Who's going to tackle Wednesday with me?

[Jean in Newcastle]

work on paperwork - cleaning the dining room

 

[mom31257]

Good morning!

• coffee
• meals
• school with ds
• walk with a friend
• laundry
• catch up checking records
• church
• look over tutoring for tomorrow

[ScoutTN]

Good morning! I feel better after a good night's sleep.

Today is mostly out and around:
Drive carpool ✅ 
Get a few things for mom and visit a bit ✅ 
Pick up milk ✅ 
Check in on Dd and her schoolwork done ✅ 
Online class for me ✅ 
Electronic chores ✅ 
Pick up Ds. ✅ 
Piano lessons. ✅ 
Church  - woohoo for Wed night dinner! ✅ 
Read
 

Edited January 23, 2020 by ScoutTN

[Selkie]

Good morning!

• office work (taxes, insurance, bills)
• clean & declutter my office
• take boxes of paperwork to storage
• order three test kits from Washington State for my Aussies (testing for the MDRI gene mutation that causes adverse reactions to many drugs - very common in herding breeds)
• add a gift card that I got from a rebate to my Amazon account 
• scrub doormat (housetraining two puppies who can barely make it to the door in time is murder on my doormats)
• coffee date with dh this afternoon
• dinner: ?? 

[MysteryJen]

Good morning! ds3 is dropped off at tennis and dd2 is at practice. I am having the first of several cups of coffee and dh just got up. Regular day here.

• coffee/paper
• daily chores
• pick up ds3
• school with ds3
• dust/vacuum- other weekly chores
• clean room in basement
• sewing/handwork
• read a little
• ds3 to tennis
• probably a quick pasta for dinner

Have a great day!

 

[TheReader]

Good morning!

DH and I are both feeling a bit better about the plan now that we've had time to process. Thank you so much for the prayers. 

So, today....

...call the facility and set up the assessment
...remind DS19 he has his "set up a planner" workshop this morning
...finish the science homework with DS14 that we didn't do yesterday, and take him to class
...while he's in class, go by the quilt shop and show off the finished!! star quilt
...also while he's in class, go to Target and get shampoo, body soap, mac & cheese, coffee, brown sugar
....come home
...fold laundry, start laundry
....clean sewing room
...if there's still time, maybe clean out sock drawer
....or else, watch my recorded shows
....DS14 to youth group tonight
....eat dinner? watch TV? We have one final episode of "look away" to watch tonight once he gets home, if there is time

[TheReader]

21 minutes ago, TheReader said:

Good morning!

DH and I are both feeling a bit better about the plan now that we've had time to process. Thank you so much for the prayers. 

So, today....

...call the facility and set up the assessment
...remind DS19 he has his "set up a planner" workshop this morning
...finish the science homework with DS14 that we didn't do yesterday, and take him to class
...while he's in class, go by the quilt shop and show off the finished!! star quilt
...also while he's in class, go to Target and get shampoo, body soap, mac & cheese, coffee, brown sugar
....come home
...fold laundry, start laundry
....clean sewing room
...if there's still time, maybe clean out sock drawer
....or else, watch my recorded shows
....DS14 to youth group tonight
....eat dinner? watch TV? We have one final episode of "look away" to watch tonight once he gets home, if there is time

Oh, wow. Called. No appt needed (I could take him right now, but DH really wants to be there). Was not expecting that. It's 24/7, just show up, so maybe we take him tonight while DS14 is in youth group??? I don't know. It's a show up, be assessed, be admitted right then thing so......wow. 

Adding slippers, sweat pants, socks with grippy things to my shopping list b/c he can't have shoes with shoe laces there, and can't have belts or draw strings.  She didn't say if jeans are okay if they're w/o the belt, but maybe they just wouldn't be as comfy...? I don't know. 

I was not expecting to (maybe) have to do this *today*.

She is calling me back to see if we pay the whole deductible right then; she thinks we only pay a % of it up front, which would be a zillion times more manageable. I hope that is the case. 

[May]

Good morning everyone😊My mornings begin much earlier this week. We are hosting a group of young ladies from Concordia Mequon who are in town for the March of Life on Friday. 

Coffee

Feed group breakfast and put out snack and lunch supplies

Drop ladies off at church 

Clean kitchen 

More coffee with breakfast casserole

Nordic Track for exercise

Call for follow up doctor’s appointment. It’s official, I have eczema😢

Work out at gym

Food prep for tomorrow’s breakfast 

Make dinner

Relax

Pick up ladies from our church 

Bed
 

Edited January 22, 2020 by May

[TheReader]

46 minutes ago, TheReader said:

Oh, wow. Called. No appt needed (I could take him right now, but DH really wants to be there). Was not expecting that. It's 24/7, just show up, so maybe we take him tonight while DS14 is in youth group??? I don't know. It's a show up, be assessed, be admitted right then thing so......wow. 

