Lisa-Cate

My horrific day at the pain mgt center

2006-10-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this so that if it comes to it I will have a record of everything that happened. It is now 9:14pm on Oct 27th, the day of the incidents.

Begining at the first of Sept 2006 my legs started to hurt on a daily basis. After suffereing through 3 weeks with no relief (I'd tried darvocet n-100) I made an appointment with Amanda McGraw, CNP at American Medical in Hobbs, NM. I went to see her on Thursday, Sept 28 at 10 am. I was given Lortab (5/) and told to return if the pain didn't subside. By the next Friday, Oct. 6th I was reasonably certain that the pain was not going to be abated by the Lortab and I returned to see Amanda McGraw at 1pm. I was told that she could give me another medication but at this point she considered the pain "chronic" in nature and that she doesn't deal with chronic pain issues and she'd like me to see a pain management specialist. She gave me a prescription for Percocet (5/325) and I was contacted the next week with an appointment set up for me with Dr. Qubty in Lubbock on Oct 24th at 10am. The appointment was subsequently changed via a phone call placed to me by Dr. Qubty's office and the new appointment was scheduled for Monday, Oct 23 at 9:45am.

On Monday, Oct 23rd, I had my first appointment with Dr. Johnny Qubty in Lubbock, Tx. After waiting 2 1/2 hrs in his waiting room I was given a 30 minute exam (most of which consisted of him and his nurse trying to figure out the new computer system) and he came to the conclusion that my leg and knee pain were connected to the tenderness to touch in my lower back. I didn't suffer from much, if any, actual pain in my back except when it was touched. I had been previously told by Dr. Calames (my rheumatologist) that this sensitivity was due to my having Fibromyalgia and they were simply pressure points felt by a large percentage of patients with Fibromyalgia. Dr. Qubty then scheduled me for a facet block to be done on Friday, Oct 27th, at 8 am. According to him, I would be given an IV and sedated to the point of sleep so that when I woke up I wouldn't recall any of the actual procedure. At this point I asked for a prescription to cover the days from Monday to Friday as my Percocet was going to run out shortly. He denied me any medication and told me to return to Amanda McGraw for any pain medication. (note: in the paperwork I signed to become his patient I agreed to ONLY accept pain prescriptions from Dr. Qubty while under his care and that if I requested meds from any other doctor - with no exceptions - I would be dropped from Dr. Qubty's care immediately). I explained that Amanda McGraw had sent me to Dr. Qubty so that she no longer had to deal with the prescriptions for the chronic pain. He blew me off and said he'd have his nurse call Opal, Amanda McGraw's nurse, and explain the situation and he was confident that would be all it took for Amanda McGraw to refill my percocet. I did not need a refill after all (I was able to survive on cutting the pills in half) so I had no reason to contact Amanda McGraw during the time between my appointments with Dr. Qubty.

This morning, Friday the 27th at 7:30am I arrived at the Pain Management Center on 22nd and Joliet in Lubbock, Tx. I was quickly taken to a prep room with another woman and we were left to change into gowns. I was given an IV (which took 3 attempts) by a woman in blue scrub pants and a black shirt who had dark, long hair. At that time, I asked about the sedation. I was told it would be a combination of Versed and Fentanyl. Immediatly I told the nurse that Versed does not work on me (I learned this several years ago when I was given Versed to sedate me for a LP and they ended up giving me 5x the original dose and it still didn't work - it also does not have an affect on my mother). I was told that my concern was silly because as small as I am it would definitely work. Again, I voiced my concern about it not working. This was when I was told that it was all they could offer but not to worry, she was sure it would work just fine.

A few minutes later the woman I shared a room with was taken next door to the procedure room. She had also been quite nervous about the sedation and I was calmed by hearing a pleasant conversation and laughter between her and Dr Qubty during her procedure. When she was returned to the room ten minutes later she was in good spirits and her only complaint was that she was tired. I was quickly sent back to the procedure room.

