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45 minutes and counting
"Quittin' time? Who says it's quittin' time? I's the foreman, I'm the one who says it's quittin' time. QUITTIN TIME!!!! QUITTIN' TIME!!!"
very late night ramblings... apologies.
For some reason, lately, I've been having problems sleeping. I've never been like this. I'm normally always able to sleep, pretty much wherever, whenever. For about the past month, I've been up until at least 1am nightly. I do most of my freelance work in the late evenings, but I am pretty sure that it's not what's keeping me up.
Am I just getting older? I'm trying not to have caffeine past 8ish every night - it's never bothered me before. I'm pretty clueless as to what's causing me not to be sleepy until way late. I don't mind not sleeping until then, but I do mind my alarm going off at 5:45 every morning. Four hours just isn't enough.
See? This is me - 12:09am - wide awake.
I've also not been sleeping well once I manage to convince myself to finally go to sleep. I think my knee is playing a large part of that, as I'm no longer okay with sleeping with it straight. The physio, Dr Goodbody*, said that is a classic symptom of meniscus problems (that's cartiledge to you and me). Well - that makes sense. My knee is getting worse, I think. Today it was really, really bad. Not good. Nope, not at all. *not his real name
I think the stress from work is getting to me as well. I'm guessing that because I have started waking up in the middle of the night thinking about ordered lists of tasks for the next day. Hm. Not usually my thing. While I appreciate the random moments of clarity, I do not particularly appreciate their timing. It's not very nice to be thinking about filing systems, voice mails and whatnot in the wee smalls. Especially when you're only getting four hours kip a night.
So - let's recap. Currently, I'm annoyed that I can't stop thinking about work, my knee hurts and that I can't sleep. Hopefully, our upcoming holiday will be a welcome respite from it all. If I had to self diagnose, I'm pretty sure that my burning the proverbial candle at both ends is all going horribly wrong and if I don't slow it down a bit I'm headed for certain doom.
My house is messy, I've not started packing for our holiday, I have a considerable amount to get through tomorrow at work before I'll feel comfortable going away for a week, I have two freelance jobs on at the moment that I'm keen to work on.. all things weighing on my mind at this particular point in time.
Okay, I'm going to give up for the moment. Hopefully I can nudge Andrew enough to make him stop snoring so I can fall asleep. My knee hurts.. I feel out of control.
I'm really happy to hear this...
"In her speech to the Labour party conference, the education secretary is expected to promote the need for children to have a healthy diet at school.
She will say: "I am absolutely clear that the scandal of junk food served every day in school canteens must end."
"So today I can announce that we will ban poor quality processed bangers and burgers being served in schools from next September. [Schools are] not there to make a profit for the confectionery and soft drink industry. They're there to care for children
"And because children need healthy options throughout the school day I can also announce that from next September no school will be able to have vending machines selling crisps, chocolates, or sugary fizzy drinks." Full article here.
Tuesday and whatnot.
I had a physio appointment this morning. Whilst it does help relieve the pain for a limited amount of time, both Dr Goodbody* and I are in agreement that it is not improving the state of my knee. I've just booked an appointment with the surgeon for the week after we're back from holiday. I'm ready to be able to sleep through an entire night, walk, play with Mary Catherine, swim, sit, stand, etc without pain.
(*not his real name)
Work is very hectic this week - I can tell that the summer is definitely over. I suppose it's a good thing, in that I will be very ready for our holiday by the end of the week. This will be the first week holiday in the UK that we've ever had. Normally, we go to America on our time off. So, this is very exciting.
Hm - what else. I am thinking about getting a new computer in December when we're home for the holidays. My current Powerbook, whilst faithful, is almost SIX years old. I love it dearly, but I need more power and well - you know - it's just time. More than likely, I'll be replacing it with a maxed out 15" Powerbook. I just hate that I need to wait until December/January to get it!
A few weeks ago, we bought this table that coordinates with our bedroom furniture. It is a very basic table, high and thin, that goes up and over our bed. It's on casters, so it can move up and down the length of the bed. It's very handy.
As a result, it enables us to do things we normally wouldn't do in bed. No - not those sort of things. For example, breakfast in bed is now a doddle and we can also put one of our Powerbooks on it and watch movies.
