how about drinking?
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Spicy Sparkle Pants checking in belatedly here. Been a crazy and stressful week.
The show went very well--tech & dress rehearsals ran smoothly. This time we all got our mics taped on before the show, so the only switcheroos were the transmitter packs (much easier than repeatedly snaking wires underneath clothing and then taping the mics to our faces only to remove them after the next number) . There was a chart posted by the mic table saying who got which pack when, from whom to pick it up and when and to whom to return it. They decided to make mine "hot" for all the scenes I wore it in which I appeared with the ensemble, not just my solo turns. That way they knew the alto & mezzo harmonies would come through. I was a cow in the Iowa caucus scene, silent but for a "MOOOO" I improvised in rehearsals. So they decided to switch my mic on for that! My voice held up very nicely, and the performance adrenaline made me forget my toe callus pain. Opening night I decided not to go to the cast party at Bar Louie--cheap drinks, carby snacks and so noisy I nearly lost my voice there last year. Tried to call up an Uber or Lyft, but because there was a Bears game the "surge" pricing was as much as cab fare. So I hailed a taxi and had it drop me off at Cellars, which was finishing up the second night of a Napa winemaker dinner (Hess), which Bob attended in my stead Wed. night. Walked in, and Tom the chef/owner pressed a flute of champagne into my hand. Watched the end of the Bears game with the staff and the winemakers. DOTD was Hess Collection Blanc de Blancs.
Things began to go south (not with the show, though) Friday afternoon. My housekeeper pointed out that our little black princess kitty Heidi (15 next month), wasn't eating or even begging for catnip, was lethargic and just lay in the kitchen doorway. Gordy came over to get his ticket for the show and declared he would take her to the vet--he's still haunted by how his last cat (who made it to 19 with Gordy's heroic measures) suffered until his kidney disease was discovered. Our vet had no openings that day or the next, so he took Heidi to the emergency veterinary hospital instead. They thought at first it might be another kidney stone (she had surgery in 2017) because she flinched when the tech picked her up, but all her labs & X-rays were normal. They gave her some Zofran and hydration drip, and revised the diagnosis to "something digestive." They advised against admitting her overnight for an ultrasound, because there was the chance that this could resolve on its own, but to bring her back for hospitalization & ultrasound if she was still "lethargic and inappetant." She was drinking normally, though. Gordy valiantly decided to cat-sit her rather than leave her home alone and see the show (Leslie was home dog-sitting their terrier Dot, who just got spayed that morning).
So our post-show table at Mercat a la Planxa was for 12, not 13. I walked in and my guests stood up and applauded. I jokingly bowed...and everyone in the restaurant began applauding, some even standing. Mind you, I didn't know a soul except my guests, and I'm sure nobody else in the room had seen the show. But such is the hive mentality that when they saw my guests applaud and me bow, they figured I must be someone at least semi-famous. We had plenty of paella left over (I spurned the rice since it wasn't on my diet), and Gordy & Leslie appreciated it. When we got home, Gordy said Heidi seemed a bit better but if she didn't improve further we'd go back to the vet hospital in the morning.
Saturday morning I got up and stumbled to the bathroom. There was scratching and meowing at the door: Heidi was begging me for food! She ate only a tiny bit, but it was an improvement over Friday and she got steadily better. As of today, she's fine again! (My guess is that she was constipated).
Saturday night was the final performance and my strongest by far. Went to the cast party next door (loud, but didn't have to worry about losing my voice). Had one drink (DOTD: La Marca Prosecco) and a seltzer, and decided to call it a night by 11pm as I was fading fast and planned to record my song for this Thursday's Acoustic Guitar Project showcase. So I gave my castmate (and dressing room-mate) a lift back to her place. As I drove homeward up Lake Shore Drive, I suddenly felt a scratchy-burning pain in my throat. Uh-oh. I'd been chain-sneezing and assumed it was leaf-mold allergy. Nope. By the time I got home my throat was on fire, my nose was stuffy, and my sinuses were killing me. Yesterday I slept past 11 am and I declined Bob's invitation to go to Oak Brook Mall with him to shop for his new glasses (Warby Parker) and Christmas presents. I was just too wiped, and could barely manage to choke down a soft-boiled egg & small piece of low-carb toast for breakfast.
