Wednesday, November 29, 2006

The Human Body

We know so little about ourselves don't we. And I don't mean emotionally (that's a whole other post for another day). I mean doctor's and medical specialists still know relatively little about why our body reacts to certain things. While in a stats class in grad school my prof illustrated risk analysis by discussing how doctor's have to assess conditions of their patients and make decisions about what might be the potential issue and hence a course of action. Because we are such complex beings, our prof said that often times the doctor is really looking at 5 different things and trying to determine which is the best course of action. And then, take into consideration that many human beings have a hard time describing what the ailment looks/feels like.

This has all come back to me as I have been battling a 'breathing issue' for the last year and a half. I often yawn excessively and can't take a deep breath. I know I have experienced this two other times in my life but in both instances the issue didn't last more than 2 weeks. I finally went to see a doctor in June of 2005. After chest xrays, a TB test (family members are carriers), a pulmonary test and a quick lesson in diaphragmatic breathing they told me they didn't know what was wrong. So I dealt with it, spent the last 12+ months trying to work on my breathing and finally went in to see a new doctor in September. She sent me to a lung specialist (who is actually my insomnia doctor too). This is where it gets interesting. All preliminary tests come back normal, oxygen in blood is fine. I even ran the TC 10 Mile and didn't have a problem. Some of this I attribute to the fact that I have been learning how to live like this for nearly 2 years... Anyway, my doctor decided to do an asthma test since that and allergies are the two things left to check of the list - before they decide it is psychosomatic. I did the asthma test the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and got the call yesterday on results. Turns out I have asthma but it is non-specific. And they want to see me again in six months.

Non-specific, eh? Can't tell what causes it, could it be the environment?, food?, stress? Who knows?!?! My hubby isn't too happy with them waiting for another six months to see me again. He's concerned because he sees how this affects me when it gets really bad (I do tend to get lethargic and very, very edgy). I don't know how I feel about it. Yes, I would like some answers but I also realize how little we know about how our body works. And sometimes I feel that western medicine does stop short when they don't take into consideration how the mind is such a powerful force.

I guess I will just continue to try and find the balance in my life and hope for the best!

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Thunderstorms

Lightening, Thunder and Rain. On November 28th in Minnesota. And there are still people out there who don't believe global warming is a hoax. Come up here and let me tell you this isn't normal.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

I've been tagged!

Per Carrie

1. What is your dream vacation?
Heading to a warm beach and sitting with a bunch of brain candy books beside me.
2. First music album you owned?
INXS
3. Song you sing in the shower?
I usually daydream in the shower or plan for the days events in my head. Pretty lame I know...
4. First dream job when you were a child?
Lawyer
5. Worst job you've ever had?
Hmmm...some of my past employers might read this. I plead the 5th.
6. Favorite spice?
Can Basil be a spice? Otherwise, ginger is another favorite.
7. Old TV show you wish you had on DVD?
Fantasy Island. I never go to see it as a kid.
8. Favorite game to play?
Monopoly
9. Least favorite color?
neon anything (amen Carrie - I'm with ya!)
10. Worst song ever?
Just one? How about anything by Mariah Carey?

Day Two

Yesterday was my first day without the beloved java bean. I had an asthma test yesterday so I couldn't drink any coffee prior to the exam. Since we are hoping to have a child in the not too distant future I thought I might as well get it over with and deal with the headaches now. Pete thinks I'm crazy, that I should have eased myself off my addiction, but much like when I quit smoking, if I don't do it full board I will slip back into the habit. I'm a cold turkey kind of quitter.

So far this morning it doesn't seem too horrible for Day Two. However, it hasn't really hit me and I expect by 9am I will be dealing with a headache and considering running to the cafeteria to get a tall non-fat vanilla latte. Hmmm...doesn't that sound good?

On a totally unrelated matter... If anyone needs any more proof that global warming is really a problem need not look any further. How many of us living in this great state, remember heading into the last weekend in November with NO snow on the ground. Granted, there was snow down south two weeks ago but that has since disappeared. How am I to get in the holiday spirit without any snow on the ground? Mind you, I am not a huge fan of the winter dragging on but I fear we will have a brown holiday season. As a native Minnesotan that doesn't sit too well with me...especially when I consider the underlying cause of the weather changes. It blows my mind that I just saw yet another car manufacturer (out of where, Detroit did you say??) put out their 'largest vehicle yet'. Pulease. Why, why, why do we need to drive automobiles that emit that much pollution and burn up that many resources?? Full disclosure here: my husband owns an SUV. Which I hope we can get rid of soon. He says he needs is for hauling 'stuff'. Yet, when we have to haul anything larger than 3x3 we have to rent a trailer. Hmmm... but he needs it for camping. I've seen small vehicles packed well enough to take all your gear camping and then some.

