Wednesday, September 22nd 2010
I spent 4 hours doing housing searches. I made a few phone calls. I am basically looking for something affordable from here north. I am looking to be close to the Garden State Parkway so the travel to see Dayna and bring her back to her dad's is not awful. I have looked a bit north and west of her dad's house too. I'd like to be within a half hour, ideally. That seems to put me between Matawan and Bloomfield, and a bit of eastern Morris County. I'd prefer not to be in a "bad" neighborhood since I will have Dayna as often as I do. She'd like me in Elizabeth so I am in the same town and she'd be able to come over sometimes after school.
I found several websites to help me with my research. I applied for information on a few of them. I took advantage of resource links posted on some sites to find my way to other helpful sites. There are a few management and development companies that have multiple properties. Those were helpful for finding options.
I still have to find info about the housing authorities, public housing, and section 8 applications. Sigh! It's a process!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Insomnia and Migraine
5:10am and I still can't sleep. I have been trying since 1am. I toss and turn, my back hurts, I toss some more - I just can't get comfortable! I got up again. On the scale of 0 -10 with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain, my lower back is about a 7. I'm having some difficulty standing and walking. Maybe that's a factor in why I can't sleep. I took 2mg of Dilaudid that was left over from when I had my gallbladder out a year and a half ago. I know it's old, but I am hoping it is still effective. I'll read some more of InkDeath and try again.
I FINALLY fell asleep around 7:30am. I woke up a little before 4pm with a heck of a headache. I took 500mg of Tylenol hoping it'd help. 8pm I still had the pesky headache. On the 0 - 10 scale it's aching around a 5. That's better than the 7 it was, but still rather uncomfortable.
9:30pm Pesky Headache has turned into a full blown migraine. Joy! It's a 7 on the pain scale and escalating rapidly. I took Dilaudid. I don't want this to get worse to the point I am crying and need the ER. My stomach is upset, I am sensitive to light and sounds, my head is throbbing...ugh! My head feels hot...warm, wooshy side effect of the pain med?
10pm Headache is still a 6-7 on the pain scale. At least it didn't get any worse! To give an idea to those who are not frequent pain sufferers, Dilaudid is a synthetic pain medicine. 1mg is approximately equianalgesic to about 5 mg of Morphine. I took 2mg for a headache of a 7 on the pain scale (equivalent to 10mg morphine) and it basically just prevented the headache from getting worse. That's one heck of a headache! (I know Veronica can relate.)
I FINALLY fell asleep around 7:30am. I woke up a little before 4pm with a heck of a headache. I took 500mg of Tylenol hoping it'd help. 8pm I still had the pesky headache. On the 0 - 10 scale it's aching around a 5. That's better than the 7 it was, but still rather uncomfortable.
9:30pm Pesky Headache has turned into a full blown migraine. Joy! It's a 7 on the pain scale and escalating rapidly. I took Dilaudid. I don't want this to get worse to the point I am crying and need the ER. My stomach is upset, I am sensitive to light and sounds, my head is throbbing...ugh! My head feels hot...warm, wooshy side effect of the pain med?
10pm Headache is still a 6-7 on the pain scale. At least it didn't get any worse! To give an idea to those who are not frequent pain sufferers, Dilaudid is a synthetic pain medicine. 1mg is approximately equianalgesic to about 5 mg of Morphine. I took 2mg for a headache of a 7 on the pain scale (equivalent to 10mg morphine) and it basically just prevented the headache from getting worse. That's one heck of a headache! (I know Veronica can relate.)
T-Tapp
Monday, September 20th 2010
I did my T-Tapp nworkout tonight. I feel accomplished, energized, and a bit sore. But at least it's a good muscle soreness, not an "I didn't do anything and hurt" kind of pain. I yanked out the instructional tapes. I made it all the way through Instructional Tape 1 with just a decrease in a few reps of two exercises.
Tuesday, September 21st 2010
I began with Instructional Tape 2 tonight. I got through most of it. I decreased the reps on the Lunges, Balance Sequence and Thread The Needle. (see http://www.t-tapp.com/ for more information on this workout.) I stopped after the Arms Sequence. I just didn't have anymore energy or strength left in me and I didn't want to push my back further. I hurt! But again, it's an accomplished type of hurt, which is always better than hurting doing nothing.
Wednesday, September 22nd 2010
Day 3 of bootcamp! I did Instructional Tape 2 again. I made it as far as yesterday, through the Arms Sequence. It's so hard to keep going. Once I am done I feel that good, tingly, muscle soreness that let's me know it's effective. I need to take LOTS of water breaks and sit to rest my back in between exercises more than I'd like to, but at least I am plugging away and barreling through it. Hopefully soon I'll see results!
Thursday, September 23rd 2010
I did the Instructional Video 2 again, but I made it through Torso Twist! It came a bit easier tonight. It was like my muscles remembered exaactly what they were supposed to do and just ran through it without thinking. I did almost all of the lunges and cut them short because of some ankle pain, not leg fatigue. I only did 4 reps of weach segment of the Balance Sequence because my hips were hurting the past few days. I did all of the U-Swings and 6 reps of Thread the Needle. I did the Arms Sequence sitting down again, and I even pulled off a set of Hoe Downs! Talk about feeling accomplished!
Friday, September 24th 2010
As much as the T-Tapp workouts are hard and hurt, I feel better doing them again. I can tell I am getting stronger. I feel it in my legs and my back. If only I felt it more in my tummy - that's why I am trying to do the ab portion at least every other day, if not everyday. After four days in a row, I feel like I might be slimmning a bit, not much, but it might just be better posture and carriage.
