Absolutely True

At school, one of my friends and fellow teachers has a sign hanging in her classroom that says:

There will be no crisis this week...my schedule is already full.

I laugh every time I see that sign. How true, right? I'm not sure when it happened, but my life became busy. Usually when I think about busy, I'm thinking about all the "extra" stuff that can fill up a square on the calendar. I've discovered that I'm quite busy these days just doing the ordinary stuff, not to mention all that extra stuff.

For example, you know that I'm busy with walking most nights (and if you're not familiar with that check out the post below...such an embarrassment, but a fun read all the same) and when you throw in church on Wednesday and WW on Thursday...well it just adds up.

Also on my calendar this week (in three boxes no less) was Toby. He was declawed and neutered on Tuesday. I had to take him to the vet Monday afternoon since I couldn't drop him off on Tuesday morning (sometimes work gets in the way of just about everything!). I picked him up on Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately for both of us, his healing hasn't been smooth. I had to take him back in this morning for an infection in one of the pads. Of course, Charlie doesn't understand either why his pal doesn't want to play with him so he's been driving me bonkers. Needless to say...one crisis we're all wishing hadn't happened.

There is this Fall PTO carnival at school this afternoon. It was stressed very heavily that you needed to sign up for a shift, but I've decided not to trek down to Spring and attend. I put in a monetary donation instead. There have been numerous things that come up at school that require money...more than I thought. Frankly, I'm a little tapped out at the moment in the spare money department. I'm sure it'll go on just fine without me.

Today, I'm doing a little Fall cleaning at home...more than just the usual vacuum and toilet scrub of the weekend. My friend Becky is coming to spend the weekend with me on Friday. As you've seen, my weeknights are a blur of activity so all that in depth cleaning gets to get done today. Don't you just hate anything that starts with in depth?! On the upside, the house smells wonderful! Clean is my absolute favorite scent.

So, however you're spending the weekend I hope your life follows that funny little saying and that all crisis stay away so you can get on with the getting on of living that busy life of yours!

From My Pumpkins

Happy Halloween!

from Charlie!

from Toby!

I am not one to dress up my animals, but the other weekend while I was in the vet's office I noticed that they were having a little costume party on Halloween. I wasn't seriously considering getting them an outfit, but when I came across this little pumpkin hat thing I couldn't resist! I'm sure that Charlie and Toby wish I had tried just a little bit harder.

Their little faces probably don't convey it, but we wish y'all plenty of treats and absolutely no tricks!

Something Fun

I finally got into the new building and was able to see my classroom. Yep, I did take pictures, but that is a whole post in and of itself so I'll save it for tomorrow. Anyway, since we weren't able to actually do any work in our rooms, we got to leave early. I decided to kill a little time at Garden Ridge. I try not to go too often as I usually find more that I want than I really need. Well, as I turned the corner I ran into this couple.

I'm guessing they are for die hard Halloween fans huh? The bride even speaks...says something about how this is the happiest day of her...death. Seriously!

Yesterday was Toby's first day (and I mean full day...6:30AM till 5:00PM) at home alone. When I got home he was really wound up and ready for some attention. I loved on him and played with his favorite teaser wand for about 45 minutes. He finally wore down so I thought it might be safe to come and get on the computer. Have I mentioned that Toby doesn't like when my attention is directed at the computer?

Now I know some of you might say it was probably his picture he didn't want to have taken, but I know deep down in his little self he hates having to share my attention. Still...ain't he handsome!? I look at this (and of course others) picture and realize that his kitten looking days are coming to an end. He's lost that fluff ball look. Now, he looks catish.

Dang Bartonella

Thanks to all of you who inquired about Toby. Y'all are such thoughtful people!

Toby has hemobartonellosis which is a disease of the red blood cells. It is caused by fleas (which he had a very bad case of when he was found) and can lead to anemia. Thankfully, my vet (which I fell hook, line, and sinker for...I mean I loved how she, the vet, called me at home and talked me through this diagnosis, met me when I picked Toby up, and make a check up call today) thinks that after a course of antibiotics Toby will be as good as new. He isn't enjoying the meds and truthfully I'm not all that fond of shoving it down his throat either, but you can bet we'll be finishing the whole bottle.

I have cat scratch fever. Before you say anything just let me say that yes, Toby is a biter. I'm working really hard to make sure I'm not sending mixed signals (no you can't bite, play with my fingers, etc.) and that he learns this is not acceptable behavior. But until he does, I'll probably remain covered in nicks and scratches. Seriously, if you could see my hands and thighs...

