I never thought I would have had to say that seeing the world from a different angle can open your eyes to so many things.
But it has and still does...
I am currently walking in a 120% - 130% angle, meaning that my upper body is bend forward and once again I have to use my cane. It all started last week on Tuesday... I felt a slight cramp in my leg but tried to ignore it. Wednesday it continued and on Thanksgiving I already was walking bend over. On Friday my entire body was in so much pain that every move hurt. Sitting, laying, walking... nothing felt right and each move brougth tears to my eyes. My friend Inken (what a godsend) had me in for a chiropractor appointment on Friday evening after she heard me almost crying on the phone. They gave me a massage and some ice treatment which gave a little relieve for a few hours, but at nighttime I was back in excrucitaing pain. Saturday morning I went back to the chiropractor and hoped for a miracle as it was Jer's birthday. But the miracle didn't happen. I tried to drag myself around for a little bit to give a little Joy to Jer on his birthday but even though I wanted to pretend that I am ok, I was not able to and I ended up in bed in the late afternoon. Poor guy! I still feel so terrible for not being able to give him a birthday he truly deserved! The only position that felt right was to lay on my side with my legs up to my chest. But even that started to get painful after a few hours. All the pain pills didn't help and Sunday was pure terror. I called my doctor yesterday to see if I could get the epidural shots, but without much success. Although I found out that I have 2 slipped disks and not just one, he wants me to try PT one more time. I finally scheduled an appointment with an acupuncurist for this evening. My boss has been talking very highly of acupuncurist treatments and has recommended to me to see one since my last back "attack". Back than the pain was bad, but not bad enough for me to have someone put needles in me all over my body. Yesterday I felt pain that I never thought would be possible. My entire body just felt like a big cramp and each move brought tears to my eyes. I heard from a few other friends and people I know that acupuncure has really helped relieve some pain. So now I am waiting paiently to go in and to get the needle treatment. I am still freaked out about the needles but if it helps, I really dont care that much right now anymore. Just want to get better and hopefully be able to stand up on my birthday tomorrow. I can not imagine spending my 33rd birthday in bed all drugged up with pain pills. So wish me good luck this evening and pray that they dont only do a consultation but actually relieve me of some of my pain! I will post an update soon!
Anyhow, life really looks quite different from my current position. Dont ever take for granted the way you move, the easiness with which you sit in a chair or drive, the simple moves to open a cabinet or the fridge, the peaceful sleep you get each night... The only thing I am praying for at this moment is to be able to move around painfree! To feel like a person again ... and to see the miracles my body is able to perform. I know that this was given to me with some sort of purpose... things dont just happen without a reason... and although the main reason is not clear to me right now, I have learned that a nice word, a hug, being there for someone in pain can go a long way! Thanks for your kind words and for your support! You have no idea how much that helped during a period like this!
You are my angles! THank YOU!!!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Update..
I have totally neglected this blog lately and you know what....
I DON'T feel guilty one bit!
Life is crazy as it is... With the holidays coming up, I am simply having my focus on other things:
Preparing for Thanksgiving
Getting my kitchen finally done (It's done and I only need to do the clean sweep and move everything back in - photos will follow once I did the clean sweep)
Finished our kitchen yesterday (chaulking the baseboards, moldings, patching a few spots on the wall and touch up paint) - It felt so darn good to have that paint brush back in my hands... and I am finally ready to tackle the last room that needs remodeling
Preparing and enjoying the holidays
Baking xmas cookies
Sitting in front of the fireplace just sipping a cup of tea and watching xmas movies
Spending time with friends scrapbooking
And finally finding time to read again... I miss sitting down with a good book and completely loosing track of time and place...
Just wanted to popp in and wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I will post pics of the kitchen once I am done moving in. But I am going to take it easy, at my pace and enjoy the process.
I DON'T feel guilty one bit!
