Thursday, September 20, 2007

They're Gone

So, my bastard wisdom teeth that have sabotaged my body for some time now, are finally gone. The drugs have not worn off yet, which is the only reason I'm capable of writing. I'm pretty sure I'm going to feel like hell later on tonight. You know, just in time for not being able to sleep. Who knows, maybe MJ will have one of her sleepless nights and I can talk her ear off (or, mumble it off).

So, here's the best part. I was anxiously awaiting my appointment, and G was getting ready. To go to work. I asked him why he was dressing in khakis and dressy shoes, knowing full well what was up. I said, Do I have to drive myself to the dentist? You know, because one is not supposed to drive after taking Valium. The instructions explicitly said, you must have someone drive you, stay with you, and take you home. He said, Am I supposed to be staying home today? Hmph. At once, I expected it, and was astonished. I made the appointment, what, a month or more ago? I told him I would need a ride, and that the dentist recommended I have help with the kids for a WEEK. In fact, today they told me to lift no more than 5lbs for 7-10 days. Now, I didn't expect him to stay home for a week, just a day or two. G, in all his dental expertise, told me I only needed one day (the day of). He told me he figured I'd made other arrangements, you know, that my mom or someone would take me. I guess he figured they'd be taking care of the kids, too. It blows me away that after supporting someone for ten years, after "holding his hand" through all of his trials, when I need something, I'm just someone else's problem (or my own prolbem). Mind you, he did stay home--what else could he do? It's a little late to stray off course, an hour before the appointment. I could have called a cab. Probably should have. He has also informed me that he will be going to work as planned tomorrow. Nevermind that I will be taking oxycodone and motrin, a steroid, and an antibiotic. Nevermind that kids will need to be lifted, changed, bathed, fed, etc. So, I sit here spitting blood, and my feelings are hurt. He's going to feel it's a betrayal that I wrote this, if he ever does read it...but oh well. It's therapeutic to document my life. I understand that he has things to do. He has deadlines, he has appointments. But people-family-are the only thing in this world that truly matter. We used to be on the same page about that, or at least I thought.

At any rate, I do have an excellent dentist. He did a great job, and he was fast, gentle, efficient, and comforting. I'd recommend him to anyone. I will admit that I was a wuss about it, but I tried to be brave. He assured me that I would be fine, and I am. Now I just have the hard part...the healing, while having to run a house and take care of three kids. Please God, no dry socket. Work is going to give me hell if I call out after my sick leave, but right now, I really don't care. The best part about this whole thing is, I never have to do this again. Thank you Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and all the Saints. And thanks to my mom and my sister (my blood sister, and those who are not related), because they always pull for me. No nachos for me for a while, but with any luck, I'll be relatively normal in a couple of days. Good times, good times.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Fall Is Upon Us

Seems as though fall came, night before last. It reminds me of that John Mayer song, "When autumn comes, it doesn't ask...it just walks in where it left last And you never know when it starts, until there's fog inside the glass around your summer heart". So, that's kinda what happened...there's fog around my summer heart. It's kind of crisp and inviting, but still sad. I love fall...it's what comes after that I hate.

I took another meal to a family that I met at church--the one with twins. The twins are here, and both are home now. The one little boy had to stay in the NICU until Wednesday. That was longer than I thought he'd have to stay. It must be quite surreal to go from a family of four to a family of six just like that. It must be overwhelming to have two new little souls in the house. I was saddened to learn that her husband has just received orders for Texas, so they will likely be leaving the area before Christmas. It sucks when you befriend someone new, and they leave before you really get a chance to know them. Anyway, her babies are so cute, and I had to avert my eyes, as Megan told me. You know, to keep the baby fever at bay.

Yesterday, we went to Hershey Park with all the kiddies. It was fun, but tiring, and went quite quickly. I never got to ride anything for myself, although I'm not really supposed to, either. I have two titanium rods that I would kind of like to keep implanted in my spine. Coming loose would be a bad thing (I know, I've done that once already). I long to get on a good rollercoaster, and there was one that looked quite enticing. My daughter is a dare devil, and will get on any ride she is tall enough for. Poor kid, she might not get to ride the "big" roller coasters until she's in her late teens. All of my children are vertically challenged, you see.

Today was a couch day. I slept late, let the boys sleep late, and just kinda laid around for most of the day. I feel like crap, and I'm hoping that most of this cold will be over with by Thursday, when I have my teeth out. It's going to really suck if I can't breathe through my nose during that procedure. My gag reflex being hyper-active as it is, I can't imagine not being able to breathe through my nose.

I don't know how this is all going to play out. I don't know how I'm going to take care of three kids while enduring the pain and mess that comes along with the procedure. On the other hand, what choice do I have? I have already warned them that they will have to be on their best behavior. I see lots of videos in our future. Gotta love the instant babysitter.

