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The 2008 Olypmic Opening that is!

This shit is amazing!

down with the sickness

something invaded my body yesterday afternoon.

it started as a sore throut around lunch time. by 3pm I was freezing. by 7pm (i was still at work) i was shivering. when i left work at 745 and got into my car… it felt so good to sit in a car that had its windows up all day, it was nice and warm. I didnt even roll down my windows, turn on the fan, or turn on the ac.

last time i felt like this was when i was pregnant and ended up going to the hospital to be dx with pneumonia.

when I got home, I took my temp and it was 101.2. A few hours later it was 102.3. a few more hours it was 103. my temp kept climbing dispite our efforts to reduce it.

all the while I lay in bed, buried under the covers in hopes to “sweat it out” but i would never sweat. Instead, i am left with a nasty, wicked, headache that even tylenol would’t touch.

around 1130 i call my brother to give him a heads up that if greg and i decide to go to the hospital we will need him to come over and stay the night (to watch amelia).

sleeping was hit or miss. I was constantly waking up and going to the bathroom (which i never do during the night and I was drinking water to cause this), or just trying to get comfortable.

eventually, the alarms go off and greg takes my temp: 102.3. still have a fever, still have a wicked headache, still feel like shit. I call my supervisor to inform her that I am not coming in.

amelia senses something is up and becomes a little fussy, especially when we dont let her get close to me. so, i just hold her hand. then she ever so slowly, and nondiscreetly, starts inching her way to me. and before we know it she laying right on top of me, literally.

Greg takes care of amelia as i fade in and out of sleep. before i know it, its time for them to go. we say our good byes and i am left alone.

I got off the couch, went into the kitchen, made a glass of water and two of the hydrocodine from the dentist. I go into the bedroom, close the blinds and go back to bed. I slept until 130, when my cell phone went off. apparently i missed a lot of calls, mostly from greg. I called him back, just before he was about to leave work to come check on me.

I fade into sleep off and on throughout the day. this is the longest I’ve been awake since 830 last night (blogging from the cell cause i am till in bed).

my throat still huts and i feel another headache brewing. I still dont know what caused this sudden fever, especially since ive been on antibiotics for a week now (unless i caught something viral).

who knows.

Awe Struck

Greg took this picture while I was out with Michele on Saturday.

When I saw this picture, it took my breath away. It shows so much; innocence, curiosity; mischief, adventure, and so much more.

Her eyes, so clear and pure.

I’ve been thinking of submitting this picture to The Cute Kid website (a photo contest with potential of more).

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Greg and I have talked about submitting pictures of Amelia, or entering her into local ‘contests’ (cutest kid/baby things) but we’re kind of hesitent. We don’t want Amelia to grow up thinking looks and beauty (on the outside) is all that’s important in life, and we don’t want to raise another “JonBenét“. But we also think about the benefit, which would to take her ‘earnings’ (or winnings if we want to call it that) and place them in a high yield savings account for her college tuition.

So, tell me dear readers, should I submit this picture into a photo contest?

Friends & Family

This weekend was spent with our closest friends (mine) and family (his).

Saturday:

Well, I decided not to head down to La Plata for Olivia’s first birthday party. There were two (well, a few more) reasons: 1. Pat, Greg’s brother, is home for a few weeks (end of Aug) and asked to come over; and 2. Michele was coming down to visit us.

So, Greg and I spent the morning reorganizing the mess Amelia made in the two days she’s been home. Around 1:30pm Michele arrives with her new “friend”, M, and we hang out while we wait for Greg to return from the grocery store (to get goodies for our guests). It was so good to really catch-up with Michele. We didn’t even talk much wedding talk (except for mine; she’s trying to get the time off to come).

The plan was to head down to the Eastern Shore to our favorite restaurant, The Jetty (there all-you-can-eat rate was $26.99 for med/large crabs, a FANTASTIC price!). But, the traffic was horrendous to get over the Bay Bridge! So, we decided to turn around and find another place to eat. We ended up going to Seaside. I’ve eaten there a few times with my friend Lisa, and it was the only good place I knew of.

The crabs were not cheap ($45 a dozen), but I was with good company and decided to splurge. And, Michele’s friend, M, has never ‘picked’ a crab before; and it’s always entertaining to teach someone how to eat a Maryland Crab!

And, one can’t have Maryland crabs without a cold glass of beer:

Michele modeling the way to have MD Crabs

Having Michele ‘home’ felt so good . I didn’t realize how much I missed her until she was gone again. We’ve been texting each other like mad since Saturday. We still have a lot of catching-up to do.

After a few hours we went home and hung out at our place for a little while and Greg was kind enough to take some pictures of me and Michele (and Amelia):

Best Friend Bear Hugs

Michele, Amelia, and Me

Is it me, or does my head look HUGE in these pictures?

