Quick Takes #15

Number 15: This week was messed up and random.

1. No job...then maybe job? 
I found out that I didn't get the job at library one on Wednesday, but it was the nicest rejection I'd ever received, and I was really OK with the fact that I didn't get the job. And then, this morning, the library called again. To see if I was still interested, things had changed. It's not official yet, I have to wait for them to get their ducks in a row, but they will be calling on Monday. I'm so glad I reached out to the woman after she called and left the "we liked you but NO" voicemail. I emailed her thanking her again, hoping our paths would cross in the future. I never expected it to be two days later!

2. "I wish I had called you sooner!"
That's what I said at the volunteer gig, when I started yesterday. It was great to get back out and be working around people and doing something positive for others. They need a lot of help, just with the sorting and organizing of books. I really wanted to go back over today, but I have things to do here. I hope the kids like the books that I picked out for them. 

3. The Incredible Shrinking Woman
Ha, I wish. Getting there, maybe. Today at my weigh in I wasn't down much, but we measured me for the first time in 6 weeks. I've lost another 2 inches from my waist and 2 inches from my hips, which leads me to my next thought: I need new workout clothes. What I have now is so sloppy and old. However, I'm falling all over the place on the size charts--ranging three sizes and both the regular women's department and the plus sized department. And people wonder why women hate clothes shopping...

4. A long way to go...
Chris and I had applied for life insurance a few months ago. I heard from our agent last Friday about the status of our applications. Chris' is almost finished; the company is ready to finalize their quote. Mine is another story. When we started the process, our broker told us the lowest price the policies would be per year, but warned that the insurance company reserved the right to raise them if they didn't like something about our health history. Because of my weight, I'm being quoted the most expensive rates, and they haven't even looked at my medical records yet. I can lose the weight before we finalize things, but we'd have to start the process again for my policies; they actually told me how much I'd need to lose, which is helpful. It's only about 30 pounds, or else I'd have to pay $500 extra per year. So now I have a nice incentive to keep on losing...which I need to do anyway. Bonus: in 30 pounds, I'll be at the weight I would feel comfortable being pregnant, sooo.... ;-)

5. Easter, just 'round the corner
We are hosting Easter this year, as we did last year, yet I haven't done much in terms of planning or preparation. I think we'll have lamb again--last year Chris did a fantastic job marinating the leg for 2 days and then we slow cooked it in a very low temperature oven. It was outstanding--even the leftovers were amazing and I'm not one for leftover lamb. My FIL is going to make a turkey (I don't know why, but OK). I need to ORDER said lamb or all we'll be eating is that turkey, ha. And clean this house. I'm not a fan of early Easter; it just feel weird.

6.  Going on leave
Not me, obviously, but Chris. His anxiety has been really bad lately and when he is anxious, his stomach goes into knots and cramps and he's just miserable and in a lot of pain. He also can't sleep, which doesn't help anything. Today he went to see his doctor again, and he (the dr) recommended that C take a leave of absence for two weeks, just to relax, rest, and take good care of himself. I hate seeing him feeling like this--both the physical pain and the worry--but I know it's for the best, otherwise he will be living in a vicious circle of worry, pain, sleeplessness, and who knows what else. If he doesn't take care of himself, it will affect his work. Of course, he worried about his employer giving him a hard time. I just hope and pray they are kind to him about all of this. 

7. I ate meat on a Friday
No, really I did. After Chris' doctor's appointment, he was hungry and actually feeling better for once, and we hadn't had a cheat day in a long time, nor had we eaten pizza (from a restaurant) in over six months. So pizza it was--with bacon, sausage, and pepperoni. Separately, not together, with plenty of leftovers. We cannot eat like we used to! Of course, now I want to go take a nap, haha. It's intriguing how our bodies respond to food.

If there are any issues with this post or if it looks weird, I composed it on the iPad!


Don't forget to visit Jen over at Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

Quick Takes #14

Number 14: New Developments--Back to Books!

