A day in the life of Jacqueline. Never seems to be short on interesting factor, although maybe a bit long on the possibility factor. Regardless, there rarely seems to be a lengthy set of dull minutes at any given time.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
NOLA and B in B
Ahh, what a trip to New Orleans. It was fun, busy, fantastic, good food, fabulous people. The wedding was a blast (I sure hope the bride and groom enjoyed it, they seemed very occupied with all the things to be done at the event) and it was a beautiful day. I was able to see many old friends and visit with family. Kurt attempted, twice, to keep up with the natives but alcohol is just not his forte. The first attempt landed him on the sofa of little brother's living room until we headed back to my parents house at about 1 am on Friday morning. The second attempt left him ill for 2 days. I'm not sure if it was the alcohol or virus/flu. We did make it to the French Quarter on Monday for a short visit and lunch with a favorite cousin. But the driving was brutal because we were staying at the parents house 1 hour north. So we ended up driving back and forth Thursday, Sunday and Monday. I used to make this drive many times a week but this time I was dreading the commute on Monday. I feel like a human ping pong ball bouncing along I-10, back and forth, back and forth. It was worth it though, many of the people I visited I shall not see for a year or more. Sadly I realized that since we will not be able to attend the next wedding (my niece is getting married in June just after we leave for Japan) it may very well be a funeral the relatives gather for the next time. My cousin Michelle pointed out that I am one of only a very few of our family who live outside of Louisiana. And one other cousin that lives outside of the home state spends as much time as possible and plans to retire to New Orleans in another several years. I wonder if I will feel that way about New Orleans in another 15 years.
Back in Boston (B in B) as of 1030 last night. And now we are down to the 3 week 2 day countdown. This is the time when I am accomplishing vast quantities of work and wondering how the hell I'm going to get it all done. We walked in the door last night about 1130 and I immediately felt overwhelmed (of course the condo is a mess from the initial phases of packing). I had to make a short list: 1) complete statistics final project 2) file all taxes 3) pack for shipment to Japan 4) Paperwork for medications for Japan 5) Finish E's homeschooling 6) Move/pack condo into E's room. I shant worry about all of it now, but I shall immediately commence with the final project because it is due in 2.5 days...and so I'm off!
Back in Boston (B in B) as of 1030 last night. And now we are down to the 3 week 2 day countdown. This is the time when I am accomplishing vast quantities of work and wondering how the hell I'm going to get it all done. We walked in the door last night about 1130 and I immediately felt overwhelmed (of course the condo is a mess from the initial phases of packing). I had to make a short list: 1) complete statistics final project 2) file all taxes 3) pack for shipment to Japan 4) Paperwork for medications for Japan 5) Finish E's homeschooling 6) Move/pack condo into E's room. I shant worry about all of it now, but I shall immediately commence with the final project because it is due in 2.5 days...and so I'm off!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
In which much is revealed
April 15, 2012
I got the results of my blood work and they were even better then I had hoped. Finally. I am actually below the diagnostic levels where RA could accurately be diagnosed without a previous history of RA. The rheumatologist was shocked, I was all smiles. I am so glad Kurt goes with me to these appointments, I really don't like this doctor very much at all. I am still celiac, always will be, but at least RA may be playing a reduced factor in my future.
We purchased plane tickets for Japan, so the move is official official at the cost of $5200+. We leave June 15th. We now have exactly 61 days. Of those 61 days, we will only be in Boston (and thus able to pack/prepare) for another 35 days. We leave this Wednesday for Adam and Enny's wedding in NOLA. And Elizabeth goes to her father afterwards to begin her 6 week visit. So, ostensibly, I should have 27 days to complete federal & state taxes, medical documents for Japan, packing and shipping household goods, preparing the condo for rental and remembering all those other things I want/need to do before leaving for Japan WITHOUT caring 24/7 for a needy, demanding, difficult 6 year old. And this past week, she has been very difficult.
It doesn't help that we both got sick at the end of last week while Kurt was off to California for a conference. It doesn't help that Elizabeth woke me Saturday morning in near febrile seizures (which she is prone to at temps over 102) and I was a bit out of it myself. It certainly doesn't make things any better that she had a 104 degree temp most of Saturday, that I was beginning to worry about her a lot. I dragged her out of the house in early Saturday afternoon when her temperature was as low as I could get it, to the health store to see what they could offer me for viral/flu/cold in either homeopathy or herbs. We came home quickly, but the traffic slowed us down a lot. By the time I got her home, her fever was back up. Into a lavender flower bath with chamomile tea bags, wrapped her up in warm pjs, plied her with chamomile tea and honey and anything I could get her to eat short of candy, and turned on Star Wars: A New Hope (episode 4). I had decided it was high time to introduce her to Star Wars and this was prime time since she would sit still. For a girl with her energy, E was downright catatonic from the fever/illness. She went to sleep in my bed that night and slept, thankfully, the whole night. And I played Easter Bunny for Sunday.
