I was reading through some of my old posts, just passing time.. when I stumbled upon this glimpse of my past. It serves as a reminder of why I blog, or take notes in any way about my life.
I had oral surgery on February 10, 2006. That's exactly 2 months ago. The wisdom teeth are gone. The pain is gone. It was totally worth any and all trouble I may have gone through to have the procedure done. Until I read that blog post, I had pretty much forgotten about that part of my life!
...Again, seriously, if you're still suffering with four extra useless teeth in your mouth, and you know who you are, please have them removed. I was the scaredest scaredy cat ever when it came to thinking about having that surgery.. but it was not a big deal, it was easy, and it's over. It has only been 2 months, and I don't ven think about it -- day in, day out, it's just pain-free jaw movement. Go do it!
Tuesday, April 11
Monday, April 10
Worst exposition ever.
Jesse and I spent most of Saturday in the studio at his work. He was mostly working, I was mostly hanging out. We decided to buy a new video game on the way home: Kingdom Hearts II. Yes, this is a Square-Enix collaboration with Disney. Yes, the first game was really fun. Yes, I liked this Disney product. No, I don't generally like Disney. But none of this gets to my point, which is: the beginning of this game suh-hucks.
It's about 4-5 hours of bland cinematics with brief "action" interludes, where you button-mash to do the most boring tasks on earth (beat the crap out of a bag of garbage on a cart to get it up a shallow hill and into a garage ... why didn't they implement a "push" action? .. or "defeat the strange enemies" seven or eight times for no reason -- they haven't even attacked). Dull. We would set the (wireless) controlled down for so long to watch the cut scenes that the controller would shut itself off from lack of use. Lame!
Follow that with 1-2 hours of "Oh my god, is the game going to start now? Wai--wha--crap, no. It's another movie. Oh my GOD this game is so dull!!" They give you so much time to dwell on how bored you are that you start to pick on other things about the game, too.. like why haven't PS2 graphics come further.. and why do they keep using that same music track for such different tasks... and why did they charge $50 for this piece of crap... and why did I even play the first game, if they were going to tell me the whole freaking story over again, complete with footage and dialogue from the original?
Anyway, about 6 hours into it, the game really took off -- and by "took off," I mean we finally got to do some real action stuff, in worlds that already existed in the first game (after that many hours, they still didn't deliver anything new?)
So yeah, can't wait to get back to that game soon. Of course, we will, because we still have an ounce of hope that it will deliver in the end. Please, KH2.. please don't let us down? Please?
It's about 4-5 hours of bland cinematics with brief "action" interludes, where you button-mash to do the most boring tasks on earth (beat the crap out of a bag of garbage on a cart to get it up a shallow hill and into a garage ... why didn't they implement a "push" action? .. or "defeat the strange enemies" seven or eight times for no reason -- they haven't even attacked). Dull. We would set the (wireless) controlled down for so long to watch the cut scenes that the controller would shut itself off from lack of use. Lame!
Follow that with 1-2 hours of "Oh my god, is the game going to start now? Wai--wha--crap, no. It's another movie. Oh my GOD this game is so dull!!" They give you so much time to dwell on how bored you are that you start to pick on other things about the game, too.. like why haven't PS2 graphics come further.. and why do they keep using that same music track for such different tasks... and why did they charge $50 for this piece of crap... and why did I even play the first game, if they were going to tell me the whole freaking story over again, complete with footage and dialogue from the original?
Anyway, about 6 hours into it, the game really took off -- and by "took off," I mean we finally got to do some real action stuff, in worlds that already existed in the first game (after that many hours, they still didn't deliver anything new?)
So yeah, can't wait to get back to that game soon. Of course, we will, because we still have an ounce of hope that it will deliver in the end. Please, KH2.. please don't let us down? Please?
Tuesday, April 4
Finger Cots
Have you ever heard of finger cots? That's right, they're condoms for your fingers.
My friend Mark had a little run-in between a vegetable peeler and his thumb. The thumb got all dramatic and apparently gushed blood for a few minutes. He was an unhappy guy, and had to buy that liquid bandage substance to protect the wound, because bandaids just weren't cutting it for him. Well, he showed off his wound for a week or so, and still mentions it occasionally.
So when Jesse and I were at Walgreens last night, perusing for nothing in particular, we found these most hilarious of First Aid tools. They were purchased, and I presented them to Mark today... explained that there were various sizes (small, medium, large, extra large) in the package... and he actually put one on. So awesome!
Anyway, that's about it. Seriously, folks, finger cots?
My friend Mark had a little run-in between a vegetable peeler and his thumb. The thumb got all dramatic and apparently gushed blood for a few minutes. He was an unhappy guy, and had to buy that liquid bandage substance to protect the wound, because bandaids just weren't cutting it for him. Well, he showed off his wound for a week or so, and still mentions it occasionally.
So when Jesse and I were at Walgreens last night, perusing for nothing in particular, we found these most hilarious of First Aid tools. They were purchased, and I presented them to Mark today... explained that there were various sizes (small, medium, large, extra large) in the package... and he actually put one on. So awesome!
Anyway, that's about it. Seriously, folks, finger cots?
Monday, March 27
Income and Expense
I made a sweet donation to KQED (PBS) a while back and received two tickets to the "Real Estate Wealth Expo" in San Francisco for this past weekend. I invited Jesse to go, but he wasn't totally interested, so I invited my mom, and she was thrilled out of her mind. So my mom and I spent the weekend with about 60,000 other people at Moscone Center (North AND South) learning about real estate. This real estate expo apparently broke records for the largest event of this type ever held anywhere in the world. It was BIG.