Adding slippers, sweat pants, socks with grippy things to my shopping list b/c he can't have shoes with shoe laces there, and can't have belts or draw strings.  She didn't say if jeans are okay if they're w/o the belt, but maybe they just wouldn't be as comfy...? I don't know. 

I was not expecting to (maybe) have to do this *today*.

She is calling me back to see if we pay the whole deductible right then; she thinks we only pay a % of it up front, which would be a zillion times more manageable. I hope that is the case. 

okay, so, the way billing works, they estimate length of stay (she estimated 7 days for the quote just to walk me through; the doctor would actually be the one estimating) and we have to pay half of that up front (which is less than our deductible, thank goodness), and then at discharge they recalculate his actual length of stay/charges, and then we can set up a payment plan for the balance at that time. 

So that is much more reasonable/feasible. 

And yes, we are beyond grateful that we actually have pretty good coverage, honestly. I know that, and acknowledge it, and definitely we are beyond grateful for it. 

The process will take 2 to 3 hrs, so at some point I need to talk to DH and see if he wants to do this tonight or not, and if so, talk to a friend and see if she would mind picking up DS14 from youth group and us pick him up after we're done, if that's when we decide to take him in. (or maybe we drop DS off w/them early or something in hopes of us being done in time to get him after....). 

I don't know if DH will want to do it right now tonight or not, anyway, but....just trying to think. 

[Storygirl]

Reader, I know this must be so, so hard, but I'm glad that you now have a plan and know the next steps to take. i hope this place figures out some answers for you, and I'm glad that your son is willing to go. I'll keep your family in my prayers.

[MysteryJen]

Reader- praying for you and your family today. 

[Storygirl]

I mentioned on a previous day that I was taking my cat to the vet and didn't expect good news. That appointment was yesterday, and yes, the vet told me that euthanasia is an appropriate choice at any time and that it would be compassionate to do it sooner. She thinks that kitty is probably above a 5 on a 10 point pain scale, even though she still interacts with the family and purrs and seems happy to be cuddled. She says we will have to choose the time and that kitty won't die by herself at home. She has kidney disease, which we've known for 18 months, but now it is at end stage. Her kidneys are small and hard. She is restless often at home, wants to eat but doesn't eat much (also has a painful tooth), can't drink enough, has arthritis that makes her creaky, etc. She is wasting away and only weighs 4.7 pounds. 18 months ago, she was 6 lb.

We could wait a month or so, but I think we won't.

She is picky about her food, but we found something slightly different (same brand, same protein, but different texture) that she likes, so I was able to get her to eat just now. We have three little cans of that food, and I'm not sure that we should buy more.

I'm going to have another discussion with DH and the kids tonight, and I think we need to take her back to the vet at the end of the week. We just have to pick a day, and I might choose Saturday, so that the kids don't have to go to school after saying good-bye to her.

Edited January 22, 2020 by Storygirl

[Selkie]

13 minutes ago, Storygirl said:

I mentioned on a previous day that I was taking my cat to the vet and didn't expect good news. That appointment was yesterday, and yes, the vet told me that euthanasia is an appropriate choice at any time and that it would be compassionate to do it sooner. She thinks that kitty is probably above a 5 on a 10 point pain scale, even though she still interacts with the family and purrs and seems happy to be cuddled. She says we will have to choose the time and that kitty won't die by herself at home. She has kidney disease, which we've known for 18 months, but now it is at end stage. Her kidneys are small and hard. She is restless often at home, wants to eat but doesn't eat much (also has a painful tooth), can't drink enough, has arthritis that makes her creaky, etc. She is wasting away and only weighs 4.7 pounds. 18 months ago, she was 6 lb.

We could wait a month or so, but I think we won't.

She is picky about her food, but we found something slightly different (same brand, same protein, but different texture) that she likes, so I was able to get her to eat just now. We have three little cans of that food, and I'm not sure that we should buy more.

I'm going to have another discussion with DH and the kids tonight, and I think we need to take her back to the vet at the end of the week. We just have to pick a day, and I might choose Saturday, so that the kids don't have to go to school after saying good-bye to her.

I'm sorry. Making that decision is so agonizing, even when it is clearly the right thing. She is lucky to be so well loved!

