Seven.Caged.Tigers

After today I’ll be MIA for more than a week. JT and I along with our families are headed up to Canada to enjoy days upon days of sun, wind, rocks, and outhouse using. I’m really pretty excited about the time off. Believe it or not, but it’s lovely to not have to deal with work in addition to the stresses of computers and television. None of these things is of course available when you’re marooned on an island in Georgian Bay (Ontario).

In any case, JT and I are also headed to my 10-year reunion tomorrow night. I’m really psyched. I’m betting it’s going to be a good time. We’ll see if the hubby agrees since he’s only going to know like four people including me. Poor guy

I’ll update everybody on the happenings when I get back in town. In the meantime, don’t misbehave. OK?

Today marks my 4th wedding annniversary. Four years ago today, JT and I were married in a lovely civil ceremony on the banks of the lovely Tittabawassee River. It was an emotional, busy, and wonderful day. The pictures serve as a memory, but our love (awwww…how sweet, I know) serves as a lasting memory. It’s been a good four years. We’re as happy now in our relationship as we were four years ago or six years ago or even nearly eight years ago. How time flies when you’re having fun!

I really don’t have anything to say. I’m just pleased to be celebrating today (despite sitting at my work desk). We’re going to eat out at the nearby Stillwater Grill (they have steaks and the like–kind of like a nice Outback Steakhouse or Lonestar). We only go about once a year because it’s a “nice” restaurant. I guess our once a year is tonight.

Blah, blah, blah. I could yammer on forever. In any case, I also just signed up for the “pro” Flickr account (aka, the paid variety). It’s good because you can upload up to 2GB of images a month. The cost is $25 a year. I’ve been using the base account for months now and have been pleased. All my pics can be found here. I also went a bit nuts last night playing with macros. I’ve got a lovely garden and it seems that flowers are a great muse. Here are two examples of my favorites.

I’m still infatuated with reality TV and with JT also getting into the genre (even moreso than me, I think) the end of my addiction is well out of sight. Summer is a great time for reality TV. It’s cheap, it doesn’t necessarily require a renewal, and it can suck up hours upon hours a week for a network. This summer, there are a few shows that have been really taking up all my time. Hell’s Kitchen was first. That show is down to two now, Michael and Ralph (my money’s on Michael). I’m also busy watching Big Brother. That puppy takes up three hours a week for CBS. I love that show–it’s like suddenly it’s okay to be a voyeur.

Finally, the third object of my infatuation is Rock Star: INXS. I’ve explained that a guy from my home county is on the show (Brandon) and that the place we’re from is rather miniscule even by Michigan standards. Turns out that the show is incredibly entertaining and unlike other talent contests there’s not a lot of filler. I despise the American Idol franchise for cramming bad bios and awful ads into their broadcasts. Rock Star doesn’t do any of that, plus the performers are well seasoned. They know and understand the stage which comes as a great relief in lieu of AI. My favorites are MiG, Marty, and of course Brandon. I don’t think that any of the girls will win honestly though I do like Suzie, Heather, and Jordis.

I just can’t wait until until America’s Next Top Model 5. Boy am I a glutton for punishment.

Random Picture, Evening Primrose:

I got my reminder e-mail over the weekend regarding my 10-year class reunion. I’m excited to be going, but expect to have some really excellent stories after the fact. I’ve moved on and out of that time in my life so much. I used to be incredibly shy and book-wormish. I was a computer geek even back then (I had 3 classes during the final semester of my HS career). I looked the part and acted the part as I toted around 3.5″ disks in my back pocket. I really hated those years–I looked as uncomfortable as my description sounds. Of course then there was the reddish hair, braces, glasses, and freckles. That is an entirely OTHER story.

There is little to say aside from the fact that I’ve changed. I’m not nearly as quiet nor do I look the part of nerd any more. I’m still a computer geek, but a stylishly dressed one. Hurrah for living in civilization among the malls and outlets. I can’t wait for my hubby to meet the folks I grew up with–for better and for worse. He thinks I’m weird (he calls it “Shelly logic”), but I think after this event he’ll realize that I am actually quite normal.

