Waiting

I feel like I'm in a holding pattern - trying to save Elliott yet at the same time I am waiting for him to die. It's playing havoc with my emotions... and it sucks. I left a message at the vet to call me in the morning and let me know if we can try a feeding tube, but now I have all of these fears that he won't survive the procedure. I am sick of crying. I'm doing everything I can for Elliott, but it still may not be enough. I'm sad... and I am desperately trying to shut off my emotions but it's so hard. I LOVE this cat. I'm ready to keep fighting for him as long as it takes... I just hope he is, too.

Weekend Accomplishments

This weekend has certainly not been what I'd hoped. Today the Ravens play, so I'll watch that, and I have a candle party to attend at three. Hopefully that will provide a needed break. In spite of my Elliott-centric life the last few days, I have done a few things to be proud of.

Made my first turkey. It was a turkey roast (no bones) and more my size than standard, but it turned out yummy.

Made my first green bean casserole. I followed Jill's mom's suggestion, and made it with fresh green beans rather than canned or frozen and it turned out delicious.

Made headway on my blanket. I laid it out on the bed so that you can see the width. I've done a lot, but there's plenty to go. I also incorporated the double crochet stitch I learned yesterday into the green section. I'm not sure how kosher it is to switch up stitches on one project, but it's good practice. The double crochet stitch takes a long, long time though.

On the docket for today:

- continue to not miss D - ugh
- take care of Elliott - in progress
- finish calendar page so I can scan it at work tomorrow - Marie, I'll scan it Tuesday... sorry.
- crochet - in progress
- order Xmas gifts online - done
- buy candles at the party - done

Kitty Cat

Elliott and I went back to the vet today. He got more blood work, anti-nausea medicine, Pepcid and his Methimazole (he's hyperthyroid, not hypo). They took an x-ray to make sure there are no glaring abnormalities, and except for his TINY stomach and TINY bladder (because he isn't eating), he looks pretty good. The current plan is for me to pill him this weekend (three medications, two to three times per day), force feed him using a syringe, and if there's no improvement, we'll put him on a feeding tube on Monday. My hopes are not high... I don't think we'll make any progress in the next two days, but the vet didn't want to put him on a anesthesia and feeding tube today without knowing what his blood work looks like. I just tried force feeding and got maybe a half of a syringe in him. It's really, really hard.

So... this is fun. My apartment is an absolute wreck. If anyone knows anyone in Baltimore who will clean my kitchen, bathroom, floors, baseboards, and dust for $50 or less, please let me know. I just can't bring myself to do those things. Today I have a 'to do' list of the things I think I can accomplish, but I won't lie... most of my day will be spent crocheting and watching TV because I just don't feel like putting forth too much effort. I'm emotionally exhausted worrying about Elliott.

- Clean cat box - done
- Feed/Pill cat - syringe fed 3x
- Run dishwasher - done
- Do laundry/put away - one load down, one started
- Launder sheets - done (twice... don't ask)
- Cook - made a turkey and green bean casserole
- Finish calendar page so that Marie doesn't yell at me
- Crochet - learned a double crochet stitch

Yeah... I have a fun life, I know. And a possible sinus infection. Go me.

Sick

Jodi Beck Week: Day Four

Since yesterday was a holiday, today is your bonus day - two videos instead of one. The first was Jodi's opener, "Life of the Party," which was the perfect way to start off her Cabaret. SO fun. The second is my favorite - I saved the best for last - "My Simple Wish." I love Jodi's facial expressions and her overall presence. She's just incredible!

Jodi Performed at "Don't Tell Mamma," in NY, NY.

A Crocheting Thanksgiving

Dinner isn't until 5 PM, and instead of cleaning, I've spent my day so far eating, watching the parade, and crocheting. I finished my scarf! Isn't it pretty? I didn't intend to put the brown border around it, but my abilities don't yet allow for neat edges, so the border really gives the scarf a "clean" look.

Now that that's done, I owe Jodi a fancy scarf and Katie a brown scarf, but since I lacked the proper yarn, I decided today to start a blanket. Don't worry, I'll do the scarves as soon as I get the yarn, but I wanted to crochet today, and a blanket is the best way to get more practice being consistent with my stitch. yes, I know... I should eventually learn another stitch, but I'm planning to practice this one for awhile first.