In the procedure room there were 2 people besides myself - a hispanic nurse and Dr. Qubty. I was told by the nurse to lay on my belly on the bed. She asked Dr. Qubty about the sedation dosage and was told to give the "typical" amount ("two and two"). At this point I made it very clear that Versed doesn't work and if there was going to be any hope of it making any difference in my sedation the dose would have to be adjusted. I was completely ignored by both the nurse and the doctor. As soon as the medication was pushed into my IV Dr. Qubty began the procedure. He started with local anesthetic which, as expected, was a bit painful but bearable. He let me know the steroid injections were begining and that I shouldn't be able to feel anything. Immediately I knew he was wrong. I felt every bit of that first needle as it entered the space and injected. The injection burned as the medication was introduced. I was NOT quiet about this and let them know both immediately and loudly that it hurt a LOT. I told them to give me more medication (at this point I would have taken either more Versed, more Fentanyl OR more local - anything to ease the amount of pain the current injection was causing). The only response I received was from Dr. Qubty who said "It's okay, we're almost done." This was not true in either aspect - it was not okay and he was only 1/6th of the way done. I was relentless in letting Dr. Qubty know that it continued to hurt and the more he went on the more pain I was in. By the time he had completed the entire procedure I was very obviously in tears. I was helped to a wheelchair and taken back to the prep room without so much as a goodbye from the doctor or his nurse.

Once back in the prep room the pain was so intense I was near hysterical. I couldn't breathe in without severe pain, I couldn't find a position in which the pressure wasn't so crushing that I could see straight. I was handed a box of tissues and left alone as they helped the other woman get her things together and sent on her way home.

When I'd sat there crying for 10 minutes without so much as an inquiry as to how I was or if the pain was relenting at all the nurse who'd given me my IV came in, took the kleenex box from me and told me it was time to get dressed and she'd take me downstairs to leave. I told her I was going to need something for the pain. She left the room and was replaced by another hispanic office worker - I do NOT believe this woman was a nurse but she never gave her name - who said I'd be given a prescription for Tramadol. As I'd told Dr. Qubty at the first appointment I'm not allowed to take Tramadol because when given with Prozac it can cause seizures. She leaves and comes back a few minutes later. She tells me that, as I was previously told, Qubty will not be responsible for my pain medications and I should contact Amanda McGraw. I again try to explain that the amount of pain I am in now has magnified since the procedure and ask to speak to Dr. Qubty. I am informed that he's in another procedure and I cannot see him. I ask 3 more times as they remove my IV and give me my post-op care sheet if 1) I can have some sort of medication to ease the pain until I get home and 2) if I could speak with the doctor before I leave. Finally the nurse agrees to go ask Dr. Qubty about medication again.

When she returns this time she has a paper in her hand. Qubty has agreed to give me pain medication. However, even knowing that Lortab has not helped in the past with lesser pain than I am in now he has written the prescription for the lowest dose of Lortab available. I am told that he cannot give me the medication that I have been on, the percocet, because he doesn't have any triplicate forms. He still refuses to see me because he's simply too busy.

Every piece of paper I signed or was given before and after the procedure insisted that if I had an increase of pain I was to contact the Dr's office immediately. While I was still in the office I volunteered this information again and again. After asking to speak with the doctor the 4th time the staff became hostile and demanded that I take my belongings and go. I was rushed to change my clothing, the juice and crackers that were sitting on my side tray in the prep room were disposed of before I was asked if I would like them and I was wheeled downstairs and placed in my vehicle.

Just a quick update

2006-10-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

Things are fine - I know I haven't typed much at all lately but things here are just a bit nuts. Cordi and I both have been to the dr (me twice) for different things and on new RXs so trying to keep up with that and my other commitments and Gary's been working an unholy amount...things are just crazy.

Gary's vacation is next week, too, so I'll be single-momming it (with the help of Granny) and who knows if I'll get a chance to sit down or anything. Argh!

Hopefully more soon...

Sunday's Um (a day late)

2006-10-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Taxes :: Death (as in death and taxes)

Hooray :: yay

Justification :: Justice

Shocking :: scary

Bureaucracy :: Communists

Porn :: naked

Silly :: laugh

DJ :: radio

Swing :: dance

Anti- :: gun

Photo Pherret Wed.

2006-09-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Autumn had its official beginning earier this week. Colors shall change and these things shall start to fall.

Our word for this week is:
Leaves

This is one of my favorite photos ever. And what a perfect opportunity to show it off!

2006-09-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

Names.