There were four "keynote speakers" whose names you may recognize:
1. Suze Orman, finance guru, author and CNBC call-in show host
2. Tony Robbins, motivational speaker and life coach (or .. whatever)
3. Robert Kiyosaki, "Rich Dad/Poor Dad" author, investor
4. Donald Trump, duh
All of these speakers were amazing. They have huge personalities and lots of information to share. In fact, these people did the least amount of SALES while on stage. Throughout both Saturday and Sunday, there were tens of other talks you could attend at various times -- each and every speaker was selling their packaged set of tapes, books and other training for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Suze Orman made no attempt to sell us anything -- I'm not even sure she mentioned that she's an author. So I went out and bought a book of hers, and my mom bought two. My mom already had Robert Kiyosaki's book, and Tony Robbins' tapes, and I watch Donald Trump's The Apprentice TV show. So, they all got our support when all was said and done. =) Great group of speakers. In addition to the famous group of speakers, I also really enjoyed listening to some others, James Smith and David Lindahl. I was very impressed.
It was a lot of fun. It was exhausting (walk walk walk walk walk walk walk, sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit, walk walk walk, sit sit sit sit sit sit), but very motivating and intriguing. Not bad -- I got to support KQED and I got to go to a great weekend-long seminar.
There were four "keynote speakers" whose names you may recognize:
1. Suze Orman, finance guru, author and CNBC call-in show host
2. Tony Robbins, motivational speaker and life coach (or .. whatever)
3. Robert Kiyosaki, "Rich Dad/Poor Dad" author, investor
4. Donald Trump, duh
All of these speakers were amazing. They have huge personalities and lots of information to share. In fact, these people did the least amount of SALES while on stage. Throughout both Saturday and Sunday, there were tens of other talks you could attend at various times -- each and every speaker was selling their packaged set of tapes, books and other training for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Suze Orman made no attempt to sell us anything -- I'm not even sure she mentioned that she's an author. So I went out and bought a book of hers, and my mom bought two. My mom already had Robert Kiyosaki's book, and Tony Robbins' tapes, and I watch Donald Trump's The Apprentice TV show. So, they all got our support when all was said and done. =) Great group of speakers. In addition to the famous group of speakers, I also really enjoyed listening to some others, James Smith and David Lindahl. I was very impressed.
It was a lot of fun. It was exhausting (walk walk walk walk walk walk walk, sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit, walk walk walk, sit sit sit sit sit sit), but very motivating and intriguing. Not bad -- I got to support KQED and I got to go to a great weekend-long seminar.
Monday, March 13
Taxes and Awards
Jesse and I did our taxes this weekend. Yes, you can congratulate us. We don't owe any money. Suh-weet!
Jess also told me today that he found out he can bring a guest to the Game Audio Network Guild Awards on March 23. Excellent. =) I'm going to an awards ceremony with Bug! It'll be interesting to see how game awards go...
Jess also told me today that he found out he can bring a guest to the Game Audio Network Guild Awards on March 23. Excellent. =) I'm going to an awards ceremony with Bug! It'll be interesting to see how game awards go...
Monday, February 27
Ker-time-travel!
Ker-time-travel is a great sound.
I hear that this is also something Jesse would enjoy. Maybe we should keep it in mind for his birthday.
But this is my favorite for many, many reasons. Okay, two: I love the show The Nanny, and I constantly repeat that line from Deuce Bigalow, European Jigalo [sp] that goes, "Hi, I'm Deuce Big-gest lady I've ever seen!"
Yes, this is the Amanda you never knew.
I hear that this is also something Jesse would enjoy. Maybe we should keep it in mind for his birthday.
But this is my favorite for many, many reasons. Okay, two: I love the show The Nanny, and I constantly repeat that line from Deuce Bigalow, European Jigalo [sp] that goes, "Hi, I'm Deuce Big-gest lady I've ever seen!"
Yes, this is the Amanda you never knew.
Sunday, February 26
How I made it through the weekend
First off, I left work at 5:30pm (woah, early) on Friday so that Jesse and I could head off to Cirque du Soleil. Let me just say, for the record, that I am a serious Cirque critic. I had seen six of their shows (Nouvelle Experience, Quidam, Dralion, O, Varekai, La Nouba) before Friday, and with the exception of La Nouba, the quality of the shows had been draining since Quidam. So, off we went, and I was so excited -- even though I only half-expected to be impressed.
But woah, nelly! As soon as we walked into the Big Top (le grand chapiteau), we knew we were in for a treat! What beautiful set design. It was very elegant with a Victorian flare -- there was a scrim painted with heavy "curtains," cherubim and seraphim.. and there were beautiful antique candellabra, and strings of dim light bulbs ... anyway, I think you probably had to be there. If you've seen any Cirque shows before, you probably wouldn't expect such a heavy-looking atmosphere. It's usually very modern and ephemeral. We sat there, tittering and nearly bouncing in our seats, we were so excited to see what else was next -- you'd think, at this point, that we were just in for a royal let-down, but noooooo... it was awesome. That's all. Just beautiful. After six or seven Cirque performances, you're used to the jaw-dropping acrobatic stunts, and the superb performances.. but the costumes! The lighting! The style and design of it all.. it was so impressive.
So, when you see one of those big Corteo billboards (if they're coming to your town, you will), just know that their little advertisement drawing doesn't do the show any justice whatsoever. It's a gorgeous show. I wouldn't say it has the most amazing stunts (not that the stunts aren't fantastic -- just that other shows are stronger in that area), but it is on the top of the list for Cirque beauty. There are some visuals in Corteo that make you think giddy thoughts like, "Wow, why isn't the world like this all the time?" and "I feel like the luckiest kid on earth! This is like a fairy tale!"