Sunday E and I cooked most of the day since it was Easter. First I put the roast in to marinate. Then we dyed eggs. This was my first attempt at a lamb roast and gluten-free rolls. Kurt got home from the airport about 6. We had tomatoes with basil leaves and balsamic vinegarette as an appetizer. Then Kurt took E out for the annual egg hunt while I finished dinner and made a gluten-free chocolate cake (per E's multiple requests). Then we had dinner, it was delicious, while we continued watching Star Wars. Dessert was also very good.
Monday, E started again with a fever but not as high. Tuesday was not much better. Lots of crying and whining, complaining and carrying on. Tuesday night, E was getting better and Kurt said he wasn't feeling so great. Wednesday night, Thursday and Friday Kurt was down and out with whatever this illness was (we assume flu). I still had not gotten sick. I thought I had skated by. But no such luck. Saturday night, I had a low-grade fever and I went to bed early. E started crying sometime right after I had fallen asleep and then I couldn't go back to sleep for several hours. Today I am better, but low on energy and I have had a headache all day. I sure hope I am better tomorrow because at some point I have to pack for the trip this week.
I got the results of my blood work and they were even better then I had hoped. Finally. I am actually below the diagnostic levels where RA could accurately be diagnosed without a previous history of RA. The rheumatologist was shocked, I was all smiles. I am so glad Kurt goes with me to these appointments, I really don't like this doctor very much at all. I am still celiac, always will be, but at least RA may be playing a reduced factor in my future.
We purchased plane tickets for Japan, so the move is official official at the cost of $5200+. We leave June 15th. We now have exactly 61 days. Of those 61 days, we will only be in Boston (and thus able to pack/prepare) for another 35 days. We leave this Wednesday for Adam and Enny's wedding in NOLA. And Elizabeth goes to her father afterwards to begin her 6 week visit. So, ostensibly, I should have 27 days to complete federal & state taxes, medical documents for Japan, packing and shipping household goods, preparing the condo for rental and remembering all those other things I want/need to do before leaving for Japan WITHOUT caring 24/7 for a needy, demanding, difficult 6 year old. And this past week, she has been very difficult.
It doesn't help that we both got sick at the end of last week while Kurt was off to California for a conference. It doesn't help that Elizabeth woke me Saturday morning in near febrile seizures (which she is prone to at temps over 102) and I was a bit out of it myself. It certainly doesn't make things any better that she had a 104 degree temp most of Saturday, that I was beginning to worry about her a lot. I dragged her out of the house in early Saturday afternoon when her temperature was as low as I could get it, to the health store to see what they could offer me for viral/flu/cold in either homeopathy or herbs. We came home quickly, but the traffic slowed us down a lot. By the time I got her home, her fever was back up. Into a lavender flower bath with chamomile tea bags, wrapped her up in warm pjs, plied her with chamomile tea and honey and anything I could get her to eat short of candy, and turned on Star Wars: A New Hope (episode 4). I had decided it was high time to introduce her to Star Wars and this was prime time since she would sit still. For a girl with her energy, E was downright catatonic from the fever/illness. She went to sleep in my bed that night and slept, thankfully, the whole night. And I played Easter Bunny for Sunday.
Sunday E and I cooked most of the day since it was Easter. First I put the roast in to marinate. Then we dyed eggs. This was my first attempt at a lamb roast and gluten-free rolls. Kurt got home from the airport about 6. We had tomatoes with basil leaves and balsamic vinegarette as an appetizer. Then Kurt took E out for the annual egg hunt while I finished dinner and made a gluten-free chocolate cake (per E's multiple requests). Then we had dinner, it was delicious, while we continued watching Star Wars. Dessert was also very good.
Monday, E started again with a fever but not as high. Tuesday was not much better. Lots of crying and whining, complaining and carrying on. Tuesday night, E was getting better and Kurt said he wasn't feeling so great. Wednesday night, Thursday and Friday Kurt was down and out with whatever this illness was (we assume flu). I still had not gotten sick. I thought I had skated by. But no such luck. Saturday night, I had a low-grade fever and I went to bed early. E started crying sometime right after I had fallen asleep and then I couldn't go back to sleep for several hours. Today I am better, but low on energy and I have had a headache all day. I sure hope I am better tomorrow because at some point I have to pack for the trip this week.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Famous Elizabeth Days...
