Where I let my brain out to wander.

True spirit of giving

2009-09-21T22:01:14Z

So one of my second grade classes found out I'm having surgery. I've really played it up as very minor, and that the best part is I get to stay home and be lazy for two weeks! In response to this, one boy offered ever so sincerely, "Do you want to borrow my Wii while you're sick, Mrs. Fuzzy?" I melted, bigtime. Awwww! Of course, I declined, and assured him we did indeed already have a Wii. To which another little boy piped up, "You can borrow my Playstation, then!"

Kids are awesome. :)

Oh, there it is.

2009-08-13T04:57:07Z

Okay, now I'm starting to get scared. I'm still all sorts of grateful to know what's wrong with me, and how it can be fixed. That's starting to take a rather firm back seat to this sudden thing staring me in the face: SURGERY. I do not like being cut upon. I freaked out having my wisdom teeth removed (internally...I didn't yell or scream or thrash, etc.) There are few things in this world I fear, and surgery is one of them. The others are remote control toys and driving over bridges. Yes, really. Anyway, I know logically it's a fairly straightforward procedure. Emotionally, little bells are going off to the effect of, "Uh, what did I just agree to?" Ah, well, all part of the adjustment process. Now here's the funny part...the part of this I'm the most squicked by is the catheter. I know it's necessary, but I wish like mad it were not. I do not remember if I've ever had one before, and if I did, it was 34 years ago. I did have a bit of time where I was slightly sad at the sheer permanence of no longer being able to have children, for all that I don't want any in the first place, and it'd be a logistical PITA to get pregnant anyway. I think it's just that the option is firmly being taken away now. I'm not sad about that right at this moment though. Maybe I won't be anymore.

On the other hand, I'll be able to go off BC for the first time in 22 years. ;)

Yoink!

2009-08-11T21:59:51Z

Or something like that. I'm not sure what it'll sound like, and thankfully, I won't be awake to hear it. Yes, folks, I am officially going to be the proud recipient of a hysterectomy! But wait! That's not all! For just...Oh, wait. Yeah, that's all. ;) Come November, I get to go in and let them root around a bit and remove my fibroid-infused baby-making bits which I do not need, leaving the bits that actually are currently helpful. I should be down and out for about two weeks, then back to normal. I'm not terribly sure how I feel about it. I suspect some of my current lightheartedness is whistling in the dark, and that further less fun-happy emotions are in store, but I'll let it all happen as it does. The doctor today was utterly spectacular, and spent at least a full 1/2 hour discussing options and implications with me. Thankfully, at my age, childbearing is no longer a big deal, and she didn't even try to suggest I might change my mind. Plus she'll be doing the surgery herself, which is also comforting.

In happier news, I am now officially a member of the Austin Civic Chorus! I start singing with them next Monday night! WOOT!

Fireflies?

2009-08-11T14:59:32Z

I just realized that I have not seen a single firefly all summer long. Has nonstop 100+ degrees every day scared them off?

I miss the fireflies. Little sparks of magic at dusk.

Made of -serious- win!

2009-05-18T23:25:29Z

I have found new videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/klusmanp. The man is a professional engineer and cat wrangler, and my ribs now hurt from laughing so much. This -literally- puts the LOL in lolcat, and even has good grammar!

Happy Mother's Day?

2009-05-11T02:46:36Z

So most everyone knows I do not have children. I do not want children. Yes, I like kids. I wouldn't be a teacher if I didn't. I have a -brilliant- relationship with my own mother, and I love her dearly. I still don't want to be a mother myself, and physically I'm very close to being incapable of it. I am happy in my non-motherhood. I do not feel maternal. Nurturing? Compassionate? Yes. Maternal, no.

I got three mother's day cards today. Three. I appreciate them in the spirit they were given (just because my family loves me...they no longer expect kiddos), but I'm still laughing on the inside with lots of bemused headshaking. Granted, one of them was technically from my cats and dogs. One was a pretty one from my mother just for being her daughter. Another was from my grandmother, who still harbors hopes that I'll "change my mind".

