Morphine and Knitting don't mix...

So, early yesterday morning I awoke (for the millionth time that night) with really bad cramps in my right side. Now, I'm not a wuss. I've had cramps many times before and I suspect I will have them again in the future...but these were different. Usually the pain comes and goes and this was pretty constant for about 12 hours.

I decided that I wanted to consult a doctor; so my sweet husband duly got everything ready for a trip to the urgent care: insurance info, a fully charged iPod, and my knitting bag. (It was really strange to walk into the building where I work as a patient instead of a staff member.) Anyhow, we were in the process of checking in when the nurse came by to chat with us--and when I say "us" I mean "Patrick" because my voice has slowly been sneaking off for about three days and I didn't have much left by this point. As "we" were talking about why I was coming in, she advised us to go to the ER since we don't have ultrasound capabilities on the weekends. (Which, of course, I know...)

Frankly, I was surprised. I didn't think my pain warranted an ultrasound, much less an ER visit...it wasn't as intense as it was long-lasting. Still, we decided that it was better to figure out what was going on, and we might as well be thorough...so off to the hospital we went.

I--with the help of my trusty translator--again went over all the details of my complaints with about four different nurses and assorted medical staff. We were promptly shown to a room where I was elegantly gowned in a revealing cotton robe and asked to rate my pain on a level of 1-10. I told the nurse that most of the time I was hovering between 5-6, but if I moved suddenly or coughed it would spike up to about 8. (Looking back, I'm reminded of the Brian Regan skit "Did you get some 8?") Apparently they don't use the bell curve system with pain rating--they just take your highest score. Makes me wish all my college classes did the same...

So after they finished writing my responses down on about 40 sheets of carbon copy, I peed in a cup, got an IV and some blood work, and then came the "joy juice." I was given a heady cocktail of Zofran and Morphine. To be perfectly honest, I can't recall what happened with much clarity for the rest of the day. I know I received an ultrasound (which really hurt!), a CT scan (the techs were laughing--I just hope it wasn't at me), a pelvic exam (why wasn't that done first??), a couple more boosters of morphine (yay!) in there somewhere...and a rather undignified shot in my butt (boo!). I can honestly say that's one place I've never had a band-aid before. And apparently there was something about "puddin pops" but you'll have to ask Patrick for more details on that score...

I won't go into a lot of detail, but as it turns out, I have an infection that was caused by my Mirena birth control. Not fun. So I traded it for some antibiotics and percocet. I feel much better already and I hope that this will soon be just a rather expensive blip on the radar...but for all the stuff that happened that day, my only coherent thought as I fell into a drug induced slumber that evening was: "Dang it. I didn't even get to work on my sock because of the stupid pulse monitor strapped to my finger...well that was five hours wasted..."

[Please note: there are no pictures to accompany this post because my husband is a very sweet human being who also knows that I would kill him if he took 'sick pictures' of me.]

The Promised Pics

I told you all I'd be triumphant! Here are some pictures of my new house and puppy. (I didn't take pictures of my whole house because some of the rooms are pretty messy right now. Plus, I didn't feel like cleaning/organizing anymore today after I'd gotten the public rooms sorted out.)

The Front Room

I feel so happy every time I walk through that door and see this space. No particular reason I can think of. Maybe it's the lovely big picture window or the comfy, new (and totally paid for--woot!) couch. Or maybe it's just the heady delights of ownership still buzzing in my veins. Either way, I'll take it for as long as it's there!

The (Someday) Dining Area

Brandi claimed that space under the desk within two minutes of being home. I have to be careful not to leave towels or scarves on the floor or she'll drag them under there and build a nest--and then I'll have to lint roller everything. But sometimes I let her because it's funny to watch a pint size dog wrestle with a towel...

By the way, the green fabric tacked over the window is NOT my idea of a window covering and will eventually be replaced with something a bit more to my taste; however, our neighbors on that side have a dog that goes berserk and yaps incessantly anytime it sees us...so necessity is the mother of invention!

The Kitchen (Which I Luuurve!)

After looking at some really scary fixer-upper type money pits, I thought we'd stepped into heaven when we saw the kitchen and bathroom here. Who else here is a fan of new plumbing/wiring, new appliances, travertine tile, granite counter tops, and hardwood cabinets? Raise your hand! (Okay, okay, I know that was kind of bragging and childish, but I hope you'll forgive me anyway.)