He was going to bring home food from Mon Ami Gabi, but the line for even take-out was too long. So he thought he'd suggest we go together to its main location in Lincoln Park for dinner...nope. It's across from Lincoln Park Zoo, and "Zoo Lights" festival is in full swing--traffic was backed up for two exits. So he ordered out from the crummy little quasi-Chinese/pan-Asian place around the corner--"crummy" because they use only regular American vegetables (mostly broccoli & carrots), undercooked and in pieces too big for chopsticks, and every single dish comes swimming in this gloppy sticky sweet brown sauce that I suspect is bottled teriyaki they buy in bulk. He loves the place because they are close and offer brown rice as well as white. But there's no excuse for lousy Chinese food (from no part of China I could recognize) in a city like Chicago...especially with an actual Chinatown/Little Saigon two miles south. So I rinsed my food off in a colander and used a steak knife & fork. After dinner I was too tired to try to record the song, so vowed to do it this morning.
(He asked our housekeeper this morning to take some home. But she hates the place too). Turned in at 2am, tossed and turned all night (despite half a Xanax, baclofen, CBD and even CBN, which usually drops me like a plugged buffalo), coughing all the way. Gave up and had some of my codeine cough syrup (which I hate to take), but couldn't fall back asleep till after 8. Was awakened by the espresso machine place, whose owner told me they'd finally be by to pick up my machine for its biennial repair & maintenance. Had a cup of coffee, picked up the guitar to practice, opened my mouth, and...nothing. Well, some pathetic croaking in my lower register, but the rest of my voice was gone. I know it'll take nearly a week to get it back, so I've had to back out of Thursday night's showcase (the other 4 artists will get an extra song each). Also postponed my weight clinic appt. at Skokie Hospital's Cardiology Dept.--figured it would be rather inconsiderate to be spewing my germs all over a room full of heart patients. The bariatric NP told me that this isn't just a cold, but an adenovirus going around (for which there's no vaccine). She gave me permission to put honey in my tea. But I should have my voice back in time for next Tuesday night's WDCB "Holiday Hoot" (90.9FM in the Chicago/DuPage area, www.wdcb.org worldwide), 8-11pm CST.
Cami, $20 will buy a nice merlot--Chateau St. Michelle from WA (the new best AVA for Merlot); any Chilean or Argentine; one from the SW of France (Languedoc/Roussilon); or a blend of Merlot & Malbec from Hess Collection called "Flyer." Or, of course, two bottles of Yellow Tail, three of Barefoot, or six of Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's famed "Three-Buck Chuck").
As for purple carrots, I always buy a "rainbow" bunch: purple, orange, yellow, red.
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Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Twofer Tuesday! Lots and lots of rain yesterday and last night, our 2 feet of snow is now about 4 inches with slush everywhere. Getting out of the driveway may be a challenge in a little bit. Going in later today cuz of having a CPR class tonight. Supposed to be in the 50's again today, then drop to the 20's tomorrow. Gah. Even Sadie isn't impressed.
Cammy Cat--I hear you about having to look at the calendar every day. Some weeks I even have to cross of days as they go by to stay straight! Getting the right things for Christmas gifts is NEVER easy, is it?
Jazzy--It's so hard when there is one person in the family that's out of step with understanding where things are at when the end of life is approaching. Do you know what your SIL is thinking? She's ultimately the one with the power to make the choice, although that is very, very hard to do when a loved one is not ready to face mortality. I hope someone at the hospital speaks to your sister directly. Or with her and your SIL together. That usually works best, but if it's the first time in that hospital it may not come up. Hospital staff often don't think about Hospice until there have been a lot of repeat admissions.I hope they are able to have a peaceful and loving Christmas wherever she is on that day.
Chi--sounds like the show went well, and the after-show celebrations were fun, too! Nice to get applauded by everyone, even if many didn't know what for! I love those spontaneous things where everyone gets to share in the fun even if I don't know what's going on. Sorry to hear about Heidi not feeling well. Oh, good, she's recovered! Digestive issues can be very uncomfortable. And then you lost your voice! Just so not fair. Hope it does come back for the Holiday Hoot. I love the idea of a rainbow bunch of carrots!
Imagine this one using purple or red carrots!
Carrot Ginger-tini
Ingredients
Ginger Simple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon McCormick® Ginger, Ground
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
Carrot Ginger-tini
- 1 ounce carrot juice
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce Ginger Simple Syrup
- 1/2 ounce orange-flavored liqueur, such as Triple Sec
Instructions
- For the Ginger Simple Syrup, place ginger in center of a piece of cheesecloth. Tie tightly with long piece of string. Place ginger sachet, water and sugar in small saucepan on medium heat. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 3 minutes, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Refrigerate overnight to blend flavor. Remove sachet. Store spiced syrup, covered, in the refrigerator. (Makes 8 ounces)
- For the Carrot Ginger-tini, fill cocktail shaker two-thirds full with ice. Add carrot juice, vodka, Ginger Simple Syrup and orange-flavored liqueur; shake until well mixed and chilled. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with shaved carrot, if desired. Serve immediately.