Ironically, I did not get anyone cards. My brother and I cooked dinner for our Mom instead. I made potato salad and bought strawberries and chocolate pudding, and took all that over. My brother grilled steaks. My sister-in-law, who is very pregnant, cut up veggies. We had a wonderful dinner filled with lots of laughter, good food, warmth, hugs, and fun. I will never be able to buy a card that puts that feeling onto simple paper, and frankly I'm -rotten- about remembering to buy cards. So's my brother. We remember to cook and give hugs though, and somehow our family puts up with us. We had three very special mothers there tonight...our mom, our grandmother, and my sister-in-law. I am in awe of them and love them all dearly. I just don't aspire to join their ranks.

Can tomorrow be "Women Choosing Not To Add To The Population Day"? ;)

Back in San Antonio!

2009-02-12T02:32:29Z

Why is it that even though I don't particularly like San Antonio, I tend to end up here often? Ah, well, it's not that bad. I just like Austin better. ;)

Anyhow, I'm in my hotel room, which is nice, if a little older than some refurbished hotels. It's quiet, I've found San Antonio's classical music station on the radio, and I found a wireless network for which I do not have to pay. The hotel's wireless, you see, is not free. I was rather less than pleased about that. But then, the pub in the hotel -does- have free wireless. So I check my list, and lo, I can use that one! Yay! Evidently they do not expect the casual hotel guest to be able to figure out the different networks. Shh. If you don't tell, I won't either. ;)

I've got some pretty full days coming up, and the seminars I'm attending look like they'll be awesome. I'll write about them after I go though, just in case. I miss everyone in Austin, particularly my Dean. I'll be home Saturday though!

ETA: Oh. Yeah. I'm here for the Texas Music Educator Association conference. The music teachers of Texas have totally taken over downtown San Antonio. We're a pretty quiet lot, amusingly enough. ;)

Vampires are awfully nice!

2009-01-19T23:21:14Z

So today I was down in Austin getting Dean his belated Christmas present (a .22 pistol, very shiny.) A few blocks away from the store, I passed the Blood Center of Central Texas. Now, I'd been there once a few years ago with tajnyj and donated blood, and had absolutely no problems whatsoever. So I decided I'd pop in, let them drain a pint, and be on my merry way.

Well, close.

I get there, check in, do the interview, and snicker at the questions. I've been married almost 14 years. Risky behavior isn't exactly in my routine. Anyway, they get me back there right quick, and everything is spiffy as can be...iron level, blood pressure, pulse, all good and normal. Now I already know my veins are tiny. In fact, I tell people not even to bother with my right arm, but always get blood from the left, as I did this time. As I expected, it was hard to find the vein, but she finally did and got the needle in, no problems. The blood just was going out at a glacier speed, despite my manhandling a foam tennis ball within an inch of its little plastic life. Nada. I was drip-dripping instead of a nice steady stream. So she goes and gets the head nurse, who -very- gently twists and turns said needle, readjusting it within said vein. I made a few faces, but refrained from making squeaky noises somehow. Kudos to that lady, because it could have hurt badly, rather than being merely annoying. So the good stuff gets to flowing at the right speed. Yay! They want a total of 450mL. We get to 250. 300. 400. 430. At this point, I realize my arm is almost too tired to move. And then I realize I have spots in front of my face, and everything sounds very distant. Uh-oh. The nurse looks at me and says, "Are you okay?" Says I, "No, I don't think I am, actually."

Dude! They move -fast- when someone is not okay! Up go my feet so I'm reclining, and before I know it, the needle is gone, there's icepacks on my neck and forehead, and I have a bottle of Gatorade in my hand. Within about three sips, the world stopped being all dim and went back to normal. They made me sit there another 15 minutes with regular checkings of my pulse and blood pressure, then made me go sit in the 'cantina' and chat with the sweet old lady volunteer there for another fifteen. I felt really quite silly, but they were all just as wonderfully sweet as could be.

On the plus side, they did get enough blood to use. Yay!

And then I went grocery shopping. ;)

I feel inspiration smacking me in the head

2008-12-31T05:13:52Z

Clearly. Clearly this is a message from on high. I should either find a choir like this in which to sing, or begin one myself. Hmm. Can I conduct adults? Dunno. Never tried.