Life is crazy as it is... With the holidays coming up, I am simply having my focus on other things:
Preparing for Thanksgiving
Getting my kitchen finally done (It's done and I only need to do the clean sweep and move everything back in - photos will follow once I did the clean sweep)
Finished our kitchen yesterday (chaulking the baseboards, moldings, patching a few spots on the wall and touch up paint) - It felt so darn good to have that paint brush back in my hands... and I am finally ready to tackle the last room that needs remodeling
Preparing and enjoying the holidays
Baking xmas cookies
Sitting in front of the fireplace just sipping a cup of tea and watching xmas movies
Spending time with friends scrapbooking
And finally finding time to read again... I miss sitting down with a good book and completely loosing track of time and place...
Just wanted to popp in and wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I will post pics of the kitchen once I am done moving in. But I am going to take it easy, at my pace and enjoy the process.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
I love my new QuicKutz
I have been having my eyes on a QuicKutz for some time now...
I really, really had my heart set on one of the new squeeze tools and when I saw the studio font and the punctuation set, I couldn't help and knew I had to have one. The only problem was the $$ part. How could I possibly right before xmas justify a purchase like that?
Last week my LSS had 20% of everything in the store... I broke down! I now longer was able to resist and I am now the new proud owner of a black squeeze tool and the studio font! I think I haven't been as excited about a scrapbook purchase as I am with this tool. I can't stop using it, I love it, and I am anxiously awaiting my punctuation set (preordered) in the mail! Take a peak... aren't these just to die for??
I really, really had my heart set on one of the new squeeze tools and when I saw the studio font and the punctuation set, I couldn't help and knew I had to have one. The only problem was the $$ part. How could I possibly right before xmas justify a purchase like that?
Last week my LSS had 20% of everything in the store... I broke down! I now longer was able to resist and I am now the new proud owner of a black squeeze tool and the studio font! I think I haven't been as excited about a scrapbook purchase as I am with this tool. I can't stop using it, I love it, and I am anxiously awaiting my punctuation set (preordered) in the mail! Take a peak... aren't these just to die for??
New contract proposal and my thoughts...
It usually takes a lot to really set me of, but today is one of those days!!!
See, two years ago my bargaining union had to vote on a proposal to go from hourly employee with overtime benefits to salary. Back than some of the roughly 170 members of our bargaining union worked a lot of overtime having to go to night meetings and having crush times during budget time which required more than 14 + hours a day. The salary part was "sold" to us that although we no longer qualify for overtime we would have the professional freedom of working our own hours as long as the work gets done, f. ex. staying late for a few weeks and than taking a few hours here and there to make up for all the extra hours. In addition our team was given a performance bonus based on how you performed throughout the year but with them emphasis on working above and beyond your job duties. Although I was against the salary status and bonus, the majority of our bargaining union voted for it.
I somehow knew that there were problems arising that not everyone had thought of when the salary part was sold to us as follows: "You only have to account for full days (absent or present), and if you come in for 2 hours, you do not have to mark it on your time sheet. Most people already knew that that was not possible, since they had to be there for customer contact, or for meeting or simply to get the regular work done. However, that was the language used to sell us the contract.
One week ago we got a new proposal. The proposal is as follows:
* Each member gets an additional two non cashable days
* The following language will be added to our contract:
So far it reads: You only have to account for FULL days of absences
Contract proposal would read: You have to account for full days of absences if you are not showing up to work and for 1/2 days if you work less than 4.5 hours.
I don't think I remember one day in my entire work history that I have worked less than 4.5 hours, not to mention that I only use the flexibility benefit if I have a doctors appointment that I can not schedule during off time or after hours. So I most likely would not directly be affected by this contract change if voted for, but and here is the BIG BUT, I am stunned and it boggles my mind that members would seriously think of all of a sudden making changes to a language that was the selling point of our contract when going from hourly to salary. I don't abuse the contract, I don't leave before working my full 9 hours day, BUT I would currently have the freedom to leave early once I have my work done and in case I had an emergency or any situation that would require me to leave work after a few hours. In addition I know that if I am required to work longer hours, I no longer get overtime or accrue off time. So it just seems fair that you have the flexibility originally promised versus putting in long hours during crunsh times.