OK. Now that I've gotten that out of my system. I hope everyone has a delightful Thanksgiving holiday and all those traveling have a safe trip.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

You want me to pay how much?

Cars. How I wish I could control public transit and make it go where I wanted to on my whim. The damage on my lovely auto will run nearly $1200. Turns out my starter was staying on and eventually melted the wiring harness, not to mentioned drained the brand-spanking new battery. Not what I wanted to hear before heading into the gift buying season. Hopefully this will take care of any issues, my ride will be fully functional and it will last another five years. Urgh.

On a more positive note, I entered five photos into a salon last night. My organization 'supports' a camera club that meets once a month. Last night was the second meeting I attended.

This is only the second time I have ever had my work judged. I am sensitive about my work. I don't have the highest level of confidence and always feel like a fraud. It was a big step for me to take in my work and let it be judged by 15 virtual strangers. Two of my photos were 'selected' and I was happy to feel myself responding positively to the feedback the group provided on the other three. I could see where they were going.

AND my name was drawn out of the hat for a month long 'showing' of my work in one of our buildings. I need to present 6 photos and 3 will be selected. They have already 'chosen' one, a personal family favorite I displayed last night. It's very exciting and validating. Instead of being scared about showing my work I hopethis will build my confidence, help me become both technically strong and more creative/free in my work. Then I can leave corporate America forever!!

Monday, November 13, 2006

Smoke & Movies

So, my car has been acting up quite a bit as of late. It doesn't want to start all the time and this morning it was really making a stink about moving out of the garage. It made some sort of noise that even brought Pete out of the house into the garage for a looksee (or a hearsee in this case). He wasn't sure what it was so asked that I let him know if it quit by the time I got to work. It made the rattling noise all the way to work, which is luckily only 2.5 miles. I parked the car and it continued to 'sputter'. I have never experienced this before. So, of course I called my omniscient husband to get his advice. After turning the car on and off a couple of times it started smoking. At first I thought it was just the heat that comes off cars. And then I got out - as fast as I could. Grabbed my purse and keys and got away from the car. The thing was SMOKING!! And it smelled like an electrical fire. All I could think of was a movie scene where the dumb chick was standing near her car when it exploded. OK. I admit I tend to overdramatize things but seriously... if you have never seen an electrical fire in your car wouldn't you move too?

In the meantime, someone who was going to park near me moved his car. Because of the impending explosion in the car? Who knows, he was the least of my worries this morning. What irks me the most is that I have quite a bit of money left to pay off on this wonderful 1999 automobile. Hopefully the 3 year extended warranty I bought at the time of purchase will cover this business. I really don't want to buy another car with the debt hanging over my head. Maybe we'll just have to get used to driving one automobile. Only working 2.5 miles from home I could figure out a way to get up and walk to work every morning. Sounds like I should be able to do it anyway, why have I been driving? Because I overschedule myself like a madwoman and have something going on nearly every night of the week.

Hmmm...maybe it's a sign I should stop driving so much. It's been an exciting morning to say the least!

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Only in the Midwest





The difference between these photos is 10 miles. Only in the Midwest can you go from nearly 80' on Wednesday to 6-12 inches of snow. Took these on my way to my parent's house on Saturday.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Wheel of Fortune

Per Carrie


You are The Wheel of Fortune


Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success


The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.


What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Ghosts and Goblins

We had nearly 100 trick or treaters last night! I know we would have hit over 100 if we hadn't RUN OUT OF CANDY. I had a sinking feeling at 7pm when I started to see the bottom of the candy bowl and by 7:45 I was handing out less and less as the kids came to the door. Pete had the idea of counting this year so we could gauge how many to expect for next year. We are, apparently, a destination neighborhood for families. We're off main roads and have many cul-de-sacs so it's perfect for trick/treating.

Our first kids came around 5:45 and were the boys from across the street. I love these two as they remind me a lot of my sister's boys. I'm glad they were our first guests this year. We saw some good costumes and many with their jackets on as it was very cold for the little ones. Pete's favorite: snowmobiler (of course). Holly's favorite: Native American princess (she was adorable!!).

I can't wait until next year!