Happy Monday to you all.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Come On In, the Water's Fine

September 10, 2007

This weekend flew by, and my middle son turned four. Seems so silly to say, but it seems like he was just born. I honestly can't get my brain around how fast my life is flying by. And it's already football season (does anyone else hate the female announcers?!). The angle of the sun has changed, the crickets have returned, and the temperature is slowly getting cooler (ok, not today). I can't believe it's almost fall. But you know what that means...it's almost fire season. I even shopped for a new fire bowl today.
Anyway, the party was fun, but hectic. Seems like I really never get time to sit and have a few drinks, enjoy myself and my company. There is always something else to think about. The highlight of the day, of course, was when we gave G a dip in the pool...against his will, and fully clothed. To me, it was a personal vendetta, after his failure to return home from a bachelor party in a timely fashion (and he drove his motorcycle after drinking, the ass). We were laughing so hard, we could hardly function. I will give him this: he is a strong, squirmy somebody. He definitely did not go down without a fight, and it took several of us. I'll have to check my camera, and the cameras of those around me...you might see the video up on Youtube soon. It reminded me of the time on our youth group ski trip (a la 1989) when a bunch of guys tried to wrestle G into a hotel bath tub full of ice water. That was hysterical, too.
Today I spent quite a while at Patapsco, walking with the boys. It was completely silent there...even the river was quiet, since it is so low. I've never seen the dam so low, either. It was peaceful--exactly what I needed after a busy weekend. I saw two deer, a heron, and a groundhog. I was also pleased to not see any dead fish in the river. It was a good day.
I hope you all have a good week.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Breakfast With Little People

September 5, 2007

This morning, I took the boys to Chick-fil-a for breakfast, because, you know, they have the fabulous chicken biscuit. Only I was retarded. I asked for a number 4. Then I realized that was on a bagel, and would probably be too much food for me. I asked to change it to a number 5. I thought I was getting a chicken biscuit with egg and cheese. Only I ordered the wrong sandwich and there was no chicken, so I was very disappointed. We sat down next to a father with his toddler boy and baby girl, who immediately refused to eat and spent the next half hour turned around in their seats, waving at my boys and saying hi. I felt kinda guilty at having compromised their nice meal. He was a big man, with a buzzed head and a great fat belly. The back of his neck, as my sister always says, looked like a pack of hot dogs. I couldn't stop staring at it, thanking the sweet Lord that while I might be fat, at least I don't have back-of-the-neck fat.
Halfway through our meal, as usual, Collin loudly said, "OK, I have to go POO POO real BAD!" I told him he would have to wait until Booah was done with his breakfast--I was worried that if we left all our food on the table, it would be cleaned up for us. And of course, I couldn't very well leave Noah there to eat by himself. Collin proceeded to squirm and complain and demand that Noah hurry up. In an even louder voice, and much to the amusement of Hot Dog Neck and the men seated next to us, he said, "MAMA, MAYBE THE POO POO WILL GO BACK UP IN MY HOLE!" I nearly spit my coffee all over the table, and then if it wasn't so funny, I probably would have hid under it with embarrassment.
He made it to the bathroom in time. Then we went to the play area, and Booah promptly pooped in his diaper. We cut the playtime short and went to the truck to change him...no diaper bag. We went across the street to the Target and bought diapers and wipes, cause it's not like they won't get used. Then we proceeded to look for the ever-elusive Lightning McQueen bike for Collin's birthday. I gave up and ordered it online, and had to spend an ungoldy amount of money to have it shipped 2nd day air. And then there was the Lightning McQueen helmet & knee pad set, and it actually cost more to ship it 2nd day than the set itself. Needless to say, I'm not waiting as long to buy Cameron's birthday gift.
After we came home, Booah pooped three more times. And I forgot to mention that he pooped once when he first got up. And he pooped once this evening. Sooner or later, you start to take it personally. It's like he's just doing it to get a rise out of us. Add Collin, and poop takes up a significant portion of the day. At least Cam poops by herself now. But you know, I wouldn't have it any other way. I am very grateful for my children, especially since I've just learned of this family in Pasadena whose daughter Kamryn just died of leukemia. She was only 8, like my daughter. She had red hair, like my daughter. She danced, like my daughter. It just makes me extra-grateful for these little people I have running around, pooping and screaming, making messes and fighting. Because I can still kiss them goodnight. I can still hold them when they get a skinned knee. I don't have to say goodbye, and learn how to live without them. Yep, I'm pretty thankful for poop.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Tennessee

Last night, I had dreams. Those epic saga types, again...the kind that seem to go on for hours at a time. I dreamt of glass after glass of cool water, nearly inhaling each one. I woke up so parched, I almost couldn't breathe. I drank two glasses of water straight down, until my belly was distended.

But I was still thirsty.

I couldn't get my fill, all day, just like the dreams.
I will have to look this up on the dream interpretation site, although I already have some insight as to what it may indicate.

Anyway, it reminded me of the Arrested Development song Tennessee. Remember that?

I am still thirsty.