Being Silly

We were able to do a little wedding talk and I know that I am going to be in her wedding party; she’s going to have the wedding in Washington, DC, the wedding is going to be in September 2009 (which I think I’ve already mentioned) and that she’s going “all out” for her wedding! Like, full blown traditional wedding. I can’t wait!

Michele and M left early in the evening, around the time we were expecting Greg’s brothers and Mother to visit. But there was a change in plans (Pat’s) and it was decided they would come over on Sunday.

Sunday:

The morning was rough; for me at least. Amelia was up at 6:30am and it was my turn to tend to her in the morning so Greg could sleep in. I got up easy enough, but I was still very sleepy and exhausted feeling. TMI, but this cycle was a nightmare for me; it drained me of energy, made me more cranky and just all around grumpy; Plus it gave me the worst lower back pain for 4 whole days - even the hydrocodine from the dentist didn’t have an effect on the pain. I was miserable. So, when Greg woke up around 8am I went back to bed.

Ever have one of those days when it feels like time isn’t moving at all; every time you look at the clock, only 5 minutes went by? Well, that was Sunday morning. Amelia was cranky and fought off her nap for as long as possible, I was cranky for obvious reasons, and the combo of the two wasn’t very good. Greg was a good guy and finished all the cleaning and vacuuming of the condo. He’s such a great husband and father.

Anyway, around 3:30 everyone shows up and we play catch-up with each other. Not too long, we break out the Wii and start playing some games (Wii Play, Wii Sports, and Smash Bros.). I let the boys play and watched. Amelia and Grandma K we’re having their own fun:

Amelia and Grandma K

Greg and his brothers playing the Wii

**I know. I totally need to hang up some wall art. Darn those cathedral ceilings**

Greg’s Mom and brother Ken (the one in the white shirt) left around 6:30pm. Pat stayed a couple more hours and we chatted about his plans while he’s home, his adventures over-seas, and more childhood stories (which are always the best to hear).

As Pat was getting ready to leave, I decided to take a few pictures of the two (and one we me and Pat):

Greg and Pat *trying* to look 'serious'

We Mean Business!

The boys had a little fun with their photo shoot.

Me and My brother-in-law

**yeah, I’m a little blurry ’cause Greg didn’t adjust the focus/depth of field properly**

Anyway, once Pat left Greg and I talked a little more and then I started uploading pictures on to Flickr, got in the shower and then went to bed. I was sleep around 10:30pm; it was an early night for me.

Work in Progress

My little report on Amelia’s first trip to the beach is a work in progress. Three are A LOT of pictures (Greg took most of them and I’m waiting for him to upload his to Flickr or until I can ’steal’ them from his computer… which ever comes first) to share (all of mine are up for friends and family to see - for now). Also, I’m not feeling all that well. I believe I over did it with the tooth extraction and now I’m paying for it; plus I gave my Mom my current supply of antibiotics for her own tooth issues (she doesn’t have health insurance), albeit I have a rx for a new supply (and MORE Vicodine  - I swear the dentist gives this stuff out like candy!). Oh, and that I am recovering from my sunburn:

I still feel like this

There’s a picture for HNT (half-nekkid Thursdays).

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Can you believe I had over 50 emails waiting for me at work?! I was only out for three days, people! I was able to catch-up to about 80% of the emails, which is surprisingly good, considering how much they hinder my ability to actually work on things. Oh, and they (my manager and supervisor) moved my desk while I was out. This morning, I was walking towards my old spot and was informed by J (the training manager, he’s really cool) that I’ve been moved - I now sit right in front of the manager and supervisor. So much for getting away with all that I could at my old spot (which I LOVED… I had the window and was alone). Greg views my new spot as a good thing being that I can “get in”, as in buddy buddy, with the people it matters for future promotions (as compared to what I previously wrote about); I don’t see it like he does. Either way, my first day back wasn’t all that stressful, thankfully.

