A two-fer...

It's been a long time since I've done it twice in one day ;)

 

As much as I thought I was immune to this illness going around my household, today I found out that I'm not. 

 

Yep.  This afternoon, my temp was 99.0 and I had a slight headache.

 

I went to work (told my boss who said she didn't worry about 99 degrees) and didn't feel bad, just the slight throbbing of the headache...

 

When I came home at 6, it was 99.9.  Still with headache, and I'm feeling my face hurt (sinuses) and my eyes are burning....

 

Damn it.

 

I'm ignoring it.  Maybe it'll go away :)

 

Kitty~

A day in the life...

Hi guys!  (had to correct spelling errors, disregard 3rd alert :)

 

Well, things around here are slowly returning to normal.  Grace recovered from the sickies only to end up with a UTI, which is now fading away thanks to her first antibiotics. 

 

Mom was down for about 3-4 days, but went back to work on Wednesday.  Dad is still sick.  He's had a fever for about 13 days, sometimes high, but mostly low-grade.  He also had a bladder infection (Mom had one first).  He's been on three different antibiotics and now he's taking Prednisone. 

 

He has COPD already, and emphysema.  Yesterday, after a trip to his doc's office, he was told he has bronchitis, too.  The combination of the three makes for a nasty sounding cough that goes on and on and on....  I came home from work on Wednesday and Grace told me that he couldn't get his breath.  It's been happening often.  So, I get to go to work and stress over my baby being here alone with my non-breathing father....

 

I've made sure she knows where my work number is in case something happens when I'm not here.  She told me she didn't want to talk about that right now.  I don't blame her... I don't either... but its better that she know than not know.  She already knows how to dial 911 if need arises....

 

I certainly don't want her to end up in state custody until I get home, though!  I'm not sure what the procedure is for paramedics when there is a child involved.  I'm hoping they'd take her to the hospital with Dad and keep her there until someone came for her.

 

I'm working all week now, except for Thursdays (until after next week).  Then I'll work M, W, Th all day, and half days on Tu and F.... until June.  My boss thinks she can make me work 40 hours, despite my insistance on 32 a week.  We'll see how that battle goes in June.  But I will only work M-Th, 9-6.  At least until Grace is in school all day, then we'll see.  I have to have a minimum of 32 hrs/wk for insurance coverage.

 

Which brings me to my next gripe.  This place is gonna drive me crazy with all their different rules for different people.  See, the girl I replaced had insurance through with them.  My boss told me she had to get me 'approved' to be eligble to even apply. 

 

If they believe for one second that I am working full time (32 hrs or more) without any benefits, they're more insane than I first thought.  Insurance is the only reason I am doing it.  If that isn't gonna happen, Kitty's moving on.  Even banks here offer benefits for part time....

 

I am loving it in the 4's room.  I come home with aching feet, but it beats an aching back with headache, any day :)  Time goes by so fast in there because it is always non stop activity.  So unlike the toddler room, where there is a lot of down time just sitting there watching them.  I think I made a good decision in switching rooms :)

 

There are rumors going around that Asst #2 (the control freak bitch) is looking for a new job now.  As is the Lead teacher in the toddler room.  So, I may be back in there if they need a Lead... I have a feeling that Asst #1's mom may be offered the job first because she will work 40 hrs/wk., but I have been there a year longer than she has, so they best not try and pull some crap on me.  Other Leads work 32 a week, so I don't want to hear any excuses....  We'll see, though.

 

So, that wraps things up from my neighborhood.  Hope all is well in yours!

 

Cat

Wasting time...

Cat, your palm reveals you are especially good at Exploring your psychic ability (they don't say)

 

Our psychologists were able to confirm what palmists have known for centuries: the lines in your palm reveal many things about you — including details about your future. (Blah, blah, blah)

                                                    

Your palm shows that compared to others you have strong psychic abilities. While psychics do not always have the Line of Psychic Ability, those who have the line can more easily tap into their paranormal skills.  (Huh?)

 

I answered 10 pages of questions about my friggin hand, for this...

 

The rest of their informative results, I have to buy.

 

I really should've known better....  Palm test

 

More updates later.  I hope :)

 

Cat

I put a new song here.  It wasn't what I had originally planned on using, but then I read someone's entry who is questioning why some folks have to be cruel to each other.  Why do people feel it necessary to steal a person's joy.....

 

So, Danielle (private, sorry no link), this one's for you, Darlin.  Keep your head held high and don't let these types get you down!  You are one of the pearls among the oysters  :)

 

Load and listen, people....

 

Eva Cassidy .... Live at Blues Alley

Get bent....

Had a long entry all type out and ready to go.  Opened my journal, clicked on add entry... and bye-bye AOL.

 

It sucks.