I did my T-Tapp nworkout tonight. I feel accomplished, energized, and a bit sore. But at least it's a good muscle soreness, not an "I didn't do anything and hurt" kind of pain. I yanked out the instructional tapes. I made it all the way through Instructional Tape 1 with just a decrease in a few reps of two exercises.
Tuesday, September 21st 2010
I began with Instructional Tape 2 tonight. I got through most of it. I decreased the reps on the Lunges, Balance Sequence and Thread The Needle. (see http://www.t-tapp.com/ for more information on this workout.) I stopped after the Arms Sequence. I just didn't have anymore energy or strength left in me and I didn't want to push my back further. I hurt! But again, it's an accomplished type of hurt, which is always better than hurting doing nothing.
Wednesday, September 22nd 2010
Day 3 of bootcamp! I did Instructional Tape 2 again. I made it as far as yesterday, through the Arms Sequence. It's so hard to keep going. Once I am done I feel that good, tingly, muscle soreness that let's me know it's effective. I need to take LOTS of water breaks and sit to rest my back in between exercises more than I'd like to, but at least I am plugging away and barreling through it. Hopefully soon I'll see results!
Thursday, September 23rd 2010
I did the Instructional Video 2 again, but I made it through Torso Twist! It came a bit easier tonight. It was like my muscles remembered exaactly what they were supposed to do and just ran through it without thinking. I did almost all of the lunges and cut them short because of some ankle pain, not leg fatigue. I only did 4 reps of weach segment of the Balance Sequence because my hips were hurting the past few days. I did all of the U-Swings and 6 reps of Thread the Needle. I did the Arms Sequence sitting down again, and I even pulled off a set of Hoe Downs! Talk about feeling accomplished!
Friday, September 24th 2010
As much as the T-Tapp workouts are hard and hurt, I feel better doing them again. I can tell I am getting stronger. I feel it in my legs and my back. If only I felt it more in my tummy - that's why I am trying to do the ab portion at least every other day, if not everyday. After four days in a row, I feel like I might be slimmning a bit, not much, but it might just be better posture and carriage.
Transfer Options
Thursday, September 9th 2010
I spent the day running errands and researching 4 year colleges and universities to see what sort of degree programs are offered. I figure I don't want to stop at an associates degree, so it'd be a good idea to see what options I have for transfer. I also wanted to view curriculums so I can plan what courses to take now that would be beneficial to transferring credits.
I'm still very interested in the sciences. That's what my concentration was before I majored in Nursing. I don't want to give up all of my previous education and experience. I also don't want to pick a course load I will be overly bored with, or a career path I will be bored with in the hopes that I get some treatment for my back so I can go back to work at some point.
I figure I'll start at OCC under the liberal arts major, take a few classes, then switch over to a science major. I want to take French and some philosophy courses - specifically World Religions and a biomedical ethics course. They also have an Intro to Investing course I am interested in. They havce a Healthcare Law course that looked interesting. To cover a humanities elective I was looking into their Theatre courses. One involves trips, so that would be nice.
In my search for transfer schools I am drawn to Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology. I should take General Biology and Chemistry, math through at least pre-Calculus, preferably Calculus 1 so I can start in on Physics. I'll have my work cut out for me if I can make this happen. Next step is researching companies and career opportunities to see what I can do with these degrees and help me narrow down where to go and for what.
Any other advice from those of you going through college or having been through it? I never had the opportunity to meet with guidance or career counseling in High School, and not much at Brookdale either. I'm kind of trying to find my way with whatever info I can get my hands on.
I spent the day running errands and researching 4 year colleges and universities to see what sort of degree programs are offered. I figure I don't want to stop at an associates degree, so it'd be a good idea to see what options I have for transfer. I also wanted to view curriculums so I can plan what courses to take now that would be beneficial to transferring credits.
I'm still very interested in the sciences. That's what my concentration was before I majored in Nursing. I don't want to give up all of my previous education and experience. I also don't want to pick a course load I will be overly bored with, or a career path I will be bored with in the hopes that I get some treatment for my back so I can go back to work at some point.
I figure I'll start at OCC under the liberal arts major, take a few classes, then switch over to a science major. I want to take French and some philosophy courses - specifically World Religions and a biomedical ethics course. They also have an Intro to Investing course I am interested in. They havce a Healthcare Law course that looked interesting. To cover a humanities elective I was looking into their Theatre courses. One involves trips, so that would be nice.
In my search for transfer schools I am drawn to Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology. I should take General Biology and Chemistry, math through at least pre-Calculus, preferably Calculus 1 so I can start in on Physics. I'll have my work cut out for me if I can make this happen. Next step is researching companies and career opportunities to see what I can do with these degrees and help me narrow down where to go and for what.
Any other advice from those of you going through college or having been through it? I never had the opportunity to meet with guidance or career counseling in High School, and not much at Brookdale either. I'm kind of trying to find my way with whatever info I can get my hands on.
Book Quotes
I've come across a few more words of wisdom during my reading this past month.
From the Inkheart trilogy, Cornelia Funke, I can't remember which book:
From The Cat Who Saw Stars, Lilian Jackson Braun:
From the Inkheart trilogy, Cornelia Funke, I can't remember which book:
Books have to be heavy because a whole world is inside them.