[Selkie]

Thinking of you today, Reader! It's good that they can get him in right away, and I hope this will be a very positive step towards his recovery.

[TravelingChris]

Reader, really glad that things are looking up as to a plan of action, still praying

storygirl, I know how hard it is .  My dh watched his grandfather die of kidney disease and he told me to not wait too long because it is an incredibly painful death/  We had to make decisions with a few cats (and dogs too).  With cats it is harder to tell.  Just be very ready to do it immediately if cat stops eating. Cats hide their discomfort and pain so well.

[Jean in Newcastle]

Bathing 24/7 in stress hormones for the past year (and no end in sight) is doing a huge number on my body.  Don't really know what to do about it other than "just keep swimming".

human care is done

pet care is done

medical care is done

morning exercises done

did a deep breathing thing

[ScoutTN]

(((Reader))) I am glad that you have good care and good coverage available for your Ds. Praying for peace and health. 

(((Storygirl))) So sorry about your kitty. It's hard to lose a furry friend. 

[SKL]

Sending supportive thoughts to Reader and Storygirl.  Also to Jean re the stress hormones.

[SKL]

Happy Wednesday folks!  It feels like either a Tuesday or a Thursday, but whatever!

I'd like to say that last night with the scout badge work went well.  We cranked out about 5.5 badge requirements.  They didn't make a fuss.  Yes, they were silly and playing around, but it got done and was kinda fun.  Why can't it always be that way?

• Internet putzing in the wee hours.
• Overslept a bit before waking kids up.  But one kid was super motivated because I told her she could toboggan down the hill if she got out the door early.
• So many things to remember for the kids' school ... I remembered the instruments, music, cheer clothes, instructions re after school, packing the homework I had set aside to review.  However I forgot shoes for cheer practice, and so did my kid.  Oh well.
• It didn't help that business partner / housemate decided that "while I'm hurriedly making breakfast / before my coffee" was a great time to discuss a new business project she wants me to model.  Like how long have you known me?  At this point it is not my fault if I tell you off, LOL.
• Kids left well in advance of the school bus arriving ... that is rare!
• Took out the garbage.
• Cleaned out my car.
• Retrieved and processed the mail.
• Fed the bird.
• Processed the laundry in the dryer, put a small load into the washer (stuff I found in my car!).
• Got caught up on emails, news, social media, school stuff, and calendar.
• Had some back and forth with the pastor and another parent regarding youth / confirmation calendar.
• Washed the dishes & did some random cleaning.
• Did my TKD practice, yoga/other exercises, and a little walking.  3rd day of being good-ish!
• Working on 2nd cup of coffee.

To do:

• Clear small items from email inboxes.
• Shower/hair wash.
• Conference call, ugh!!
• Prioritize and do a bunch of client work.  Deadlines are looming again.
• 1 more load of laundry.
• Some reading.
• Kid2 to horse riding.
• Pick up both kids after their activities.  (Kid1 has math tutoring, cheer practice, and trumpet lesson.)
• Probably eat Chipotle.
• Check / help with homework.
• Oh crap ... I just remembered they have a grammar test tomorrow to study for ....  Plus a spelling test and memory work probably....
• Get some more AHG badge work done.  Mainly make a functional stretcher.   😛
• Get bags ready for tomorrow.
• Kids' showers / hair washes ... for some reason this takes for freaking ever these days.
• Whatever else gets done.

[wintermom]

@TheReader So glad there is not waiting, and that they staff are so helpful!  Hugs and prayers for your all through this tough time. 

[wintermom]

It's a sunny, relatively warm day. 

Done:

- coffee,

- solid breakfast,

- skiing with ds,

- shower

No solid plans for the rest of the day, but lots of things I could do. 😉

 

[Jean in Newcastle]

Washed, dried and put away dishes, knives and pans.

Wiped down the counters and microwave but can't do the stove until it cools off. 

[Storygirl]

Jean, I wanted to tell you that I'm impressed with all that you accomplish and how you "keep swimming" despite pain and stress. I know you said you started the Tackle threads to keep yourself motivated, but I hope you know how motivating the thread and you are for the rest of us. I personally tend to crumple instead of swim, and it's helpful to be inspired by others to carry on with the necessary things.

[Storygirl]

2 hours ago, TravelingChris said:

Reader, really glad that things are looking up as to a plan of action, still praying

storygirl, I know how hard it is .  My dh watched his grandfather die of kidney disease and he told me to not wait too long because it is an incredibly painful death/  We had to make decisions with a few cats (and dogs too).  With cats it is harder to tell.  Just be very ready to do it immediately if cat stops eating. Cats hide their discomfort and pain so well.

