My mum sent me an email this morning asking me to call her asap as she couldn't find my work number. I honestly didn't think anything about it. I did call her right away as soon as I saw the email message (almost right away). My Aunt J, my Mum's sister died this morning.
We knew it was coming. She's been quite ill, getting progressively worse. I guess I just secretly thought she might pull a fast one on us and make it through this as well. After all, practically everyone had given up on her (except for my Mum) during the bad part post liver transplant when she almost died. But, she was apparently in a coma-like state the last day or so. The last time Mum called which was a few days ago, she couldn't talk to her because she wasn't capable of holding a conversation. Apparently, J, her youngest, visiting from Aussie land for the month, had slipped in at 4 am to give her her meds. At 8 am, when she slipped in to give her next dose, she had slipped away.
Stubborn to the last - even though they had brought a hospital bed in and talked my aunt into installing it into her bedroom instead of the living room as she had planned - indeed even moved the living furniture around months ago to accommodate this - she refused to sleep in it and instead slept in my Uncle's bed.
I guess the things I'm grateful for are: my mum was able to go and help her before J and J arrived from Oz; J and J were there from Oz as well as the rest of the family who live nearby (ish) and finally, that she doesn't have to feel any pain anymore. Now it's just us who are left behind to feel sad or whatever it is they feel.
I don't know if my brother knows yet. Mum had tried to get a hold of him and left a message apparently. I wonder how he will feel?
I have a tune going through my head - an HT hymn - Long, before she wrapped her flowing arms ....
It seems appropo.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
What Punctuation Mark am I?
You Are a Comma |
 You are open minded and extremely optimistic. You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything. You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests. You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time. Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to. (But with so many competing interests, you friends do feel like you hardly have time for them.) You excel in: Inspiring people You get along best with: The Question Mark |
Monday, April 14, 2008
Accents
Stolen from Canada
Who would have thunk it? I've been told I don't have a "Toronto" accent.... but American?? yikes
Who would have thunk it? I've been told I don't have a "Toronto" accent.... but American?? yikes
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop." | |
| The Midland | |
| The Northeast | |
| Philadelphia | |
| The South | |
| The West | |
| Boston | |
| North Central | |
| What American accent do you have? Quiz'>http://www.gotoquiz.com/">Quiz | |
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
And I was feeling so much more energetic
Eek - why do I feel so ruddy tired??
Sure my B12 and iron is low - yeah my haemoglobin was low too. But, I've been moving around playing with the Wii (the boxing is killing me - both peter and I are sweaty and out of breath after one boxing match) You would think I would be increasing in my energy levels. I was feeling much more energetic - wasn't so hard to get up in the morning. I was going to bed early and last night I wasn't up reading till the wee hours. p only had to say something once and I put my book down and turned out the light.
It's so bad I'm falling asleep at my desk - don't like that at all!!
Sure my B12 and iron is low - yeah my haemoglobin was low too. But, I've been moving around playing with the Wii (the boxing is killing me - both peter and I are sweaty and out of breath after one boxing match) You would think I would be increasing in my energy levels. I was feeling much more energetic - wasn't so hard to get up in the morning. I was going to bed early and last night I wasn't up reading till the wee hours. p only had to say something once and I put my book down and turned out the light.
It's so bad I'm falling asleep at my desk - don't like that at all!!
Monday, April 07, 2008
This totally made my day on Friday
Technically I am writing this blog just after posting the last one - but it's an entirely different topic (the Wii is related to my overall health that's how I justify the combination of Dr's visits and the Wii purchase in the last post!).
I was out of the office all day Thursday due to the appointments detailed in my post previous to this one. When I came in on Friday morning, JD had left two messages as she had tried to call me on Thursday a couple of times. (I have a bad habit of forgetting to change my phone message and email to "out of office" - which I suppose I better stop forgetting. But no one ever calls really) I called her back and she had to whisper the entire conversation. But here is the gist of it...
She had a meeting with RC to get sign-off on the records holds and somehow the conversation came around to me. The order of the conversation is not necessarily as per the original as I can't keep it straight. Just so's you know, RC is very senior mgmt.