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My girlfriend, Michele, text’d me this afternoon asking me if I was available on Saturday. Well, Saturday is Olivia’s first birthday and I told April that we would be there, but now (prior to getting the text from Michele) I’m reconsidering; Greg and I have done so much driving in the last 5 days and spent so much money in gas. We need a break! So, I’ve been debating about driving ALL THE WAY DOWN to La Plata, again, for the birthday party. I feel bad that I’m seriously considering not going, but it’s going to be hot and humid, it’s a long drive, Amelia is probably going to be cranky, and we want a day to relax. Anyway, I told Michele about the birthday party and she told me she wants to come down, see me, and go out for crabs (our spot on the Eastern Shore that has all-you-can-eat). It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Michele (earlier this year I believe, when I went with her to her docs appointment when she felt a lump in her breast… I know I mentioned it, but I’m too lazy to find it and link it) and now that she’s engaged I know she wants to talk wedding (plus she sends me all these cute texts about things she’s looking at, wedding related, and how she’s always thinking of me), and it would be nice to talk wedding with someone. We’ve set a tentative date, Aug 17, to get together and possibly wedding dress shop (we have the same style in mind), which is something I really need to start doing… time is running out! Anyway, I’m torn between going to Olivia’s  (who I saw this past Sunday) first birthday or seeing one of my bestest friends (that I haven’t seen in quite some time)…

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I’m beat. I’m thankful that tomorrow is FRIDAY and PAYDAY (not like I have extra spending money) and I have two days to unwind (hopefully). Having no plans for the weekend is sometimes the best plan!

BAKED

What is it with men not listening to women? I asked Greg if he wanted me to put in the sunblock for him and his reply was “why, the sun isn’t out.” and I informed him that he could still get a sunburn, reguardless if it’s sunny or not. Did he listen to me? Nope, and nowe he’s got a pretty wicked burn. So do I. I couldnt find the sunblock and I didn’t really look all that hard. Amelia was covered and is ok.

The day has been long. We did the beach for a few hours, had a horse eat out of our car (yes, there are pictures), had dinner, road the boardwalk tram, road a few rides, had dessert, and came back to the hotel (via tram). It’s been an adventure. Details to come. I’ve got to rub aloe vera all over Greg.

First Stop

in less than 2 hours we made it to Sonic’s in Bridgeville, DE. I’ve pretty much slept through the whole drive (didn’t go to bed until sometime after 1am). Our new favorite drink from Sonic’s is their Orange Cream Slushie, which is a mix of Orange Juleus and vanilla milkshake. damn good. It sucks that I cant really drink it because I cant drink through a straw (no dry sockets for me), but I can lick it off the straw.

We’re on our way to Assateague Island, where we’re going to meet Mom and Amelia to swim a little while as we wait for our hotel room to become available (check in is 4pm).

I am so thankful that I am feeling pretty good one day post extraction. I may actually enjoy myself!

What I’m NOT Doing

And that is sleeping.

As soon as I posted the last entry, I took my prescribed pain meds (2) and laid in bed. Too afraid to move because I was in some pain. More than I was expecting/remember. Greg laid in bed next to me, holding my hand and petting my hair as I started to fall into sleepy-land. Greg ended up taking a nap as well. Greg woke up before me, a few hours before me. I slept from 3:30-ish to just before 8pm. I could easily go back to sleep right now. But, I’m not.

Nope. I did some MORE laundry (just the clothes I wore over the weekend and some towels); we cleaned out the refrigerator (and it’s now COMPLETELY empty - no joke) and the cabinets and threw away anything and everything we haven’t touched. Yeah, that was about three bags of food (unopened or expired). Greg switched out the car seats and transferred the water and drinks from my trunk to his (I was going to do the driving to Ocean City, but after today’s events it was decided he should drive… just in case I need to sleep). I played a little Guitar Hero. Basically, I’m pushing off bedtime until absolutely necessary because I want to be able to sleep as deeply as possible.

Greg, for some unknown reason, wants to LEAVE the house around 6am. Our plan is to head up to Sonic’s for breakfast, go through Delawere and Rehobeth Beach before reaching our hotel. Also, we plan on getting to Ocean City as early as possible to get some pictures before the crowds come.

**on a side note about photography, Greg submitted 7 pictures onto a professional site for selling. After the site reviewed the submitted pictures, 4 were approved to sell!! And, when we used their calculators for price suggestion, one photo alone had a price tag of $750!! that the Site suggested! So, Greg has four photos up for sale!! Cross your fingers that we sell something and soon**

Since we’re going to get there uber early we’ve already decided on what places we want to visit for photo ops (and Greg is bringing the tripod). I have a few photo suggestions in my mind as well and the tripod is going to make the pictures so nice!

I talked to my Mom this afternoon, when I got home from the appointment (sometime around 1:30pm) and asked if there was anything she specifically wanted to see or do in Ocean City and her only answer was: Beach and Boardwalk. So, she’s going to be easy to please. I haven’t decided on what I want to see or do. Greg’s main objective is to get sunset/sunrise pictures. So, basically it looks like we’ll be lazy and play in the sand.

I’m debating if I want to bring along the laptop or not. I know we’re only going to be gone a day and a half, so the only real reason I would bring it is for Greg to have a place to upload his pictures and clean out his memory card… he can fill up his 4gig cards really quickly (and he has 2 of them plus the 1gig that came with the camera). I, on the other hand, rarely use up all my gigs, unless I take a lot of videos.