And just to toot my own horn for a second: I made those curtains--without a pattern, I might add. Just kind of winging it...which is not something I generally do with fabric. I'm usually much more comfortable following step by step instructions. So I would like to give kudos to my awesome sister for not only validating my fabric choice, but for double checking my math and making sure I had everything I needed to get the look I wanted. She's got some serious kung fu when it comes to sewing.

And last, but not least: Brandi!

It's very tricky for me to get a full body shot of her because once I stand up she's usually right behind me wherever I'm going. The bottom two pictures are what I usually see of her. I snapped the last one when she came to snuggle me while I was reading tonight. Usually she burrows under the blanket...Patrick and I now poke blankets, towels, sheets, etc. at random before sitting on them or picking them up suddenly. I'm actually surprised that the dog hasn't been deflated by my darling husband's bony behind yet...or suffocated by mine! She's a total sweetheart even if she is constantly underfoot, and I'm so glad she's a part of our lives. I've missed having a pet!

Well, there you have it. A few snapshots into our daily life. (At least the tidy parts of it!) We're having a family Halloween party soon though, so I hope to have the whole house clean before then--and I'll be sure to get photographic proof!

Too Much to Say... How to Start?

For the past three days I have been receiving several reminders that I have not blogged in a heinously long time. Shocker. (A shout out to my tormentors: Chrissy, Tiff, and even Patrick...traitor.)

Although, I admit that I am enjoying the idea of seeing everyone's jaws drop in disbelief when the news somehow gets around that I've posted again. In a strange way, I almost feel like blogging equivalent of that "one girl" we all knew in high school... "Oh. My. Gosh. Do you remember that girl, Caite? Did you hear that she actually blogged again?!" Anyway, enough of my twisted musings and down to business.

During my absence from cyber-land many large changes have taken place in my life:

1) Patrick and I bought our first house. An adorable 1920s bungalow in Ogden that has been newly remodeled. We've only been here for two months and yes, there are still some scattered cardboard boxes looking for a permanent spot; but it's beginning to sink in that this is all mine now--I'm not just playing house! (Yeah, funny how bills never really entered into our childhood fantasies, huh? :D)

2) We got our first pet--a Min-Pin named Brandi that we rescued from a shelter. She's a very sweet, mellow dog who just loves to be petted and snuggled. Patrick's a bit disappointed that she's not into playing fetch, but I'm loving having a furry friend/shadow.

3) I began my final year of school. (My goal is to just make it to April. If I can do that without going crazy it'll be one of the biggest accomplishments of my life!)

4) Patrick's car died, and trying to figure out the logistics of transporting two working adults around different ends of the Wasatch Valley has become my waking nightmare. Especially since one of these adults (cough Patrick cough cough) seems to be allergic to public transportation.

All in all, it's been pretty busy in my little corner of the world.

Now, I know I have had several requests for pictures of my new home and my cute dog. Sadly after much late-night arguing with, pleading, and threatening of my phone, SD camera card, and computer: I have had no luck loading said pictures. Never fear though. I will triumph...just not today.

(I am sure that it has something to do with user error. I took a test on the technical components of various digital imaging technologies last night and did much worse than I expected. I'm afraid my foul mood and disappointment from last night leeched into today: I've been disgustingly lazy and unmotivated to try the whole picture thing again. My apologies.)

Well, I know it's kind of a short post for how much has happened. But I promise there will be more--I'll get caught up sooner or later!

Right Now I'm Thinking...

That I don't blog as often or well as my sister. In fact I usually only change my background if I see she's changed hers for the month...hmm...mimicry is the highest form of flattery, right?

The people who say you should drink 64 fl. oz. of water a day had a little something slipped into their water in the '60s. I swear it can't be done!

Committing to stick to a diet plan has altered my perspective of my fellow man in unexpected ways...For example, those sweet co-workers who thoughtfully brought homemade chocolate chip cookies to share, suddenly have become unwitting henchmen of the evil gastrointestinal terrorist organization known as "the munchies;" intent on inflicting cruel and unusual punishment on poor sugar-deprived souls like myself.

My knee should not be as sore as it is right now. I'm way to young for this constant ache I've had all day.

There's a pile of laundry I don't want to fold lying in wait for me at home.

I miss chocolate...

Stop thinking about chocolate!!

Perhaps if I'm forced to deal with the laundry I can commandeer the bedroom TV from my husband. And maybe, just because I'm feeling slightly mischievous, I'll put on DWTS to bug him.

It's time for the workday to be done. I got up early and have a long drive home. Let's not have any last minute sniffles today, people!

Still missing the chocolate...

I'm so excited!! (And I just can't hide it!!)