RC mentioned that she sees me sometimes at Corp. JD told her I would love to come back and work in Burlyteen. RC said "really? CS would kill me...but I've done it to him before..." (CS being her equivalent here) She also said she had the "utmost respect" for me (blush). JC said she and I had a really great working relationship. RC also asked, would I want to do a combination of compliance work, RM etc because apparently (they're moving the entire L and C team to the Burlyteen office next January which means quite a few people are going on Workforce to find other roles in the organization because they don't want the commute - commute takes them from 5 mins to work to probably 30 mins to an hour) they are combining several roles into one. JD said, oh definitely (she knows the reason I took this job was because I didn't want to only work in the RM field) I think that's when she said she and I had a great working relationship.
Oh man, it would be so awesome to go back. For a number of reasons. I so feel like a square peg here - it's been better since I was moved over (not physically) to work for LG instead of JG who hired me originally. I'm starting to feel like the work I'm doing is the quality expected whereas before I apparently was lacking in several ways. I still have lots to learn, but that's not the point - LG is a MUCH better mgr I think. Even when he has to relay negative stuff, he is much kinder about it. But I do think that there is a major culture difference here and that may be part of the problems I've been having. Well, even if it comes up, a chance to move back, I doubt it will be anytime soon. Since they don't plan to move the team until Jan to give the people on workforce a chance I suppose I can't see them looking to hire soon. But at the same time, that probably looks positive on me - that way I've spent almost two years instead of only one in this role.
Needless to say, I told JD she rocks and that she is the absolute best. She totally put the bug in the ear of the best person!!! She's become an amazing friend. She, myself and SI meet up every couple of months to get together for lunch. Funny, because when I first met her, I felt like she would not like me, because she's fashionable (which I am not), athletic (which I am not), French (which I am not) and slim and pretty (which I do not feel I am even though now I 've lost a ridiculous amount of weight - Dr. C actually told me I needed to put a lb and half a week back on) - anyway, you get the idea. Yet we did have an amazing working relationship that has translated into an enduring friendship. I feel really good about it - too because I feel that I helped mentor her to where she is now. (my old role!)
Anyway, to detail all my experiences here at Corp would require another post and a lot more time which I should do at home.
I was out of the office all day Thursday due to the appointments detailed in my post previous to this one. When I came in on Friday morning, JD had left two messages as she had tried to call me on Thursday a couple of times. (I have a bad habit of forgetting to change my phone message and email to "out of office" - which I suppose I better stop forgetting. But no one ever calls really) I called her back and she had to whisper the entire conversation. But here is the gist of it...
She had a meeting with RC to get sign-off on the records holds and somehow the conversation came around to me. The order of the conversation is not necessarily as per the original as I can't keep it straight. Just so's you know, RC is very senior mgmt.
RC mentioned that she sees me sometimes at Corp. JD told her I would love to come back and work in Burlyteen. RC said "really? CS would kill me...but I've done it to him before..." (CS being her equivalent here) She also said she had the "utmost respect" for me (blush). JC said she and I had a really great working relationship. RC also asked, would I want to do a combination of compliance work, RM etc because apparently (they're moving the entire L and C team to the Burlyteen office next January which means quite a few people are going on Workforce to find other roles in the organization because they don't want the commute - commute takes them from 5 mins to work to probably 30 mins to an hour) they are combining several roles into one. JD said, oh definitely (she knows the reason I took this job was because I didn't want to only work in the RM field) I think that's when she said she and I had a great working relationship.
Oh man, it would be so awesome to go back. For a number of reasons. I so feel like a square peg here - it's been better since I was moved over (not physically) to work for LG instead of JG who hired me originally. I'm starting to feel like the work I'm doing is the quality expected whereas before I apparently was lacking in several ways. I still have lots to learn, but that's not the point - LG is a MUCH better mgr I think. Even when he has to relay negative stuff, he is much kinder about it. But I do think that there is a major culture difference here and that may be part of the problems I've been having. Well, even if it comes up, a chance to move back, I doubt it will be anytime soon. Since they don't plan to move the team until Jan to give the people on workforce a chance I suppose I can't see them looking to hire soon. But at the same time, that probably looks positive on me - that way I've spent almost two years instead of only one in this role.