So, go see it. It's expensive (all Cirque shows are, and it's only getting worse), but I have to say ... it's worth it. (Not that I paid for it, because it was a Christmas present from Jesse... but you know what I mean)
...and now we move on to the part of the post I like to call, "the rest of my weekend" -- the other 48 hours of the weekend, as compared to the 3 hours of Cirque du Soleil, will only take 2/5 the number of words (the blog police can test me):
Jesse and I got up on Saturday and I made chocolate chip waffles for breakfast -- "woah, chocolate chip waffles?" you might ask.. to which I would answer, "yes, they were yummy, and I even dusted them with powdered sugar. how very domestic of me." Then we went to Santa Cruz to buy a new "alumni" license plate frame for my car, and to have linner out on the wharf, perched up over the water. Pretty! Followed by some hardcore couch-potatoing and then bed. Sunday, we woke up and headed over to a Cingular Wireless store, where they proceeded to tell us that a Motorola Razr phone would cost us our life savings unless we needed a new contract, so we left. Then we shopped at Target a little and came home to do laundry and make veggie corn dogs for dinner. I also took a bath (very european) and did my self review for work, two weeks late. Now you're all caught up on my weekend. Happy Monday!
But woah, nelly! As soon as we walked into the Big Top (le grand chapiteau), we knew we were in for a treat! What beautiful set design. It was very elegant with a Victorian flare -- there was a scrim painted with heavy "curtains," cherubim and seraphim.. and there were beautiful antique candellabra, and strings of dim light bulbs ... anyway, I think you probably had to be there. If you've seen any Cirque shows before, you probably wouldn't expect such a heavy-looking atmosphere. It's usually very modern and ephemeral. We sat there, tittering and nearly bouncing in our seats, we were so excited to see what else was next -- you'd think, at this point, that we were just in for a royal let-down, but noooooo... it was awesome. That's all. Just beautiful. After six or seven Cirque performances, you're used to the jaw-dropping acrobatic stunts, and the superb performances.. but the costumes! The lighting! The style and design of it all.. it was so impressive.
So, when you see one of those big Corteo billboards (if they're coming to your town, you will), just know that their little advertisement drawing doesn't do the show any justice whatsoever. It's a gorgeous show. I wouldn't say it has the most amazing stunts (not that the stunts aren't fantastic -- just that other shows are stronger in that area), but it is on the top of the list for Cirque beauty. There are some visuals in Corteo that make you think giddy thoughts like, "Wow, why isn't the world like this all the time?" and "I feel like the luckiest kid on earth! This is like a fairy tale!"
So, go see it. It's expensive (all Cirque shows are, and it's only getting worse), but I have to say ... it's worth it. (Not that I paid for it, because it was a Christmas present from Jesse... but you know what I mean)
...and now we move on to the part of the post I like to call, "the rest of my weekend" -- the other 48 hours of the weekend, as compared to the 3 hours of Cirque du Soleil, will only take 2/5 the number of words (the blog police can test me):
Jesse and I got up on Saturday and I made chocolate chip waffles for breakfast -- "woah, chocolate chip waffles?" you might ask.. to which I would answer, "yes, they were yummy, and I even dusted them with powdered sugar. how very domestic of me." Then we went to Santa Cruz to buy a new "alumni" license plate frame for my car, and to have linner out on the wharf, perched up over the water. Pretty! Followed by some hardcore couch-potatoing and then bed. Sunday, we woke up and headed over to a Cingular Wireless store, where they proceeded to tell us that a Motorola Razr phone would cost us our life savings unless we needed a new contract, so we left. Then we shopped at Target a little and came home to do laundry and make veggie corn dogs for dinner. I also took a bath (very european) and did my self review for work, two weeks late. Now you're all caught up on my weekend. Happy Monday!
Friday, February 24
Pretty Good Day
I worked really late last night -- didn't go to bed until 3:45am. But that was my punishment for not getting much done at work yesterday. I don't know what it is about my mind or body or whatever, but I love to work late at night. It's satisfying, I get a lot done, I can concentrate, I enjoy it. Anyway, I'm getting a lot done today at work, too. But that's because I have to. Have to. I turned down an invite to go out to lunch -- just hangin' out at my desk...
...because I'm going to see Cirque du Soleil's Corteo tonight with Jesse! Woohoo! It was one of his Christmas presents to me. I'm really excited to get out and see live performers, hear live music, and generally to be really content.
So I'm leaving work early today in order to get there on time. I have a lot to get done before then, so I'll bid you, my blog-reading audience, adieu. I wish you well, and I hope you're also having a pretty good day.
...because I'm going to see Cirque du Soleil's Corteo tonight with Jesse! Woohoo! It was one of his Christmas presents to me. I'm really excited to get out and see live performers, hear live music, and generally to be really content.
So I'm leaving work early today in order to get there on time. I have a lot to get done before then, so I'll bid you, my blog-reading audience, adieu. I wish you well, and I hope you're also having a pretty good day.
Thursday, February 23
New rule.
Identify yourself if you comment on this blog!
It came to my attention that a few of my friends actually read my blog. Yet only one or two people comment. It occurred to me that maybe it was because I only allow Blogger users to comment here. So today, I changed the settings -- now non-Bloggers can comment. But you must tell me who you are. =) Even if that means emailing me with your special symbol or something.. I don't know.. something. =)
But, in other news, I'm thrilled that new "anonymous" people are lingering and commenting. Makes it worth my while to write. Welcome, anonnymooses!