Yesterday, Mary Catherine and I had an early morning movie festival whilst Andrew slept peacefully (and I mean early, we did two movies before 9:30am). We watched Annie and The King and I. Annie was the first time that I'd ever seen Mary Catherine react emotionally to the action on screen. At the end, when Annie's 'parents' are found and she doesn't really want to leave Daddy Warbucks, Annie goes to her room and cries. Mary Catherine burst into tears! I didn't know what to do - how do you explain to someone with very limited experience of the world that usually things end up fine in the end of most stories and movies? All I could do is give her a cuddle and let her find out for herself, but it was a bit heartbreaking.
Another highlight was Mary Catherine insisting that the second movie was called 'The King's Eyes.'
Mom and Dad get here this Saturday and we're off on holiday. We're going on a 'toddler friendly' farm holiday. I am so excited - have mercy!
Yesterday, I had the choice at work of which path (forgive the cryptic metaphors) pretty much made for me. I can't say that I wasn't slightly disappointed, as it means that I will have to change department and leave behind some tasks and duties that I've worked pretty hard on over the last five months. However, it could have been much worse and I am thankful that he's chosen to take me with him - else I could've been without a job.
So today I'm trying to come to terms with it and be positive - but it's difficult and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling a bit mopey. Good thing is that the move is at least three or four weeks away, so I'll have plenty of time to get used to the idea.
This morning when I got to the Wharf, there was a brass band playing and lots of black taxis lined up on the streets. This morning was the departure of the Childrens Magical Taxi Tour, which takes critically ill children to Disneyland Paris. There were over 90 cabs there, most decorated with balloons, noisemakers and even though the children were obviously very ill, they were all so incredibly happy. Their parents looked so calm and I can only imagine what they've been through and how it must feel to know that, for at least a little while, their children aren't thinking about how sick they are.
Apparently, the taxi drivers give their time and cabs free of charge and the foundation raises £1,000 per taxi. The Lord Mayor was there to cut the ribbon and lots of other men in furry robes and funny hats.
In today's world, where hurricanes destroy lives and bombs on trains are a regular fear.. well, it was just nice to watch and applaud and wave my arms off at people who were doing good.
By the way - why is this news?!
boobs.
Ear update: the doctor had a look this morning and confirmed an ear infection. Mary Catherine is on antibiotics (in apparently tasty 'crabapple crush' flavour) for the rest of the week and will have to sit out swim lessons on Saturday.
Now, on to more pressing and strangely amusing topics. We don't really talk a lot about private body parts in our family but we also don't hide very much or avoid subjects. Mary Catherine has recently been noticing body parts, specifically body parts that make boys boys and girls girls, if you know what I mean.
Apparently, yesterday at nursery she told her keyworker that said keyworker had big boobs and how she had little ones. Now I've never said 'boobs' to her but I guess I have said 'boobies' and she's just shortened it (much in the way she calls pajamas 'pajams' or loosies 'loose').
We've now had our first talk (I may pass out from the responsibility factor) about bodies and private parts and how our bits are our own. I didn't think we'd have to deal with these issues so soon. I'm sure it's all a part of growing up as a parent but crikey - it's so hard to keep a straight face when you're telling your toddler not to touch other people's 'boobs'!
As a side note, you should see how many shades of purple Andrew turns when she talks about willies and specifically how his makes him a boy! As I'm feeling kind, I'll spare you her thoughts on pubic hair - but holy moses - they didn't mention this stuff in the parent job description!
We've also just been told that she tried to strangle Charlie, one of her favourite friends, at nursery yesterday. All I can think in her defence is that she was starting to be affected by her ear infection and maybe a bit out of sorts. She did mention that he hit her yesterday, which I didn't worry about too much since they seem to clonk each other about regularly.
So tonight we're going to have a chat about not trying to deprive our friends of oxygen.. Try not to envy me too much.
microwaved rice in a sock...
we're off to the NHS Walk In Centre - Mary Catherine was up late last night with ear pain. I finally got her to calm down while I was calling the doctor. She then said, 'call an ambulance!' Andrew and I cracked up.