 It's not September, yet, but it'll do!

From http://www.encore-editions.com/september-back-to-work-back-to-school-back-to-books-v-donaghue

A note before we begin: last week, I wrote about the women in my family and where they were when they were my age. Several people commented that I needed to create my own story--don't worry! I am! I just never thought I'd be 33 and not yet a mom...that's all. Thanks for the comments and the votes of confidence ;-)

And for el-e-e--how do I know so much about my great-grandparents? I don't know, I just do! LOL I think it's because my mom and her siblings were the only grandchildren for those grandparents so they spent a LOT of time with them. My mom, aunts, and uncle talked about them a lot, too. And I'm a genealogy dork...

I'll put my BONUS first:
Yes, we have a new Pope. I thought I'd get one for my birthday (last Tuesday), but the day after was acceptable. But come on--a Jesuit???? I was so hoping for the Dominican. I love them. I went to a Dominican run college. Seems like so many of my Catholic peeps went to Jesuit schools. Meh, whatever. ;-) Besides, the fact that Pope Francis is? was? Ordinary for Eastern-rite faithful in Argentina who lack an Ordinary of their own rite. (Meaning: you're Eastern Rite? Have no bishop or archbishop? Cardinal Bergoglio was your guy.) And when I googled "eastern rite ordinary," the first hit was the Vatican's Who is Pope Francis? Allrighty then. I know there are a lot of knowns and unknowns and questions about him, but remember: no one is perfect. We're all sinners. We've all made mistakes. I couldn't help but go "awww" when I saw him on Wednesday (a perk of not working--I got to see the white smoke, the announcement, and get a sweet plenary indulgence!). He came out like a timid mouse..."all of you...here...for me???" And I love how he was so down to earth. Many blessed years!

1. Interview 1
On Monday I had an interview with a library in the next town over for a part time library assistant job. Found for me by my mom. First in-person interview since I've been out of work. I think it went very well, although they didn't ask me many 'tough' questions...

2. Volunteer Gig "Interview"
Wednesday I met with the office manager of a local nonprofit that provides books to kids and meets with new parents in the hospital to provide them with books and information on the importance of reading to young children. I learned of this organization while I was working at the bookstore, years ago; I had done some joint event work with some of their staff, so it was nice to re-meet old faces. I start on Monday. I only wish I'd contacted them sooner; they were more than happy to have me come aboard!

3. Interview 2
On Thursday, I had another interview. YES. Two in a week! I don't think that has ever happened in my life! This was also at a library for a part time library assistant job. (This one isn't as close to home, but not too far either). Found for me by my friend, who is the head of technical services at this library. Don't worry, she won't be my boss. That interview also went well, even though they asked more typical interview questions. More hours, but less money than library 1. Also, they have more of a fixed schedule vs. library 1. Already getting ahead of myself, acting like I'm going to get more than one offer...

4. Back to books in another way...
For those who don't know, at one point in my life I was in grad school. Well, there were three different times, but the last one was for library science. I'd taken two classes, then I was promoted and my work life got busier. Trying to start a marriage and be ALL THE THINGS left little time for school and I was feeling pulled in too many directions, so I gave it up. I have all of this time, and I'm not having much luck in finding full time work in what I'm trained in/familiar with, so why not finish my masters in library science? I had been thinking about it before I had even applied for the jobs, or interviewed, so when I heard about these openings, it cemented the decision. Of course, I need to contact the school about re-enrolling, oh, and APPLY this time. Which also means getting recommendations, re-taking the GRE, but IT IS OKAY. Now I have lots of time to do all of this stuff. Four or five years ago--not so much. Plus, if I get one of these jobs, I'll have REAL on the job training before I graduate. My friend, the librarian from above, told me that her director will not interview anyone who has a masters without real experience. Good to know! And so many people can't afford to stop their full time job while in school. Not that it won't be tight, but it's an investment. And Chris is fine with me doing this--the only condition: FINISH YOUR DEGREE THIS TIME :-) (and my friends agree)

5. Another library opportunity, courtesy of Mom
While I was on my way home from the volunteer gig, my mom called to tell me about another library assistant opening. (Why is she finding them and I am not??) This one was in her school district, at another elementary school. More hours and more pay than the other two library jobs, but only 10 months (duh, it's a school). I applied yesterday, so hopefully I'll get a call about that one. 

