Weddings, Sailing and IVs, of course

Ed got an invite for a wedding for this Saturday. It came last Sunday. At first it appeared that I wasn't invited, though later clarification proved I was. So i guess we're going to a wedding on Sat. I was telling my co-worker that weddings usually allow for months of mental preparedness: who will be there, what should I wear, what should we buy them etc. However, this impromptu wedding is weird. What am i going to wear??!! Crap.

Ed's family and I got him sailing lessons for his b-day. He completed the last one Sunday. He only hit something once. He is not quite sure he is ready to take me out yet, but I am ready. Why do you think I got him the stupid lessons?! :)

Health update: going to Remicade. Bring on the IVs baby. Good thing my right arm has an awesome vein. They often compliment it. Just like the dentist does with my teeth. I like that. I realize I have no control over either of them, but to be honest, it does help build my esteem. I am not going to lie.

Is that so much to ask?

Health Update: I had an appointment on Tuesday and they were concerned that the area was still inflammed so they had me go over to the hospital for another CT scan. The doc made it sound like Radiology was basically waiting for me to come. HA! Stupid me. They had to call for a pre-authorization from my insurance I waited forever. My Dr's appointment was at 1:00 and I left Radiology at 6:30 p.m. My patience was paper thin. However, the good news is that they called yesterday and things are in good shape. Abscess is gone and inflamation is down. My regular doc is back Wednesday, so I will see him then.

In other news, this legalized torture thing is extremely distrubing to me. Anyway, Bill Clinton was on NPR this a.m. and had some really good points on how we don't need a law that blanketly gives the right to torture people and how in extreme circumstances they could get authorization if needed. Basically, he made sense. I am not a "rah rah" Clinton fan, but wow was it refreshing to listen to someone who was logical. That's all I ask--a reasonable leader of the free world. Is that so much?

Psycho Brainwashing Camp is in ND

I think camp is great. I even think church camps can be great. Lots of people loved camp Metigoshe, and while some poked fun at it is a cult that was all in jest. People learned about God. They didn't shower. They made good friends and had fun doing campy type things. This camp is bona fide crrrrrrrraaazzzzyy pants. Seriously, these kids are being brainwashed. I now understand where the psycho neo-Cons came from; they went to these camps. It's all clear now. Check it out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/09/18/video-kids-at-jesus-camp_n_29703.html

and here is the trailer for the documentary:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/magnolia/jesuscamp/trailer/

Thanks to Danny for the tip.

Speaking of Danny--who thinks he needs to transform his Europe blog into "Teaching 5th Graders in the South Bronx: a Chronicle of Hystericalness"? I do. Maybe we can persuade him.

Crappy Week #2

hhhmmm let's see...where to start. I guess from the beginning. Wednesday I was not feeling well at all and finally called my GI, who was out of town. I then called the on call Doc and he said to just go into the ER. So I did. Two hours later, I got out of the waiting room and into the ER. After some consultation, they decided to admit me. I went to the ER at 11:30 a.m. and was admitted at 9:00 p.m.. Woohoo.

So the ER forgot or didn't want to take my CT scan, so I went to the bottom of the priority list once I was admitted. After reminding the nurse about 1000 times that I needed one (in her defense, she did call several times). I finally had one at 2:30 a.m.

The CT scan revealed an abyss (infection) and inflammation in the area of my Crohn's. I was put on IV antibiotics. They told me I could go home Friday and Friday a.m. I was practically packing my bags, but they didn't discharge me until about 4:00. Nothing moves quickly in the hospital.

The hospital is by far the most boring place on earth. Ed came often and Brenda saved me on Friday. I watched a lot of crap TV. In theory, I would have caught up on reading, done my homework etc. but I had no motivation.

This weekend I took it easy. I am about as well as I did about a week ago--not great, but not in any really pain (pain didn't start until Wednesday). I am just tired. Really really tired. Tomorrow I have a follow up appointment so we'll see what they are going to do as far as treatment.