This is helpful, thank you. I was able to encourage her to eat the new food today, and then it occurred to me that eating is just creating another painful problem for her, because the vet could tell that she is not eliminating correctly and is very constipated, and that is not going to get better.

I catch myself looking at her, when she is curled up beside me and purring, and thinking that she deserves more days with us, but that's really not the compassionate choice. We just need to pick a day and time now that will let all of us have the chance to say good-bye.

For the first half of her life, before my dad became allergic to her, she belonged to my parents, so I called Dad yesterday to tell him (Mom is in a nursing home). He agreed that sooner is better.

She's almost 16. I've always had cats, except for when I was in college and a few years after, but she is my last one. I don't want another.  And she has been the best one. So, so sweet.

[SKL]

Finished the conference call.  Whew!  Man I hate them.  (I know you all know that.)  I wonder how much longer my lifespan would be if I didn't have conference calls.

Now I'm "patiently" waiting for my housemate to leave so I can have the house to myself, and do the laundry without anyone questioning whether it's a good enough use of my time.  😛

[Jean in Newcastle]

39 minutes ago, Storygirl said:

This is helpful, thank you. I was able to encourage her to eat the new food today, and then it occurred to me that eating is just creating another painful problem for her, because the vet could tell that she is not eliminating correctly and is very constipated, and that is not going to get better.

I catch myself looking at her, when she is curled up beside me and purring, and thinking that she deserves more days with us, but that's really not the compassionate choice. We just need to pick a day and time now that will let all of us have the chance to say good-bye.

For the first half of her life, before my dad became allergic to her, she belonged to my parents, so I called Dad yesterday to tell him (Mom is in a nursing home). He agreed that sooner is better.

She's almost 16. I've always had cats, except for when I was in college and a few years after, but she is my last one. I don't want another.  And she has been the best one. So, so sweet.

Storygirl, I am sorry for this crossroads with your kitty.  I understand how hard it is.  I just want to say though that cats are weird in that they can actually purr more when they are in pain.  I don't know why but just wanted to point out that purring doesn't always mean contentment. 

[Jean in Newcastle]

Load #1 (which was washed and dried the other day) folded and put away.

Load #2 washed and now in the dryer.

Load #3 in the washing machine. 

Wiped down the stovetop. 

[TheReader]

Okay. Home from DS14's class. I remembered to go by the quilt shop and show them my quilt. Splurged on a gazillion or so (or 14) fat quarters (quarter-yards of fabric cut as an 18x22 piece vs. a 9"x42" piece). Probably not super smart of me but I did have cash leftover to spend, so....? 

Went to target. Got slip-on shoes for DS22. Got the shampoo and body wash. Got  mac & cheese. Struck out on coffee. Forgot the brown sugar.  The place said jeans are fine w/o a belt, so skipped sweat pants, since I'd have trouble finding long enough, thin enough, non-drawstring-enough anyway. 

Did get DS14's science stuff done before his class. Forgot to text/call DS19 and remind him of his seminar/workshop thing, because that was during all of the calls back & forth to/from the facility. Argh! Luckily he had set a reminder alarm, and it worked, and he was early, the thing was productive, and he forgives me for not reminding him. We haven't yet told him of what's going on with his brother, so I didn't explain that I had a valid reason, even. So. 

Talked with DH a little (he is in a class all week at a customer's/client's, so via text). He wants to sit down with DS22 tonight while DS14 is at youth group, make sure he understands what all this entails, get things ready, and then pick a day and take him. So not sure we'll drop him off today or tomorrow or what, but....at least there is a plan. 

So. STill to do....

....fold the laundry
....start more laundry
....remembered I have to hand-stitch the bottom of the hanging sleeve onto the back of the quilt
....remembered I also have to trim the threads off the back of it
....call the place back and ask if the quote from earlier includes *everything* or if some of the things are additional charges, and if so, what things, and try to get a feel for what to anticipate there, so we are fully prepared and not going to be shocked with a (way) higher bill at the end 
....take DS to youth group, talk to other DS, etc. 

[TheReader]

@Storygirl, hugs to you; we had to put down a pet before (well, twice actually) and it's so very hard. ((((Hugs)))) to all of you as you prepare to say goodbye to your precious kitty. 

Jean, I just wanted to say I agree with everyone; you are an inspiration. (((hugs to you)))) as well. 

[Jean in Newcastle]

Load #2 folded and put away

Load #3 in the dryer.

Left a message for an appt. for myself.