This new proposal appears to me as if we have a status between salary and hourly but dont get the flexibility that was originally promised and no longer get overtime that hourly employees get.
Now, I am a responsible worker... as I mentioned before...
The language was proposed to us since 10 out of 170 members apparently abuse the system. Quite frankly.... sounds more like a management problem than a bargaining union issue to me. If the work doesn't get done a manager should talk to the employee and if that doesn't help lower the performance bonus, etc.
But no! Instead of going back to the 10 who cause the problem this new proposal was given to us...
The feeling at the meeting was mixed.... some for it, others against it... not sure how the contract will be voted on....
But here are a few points from the people who are for this new proposal:
* Great, I dont work overtime, and I get two additional days, really dont care what was voted on 2 years ago
* I dont understand why you dont love the proposal... how could you vote down only having to work 25 hours weekly.
*
My take on it is as follows: First of all I do care what was voted on 2 years ago. It was the selling point and although I dont use it, it's what it is
Secondly, how could you possibly think that working 25 hours is going to be ok! It's not.. but this new proposal would restrict us in case of emergencies way more than the original contract.
See if I work 5 hours longer one evening due to a meeting or due to crunsh time and have a doctors appointment the next day that requires me to leave 5 hours earlier... you would think its all a wash... but with the new contract it's not any longer... with the new contract I would have to take 1/2 day vacation althought I did put in the hours required and even showed flexibility by staying longer!
The deal is, I have to account with 1/2 day vacation if I leave before having worked 4.5 hours. HOWEVER, I do not get 1/2 day back if I stay 4.5 hours longer or work in the evenings or on th weekends.
So how come people are only concerned about what best benefits them.... why don't they worry about some of the people who are required to work long hours or work on the weekend... why are they not worried about giving parts of a contract back that was the major selling point 2 years ago... because all of a sudden they get 2 additional days.... boggles my mind.
And YES, I WILL VOTE NOOOOOOOO on this proposal... not that I think it will help, but just because I strongly think that after we got sold the professional salary part with flexibility and only having to account for full days (although I dont really use it), it's the principle that after 2 years they want to take back what was the selling item. So what is next... going back to hourly but not getting overtime?
I am curious to see how this turns out... but for some reason I am having a real bad feeling!
And yes, some of you may roll their eyes since they do not have contracts or such, but just imagine you did have the privilege, wouldn't you want to keep what was originally promised? I don't abuse it, I put in my hours and more, and therefore I do not feel bad for saying this new proposal really stinks
See, two years ago my bargaining union had to vote on a proposal to go from hourly employee with overtime benefits to salary. Back than some of the roughly 170 members of our bargaining union worked a lot of overtime having to go to night meetings and having crush times during budget time which required more than 14 + hours a day. The salary part was "sold" to us that although we no longer qualify for overtime we would have the professional freedom of working our own hours as long as the work gets done, f. ex. staying late for a few weeks and than taking a few hours here and there to make up for all the extra hours. In addition our team was given a performance bonus based on how you performed throughout the year but with them emphasis on working above and beyond your job duties. Although I was against the salary status and bonus, the majority of our bargaining union voted for it.
I somehow knew that there were problems arising that not everyone had thought of when the salary part was sold to us as follows: "You only have to account for full days (absent or present), and if you come in for 2 hours, you do not have to mark it on your time sheet. Most people already knew that that was not possible, since they had to be there for customer contact, or for meeting or simply to get the regular work done. However, that was the language used to sell us the contract.
One week ago we got a new proposal. The proposal is as follows:
* Each member gets an additional two non cashable days
* The following language will be added to our contract:
So far it reads: You only have to account for FULL days of absences
Contract proposal would read: You have to account for full days of absences if you are not showing up to work and for 1/2 days if you work less than 4.5 hours.
