Slacker

Yeah I know, I'm a slacker.  I guess I just haven't had all that much to say lately.  I would really love to see New Moon at some point this weekend but I just don't see it happening and other than that, I'm getting ready to host Thanksgiving dinner next week and working my butt off.

Good times I tell ya, good times.

Think There Was Gold?

I have to admit I had no idea just how bad the storm we had a few weeks ago was until I drove around and scoped out the damage.  I'll post some of those pictures in a bit but it was so cool to see this rainbow after what felt like a year or wind and rain.I have to admit I had no idea just how bad the storm we had a few weeks ago was until I drove around and scoped out the damage.  I'll post some of those pictures in a bit but it was so cool to see this rainbow after what felt like a year or wind and rain.  The second and third picture was taken around the block from me at the Community house.  That place is the best.  We had Big Boy's first birthday party there and his christening reception.   I have a bunch more to add but unfortunaltly it's late (as usual) and I should head to bed or else I'll be even more of a charmer than I usually am at work tomorrow.

I do have a great picture to put up though.   It's of a Seaside Park Emergency vehicle getting stuck on the beach during a first aid call because the driver didn't think he needed to let the air out of his tires.  Fantastic!  Be back tomorrow!

So Very Cool!

I know this site has been around for quite some time but I'm only checking it out now so please excuse me for being a bit behind.  Anyway, I kept hearing people talk about the website Skype and how great it was to talk long distance (for free!) using your webcam.  I figured it had to be such a pain in the butt that it wouldn't be worth it but.....I was so very wrong.

I followed all the steps and installed Skype on my laptop and was impressed at how easy it was.  A friend of mine who also uses Skype called me via the webcam so we could try it out and it worked like a charm!  I just can't get over how cool and easy it is to use! I know it must sound like they have me on their payroll promoting the site but I'm truly impressed with it.  With that being said, I'm worried about running it with Vista.  I've learned even the simplest of programs can either freeze up or crash with Vista so fingers crossed this doesn't happen because I would be super bummed.

Now on to my plan!  I was thinking since my in-laws live in Florida and only see Big Boy but a few times a year, we could get them a webcam for Christmas and set up special times once or twice a week for them to "see" and talk to him.  I think it's a great idea but then again, I'm not sure if my in-laws will even be able to set up the account or the webcam.   I also think it will be fun For BB to be able to see his Nanny and Grandpa(my parents) through the computer.  Even though he sees them just about everyday, I think it would be a fun addition to his bedtime routine for him to say goodnight to them too.  I know they have a webcam, they just need to set it up and I'll be working on that tomorrow.

I'm wondering if the in-laws would think this is a good gift?  I think they will, right?  Anyway, this is my new project and let's all hope it all falls into place and goes smoothly...

Should Be Interesting....

Tomorrow is Big Boys 4 year well check up with the pediatrician.  I used to get extremely over whelmed at the thought of these appointments but I'm actually looking forward to getting this one out of the way.  I have a ton of questions to ask her regarding BB's charming behavior.  I really want to get  her take on the H1N1 vax and if she thinks he should get it and if so...when?  BB also need to get his four year boosters which is such a bummer for him.  lastly, I'm curious whether or not we need to go back to the Specialized Hospital?

 In all seriousness, we do have to discuss what the Pediatrician thinks we should do about the missing coin.  Obviously, we are hoping we missed it and it's long gone but I'm thinking that isn't the case.  From everything I have read, the rule of thumb is after three weeks surgical intervention is required to removed the coin.   This is what his pediatrician has been saying but I honestly think she thought the coin would have been long gone too.  The thought of BB needing an endoscopy scares the daylights out of me but I don't think there are any other options?  I'm also worried the coin could be stuck in his intestines and I'm not even sure what type of procedure that entails.

Tomorrow is shaping up to be a pretty busy day and as usual, I just don't want to go to bed.  My mind is racing a mile a minute with questions, I'm worried about handling BB alone tomorrow at both the doctors office and the hospital.  Let's not forget all the other things I've got to squeeze in.  So I guess its time to catch some sleep.  Morning comes super fast and BB has built in radar.  He always know what days to wake before 6am.