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I don’t know how many other Flickr fans there are (that read my blog) but I have a vent about Flickr. Their newest uploader, the 3.05, sucks! I’ve been using it for a few weeks and last night was the last straw for me. The uploader freezes, a lot, and tends to always have some weird issue for me. So, last night I said good bye to Uploader 3.05 and reinstalled the 2.5 version. I was writing and trying to post pictures about the family reunion last night, but I… just gave up on the uploading. The only thing I liked about the 3.05 uploader was that I could mark the pictures I wanted non-public prior to uploading, which I can’t do with 2.5 (it’s either all or nothing).

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Ok, so it’s now 12:02am. The dryer just went off so that means my clothes for the beach are done. The gum is starting to hurt again, so I am going to take this as a sign to take more meds and crash for the rest of the night.

Hope everyone has a Happy Tuesday and Wednesday!!

Kicking and Screaming

I pretty much felt like kicking and screaming myself AWAY from the dentist. I was getting so incredibly nervous - with good reason. I took the recommend dose of the mind altering meds (3 pills, but seriously thought about taking more) and inhaled (through my nose) as much of that ‘laughing gas’ as I could. Yes, my whole body felt relaxed - but my mind didn’t. I was still fully aware of what was about to happen and hearing all the machines and equipment going on… wasn’t a big help.

But, the whole process went very well. A lot less drama than the last appointment. And, the doc gave me extra shots of Novocaine, which is now wearing off, and I didn’t feel anything (unlike last time). So, the drama, for now, is over. I have about three stitches due to the alveoloplasty.

This is going to be a short post because I’m really starting to hurt.

We’re still moving forward with our plans of going to Ocean City tomorrow! Mom is getting all excited. Greg and Mom are concerned about me and whether I’ll be able to enjoy myself… I’ve got the bottles (yes, bottles because they gave me ANOTHER prescription for pain killers) of pain meds to take. At the moment, Greg is looking up places to visit (parks, etc) while were there. And, Greg and I are leaving at the crack of dawn to drive up to Sonic and then head over to the Ocean (we might drive through Delaware).

Ok, I’m going to lay down.

Lazy Days

When I woke up this morning (and it felt so freaking good to be able to sleep in until 9:30am), I declared that today was going to be Lazy Day.

My declaration didn’t last long. I started cleaning the bathrooms, kitchen, and the laundry within an hour. And, I cooked dinner tonight. Greg did absolutley nothing. I even took the trash out.

We only ran one errand today and that was to Target to get some items for the beach.

I contacted the local phone company (Verizon) to start phone service and completed my ‘audition’ with LiveOps. The phone service, which I am a little confused about, should start on Wednesday; the part I am confused about is if a tech is going to come to the condo or if the phone will just start working on its own. Greg believes that we don’t need to be home and that the tech does something outside to make the phone line live. I’ve been trying to remember how the phone company makes a phone line live…. it’s been so long since I’ve had a phone line! Either way, the phone package includes unlimited local and long distance, caller ID, and voicemail all for $45.99 a month (cheaper than it used to be) and we opted to have our phone number and listing private (so certain people can’t look up our phone number); I don’t understand why that option costs extra. Meh, I’ve got the ball rolling for the LiveOps and hopes of bringing in extra money without having to miss out on family time.

Tomorrow is the family reunion that I don’t really want to go to and, in all honesty, the only reason I am going is to see MiMi (one of Amelia’s nicknames). One of the reasons we’re not wanting to go is because of the drive and how much we’re going to be spending on gas, since we’re going to be driving to Ocean City on Tuesday morning (which is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive)… and with the cost of gas now-a-days (my used to be $26 to fill up my itty bitty car is now costing me $45)… we’d rather save the money, but we’ve already made the commitment… so we’re going to go.

I got to chat with my girlfriend, Michele today! Her wedding is going to be on 09.26.09, four days before her 35th birthday! She’s already starting the planning and meeting with the Pastor. We’ve set up a date to get together and chit chat in August - another event to add to my list. At least I’m going to be able to attend this wedding, unlike the 3 I had to miss in May. I’m really looking forward to Michele’s wedding!

It’s been a really low key day; one that I’ve really enjoyed. Also, it’s so nice to have a clean house… as hard as we try, the house does not stay clean when Amelia is home.

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I really need to start looking for a wedding dress. I’ve found a few that I want to buy and try (since they’re off websites only, such as Torrid, eccept that I’ve been feeling all too lazy, and I’ve got so much on my mind about other things (mostly all the stuff in the previous post - work, family, etc).

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Well, I’m going to get back to watching Rush Hour 3