6. "Fired" and saying no
Tonight I got an email from one of my freelance clients, saying he no longer needed my services, but to send him a final invoice. I was taken aback, but I sent him a brief email, letting him know I was sorry to see this, and asked him if there were any problems. He wrote back shortly--no problems, he's out of money for the project. Phew! It's OK. I wasn't really feeling like I was doing much for him. And as I'm getting busier with other things, I wasn't sure how much time I'd have to even try to help. I had an opportunity to interview for a local online paper, but given that the paper covers one of the towns that I've interviewed in and the one that I could be interviewing in...it's probably not a good idea that I get mixed up with being a town employee AND occasionally writing about the town. Even if I don't get the jobs, it didn't interest me as much as it did when I had first applied. And that is OK.

7. TMI development of sorts
In my Creighton/NaPro saga, things are finally straightening themselves out. I have a new instructor who is WONDERFUL. I am seeing "changes" where I should be, so my body might be starting to wake up after it played Sleeping Beauty for years.



Don't forget to visit Jen over at Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

Quick Takes #13

Number 13: The Birthday Edition

1. Next Tuesday is my birthday and I will be 33. Not a very monumental birthday, but I'm certainly not where I thought I'd be by now. I was one of those girls who assumed she'd be married by 24, have her first by 26, and another by 28, and have her life together by 30. HAAAAAA. No.

Let's look at where some of my female relatives were at 33, shall we? Not as a negative type of comparison, just as one of those "how people lived back in 19XX" showcases. My quick takes haven't been that quick lately, but meh, whatever.

2. Mom, 1988
When my mom was 33, she was a stay at home mom to an 8 year old (me) and a 6 year old (my brother). She was trying to do some part time work--I remember her trying to work at this crystal and silver outlet, but it didn't work out for whatever reason, and then she worked at the Weathervane (remember that store!?!) for a bit. I remember being so mad because she would buy other people Christmas gifts with her discount and not me. I don't know if her brain tumor (benign) had been discovered yet, but it would be soon. Also within the next year or so, she would start substituting as a school nurse, which would be her gateway back into full time work, seven years later. She's still at that same school today, and her going back to full time work has helped my parents have more money for fun things and their retirement.

3. Nana Mac, 1958
At 33, Nana Mac (a play on my mom's maiden name) worked full time at night as a nurse. I know she and my grandfather didn't have a lot of money; he was a police detective and back then, nurses and cops didn't make the money they do now, so that's why Nana worked. I don't think she was an OR nurse yet, but I know she was pretty high up in the chain of command and well respected by the doctors, which was a big deal back in the fifties! She had three young children at the time, and her parents spent a lot of time and money helping out. While she worked and raised her family, Nana also dealt with the effects of MS. There wasn't a lot that could be done back then, and fortunately, Nana's flare ups were rare, but it was something she still had to manage every day, with a very high pressured job. If it wasn't for the MS eventually forcing her early retirement, I think she would have worked until she died. She loved her work, and had she been born a boy, I am 100% certain that she would have been a doctor.

4. Grandma, 1957
I think it was around this time that my grandfather started his own business, and Grandma was his right-hand lady, answering the phone, sending bills, doing other office work, while raising my dad and his older brother (two more years would bring another boy). I know she was on her own with the boys a lot, since Grandpa had to travel to acquire materials and to deliver products, and was lonely with his absence. Grandma knew how to stretch her dollars; my grandparents were very poor, and the only running water they had in the house until my younger uncle was a toddler was a SINK. Yes, outhouses. In Connecticut. Grandpa's talent for making business deals and delivering a good product and Grandma's organizational skills helped them to develop a family business is still in existence and enabled them to rise out of poverty, to acquire land and save money that sent their kids to college and provided little nest eggs for their grandchildren (No trust funds! Just a "small" amount, that, invested wisely and combined with a scholarship and my mom going back to work, helped me get through college without loans).