Needless to say, I told JD she rocks and that she is the absolute best. She totally put the bug in the ear of the best person!!! She's become an amazing friend. She, myself and SI meet up every couple of months to get together for lunch. Funny, because when I first met her, I felt like she would not like me, because she's fashionable (which I am not), athletic (which I am not), French (which I am not) and slim and pretty (which I do not feel I am even though now I 've lost a ridiculous amount of weight - Dr. C actually told me I needed to put a lb and half a week back on) - anyway, you get the idea. Yet we did have an amazing working relationship that has translated into an enduring friendship. I feel really good about it - too because I feel that I helped mentor her to where she is now. (my old role!)
Anyway, to detail all my experiences here at Corp would require another post and a lot more time which I should do at home.
Thursday at PMH
I had PFTs, I saw Dr. C, I had bloodwork and I saw Dr. L.
I have about 10% less lung function - gee I guess that explains the shortness of breath that I have been experiencing lately. So, I'm now taking a two week course of antibiotics because Dr. C and I both agreed that the continual PND isn't helping by filling up my lungs with all sorts of crap. So I have residual sinustis infection. He also prescribed Singulair - so on top of Advair and Spiriva I have that as well. I really really really hope it works. It sucks being short of breath - not to mention I don't even want to think about playing flute - which needs some maintenance before I can even go there as well.
I think the antibiotics just may be kicking in. I seem to have less PND and crusties in the morning. No huge chunks of goo going down the back of my throat the last couple of days either - knock on wood. (sorry for the extreme graphic description) As for lung capacity, that remains to be seen. TM is back at work and we resume our noon walkies so that should help. Not sure I'm ready to go back outside though because any hint of cool/cold air my lungs seize up even more.
On to the blood work and Dr. L. Apparently my haemoglobin is low as well as my iron and B12. Dr. L wants me back in a month (as does Dr. C) to check up on that. I guess if they are still low I will have to add B12 shots to my regimen. Gosh I hope not. It's hard enough as it is right now justifying my time at the doctors to work. Corp is definitely not as accomodating as little ole subsidiary is. Go figure. Backwoods country cousins are more progressive then big city sophisticated corporation!
We bought a Wii console last week. Man those are hard to come by. I started looking on the Friday. Must have called a dozen stores as well as different locations for each of those stores. I called many Circuit Cities, Future Shop, Best Buy - looked online at Amazon, Best Buy, Future Shop, Tigerdirect.ca (which for future reference is computers and parts only), Canada Computes etc etc. Then Saturday we went to local stores because I had called mostly Toronto stores with the exception of Circuit City where I called both Toronto and Hamilton. We went to Future Shop, Best Buy, EB Games, Zellers.... it was the same story everywhere. "We can't keep them in stock and we only get a few consoles at a time. Basically it was call before you come and if you're lucky and we have gotten some they might still be in stock when you arrive to buy. And no, we can't put them on hold. So I was "whining" about this to my manager who said did you try the store up the street (from where we work). It's called Gamerama. I thought to myself, well, not likely but what the heck. What's one more phone call?
Lo and behold, they not only had one Wii console they had two! It cost a little extra - console was $20 more, plus they "insist" you buy extra stuff to make up for the fact that they were able to have one in stock (huh? what?). I was going to buy extra remotes anyway. I bought a second numchuk, a second Wii remote which came with nine games (which by the way are entirely lame and I don't recommend them unless you like the idea of games that train you on each action of the Wii remote and numchuk. Although, the game where you ride a cow at scarecrows to knock them down and also have to jump fences was mildly entertaining - and I bought Zelda. Woo, can't get past the first bit in that game so far. I want to get to the sword-fighting where you actually get to physically move around! The Wii sports games the console comes with are a lot of fun. S and her daughter S and S (mother)'s new boyfriend C came over Saturday, and daughter S was thrilled with the Wii. She's 7 so usually gets bored really quickly!
Anyway, our excuse for splurging on the Wii was that I need to do something that gets me moving around and there's not a lot of motivation to use the treadmill (ugh another expensive purchase that I darn well better start using once I get a little more a) stamina and b) lung power. Let me tell you, no fooling, the Wii is a great workout! I think the most strenuous workout comes from the boxing - yikes! I was sweating! Good cardio too. And apparently Wii is coming out with a balance board. You can surf, skateboard, do yoga and a bunch of other things.