By the way, I adore the FAQ that was sent with the reminder. It’s outright hilarious.

1) Will I recognize everyone? Probably not, and that’s OK! Ten years is a long time. And that’s why we’ll have name-tags. Not fashionable name-tags, so please don’t get your hopes up…ahah.

2) Am I going to have to answer the same question all night, “so, what have you been up to?” Probably. Unless you want to go with something more unique like, “so, you come here often?” Or how about, “I’ve been in prison the past ten years, how about you?” C’mon admit it…aren’t you a tad curious about what everyone’s been doing since high school?

3) What do I wear? Guys and gals alike have inquired about this one. Short answer is whatever you want. It’s definitely not a formal affair, and perhaps nudity would be a bit distracting. Anything in between would be welcome.

4) If I make this trek from my happy home (and THANK YOU in advance for those of you coming from literally all across the country—Florida, California, Nebraska, Colorado, Maryland), is it going to be worth it? Well, a lot of that is up to you. If all else fails, the local watering holes will welcome some extra business! But based on expected attendees, I think we’ll have more than enough entertainment on our hands.

Like I said, it’ll be a great time…

Funny Dog and Bone Video - Mwahahahaah!

This is the funniest bit of video I’ve seen in a log time. It’s not perverted, it doesn’t contain any nudity or stupid human tricks. It’s just a dog chewing on an innocuous bone. Watch as hilarity ensues when an evil-doer tries to attack–time and time again!

Don’t say I didn’t warn you of this highly funny movie.

1.) Drive to and from work in a van.
2.) Notice you are below a quarter tank when leaving location some 60 miles away.
3.) Leave from home to go to another location 45 miles away and return.
4.) Forget to look at gas level.
5.) Begin to drive to work the next morning.

Oh yes, this is all it took for my dear JT to run out of gas. He said he felt like a big dork. I concur with that statement. JT always pushes the limits of his gas consumption. I do believe him that he didn’t even bother to look at the gas. He said “he meant to get gas.” Turns out that meaning to and actually doing are two different things. I left slightly before him this morning, and while on US-23 headed to work he called me and told me he’d run out of gas just a mile away from our house. There was less than a mile left to get to a station too.

Maybe now he’ll check his gauges when he should…and as horrible as it sounds, this outcome doesn’t surprise me. He’s talked about “chugging around corners” a number of times. He routinely will drive for 30 miles after the light comes on. It’s not like he’s looking for a good deal, he’s just cheap/lazy/crazy. I dunno. In any case, it’ll take him a while to live this down.

I’m currently wallowing in a “woe is me” moment. One of my bestest friends in the world just told me that she is pregnant. I’m happier for her than anybody could imagine. Jealousy, though, is an evil beast.

In the kid department, things haven’t been going well. It’s not for lack of trying, but no amount of natural trying can medically get the job done. Had it been twenty years ago, JT and I may not even have a glimmer of hope to have a natural family. Now we do, but that doesn’t mean the process is any less heartbreaking. Doctors appointments, surgeries, medications, and procedures and we’re still kidless. I don’t want to sound selfish, but now is the time FOR me to sound selfish. Why can everybody else have kids, but not me? I, of course, know that the last sentence isn’t entirely true but it’s how I feel.

Infertility has that nasty effect on people. Oh yes–and we’re very, very infertile as of right now. But to Kristin (if she’s reading), I can’t imagine a better mommy. I know a child is what you’ve wanted for many years. I’m just pleased that your body finally agreed with your mind. I wish you many, many good things in your life and in the life of your little boy or little girl. I’m sorry to sound cold or ungreatful. Just know it’s jealousy rearing its ugly head.

Still tired. Tired is better than all that ickiness of two weeks ago, though.

Last night, just as JT and I settled down for the evening to take in the Tuesday showing of Big Brother 6 stupid Bush broke into the broadcast to tell us all about his Supreme Court Nomination. Obviously somebody needs some good press. The American public has no say in who is appointed to the highest court. Even worse? He’s the first and only president to ever have a live press conference saying such a thing. It annoyed the living crap out of me. Of course half of my annoyance was because it broke into one of my favorite (voyeuristic) reality shows. The other problem was the source of the information. Looks like somebody is in desperate need of good press. I wonder who that might be?