Anyway, the bacteria that is making Toby sick was most likely passed to me through a scratch. I had to do a little bit of my own research (I had every single symptom related to CSF) and the vet confirmed that Toby's illness could have caused mine, but my doctor wasn't so fast to agree. I believe her exact words were, "So, let me get this straight...the vet diagnosed you?" After explaining about Toby and his current medical crisis she was more inclined to agree, but wasn't going to make that her final diagnosis until after all that blood work came back. No, I haven't heard yet...maybe it is just a huge, ironic coincidence and I really have West Nile. Who knows, but CSF sure seems to be the missing key.

So, while Toby is dutifully, if not reluctantly, taking his meds I refused my doctor's order to start a broad spectrum antibiotic. I'm coming off two antibiotics in the last three weeks and for those of you who don't know...your vagina and your bottom aren't particularly happy with you after a steady stream of those things. Sorry few men that read (and squeamish weenie women). That sentence probably should have come with a warning. Needless to say, I'm riding it out. It is a virus therefore it will go away without treatment. Now, if something shows up on my blood work that is an entirely different story.

And there you have it...how one very nasty bacteria has wrecked havoc on two poor, unsuspecting souls. Dang Bartonella...

When You Are This Far Behind...

...you never catch up.

But, I'll give it a shot.

Bethany, yep I'm alive but just sort of wrapped up in myself at the moment. This is about the time of year that things start that ever faster spinning. I'm trying to manage everything I can because there are several things beyond my control.

My mouth has finally decided to take a break from seeing how much pain it can endure and started to heal. I've been pain med free for several days now. Actually, besides being a master flusher now (trust me...it isn't as icky as it sounds!), I don't think twice about those holes at the back of my teeth much anymore. And thank goodness the antibiotics have finally worked their way out of my body (in the most unpleasant of fashions might I add...).

So, while one part of my body has recovered another part has decided to break down. Well, break down probably isn't the best way to describe it. I've been spiking low grade temps for the last several days. I went to the doctor yesterday afternoon and naturally wasn't running fever, but she did think it was worth some lab work. Apparently when they don't know what is wrong with you they test you for everything under the sun. The lab tech took five viles of blood. It was a wonder I was able to walk out under my own steam. To her credit the stick didn't hurt, but by the third vile I was starting to feel woozy. Surely, they can find something in there to explain why my body is going wacky.

I think I'm finally free from HISD (I just want to say it one time...Hell ISD). A couple of weeks ago I called to see what the hold up was in getting my exit interview scheduled. Well, my principal ( you know the one that loves me and thinks I'm the greatest thing to effect the teaching profession) never signed off on my resignation so it was effectively stalled. Now, she signed off on others, but mine managed to slip through the crack. (Breathe in...breathe out...let it go... Sorry, mental pep talk there.) I had to go in and ask for my exit interview to be scheduled and fill out some forms to have my service records sent to SISD. I also gave them my new address information too. I was assured that a certified packet with exit interview materials would be mailed to me within the week. Well, two weeks later and still no paperwork. I called yesterday to find out what the hold up was only to be told that the secretary filled something out wrong and that was why I hadn't been sent anything. And of course they can't do anything until that paperwork has been filled out so again effectively stalled. I went in yesterday and filled out the forms and turned in my badge. You know I don't think I had to work this hard to get hired! Anyway, hopefully all is said and done. There is still plenty to be said and lots of wrongs I still feel haven't been addressed, but, as I told someone yesterday, there are some battles that just aren't worth the fight.

I also haven't been able to get into my new school, which is undergoing renovations. It will be open on August 15. That is ten days before school starts. Yep, I'm nerve wracked because I like to have everything in its place and settled before the year starts. At least I'm not the only one...every teacher (except for four lucky ones) at the school had to pack up this year due to the renovations. I guess that means I'll be in good company, but still a stressful thing. Because I didn't want to have all my stuff (and boy did I accumulate a lot in two years) cluttering up my apartment, I had to rent a storage building for the month of August. I swear it never ends!

Now for the most disturbing news...my baby is sick. Nine days ago I took Toby in for his first round of vaccines and a check up at the vet. The place I took him came highly recommended but I just didn't feel comfortable. The doctor didn't speak much to me rather than the nurse, they kept taking him out of the room for tests (which I know they do, but I've had two vets that did everything right there in the room), and when I called to explain his new symptoms they sort of brushed me off. I know I don't have kids, but Toby is my baby and no Mama (human or feline) likes to be brushed off when her baby isn't acting normal. So, I dumped them and called the vet I started to go with in the first place. Toby hasn't been eating as much (a drastic change from his routine) and has started drinking more water. Also, he's been crying in the litter. This isn't really new, but it has become more animated. I was fully prepared to be told I was an over-reacting pet parent, but instead I was told that Toby has fever, is pale, and that they needed to keep him to watch him and run more labs. Walking out of the vet's office without him was really hard. Hopefully, they will only need to watch him this morning.