Three songs.
Wind Cries Mary - Jamie Cullum
Allison - Holly Cole
The Ballad of Jamie Bee - John Gorka

Three artists. (oh come on now, this one's a gimme!)
Alison Krauss
Madeline Peyroux
Sara Gazarek

Three albums.
Mighty Joe Moon - Grant Lee Buffalo
I, Lucifer - The Real Tuesday Weld
Pray for the Soul of Betty - Constantine Maroulis & Pray for the Soul of Betty

Blessings from Dad

2006-09-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

I bless you with endurance.

“Those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved.”

Matthew 24:13

Jesus doesn’t say if you succeed you will be saved. Or if you come out on top you will be saved. He says if you endure. An accurate rendering would be, “If you hang in there until the end…if you go the distance.”

The Brazilians have a great phrase for this. In Portuguese, a person who has the ability to hang in and not give up has garra. Garra means “claws.” What imagery! A person with garra has claws that burrow into the side of the cliff and keep him from falling.

So do the saved. They may get close to the edge; they may even stumble and slide. But they will dig their nails into the rock of God and hang on.

Jesus gives you this assurance. Hang on. He’ll make sure you get home.

-Max Lucado

Sunday's UM

2006-09-24T23:55:00.000-07:00

Bell :: Ring

Abuse :: Hurt

Relief :: Disaster

List :: To-Do

Concern :: Care

Absolute :: vodka...lol (I know - spelled differently)

Cling :: Window

Dump :: Truck

Terminate :: End

Wine :: Red

Saturday 8

2006-09-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

1. as you get older, are you jazzed about your birthday? Not really - my birthdays just aren't that great.

2. do people usually remember your birthday? Usually, yes. This year? no.

3. do you know anyone who pre-announces their birthdays? Just my kids :)

4. what was your best birthday? why? When I turned 7 (I think) because my mom made my cake and had asked me if I wanted pink flowers or purple flowers on the cake and I chose pink. When I woke up that morning she'd put on both. I was so excited!

5. what was your worst birthday? why? The first birthday after we got married. I don't really wanna talk about it :(

6. name your best birthday gift. The boom box I got when I turned 12.

7. name the best birthday gift you've gotten for someone else. I got a friend a massage and pedi at a spa and I got to go with her :)

8. as i age, i value SLEEP as a priceless commodity. i didn't get any for my birthday, however. what do you want this year for your birthday? Since Christmas comes before my birthday I'll just say I want a DVD ripper. Don't much care when I get it...

100 Greatest Movies Meme

2006-09-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Found this HERE. If you want to play, highlight the ones you've seen then add 3 of your own to the end after my additions.

1. CITIZEN KANE (1941)
2. CASABLANCA (1942)
3. THE GODFATHER (1972)
4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)
5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)
6. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939)
7. THE GRADUATE (1967)
8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)
9. SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)
10. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)
11. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)
13. THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957)
14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
15. STAR WARS (1977)
16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950)
17. THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951)
18. PSYCHO (1960)
19. CHINATOWN (1974)
20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
21. THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940)
22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)
23. THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)
24. RAGING BULL (1980)
25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982)
26. DR. STRANGELOVE (1964)
27. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979)
29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)
30. THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)
31. ANNIE HALL (1977)
32. THE GODFATHER PART II (1974)
33. HIGH NOON (1952)
34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)
35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)
37. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946)
38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965)
40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961)
42. REAR WINDOW (1954)
43. KING KONG (1933)
44. THE BIRTH OF A NATION (1915)
45. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951)
46. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)
47. TAXI DRIVER (1976)
48. JAWS (1975)
49. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937)
50. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969)
51. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)
52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)
53. AMADEUS (1984)
54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
55. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
56. M*A*S*H (1970)
57. THE THIRD MAN (1949)
58. FANTASIA (1940)
59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
61. VERTIGO (1958)
62. TOOTSIE (1982)
63. STAGECOACH (1939)
64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)
65. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
66. NETWORK (1976)
67. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962)
68. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)
69. SHANE (1953)
70. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)
71. FORREST GUMP (1994)
72. BEN-HUR (1959)
73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
74. THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990)
76. CITY LIGHTS (1931)
77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973)
78. ROCKY (1976)
79. THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
80. THE WILD BUNCH (1969)
81. MODERN TIMES (1936)
82. GIANT (1956)
83. PLATOON (1986)
84. FARGO (1996)
85. DUCK SOUP (1933)
86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935)
87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
88. EASY RIDER (1969)
89. PATTON (1970)
90. THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)
91. MY FAIR LADY (1964)
92. A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951)
93. THE APARTMENT (1960)
94. GOODFELLAS (1990)
95. PULP FICTION (1994)
96. THE SEARCHERS (1956)
97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
98. UNFORGIVEN (1992)
99. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)
101. THE CAINE MUTINY (1954)
102. METROPOLIS (1927)
103. PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE (1959)
104. Notorious (1946)
105. The Andromeda Strain (1971)
106. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