Then there is the dance mat - must get. Can't get right now - too much money spent on Wii console!!!!
My arms are really really sore. Some of it's from the raking I did in the yard yesterday, but most of it's from the Wii. Best of all, p will actually play with me. He generally hates games: especially cards, board games and so on. It's like pulling teeth to try and get h im to play. But he likes the Wii, because it is active.
Anyway, off to do some work.
I have about 10% less lung function - gee I guess that explains the shortness of breath that I have been experiencing lately. So, I'm now taking a two week course of antibiotics because Dr. C and I both agreed that the continual PND isn't helping by filling up my lungs with all sorts of crap. So I have residual sinustis infection. He also prescribed Singulair - so on top of Advair and Spiriva I have that as well. I really really really hope it works. It sucks being short of breath - not to mention I don't even want to think about playing flute - which needs some maintenance before I can even go there as well.
I think the antibiotics just may be kicking in. I seem to have less PND and crusties in the morning. No huge chunks of goo going down the back of my throat the last couple of days either - knock on wood. (sorry for the extreme graphic description) As for lung capacity, that remains to be seen. TM is back at work and we resume our noon walkies so that should help. Not sure I'm ready to go back outside though because any hint of cool/cold air my lungs seize up even more.
On to the blood work and Dr. L. Apparently my haemoglobin is low as well as my iron and B12. Dr. L wants me back in a month (as does Dr. C) to check up on that. I guess if they are still low I will have to add B12 shots to my regimen. Gosh I hope not. It's hard enough as it is right now justifying my time at the doctors to work. Corp is definitely not as accomodating as little ole subsidiary is. Go figure. Backwoods country cousins are more progressive then big city sophisticated corporation!
We bought a Wii console last week. Man those are hard to come by. I started looking on the Friday. Must have called a dozen stores as well as different locations for each of those stores. I called many Circuit Cities, Future Shop, Best Buy - looked online at Amazon, Best Buy, Future Shop, Tigerdirect.ca (which for future reference is computers and parts only), Canada Computes etc etc. Then Saturday we went to local stores because I had called mostly Toronto stores with the exception of Circuit City where I called both Toronto and Hamilton. We went to Future Shop, Best Buy, EB Games, Zellers.... it was the same story everywhere. "We can't keep them in stock and we only get a few consoles at a time. Basically it was call before you come and if you're lucky and we have gotten some they might still be in stock when you arrive to buy. And no, we can't put them on hold. So I was "whining" about this to my manager who said did you try the store up the street (from where we work). It's called Gamerama. I thought to myself, well, not likely but what the heck. What's one more phone call?
Lo and behold, they not only had one Wii console they had two! It cost a little extra - console was $20 more, plus they "insist" you buy extra stuff to make up for the fact that they were able to have one in stock (huh? what?). I was going to buy extra remotes anyway. I bought a second numchuk, a second Wii remote which came with nine games (which by the way are entirely lame and I don't recommend them unless you like the idea of games that train you on each action of the Wii remote and numchuk. Although, the game where you ride a cow at scarecrows to knock them down and also have to jump fences was mildly entertaining - and I bought Zelda. Woo, can't get past the first bit in that game so far. I want to get to the sword-fighting where you actually get to physically move around! The Wii sports games the console comes with are a lot of fun. S and her daughter S and S (mother)'s new boyfriend C came over Saturday, and daughter S was thrilled with the Wii. She's 7 so usually gets bored really quickly!
Anyway, our excuse for splurging on the Wii was that I need to do something that gets me moving around and there's not a lot of motivation to use the treadmill (ugh another expensive purchase that I darn well better start using once I get a little more a) stamina and b) lung power. Let me tell you, no fooling, the Wii is a great workout! I think the most strenuous workout comes from the boxing - yikes! I was sweating! Good cardio too. And apparently Wii is coming out with a balance board. You can surf, skateboard, do yoga and a bunch of other things.
Then there is the dance mat - must get. Can't get right now - too much money spent on Wii console!!!!
My arms are really really sore. Some of it's from the raking I did in the yard yesterday, but most of it's from the Wii. Best of all, p will actually play with me. He generally hates games: especially cards, board games and so on. It's like pulling teeth to try and get h im to play. But he likes the Wii, because it is active.
Anyway, off to do some work.
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