Oh famous days...
We have developed a new policy at home where if anyone (specifically Elizabeth) leaves personal items in the living areas of the house, they get charged a 10 cent fine (Thanks to Valerie for such a great idea!). Kurt, since 10 cents is such a meager charge for him, has to do extra kitchen clean-up. This has been working to keep things cleaned up and put away around the house.
Tonight, I walked into E's room, looked around and proceeded to lecture Elizabeth that if she didn't clean up her room by dinner time the next day, she would have to pay me a $1 fine for a messy room. After a few hems and haws, clarifications, etc, I ask E for the second time if she understands. She gives an affirmation. Then E follows this up with, "...and if I don't feel like doing it Mom, I'll pay you $2."
WHAT!!!!
We have developed a new policy at home where if anyone (specifically Elizabeth) leaves personal items in the living areas of the house, they get charged a 10 cent fine (Thanks to Valerie for such a great idea!). Kurt, since 10 cents is such a meager charge for him, has to do extra kitchen clean-up. This has been working to keep things cleaned up and put away around the house.
Tonight, I walked into E's room, looked around and proceeded to lecture Elizabeth that if she didn't clean up her room by dinner time the next day, she would have to pay me a $1 fine for a messy room. After a few hems and haws, clarifications, etc, I ask E for the second time if she understands. She gives an affirmation. Then E follows this up with, "...and if I don't feel like doing it Mom, I'll pay you $2."
WHAT!!!!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Fast and Furious
78! Days! 7-8!
These past 2 weeks have been much about the work involved in going to Japan. Japanese government requires a pile of documentation for prescription medication as well as OTC medicines. There are also very strict rules about what can be brought into the country, even for personal use. Any medications brought in must be cleared by the government first through a lengthy set of paperwork and documents from your current doctor. And there is a limit on the amount of medication you can bring into the country. In my situation, this is going to be, I hope, fairly easy since my medical condition has a fairly typical treatment protocol. So I will have to obtain a doctor almost immediately to continue my current medications.
But I must also get one for E because she also has an epi-pen for her possible allergy to strawberries. Any medication which involves a syringe also requires declaration. In addition, only a 2 month supply of vitamins (I take several supplements) can be brought in. And no, you can't mail yourself medication from home. They do check the packages and you can be arrested on the spot for breaking the law. Wow, scary stuff.
In addition, we have to change our medical insurance because the current insurance doesn't cover anything outside of the US. What a headache. That means possibly needing to locate new doctors here as well.
And pile on to this the plan to sublet our condo out while we are away. I've left that little project to Kurt. He hasn't yet been very successful in getting much done with it.
And let's see, there seems to be a pile of other things that need doing, like getting E's school evaluation complete before she leaves for Louisiana on April 18th. And finishing her school work ahead of time since I know nothing will likely happen once she is with her father for 6 weeks. I'll be fortunate to get back a daughter with some semblance of a brain. I could be wrong, I truly hope I am wrong for E's sake.
Oh and let's not forget federal and state taxes for 2 different states and the pile of itemizations I will be doing for the medical expenses last year. Add to this my current graduate statistics class, the normal household chores, E's classes (gymnastics, soccer and swimming every week), the packing planning, the plethora of doctor appointments we have each week and some where in there I usually walk 30-40 minutes every day. It's a lot on our collective plates and no wonder we feel overwhelmed at the prospect of leaving in t-minus 78 days.
78 days! Holy cow!
In those 78 days we also have a trip home for little brother Adam and Enny's wedding and an 18 day stay in Europe just before we leave for Japan. It's going to be a fast and furious April and end of May. Japan packing better be largely together before we leave for Europe since there are only 8 days between our return to the US and our departure for Japan. And Grandma Pounders is escorting E back on June 5th. This will be Grandma's first visit to Boston. I hope we have lots of time to enjoy her visit when she is here.
78 days!
These past 2 weeks have been much about the work involved in going to Japan. Japanese government requires a pile of documentation for prescription medication as well as OTC medicines. There are also very strict rules about what can be brought into the country, even for personal use. Any medications brought in must be cleared by the government first through a lengthy set of paperwork and documents from your current doctor. And there is a limit on the amount of medication you can bring into the country. In my situation, this is going to be, I hope, fairly easy since my medical condition has a fairly typical treatment protocol. So I will have to obtain a doctor almost immediately to continue my current medications.