My additions:
107. Empire Records (1995)
108. Pillow Talk (1959)
109. Fight Club (1999)

Friday Feast

2006-09-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Appetizer
Measured in minutes or hours, how much exercise have you had in the last week?
An hour, maybe. This week has been draining and I haven't had the energy or strength.

Soup
If you had to change your blog title to something else, what would it be?
Lisa's Lair...?

Salad
Name one television show you watched when you were 9-12 years old.
Growing Pains

Main Course
If someone gave you $50 to spend with the one condition that it had to be educational, what would you purchase?
Business books - My name is Lisa and I'm an addict

Dessert
Do you tend to prefer dark colors, neutral shades, or lighter/pastel hues?
Neutrals. Gray is my signature color :)

Today's Blessing from Dad

2006-09-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

I bless you with a generous God - giving so you can be generous.

As one psalmist puts it,
He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
- 2 Corinthians 9:9-11

Wed. Mind Hump!

2006-09-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Today is Board Game Appreciation Day.

1. Are you a fan of board games?
YES!!

2. What's your favorite board game and why?
Hmmm - I think I'll go with Monopoly. And why not? It's a freaking classic!

Yesterday was Talk Like A Pirate Day, so lets answer a few questions about that. I can't think of any more board game questions.
3. Blackbeard, Hook, Sparrow - who's your favorite pirate?
Sparrow. For sure.

4. If you were a pirate, what would you name yourself?
I have no clue...something catchy & classy like Sassy McSmartypants

5. Uh oh! Someone's gotta walk the plank! Choose a celebrity you want to throw overboard (all in good fun, of course. We're not actually advocating for the tossing of celebs in the ocean).
Juliane Moore.

Ten on Tuesday

2006-09-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

10 Things You'd Do If You Had More Time

1. Get my business site going.

2. Get more rest.

3. Have time to just hang out with Gary.

4. Cut the boys' hair.

5. More playdates!

6. Play more with the kids.

7. Start writing again.

8. Cook.

9. Call my brother just to talk.

10. Go to Granny's house.

Ugh.

2006-09-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

What an ordeal.

I just finally finished changing the template all around. It took around 5 hours to finally find one that worked like it was supposed to (no thanks to 2 faulty templates). So I am very appreciative of http://www.pannasmontata-templates.net/

So THANK YOU! You ROCK MY SOCKS!!

I'm hoping to actually get an update and all in here tomorrow.

Night night!

Sunday's UM

2006-09-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

Running :: Jogging
Alternative :: Music
Cope :: Shirley
Lots :: Mucho
Sympathetic :: Sad
Barn :: Red
Totally :: Complete
Baby :: Powder
Undeniable :: Truth
Watermelon :: Juice

Friday Feast

2006-09-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

Appetizer
What was the very last song you listened to?
Call Me When You're Sober by Evanescence (canNOT wait for that album!!)

Soup
What is one company/store/corporation you would recommend that people stay away from?
SEARS!!

Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy having your picture made?
I'd say around a 4.

Main Course
Besides a bookmark, what is something you've used to keep your place in a book?
I usually use my pen.

Dessert
Name a food that you like that most people don't.
Goose Liver Pate

Wednesday Mind Hump

2006-09-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

1. What's in your junk drawer, and how many junk drawers do you have?
Every drawer I have is a junk drawer - so I have around 30.

2. How often do you clean or rearrange your junk drawers?
Whenever we move - so every 5 years or so.

3. Name one celebrity whose junk drawer you'd love to go through.
Rachel Ray's :)

Today's Blessing from my Dad

2006-09-10T21:45:00.000-07:00

I bless you with a heavenly Father who delights in you -
a Father who can hold you up with faithful, loving strength.

The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
- Psalm 147:11

New Site

2006-09-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

I finally got our family website/blog up! Yay!