Fortunately, she fell asleep just as the nurse from NHS Direct was telling me to take her to the hospital. He then said to let her sleep and take her if it worsened over the night. This morning she's much better, but still said her ear hurt. Now that I've said we're going to the doctor, she says it doesn't hurt any more. Go figure. I guess some things (like instantly getting better as soon as it's the weekend or when your Mom wants to take you to the doctor) are just ingrained in us all.
I will say the fabulous thing is that she's now old enough and articulate enough to actually tell us what's wrong. Thank goodness the days of guessing what's wrong are over! (by the way, I highly recommend warm moist heat application via rice in a sock for 20 seconds in the microwave... it really works!)
We had a fantastic time this weekend. Swimming lessons have resumed, so it's nice to be back in our groove on Saturdays. I think the people at Starbucks are happy to see us again - we go there every week post swimming.
On our way to coffee, we noticed that there was a display stand set up in the middle of the main area at Jubilee Place. It was for a school and since they were having a colouring competition, we let Mary Catherine do that whilst we had a chat with the admissions representatives. There's a private school in Blackheath - which is where Toby and his family are moving soon - and I believe they were there to publicise their new bus service from the Canary Wharf area.
They were very kind to Mary Catherine and we were interested to know that they have a nursery department - so the more we talked, the more attractive it looked. I thought I'd have a look at the fees, figuring that would bring me back to earth.. they actually were less than we're paying now. We will definitely be looking into it further.
Stopped into Molton Brown and bought the new rose granati handwash and lotion. It's nice, but I think I'm going to take it back. Because immediately after buying that, I went on a bit of a bender at L'Occitane next door. Can I just tell you that their new honey tear free bubble bath is, without a doubt, the most heavenly smelling thing on the planet?
L'Occitane are the makers of my favouritest liquid soap ever. Might I recommend it in Verbena?
We went to Legoland yesterday. Since we bought our annual passes, it's already paid for itself. The good thing about it is that we don't feel like we have to spend the entire day there, or kill ourselves getting to see everything. We took a very relaxed approach yesterday and had a really lovely time. Photos here. Mary Catherine rode her first roller coaster and absolutely loved it.
I wish it were still the weekend...
Boy oh boy
Am currently in apple store at bluewater. Have just held iPod nano. Intensely fabulous......
TGIFBIIWOMDMHME*
I'm so glad that it's Friday. Things are somewhat afoot at work and the only way I can really tell you about it is to perhaps describe a fork in the proverbial road. Both paths have pros and cons and I'm in the process of sorting through my thoughts on both. The good news is that the Park Rangers on both paths seem to want me to be on their particular one, so it is nice to be so wanted. However, it makes for a nail biting time.
This weekend we're heading back to Legoland on Sunday. Partly because the weather and crowds should be much nicer than they were the last time we were there (think 'Amusement park on the face of the Sun') and because we bought Season Passes that we'd like to get as much value from. They've already paid for themselves, so to go any more times just makes it all the better. Another bonus, we've been thrice already so no need to do everything at breakneck speed.
This will be the first time we've gone without another family in tow. I doubt it will be any different from our fab time with Toby and his family - but will be much nicer than our first visit.
My knee and I had our first of eight physio sessions this afternoon - what a relief. It's amazing how 30 minutes of prodding, pushing and pulling can make such a difference. I'm going to be very good and strap it up for Legoland. My next visit is on Tuesday should I do myself a mischief.
Off I go to enjoy the weekend - hope you do too.
*Thank gosh it's Friday because if I work one more day my head might explode.
Well, I guess I had one of these...
How can people ignore this kind of stuff? Why don't more people see how truly evil and frightening Bush is? Thanks Nan, for the heads up.
Pentagon Revises Nuclear Strike Plan
Strategy Includes Preemptive Use Against Banned Weapons
By Walter Pincus
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, September 11, 2005; Page A01
The Pentagon has drafted a revised doctrine for the use of nuclear weapons that envisions commanders requesting presidential approval to use them to preempt an attack by a nation or a terrorist group using weapons of mass destruction. The draft also includes the option of using nuclear arms to destroy known enemy stockpiles of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons...