Tried to call insurance again.  Very frustrated with this company.

Just remembered that I have a chiropractor appt. this afternoon.  Fortunately I have enough time to get there. 

[Selkie]

Went through 29 invoices (some of them long and complicated, blah) and got them paid. Also worked on taxes, insurance, & banking.

[TravelingChris]

3 hours ago, Storygirl said:

 

She's almost 16. I've always had cats, except for when I was in college and a few years after, but she is my last one. I don't want another.  And she has been the best one. So, so sweet.

My last cat who my middle convinced me to adopt and then my youngest decided was her cat will be moving next week.  I am incredibly sad that I have become allergic to cats.  I am hoping to either get my dog that I adopted back or get better enough to get another very small, little dog.  My dh thinks I should get a robot and I don;t know why I commented here since now I am crying.

[TravelingChris]

My list

• breakfast coffee, meds
• shower and some exercise
• Coumadin Clinic
• Work on figuring out what my password is
• Call Utility Company Call Sanitation dept tomorrow
• Call recycling alliance Maybe right a complaint letter to city rep
• laundry 
• tax stuff
• sign up for Learning Quest
• measure bp
• dinner prep or help  It is the  one I listed yesterday since dh decided we wanted to eat Greek Chicken Pitas (which we made together) due to us all watching the PBS show about the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta which was the first place that I made that recipe (for taking it to it)
• decide if I want to go to comedy show

Edited January 23, 2020 by TravelingChris

[SKL]

Well, this is the 3rd day I had to put on my handyman hat and fix stuff around the house.  I like being able to do that.  Luckily I actually made things better vs. breaking them even worse.  😛  Today it was the dryer filter.  It's been ripping clothes.  Very weird to find mysteriously torn clothes in the dryer.

Also, my last laundry load is in the dryer.  But I will probably do a couple small loads tomorrow to be completely caught up before the maids come.  I want to wash the shower curtains and hang the kids' new ones that they got for their birthdays.  (With polar bear / horse designs.)

The kids are at their activities, and I should be working.  So naturally I am looking for a distraction ....

[TheReader]

Folded *and* put away the load of laundry waiting. Made one kid put away his that has been in the laundry room for a while. Put jeans in the wash b/c my dh refuses to buy new pairs. He has gobs, but only apparently 2 or so that fit and are good for work. I scrounged up all of the dirty jeans in the house and have just over half a load. I told him to buy more jeans. He does not understand why this is a problem. 

Sewed the hanging sleeve down on the back of the quilt and made sure no threads popped through (some did), fixed that. Trimmed all the threads. Calculated the cost of this thing. Decided not to message the girl right now b/c she'll be very chatty. I will message her when I have time to chat. 

Heading to take DS to youth group, and then DH and I will discuss with oldest about the facility and all. 

[Jean in Newcastle]

chiropractor done

pharmacy done

took care of five business items.

replaced fluorescent light-bulbs in the kitchen.

[SKL]

We did the makeshift stretcher.  For some reason I found it beyond hilarious to be on a stretcher that my kids were trying to carry.  I almost died laughing.  Such fun!

Also finished their homework and showers.  Signed some school papers etc.  Texted back and forth about a work/personal matter.  Finished processing the last load of laundry.

I got the first Zoo Crew recommendation back from my kid's past science teacher.  It was not sealed, so we read it.  It was very kind!  I was not sure what to expect, as my kid can be a bit of a pill at times!  I am sure that reading the nice comments was encouraging for her.

I have been spending nice quality time with my kids this week ... but my work is suffering.  I need to improve my focus!

[TravelingChris]

13 hours ago, Jean in Newcastle said:

chiropractor done

pharmacy done

took care of five business items.

replaced fluorescent light-bulbs in the kitchen.

Did yo replace them with LED???  If not, you really should,  it would help your health and also save you money in the long term and help the environment too since fluorescent lights are hazaedous waste.

[Jean in Newcastle]

1 hour ago, TravelingChris said:

Did yo replace them with LED???  If not, you really should,  it would help your health and also save you money in the long term and help the environment too since fluorescent lights are hazaedous waste.

We have been trying unsuccessfully to save up money to remodel our kitchen- including the lights- for 20 years. (Not all appliances work, we have the wonky lights in a wonky  ceiling , half of my cabinet doors have literally fallen off in my hands and much more). A remodel was slated for spring. But now the basement flooded...  We will just have to see. 
 

(The state of the kitchen ceiling is such that the entire ceiling needs to be removed, rewired etc. - so not just a simple light exchange.).