From The Cat Who Saw Stars, Lilian Jackson Braun:
There's nothing wrong with a little local color to relieve the mnotony of good English.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Samsung Gravity
So far I am liking my new phone. It's much better than the LG Rumor I had. The Rumor liked to spontaneously turn itself on and off as if possessed by the Evil Cell Phone Demon. The Gravity stays on. It's nice.
Usually, I get a new phone and it takes me two years to figure out how to work it. Then the cell place tells me I should upgrade. I get a new phone even though I haven't totally figured out the last phone. I read the books, it doesn't stick.
As usual, I read the instruction book that came with my phone (stop laughing Chris). I doubt I will remember all of the features and how to use them. I can make calls. I can text message. I even found the speakerphone this week.
The book even has other useful information. I'd like to share it with you all now so we all use our phones safely.
Usually, I get a new phone and it takes me two years to figure out how to work it. Then the cell place tells me I should upgrade. I get a new phone even though I haven't totally figured out the last phone. I read the books, it doesn't stick.
As usual, I read the instruction book that came with my phone (stop laughing Chris). I doubt I will remember all of the features and how to use them. I can make calls. I can text message. I even found the speakerphone this week.
The book even has other useful information. I'd like to share it with you all now so we all use our phones safely.
CARING FOR YOUR PHONE
- Phones aren't cheap, so keep yours in a safe place - away from children who may find it fun to see if the phne sinks or floats, and away from dogs who find plastic-coated products to be irresistible chew toys.
- Water will damage your phone and accessories - even a small amount such as water droplets from your soda in your car cup holder, melting snowflakes, tears of joy, squirt-gun crossfire or steam from the kitchen or bathroom.
- Use only batteries and accessories from the original manufacturer of your phone. Non-approved accessories can cause damage to you or your phone. Hint : If it's being sold out of someone's car trunk, walk away.
- If your charger or other accessory is damaged, replace it, or take it to a qualified service dealer. Do not attempt to operate your phone charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, thrown from a speeding motorcycle or is otherwise damaged; doing so may damage your phone.
Keep your phone closed. If it rings and you discover it's in the backseat, do NOT crawl over the seat to answer it while driving.Now that I have shared those tips with you, I feel confident we can all go on using our cell phones in the safest manner possible!
Cell disconnect
Thursday, September 9th 2010
My phone was disconnected this week. It was the plan I have had for YEARS. About a year and a half ago, I added Bret's line onto my account to try to save us some money. Despite everyone telling me to cancel his phone, I left it on because he was paying half the bill. This month when the bill was due, I text messaged him as usual. A week later he still hadn't paid anything. I received the text message about the bill being overdue. I forwarded it to him. I assumed he'd take care of it when he could and didn't want to be a pest. Last week I got the "Your phone is going to be disconnected" message. Hmmm. I forwarded it to him. He FINALLY replied. "I lost my job, I'm broke, I have no where to live, I am moving with family in Texas." Would have been nice to know BEFORE my phone got shut off!
There was much crying my eyes out trying to figure out how I was going to keep in touch with Dayna, how I was going to call for doctor's appointments, how I was going to make calls to find permanent housing (I'm still required to make contacts to find either section 8 or low-income housing), and basically just stay connected since I am an hour away from family and don't have the money to just jump in the car and pay tolls to go check up with people, and I don't expect them to just show up on my door (only two people do that - Dad when he has a car, and Aunt Marie :-).
I called Marty. He told me about his phone plan, said he can get an old phone from a friend and buy a SIM card for $5 and get me going for 20 bucks.
I called Dad, he had another idea. He told me to call T-Mobile and see about adding a line to his account. Yay Dad! So my phone got shut off, I made a surprise visit to Dad. We got in the car and went to the T-Mobile store. He was due for an upgrade, he got a new phone (and is still figuring out how to use it, he finally found the volume button 9/20/10). I told the girl I was looking for a phone with a keyboard and text capabilities. Dad said to get text messaging, I was grateful. I got a Samsung Gravity.
Then Dad told the girl he wanted one of those things to hook the computer up to the internet. Hence how I am online now! Voila, le WebConnect Rocket! The girl scanned a few things, told me it was a piece of cake, installs itself, good to go. I ported my old Sprint phone number so my phone won't work until tomorrow, but the Rocket is ready to go.
The Rocket was not ready to go. I got home, it installed itself like she said it would, but it said it was running on my cell number. :-/ Weird. Next day, phone says "Emergency Calls Only." :-/ Weird. This isn't good.
No phone, no internet, no phone book...into the car I go for an hour drive to Hazlet where I know there's a T-Mobile store (we were just in it yesterday), $2 in tolls... The girl put the wrong SIM card in the Web Connect. The other girl switched the SIM cards, said I should be good to go, phone worked, wonderful! Off I went.
The WebConnect still wasn't working. This is ridiculous.
Saturday, September 11th I went back to the T-Mobile store. He gave me a new SIM card, said since Dad wasn't with me he couldn't do anything, but I can call up customer care and have them activate it. Customer Care is apparently closed on Sundays. It was late Saturday when I got the card so I waited until Sunday. Monday morning I tried again, a pulse! Sympathy, but not the brightest light bulb in the bunch. Need Dad's social or a password to do anything. Called Dad. Got the magic digits. Called Customer Care back, asked for tech support, a pulse attached to a brain! The SIM card was activated and the WebConnect is now working!