5. Nana Z (Nana Mac's mother), 1937
Nana Z was the only great grandmother who I remember, even though three of them were alive when I was born. She passed away when I was 15, so I have a LOT of memories of her. Born in 1904, she remembered the Titanic sinking, which delighted my brother who was really into the ocean liner when he was about 10. In 1937, she was a mother of a 12 year old, her only child. Her husband was rendered sterile from Type I Diabetes, otherwise I think they would have had many more children; he worked as a weaver in the textile mills of New Hampshire, and later did something where he had to travel around the country to visit other mills. I don't know if he was an inspector or an engineer or what, but I know that Nana went with him and took care of all of his correspondence and paperwork. I think at 33, though, they were still living in New Hampshire, or they might have moved to Pawtucket, Rhode Island to work in the mills there; either way, she was a homemaker and was an excellent seamstress. Later in her life, she would work in the Providence Police Department as a matron (aka patting down the females who'd been arrested, making sure they were OK, nothing like Matron Mama Morton in Chicago, ha!).

6. Aunt Patty, 1994
My mom's little sister who I idolized as a child. She was funny and loved to play and do fun things with us, especially since for many years she lived in our town. She had a cool job in New York City and seemed to be going fun places. By the time she was 33, she had moved back to Rhode Island, met her future husband and was engaged. We still saw her often. While I have grown up, and no longer want to be EXACTLY like her, I do admire that she had three babies right in a row "later" in life at 34, 35 and 36 (they are all 13 months apart) and has worked full time even after children, while still being a very hands-on mom. She also does what's best for her family, which right now means that she works a plane ride away during the week, and flies home on Friday mornings. This happened after my uncle lost his job and right around that time, she received a promotion that required travel. So the decision was made for my uncle to be a stay at home parent, which I think might have worked out well, since the kids were pre-teens and needed a lot of rides and supervision. I highly doubt that if I'd asked her when she was 33, if she thought her life would be like this, she'd have said yes. Her life is not perfect, and she also has some hip issues that she grits her teeth through, but she's been able to raise good kids and support her family. Even though there are only six years between my mom and my aunt, and nineteen between my aunt and I, I think my life mirrors Aunt Patty's more than my mother's.

7. Me, 2013
So where am I at 33? Married, a homeowner, a cat wrangler. Trying to find my way. Unlike my foremothers, I don't have children yet. Lately the absence of children has been getting me down. Most women aren't stay at home wives unless they have children, yet I'm home, not working and not parenting. I feel as if I don't have a purpose. The women of my family seemed to have been very connected to what their family structure was at the time--be it helping their husbands with their work, working out of the home themselves, or raising children (and sometimes doing all of this at the same time). I don't do any of this--wifely duties such as making dinner, having food in the house, doing the laundry, etc, only take up so much time. I write this knowing that it will be read by women who are juggling their very busy lives, and they'll probably roll their eyes wishing they had a few minutes of peace. I was one of them, not too long ago. I have been looking at volunteer opportunities and part time jobs, if the full time work doesn't come, but I still have to wait for those things. For the first time in my life, I don't HAVE to do anything, be anywhere...well, except home for dinner. :-) When we have little direction, we are lost.


Don't forget to visit Jen over at Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

Two posts, one day

Just a quick follow up on my recent Pope post, since I got some comments, and I'm not sure who goes back to see if I've commented on THEIR comments! My comments are below in italics.

1. el-e-e

   I was wondering how this would play out in the Eucharistic prayer at our Roman church, too. This was the first weekend with no Pope to pray for in that spot in the Eucharistic prayer.... and then I decided not to go to Mass. So I still don't know! 