Good times.

Every Last Bit

I'm not sure what happened this fall but the weather has been so wonky and out of sorts that when we do get a decent day, we really have to take advantage of every minute.  Usually fall is the most beautiful time of the year here but the rain just won't let up.  Even though the temperatures have been holding steady on the warmer side, it doesn't mater if you can't get outside and enjoy it.

With that being said, a  few weeks ago we had one of those incredible fall days that you wish would never end.   We decided to head up to the beach for a little dinner picnic and  Big Boy had such a great time.  He and Lucy really are the best of friends!  He just adores that dog and she is so good with him.  Every picture we take of the two of then is cuter than the last.   One day I'll have to block out his face and put p the pictures of him riding Lucy like a horse.   That dog really is a saint and speaking of horses......

Big Boy went wild when he saw the horses!.  I always forget that you're able to take your horses on the beach in the off season.  Only about fifteen miles inland  from here there are loads of horse farms.  It's hard to explain other than fifteen miles is a world of difference.  Truthfully, hubby and I have talked about moving inland but........just can't do it.  Even though we're being property taxes out of here, I still don't think we can do it.

I love the pictures of Big Boy and Hubby standing at the water's edge together.  They look like they are having the best conversation ever.   This was just (in my mind anyway) the perfect fall day at the beach.  For the past week or so when I would be having a hard time at work or start stressing over bills or life in general, I would think about this day and immediately mellow out.

Sigh.  Only seven more months until summer.  I really hope we can make it that long.  We don't take fancy vacations, live in a ritzy house or buy expensive cloths.  We are thankful for what we have and we'll take a perfect day at the beach everyday.

*Sigh*

My poor Big Boy is sick again.  We were at the pediatrician last week and she said he had an upper respiratory infection but nothing to be worried about and sent us on our way.  I knew something wasn't right since.  I know my kid and I sure as hell know when he is out of sorts.  Another trip to the pediatrician later and he has a double ear infection and the croup.  Poor thing.

I just feel so bad for him.  He missed the Halloween party at school and trick or treating at the high school.   I'm really hoping to be able to take him around to a few housed tomorrow but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.  Luckily it isn't the flu since it's just about impossible to get pediatric Tamiflu that isn't compounded from the adult capsules.  I don't know about you but it scares the hell out of me knowing the pediatric Tamiflu is on a huge back order and the pharmacies have been instructed to make the pediatric doses from the adult capsules.  I have to say it was pretty cool watching the pharmacists do it but really scary at the same time.

In other news, BB still hasn't passed the mystery coin which was swallowed three weeks ago.  I have to take him to his four year well check up on Tuesday and if he hasn't passed it by then I believe we will be sent over to the hospital for more x-rays an then make a decision from there.  I'd like to think that maybe we "missed" it but I highly doubt it.   I guess we'll just keep on waiting.  Between this coin and all the various illnesses he has had the past few weeks,  I think I've kept both his pediatrician and hte pharmacy in business. 

None of this was in the manual...

Happy Birthday Big Boy!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Big Boy!!!  I can't believe four years ago at this moment we were on our way to the hospital to be induced.  Technically, it isn't your birthday until 10:51pm but I think we an still celebrate all day!  I have no idea where the last four years have gone but I know they went really fast, to fast in my opinion.

Have a wonderful Birthday Big Boy!!! 

Breakdown in 3...2...1...

I hate to be such a downer but I just have too many things going on all at once and I seriously feel like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown.  It would be funny if it weren't true.  For starters, Big Boy still hasn't passed the mystery coin he swallowed over a week and a half ago.  His doctor is keeping a close eye on the situation and if something doesn't happen soon, there is talk of an endoscopy to retrieve the coin.  Awesome.  Fortunately, this is the absolute worst case scenario but I'm confident he will pass the coin before it comes to this.

In addition to the coin fiasco, BB now has an upper respiratory  infection.  Yup.  Having a coin loitering around in his stomach wasn't enough excitement so why not throw in a fever and nasty cough.  Obviously, I had to miss work today to take BB back to the doctor but I did have coverage for my shift.  I called my job around 5ish to let them know I would be home with BB again tomorrow and let's just say, I think I need to find a new job.