It came to my attention that a few of my friends actually read my blog. Yet only one or two people comment. It occurred to me that maybe it was because I only allow Blogger users to comment here. So today, I changed the settings -- now non-Bloggers can comment. But you must tell me who you are. =) Even if that means emailing me with your special symbol or something.. I don't know.. something. =)
But, in other news, I'm thrilled that new "anonymous" people are lingering and commenting. Makes it worth my while to write. Welcome, anonnymooses!
Wednesday, February 22
And that's that.
I went to my follow-up appointment today for the ol' wisdom teeth extraction thing. The doctor was happy with the condition of the "area of surgery." He seemed concerned to find out if I had any numbness in my lip, chin or tongue. Apparently, my bottom wisdom teeth roots were so long that they had tangled around the nerve that leads to my lower lip. He seemed very relieved that I am experiencing no numbness whatsoever. That said, I believe that I am the most relieved one here. =) So anyway, he showed me my teeth (apparently they keep the patient's teeth if they are unusual in any way) and checked my mouth and then I was outta there!
That means it's done! Aside from the fact that I still have open wounds in my mouth, I'm doing very well. Almost no pain at all, except for the occasional chewing-induced ache, cured easily by Advil. All's well.
I'll say it again: go get your wisdom teeth removed. =)
That means it's done! Aside from the fact that I still have open wounds in my mouth, I'm doing very well. Almost no pain at all, except for the occasional chewing-induced ache, cured easily by Advil. All's well.
I'll say it again: go get your wisdom teeth removed. =)
Tuesday, February 14
It's Pink Flower Day!
Pink flowers! Specifically, gorgeous long-stem pink roses! Valentine's Day should be my favorite holiday, with all the pink!
This morning, my friend Mark presented me with two beautiful long-stem pink roses. I was touched! I couldn't figure out why Mark was giving me pink flowers.. He's a prankster, though, and made light of it. About an hour later, my friend Chelsea presented me with an identical pair of roses. Of course, then I was totally suspicious. Chelsea said that Mark put her up to it. Then some time passed.. there was a meeting, and lunch, and sitting around and working and all, and then I decided to call Jesse and poke at him and see what he would tell me.
Although Jesse hasn't admitted anything, I can't imagine why else I would have received two more identical pairs of roses this afternoon from friends Sharlene and Katie, bringing my current total toeight.
...Rob just dropped by with a suspiciously similar set. Total =ten.
...David just dropped by with the sixth identical set. Total = one dozen!!
And they all just say the same thing, "Happy Valentine's Day, Amanda!" and walk away.
So, Dear Diary, I'll keep you updated...
This morning, my friend Mark presented me with two beautiful long-stem pink roses. I was touched! I couldn't figure out why Mark was giving me pink flowers.. He's a prankster, though, and made light of it. About an hour later, my friend Chelsea presented me with an identical pair of roses. Of course, then I was totally suspicious. Chelsea said that Mark put her up to it. Then some time passed.. there was a meeting, and lunch, and sitting around and working and all, and then I decided to call Jesse and poke at him and see what he would tell me.
Although Jesse hasn't admitted anything, I can't imagine why else I would have received two more identical pairs of roses this afternoon from friends Sharlene and Katie, bringing my current total to
...Rob just dropped by with a suspiciously similar set. Total =
...David just dropped by with the sixth identical set. Total = one dozen!!
And they all just say the same thing, "Happy Valentine's Day, Amanda!" and walk away.
So, Dear Diary, I'll keep you updated...
Pain, pain, go away..
I'm back at work today. I had the surgery on Friday, then I worked from home on Monday. I didn't use any pain killers yesterday until around 7pm. Today, I woke up and took some Advil, then I had some more at lunch time.. and I'm still in pain. I think it's all the talking and laughing and smiling I've done today that's tiring out my poor achin' jaw. Not to mention -- I chewed actual food at lunch today. Gah, pain.
So I'm still really happy I had the teeth pulled, and I'm happy to be at work and socializing, but it hoits, it hoits.
Pretty soon, it'll stop hurting and I won't even think about it anymore.. right?
So I'm still really happy I had the teeth pulled, and I'm happy to be at work and socializing, but it hoits, it hoits.
Pretty soon, it'll stop hurting and I won't even think about it anymore.. right?
Saturday, February 11
That wasn't so bad!
If you still have your wisdom teeth, but you should've had them taken out.. just go do it. It wasn't that bad. Take it from me -- I was scared poopless about getting it done, and it wasn't that big of a deal.
I got the nitrous to calm me down about the I.V., then they stuck me once in the arm while I inhaled (meh.. I didn't even get dizzy!) ... then I felt them stick me for the novacaine, but I don't think I cared too much. I was mostly out by that point.. then I was really out. They didn't put me to *sleep*, because I was supposed to be vaguely aware of what was happening. The only thing I remember was flinching whenever I heard someone turn on a saw (two or three times), and I heard the doctor say, sternly, "Don't do that." (I don't think they wanted me to flinch) ...
But then I opened my eyes, and a sweet lady was telling me I was all done, and I was being rolled into another room, and my mom was there, and they told me to sit up, and I did, and they told me to answer some questions (and I tried), and then they eventually asked me to stand, and they walked me out to my mom's truck.. and I dozed on and off the whole way home. The only thing I really wanted after leaving the office was some water.. My throat and mouth were so dry that I couldn't swallow. My mom said you could hear my skin sticking together as I tried. No harm done, I dribbled some water, and that was fixed. Back to sleep.