From <https://www.mccormick.com/recipes/beverages-cocktails/carrot-ginger-tini>
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Hello all! I am back from the mountains. Had a great time. Did a little shopping and a great deal of eating, drinking and socializing! Now I have to restock the larder, clean my house, catch up on laundry, wrap presents, etc. Have two social events planned this week and chemo on Friday. Because I'm metastatic, my oncologist wants to do chemo forever. I am trying to convince him that a break for a few months would be ok. We will discuss this at my next appointment with him.
NM - Wow! All that snow already. Temps here are supposed to be 76 by the afternoon!
Jazzy - Great pic! What a view.
Sandy - Oh the life of a performer. Incredible how difficult it is to get around in a large city. Glad you are on the road to recovery and will have your voice back soon.
Cammy - Keep those cat memes coming!
Take care everyone and have a great week
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Hola - Good morning everyone!! Here I am back to reality with a white, snowy jolt, ugh...we left Mexico at noon yesterday, arrived in Calgary at 4 pm to white out snow conditions. Mexico was wonderful - we had fabulous weather and the water was warm enough to get in and enjoy; as well we were with 2 other couples who all enjoy similar vacations, so it was a really, really great time! Buscerias was the town nearby, very Mexican and lots of fun.
From scanning the above, it sounds like everyone is doing okay, apart from Chi
! Have a great week - Cheers!0 -
Janky, so glad you had that tropical/desert oasis hiatus for awhile. Snow sucks if you can't do anything (like ski or have snowball fights) with it, and white-outs are the worst. Kim, two feet? Oy. There was a 50-car pileup yesterday during a sudden snow squall in IA. We're getting our snow tomorrow night or Thurs. We had temps in the 40s all weekend into yesterday morning and then the bottom fell out. Not enough to have to keep the taps running overnight, though it's time to put away the wool coats and bring out the down puffer or even the shearling (which buttons I had to move so it wouldn't look so voluminous). Seriously considering getting just a puffer vest from REI or Land's End to wear under the wool coats, which look really cute. (One's a Kate Spade leopard print and the other's a Cole-Haan toggle coat that also zips up, with a faux-fur-trimmed hood). Got 'em both cheap at Nordstrom Rack. I managed to lose my black UGG earmuffs, though--they weren't in the theater, the car, my tote or the taxi we took home from O'Hare last week. Oh, well.
Jazzy, you live in such a gorgeous part of the world! (Of course, a good "eye" and know-how with a camera helps too). Glad you're coming into the homestretch for your final refraction. Hope your sister can finally get hospice in place for your SIL and that the transition will be comfortable & peaceful.
I caught Heidi eating Happy's kibble just now, so I shooed her from the feeding area and stuck her plate of prescription wet food (which she hates) in front of her. She licked it clean! No ultrasound necessary unless there's a repeat episode of the feline "blahs."
JCS, isn't it maddening when doctors don't take into account quality of life in perspective with the "big picture?" Perpetual chemo makes sense only if it will keep you feeling better for as long as possible. But if your MO believes that even a short "holiday" might cause proliferation out-of-control, I'd listen to him, provided that your current status quo feels good to you. But I am not you, my body is not yours, and your priorities must prevail.
On the DOTD front, Cora Italian Specialties finally came by (a month & a half after they said they would) to pick up my espresso machine for repair. (I think it needs a new pressurestat, thermostat and perhaps water level sensor--plus the usual gaskets, descaling and internal cleaning). I'm feeling a bit better & stronger this ayem (to use Kim's term), so I ground some beans to make espresso manually using the ROK brewer (looks like a giant wing corkscrew on a frame atop a platform--you put ground espresso beans in the "portafilter" which you then lock in place, pour boiling water into the brew chamber, raise the "wings," and then push them back down with all your might--great upper body workout). Produced a pretty good shot, if I do say so. The big surprise was that the Aeroccino milk heater-frother did a great job foaming unsweetened almond milk--it apparently "likes" Almond Breeze Original Unsweetened in the refrigerated carton (not the shelf-stable stuff). I think putting the filled "pitcher" into the fridge while I brewed the shot made a difference too.
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Hi friends- well I finally talked to people here about my pending departure on this contract. Now it is all panicville. I talked to the program manager today (she is new) and later to the interim direction (we know each other from other times and places). He confirmed what I knew, it's a money thing and that is okay. Now the transition meetings are starting. And well, I will need to tell the teams. Some will be sad to see me go, others will applaud (lol).