 

So, short version is:  I have a choice between working in my current room or the 4's room, 32 hours a week.  I am choosing the 4's room.  I worked in there today and came home not feeling exhausted and my back isn't aching.  It's not a Lead Teacher position, but it is definitely less stress not dealing with Asst #2, who came back from her heart surgery an even bigger control freak (read that as biatch ;)

 

Grace is sick.... again.  Not sure if she ever really recovered from the chest cold she had a couple weeks ago.  She woke me up at 4am, saying "Mommy, I don't feel properly"

 

Yeah, I had to laugh at that, too :)

 

Well, I took her temp and it was 99.1.  I gave her a half dose of Tylenol so I could see how she felt when she woke up this morning.  She seemed normal and wanted to go to school, so I let her.... and to speech class. 

 

When I came home for lunch, she was feeling pretty terrible.  Dad said the thermometer broke, so I bought 2 new ones on my way back to work, along with re-stocking Powerade/Gatorade, apple juice, and jello.

 

I came home tonight, and she looked even more miserable :(  Her mouth and nose are red and chapped from sneezing all day, and her eyes are all red and puffy from her eyes watering....

 

She wouldn't eat much.  Had two bites of chicken all day.  I made her some jello, and she devoured a whole bowl.  At least its something....

 

She doesn't get sick much.  In fact, she's never been on an antibiotic in her life, so that should say how little she is ill.  Normally, a couple of colds a year... but this year seems to be more.  And worse than a simple cold.  Hopefully, she'll be better in a day or two.

 

Had more written in the entry that got eaten, but I don't feel like re-typing it all.... and it wasn't real important, anyway. 

 

We've got a big snow storm due here tonight and into the morning.  With my girl being sick, I'm pretty sure we're gonna miss dance class in the morning.  Too bad, too, since its the last class before Spring Break.  I'll see if I can get her into a make-up class later this week.

 

Sorry, this entry isn't as entertaining as the one AOL ate.  It was more my usual cynical self, too....

 

Hope you have a good evening!

 

Cat

I like to touch touchy subjects....

I haven't said much about this before, but since I'm in it 100% (over my head even), I thought I'd share the petition with those who want to sign.

 

Now, people who read me, know I don't backdown easily.  I am receptive to other's opinions, but I hold firmly to my own beliefs.  Its called being flexible... or compromising.... to find the delicate balance between parties facing difficult choices.

 

So, that being said, I am linking the petition to stop other states from following South Dakota's lead on banning abortion.

 

Before people turn hateful towards me or anyone who may side with me, I will say this:  My opinion is that women should have the right to choose. 

 

I feel men have little or no say on this issue, because they cannot carry children. 

 

I feel religion has no part in the discussion because~ face it~ premarital sex is a sin (no ifs, ands, or buts about it), and most women who have abortions are not married.  Let's stop them from having sex first (Ha!)

 

I know at least one of my readers is personally anti-abortion, let me just say I'm not trying to offend anyone, or change their personal beliefs, I'm just putting this here for those who choose to utilize it.

 

This is my note to our governor (a former Bush White House employee, bleck!) that I wrote along with my signature:

 

Governor Mitch Daniels: I am aware you have initiated legislation similar to South Dakota's Anti abortion laws. This must not continue. Women should have the right to choose.

 

No men should have a say on this issue as it does not concern the males of our species, since it is not their bodies that carry children.

 

If Indiana continues forward on this outrageous issue, then I foresee you being a one term governor for our state.

 

Religious points of view shouldn't even be considered, as our Federal Constitution guarantees for a separation of Church and State.

 

The same goes for personal opinions... It does not matter what one believes personally as it is not about us as individuals.

 

Abortion abolishment could be the start of a war in our own country, and we certainly do not have the means to handle that with the Iraq fiasco.

 

Stop it before it gets worse.

 

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/437408311   

 

 

Sign if you want.  Spread word to your friends if they feel the same.  This petition is seeking 20,000 signatures.  It has 16,408 at last count. 

 

 

Cat

Boredom strikes....

It's Saturday morning, and I should just be waking up... but instead, I was up at 8:30 this morning... on my only day to sleep in late. 

 

If that isn't bad enough, we're on our third straight gray, rainy day....

 

What's a girl to do when its ugly outside and she can't sleep?

 

Search for stupid little tests to take :)

 

So, here are the two I just did.  I learned nothing new about myself (big shocker there, huh)

 

Anyone else bored beyond belief?  Feel free to join in on my fun....

 

http://web.tickle.com/personality/index.jsp

 

Cathy, you're an Observer!

 

That means you're one of the more kind-hearted people around. You are unusually intuitive, and you probably understand yourself, as well as others. That also means you're a good mediator — though you may prefer to spend more quiet time on your own than most.

Because of the self-knowledge you already possess, you are better equipped than many to steer your life in the right direction. Understanding more about the components of your personality will reveal unique information that even people like you might not realize. And the better you know yourself,the more confident you'll be making decisions that affect your life.

How do we know this about you? Because while taking the test, you answered questions that measure the basic traits that make up your personality. We scored your answers on different personality characteristics and discovered not only that you're an Observer, but where you stand on those proven scientific scales.

