for the satellite people to come and install a new receiver for us. So, not really sticking around much because there is nothing to watch. We spent one evening at the firestation watching that television, so we wouldn't miss the first episode of this season's American Idol. We did miss the next night though. Luckily, it isn't into the finals where we would miss alot. We normally would DVR the season anyway, so as not to miss any episodes. I have been doing alot of reading though this winter. I finished a series of 3 books by Nora Roberts last week and then finally got the 3rd "Twilight" series back from KJ's classmate and finished that. A coworker lent me some more books to read too, so will start on those probably later today if I find the time. I'm sure there are other things I should do today.

We went out for supper on Saturday night with friends. We found a spot that we will probably hit again. They have the best prime rib. It melted in your mouth. So, mom and dad when you are back again, we can maybe hit that spot sometime. We think we will probably go there again for their fish on a Friday night. I've heard that is good also. Sunday after church, we spent at WalMart stocking up for the week with the kids. We should be good enough now to finish out the winter, maybe. :) I doubt it.

This afternoon, KJ has a basketball game and one left after that. She is excited. I'm a little disappointed, because she doesn't enjoy basketball as much as I did. She says I am forcing her to go out next year, but I say I am not. I just want her to give it a try in high school and then decide because I know that high school will be different. That is where they weed out the players who won't make it. She really enjoys volleyball and track best, so far. After the basketball season, drama begins. She was supposed to have auditions last week, but missed out due to the weather. So, will find out this week what type of part she will have. She did so well last year that I am sure she will be fine again this year.

Then, she asked if we could go to the firestation again so as not to miss out on American Idol. She is so funny. We probably will. And, maybe tomorrow night too, if there isn't a meeting.

Catching up

Wow, seems like I haven't posted in ages. I hadn't been feeling well and I had to work early all last week, so by evening with having the kids around, I didn't feel much like putting any thoughts down. Well, now I sit alone as Brian sleeps, so I have some peace to do it.

Today I had a checkup with my surgeon. Looks like it will continue that way every six months for who knows how long. No problems, but he always seems to think he has to dialate things "down there". So, of course, when I return he has to check it and do it all over again. I always feel as if I have been violated each time. Today he must have done more than usual because it hurt more, there was some bleeding and I thought I was going to throw up. I think I would enjoy a pap more than this. Maybe.

Otherwise, family is the same as usual. Heather is getting her grades back up, except she is still failing Spanish, but that is getting better too. Maybe we won't get a letter from the school this week. Ty seems to be getting along with his dad a little better. KJ is still keeping us busy with activities. She told me that she will be auditioning for the jr high play soon. She got a lead part last year, so I am sure she will do fine this year. Hallie is growing in leaps and bounds and I'm not sure how we are keeping her in clothes. No exaggerations, she won't be able to wear KJ's hand-me-downs much longer. I think she is leaning towards being built like her mother, where Heather favors her Grandma Thomas.

I think I had better get out and shovel some more snow before daylight leaves and more falls. I'll try to post more this week to catch everyone up.