Complaint Choir of Philadelphia

I don't care if you like opera or not

2008-12-27T05:28:25Z

Because the Swedish Chef, Beaker, and Animal singing Carmen? This is the best. Ever.

Christmas Eve Lisa Moment

2008-12-25T03:02:55Z

We're driving home after a lovely dinner. Stopped at a light beside us is a somewhat elderly pickup, and on the side it read:"

"HORSESHOER
512-###-####"

(Yes, there was a real phone number there. No, I don't remember it.)

Me, peering across and trying to read: Horses...hore. Horses whore?
Dean: *stares at me* Horse-shoer.

Merry Christmas!

Happiness for the day

2008-12-24T15:49:19Z

This is a photo essay of what became of some of Michael Vick's dogs. Merry Christmas!

Meme: Things I've Done

2008-11-28T18:24:54Z

Things I’ve Done

A Borrowed Meme Is The Best Meme!

Saw this at Rants By Ronni.

Things I’ve done are in bold.

What I’ve done:

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelos David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie
Does straight to video count?

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in one day

Random thoughts

2008-11-13T04:32:43Z

1.) Why the heck is Palin still the headline on CNN.com? It's creepy!

2.) One of my students today made a joke about Basement Cat. I darn near hurt myself laughing. I then returned a quip about Ceiling Cat. He then cracked up laughing, stunned that a teacher would know LOLcat stuff. All hail LOLcat, spanning generations! ;)

3.) I am sleepy. I am now going to bed. Goodnight, folks!

Times do change

2008-11-12T00:02:59Z

Four years ago, I posted this after Bush's second election. I don't think I was wrong. We've seen a lot of woefully regressive views come to light. On the other hand, we did survive the four years, and while there's an immense mess left behind, the tools and workers are there ready to get to work.

And so I think to myself today that while the next four (or eight!) years will not be sunshine and roses, they will be steady improvement. You fall into a hole fast. You climb back out slow. Now I feel like we have a ladder, at least.

And my brother did make it home safe. I pray the rest do too.

P.S. Check out in the comments in my old post. tajnyj is precognitive!

I can has happy sigh!

2008-11-05T04:49:30Z

I am delighted with the election results, obviously. I feel like even breathing is easier. I cannot wait to hear Obama's speech here in a bit.

I am also impressed with McCain's very gracious concession. The man has class.

But what I am most glad for? Not having Palin shoved in my face anymore. Whew! (I bet McCain's glad to send her packing back to Alaska too.) ;)

Mah eggies!

2008-10-30T18:12:39Z

Okay, so I'm a lemming. I have eggies!

A quandary!

2008-10-18T14:57:36Z

Dean and I are having an argument. He says that Cheney has been abducted by aliens, and is now part alien. Proof? All the heart problems keep mysteriously getting repaired.

My theory (created with tajnyj) is that Donald Rumsfeld is a time traveler, and has been through so many times that his brain is now fried. Proof? So many of his quotes, while useless political rhetoric, can be repunctuated into absolutely stunning poetry. Really. It's like e.e. cummings with more capital letters.

I say Dean's being ridiculous. He says I'm being silly. Clearly one of us is right.

Nasal adventures!

2008-10-01T03:32:25Z

Many know I am cursed with the semi-constant sinus infection. I'd say it's a pain in the ass, but it's more a pain in the head, to be honest, not to mention it makes me lose my voice semi-regularly. The doctor counsels, "Make sure you don't talk for a few days." I stare at the doctor in amusement, and inform him I am a music teacher. Let's try another angle, shall we? ;) Anyhow, I'm tired of said sinus infections, plus allergies, plus just having a generally crappy upper respiratory system.

Now as a fan of yoga, I am well aware of the device called a neti pot, prescribed by Ayurvedic medicine as the wonder of wonders for sinus problems. It's essentially a teapot one shoves up one's nose. See, I have problems with this. One: I don't care for water over-much. I don't even like to swim. I -can- swim, and I will socially, and yes, I bathe daily. I'm not hydrophobic or anything. I just don't really care for the idea of shoving a teapot full of salt water up my nose. Two: I -love- tea, and I refuse to let the image of a teapot be associated with water torture in my mind.