I don't think I remember one day in my entire work history that I have worked less than 4.5 hours, not to mention that I only use the flexibility benefit if I have a doctors appointment that I can not schedule during off time or after hours. So I most likely would not directly be affected by this contract change if voted for, but and here is the BIG BUT, I am stunned and it boggles my mind that members would seriously think of all of a sudden making changes to a language that was the selling point of our contract when going from hourly to salary. I don't abuse the contract, I don't leave before working my full 9 hours day, BUT I would currently have the freedom to leave early once I have my work done and in case I had an emergency or any situation that would require me to leave work after a few hours. In addition I know that if I am required to work longer hours, I no longer get overtime or accrue off time. So it just seems fair that you have the flexibility originally promised versus putting in long hours during crunsh times.
This new proposal appears to me as if we have a status between salary and hourly but dont get the flexibility that was originally promised and no longer get overtime that hourly employees get.
Now, I am a responsible worker... as I mentioned before...
The language was proposed to us since 10 out of 170 members apparently abuse the system. Quite frankly.... sounds more like a management problem than a bargaining union issue to me. If the work doesn't get done a manager should talk to the employee and if that doesn't help lower the performance bonus, etc.
But no! Instead of going back to the 10 who cause the problem this new proposal was given to us...
The feeling at the meeting was mixed.... some for it, others against it... not sure how the contract will be voted on....
But here are a few points from the people who are for this new proposal:
* Great, I dont work overtime, and I get two additional days, really dont care what was voted on 2 years ago
* I dont understand why you dont love the proposal... how could you vote down only having to work 25 hours weekly.
*
My take on it is as follows: First of all I do care what was voted on 2 years ago. It was the selling point and although I dont use it, it's what it is
Secondly, how could you possibly think that working 25 hours is going to be ok! It's not.. but this new proposal would restrict us in case of emergencies way more than the original contract.
See if I work 5 hours longer one evening due to a meeting or due to crunsh time and have a doctors appointment the next day that requires me to leave 5 hours earlier... you would think its all a wash... but with the new contract it's not any longer... with the new contract I would have to take 1/2 day vacation althought I did put in the hours required and even showed flexibility by staying longer!
The deal is, I have to account with 1/2 day vacation if I leave before having worked 4.5 hours. HOWEVER, I do not get 1/2 day back if I stay 4.5 hours longer or work in the evenings or on th weekends.
So how come people are only concerned about what best benefits them.... why don't they worry about some of the people who are required to work long hours or work on the weekend... why are they not worried about giving parts of a contract back that was the major selling point 2 years ago... because all of a sudden they get 2 additional days.... boggles my mind.
And YES, I WILL VOTE NOOOOOOOO on this proposal... not that I think it will help, but just because I strongly think that after we got sold the professional salary part with flexibility and only having to account for full days (although I dont really use it), it's the principle that after 2 years they want to take back what was the selling item. So what is next... going back to hourly but not getting overtime?
I am curious to see how this turns out... but for some reason I am having a real bad feeling!
And yes, some of you may roll their eyes since they do not have contracts or such, but just imagine you did have the privilege, wouldn't you want to keep what was originally promised? I don't abuse it, I put in my hours and more, and therefore I do not feel bad for saying this new proposal really stinks
Monday, November 14, 2005
One word
Got this email from my dear friend Tasha a week ago... you should give it a try... it's really funny what kind of responses you get back and goes down like butter for one's ego :)
One Word
Describe me in one word - just one. Send it to me (only me), then forward this email to your friends and see how many strange things people think about you.
So these are a few of the responses I got:
Loyal (from Inken)
Lucky (from Simone)
Sincere (from Alissa)
Amazing (from Jen)
Passionate (from Assi)
Strong (from Jer)
Sweet (from Tasha)
Artistic (from Mona)
Vivacious (from John) had to check that one in the dictionnary ;)
Creative (from Jane)
And the strange response was from my co worker Bob:
Red (LOL) Still laughing... so all he thinks of is apparently my hair color when describing me in one word!
One Word
Describe me in one word - just one. Send it to me (only me), then forward this email to your friends and see how many strange things people think about you.