NM- my sister called last night and was pretty much off the rails. Her partner is back in rehab but really does not sound good. She sounds like she is slipping away cognitively while my sister is talking about doing an expensive reno of her bathroom for when she comes home. Then when the mom said "why are you doing all that when she is clearly not going to be around much longer?" The partner has been in the hospital 3 times in 2 months and my sister said she is not ready to go? I have a nurse friend at work who has said "it's really between her and God at this point" and pretty much agree.
JCS- welcome back!
Chi- is your kitty better?
Janky- welcome home. From Mexico to the cold winter, god bless ya sister!
Okay back again soon......
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Heidi is her old self again--just caught her trying to beat the crap out of Happy for stealing her catnip. Jazzy, so sorry to hear your sister refuses to acknowledge the inevitable about her partner; but as to the bathroom renovation it would be beneficial for your sister as well, whether or not she chose to stay or sell. Even if the reno was to make it disabled-friendly, we're all getting older. I for one would love to replace all our round doorknobs with long handles and one tub with a walk-in Jacuzzi (it'd take a major re-plumb to bring up the water pressure, though),
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Gorgeous Jazzy. I lived in Albuquerque for 7 years and miss the mountains. Thanks for posting.
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Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Hump Day! Going to be a fun day today, work, then the Wednesday, Women and Wine get together. We adopted a family for Christmas this year and we are getting all the stuff together tonight. Should be lots of fun wrapping up everything, and according to the running list there is a LOT of everything to wrap up! And tomorrow I don't have to get up first thing cuz I'm working into the evening, so that will be really nice. Sadie will be a little confused, but she'll adapt cuz I've deposited lots of extra belly rubs into her account.
Librarian--sounds like you had a great time in the mountains! Our snow is just about all gone now, although it's supposed to snow a little bit, less than an inch, today.
Janky--so happy your vacay was a good one! Swimming in the winter, what fun that is! I bet the weather shock on getting home was a pretty big jolt!
Chi--Yup, we had 2 feet on the ground until the rain earlier this week. Hooray for Heidi getting better! So glad whatever it was has blown over. Nothing like a workout with an immediate result of good espresso!
Jazzy--oh my, it sounds like your SIL is closer to the end of her life than I was thinking. I do hope your sister will be able to come to the realization of what is happening very, very soon. It's going to be a hard time on her no matter what, but with some acceptance it will be a little easier. Saying prayers for them both.
Jolt'ini
Ingredients
1 3/4 oz Vanilla Infused Vodka
1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
1 1/4 oz Fresh, hot espresso
1/4 oz vanilla sugar syrup
Directions:
Shake ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass.
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Good morning, Loungettes!Happy Thirsty Thursday! Sadie and I enjoyed a lovely sleep in after I had a late night last night with the Wednesday, Women and Wine club. Lots and lots of talk and laughter, and a really good collection of Christmas goodies for the family we "adopted". Such a sad situation, one of the women in the group has one of the children in her 2rd grade class. The family is homeless, with 5 children from the student through teenagers. The family is current separated because the assistance program has them put in in a hotel and a maximum of 5 people are allowed in a hotel situation. There's a plan to get them into a house so all of them can be together again, but for now the 2 eldest are staying with foster families so they can stay in the same school. As usual, there was way too much food brought, so Sadie got some very nice treats when I got home with some of the leftovers!
Morning, Teka, and my your season be joyful.
Christmas Snowstorm Margarita
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or granulated sugar, adding more or less to taste
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1/2 ounce coconut rum
- 1/2 ounce orange liquor
- juice of 1/2 lime
- fresh mint, for serving
- sugared cranberries, for serving
Instructions
1. Bring the coconut milk and sugar to a simmer over medium heat in a small saucepan. Simmer 1 minute, then remove from the heat and let cool. To quickly chill, add a of couple ice cubes.
2. Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, coconut rum, orange liquor, lime juice, and coconut milk. Shake to mix. Strain into your prepared glass. Top with sugared cranberries and mint.Recipe Notes
If you are using canned coconut milk (which I prefer), when you pour it over ice it will curdle up a bit if not stirred. It's still delicious, but you need to give it a stir before drinking to mix everything around again. And if you make the the pitcher margarita, just be sure to give the batch a good stirring before you serve. The coconut milk can separate from the liquors as it chills.