Speaking of Reality TV annoyances, I really want to watch Rock Star when it is shown. I really, really do–especially to support Brandon (the hometown boy). The problem is that I wake up at 5:15am. I can’t possibly stay up until 11pm and get a decent night’s sleep. Fortunately we have TiVo, but to my mind I shouldn’t have to TiVo something unless it overlaps with something else or I’m out of the house for the evening.

Speaking of TiVo, it rocks. This isn’t to say you didn’t already know that fact, but it really does. I love TiVo. Screw that stupid Comcast DVR. DirecTV with TiVo is the way to go!

Speaking of ways to go (or just “going”), I can actually go outside today. The humidity is still ridiculous, but the temperatures have at least temporarily dropped. It was 58 degrees when I left for work this morning. It’s still only 66 degrees. However from what I can tell the forecast is that it will reach 90. NINETY! Gack–I hate the craziness of Michigan weather.

The weekend came and went with no real strife or craziness. This is especially good because it also means that I’m in the clear as far as pain goes. No more ouches and the like. I’m still having some issue being comfortable while seated in one place for a while and carrying things up and down stairs. I’m just not quite ready to take those steps though. The good news is that my scars are healing nicely. They are the smallest I’ve ever had from a “major” surgery. Yeah for technology!

I spent the weekend doing, uh, nothing. JT and I went to the movies on Friday night to see Fantastic Four (which was entertaining but by no means excellent) and ate out at Chilis where we shared my favorite Fajitas. Mmmm…fajitas. I got to sleep well (despite the fact that Michigan’s humidity rests at about 85% right now) and spent a lot of time resting. Rest is good especially this short a period of time post-op. I cleaned a little, did some laundry, weeded a little, mowed the back yard, and repotted two plant arrangements. My parents also came by on Saturday night after a HS graduation party in a nearby community.

Yeah, it was relaxing. Sunday was nice too! I went shopping (a little–Target and GameStop). At GameStop I picked up the first two .hack PS2 games. I finally broke down and bought them used. So far I’m enjoying the first one so if the next three are more of the same I should be happy. JT and I also spent a good deal of the day inside by the window air conditioner watching the first three episodes of the outstanding Into the West. I was afraid it’d be cowboys and indians. It’s not. It’s about the people and their relationships and is rather compelling. Yeah for great basic cable shows/miniseries/movies.

That’s about it. Really, my life couldn’t be any less exciting.

While I want to lean toward Hellraiser or In the Mouth of Madness or something by Stephen King or an apocalyptic story as the scariest thing in the world I cannot. In fact, my pick for scariest thing in the WHOLE DAMN WORLD are the pageant moms. You know–the crazy ladies (and gentlemen I suppose) who dress their little girls up like grown women, slap red lipstick on them, and send them out on the catwalk to be judged for beauty and nothing else. You know, the same shows where these same toddlers and young girls wear swimsuits for judging. It’s sick and wrong, and every negative thing that has been suggested by those shows and documentaries is completely applicable.

However, that in and of itself is not the most terrifying thing. Leave it to these freakazoids to pervert the wonders of Photoshop (or is it the budget wanna be JASC Paintmaster Pro). The technology is fabulous when used properly, but when abused it leads to creations like I’m about to show you and as discovered on the net. These children look like a cross between Anime and hookers. Their average age is probably five, but you wouldn’t know that by the grossly edited photos. Note the “twinkles” in the stretched eyes. Be careful to watch out for the dangerously white teeth. Note the pouty kissers. Don’t forget the soul-less gaze. Oh yes–and then there is the ridiculously fuzzy skin.

Here’s one such horror (from an unnamed source as I don’t want freaky show-moms to invade). There are many more below the fold.