So Happy Thanksgiving!

Jodi Beck Week: Day Three

Continuing with Jodi Beck Week, this next song, "Girl in 14G," is so fun. It's about a gal living in a new apartment who has a few challenging neighbors. It's more "musical theatre" than the previous two, and so it showcases Jodi's sense of humor and acting abilities.

Jodi performed at "Don't Tell Mamma," in NY, NY.

Interrupting Jodi Beck Week... (again)

I'm on WBAL, dude! (And yes, I said dude. Leave me alone!) I'm not sure how my blog was picked - possibly the super cool title? But I'll take it! Neat-o!

Jodi Beck Week: Day Two

For Day Two of Jodi Beck Week, we have "Thank You, NYU," from Greenwich Village Follies. Excuse the angle because the camera was on the table,and excuse OB's excessive drinking of beer (he was nervous for her, I'm sure). :)

Again, Jodi performed at "Don't Tell Mamma," in NY, NY. I love this song...

Interrupting Jodi Beck Week...

... Elliott, the cat, is sick again. He had bloodwork done Thursday, and followed by a weekend of not eating, we were back at the vet this evening. Elliott is on just under 5 mgs of thyroid meds a day, mind you... but even given the medication he is on, his thyroid level was 12.8 (.5-5.8 is normal). Dear God. And he weighs a mere 6.5 lbs. It's sick, right?

So he received some fluids to make sure he's hydrated, and now we're home. The plan is to increase his dosage to 10 mgs per day (one pill in the AM and one pill in the PM). More bloodwork to come in a few weeks.

In addition to all of that, Elliott's heart murmur is more pronounced, and because it is likely a result of his thyroid problem, it's irreversible. The damage has been done. In addition, his liver enzymes are high, and this can be due to one of three reasons: (1) his uncontrolled thyroid condition, (2) a reaction to his medication (which is rare), or (3) a tumor. I'm stressed... but at least there's a short term plan.

We're off to bed to cuddle and sleep off our sadness.

Jodi Beck Week: Day One

This week will be "Jodi Beck Week." In honor of my dear friend, Jodi, I'll feature a video from the cabaret she performed this past weekend at "Don't Tell Mamma" in NY, NY. I'll post one video each day this week - specifically my favorites. This one is "Three Little Birds," originally by Bob Marley, and sort of dedicated to OB (the boyfriend who likes Bob Marley) and also to Barack Obama (who has provided many of us with some needed optimism).

Rock on. :)



This is also on YouTube... so feel free to share as you'd like. :)

The Making of Lentil Soup

This was my first time... I was a lentil soup virgin (yes, I said it - don't act like you don't know me). The soup was cooking all together for awhile, and now it is cooling a bit. Mom says it tastes better after it has been cooled and reheated, but I had to try it. YUM! I am so proud of myself! (And, of course, I felt the need to document the experience...)

Yummy ground turkey meatballs...

Lentils simmering.

How delicious does this look?

Poor 'Tonio - all sleepy after a weekend at Delilah's.

N.Y.C.

I spent Saturday/ Saturday night with Jodi, her family and her NYC friends in the city. What fun, but it was so so so cold and we stayed up so so so late. I am exhausted... so I'm minutes away from curling up on the couch with my animals, but wanted to post that lots of photos and VIDEOS are coming. Jodi's cabaret was awesome,and before and after I spent time with the people who love her like I do, so it was just great.

I'll be posting videos after I upload them to both Google and YouTube - It's gonna take some time, so please be patient. In the meantime, I'm off to make some lentil soup, watch the Ravens and sleeeeepppp....

Happy Friday!

Have you seen Heyonce! ? If not, click here. If this is too disturbing for you (and you're a conservative), click here for the more fully dressed version.

HT: Angie

Hump Day

I have so much going on in my head this week. Life is a-changin' - that's for certain. And fast. But I am desperately trying to keep my cool, and my side project, the scarf, is coming along just fine. (I decided to go with brown and and uneven stripes - thanks for the feedback!)