...A previous version, completed in 1995 during the Clinton administration, contains no mention of using nuclear weapons preemptively or specifically against threats from weapons of mass destruction...
..A "summary of changes" included in the draft identifies differences from the 1995 doctrine, and says the new document "revises the discussion of nuclear weapons use across the range of military operations."
The first example for potential nuclear weapon use listed in the draft is against an enemy that is using "or intending to use WMD" against U.S. or allied, multinational military forces or civilian populations...
Hans M. Kristensen, a consultant to the Natural Resources Defense Council, who discovered the document on the Pentagon Web site, said yesterday that it "emphasizes the need for a robust nuclear arsenal ready to strike on short notice including new missions."
"This doctrine does not deliver on the Bush administration pledge of a reduced role for nuclear weapons," Kristensen said. "It provides justification for contentious concepts not proven and implies the need for RNEP (Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator warhead)."
i am but a statistic..
"Sales of the album by Antony And The Johnsons which won the Nationwide Mercury Prize have increased by 2,000 per cent since the band's victory.
'I Am A Bird Now' was named the best album, taking the £20,000 prize last week instead of the bookies' favourite, Kaiser Chiefs' 'Employment'. Since the ceremony the album has risen from 135 to 16 in the charts.
Given the 20-fold increase of sales at HMV, it is predicted that the album could go platinum and even go on to make a half-million by Christmas, the Daily Mail reports..."
and your weekend? How was it? We had a very slow paced saturday. swimming lessons have resumed and with it, the saturday tradition of coffee at starbucks afterwards. They've opened a nando's at jubilee place so we had to have lunch there after my haircut.
yesterday we went to the BBC Family Prom in the Park in Hyde Park and had a fantastic time. Normally we just take a blanket to concerts, but this time we hauled our camping chairs and man, it was fabulous to be comfortable and not have to get stepped on and sit on the damp, muddy ground. Loads of other people had them and we sat in a section where there were mainly chairs so we wouldn't block anyone's view. Mary Catherine was a superstar and so well behaved. Apparently, she really is my daughter because she danced the most to Björn Again, an Abba tribute band!
Okay, maybe they tied with the cast of Mary Poppins now that I think about it. They were there and sang 'her' song, supercalifragalisticexpialadocious.
The only thing is that it's Monday morning and I'm already ready for another weekend. Those two little days pass too quickly and Mary Catherine was such a joy and our little family is so close ... well, I'm having a hard time being away from them today.
Kuh-nee
Saw the consultant at 8 this morning for the review of my MRI. It was very interesting to see my leg sliced on the horizontal and vertical planes. I sure hope he knew what we were looking at, because it just looked like a bone in ham tio me! Okay, it looked a little less like that and more like the MRI of a knee I posted last week, but you get my drift. There is a tear in cartiledge but there was kneecap damage that he didn't expect to see. Because of the unknown factor of what is causing the damage and fluid there, he'd like me to have eight more weks of physical therapy and then re-evaluate the surgical options. I'm cool with that. I did find relief from the initial six weeks of physio so hopefully it won't be eight more weeks of intense pain. So, I'm no closer to having zero knee troubles at the moment and while that's slightly frustrating - eh, it's okay. Hey it's Friday. I got the Anthony and the Johnson's album.. Couldn't resist. I also dumped and reloaded my iPod Shufle, so today's trek has been a virtual horn o'plenty of good music. More later, I'm sure.
will you just LOOK at that...
Uh... Apple released a new want today. Goodbye iPod mini, hello iPod Nano. Holy smokes. It's tiny and incredible and lots of other words I'd type except the keyboard is getting a bit slippy with drool.
Had I not just shucked out for a PSP - I'd give it serious thought. Not that I need it with my rather clunky first gen iPod still in service and my lovely iPod Shuffle which is still the Apple of my eye (eew - sorry about that) but the Nano - it's just so... erm... you know, desirable.
Last night Anthony & the Johnsons won the Mercury Music Prize. We only caught the end of the show, but when they replayed the performance of their song, I was thinking how aboslutely dreadful it was and more thoughts along the lines of 'what were they smoking...' and 'boy, they really got it wrong this year..' Uh - I'm a goober. They never get it wrong.