My phone was disconnected this week. It was the plan I have had for YEARS. About a year and a half ago, I added Bret's line onto my account to try to save us some money. Despite everyone telling me to cancel his phone, I left it on because he was paying half the bill. This month when the bill was due, I text messaged him as usual. A week later he still hadn't paid anything. I received the text message about the bill being overdue. I forwarded it to him. I assumed he'd take care of it when he could and didn't want to be a pest. Last week I got the "Your phone is going to be disconnected" message. Hmmm. I forwarded it to him. He FINALLY replied. "I lost my job, I'm broke, I have no where to live, I am moving with family in Texas." Would have been nice to know BEFORE my phone got shut off!
There was much crying my eyes out trying to figure out how I was going to keep in touch with Dayna, how I was going to call for doctor's appointments, how I was going to make calls to find permanent housing (I'm still required to make contacts to find either section 8 or low-income housing), and basically just stay connected since I am an hour away from family and don't have the money to just jump in the car and pay tolls to go check up with people, and I don't expect them to just show up on my door (only two people do that - Dad when he has a car, and Aunt Marie :-).
I called Marty. He told me about his phone plan, said he can get an old phone from a friend and buy a SIM card for $5 and get me going for 20 bucks.
I called Dad, he had another idea. He told me to call T-Mobile and see about adding a line to his account. Yay Dad! So my phone got shut off, I made a surprise visit to Dad. We got in the car and went to the T-Mobile store. He was due for an upgrade, he got a new phone (and is still figuring out how to use it, he finally found the volume button 9/20/10). I told the girl I was looking for a phone with a keyboard and text capabilities. Dad said to get text messaging, I was grateful. I got a Samsung Gravity.
Then Dad told the girl he wanted one of those things to hook the computer up to the internet. Hence how I am online now! Voila, le WebConnect Rocket! The girl scanned a few things, told me it was a piece of cake, installs itself, good to go. I ported my old Sprint phone number so my phone won't work until tomorrow, but the Rocket is ready to go.
The Rocket was not ready to go. I got home, it installed itself like she said it would, but it said it was running on my cell number. :-/ Weird. Next day, phone says "Emergency Calls Only." :-/ Weird. This isn't good.
No phone, no internet, no phone book...into the car I go for an hour drive to Hazlet where I know there's a T-Mobile store (we were just in it yesterday), $2 in tolls... The girl put the wrong SIM card in the Web Connect. The other girl switched the SIM cards, said I should be good to go, phone worked, wonderful! Off I went.
The WebConnect still wasn't working. This is ridiculous.
Saturday, September 11th I went back to the T-Mobile store. He gave me a new SIM card, said since Dad wasn't with me he couldn't do anything, but I can call up customer care and have them activate it. Customer Care is apparently closed on Sundays. It was late Saturday when I got the card so I waited until Sunday. Monday morning I tried again, a pulse! Sympathy, but not the brightest light bulb in the bunch. Need Dad's social or a password to do anything. Called Dad. Got the magic digits. Called Customer Care back, asked for tech support, a pulse attached to a brain! The SIM card was activated and the WebConnect is now working!
OCC
Tuesday, September 7th 2010
I went to Ocean County College and picked up an application. I spoke to a lady in the advising office. She asked which program I was interested in. I told her I wasn't sure yet, probably liberal arts to start and then take a few courses to figure it out. She said a lot of people do that. She gave me a list of required courses for the liberal arts major and a list of approved general education courses. According to that paperwork, I am 3 courses away from a liberal arts degree if all of Brookdale were to transfer in :-) It's been 11 years since I started Brookdale, so I doubt everything would transfer. I'll probably have to retake English. (What do you think? Do I need a writing course?) I think Public Speaking is required everywhere now, so I'll need to take that, and possibly an updated computer literacy course just to prove I know how to turn the thing on and type :-)
I went to Ocean County College and picked up an application. I spoke to a lady in the advising office. She asked which program I was interested in. I told her I wasn't sure yet, probably liberal arts to start and then take a few courses to figure it out. She said a lot of people do that. She gave me a list of required courses for the liberal arts major and a list of approved general education courses. According to that paperwork, I am 3 courses away from a liberal arts degree if all of Brookdale were to transfer in :-) It's been 11 years since I started Brookdale, so I doubt everything would transfer. I'll probably have to retake English. (What do you think? Do I need a writing course?) I think Public Speaking is required everywhere now, so I'll need to take that, and possibly an updated computer literacy course just to prove I know how to turn the thing on and type :-)
Why don't people believe me?
Friday, September 3rd 2010
I saw the doctor today. He insists my disability was approved because I am bipolar and not because there's anything wrong with my back. He showed me my Med-1 from Social Services where he wrote that I have a "severe mental disorder." I accept that. I'm living with it. But that does not mean my physical pain and ailments do not exist. Next time I have an appointment with him, I've half a mind to bring him a slew of MRI, EMG, and ultrasound reports to PROVE I have other issues and they are not all in my head. (I am aware some of my issues are in my head - anxiety, depression, etc. But I am not psycho or stupid.)
I was so upset after that appojntment that I came home nearly in tearsw and went back to bed. That's my way of coping, my "do over."
I saw the doctor today. He insists my disability was approved because I am bipolar and not because there's anything wrong with my back. He showed me my Med-1 from Social Services where he wrote that I have a "severe mental disorder." I accept that. I'm living with it. But that does not mean my physical pain and ailments do not exist. Next time I have an appointment with him, I've half a mind to bring him a slew of MRI, EMG, and ultrasound reports to PROVE I have other issues and they are not all in my head. (I am aware some of my issues are in my head - anxiety, depression, etc. But I am not psycho or stupid.)