   
   

   Hahahaha, now you'll be in suspense for next time! 

   
   
2. Anne @WhateverWorksMom

   During the Eucharistic prayer yesterday I paid special attention. Instead of "With Benedict, Our Pope." They said, "With Benedict, Our Pope Emeritus." 

   
   

   I like that they still included him, since he still needs our prayers.

   
   

So what happened on Sunday at our church? See, in a Byzantine Divine Liturgy, we mention the Pope a few times, so there were multiple times for our priest to forget or get tripped up. The first two times the priest made the transition flawlessly...he just said "for our Metropolitan William, for all the bishops," etc.

Then my husband had to say something. Nice going, Chris. (He's an altar server, if you didn't know.)

Just before the consecration, I see Chris lean into Father and whisper something. Father smiles and nods. Then starts the prayers. During the consecration, he walks away from the altar with the Holy Gifts and in and out of the doors of the iconostasis (icon screen) all the while praying out loud. Followed by Chris, who holds a candle. There is another Pope mention at this time. Father started to say "for our Po-" and then abruptly cut to "for our Metropolitan..."

What I didn't see, but found out later, was that when they got back behind the iconostasis, my husband waggled his finger at Father and gave him a look. Then the two of them were laughing. I'm not horrified or anything, I actually find it funny that they can laugh at themselves while up there. The only reason Father was so flawless with the earlier mentions was because he has his books, with which he follows along. When he went to take the "walk," he was doing it from memory. Even though Chris reminded him. I wonder if Chris' reminder ended up confusing him, and he would have been fine had he not said a word!

Just before dismissal, Father came out to read the announcements, and commented on the lack of a prayer for the Pope, then explaining why we don't say it at this time. So, since I know SO many of you were hanging on to find out what happened, there ya go!

Pretty Happy Funny Real

Haven't done one of these in awhile! If I wanted, I think I could do a link up every day now, so many bloggers have started them. They are fun, but I really should write more substantive posts.

~Pretty Happy~

Lilly and Sammy are pretty happy sitting on my Classic Penguin (or is it Penguin Classic? The bag has both sayings, one per side) bag. This accompanies me to errands and appointments. I don't get the attraction to the bag. In Sammy's defense, it was day time and the southern light was coming through our slider, so it was a warm nap spot. Lilly, however, was perched up there at night. Random!

(Ha, I made a publishing funny! Since Random House and Penguin are now going to be under the same ownership. Yeah, you probably didn't get that one. Trista might, and maybe Anne?)

I was waiting for our other cat, Bella, to hop on the bag, but no such luck...

~Funny~

 

This came in our boat's registration renewal from the state. I thought it was more than funny, more like hilarious. First, the hokey Boat Safe - Boat Sober. Then the use of Lucida Handwriting (or is it Casual?) to caption the drawing (you might have to click on the image to see it better). Then what the Lucida was used to say "Get it on Connecticut!" Which doesn't make me think of putting on a life jacket...

LASTLY, the drawing! When I posted it to Facebook, Elizabeth said it looked like a hydra, which is funny since it IS water related. I think it's supposed to be a life jacket?

~Real~

 

I promise, I'm almost 33, not almost 83. Yet, I have one of these pillboxes. For real. I had one in college, but it was just one box per day, since I took everything at the same time. Then I went through a period of time where I didn't need to remember what to take when or wasn't taking a LOT of things. Now that I'm working with a NaPro doctor and a new Creighton instructor, they both have me taking LOTS of things to try to regulate my cycles. Some of the things I've been on for awhile, some things I need to take at different times. I was getting tired of clutter from all the bottles and containers. So what do we have here?

AM: calcium chew (using them up, I don't have a problem with pills, obviously), Vitamin C, Vitamin D x3, Spironolactone (androgen blocker), Lisinopril/HCTZ (blood pressure), and Adderall (I do have ADD, which I don't think I've talked about before, I try to down play it since I HATE having it).