From <https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/christmas-snowstorm-margarita/>
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Hi ladies- just a quick pop in to say hello. The week started off slow, but now going fast. I am going in to work on site for a half day, then lunch with a couple guy friends before we all go our separate ways soon. Two of us having ending contracts, another has a foot out the door. I plan to come and work from home for a bit then have a prof org holiday social for awhile this evening. Several colleagues going too. Thinking of something fun to wear.....
Teka- welcome back and hope your holiday season is going well. Any fun holiday events your way?
NM- how was the Women and Wine event? I love that you adopted a family and wrapped. There are people at my client site doing that, I opted out with too much going on but have been donating a lot of food this fall for food banks, etc. Almost every thing is asking for toys and food donations with events this year. The need is large here, lot of poverty in NM, but also many struggling everywhere in this country (and world). I am glad you are able to ease in to today and hope the night shift goes okay.......
Also, my SIL seems very end of life to me. She has a pacemaker in to keep her heart going, a permanent trach, a feeding tube, regular transfusion from a bleed no one can find, recent pneumonia. She tanked with her respiration before the hospitalization too. My sister's MIL continues to call her out on this and asking her why she lets this continue when she won't get better. I think we will all be relieves (especially the one who is ready to pass) when this is over, but expect my sister will freak out. No win situation here......
MinusTwo- the moon rises this week have been particularly lovely. I always say winter skies are the best in New Mexico.
I put my final put my final payment for the house yesterday. Now we wait.....
I also finally got my info in for this new opp that may be a very cool thing to be doing going forward and until I am ready to apply. This came from someone internally who said they were having a hard time finding someone and she thinks I would be great. Having the "in" always helps you to at least get an interview. Will let you know how it all goes. It's in a different industry but one I have been interested in for some time.....
Okay, time to get to work. It's national poinsettia day. Go get one!
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Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy TGIF day! Took a little doing to get my butt out of bed this ayem, and I'm going to blame it on the cold cuz Sadie took even longer to get out of bed! So it can't be just me, right? Working yesterday afternoon was interesting, a real case of too many cooks in the kitchen creating chaos and not cuisine. But all is well that ended well. So hard on families to have to move someone into a nursing home this time of year.
Jazzy--the WWW event went great. We filled up one car with gifts and needed items and still have more coming in. The family will get everything next week. BTW, I didn't work the night shift last night, I worked from 2 PM to 7 PM, covering the last half of a day shift. I try to avoid working overnights whenever I can.Oh boy, sounds like your sister is in for a tough time, as is everyone else involved, especially SIL. Someone who is dying often will try to hang on for the sake of a family member who isn't ready. It's sad to see, and so hard to know how to support everyone. My heart goes out to all of them. Waiting for the notice the mortgage is paid off is exciting and anxiety producing, all at once! Good job! And a prospect in a new industry, what fun!
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Poinsettia Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
- 3 ounces cranberry juice
- 3 ounces Champagne
- Garnish: orange twist
Steps to Make It
- Gather the ingredients.
- Pour the orange liqueur and cranberry juice into a chilled Champagne flute.
- Stir well.
- Top with Champagne.
- Garnish with orange twist.
- Serve and enjoy.
From <https://www.thespruceeats.com/poinsettia-cocktail-recipe-759772
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Mornin ladies,
I came here 2x yesterday and I now see I didn't even post.
Teka such a pretty pic. an I too wish u a peaceful season and a happy one.
JC and Illi u 2 need roller skates just to do ur everyday things, let alone al ur traveling. How nice for both of u.
JC I was suppose to go on chemo indefinitely but after 1 and 1/2 yrs they got what they wanted and stopped it, so u never know what will happen next.If that helps.
Jazy u take such beautiful pics. Do u ever think of selling them, they're just as good or better than the ones passed around FB.
Sandy thanks so much for ur advice on the wines I wrote them down, now I know what I'm doing.Plus I'm giving her a piece of jewelry Maybe a bracelet, that's it.
Kim we had snow yesterday but it melted pretty fast, I was just surprised to see any. Give sadie and extra rub from me please.
Some of these stations on TV started Christmas moves way to early and I'm tired of them. Most are way to sugary and we all know I;m more for Whos getting killed at Christmas then who's getting a bike.
I can't believe its like 2 weeks and then Christmas for some reason it just doesn't seem time at all. I feel like I have so much to do an compared to a few yrs. ago it's really nothing, but my mind is like on overload to get things done. Strange.
And wow today is TGIF already. Hoping everyone has a good day.