It's only Wednesday (soon to be Thursday), but my brain is also jumping ahead to this weekend. On Saturday I'm headed to NYC to see Jodi's cabaret - I am so, so, so excited! I get my first bus travel experience, which is fine because Jodi has come to Baltimore the same way a number of times; I get to hang out with great people; and I get to support one of my bestest friends in the world. What could be better? As a bonus, Antonio is having a slumber party with Nicole and Delilah that night... so he and I will likely share a number of stories when I pick him up on Sunday. :)

So to bed... I keep meaning to get sleep one of these nights, but I guess it won't happen tonight either. That's what texting and talking until 1 AM will do to a girl, I suppose.

New Obsession

So I'm taking a vote... for my scarf, do I:

a) make all even stripes
b) make uneven stripes
c) keep it to blue and green
d) add in a light cream or brown

Pick any combination of the above... I'm not sure what I want right now.

(Photo will only upload sideways; I don't know why. So turn your head to the left to see my progress.)

I am a Crochet Queen.

My first chain yesterday.

My first loop yesterday.

This is my scarf as of midnight tonight... check out my mad crocheting SKILLZ. Are you proud of me?!?

OBITUARY OF THE LATE MR. COMMON SENSE

Received via email. Unfortunately, I did not write this one...

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, why life isn't always fair, and "maybe it was my fault." Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies: Don't spend more than you earn. And reliable strategies: Adults, not children, are in charge.

His health began to deteriorate when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Tylenol, sun lotion or a band-aid to a student, but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when it became punishable for you to defend yourself from a burglar in your own home but the burglar could sue you for assault.

He began to lose ground rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers, I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

HT: DO

How Is It Sunday?

I am so tempted to get a job where I can work four days - ten hour shifts. This is ridiculous. I need weekends to be longer. This weekend was fabulous. A bunch of us went to Poncabird for karaoke - THANK YOU everyone for coming, I watched the Ravens with Nicole (crappy game, though), and I am about to try to teach myself to crochet. Yep. I bought stuff. Keep your fingers crossed.

For now... my fav pic of the day. Aren't Antonio and Delilah precious?

While Living Today...

I watched Puccini for Beginners. Quite good. Elizabeth Reaser is in it - the boat wreck girl from Grey's Anatomy. She's an interesting one. I also watched Restoration again, which I own. It's a great movie.

In sadness, I've noticed that my TV is starting to buzz. Not good. This is not the time to need a new TV... well, it is because there are sure to be HUGE deals this holiday, but I have bills to pay off! But the buzz, the buzz... it's like Edgar Allan Poe's Tell-Tale Heart.

Here we go... my calendar page. Thoughts? Feedback? I still have time tomorrow if I need to make changes.

A Week In Review

I know - not a lot of posts this week. My good friend, Jessie, communicated that she was a bit sick of the lists - as was I - so I needed a few days to get the lists out of my head.

This week has been nuts. It started with some huge projects, followed by a training that two of my coworkers and I gave top sales. It felt good to train again - like my old XtraSource days - and it was nice to get the compliments afterward that I had done well. I didn't feel on my game, really, I knew I could do better, but it's a skill that I rarely use anymore, so it was kinda cool to dust it off.

I'd like to chat a little about the macaroni and cheese at Superfresh. Please tell me some of you have had it. It's delicious. Crazy delicious. I have previously failed at making homemade macaroni and cheese (not that it was just - just mediocre), but Angie made it for me once and, admittedly, it was even more delicious than Superfresh. The problem is that she only made it once, so I've been forced to find alternatives. Superfresh is yummy. It's true. Feel free to discuss further.

I've also watched a lot of movies this week. I've watched Ratatouille, Becoming Jane, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age. All quite good. I think I'd like to own Becoming Jane and Elizabeth in case anyone is looking to buy me presents. Okay, not likely, so I'll be willing to accept copies (um... certainly not illegally). I also finished Firefly this week, so I can return it to you now, JWER. I'd like to borrow The Wire from someone/anyone if anyone is willing. I feel that's next for me.

I got into a disagreement with a new friend this week. That sucked. My emotions got the best of me, and I had to apologize for being judgmental. I over-reacted, and as I've stated here before, I need to be reigned in when that happens. He called me out on my behavior, as was necessary, but it was embarrasing and a bit humbling. That was a damper on my Friday for sure which probably contributed to the crazy movie watching last night.

So I feel like I have a lot to do this weekend, but since I'm going to lay off the lists I'm not sure how I'll remember everything. I know I need to locate a tea infuser, but I know I'll forget. A business partner brought back tea from Taiwan, and I want to have some, but I don't have the proper tools for loose leaf tea.