You can see it here: http://www.garynlisa.com

Monday - Random Joy

2006-09-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

1. If you know you're going to be spending a quiet day at home reading, watching tv, etc., do you change out of your PJs? I change from shorts to lounge pants.

2. What do you do to pass the time on a long car trip? Read or sleep, usually.

3. If you had to date one of the seven dwarves, who would you choose and why? (Your options are Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy). Happy - so he could make me laugh.

4. What one thing would you recommend that everyone try at least once in their life? Sushi

5. If you were hosting a dinner party and were able to have one writer, one musician and one actor of your choice as guests, who would be at your table, and what would you feed them? I'd serve Olive Garden because I don't cook. But I'd have Rebecca York, Chris Carrabba and Laura Prepon.

Today's Blessing from Dad

2006-09-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

I bless you with a cup that's overflowing.

From Max Lucado:

“My cup overflows with blessings.”
Psalm 23:5 NLT

The overflowing cup was a powerful symbol in the days of David. Hosts in the ancient East used it to send a message to the guest. As long as the cup was kept full, the guest knew he was welcome. But when the cup sat empty, the host was hinting that the hour was late. On those occasions, however, when the host really enjoyed the company of the person, he filled the cup to overflowing. He didn’t stop when the wine reached the rim; he kept pouring until the liquid ran over the edge of the cup and down on the table.

Have you noticed how wet your table is? God wants you to stay. Your cup overflows with joy. Overflows with grace.

You have a place at God’s table. And he is filling your cup to overflowing.

Need some prayers

2006-09-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

Gary and I have made the decision for me to go back to college in January. I'm totally excited BUT...

I don't have the best history with choosing a major...So far I've had at least 8 different majors. I have 115 hours that are equal to no degree since I have such a mish-mash of courses.

So I've been thinking on it a lot and I'm thinking I'm going to go Psychology with a biology minor. I've got the minor courses done. I'm going to lack 6 pre-req hours and around 16 Psych hours.

Could you please pray that this is the right decision and that I'm actually being called to help children via psychology? That's really what I'm feeling drawn to I just really want to make sure I'm listening to the right voice in my head...

Unconscious Mutterings

2006-09-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Wiggle :: Worm

Face :: Smile

Adjustable :: Waist

Room :: Living

Easy :: Going

Store :: Shop

Maid :: Costume

9 pm :: bedtime

Challenge :: contest

Debt :: money

Life Experiences

2006-09-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

I got this from http://toni.marikit.net -- the bold ones are the things I've done :)

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said ‘I love you’ and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game (and survived the crush afterwards)
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

2006-09-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

Cable Car

I wish you were a stranger I could disengage Just say that we agree and then never change

I got an email tonight that was rather unexpected. It was from a friend, let's call her T, who I had words with a little over a week ago. We had sorted things out best we could but I really thought it was pretty much over. I've kept my MSNIM turned off just because I needed to clear my head of the mess. I needed some time to decide where I stand, what I want, what I'm willing to give, etc. The truth is, I haven't decided those things yet. I'm actually not overly motivated to do so. But I got the email regardless.

She doesn't admit to wrong-doing which is okay. I expected as much. But the truth is, I'm not sure she was wrong at all. I don't think I was wrong, either, though. It was a lack of minds meeting. There was serious misunderstanding. As feelings got hurt and ignored it just made the whole thing burn out of control. We'd done our best to pretend things were going to be fine when we spoke last (last Friday) but I really had decided at that point to wash my hands of the whole thing.

The problem is that she's dynamic. She's fun to be with, to talk to and she makes me laugh. I don't want to live my life without her in it even though my life would probably be easier and less stressful without her.

I've had trouble with friends lately. T is one of 3 I've lost recently (since July, I'd say). One was just growing apart which happens. One is someone who was, quite apparently, not ever that great of a friend to begin with. She decided things about me and gave me no chance to even defend myself. I don't need those kinds of people in my life anyway. Now T. I hope I'm not clinging to her because I feel like my friends are peeling away. I guess I'll have to wait and see...

Feeling: LOST
Reading: magazines
Listening to: David Cross
Eating: Ham & Swiss
Watching: Grounded for Life

And suddenly I become part of the past I become the part that don't last I'm losing you and it's effortless...