LUBS U ALL
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Hello Hello, I'm home! Had a nice time visiting our friend there and had lunch with some other friends from Lake Havasu, but a bit embarrassing as they complained about the food, wanting things redone and/or taken off the bill, then arguing with the waiter that one thing wasn't taken off the bill, that happened twice. Normally we hit a buffet with them, but they all close during this time of year to do all their cleaning and remodeling, so at a buffet, you don't send things back! We were at Outbacks and one of the things that was taken off the bill and we ate the whole things was a blooming onion. Like I said, so embarrassing!
Jazzy, so so very sorry to hear about the situation with your sister and SIL, your sister is definitely in denial. Which is going to make it even harder on her when her partner passes. I pray your SIL is comfortable.
NM, sounds like you had fun at/with your WWW group, and such a nice thing to do for a family.
Sandy, glad your furbaby is doing better, sorry about your voice. I can relate to the troubles of falling asleep! I've been taking 10 mg of Melatonin and another 6 mg Melatonin with 50 mg of 5-HTP (whatever that is) and a tiny bit of the RSO w/THC in it.
DH had orthopedic dr. appt yesterday for his back. Doctor thinks that perhaps he should have a disc removed. Outpatient surgery, but you would think he was going to die. He's really scared and worried! Suggested we wait about weeks and see how things are and decide then. I finally got approved for the Verzenio, supposed to be here today. Now waiting on the Faslodex, but seems it's my doctors office that is dropping the ball on this one. Need to try and get that taken care of today.
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Hi friends- working from home today. The week at the client site was crazy, but I am tracking now to finish planning with them and then let my teams know I am leaving. Almost there. Busy too talking to people about new opps and went to a professional org event last night where I connected with some new folks. Feeling ready to wrap this one up and go!
Goldie- I will be honest that I find going out to eat or even planning to have people over for a meal is a real ordeal anymore. I find a lot of people who are difficult about food and they make dining experiences really unpleasant. Having been a waitress back in the day, we always had those people who came in to our restaurant and were never satisfied with how the food was cooked, or presented, or anything else. It is very awkward and uncomfortable for the servers and the people they are supposed to be having a good time with? Usually having those types pick the restaurant can help, but not always and it sounded like the choices were limited this time of the year. You will know next time to not go with them again unless it's buffet style and they can leave anything they don't like sitting on their plate. UGH!
Sorry to hear about your DH and his possible surgery. And men, well yes, everything make them feel like they are going to die. I always say I am not going to get worked up about anything if there is medication, surgery, or other treatment to address the problem. So many people were freaked out about my cataract surgeries, and went on and on about it being so scary, blah, blah, blah. I told all of them one of the easiest things I have been through. I am saving my angst for the stuff that has no solution......
Cami- I used to do a lot of photography when I was younger with a film camera and some classes. I never wanted to get in to selling things, but there are some really wonderful photographers out here that do. My co-workers were all trying to get those same shots through the office window at work and every one of them could not believe the quality of the camera on my phone. It is a google pixel 3 and it has one of the best phone cameras around.
NM- your event sounded like a great success. I love that poinsettia cocktail too, I might try that one! I got invited to a Xmas dinner today at a friend's when I get back in town the afternoon of Xmas from the hot springs and thinking I might bring some things to mix this up for the group. I might have to do a dry run to check it out first to see how it tastes. Thanks for sharing that recipe.
I had a good talk with my sister today and she was in to the see her atty this week around the situation and think the woman is giving her some sound advice. The partner has 60 more days in this rehab place, but apparently can stay there after the 90 day medicare period in a nursing home situation. The cost will be enormous per month and my sister, who has the money, will be able to handle it short term, but am concerned she is going to compromise her own well being for the longer term. We all hear about the amount of money that is spent at the end of a person's life being the majority of their medical costs over a life time and here we are. That being said, I still feel that my SIL's body is slowly shutting down. They atty also told my sister its a good time to go pre-arrange for funeral services which she agreed to. At least she is listening to someone. The situation remains difficult.
Okay, back tomorrow and maybe with some interesting things to share....
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Jazzy, you got that right, not going out to eat with them unless the buffet. But not likely to see them for quite some time. Sounds like maybe your sister is coming to grip with things, I hope so, for her sake if nothing else. And anotoher woot woot for getting that mortgage paid off! Once we got my mom in the nursing home, after a long fight trying to convince them that she can NOT take care of herself, and everything settled with Medicare or Medicaid, forget which one, they just took her check as full payment and left her with like $40 a month for personal spending. Is this something you sister and SIL can look into? If so, I would suggest they start now, as it's a long process.
NM and Sadie must be having a nice sleep in!