I was so upset after that appojntment that I came home nearly in tearsw and went back to bed. That's my way of coping, my "do over."
From Library to College?
Wednesday, September 1st 2010
I went to the library to use the computer. I updated my blog and found a few books to borrow. I have read way too much these past few months. July 31st I checked out Eragon. Since then, I have read Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, Inkheart, Inkspell, and now am 3/4 of the way through Inkdeath, and I'll read Fragile Eternity once Dayna finishes it and gives it back. That's 8 books in 2 months.
As I was leaving the library, I saw a fall schedule for Ocean County College. I picked it up. It was there, I saw it and figured maybe it can give me an idea of what I can still do. I've been going nuts in the house. I am too young to sit idle. Maybe taking a class or two would be good. The doctor advised me to join a group to get out of the house and socialize, I'd rather take a class than sit in adult day care (blech!).
I went to the library to use the computer. I updated my blog and found a few books to borrow. I have read way too much these past few months. July 31st I checked out Eragon. Since then, I have read Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, Inkheart, Inkspell, and now am 3/4 of the way through Inkdeath, and I'll read Fragile Eternity once Dayna finishes it and gives it back. That's 8 books in 2 months.
As I was leaving the library, I saw a fall schedule for Ocean County College. I picked it up. It was there, I saw it and figured maybe it can give me an idea of what I can still do. I've been going nuts in the house. I am too young to sit idle. Maybe taking a class or two would be good. The doctor advised me to join a group to get out of the house and socialize, I'd rather take a class than sit in adult day care (blech!).
Monday, September 6, 2010
Inkheart
Saturday, August 28th 2010
Dayna took off to see a movie with her friend K. That left me all along to go food shopping and read. I began reading Inheart by Cornelia Funke. It starts off different from the movie. Dustfinger goes to Mo and Meggie's house to warn him of Capricorn trying to find him. They run the next morning to Aunt Elinor's in Italy. Dustfinger accompanies them.
In the movie, it starts off with Mo and Meggie in the van searching bookstores for a copy of Inkheart. Dustfinger finds Meggie outside one while Mo is in the store. I'm excited to see what other differences there are.
It seems lately that all the good movies are based on books. That's great news for bookworms like me and Dayna. I'm sure it helps motivate people to read, too. I guess Hollywood has trouble finding good screenplays. Are we running out of creative ideas? Have they all been used up so the writers have run dry? Or has modern technology caused a total lack of imagination in today's generation?
Saturday, September 4th 2010
SSD Hearing
Thursday, August 26th 2010
Mom took me to Perkins to celebrate for lunch. Then I came home and took a nap!
I had a LOT of trouble trying to sleep last night. I think it was 3am by the time I finally fell asleep. I woke up when the alarm went off at 6am. I had set three alarms, just in case. I had some coffee, called mom to let her know I was up, and jumped in the shower. I put on a pair of black dress slacks, a black short-sleeved top, and my leather boots. Mom arrived. I quickly threw on some makeup and did my hair. We replenished our coffee to bring with us.
After stopping for a measly $5 of gas, we were on our way to Voorhees. Mom brought her GPS. We punched in the address and followed the verbal "You're going the wrong way," reprimands while leaving the gas station.
I missed the exit for route 73 amid all of the road construction. The GPS scolded me. She recalculated. She got confused when I made a U-Turn in a ShopRite parking lot. She recalculated again. We were off and running... the right way now.
We arrived at 9:02am. My attorney was outside on the phone. We went in, announced our arrival to the security guard at the desk, and waited. I stepped outside with my attorney to discuss things. He mentioned some of my medical records he received. One of them noted "alternating laughing and crying spells." I'd love to see what else it says about how I've lost my mind this year. (At least it's coming back...)
We waited two hours to be called. When it was my turn, we went into a little room with a table, a computer, two microphones in front of the chairs, and a HUGE TV monitor. My attorney popped in a disc they gave him and all of my information came up on the screen. He took out a pad and pen, and we waited.
The judge held up a remote and aimed it at the monitor. He said, "Good Morning," and asked if we were ready to begin. My attorney responded. I was very nervous. I kept fidgeting - both nerves and my back hurt from sitting in a not- very- comfortable chair while we were waiting.
The hearing began with an internal medicine doctor testifying on my back condition. He had a thick accent. I caught important words like, "herniated discs," "nerve damage," and "stenosis." He evidenced my ailments with a list of numbers. The judge asked the doctor if, in his opinion, my condition was sufficient to meet the social security definition of disabled. The doctor said, "Yes." A psychiatrist testified on my depression and anxiety issues. Then they addressed a vocational expert. He ran through some of my previous employments. He said I probably acquired some transferable skills. He also testified that in light of my back condition, it was unlikely that I would be able to sustain gainful employment in this economy.
The judge recessed for 5 minutes. We could see them on the screen, but we couldn't hear them. When he turned the volume back on, he said he was going to issue a bench decision. He read off a lot of information, "for the record," then he addressed me and said, "I am going to approve your claim for disability and SSI."
We're Dangerous Around Books
Wednesday, August 25th 2010
We decided to go to the library to return the HUGE stack of books we've had for two weeks. Dayna had 11, I had two. I love having a kid who reads. I am glad I helped instill that joy in her. As always, we checked out another stack. She'll probably have her's done by Friday. She talked me into Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr.
After the library, Dayna said she wasn't sure she could limit her back to school shopping to what we had, and the bank was closed, so she asked to go to Barnes and Noble instead. We're living dangerously...