Today's thought courtesy of The Fray

Friday Feast

2006-09-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

Appetizer
What are some lyrics you have misheard (such as, instead of "Gettin' Jiggy With It" you heard "Kick a chicken with it")? I used to think "She's an easy lover" was "she's an Easter llama." I was young...

Soup
What is the worst movie you have ever seen? I have to chose one? I'd say...Hudson Hawk just for the fact that it was such a HUGE let down for me.

Salad
Using the letters from your favorite number, write a sentence. Example: Tomorrow has really easy experiences. Tito had interesting reactions trying each egg noodle.

Main Course
What was the most interesting news story you have heard this week? Pluto is no longer a planet.

Dessert
Which word(s) would you choose to describe your wardrobe? Boring

3x Thursday

2006-08-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

3x Thursday: 08/31/y2k+6: Activities

1. What's your favorite thing to do? Why?

Play Tx Hold 'em online. I don't play for $$ so it's relaxing and something I can do with my hubby.

2. What do you do when you're bored?

I either sleep or watch TV.

3. What do you do when you're lonley?

Get online and post to my friends or read email.

Bonus Question for Comments: What's your favorite genre of book to read? Why?

Mysteries - they are entertaining and make you think.

I'm Quirky

2006-08-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

Your Quirk Factor: 80%

You're so quirky, it's hard for you to tell the difference between quirky and normal.
No doubt about it, there's little about you that's "normal" or "average."

How Quirky Are You?

Ten on Tuesday

2006-08-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

10 Things You Think People Don't Like About You

1. I have a strong personality and it can be really hard to take.

2. Some days I just don't answer the phone.

3. I tend to ramble and make conversations last WAY longer than they normally would be.

4. I have tons of idiosyncracies so there are things I just refuse to do and that can be both annoying and embarassing to those with me.

5. When I'm grouchy I'm GROUCHY and if you don't stay out of my way...

6. I make music references that most people just don't get.

7. I snort when I laugh.

8. I talk openly about my being sick.

9. I can be outrageously lazy.

10. I am pushy about getting things my way 90% of the time.

I've seen 147 out of 216 movies

2006-08-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

SUPPOSEDLY if you’ve seen over 80 movies, you have no life. Mark the ones you’ve seen. There are 216 movies on this list.

(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
() Grease 2
(x) Moulin Rouge
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
() Boondock Saints
(x) The Mexican
(x) Fight Club
(x) Starsky and Hutch
(x) Neverending Story
(x) Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane!
Total:10

(X) The Princess Bride
(x) AnchorMan: The Legend of Ron Burgandy
() Napoleon Dynamite
(x) Labyrinth
(x) Saw
(x) Saw II
(x) White Noise
()White Oleander
(x)Anger Management
(x) 50 First Dates
Total: 8

(x) Scream
(x) Scream 2
(x) Scream 3
(X) Scary Movie
(X) Scary Movie 2
(x) Scary Movie 3
(x) American Pie
(x) American Pie 2
(x) American Wedding
Total: 9

(x) Harry Potter
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
(x) Harry Potter 4
(x) Resident Evil I
(x) Resident Evil 2
(x) The Wedding Singer
(x) Little Black Book
(x) The Village
() Lilo & Stitch.
() Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch has a Glitch
Total: 9

(x) Finding Nemo
() Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
() The Grinch
(X) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
(x) White Chicks
(x) Butterfly Effect
() Thirteen Going on 30
(x) I Robot
Total: 6

(x) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
() Universal Soldier
(x) A Series Of Unfortunate Events
(x) along came polly
() Deep Impact
() KingPin
(x) Never Been Kissed
(x) Meet The Parents
() Meet the Fockers
() Eight Crazy Nights
(x) Joe Dirt
Total: 6

() A Cinderella Story
() The Terminal
()The Lizzie McGuire Movie
() Passport to Paris
(x) Final Destination
(x) Final Destination 2
(x) Final Destination 3
(x) Dumb & Dumber
() Dumb & Dumberer
(x) Halloween
(x) The Ring
(x) The Ring 2
Total:7

() Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(x) Practical Magic
(x) Chicago
(x) Ghost Ship
() From Hell
(x) Hellboy
(x) Secret Window
(x) The Whole Nine Yards
Total: 6

(X)The Day After Tomorrow
(x) Child’s Play
() Child’s play 2
() Child’s play 3
() Seed of Chucky
(x) Bride of chucky
(x) Ten Things I Hate About You
(x) Just Married
(x) Gothika
(x) Nightmare on Elm Street
() Coach Carter
Total: 7