We bought a truck. Yes indeed–it’s a 2000 Chevy Z71 in green with a bit of silver around the bottom. Hank Graff Chevrolet comes through again with a better product AND price than we could fine in our own neck of the woods. It has a CLEAN warranty service record, perfect paint, 74,000 miles, perfect interior, and nearly all the bells and whistles. Surprisingly, the truck is intended to replace our 1992 Honda Accord LX. Quite a difference, I know, but we wanted the truck for its utility.

I’ll take a picture some day soon and post it. Maybe even brag a little more. I drove it in rush hour this morning and it was perfect. Guess it’s good I’m not used to driving an Escort, Civic, or another small car or else the new (old) Z71 would feel like a behemoth.

I am alive. Barely. I’m sitting at my desk truly and completely feeling like crap. I’m exhausted from the drive here and walk to the building and for coffee. I’ve got a sick lump in my belly. My head is cloudy (and no, I’ve not taken vicodin today). I just don’t think I’m ready to be here yet. I shouldn’t be so tired after a good night’s sleep from simply driving to work and walking a tiny bit. Plus, I acquired a bladder infection on top of the surgical healing. Between the two I’m simply fried.

I think I’m going to tell the boss the freakin’ truth. I’ll let her know when she comes in that I came in because I said I would today but that I really, really don’t feel well at all. I think I even look like sun-dried shit. I couldn’t manage to put on any makeup (unless you count lip balm) nor did I dry my hair (it’s currently being held away from my face by sunglasses for lack of a better solution). I’m just too whipped. I think right now, though, it’s mostly the infection and less the surgery but who is to say?

I feel more useless than even I could have ever imagined.

The benefit of being really laid up is that walking is “exercise.” In an effort to get me moving, my mother brought me to a local mall. I’m not much of a shopper and I almost never stop in many stores outside of Marshall Fields, Wilsons Leather, Gap, J. Crew, and some random jewelry store to get my rings cleaned. My mother on the other hand really enjoys shopping. She got me to stop and Bath and Body Works/White Candle Barn (is that what it’s called?). In any case, I found this line of most delicious candles. When I say “Most Delicious” I mean they smell like food and with flavors (errr…scents) like Spiced Cocoa, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Warm Apple Pie, Maple Syrup, and Blueberry Muffin you can tell precisely the direction the True Temptations line takes. The only one I refused to smell is the terrifying Buttered Mashed Potatoes (for obvious reasons).

I ended up buying two different scents. The first I picked up is Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream and the second is Hazelnut Fresh Roast. They are wonderful but because of the considerable heat I’ve yet to burn either.

Some days I actually feel like a girl & I like it.

Quick update. My belly is still rather tender and the vicodin is still vaguely stopping the pain, but I’m still post-op. I went to the doctors today and was pleased to hear that everything is going as expected. Of course the whole idea behind surgery is still somewhat shocking but I’m doing as well as can be.

I had an appointment with the doctor that operated but I also got to see the doctor that spent the entire night with me–Dr. Kavoussi. I told everybody I could that he was incredibly caring and kind and a great communicator. He helped to make my traumatic evening a bit less troublesome.

Yes. I’m still being vague about what happened. I don’t know if I said it last time and I’m too lazy to check, but I was bleeding internally and in an amazing amount of pain. The “amazing amount of pain” bit is especially incredible considering my ability to stomach hurt. It didn’t quite hit the same level as the lymphoma pain, but suffice it to say it was a 9 if that pain was a 10. Oh yes…it’s been an exciting week.

Don’t expect me around much this week. I had a little medical issue which resulted in a little surgery. I’m currently being treated for pain with a combo of vicodin and motrin (for swelling). We’ll see how much more I spread around the nature of the “issue” but suffice it to say I went in to the emergency room at 8:30pm Sunday night and found out 2am that I needed surgery and at 6pm was being prepped for the procedure.

Me? Well…now I’m in a good deal of pain. I’ve got three more lovely incisions to add to my veritable menagerie of abdominal surgical scars. The good news? Looks like I get a week off of work to recover. The bad news? It just HAD to happen over a holiday weekend, didn’t it?

Grrr…