PM: fish oil, Metformin, multivitamin, Vitamin C. I also take Celexa right before bed, but that's on my dresser.

My hope is to get off the Lisinopril soon. My doctor is willing to let me wean down if she likes what she sees the next time I go to the doctor, and I am starting to have low blood pressure symptoms :-) My very mild depression and anxiety is at bay most of the time and the dose of Celexa I'm on is low. Also, Celexa is a weak drug and isn't often prescribed for people with depression. I've been on more of it in the past. I'd like to get off of that too. And the Adderall. It helps, a lot. I'm afraid of getting pregnant because I would have to discontinue it...and I don't know how I'd function. That's for another post.

~See more at Like Mother, Like Daughter!~

I Can Haz No Pope? Brief (Maybe Funny?) Thoughts...

Silly kitty, you're only Roamin' Catlick, not Roman Catholic!

 
So, we Catholics now have no Pope. But it's not like in the past when we mourned one Pope's death (which may or may not have been expected). This is different, and regardless of the REAL or FAKE reasons His Holiness decided to step down, this leaves all Catholics in a bit of a lurch.

However, some of us Byzantine Catholics are in a bit of a bigger lurch. Those of us in the Eparchy of Passaic, specifically.

At the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, we pray the Litany of Peace, which are prayers said by the priest, to which the congregants reply "Lord, have mercy." See all of it here.
 
The part I'm looking at is this:

For our holy ecumenical pontiff (N) the Pope of Rome let us pray to the Lord

as well as this: 

For our most reverend archbishop and metropolitan (N.,) for our God-loving bishop (N.,) for the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people let us pray to the Lord


You already know of one problem. We now have no Pope, so I don't know WHAT the priest will say.

The other problem: we have no Bishop. Ours was elevated to Archbishop and Metropolitan. Our priest has been saying "for all the Bishops" in place of "for our God-loving bishop (N.)" as we await the selection of our new Eparchial leader.

We're going from:

For our holy ecumenical pontiff Benedict the Pope of Rome let us pray to the Lord

and: 

For our most reverend archbishop and metropolitan William, for all the Bishops, for the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people let us pray to the Lord

...to who knows? What will this weekend's Divine Liturgies sound like????

ALL WE HAVE IS A METROPOLITAN!!!!!! GOD SAVE THE BYZCATHS!!!!!

Quick Takes #12

Number 12: A Week in My Life

In trying to have a theme for this week's 7QT, let me reflect on the past week. Yes, I'm copying what Trista did, but hey, it's a good idea! :) And most of the days involved medical personnel...which looking back, is making me chuckle...

1. Saturday: Chris wasn't at work! He had to switch with someone--so he went to help his dad with firewood and I tooled around but more importantly, I called my new Creighton instructor. We had a LOVELY hour and a half phone conversation, and will be doing our follow ups via Skype and phone. She's older, and a mom to four girls, which I think will be VERY helpful in making me feel more confident with my observations, vs. the early 20 something flakes that I had worked with before. (I'm sure I'll write more about this at some point).

When Chris got home, we decided to order and watch Argo on TV. I really enjoyed it and I want to find out more about the entire hostage situation. Remember, I was an American Studies major/History minor! And I made homemade pizza for dinner--by the way, I highly recommend using chimichurri instead of red sauce!

2. Sunday: First up, Divine Liturgy of course. It was different last week, as there was a Deacon participating in the DL, along with our priest, Fr. Tony (Yes, he's Italian, well, Italian American. Yes, he's ByzCath. Yes, there are ByzCath's in ITALY). Oh, and yes, Chris was there too, serving. It was his first time serving DL with a Deacon; he hadn't even attending a DL with a Deacon since he was a little boy. He really enjoyed it, even though he didn't get to chat for long with Father Deacon; Chris is discerning his call and would have liked to have talked with him, especially on the balance of church-home-work-other stuff.