But I must also get one for E because she also has an epi-pen for her possible allergy to strawberries. Any medication which involves a syringe also requires declaration. In addition, only a 2 month supply of vitamins (I take several supplements) can be brought in. And no, you can't mail yourself medication from home. They do check the packages and you can be arrested on the spot for breaking the law. Wow, scary stuff.
In addition, we have to change our medical insurance because the current insurance doesn't cover anything outside of the US. What a headache. That means possibly needing to locate new doctors here as well.
And pile on to this the plan to sublet our condo out while we are away. I've left that little project to Kurt. He hasn't yet been very successful in getting much done with it.
And let's see, there seems to be a pile of other things that need doing, like getting E's school evaluation complete before she leaves for Louisiana on April 18th. And finishing her school work ahead of time since I know nothing will likely happen once she is with her father for 6 weeks. I'll be fortunate to get back a daughter with some semblance of a brain. I could be wrong, I truly hope I am wrong for E's sake.
Oh and let's not forget federal and state taxes for 2 different states and the pile of itemizations I will be doing for the medical expenses last year. Add to this my current graduate statistics class, the normal household chores, E's classes (gymnastics, soccer and swimming every week), the packing planning, the plethora of doctor appointments we have each week and some where in there I usually walk 30-40 minutes every day. It's a lot on our collective plates and no wonder we feel overwhelmed at the prospect of leaving in t-minus 78 days.
78 days! Holy cow!
In those 78 days we also have a trip home for little brother Adam and Enny's wedding and an 18 day stay in Europe just before we leave for Japan. It's going to be a fast and furious April and end of May. Japan packing better be largely together before we leave for Europe since there are only 8 days between our return to the US and our departure for Japan. And Grandma Pounders is escorting E back on June 5th. This will be Grandma's first visit to Boston. I hope we have lots of time to enjoy her visit when she is here.
78 days!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Fasten Seatbelt While Seated - Why?
FSWS for short
Why indeed. Why: because I've read this particular sentence and several variations too many times to count, especially recently. It seems to apply to my life both literally and figuratively. Whether I bring on the challenges myself or they just happen to be a part of my history and my future, there is no shortage of where to apply this particular blog title to my life. Period.
If you know me well, or even somewhat well, you are probably already aware of how well this may suit the overarching theme of my life regardless of how those events occur.
I've decided to start blogging because I never seem to have enough time to catch up on my personal journaling these days. There never seems to be a good space, place or time to actually write my journals. And the actual process of physically writing has become, well, painful some days due to medical issues. So I've decided to try this method with the hope that I would be able to journal more often. I have journals going back 25 years. At least, I've been journaling that long although I may not be able to lay my hands on those journals since particular events may have claimed those writings forevermore. Which is sad, but also another reason why I've considered this method.
I journal for myself, and perhaps my daughter. No one else usually reads them and my daughter is not old enough to be allowed. I blog primarily for this reason as well.
Finally, I am starting to blog because of our imminent move overseas which will perhaps leave a hole in my world. And I've probably invited you to read my blog because there is a thought someone might like to share in my adventurous world, or because someone has expressed that there is or will be a hole I once filled for them. This is my solution for those who enjoy living vicariously through others and sometimes through me. I hope it will at least be entertaining.
Why indeed. Why: because I've read this particular sentence and several variations too many times to count, especially recently. It seems to apply to my life both literally and figuratively. Whether I bring on the challenges myself or they just happen to be a part of my history and my future, there is no shortage of where to apply this particular blog title to my life. Period.
If you know me well, or even somewhat well, you are probably already aware of how well this may suit the overarching theme of my life regardless of how those events occur.
I've decided to start blogging because I never seem to have enough time to catch up on my personal journaling these days. There never seems to be a good space, place or time to actually write my journals. And the actual process of physically writing has become, well, painful some days due to medical issues. So I've decided to try this method with the hope that I would be able to journal more often. I have journals going back 25 years. At least, I've been journaling that long although I may not be able to lay my hands on those journals since particular events may have claimed those writings forevermore. Which is sad, but also another reason why I've considered this method.
I journal for myself, and perhaps my daughter. No one else usually reads them and my daughter is not old enough to be allowed. I blog primarily for this reason as well.
Finally, I am starting to blog because of our imminent move overseas which will perhaps leave a hole in my world. And I've probably invited you to read my blog because there is a thought someone might like to share in my adventurous world, or because someone has expressed that there is or will be a hole I once filled for them. This is my solution for those who enjoy living vicariously through others and sometimes through me. I hope it will at least be entertaining.