No telling where or what Cami is doing!
Well, not much to tell on my end. Supposed to be a windy day here in the mountains.
DOTD
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Morning everyone and happy weekend! Since returning home it has been chaotic (what is new??!!), I did nothing on Tuesday, spent all Wednesday in Calgary for my trial session for which I am awaiting the results, Thursday did all the catching up from being away, Friday we went in and watched our grandkids while the parents got their Christmas shopping done, had so much fun, then home totally tired out - amazing what 2 four years olds and a 2 year old can get up to!! Today I have a Celebration of Life for a friend dx December 27/18 and passed December 4/19, sadly not even a year...looks like NM and Sadie are having a sleep in - enjoy!
Jazzy - I am glad your sister is starting to accept things, so much easier on your mind I am thinking...and you are mortage free??!! Yayyy, that is wonderful! Congratulations!
goldie - We spent the last week with friends in Mexico, 2 of whom are vegetarian, so we were not sure how that would go - lo and behold, they became 'flexatarians' and did try some meats and things, and no complaining, it was awesome! Hope your DH settles in, mine has a cold this week and he seriously does not stop complaining - men are the worst when not feeling well (get over yourself says I)!!
Hi to JCS, cami, illi, Teka, minustwo and everyone else reading here... Cheers!
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Happy Sunday to all! The sun is out here and it is supposed to be a lovely day. I plan on getting to the grocery store and then help my DH clean up the yard from all the wind and rain debris. Next week I will get to some Christmas cooking.
I was able to get my chemo infusion last Friday. After skipping a month, the steroids really messed with my sleeping. Someone asked about when my treatments will end. Being metastatic, according to my MO, they will never stop. I would like to convince him to allow me a three month break. I am adding some supplemental things that I have researched. I am of the belief that a combination of regular medical treatment with natural supplements is a way to treat this disease. I will end the year with a PET scan and (hopefully) start the new year still NED.Started watching The Queen last night. Olivia Coleman is great in the role of Queen Elizabeth. Interesting depiction of the relationship between her and her younger sister. You do wonder how much of this is true.
Hope everyone had a great weekend and are looking forward to a fun week
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Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Sunday Funday! Had a lovely get together with Mom, my brother and his wife yesterday. My brother and SIL solved the whole Christmas presentsituation but taking me and Mom out for lunch. We went to the Olive Garden, and had a great lunch. Spent the morning and afternoon visiting. Got home before total dark, which was good because of all the rain and fog yesterday. Got another 0.88 inches of rain as of this ayem. Then Sadie and I had a sleep in this ayem. Ahhh, so nice!
Cammy Cat--Sadie says Thank You for the extra belly rub, it's on her account for our bedtime ritual tonight. Snow that doesn't last, doesn't count, they say around here. But we all know it's coming back and probably soon. I'm not a big fan of most Christmas movies, either, like you say, too sugary sweet.
Jazzy-- I barely noticed it was Friday the 13th the other day! That doesn't seem anywhere near as scary a thought as Friday the 13th used to be. Maybe that's a statement on the state of my life, too?
Goldie--Welcome home! It does sound like those folks are a bit embarrassing to be with in a restaurant. I can see why you usually do buffets with them. 5-HTP is 5-hydroxytryptophan, that's what the amino acid tryptophan is converted to before being converted to serotonin (and then on to melatonin). Tryptophan is the amino acid in turkey that's often considered responsible for the after Thanksgiving Dinner "food coma".Sorry to hearyour doc's office is dropping the ball. Changing treatments is hard enough without that uncertainty. I don't blame your DH for being scare of back surgery. And I think you are wise to counsel waiting. The track record for that kind of surgery isn't very good over the long haul. Has he tried physical therapy? PT is usually more successful than surgery and for a much longer time, too.
Jazzy--Yes, the get together was great fun, it always is, and taking care of the family for Christmas was very satisfying. I'd love to hear how the poinsettia cocktail comes out! Glad you are getting out of the crazy client site. And even gladder that your Sister is talking to an attorney AND listening to the advice. Sometimes that kind of information is better accepted when it comes from someone who is seen as neutral, rather than someone who could be seen as criticizing or judgmental. And at least she is looking ahead, even if only a little. Still, a hard situation for everyone.
What Child is This? Is one of my favorite Christmas Carols.
Goldie--I LOVEW Butterfingers, I can't wait to get all the stuff I need to make this cocktail!!
Janky--wow, you really have been busy! Don't blameyou for being tired and not doing anything for a day or two.