I got home, was starving, slurped down some apple sauce (dribbled a bunch too) .. slept, more apple sauce, pain killers, sleep, rinse, repeat. Eventually I graduated to chocolate pudding & pain killers, and weak iced tea.. and sleep. Ice packs, pain killers, sleep, and eventually the only things left that were numb were my bottom lip and my tongue. That was all but gone by my actual bedtime, and I slept through the night.
Now, on my second day, I just have some lower jaw discomfort (like someone punched me, a little swollen, stiffness on the left side) .. but all's well. Mashed potatoes are pretty much my favorite food right now. As it turns out, most soft foods are sweet, but that gets old quick. I tried to take just Advil today, but it didn't help the pain much, so I went back to Vicodin. The day has been better since then.. I get drowsy, I watch TV, I eat ice cream.
All in all, a superbly positive experience. =) The post-surgery pain is nothing compared to what I expected -- just a little stiff and sore (mostly stiff). Looking forward to getting the stitches out, and moving back onto solid foods. Anyway, do it if you haven't done it yet. If you're in the Bay Area, I can recommend a good doctor. =) Yay, it's over! Woohoo!
Thanks for being my Health Brigade, Bug! =)
I got the nitrous to calm me down about the I.V., then they stuck me once in the arm while I inhaled (meh.. I didn't even get dizzy!) ... then I felt them stick me for the novacaine, but I don't think I cared too much. I was mostly out by that point.. then I was really out. They didn't put me to *sleep*, because I was supposed to be vaguely aware of what was happening. The only thing I remember was flinching whenever I heard someone turn on a saw (two or three times), and I heard the doctor say, sternly, "Don't do that." (I don't think they wanted me to flinch) ...
But then I opened my eyes, and a sweet lady was telling me I was all done, and I was being rolled into another room, and my mom was there, and they told me to sit up, and I did, and they told me to answer some questions (and I tried), and then they eventually asked me to stand, and they walked me out to my mom's truck.. and I dozed on and off the whole way home. The only thing I really wanted after leaving the office was some water.. My throat and mouth were so dry that I couldn't swallow. My mom said you could hear my skin sticking together as I tried. No harm done, I dribbled some water, and that was fixed. Back to sleep.
I got home, was starving, slurped down some apple sauce (dribbled a bunch too) .. slept, more apple sauce, pain killers, sleep, rinse, repeat. Eventually I graduated to chocolate pudding & pain killers, and weak iced tea.. and sleep. Ice packs, pain killers, sleep, and eventually the only things left that were numb were my bottom lip and my tongue. That was all but gone by my actual bedtime, and I slept through the night.
Now, on my second day, I just have some lower jaw discomfort (like someone punched me, a little swollen, stiffness on the left side) .. but all's well. Mashed potatoes are pretty much my favorite food right now. As it turns out, most soft foods are sweet, but that gets old quick. I tried to take just Advil today, but it didn't help the pain much, so I went back to Vicodin. The day has been better since then.. I get drowsy, I watch TV, I eat ice cream.
All in all, a superbly positive experience. =) The post-surgery pain is nothing compared to what I expected -- just a little stiff and sore (mostly stiff). Looking forward to getting the stitches out, and moving back onto solid foods. Anyway, do it if you haven't done it yet. If you're in the Bay Area, I can recommend a good doctor. =) Yay, it's over! Woohoo!
Thanks for being my Health Brigade, Bug! =)
Tuesday, February 7
Surgery & Sickness
I'm petrified of doctors. I used to love to get my eyes checked, regular check-ups, teeth cleanings.. but now I hate all of it. It all started with that needle one doctor stuck in my eye. It ruined me! I also pass out for various reasons now. I threaten to all the time when I think a doctor wants to do anything remotely traumatizing for a treatment. Especially around needles. [shovel]
Anyway, the needle-in-the-eye thing happened when I was 18. Since then, various dentists have told me I need to have all four of my wisdom teeth removed. I'm 25 years old, which means I've put up with teething pain and other jaw and cheek pain for seven years. [sigh] So I went in for a consultation at an oral surgeon's office this past Friday, at a friend's referral. He was a stern guy, but confident. I really want to get my wisdom teeth out before there are other age-related issues to worry about. And what if I'm ever without health insurance? Anyway, it's time. I made my appointment for this Friday, February 10th, at 10:45am. Stay tuned for news.
In order to have the surgery, I have to fast for 8 hours prior to going in, which includes NO food, NO drinks, NO water.. and I can't be sick. Now, Jesse has been sick lately, with a head cold or the flu or something. We've been trying to make sure I don't get sick, but I'm not sure we fully succeeded. Yesterday, I started getting the same symptoms he had a week ago. =( So I'm guzzling Airborne and sucking down 100 ounces of water a day.. Doing everything I can to stay healthy. I don't want to have to skip the surgery -- I may not re-schedule. =(
Ok, once this whole surgery thing is out of the way, I'll try to post something cheerful. =)
Anyway, the needle-in-the-eye thing happened when I was 18. Since then, various dentists have told me I need to have all four of my wisdom teeth removed. I'm 25 years old, which means I've put up with teething pain and other jaw and cheek pain for seven years. [sigh] So I went in for a consultation at an oral surgeon's office this past Friday, at a friend's referral. He was a stern guy, but confident. I really want to get my wisdom teeth out before there are other age-related issues to worry about. And what if I'm ever without health insurance? Anyway, it's time. I made my appointment for this Friday, February 10th, at 10:45am. Stay tuned for news.