Tomorrow morning I am going to get on a plane with my husband and we are escaping across state lines into a magical state of relaxation:

We are going to see my brother and his awesome family.

We are going to stay up late and sleep in even later.

We are going to explore, and sight-see, and eat all the junk food and gourmet meals we can.

We are going to greet each morning without the pall of responsibility hanging over our euphoria.

We are going to have an absolute blast!

And then, when we have done all these things, we are going to come home wreathed in exhausted smiles, satisfied that we were as frivolous and carefree as it is possible for two human beings to be.

I love vacation days!

Embracing the "Inner Dork"

Yesterday while I was at work I got a phone call from my husband. It went something like this:


Me: Hello?

Patch: Hi Sweetie, how's it going?

Fine. It's been pretty mellow. What's up?

I got a call from the bank this morning. There's something going on with one of the transactions and they need to talk to the account holder.

Well, your name's on the account. So did you talk to them? Is everything ok?

....Uh, no...I was calling to see if you could do it since I'm at work and all.

(Pause)

So you called me at my work?...You just don't want to talk to them, do you, you pansy?

Well, you said your work was really slow. So you probably have more time than I do. Can you just call them please?

You do realize if you'd stayed on the line with them it would probably be worked out by now, rather than taking the time to call me?

(Pause)

Fine. I'll call them. Did they give you a name or number that I need to contact?

You can just call the number on the back of the card, that'll get you to someone--and they can probably look it up.

Did they say what they're looking for? Which transaction got flagged or anything?

Uh no, I told them you could call them later today and they said they'd discuss it with you then.

(Sigh) Fine. Well I'll see you when I get home tonight. See you.

See you. I love you, sweetie.

Yeah, you'd better, pansy. Love you too. Bye.


A couple of minutes and some funky "hold please" music later I was transferred to a card services supervisor named Roger. Now I don't know if it was something I ate, or if I was in a really weird mood--because I'm generally not like this on the phone: (Especially a business call.)

Roger: Hello, Mrs. States? My name is Roger.

Me: Hey, Roger. I'm Caite.

What can I help you with today, ma'am?

Well, Roger, my husband called earlier and said there was something funny going on with one of the transactions in our account and that I needed to call you. He didn't give me a lot to go on, so I was hoping you could tell me.

Certainly, ma'am. (Typing noises) Uh, it looks like there was some suspicious activity on your card last night. Are you aware of...it looks like nine...consecutive charges to amazon.com of a dollar each?

Ohhh...yeah. That's not suspicious, that's just me being stupid.

(Surprised pause from Roger.)

Have you heard of a show called "Castle" Roger?

(Silence on the other end.)

Well, it's really good. I think you'd like it. Anyway--the first season is not available on DVD anywhere in the greater Wasatch area. But it is available on amazon. I just didn't realize you could buy the season all at once instead of one episode at at time. Thank goodness there's only ten episodes in the first season, huh?

(A hastily concealed cough-that-would-be-laugh and more silence.)

Don't worry though, I figured it out by the time I got to the second season. There's just one charge there instead of twenty.

(Silence that is trying really hard to keep its cool...)

So...is that all?

Uh, well...yes ma'am. I think that clears it right up and I'll just take care of that for you. Is there anything else I can help you with today?

Nope. I think I'm good. I'm just gonna get back to work now. So...you guys have a good day and stuff!

Thank you. If you need anything else just give a call. You have a good day ma'am.

Sure thing, Roger. Bye!


At this point I have to give props to Roger wherever he is. I could totally tell he was trying not to snort or giggle. (Actually, I suppose chuckle would be a better word...I've found that--as a rule--men don't giggle.) And, he did a pretty good job of concealing it and speed talking to get off the phone as fast as possible so he could turn to whoever was beside him and say, "Dude, that woman was crazy!"

I also send out a karmic apology and warm fuzzy feelings to anyone involved with Castle. It really is an awesome show and I hope I didn't turn off a potential viewer simply because my Inner Dork chose that moment to rear it's nerdy head...

Yay for slow work days!

The weekend shift at the clinic is usually pretty dead. Normally, this would mean twelve hours of mind-numbing boredom for me, but not today. Today I was able to finish my first sock. (Pause for a moment of chest-swelling pride...)

And here it is! It's not perfect, but it's pretty good for a first attempt, I feel.

Now What??

Earlier tonight I went to Arctic Circle with Chrissy and her kids. While we were eating Jake announced he wanted to play a game and this is what he came up with:

I can't decide if he reminds me more of Sheldon or MacGyver...maybe a strange hybrid of both...