Okay. Karaoke at 9:30 PM at Poncabird. Come one, come all. It should be fun. And as we've learned - no shots. Please. I just can't handle them anymore, and I'm sometimes too nice to say no. Pretty please. Oh - and I need singers, so I expect some of you to bring it! :)

I have a problem.

I'm addicted to this freaking song... I seriously can't get it out of my head. It's haunting me. Grrr...

Back to Work

Beers make me sleepy - and now I have a lot to do tonight. Either way, thanks, Katie, for drinking with me - even though I'm bossy. I do it because I love you. :)

This week:
- Do ab and arm exercises - tomorrow
- Clean - done
- Make bed - done
- Clean cat box - done
- Do dishes - tomorrow
- Vacuum - done

- Go to dinner
- Schedule trip to NYC
- Drop even more stuff off at Goodwill
- Have pants tailored
- Work on calendar page
- Consider theme of homemade Christmas cards
- Get neurology records sent to doctor - done and authorization faxed!
- Get dermatologist referral
- Get emissions test
- GET renter's insurance

Caps vs. Rangers

LOVED the hockey game last night. We had seats way up high, but the Verizon Center is a great arena so all seats have great views. I spent the first and last period watching the game, but the middle period talking, so I'm sure I missed plenty, but the game ended AWESOME. The caps were already up, but with about 5 seconds on the clock, the Caps #28 blindly hit the puck from the Rangers goal area to gain a goal against the Rangers and end the game 3-1. It was so cool.

Again with the Lists

Seriously. I have too much to do. This is why I am so manic.

Carry Over:
- Do ab and arm exercises - done
- Schedule trip to NYC - at least I have a place to stay
- Drop off stuff at Goodwill
- Have pants tailored
- Go to storage - done
- Work on calendar page
- Consider theme of homemade Christmas cards (Do I want to do this this year?)
- Get neurology records sent to doctor
- Get dermatologist referral
- Get emissions test
- Transfer Goodyear card debt (remember the car?) to bank - done!!
- Consider renter's insurance

New:
- Clean - started
- Vacuum car
- Work on work - in progress
- Run dishwasher - done
- Trash - done
- Laundry - started
- Clean cat box
- Dinner and Washington Caps game (so excited!) - done! Woo-hoo!
- File old bills - done!!
- Find an Italian grocery (anyone know of one?) - done. Thanks, BD!
- Make apple butter (I have the apples!) - went shopping for extra ingredients, and it's cooking now!

Get Caught Up on:Series' To Be Watched
- The Hills - done and caught up
- Dexter (Season 2 in Netflix Que)
- Firefly (Finish) - done! Watched it all weekend!
- Six Feet Under (All Seasons)
- Deadwood (All Seasons)
- The Wire (All Seasons)
- Battlestar Galactica (Seasons 1-?)

Let's not even talk about the book list... yikes.

Define: Failure

This is what I was supposed to do this week. I've failed. Let's see if I can get any of these done now...

- VOTE - done
- Pay rent - done
- Pay bills - just done
- Do ab exercises
- Send card to grandma - just done
- Schedule Elliott vet appt this week - done Friday
- Finish Firely and return to JWER - not done, but bringing the Wonderfalls DVDs to you, dude. Updated: DONE!
- Schedule trip to NYC - exchanged messages with Jodi
- Drop off stuff at Goodwill - in car
- Have pants taylored
- Pack up Halloween stuff/go to storage - getting it to the car is half the battle
- Watch netflix so I can return it - just sending
- Make list of movies to transfer to DVD - just done (38 movies)
- Work on calendar page
- Consider theme of homemade Christmas cards (Do I want to do this this year?)

And more stuff:
- Get STAAR study signed by a witness - done Friday
- Get neorology records sent to doctor
- Get dermatologist referral
- Get emissions test
- Transfer Goodyear card debt (remember the car?) to bank
- Consider renter's insurance

Rated 3.5

Since today was supposed to be our second night of cooking, I thought I'd at least catch up and post about our first. Jill, Nicole and I will be testing our culinary skills by getting together regularly and cooking together. (It's also a very good excuse for a puppy play date.)