In order to have the surgery, I have to fast for 8 hours prior to going in, which includes NO food, NO drinks, NO water.. and I can't be sick. Now, Jesse has been sick lately, with a head cold or the flu or something. We've been trying to make sure I don't get sick, but I'm not sure we fully succeeded. Yesterday, I started getting the same symptoms he had a week ago. =( So I'm guzzling Airborne and sucking down 100 ounces of water a day.. Doing everything I can to stay healthy. I don't want to have to skip the surgery -- I may not re-schedule. =(
Ok, once this whole surgery thing is out of the way, I'll try to post something cheerful. =)
Wednesday, January 11
Now we're cookin'
Jesse and I have been cooking for ourselves since we got back from the Christmas/New Year holiday travel blitz. We've sat down to breakfast together every morning, packed lunches together, and then come home to either make or serve (if slow-cooked during the day) dinner. Just wanted to note that it has been such a nice change. =) Even though we're obviously spending more time on meals, I feel like our home life is a lot less hectic. We've even somehow managed to keep up with our dishes every single day. Flamazing.
Now, the studio/office is a whole different situation.. we'll have to get around to cleaning it someday. It's mostly my fault - I got a new (well, two new) keyboard(s) and printer for Christmas, but I haven't set up the printer (huge box in the middle of the floor) and I left out the packaging for one keyboard, along with the second, unpacked, keyboard. Oh yeah -- does anyone want to buy my second keyboard? I don't want to go through the hassle of finding a store to return it, and get store credit.. yuck.
But meals! Meals are going well. I feel healthier (imagine that -- not eating out every night), and I know we're saving money. w00t.
Now, the studio/office is a whole different situation.. we'll have to get around to cleaning it someday. It's mostly my fault - I got a new (well, two new) keyboard(s) and printer for Christmas, but I haven't set up the printer (huge box in the middle of the floor) and I left out the packaging for one keyboard, along with the second, unpacked, keyboard. Oh yeah -- does anyone want to buy my second keyboard? I don't want to go through the hassle of finding a store to return it, and get store credit.. yuck.
But meals! Meals are going well. I feel healthier (imagine that -- not eating out every night), and I know we're saving money. w00t.
Wednesday, January 4
Christmas is over!!!
With all the traveling we did this Christmas, I'm really excited that I'll soon be able to sit down and relax... especially since, now that I have a slow-cooker, I won't have to think about what to cook for dinner nearly every night. =P Gotta spend some time looking for excellent recipes to fill the tried-and-true-recipe box.
Now, all that's left to do that's Christmas-related is: ship remaining gifts that either didn't arrive on time (Kody-pink fuzzy dice, my dad-slow cooker) or didn't get sent out by us on time (Ry and Lisa, calendar and sample library), unpack the gifts we received at our first christmas (haven't gone through them since Christmas Eve, because they were left at my mom's house when we flew out to Philly).... and sleep.
Jesse and I never quite recovered from jet lag -- we were sleeping from 11pm or midnignt to 8 or 9am pacific time the whole time we were on the East Coast.. that translates to 2 or 3am to 11am or noon. So it would seem like we got enough sleep, but I'm still exhausted. Yawning all day. =(
Ack, blogging is hard. For the past 6 months, I haven't been able to think of anything to say here. So I guess I'm going to stop writing now. TTYL!
Now, all that's left to do that's Christmas-related is: ship remaining gifts that either didn't arrive on time (Kody-pink fuzzy dice, my dad-slow cooker) or didn't get sent out by us on time (Ry and Lisa, calendar and sample library), unpack the gifts we received at our first christmas (haven't gone through them since Christmas Eve, because they were left at my mom's house when we flew out to Philly).... and sleep.
Jesse and I never quite recovered from jet lag -- we were sleeping from 11pm or midnignt to 8 or 9am pacific time the whole time we were on the East Coast.. that translates to 2 or 3am to 11am or noon. So it would seem like we got enough sleep, but I'm still exhausted. Yawning all day. =(
Ack, blogging is hard. For the past 6 months, I haven't been able to think of anything to say here. So I guess I'm going to stop writing now. TTYL!
Tuesday, November 29
Christmas is coming!!!
It's that time of year again! I've been listening to Christmas music for the past two weeks (yes, since before Thanksgiving). I *love* Christmas. Wanna know why?
1. I love the warmth of the indoors because of the COLD out-of-doors.
2. I love buying presents that will make people happy.
3. I love wrapping presents.
4. I love Toys for Tots.
5. I love knowing that people all over the world are genuinely concerned about the well-being of strangers, if only for a short period of time. That short period of time is these next few weeks, and I love this holiday for it.
6. I love all the little kids running around desperate to get on their parents' (and Santa's) good side just in time for the parade of presents.
7. I love turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy and stuffing.
8. I love that people complain if they love their family's home-cooking but aren't able to have it. How often do you get to hear people saying nice things about being with their families?
9. I love White Elephant gift exchanges.
10. I love Christmas music.
11. I love shopping when the people around me are also shopping with the same goal -- to find the perfect gift for someone on their list. How often during the year do we have shared goals with virtually everyone around us? It's the great, invisible, Christmas bond!
12. I love sweaters and scarves and gloves. I love when they're printed with snowflakes and other cold-related symbols. Cozy!
13. I love Christmas generosity -- like when you're out with friends or family shopping, and one person volunteers to run out in the cold/rain/snow to fetch the car, while everyone else can huddle together for warmth. Or when people give money to those "annoying" bell-ringers outside of every grocery store, just because it's Christmas.
14. I love creating surprises!
15. I love overcoming a good mystery (like figuring out what my gift is before Christmas -- sorry, Bug).
16. I love the smell of pine needles and Winter spices.
17. I love to bake.
18. I love seeing a beautiful Christmas tree decked-out with candy canes and lights and presents, not to mention a star on top!