Hi, Mom!

Look what I found when I came home fom work today...Spring is officially here!

Ideas, anyone?

One of my very best friends, Stephanie, is in the MTC. She's leaving to serve a mission in the Baltic states soon and her birthday is coming up in a few weeks. I want to send her a care package, but I've never really shipped anything like that and I don't know what I should or shouldn't include.

I've been thinking I'll send her a mini pedicure kit since she'll be on her feet quite a bit, but I'd like some more ideas...

If you have any thoughts on the matter please share them with me!

Being the duck...

Today has not been my day. Yesterday wasn't either.

I feel really frustrated with some of the stuff going on at work; and discontented with the allotment of time I have for home and family...

But then, who doesn't have those days? So today I am trying to remember the wisdom passed down from my mother and grandma who taught me two great lessons:

1) Frustration is nothing more than the immature inability to cope.
2) Be like the duck in a pond and let the anger and hurt just roll right off your back like water.

And while it might be easier said than done, I think it's still advice worth following. So wish me luck--and I'll do my best to keep smiling!

An Ode to Love

Roses are red
Violets are blue
I'm not a poet...
And neither are you!

Still, I love how we match in so many ways...
And the fact we still have an eternity of days.

I love you, Patrick; more than I know how to say! And I know that even though we will struggle at times making ends meet, or getting along with each other-- I'm never afraid of struggling alone. I can look over and see my best friend right next to me.

If I've ever been excited to work at anything, it's the chance to keep building my relationship with you!

Happy Valentine's Day, love!

Vehicularly Challenged

I know it's been ages since my last post, but I've been kind of inspired by my sister's good example to make another attempt at staying up to date with my blog. (And by up to date, I mean more current than every 3-4 months.)As most of you know, she's being super awesome and posting at least once a day--which is something I genuinely admire.

However, coming back to the title of this post, I thought the world should know that they can add "vehicularly" to the ever-growing list of my "challenges." (The current list includes: vertically, technologically, and punctually. If you think there are any I may have missed you may submit them via email.)

As you may not know, January has been something of a car-centered month for us. It's time to re-register Patrick's Passat, which means that a whole gamut of minor repairs are due before inspection. And since he was already fixing his own car he kindly looked mine over as well. Which is a good thing, since I'm the kind of person who will tie my bumper back on with yarn (which is still holding up after nearly 4 months of winter weather by the way)before I remember to get it fixed. Anyway, he changed my break pads and checked my tires and a whole bunch of other things that I have to admit I wasn't really paying attention to when he told me.

Unfortunately, the real danger was lurking out of sight just lying in wait for the opportune moment...which, apparently, Fate decided would be this morning on my way to work.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but, my engine block caught fire when I "threw a rod" just past the Farmington exit on I-15. (I'm not quite sure what that means: threw a rod; but every man present who came to my rescue was certain that that's what happened. I assume that it's code known only to those in possession of a y chromosome and I bow to their greater wisdom concerning all things automotive.)

Luckily a gentleman driving behind me had noticed my distress and called highway patrol car to come help. The officer was very kind, and calmy used her fire extinguisher on my blackened engine. She also stayed until we were able to get hold of a tow truck. And, better still, Patrick was there about a minute after I pulled over.

At first I was mostly freaked out because I was afraid it was something I had done while driving, but Patrick assured me that it was just one of those things and I wasn't to blame. I thought it was very sweet of him to be so concerned about my feelings even though I could tell he was worried about what we're going to do now that my Toyota decided to literally go down in a blaze of glory... He had me go sit in his car where it was warm while he sorted out the tow truck and all the helpful onlookers waiting to offer an opinion as to what had gone wrong.

Now, I usually snort and roll my eyes when I read stories about damsels in distress--the silly creatures should stop whining and do something useful, I think to myself--but, let me tell you, there is something enormously comforting about being rescued from a situation where you know you're out of your element by a caring man who tells you he loves you--even as you're adding to his stress level.

Happily enough, everything's been sorted out. Dad drove me to work (and I wasn't even all that late). Patrick supervised the arrangements for the car; and I'm going to take the train and a bus home today. Sadly we'll have to dig into our savings in order to replace the car. Patrick says it's possible to fix it, but both of us agree that it's not worth the headache and it will be better for us in the long run to just replace it. So, we'll probably have to postpone buying a home for another couple of months, which is a bummer, but not terrible. I keep telling myself to look on the bright side: at least we had some savings ready, and--best of all--I'm not on fire.