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Hi friends- happy Funday Sunday. I had what I would consider a pretty perfect day yesterday. You have not heard me say that in awhile, have you? I started my day with some cooking to bring some treats around to the client site, family and friends this week, then left late morning to do some shopping as well as visit a place my mother turned me on to when I first moved here called the Turquoise Museum. She had read about it in a Smithsonian mag about 20 years ago and it used to be in this small little strip shopping center, but has now moved into this home that is built like a castle in downtown Albuquerque. The woman who owned it was one of the top jewelry sellers here in the Southwest (her store still exists) and the family is leasing the property now for the museum. Feels like a real museum with great exhibits, great education info on all the mines in the US, and around the world.
Every time I go, I educate myself with another mine and the character of the stone. My new favorite is called the No 8 mine out of Nevada and came away with a ring with a stone from that mine I will post from my phone later today. Such a hidden gem (literally and figuratively). And I still have the earrings my mother bought there long ago. Brought back some nice memories of fun times together when we visited there back in the 1990s.
Today has been shopping, cleaning, more baking and have a Xmas jazz concert in a few hours.
NM- do you buy Sadie Xmas gifts and wrap them and if yes, does she unwrap them on Xmas day? Whenever I bring my sister's dog gifts, she knows they are for her and sits and watches for me to be ready for the hand off. Dogs are smart like that. I will let you know if I get around to that drink too. I am going to spend Xmas afternoon with some friends after I get back from my overnight at the hot springs on Xmas Eve and that crowd might be the perfect ones to make it for.
Goldie- my big concern for my sister is the cost of the long term care. They will have to blow through a lot before they can get Medicaid coverage for the nursing home. When I heard the annual cost for that long term care out of pocket, I almost choked. It is because her partner has a permanent trach her throat and very few places can accommodate that.
JCS- what I learned going through treatment is that so many people don't really understand how long everything takes with cancer treatment, and that once you are Stage IV, treatment is forever. I was on aromatase inhibitors for five years after my surgery and rads, which as my MO said, is still treatment, just a different kind. When people would say "I am done with all that" a year or so after I finished treatment, my comment to them would be "well, no I am still taking hormone suppressing drugs for five years now and also have to do follow ups every six months." They would just look at me with this stunned look, but would then just move on to the next subject.
People either ask questions to understand, or they decide for themselves based on what they know of others experiences. It's an uncomfortable subject for most folks, and only a hand full of people I did talk to about it or will now. I have a one liner now if the subject comes up from the few I have shared it with if asked almost 7 years down the pike now. Like everything else in life, people either get it or they don't. My approach to cancer was to do the mainstream western medicine approach and also did some supplements for side effects.
Cami- you have been off line for a few days girlfriend. What are you up to? Partying with your boyfriends? I know you are hanging under the mistletoe, don't deny it.
So we are finally working on my transition plan out from the contract. I hope to be able to tell my providers and teams this week, but will do my discussions first with the leaders. Apparently, they are cutting a lot of contractors here at the end of the year which is not surprising, and seen a couple leave on their own and others are waiting to hear. End of the year budget balancing. I am working on my next opps and waiting to hear whether I will get an interview with the company that I got some outreach on from a colleague. Not a lot happens this time of the year, but heard they were anxious to find someone so we will see! Because they are in high need for a resource, I may have some good negotiation options on this one?
Hope everyone has a good week. Ten days to Xmas and a couple weeks to the New Year.
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Happy Sunday to all! Just chilling and taking care of DH who has a 'man cold' - dreadfully sick you know
Jazzy - The mine museum sounds delightful, a place I would enjoy too. I am really, really hoping that job comes along for you, in the meantime enjoy Christmas and all that goes with it! So have you been stage 4 7 years?? I can't tell from your signature what meds you are on? I take Ibrance and Letrozole and have been stable for 2 years almost to the day.
NM - Glad that Sadie is getting the extra belly rubs - one can never have too many! I am sure she loves Christmas, and I too, am wondering if she opens gifts - hers or yours??!
cami - Come out, come out where ever you are?!! Missing you - like Jazzy says you are probably busy under the mistletoe with those men of yours!!
JCS - Glad to hear you were able to get the chemo, and good luck in getting a treatment break...sometimes we have to advocate for ourselves and let our bodies 'recover' from treatments that are hard on those same bodies...
To all of you reading - have a happy, healing, laughter filled week. Cheers!
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Janky - no sorry for the lack of clarity, I have been cancer free for almost 7 yrs
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Jazzy - Ha ha - this is where we need a 'Like' button - that is awesome!
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Congrats, Jazzy! That is wonderful.
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