PS

A co-worker just pointed out that to have alot of drama when traveling, but it mostly happens after my trip is over (just the return trip). I never posted about this crazy incident coming back from MN/ND in July where Ed and tried to help this woman and her two year old son make a connection to some South American country that I now forget. Looooonnngggg story short: I ran ahead to the gate; Ed carried her luggage; the gate closed; Women collapses with child and sobs; United closed its customer service desk and wasn't helping people with flights or hotels (didn't know that they could do that); eventually figure that she can go to the baggage claim desk; we leave her because there is nothing more we can do; we missed the Metro; we tried to take Super Shuttle but they driver canceled our order; ended up waiting a half hour for another one; We got home at like 1:30 a.m. It was traumatic and I try to forget it.

I can't even really believed this happened

F-ing Disaster. These are the words I choose to describe what many would find to be a simple task: getting home from the airport. I flew into DCA after a pleasant weekend in Minot. The weather was beautiful; it was relaxing; I was rejuvenated. Anyway, my flight got in at 10 p.m.—late, but not too bad. I flew into the A (aka old) terminal and stupid Northworst had 3 flights using one baggage claim (of course, there is an empty baggage claim right next to it). It was literally like 6-7 people deep all the way around this small carousel. You couldn’t even see. There was so much baggage coming out that it kept getting backed up coming off the conveyer belt. I waited a good 30 minutes for my bags. That was enjoyable.

Okay next step…transportation. Ed is in NY so I was on my own. Cab, no line is too long. Supper Shuttle…no hate them after a traumatic experience at Dulles last month. I was feeling poor so I decided on Metro. Shuttle buses to the Metro were packed. I’ll walk (not a bad walk btw for DC residents). Get to Metro, have to wait a few minutes, but not bad. Feeling good. Looking forward to my bed. Start to fish around for my keys. Should bag. No, not there. Back pack, no not there either. Suit case. NO NO NO. NO keys anywhere. Crap. (or other choice words). Ed’s not home until Tuesday.

Call Tonya.

No answer.

Call Tonya when I get off at Eastern Market.

No answer.

Call again.

Answer.

Thank God.

“Tonya, remember when we traded emergency keys…”

Tonya vaguely remembers getting our key. I know we have hers. Tonya is cooler than me and was out at a bar. I waited for her to come back. I sat at the bus stop. There was one shady dude. Then another. Then another. I think I might head down into the Metro. Good idea. It’s about 11:45 now. Remember my flight got in at 10:00. Tonya shows up. Bless her.

Walk to Tonya’s. Examine some keys. Very confident these are our keys. Walk to my house (about 10 minutes) with three pieces of luggage. Shoulders hurt. I am tired oh so very tired. I dream about my bed. Fanaticize even. Almost there. Once I am home it won’t matter.

Get there. Try keys. Try again. Try again. DAMN IT. Call Tonya. Phone dies. I had talked to Ed for too long when I was around the shady dudes. Tonya heard that I couldn’t get in before the phone died. She starts walking to my place. I start walking to hers. We meet half way. I slept on her aero bed. Ed’s home tonight and hopefully my keys are there.

So there are always bright side moments to think about:

I had a bed. It wasn’t mine, but it was comfortable and inside. As I struggled with my luggage back to Tonya’s I passed a homeless person nestled in a doorway. Though I was wallowing in my own self pity, I had to admit that it could be worse.
Tonya and I are the same size. I had a skirt and borrowed a sweater for work. I like this sweater. That’s because I own it in a different color.
It was not raining.
I actually had my cell phone and it was mostly charged. HUGE for me. HUGE.
I have good friends who live close and will help out in a pinch.
I did not have to go the bathroom (most likely due to the fact that you can not longer bring on water and they only give you like 3.25 ounces once you get on). It does seem when I have put myself in similar predicaments that they are usually further complicated by the fact that I have to pee.