So these are a few of the responses I got:
Loyal (from Inken)
Lucky (from Simone)
Sincere (from Alissa)
Amazing (from Jen)
Passionate (from Assi)
Strong (from Jer)
Sweet (from Tasha)
Artistic (from Mona)
Vivacious (from John) had to check that one in the dictionnary ;)
Creative (from Jane)
And the strange response was from my co worker Bob:
Red (LOL) Still laughing... so all he thinks of is apparently my hair color when describing me in one word!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Special Elections
... yeap, we are having a special election in California today and I am NOT allowed to vote!!! What a bummer! I am not a political fanatic (trust me), but I wish I could put in a vote as well to make my "little" voice heard. Not that one vote really matters, but still, gives you the feeling you at least participated, although I am not sure how much one vote really matters.
You probably wonder, why I am not allowed to vote: well, it's pretty simple... I am not an American citizen. I was born and raised in Germany and when I got married in August 1998 to my dh, we went through the entire visa process, embassy doctors, etc. to get a permanent resident card. The card was good for two years. After those two years we had to get in line at the INS and reapply for a more permanent status that I obtained back than. Although I am allowed to work, pay taxes, and am legal liable, I have no say in the political direction this country is taking. I am not upset and have no hard feelings that I am not allowed to vote, and completely understand the fact that this "privilege" is only for American citizens. However, I am saddened to hear that only about 25% voted so far. Projections were an estimated 40%, but the polls are still open till 8 p.m., so the percentage might go up as time passes.
A lot of people are not interested in politics... understandable... pretty boring and a lot of bs to listen too. However, this is everyone's chance to participate, to voice their opinions ... And it saddens me to hear that people are taking it so easily and giving up their voice because they are not interested in politics, don't want to bother, and are too busy to go to the poll or fill out an absenty ballot.
I am not going into what party I believe in and whom I would have voted for... it's not really that simple. First of all I believe that both sides LIE... and secontly you are basically voting for someone you feel you agree on more points with, not necessarily on the entire philosphy, if that makes any sense.
You probably wonder, why I am not allowed to vote: well, it's pretty simple... I am not an American citizen. I was born and raised in Germany and when I got married in August 1998 to my dh, we went through the entire visa process, embassy doctors, etc. to get a permanent resident card. The card was good for two years. After those two years we had to get in line at the INS and reapply for a more permanent status that I obtained back than. Although I am allowed to work, pay taxes, and am legal liable, I have no say in the political direction this country is taking. I am not upset and have no hard feelings that I am not allowed to vote, and completely understand the fact that this "privilege" is only for American citizens. However, I am saddened to hear that only about 25% voted so far. Projections were an estimated 40%, but the polls are still open till 8 p.m., so the percentage might go up as time passes.
A lot of people are not interested in politics... understandable... pretty boring and a lot of bs to listen too. However, this is everyone's chance to participate, to voice their opinions ... And it saddens me to hear that people are taking it so easily and giving up their voice because they are not interested in politics, don't want to bother, and are too busy to go to the poll or fill out an absenty ballot.
I am not going into what party I believe in and whom I would have voted for... it's not really that simple. First of all I believe that both sides LIE... and secontly you are basically voting for someone you feel you agree on more points with, not necessarily on the entire philosphy, if that makes any sense.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
NEWSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
So this is how we have been housing the past months (since May) - Truly NO FUN!!!
And this is what happened today! We finally got the countertop! Still missing the backsplash and sinks, but we are getting there! So darn excited!!!
And yes, I can't wait to finally move in there and start having a "real" life again :)
And this is what happened today! We finally got the countertop! Still missing the backsplash and sinks, but we are getting there! So darn excited!!!
And yes, I can't wait to finally move in there and start having a "real" life again :)
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
You know you are living in 2005 when...
I got this forwarded at work a few weeks ago and had to laugh.... so true!
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2005 when...
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
GOOD, laugh at yourself, that's what I did and it feels darn good!!!!
YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2005 when...
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
GOOD, laugh at yourself, that's what I did and it feels darn good!!!!
Maine ROCKS...
The new destination is up... we are travelling to Maine this month at Scrapsahoy and the gallery is rocking. Go check it out...
Crew Gallery
My layouts
TFL, Syb
Crew Gallery
My layouts
TFL, Syb
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