She looked at several Manga's. They didn't have the last Fruits Basket volume. They didn't have another one she was looking for. She did find two she wanted. Then we hit the teen section. I wasn't able to find Eragon in the Fantasy section, there it was in teen, just as Dayna suggested. I read an exerpt from book 4. Dayna grabbed another book she wanted and eyeballed another, waiting for it to come out in paperback to add to the rest of the series she already owns.
On our way to the registers, we passed the "Required Summer Reading" tables. They had Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbuy. I remembered reading it in Freshman Honors English. For $6, we bought that too.
On the way back home, we goofed off in the car again. I went to say two things at once and it came out jumbled as one very silly word. The two of us laughed so hard. We started combining other words to make funny words. I took a detour past one of Dayna's friend's house to avoid traffic. Over a year ago, when we were passing it one day, I said, "Shoot them a smile!" Dayna misheard me and thought I said, "Shoot them AND smile." We still laugh about it to this day whenever we pass by. :-)
We decided to go to the library to return the HUGE stack of books we've had for two weeks. Dayna had 11, I had two. I love having a kid who reads. I am glad I helped instill that joy in her. As always, we checked out another stack. She'll probably have her's done by Friday. She talked me into Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr.
After the library, Dayna said she wasn't sure she could limit her back to school shopping to what we had, and the bank was closed, so she asked to go to Barnes and Noble instead. We're living dangerously...
She looked at several Manga's. They didn't have the last Fruits Basket volume. They didn't have another one she was looking for. She did find two she wanted. Then we hit the teen section. I wasn't able to find Eragon in the Fantasy section, there it was in teen, just as Dayna suggested. I read an exerpt from book 4. Dayna grabbed another book she wanted and eyeballed another, waiting for it to come out in paperback to add to the rest of the series she already owns.
On our way to the registers, we passed the "Required Summer Reading" tables. They had Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbuy. I remembered reading it in Freshman Honors English. For $6, we bought that too.
On the way back home, we goofed off in the car again. I went to say two things at once and it came out jumbled as one very silly word. The two of us laughed so hard. We started combining other words to make funny words. I took a detour past one of Dayna's friend's house to avoid traffic. Over a year ago, when we were passing it one day, I said, "Shoot them a smile!" Dayna misheard me and thought I said, "Shoot them AND smile." We still laugh about it to this day whenever we pass by. :-)
Cha-Chink, Cha-Chink!
Monday, August 23rd 2010
I had trouble sleeping again last night. I woke up late - around 1pm. After a few cups of coffee, I got a bit productive. I called the pharmacy to see if my meds were ready. I called to make a pain management appointment. I'm not in their computer system. The pain mgmt dept wasn't answering the line when the appointment setter called. They asked me to try again in 10 minutes. I called back. Still no luck. The girl ran up there and spoke to someone, they advised her to tell me they would call me back.
I wrote out a bank withdrawal ticket, threw my agenda and phone in my purse, and got ready to leave. I went to the bank. I went to the gas station. I stopped at Roy Rogers because I realized I forgot to eat. I went to the pharmacy to pick up my meds. Then I jumped on the parkway and headed north to pick up Dayna.
I pulled up as her dad was stepping outside. He hadn't realized I was on my way. I went up to Dayna's room. She was napping. I woke her up. I used her computer to find the post office. She grabbed her library books, put on flip flops, and her dad gave her the IO Box with her movies.
We chatted in the car, as usual. She sang me the English version of a Japanese song she likes. She's very into Japanese anime, manga's (comic books), and culture. We goofed off some, also as usual.
When we were approaching the Driscoll Bridge and Raritan tolls, I asked her to get me change for the toll. I asked her to use as many nickles and dimes as possible. She handed me 11 coins. I said, "Oh boy! This thing is going to love us!" I'd hate to be the car behind us.
*CLANG! Cha-chink, cha-chink, cha-chink, cha-chink, etc; "Paid, Thank You"*
After that we laughed about what it would be like to dump in a zip-lock bag of pennies - cha-chink, cha-chink, cha-chink, cha-chink...we'd have to come late at night when there's no traffic and put our hazards on :-) Or what if we sat there and threw them in one penny at a time - 1... 2... 3... ...98... 99... 100... wait for it... *toss* 100... wait for it... *toss* maybe 100?... Darn! I lost count! 1... 2... 3... :-)
I asked Dayna what she'd like to do. I said, "We have to go to the Post Office, what else would you like to do?" She said she didn't know. I said, "Ok, maybe the post office, clothes shopping..." She replied, "Great! Post Office clothes!" It took me a second, then I burst out laughing and said, "Yes, we will go clothes shopping at the post office!" realizing she was not acknowledging my inferred verbal comma.
When we got home, we ordered Chinese, she hooked up the IO Box, I took out the garbage, we moved the coffee table frame and the "Back - To - Storage" bedding box. We watched Eclipse while we waited and while we ate. Then it was time for bed.
I had trouble sleeping again last night. I woke up late - around 1pm. After a few cups of coffee, I got a bit productive. I called the pharmacy to see if my meds were ready. I called to make a pain management appointment. I'm not in their computer system. The pain mgmt dept wasn't answering the line when the appointment setter called. They asked me to try again in 10 minutes. I called back. Still no luck. The girl ran up there and spoke to someone, they advised her to tell me they would call me back.