So for two years, while I have been fully aware of the idea of nasal irrigation, to say the least, it creeped me out. I mean, ew. No thanks. Water torture anyone? At least...until my doctor informed me this summer that if I had another sinus infection before the end of the year, he was sending me to an ENT for a procedure he fondly called 'roto-rootering'. Um. This sounds worse than teapots up the nose, honestly. Still, my summer sinus issued faded, and I thought little of it until...

Oh, yes, school has been in session about a month. You know it was bound to happen. In desperate efforts to derail the oncoming ick, I ordered a Nasaline nasal irrigator from Amazon. This gratefully looks like a massive syringe rather than a lovely teapot. I can deal with water torture coming from a medical device. I don't like it, but I can deal with it. Here's how it works: one puts a packet of special salt in a cup and adds a cup of warm water to dissolve it. Then one fills the syringe with said salt water. The end of the syringe is shoved up the nostril (or against the nostril, as mine are too small to accommodate the adult sized syringe that I have), and the warm salt water is injected into the nose, a full 2 oz. of it.

Sounds like water torture, right? Well, it is. But not near as bad as I expected. I was really pretty terrified as I was mixing that first cup of salt water. The box assured it was painless, but come -on-! Two ounces of water up my nose? Still, I trust the many people who swear by it, so I gave it a go. Guess what? Didn't hurt a -bit-. Pleasant? No, not really. But not horrible, either. There's a momentary flash of 'hey this isn't right' as the water first starts going in, but almost immediately the palate closes, the water circulates through the sinus cavities on that side, and then pours out the other nostril like some bizarre Roman fountain. I repeated the process with the other nostril, the repeated again on both sides, as the directions suggest. Not once did it hurt, and not once did it get in my mouth or anywhere else icky.

Now here's the fun part...I can feel my sinuses. No, not just feel them. I am hyper aware of them. They tingle! I mean, this is some serious clean. I can literally feel the spaces inside my head that are supposed to be this clear on a normal basis. Who knew?! It's like putting on glasses for the first time and realizing the world is a lot clearer than I thought, only with the nose rather than the eyes. The only problem I had was I was so captivated by my new-found sinus clarity, I couldn't sleep for several hours. It felt just way too weird. I've done it again tonight, but a good hour before I intend to sleep. The only side effect I've noticed is that my eyes water a bit during/after the process. That too is normal, according to the instructions.

And so let us hope that the Great Syringe of Nasal Water Torture continues to be a success. Happy Tuesday!

PBS Poll

2008-09-23T22:56:28Z

Dear Friends,

PBS is doing a poll which asks if Palin is qualified to be VP.

The right wing has organized a yes campaign--and the 'yes' is at the moment winning. Take literally 1 minutes or less, go to:

http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html and vote!

Please send this on.

Quote for the day

2008-08-13T15:02:38Z

"Not only does the English Language borrow words from other languages, it sometimes chases them down dark alleys, hits them over the head, and goes through their pockets." - Eddy Peters

The shoe fairy!

2008-07-23T15:55:57Z

Because the world needs a bit more Neil Patrick Harris, right? Right.

NPH on Sesame Street. Yes. Sesame Street. As the Shoe Fairy. Just go watch. :)

Guuuuh.

2008-07-19T17:05:27Z

I had forgotten, honestly, Joss Whedon's ability to make me forget to breathe.

Wuh.

Wibble.

Ahem. Just go watch this. Seriously.

Daily metaphors.

2008-07-18T22:10:49Z

Modern dance is bananas. (Context at time: both are fine things, but I like neither.)

Mercedes Lacky is organic cotton balls. (Context at the time: Her writing fluff, but quality fluff.)

And to give this post meaning...here's critter pictures from the zoo trip tajnyj and I made last week. I want a kangaroo.

Squee! Neil Patrick Harris! Squee, I say!

2008-07-08T04:59:48Z

Because da_zhuang is the awesome and clued me in on this!