I think we just hung out the rest of the day. I made a roast turkey which fed us for two more days. Even now that I'm home, I still enjoy the batch cooking concept. In the afternoon I watched movies on TV--half of The Social Network and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (both which I hadn't seen)--and folded laundry. At night I watched the Oscars. I'm not usually an awards show person, but this year I'd seen a bunch that were nominated--Les Miserables, Lincoln, Argo, so I actually felt like I had more at stake.

3. Monday: I woke up with the most bizarre pain/discomfort in my neck, and ended up at the chiropractor, who I hadn't seen since I was in college. An hour later, I was feeling completely better. Now I have more exercises to do, to help strengthen my shoulders and back, so that my neck doesn't get thrown out of whack again.

Also on Monday, I started feeling itchy, but didn't think much of it...

4. Tuesday: HA. By Tuesday morning, I was an itchy, miserable mess. No rash, no hives, no bites. Very bizarre. Apparently I was so bad during the night, I kept waking up Chris. Oops. Suddenly my mom popped into my brain and I put myself into a baking soda bath to see if that would help, along with mild soap, followed by almost half a tube of cortisone cream, used like lotion. And of course, we had no Benadryl in the house, so off to the pharmacy. The rest of the day was a blur...or haze? But we all slept much better that night, thank you Benadryl! This was also the three month mark of my unemployment and was a little bummed about that...

5. Wednesday: I was still "hung over" from all the antihistamines, so I skipped the gym but ran a few errands. I didn't do much else.

6. Thursday: Back to NYC to see my NaPro doctor for a little procedure to help clear some things up. I don't want to gross anyone out that might not be familiar with all of the intricacies of NFP or Creighton, so I won't go into vivid details. It was pretty quick, 5 to 10 minutes and was less painful than having a cavity filled. Now we wait and see if my signs get clearer ;-) If you know anything about NFP, then I'm sure you will get where I'm going, especially the word CLEAR.

The trip itself was quick too--I left the house at 9:20 and was back in the door by 5:50. Seems like a waste of a day in the city, when last time I had more time to enjoy things. This time, I only had an hour to get lunch/kill before my appointment, and I was done and back at Grand Central less than an hour after I walked into the doctor's office. In fact, I was home still well before Chris and had dinner on the table waiting! A real dinner, including rice that takes 45 minutes! Lucky me to have booked an appointment on his late night AND he ran an errand after work.

And now we have no Pope. I'll be honest, I've never been connected to a Pope, the way many people are, but it's a very interesting time to be a Catholic, that's for sure. I have another post coming up about this.


7. Friday: Today is still on going, but my day started out with a visit to my primary doctor for a blood pressure check in. She was happy to see that I'd lost 17 pounds since I'd last seen her in October, but more importantly, she's willing to see about me titrating off of the blood pressure meds. Of course, not for a few more months, but she's confident I will get to that point. Yay!

Then to the gym, where I hadn't been in a week, but Shane was kind and didn't push me too hard. Then back to the chiropractor, where I was given even MORE exercises to work on... Home where I've been tooling around, not doing much, but I do have some freelancing stuff to work on and some personal housekeeping nonsense.

Chris works late again tonight and then he has to be in at 8 on Saturdays so Friday nights are usually very quiet. It's OK, especially me being home; we just have a different weekend than others.


BONUS. Saturday: Tomorrow I am having breakfast with one of my friends, M. I met M in college and she only lives about a half hour away, so we try to get together every now and then. I don't see her as often as I like, and she has a busy life in her own way--teaching sixth grade language arts and living with/helping her elderly parents (no really, her dad is almost 80, while mine will be 61). It will be nice to get out and socialize, since I miss doing that.

One more thing: could you please pray for a different M and her family? She went to have her 20 week ultrasound yesterday and the baby had passed. She delivered her little boy, G, early this morning.

Have a great weekend!

Don't forget to visit Jen over at Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!