I wrote out a bank withdrawal ticket, threw my agenda and phone in my purse, and got ready to leave. I went to the bank. I went to the gas station. I stopped at Roy Rogers because I realized I forgot to eat. I went to the pharmacy to pick up my meds. Then I jumped on the parkway and headed north to pick up Dayna.
I pulled up as her dad was stepping outside. He hadn't realized I was on my way. I went up to Dayna's room. She was napping. I woke her up. I used her computer to find the post office. She grabbed her library books, put on flip flops, and her dad gave her the IO Box with her movies.
We chatted in the car, as usual. She sang me the English version of a Japanese song she likes. She's very into Japanese anime, manga's (comic books), and culture. We goofed off some, also as usual.
When we were approaching the Driscoll Bridge and Raritan tolls, I asked her to get me change for the toll. I asked her to use as many nickles and dimes as possible. She handed me 11 coins. I said, "Oh boy! This thing is going to love us!" I'd hate to be the car behind us.
*CLANG! Cha-chink, cha-chink, cha-chink, cha-chink, etc; "Paid, Thank You"*
After that we laughed about what it would be like to dump in a zip-lock bag of pennies - cha-chink, cha-chink, cha-chink, cha-chink...we'd have to come late at night when there's no traffic and put our hazards on :-) Or what if we sat there and threw them in one penny at a time - 1... 2... 3... ...98... 99... 100... wait for it... *toss* 100... wait for it... *toss* maybe 100?... Darn! I lost count! 1... 2... 3... :-)
I asked Dayna what she'd like to do. I said, "We have to go to the Post Office, what else would you like to do?" She said she didn't know. I said, "Ok, maybe the post office, clothes shopping..." She replied, "Great! Post Office clothes!" It took me a second, then I burst out laughing and said, "Yes, we will go clothes shopping at the post office!" realizing she was not acknowledging my inferred verbal comma.
When we got home, we ordered Chinese, she hooked up the IO Box, I took out the garbage, we moved the coffee table frame and the "Back - To - Storage" bedding box. We watched Eclipse while we waited and while we ate. Then it was time for bed.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Sunday Dinner
Sunday, August 22nd 2010
After waking up with coffee and reading, I realized how tired I still was. I went back to bed for a nap before Marty and Dad were coming for dinner. Dayna texted me that she decided she did not want Uncle Marty to pick her up. I'll have to go get her tomorrow, I don't have the time today and she doesn't want her Dad taking her home.
In the afternoon I sent Marty a text to let him know. He was just getting up. An hour and a half later, Dad called to tell me Marty still hadn't picked him up. I called Marty, he was talking to Tara. I hated to interrupt him.
It was about 6pm when they got here. Dinner was just about done. We had tilapia, rice, and California Blend veggies (Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrots). I had a salad on the table already and ice cream in the freezer for dessert. I bought Blue Bunny Coffee Break and Vanilla.
Dad and Marty enjoyed dinner. We chatted. Dad talked about the differences in Bible versions. We talked about Marty's new job starting the 30th (Yay!). Marty mentioned he needed new clothes, Dad offered to help him. We talked about my upcoming hearing and how all I know is there is a judge, two medical experts, and a vocational expert via videoconference.
Marty set up his laptop and showed Dad an aerial view of the area in Canada his property is in. Dad said it looked like Marty got a good shot of the neighbors lot. Marty said he'd play around this week and see if he can get Dad's land better.
Dad talked about Canada. The town his land is in about one block long with no traffic light. He talked about their health care system and what they say it costs per person annually...and how the USA's system costs double and provides less services. We talked about other countries systems as well - France, Italy, Britain. Marty commented on how Tara says things are in Scotland.
Dad went into a bit of a history lesson. He spoke of how other countries were formed and explorers. We discussed Columbus, Champlain, and Hudson. It always amazes me how much he knows of history and how he can just recall it all off the top of his head with no advanced preparation. He put on a lecture on Ancient Egypt and discussed the course with us. It's one of his college tapes that he mail orders. It was pretty good.
Marty put on a Jeff Dunham comedy routine. Dad said he was a good ventriloquist, but it didn't really seem to be his cup of tea. marty switched to The A-Team. Marty checked out a few of my DVD's.
They left at 1am. It was a good visit. marty asked what I am making next week. :-) I guess this is going to be a weekly thing!
After waking up with coffee and reading, I realized how tired I still was. I went back to bed for a nap before Marty and Dad were coming for dinner. Dayna texted me that she decided she did not want Uncle Marty to pick her up. I'll have to go get her tomorrow, I don't have the time today and she doesn't want her Dad taking her home.
In the afternoon I sent Marty a text to let him know. He was just getting up. An hour and a half later, Dad called to tell me Marty still hadn't picked him up. I called Marty, he was talking to Tara. I hated to interrupt him.
It was about 6pm when they got here. Dinner was just about done. We had tilapia, rice, and California Blend veggies (Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrots). I had a salad on the table already and ice cream in the freezer for dessert. I bought Blue Bunny Coffee Break and Vanilla.
Dad and Marty enjoyed dinner. We chatted. Dad talked about the differences in Bible versions. We talked about Marty's new job starting the 30th (Yay!). Marty mentioned he needed new clothes, Dad offered to help him. We talked about my upcoming hearing and how all I know is there is a judge, two medical experts, and a vocational expert via videoconference.
Marty set up his laptop and showed Dad an aerial view of the area in Canada his property is in. Dad said it looked like Marty got a good shot of the neighbors lot. Marty said he'd play around this week and see if he can get Dad's land better.