() Bad Boys 2
(x) Joy Ride
(x) Seven
(x) Ocean’s Eleven
(x) Ocean’s Twelve
(x)Identity
(x) Lone Star
(x) Bedazzled
(x) Predator I
(x) Predator II
Total: 9

(x) Independence Day
(x) Cujo
()A Bronx Tale
(x)Darkness falls
()Christine
(x)ET
(x)Children of the Corn
(x)My Boss’ Daughter
(x)Maid in Manhattan
(x)Frailty
Total: 8

( ) Best Bet
(x) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
(x) She’s All That
() Calendar Girls
(x) Date Movie
() Sideways
(x) Mars Attacks
(x) Event Horizon
(x) Ever After
() Forrest Gump
(x) Big Trouble in Little China
Total:7

(x) X-Men
(x) X2
(x) X3
(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
(x) Sky High
(x)Jeepers Creepers
(x) Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Others
(x) Freaky Friday
(x) Reign of Fire
(x) Cruel Intentions
(x) Cruel Intentions 2
(x) The Hot Chick
Total: 15

(x)Swimfan
() Miracle
(X) Old School
() The Notebook
() K-Pax
(x) Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
(x) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(x) Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
() A Walk to Remember
(x) Boogeyman
Total: 6

() Hitch
(x) The Fifth Element
(x) Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Episode II Attack of The Clones
(x) Star Wars Episode III Revenge of The Sith
(x) Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Episode VI Return of The Jedi
(x) Troop Beverly Hills
(x) Swimming with Sharks
Total: 9

(x) Air Force One
(x)For Richer or Poorer
(x) Transporter
(x) People Under the Stairs
() Blue Velvet
(x) Sound of Music
(x) Parent Trap Re-make
(x) The Burbs
(x)The Terminator
(x) Terminator-2
(x) T-3
Total: 10

(x) Empire Records
() SLC Punk
(x) Meet Joe Black
() Nightmare Before Christmas
(x) The Silence of the Lambs
(x) Sleepy Hollow
() I Heart Huckabees
() 24 Hour Party People
() Blood In Blood Out
Total: 4

() Thirteen
() Manic
(x) American History X
(x) Deep Blue Sea
() George of the Jungle
() Canadian Bacon
() How High
() The Jacket
() My little pony 1986
Total:2

() Road to Perdition
() Jesus Christ Superstar
() Rent
() Mulan
() Mulan 2
(x) Lion King
() Lion King 2
(x) Legally blonde
(x)Legally blonde 2
(x)Pink Panther
Total: 4

()Shopgirl
(x)Zathura
(x)Jumanji
()King Kong
(x)Mr.Deeds
()Bend it like Bekham
(x)Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
()Eurotrip
(x)School of Rock
()Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
total: 5

Total from above: 147
How may have you seen? Repost Saying ‘ I’ve Seen ___ OUT OF 216 MOVIES

Cordi's First Day of School

2006-08-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

Cordi's Hair - shorter and shorter!

2006-08-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

I had Cordi's hair cut at the first of the summer down around her shoulders. It looked really cute. She wanted to go back to Granny's a couple weeks ago and so I decided to go ahead and get her before-school haircut. I decided to get it cut to around her chin.

I love it! I think it's adorable - especially on her!

Boys first day of 1st grade

2006-08-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

I could not be more proud.

Argh

2006-08-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

What a bru-ha-ha. Here's what I just sent to blogger.

I made an account last night. Posted in it for the first time. Then tried to log in this morning and it won't take my password. It keeps redirecting me to a google account that I haven't created. So I created a google account through the email they sent me to change passwords. Then it STILL won't let me log into my blog. Says the new password is incorrect.

Argh. What a ginormous pain in my butt.

Feelings of late

2006-08-25T00:05:00.000-07:00

I would normally start with a song quote here but tonight I think an entire song would be more appropriate. This song seems to keep coming to mind over and over this week. Things are so crazy inside my head right now.

I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know I'll be alright
Perhaps it's just imagination
Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away

Alone between the sheets
Only brings exasperation
It's time to walk the streets
Smell the desperation
At least there's pretty lights
And though there's little variation
It nullifies the night from overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day

I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know I'll be alright
It's just overkill