I have always had a note when I missed work but since I'm not the one who is ill, my lovely employer let me know it isn't their problem my son is sick and I need to find reliable childcare to take care of him when he's sick.   So there you have it.......*** does not support working mothers who need to miss a shift to stay home with their sick child.   I'm pretty disgusted given the situation there the past few months.  I mean I knew it was a thankless job but at this point I am just flat out insulted.

And finally, my court date for my property tax appeal is Thursday.   I have nothing to take in there with me.  Nothing.  No homes have sold on the island in the past year and there is nothing usable on the MLS.  I don't know what on earth I'm going to do.  This is the second appeal,  I was already able to get appraisal lowered for almost $50,000 in May so don't think they'll be dropping the numbers any lower.  Hubby really wants me to go in and fight but like I said..I have nothing.  Even the few comparisons I did have are dated and don't fall between the exceptable comparison guidelines.

Nothing Yet

Big Boy still hasn't passed the coin he swallowed on Saturday.  We took him back to the pediatrician yesterday and she sent us over to the hospital for another series of x-rays.  Unfortunately, the coin still hasn't moved from his stomach.  His doctor is concerned so she consulted with a surgeon and the consensus is if he doesn't pass it by early next week we will move ahead with seeing the surgeon.  Even though the coin has cleared his airway, it seems to be taking a bit too long moving through the rest of his system.  I'm trying to stay as calm as I can through this but now I'm starting to get really worried.

I guess it's back to the waiting game.  

NOM NOM NOM

Yup.  I knew it was only a matter of time before we ended up at the emergency room with Big Boy.  Considering he made it just a few weeks shy of his fourth birthday is pretty impressive.   Once BB began getting in to everything and anything, I moved his two piggy banks into his closet.  I didn't want him to play with them or even worse, break them or swallow the coins.

Every time I'm hanging up his clothes in his closet, he always comes in and asks to play with the pigs.  EVERY TIME he is told no and we all go about our day.  Today while Hubby was in his closet for heaven knows what, BB asked to play with the pigs and Hubby said "sure!"    *sigh*    I was in the kitchen loading the dishwasher while this was all taking place so you can only imagine how aggravated I was to find the two of them playing on the living room floor with two piggy banks dumped out.  Hubby told me what happened and after I explain he has just been "worked over" by our four year old, he decided to have BB seperate the coins between the two banks so they could be put away...

I knew things were going too well today when BB started to cry uncontrollably and had his fingers shoved in his mouth.  It didn't take a genius to realize what had just happened and even though I never saw him put the coin in his mouth, I knew he swallowed one.    After a quick call to the Ped. we were off to the ER.  Luckily we were in and out of the ER in under two hours with a little boy and a coin in his tummy.  The x-ray is hysterical!  It really does look exactly like this picture (no this isn't his x ray).

Thank goodness the coin passed easily through his airway and was already in his stomach because the doctor told me had it been in his airway, he would have had to been airlifted out and have some crazy procedure done. This scared the heck out of me. Anyway, it really is amazing what can happen in the blink of an eye. Big Boy was pretty damn scared after he swallowed the coin and he knew exactly what we were at the hospital for. So for the next few days, I get to inspect poop...lucky me. I am curious though :)

I Have Been Smoke Free....

WOOT!  As of today, I have been smoke free for 90 days!!!  I have saved $650 and avoided 1820 cigarettes!  I can't even believe how much money I have saved and to think I would have smoked almost two thousand cigarettes in such a short period of time if positively revolting.

Seriously, for anyone who is thinking about quitting smoking but aren't sure if they can do it....YOU CAN DO IT!  I smoked for nearly twenty years and never thought I would make it this far.  Like I've said before, I used the Nicoderm CQ smoking system and followed it to the "T" for ten weeks and now I'm 90 days free!

I would like to add that my Mom is two weeks smoke free and she is also using the Nicoderm program.  She's smoked well over a pack a day for 40+ years and even though she wants to smoke she hasn't!   Let's all send my mom some positive vibes so she stays on the right path!

YAHOOOOOO!!!  I'm a Non-Smoker!