19. I love driving around neighborhoods to check out Christmas lights and decorations -- the outward, physical evidence of a community's celebration of a holiday is so special. No matter how they celebrate or why.
20. I love the simplicity of Christmas. People are generous and happy (or at least attempting to be both). And there are only so many symbols of Christmas, and yet they're re-interpreted every year and for each new generation. Santa, snowflakes, snowmen, the tree, stars, gifts, candy canes, sleighs, reindeer, lights, wreaths. Everyone knows the stories. Everyone knows the songs.
I love it! You can think it's cheesy. You can be cynical. But I plan to be happy. I plan to be generous. I plan to be refreshed by the season. You Summer-lovers have had your "day in the sun." I plan to enjoy my day by the fire. =) Happy Christmas!!!
1. I love the warmth of the indoors because of the COLD out-of-doors.
2. I love buying presents that will make people happy.
3. I love wrapping presents.
4. I love Toys for Tots.
5. I love knowing that people all over the world are genuinely concerned about the well-being of strangers, if only for a short period of time. That short period of time is these next few weeks, and I love this holiday for it.
6. I love all the little kids running around desperate to get on their parents' (and Santa's) good side just in time for the parade of presents.
7. I love turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy and stuffing.
8. I love that people complain if they love their family's home-cooking but aren't able to have it. How often do you get to hear people saying nice things about being with their families?
9. I love White Elephant gift exchanges.
10. I love Christmas music.
11. I love shopping when the people around me are also shopping with the same goal -- to find the perfect gift for someone on their list. How often during the year do we have shared goals with virtually everyone around us? It's the great, invisible, Christmas bond!
12. I love sweaters and scarves and gloves. I love when they're printed with snowflakes and other cold-related symbols. Cozy!
13. I love Christmas generosity -- like when you're out with friends or family shopping, and one person volunteers to run out in the cold/rain/snow to fetch the car, while everyone else can huddle together for warmth. Or when people give money to those "annoying" bell-ringers outside of every grocery store, just because it's Christmas.
14. I love creating surprises!
15. I love overcoming a good mystery (like figuring out what my gift is before Christmas -- sorry, Bug).
16. I love the smell of pine needles and Winter spices.
17. I love to bake.
18. I love seeing a beautiful Christmas tree decked-out with candy canes and lights and presents, not to mention a star on top!
19. I love driving around neighborhoods to check out Christmas lights and decorations -- the outward, physical evidence of a community's celebration of a holiday is so special. No matter how they celebrate or why.
20. I love the simplicity of Christmas. People are generous and happy (or at least attempting to be both). And there are only so many symbols of Christmas, and yet they're re-interpreted every year and for each new generation. Santa, snowflakes, snowmen, the tree, stars, gifts, candy canes, sleighs, reindeer, lights, wreaths. Everyone knows the stories. Everyone knows the songs.
I love it! You can think it's cheesy. You can be cynical. But I plan to be happy. I plan to be generous. I plan to be refreshed by the season. You Summer-lovers have had your "day in the sun." I plan to enjoy my day by the fire. =) Happy Christmas!!!
Wednesday, November 23
Scattered thoughts
My mood is all over the place today. I'm listening to fast music, depressing music, foreign lyrics, hip hop, Tori Amos.. weird. I usually like to stick to one style (that's the way my moods work, anyway).
Anyway, I'm scattered today. I think it's because of the anticipation I'm feeling about this weekend. Jesse and I are headed up to Groveland for Thanksgiving tomorrow morning. We're meeting my brothers and parents there. The last time Jesse and I went away for Thanksgiving with my family, the atmosphere was a disaster. I'm really, really hoping that doesn't happen again. Also, Jesse will be worried about our cat, Phillip, because we'll be gone for longer than usual. And I'm tired. I haven't been able to fall asleep lately, but I still have to get up at the same time in the morning. =) In any case, I just don't think this will feel like a "long weekend." I think it'll be more like a long weekend.
On top of that, I'm at work today.. and lots of other people are, too. But the parking lot is empty as though no one's here. It's really bizarre. It's just a bizarre day. And I'm doing someone else's work, because that person is already on vacation.
It's sort of like the Twilight Zone. Ever have one of those days? It's the middle of the week, but it's the end of the week. Remember how I said I was having scattered thoughts? Toldja so.
Anyway, I'm scattered today. I think it's because of the anticipation I'm feeling about this weekend. Jesse and I are headed up to Groveland for Thanksgiving tomorrow morning. We're meeting my brothers and parents there. The last time Jesse and I went away for Thanksgiving with my family, the atmosphere was a disaster. I'm really, really hoping that doesn't happen again. Also, Jesse will be worried about our cat, Phillip, because we'll be gone for longer than usual. And I'm tired. I haven't been able to fall asleep lately, but I still have to get up at the same time in the morning. =) In any case, I just don't think this will feel like a "long weekend." I think it'll be more like a long weekend.
On top of that, I'm at work today.. and lots of other people are, too. But the parking lot is empty as though no one's here. It's really bizarre. It's just a bizarre day. And I'm doing someone else's work, because that person is already on vacation.
It's sort of like the Twilight Zone. Ever have one of those days? It's the middle of the week, but it's the end of the week. Remember how I said I was having scattered thoughts? Toldja so.