 

 

The Enneagram Test~What the Ancient Science of Personality Says About You

 

http://web.tickle.com/tests/enneagram/index.jsp

Uncovering the complex mysteries of personality isn't just a modern fascination. For centuries, mystics, Jesuit priests, psychologists, and social scientists have studied the ancient personality typology known as the Enneagram. The Enneagram identifies people as one of nine distinct personality groups — groups that were developed to describe the whole human experience.

Understanding where you fit into the Enneagram's typology can provide the key to gaining new insight into your core motivations and attitudes. It can also unlock the secrets to better relationships with others. Take the Enneagram Test now to find out more about what makes you tick and fuels your opportunities for love and success.

Cathy, you're a Type 7 - The Adventurer

                                         

Friends, family, and colleagues probably appreciate your versatility and ability to assimilate so many different kinds of life experiences. They're also apt to know that when they come to you with a problem, you'll usually enthusiastically point to its silver lining and encourage them to take action. Being a Adventurer, you're likely to be seen as a fulfilled, energetic person who has both a cheerful perspective and a simple appreciation for life's wonders.

Being a member of this type puts you in good company. Actress/singer Bette Midler, with her irreverent sense of humor and unique, at times outrageous personal style, and filmmaker Stephen Spielberg, who has possessed both an abiding love for movies and longstanding commitment to exploring the boundaries of his medium, are also Type 7s.

This means that compared to the eight other Enneagram types, you have a strong sense of adventure and spontaneity. In fact, you're the kind of fun-loving, multi-talented individual who tends to seek excitement and stimuli around every turn.

There you have it.  Must go find something to do now.....

Cat

Tempting fate....

Hello all.

 

Hope you are all doing well :)

 

Well, not much happening in Kitty's chunk of Earth.  It's been cold and now rainy.... and I've been hanging around and cleaning my mess of rooms.

 

See, I took Monday off work (playin hookey) so I could clean the office (where my computer is) because I cannot get any thorough cleaning done with Gracie under foot.  It is an impossible task for me.  I clean like no other animal on the planet. 

 

I actually have to sit and look at things before I can decide where to put it all...  So, Monday was the only day, other than Friday (when I have too much to do already), because Grace is in school until 11:15.

 

So, I called into work and said my back was out.  Now, it was stretching the truth a bit.  I could function, but it was aching and I wanted to clean while I was in the mood (you know how that goes).  I did clean, and this room was done Monday. 

 

But, Karma.... she is a royal bitch though.  A bigger one than I am.

 

Tuesday was good.  Grace went to dance class.  We went to the grocery to stock up and ran a few more errands.  All was well.

 

This morning, I went to work and it was the usual stuff.  No biggie.  Until I had to use the facilities.  I did my business and was pulling my pants up when I hear this 'pop' and my neck instantly throbbed.... and has not stopped, despite two muscle relaxers.

 

See, I should know better.

 

Now, I'm doped up on pills.  I smell like a nursing home, thanks to Ben Gay, and I cannot turn my head for crap... not even for chocolate ;)

 

So, I've been bitten in the ass by Karma, yet again.

 

Damn her.

 

Cat

 

PS  As a side note ~ AI fans ~ didn't Taylor Hicks sound exactly like Michael McDonald?!  God, I love MM anyway.....

A girl and her toys...

I have been playing with my new toy.  It's so light and easy to control.  I like the way it fits my hand, too.  I can access all its buttons with one hand, which is always a good thing...

 

Went to the circus today and I played with its variable speeds, but everything got blurry, so I didn't get as much out of it as I would have liked to, damn it.

 

Anyway, thought I'd share some vivid images with you all ;)

 

We were not very close.  The tiger in the spotlight is a white one.  I zoomed in on him later on.  I'll admit, this was the first time I've been to the circus in my life.  Animal exploitation is partly the reason.... 

 

This is a shot of all five tigers.  I used night mode because the place was so dark.  Again, the white tiger is the one in the light.....

 

Here he is.  Isn't he beautiful?!  He was in a pissy mood, too.... note his ears ;)   The trainer kept using his whip thingymabob and the tiger kept taking swats at it.  I saw the trainer reach into his pocket and get something to put on the end of some sort of prod.  Then the tiger did what the trainer wanted.  I was pretty pissed, but Grace didn't notice it.

 

I played with the contrast and brightness to try to get him in his real life tones....  I used the 2x zoom lens that came with my camera, in addition to the 8x optical zoom.  I wish I was this close for real :)

 

We never did find the whole group from the school, but we did run into a couple of friends who also drove separate from the caravan.  The little red head is Gracie's school buddy, Breanna.  She is so damn cute and her mom just found out she's pregnant :)  It was good to at least have someone to sit with us, though.  I was thinking the girl and I would be on our own.  Nice to share the experience.....

 

Tap class and all eyes are on the teacher..... Aren't they adorable?

 

 

                                           A smile for Mom :)

 

They do this routine to 'Walking on sunshine'.  The music stopped, but Gracie didn't want to  ;)   Go, girl!

 

Had you thinking dirty there for a second.....

 

Cat