For anyone putting together a connection between my unexplained fever and Toby's unexplained illness wait...my mom is three steps ahead of you. It might be possible that the two are related (he's getting much better at taming the clawing and biting, but just last night drew blood on my thigh) but I'm waiting to toss that out to either doctor until someone knows something for sure.

While this probably isn't everything, it is enough to give you a taste of things going on in my life. Even with a few bumps along the way, I'd still say things are going good! And I guess that is all that matters, huh?

Yes...Still Alive

I know...way to long between posts! You'll just have to forgive me.

First, thank you all for the congratulations. I am very excited to say the least about my new position. It is exactly what I wanted and I'm looking forward to being in a new positive environment. Please keep praying and sending good thoughts as it isn't "final" yet. The principal went on a week long in-service retreat (to Vail, CO...yeah...) and did not get all the paper work to HR yet. She told me today that she will be taking it to HR tomorrow. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but I'm on a deadline. I'm still under contract with HISD and will be locked in after July 11 so while I'm confident that it will all be resolved I'm still nervous. I can't wait to as someone put it, "tell her to shove it." Anyway, enough of that. Y'all understand how I feel about my current principal.

Now, on to the move. Everything went so smoothly. I'm telling you, movers are worth every single penny! They had me packed up, moved, unloaded, and were on their way by 11am last Saturday. There were only two of them too. Like I said...worth every cent.

My mom stayed with me the past week to help me unpack and decorate my new apartment. I don't have any pictures now, but I will soon. I love it! It feels like home and I have more space too. Which for a girl like me is always a good thing! My mom and I worked at a steady pace and while everything was in its place when we left yesterday we were worn out. Moving isn't for the faint of heart!

Now, I'm in Abilene. I'm here to visit with my parents for a couple of weeks. Also I'm having some dental surgery done. I'm having all my wisdom teeth out next Monday. There are four of those suckers. One has behaved and is just ready to be pulled. Two are impacted and laying sideways. And one is flush against my jaw bone. I have a feeling this won't be an easy removal as my oral surgeon said, "You'll be cussing me the next day." Yeah...I can't wait.

Other than all that, I'm doing well. Toby is growing like a weed and he is so adorable. Of course I'm sure all pet parents think their pet is the most adorablest (yeah I think that is a word...) but y'all...Toby really is the most adorable kitty! I'll have to post new pictures of him too. Unfortunately, he isn't getting along with my parents cat. Compared to Toby, Dex (whom I love and adore too) is a huge honkin' thing. When he bares his teeth and growls (cats can growl...who'd have thunk?) he is down right scary. So the transition hasn't been totally smooth for Toby and Dex. They have 15 more days to get it right though!

I was catching up on some posts today and I just want everyone to know that while some of you have some really big stuff going on I always appreciate that you take the time to stop by here and leave a comment for me. It isn't a big secret that I haven't been happy with my lot in life for the last several months, but I feel so much better and at peace about things. I'm hoping to return to my normal self (blogging self included!) soon. I hope that y'all are doing well and taking care!

Toby Love

There is a new little addition to my house...Toby! Faithful blog readers...meet Toby.


Isn't he just adorable?! I've been wanting a cat for a long time, but my landlady wouldn't let me have them here. So, I knew I'd be forking over the pet deposit and getting a kitten when I moved to the apartment (in ten days no less...packing is happening very slowly). Last weekend when I went to my grandparents, my mom had this little thing perched on her shoulder. He had been found cornered by the dogs and they had rescued him. He needed a home and I wanted a kitten and the rest is, as they say, history!

I took him to the vet Friday. He's around 5 weeks old and only weighed 1.2 pounds. He was covered in fleas (and hates the flea treatment we do every other day...got the scratch marks to prove it) and had ear mites. He endured some real indignities at the vet, but was a trooper. He had a weekend full of new experiences. Also, he wasn't a good traveler either. I think we were both crying by the time we got home. Thankfully, Toby has settled into a very nice routine here at home.

He's a really good kitty. The first night he was all over the bed, but the last few nights he's been settled right up there on my pillow. We wake up and I take him to the litter and his food and then I go back to sleep. Don't forget that school is out and I'm taking full advantage of the sleeping late thing! Anyway, when I wake back up then we play. Toby loves to play!

His favorite toy is this Gone Fishin' thing. It is a fabric fish on a string that hangs from a pole. He loves to swat at the fish though his coordination isn't always the best. I just love watching him! Then he naps and the whole eat, litter, play cycle begins again.

I'm taking advantage of his sleeping status to post. He doesn't seem to like me at the computer. He sits on the back of my recliner just meowing at me. I think it is because he can't crawl around or maybe because he doesn't have my attention. He loves to be the center of attention. Good thing he's adorable!