Monday, November 21
Multi-media reviews, in short
"Elephunk" by Black Eyed Peas
I know this is their older album, but I just imported it to my iTunes list, so I'm actually listening to it now. Good stuff! Super energetic. Great production. Catchy tunes. Not always the most elegant choices lyrically ("Let's get retarded," "The girlies in the club got the plump lump-lumpas," etc.), but it's the beat and the production you listen for... These guys are geniuses when it comes to the hook. It's money well-spent. I encourage you to listen to BEP, if you don't already. My favorites: "Let's Get It Started" (the extended album version is really good), "The Boogie That Be," "Smells Like Funk," "Shut Up," and "Hey Mama" (this is the song that made me start IMing with exclamation marks for no reason -- happy music!).
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Holy smokes! Good movie. =) I'm all caught up on the books, so they sometimes blur together in my mind. I went into the theater knowing the basic chunks of the story, but not all the details and relevant characters. Let me tell you: this movie tells the story well! I never felt like I was falling behind on the story, and yet it didn't drag at all ([ahem] Chamber of Secrets [ahem]).. in fact, I found myself gasping at some of the more adrenaline-driven moments. Amazing special effects, great story-telling (tons of the content from the book was removed with a great result), better acting overall ([ahem] Emma Watson still over-acts a little [ahem]). I even really loved the music. Yay, Patrick Doyle! I loved his work on Great Expectations, among other movies.
Go see the new Harry Potter movie. =) And buy a BEP album.
I know this is their older album, but I just imported it to my iTunes list, so I'm actually listening to it now. Good stuff! Super energetic. Great production. Catchy tunes. Not always the most elegant choices lyrically ("Let's get retarded," "The girlies in the club got the plump lump-lumpas," etc.), but it's the beat and the production you listen for... These guys are geniuses when it comes to the hook. It's money well-spent. I encourage you to listen to BEP, if you don't already. My favorites: "Let's Get It Started" (the extended album version is really good), "The Boogie That Be," "Smells Like Funk," "Shut Up," and "Hey Mama" (this is the song that made me start IMing with exclamation marks for no reason -- happy music!).
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Holy smokes! Good movie. =) I'm all caught up on the books, so they sometimes blur together in my mind. I went into the theater knowing the basic chunks of the story, but not all the details and relevant characters. Let me tell you: this movie tells the story well! I never felt like I was falling behind on the story, and yet it didn't drag at all ([ahem] Chamber of Secrets [ahem]).. in fact, I found myself gasping at some of the more adrenaline-driven moments. Amazing special effects, great story-telling (tons of the content from the book was removed with a great result), better acting overall ([ahem] Emma Watson still over-acts a little [ahem]). I even really loved the music. Yay, Patrick Doyle! I loved his work on Great Expectations, among other movies.
Go see the new Harry Potter movie. =) And buy a BEP album.
Tuesday, November 15
I got a few haircuts...
No, that's not just me being unclever, messing up the already-unfunny saying "I got a few hairs cut." I actually got a few haircuts.
On Friday, I went with two other friends to get a haircut. I went first. I didn't *love* it, but you know.. sometimes you just need to put your own styling flare on the 'do before it looks right to you. Fine. Then our guy friend got his hair cut. Then my other girl friend got her hair cut. She didn't look thrilled, but she wasn't saying she didn't like it .. just that she "didn't know." Oh well.
So we all went our separate ways Friday night.. I got home and decided I didn't like my hair. I felt like I had a mullet. Too many short hairs up front, plus long hair in back = mullet. So I resolved to get it fixed somewhere else. I made an appointment on Saturday afternoon -- it was settled. I would be getting my hair fixed on Monday evening!
On Saturday night, I went to another mutual friend's housewarming party. My haircut buddy girl friend had chopped all her hair off!! Apparently, she went home crying that night and decided to get it fixed an hour later. Our sentiments weren't too far off from each other! =)
So yesterday, I finally got my turn to get the haircut fixed -- another small fortune later, I love my hair. I went from mid-back to shoulder-length, and it's a much nicer style. Mullet is gone. The stylist said it wasn't perfect yet, because there was still a majority-rule of short hair in front, but you so can't tell. It's fixed, as far as I'm concerned.
So I went from having really long hair and only getting a cut twice a year to having shoulder-length hair after two haircuts in a single weekend. ;) Even though it cost me an arm and a leg to go through the ordeal, I'm still really happy with the result. =)
On Friday, I went with two other friends to get a haircut. I went first. I didn't *love* it, but you know.. sometimes you just need to put your own styling flare on the 'do before it looks right to you. Fine. Then our guy friend got his hair cut. Then my other girl friend got her hair cut. She didn't look thrilled, but she wasn't saying she didn't like it .. just that she "didn't know." Oh well.
So we all went our separate ways Friday night.. I got home and decided I didn't like my hair. I felt like I had a mullet. Too many short hairs up front, plus long hair in back = mullet. So I resolved to get it fixed somewhere else. I made an appointment on Saturday afternoon -- it was settled. I would be getting my hair fixed on Monday evening!
On Saturday night, I went to another mutual friend's housewarming party. My haircut buddy girl friend had chopped all her hair off!! Apparently, she went home crying that night and decided to get it fixed an hour later. Our sentiments weren't too far off from each other! =)
So yesterday, I finally got my turn to get the haircut fixed -- another small fortune later, I love my hair. I went from mid-back to shoulder-length, and it's a much nicer style. Mullet is gone. The stylist said it wasn't perfect yet, because there was still a majority-rule of short hair in front, but you so can't tell. It's fixed, as far as I'm concerned.
So I went from having really long hair and only getting a cut twice a year to having shoulder-length hair after two haircuts in a single weekend. ;) Even though it cost me an arm and a leg to go through the ordeal, I'm still really happy with the result. =)
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