Dad talked about Canada. The town his land is in about one block long with no traffic light. He talked about their health care system and what they say it costs per person annually...and how the USA's system costs double and provides less services. We talked about other countries systems as well - France, Italy, Britain. Marty commented on how Tara says things are in Scotland.
Dad went into a bit of a history lesson. He spoke of how other countries were formed and explorers. We discussed Columbus, Champlain, and Hudson. It always amazes me how much he knows of history and how he can just recall it all off the top of his head with no advanced preparation. He put on a lecture on Ancient Egypt and discussed the course with us. It's one of his college tapes that he mail orders. It was pretty good.
Marty put on a Jeff Dunham comedy routine. Dad said he was a good ventriloquist, but it didn't really seem to be his cup of tea. marty switched to The A-Team. Marty checked out a few of my DVD's.
They left at 1am. It was a good visit. marty asked what I am making next week. :-) I guess this is going to be a weekly thing!
Unpacking
Saturday, August 21st 2010
I went on a bit of a tirade unpacking things. I finished unpacking the kitchen boxes - still can't find the apple tea cups. I packed a lot of it into the middle closet. There is no room in the kitchen.
I moved the netertainment center box and dusted the entertainment center. I dusted the bookshelf by the kitchen. I unpacked the box of Suze Orman and investing books. One of these days I'll have enough money to put them to use.
I opened the entertainment center box. There were board games on top. I put them in "Dayna's" closet in the bedroom. Under them were two wrapped items that I assumed were my porcelain dolls. I was right. Then I got dismayed. :-( Whoever packed this box, I don't know if it was Bret or one of his friends, they didn't wrap any of the other stuff and they didn't pack them so they wouldn't move. It was a mess! Stuff was bouncing all over willy-nilly, candle wax covered everything, and a candle holder was broken. I sent up a prayer to God thanking him for protecting everything else. It was nothing short of a miracle that the only casualty was a candle holder.
After 4 boxes, my back was protesting, so I called it quites. I sat and admired my work. I did a lot. I was proud of myself. I sat and read some before heading to bed.
I went on a bit of a tirade unpacking things. I finished unpacking the kitchen boxes - still can't find the apple tea cups. I packed a lot of it into the middle closet. There is no room in the kitchen.
I moved the netertainment center box and dusted the entertainment center. I dusted the bookshelf by the kitchen. I unpacked the box of Suze Orman and investing books. One of these days I'll have enough money to put them to use.
I opened the entertainment center box. There were board games on top. I put them in "Dayna's" closet in the bedroom. Under them were two wrapped items that I assumed were my porcelain dolls. I was right. Then I got dismayed. :-( Whoever packed this box, I don't know if it was Bret or one of his friends, they didn't wrap any of the other stuff and they didn't pack them so they wouldn't move. It was a mess! Stuff was bouncing all over willy-nilly, candle wax covered everything, and a candle holder was broken. I sent up a prayer to God thanking him for protecting everything else. It was nothing short of a miracle that the only casualty was a candle holder.
After 4 boxes, my back was protesting, so I called it quites. I sat and admired my work. I did a lot. I was proud of myself. I sat and read some before heading to bed.
Battlefield of the Mind
Thursday, August 19th 2010
I was flipping throug and read some more of the Battlefield of the Mind Devotional by Joyce Meyer. It's been a few months since I worked with it. As usual, my inspiration must have come from God because I read what I needed to hear. The few passages were regarding worry and anxiety. After the past few days, they were a welcome read. Her words brought some comfort as she quoted scripture, interpreted it with advice to apply it to life, and illustrated their use with past experiences of her own and others.
"For the mind to aid the spirit, we must learn to pull back from all the distractions around us."
"Even after you've been battered and tempted, God doesn't leave you. He remains with you to comfort you, to minister to your needs, and to encourage you. never forget that He is as close to you as the mention of His name."
"Unbelief will keep us from doing what God has called us and anointed us to accomplish in life. It will also hinder us from experiencing the sense of peace He wants us to enjoy as we find rest for our souls in Him."
"God treats us as though we are not, and have never been, sinners."
"All of us have had times when we wondered if we'd make it. But we did. So will you."
I was flipping throug and read some more of the Battlefield of the Mind Devotional by Joyce Meyer. It's been a few months since I worked with it. As usual, my inspiration must have come from God because I read what I needed to hear. The few passages were regarding worry and anxiety. After the past few days, they were a welcome read. Her words brought some comfort as she quoted scripture, interpreted it with advice to apply it to life, and illustrated their use with past experiences of her own and others.
"Where the mind goes, the man will follow. Keep your mind going in the right direction and your life will catch up with it. A person who has their faith firmly planted in God cannot be defeated."
"For the mind to aid the spirit, we must learn to pull back from all the distractions around us."
"We must learn to say, "Lord, I believe. I don't understand, and I could probably never grasp all the reasons why bad things happen, but I can know for certain that You love me and You are with me - always."
"Even after you've been battered and tempted, God doesn't leave you. He remains with you to comfort you, to minister to your needs, and to encourage you. never forget that He is as close to you as the mention of His name."
"Unbelief will keep us from doing what God has called us and anointed us to accomplish in life. It will also hinder us from experiencing the sense of peace He wants us to enjoy as we find rest for our souls in Him."
"It is the privilege of every believer to refuse to worry or have anxiety."
"God treats us as though we are not, and have never been, sinners."
"The devil never passes up the opportunity to remind us of our failures."
"All of us have had times when we wondered if we'd make it. But we did. So will you."
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