Last week, we made Chicken Marvalasala and Pappardelle with Rosemary Gravy. Overall, we did very well, but we missed a few steps, had a few extra ingredients, and ended up rating it a 3.5 out of 5.0. A 3.5 rating means something like, "We wouldn't send it back at the restaurant, and we might take the leftovers home."

Rocky couldn't join us for our first evening, so we are all looking forward to the next time we get together, so that Delilah and Rocky can finally meet, fall in love, and live happily ever after. (No worries... Antonio will chaperon.)

Interesting - CORRECTION

Updated 9:00 AM
I found the headlines this morning very interesting. "One of these things is not like the other..." It looks like my Internet Explorer might have defaulted to the incorrect FOX News page (SC - thanks you for correcting me). Updated pages are below. Different tenor, but not as far off as I thought. I'm relieved and proud.

MSNBC:

FOX News:

CNN:

Shock and Awe

I have wished for this day for months now, and as much as I've wanted the election to be over recently, today was a day worth remembering. I shared tonight with a group of friends as we played with puppies, babies, ate good food, and watched as the polling data rolled in. It's a momentous time for ourselves and for our nation, but the true test will come in the days, months and years ahead. Can we rely on Obama and our elected officials to make the changes they've promised? Can electing the first black President have a lasting affect on racism and minority opportunity in this country? Only time will tell, but for now I will be hopeful. I will try to embrace unity, sacrifice and continue to work hard for myself and others, but most importantly, I will attempt to place put patriotism ahead of my singular needs. It will be hard for us all, but it will be worth it.

Congratulations, all. Today has been a good day for America.

A Few Random Comments...

- Happy Birthday, JJT. How am I the only blogger friend who showed?
- OMG. It will all be over today. (I hope.) GOBAMA!
- It's 4:15 AM, and I can't sleep. This day is going to SUCK. Am I seriously stressing on the election? Pathetic.
- Anyone notice this? Fox News has the count up to 26 teen kids (no comment on how I know about Fox.) AH! Really? This may have to be a discussion point for future blog posts.
- Someone said if the Steelers won, then Obama would win - based on some stupid, crazy statistic. (JJT - feel free to elaborate.) I guess this is good news for my guy...

Football Sunday

So it's Nicole Ravens vs. Charissa Cleveland today. I desperately want to go watch it with you, N, but I have too much to do here. House is a mess, life is a mess and I have a headache. Plus I have to work out. Ugh. What a Sunday.

In order to encourage myself, here's my to do list for the weekend...

- Cut Antonio's nails - done
- Clean costume - done
- Properly store costume so that cat stops playing in it - done
- Run two loads of laundry - done
- Put away laundry - done
- Iron work clothes - done
- Dryel shirts - done
- Load dishwasher - done
- Clean countertops - done
- Vacuum (and record paw points) - done
- Clean cat box - done
- Make bed - done
- Run dishwasher/empty - done
- Clean windows - done
- Launder drapes - done
- Dust - done
- Use spot remover on futon - done
- Launder blankets - done
- Launder bath rug - done
- Do excess inventory report - started
- Rehearse presentation - done
- Do arm exercises - done
- Play with dog - ongoing
- See Saturday movie - done (I saw a horror movie - The Haunting of Mollie Hartley - pretty decent)
- Do Saturday dinner - done
- Buy wine/party mix - done
- Go to party - done. What you can't see in this pic is my Obama t-shirt and bloody "M" on my cheek. Haha.
- Watch game - done. ugh.
- See movie with Nicole - done. OMG. Changeling is NOT AT ALL what I thought it would be. It's really heavy. Good - so, so good, but people with kids may want to skip it. Consider yourself warned.
- Cook something for lunches - done
- Clean toilet/shower - done
- Reorganize toiletries to get stuff off of the counter - done
- Hang jackets in closet - done
- Choose 30 minute recipe for dinner with girls - done

This week:
- VOTE
- Pay rent
- Pay bills
- Do ab exercises
- Send card to grandma
- Schedule Elliott vet appt this week
- Finish Firely and return to JWER
- Schedule trip to NYC
- Drop off stuff at Goodwill
- Have pants taylored
- Pack up Halloween stuff/go to storage
- Watch netflix so I can return it
- Make list of movies to transfer to DVD
- Work on calendar page
- Consider theme of homemade Christmas cards (Do I want to do this this year?)