I totally can't get the song they played out of my head. It's a really odd song, but incredibly fabulous. If you look at this page, you can watch a sample of their performance of Hope there's someone from their album I am a Bird Now. Halfway down the page on the rightmost column you'll see Video - you can watch all the acts there or for a small sample click on 'hear the band' under the main photo.
I think the album will be in our collection very shortly. What do you think?
Calling all Young Harrisians...
I spoke via email with Michelle from the Alumni office today. They've started an Alumni blog on the YHC website. My suggestion to her was to link to Alum's sites from theirs. If you're a former Mountain Lion (I almost said Hillbilly!) and would like to 'get your link on' just let Michelle know via email or the blog.
*hillbilly comment said with utmost respect and affection.
looking ahead..
Andrew has managed to get us some tickets to the BBC Family Prom in the Park for this Sunday. I'm really looking forward to it, especially since I just read that the cast of Mary Poppins will be there. Mary Catherine will go NUTS. If you don't know anything about my daughter, you should know this. To her, Mary Poppins is the end all, be all. Alpha, Omega and every greek letter in between. Hopefully we'll get there in time to get seats close enough so she can actually see her.
What a humdrum week this has been so far. Very greyish weather in London today, never bodes well for a sunny mood on my part. I bought a rather large treat this past weekend - I can't admit to what it is just yet but let's say my nerdy little heart is thumping quite loudly. And no, it's not a new computer.
Can you believe it's only Tuesday? Oy Vay.
"The president's suggestion over the weekend that local officials made mistakes has led one Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu, to threaten to punch him if he says it again..." (full article here)
I would SO pay money to see that.
No dye. Just me and a tube that got smaller by the second. I was inserted up to my chin and I had seven scans that took about 35 minutes total. That thing is LOUD and whilst they did give me headphones, I could hardly hear ABBA's Greatest Hits (my choice, not theirs) over the clankclankclanking of the machine.
At one point I was panicking and found myself singing out load a little bit to take my mind off just how stuffed into a big magnetic tube I was. I'm sure the MRI tech thought the fat lady singing 'Take A Chance on Me' was rather amusing.
All this knee business has really kept me from writing about the main topic on my mind - the devastation left in the wake of Katrina and very much I dislike Bush. I'm appalled at the reports I'm reading. America is not a third world country - why is this happening? Is it because Bush deployed all the National Guard troops from that area to Iraq? Is it because the rich white folk got out already? Why can we quickly organise aid and relief (and rightly so) for the victims of the tsunami but not our own citizens?
I saw a picture of Bush playing a guitar at a press function. The next picture I saw was of a woman screaming in the streets for someone to help the elderly woman she cared for. I just don't get it.
Uhhh
Did anyone else know that I might be INJECTED with dye? No worries on colouring the inside of me... But an injection? Not what I had in mind during my lunch hour on a Friday. Waiting for MRI now - will keep you posted. Man, it's an exciting day today, huh?
I just called to get my MRI appointment and they can see me today. Talk about service! I'm not a panicky person usually, but I can be a worrier and we all know how I clench my jaw which is how I ended up sleeping with my upper teeth encased in plastic every night (sexy, I'm sure - and people wonder why we don't have a second child?!). So it's probably best that I just get this over and done with. I've never had an MRI before.. Am I right in thinking I'm going to be spending a lot more time in my underwear again today? At least it's knee so my head will not be in the tubey thing. If you've had an MRI feel free to soothe me with how great they are. Off to look up information on the internet..
Knee..
I'm on the tube on my way back to the office after my appointment with the orthopaedic consultant. Memo to self, must wear nicer underwear for next time since I spent the majority of my time with him in those and my shirt. You know in America, we have these things called GOWNS. Incredible concept. He did a very thorough exam and is pretty sure I've torn a bit more cartiledge (or meniscus if you're up for a big word). I'm being sent for an MRI and then we'll go from there. Nothing unexpected and I'm pleased to have the ball rolling on this. Gosh bless Cigna, who are paying for this private medical adventure. You may slip your trousers back on now.
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