Shout Out Sunday

This is a totally random Shout Out, because this particular person has not stopped by my blog, but I've got Christmas shopping on my mind (I'm almost finished!), therefore I did a little googling and came across a blog to help you with the holidays.

Check it out!

Suck-It Saturday

Guess what I got in the mail yesterday? $3600 in medical bills for my back (and that ain't all of them yet) that my insurance company says they won't pay.

A call to them is in order....I think I'm going to make hubby do it since he's off work on Monday. Otherwise, I'll be screaming my head off at my office, which is probably a bit inappropriate.

SUCK IT, INSURANCE COMPANY!!!!

Foto Friday

Merry Christmas to us, a bit early!

Theater Thursday - Get Smart

Get Smart

We had a free code for Redbox, and there were limited choices in what we'd want to see, so this was picked. I can't say this was a movie on my list of must-see's, but it was something to do for almost 2 hours. I laughed at a few parts. Not bad, but not great either.

I give this one *** !

Why couldn't he have just told me what to do?

As I've mentioned previously, I've got big problems with my back.

I visited with the neurosurgeon again today, to go over the results of the nerve test and discuss the next step.

Unfortunately, I've reached a fork in the road, and it's time to decide which path to take.

I've got 2 nerves that are not functioning correctly. I've got 3 options. One is to just continue living like this. Two is to try more meds or cortisone injections. Unfortunately, since the oral steroids and meds I've taken haven't offered much relief, he doesn't think I will benefit much from anything further. And my third option.....surgery.

He is very conservative in that he's not all about whipping out his planner and adding me to his surgery schedule. He said it's a decision I need to make, but that he thinks it is very reasonable for me to go ahead with the surgery.

I left there with the choice to pursue whichever option I'd like. And while I'm very thankful that he's not shoving surgery down my throat, I am freaked out to have to make this decision myself. It would have been so much easier for him to just tell me what to do.

Wishlist Wednesday

That, my friends, is the Snowball Blaster gun. My son saw it on TV, and he just must have it.

I actually did go to the store and was going to buy it. But it's quite large, and the snowballs are projected by a very strong piece of rubber, much like a slingshot mechanism. It was hard even for my husband to pull back, and we realized very quickly that all we'd hear was "I can't do this. Daddy, will you help me with this?"... So, we left the store empty handed.

I'm sure by the time Christmas morning rolls around, and he's buried under a pile of other presents, he'll forget all about this thing. Well, until the commercial comes on again.

Tasty Tuesday - Egg Nog French Toast

Egg Nog French Toast

INGREDIENTS:
3 eggs
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup egg nog
10 slices bread
butter
maple syrup

DIRECTIONS:
Whisk eggs lightly with a fork. Stir in sugar, salt and egg nog. Pour mixture into a shallow dish. Over medium-low heat, heat griddle or skillet coated with a thin layer of butter.

Dip one slice of bread at a time into the egg nog mixture, then carefully turn to coat the other side. Soak only as many slices as you will be cooking at one time.

Place bread slices onto griddle or skillet, heating slowly until bottom is golden brown. Turn and brown the other side. Serve immediately with butter & maple syrup.

(*I have not tried this yet, but trust me, I will be!*)

Goodbye, Steroids

I finished that 6 day round of steroids yesterday. By about the 10th or 11th pill (of 21), I actually felt a little better (this lasted until about pill 17). While I wasn't heading to the club to get my booty shaking and grinding on by any means, it was nice to feel a little less pain. Of course, there was still the numbness of my leg and foot going on, but, it's been that way for over a month and I'm beginning to just believe it will always be that way.

Friday I went in for the nerve test, which was supposedly not painful. And while it wasn't torture and most of the test was not painful, it was very unpleasant at one point where they poked me about knee level on my inner leg. It went quickly, and now I'm left wondering what the results say. I've got until Wednesday until I know what the heck is going on there.

And then Saturday, the entire back of my head, my neck, my shoulders and upper back are sore -- best way to describe it is that it is very tender if I touch anywhere there (this is still continuing). WTF is that all about?

So now I continue on with the naproxen. Of course I'm back to hurting and I've still got my gimpy leg and foot. It's been so long I don't even remember what it's like to feel normal. I forget how it is to put my socks on by myself (and in the rare event that I can manage to do this task on my own - it hurts like a mother f*&#@!). And it's very bizarre cutting toenails on a foot you can't entirely feel (and yes, even being able to get to them in the first place was quite the feat) -- so let's just say I cut too much, too low and then realized I had blood spilling out of my toe.

Needless to say, there hasn't been a big desire to be real chatty here, and I've once again sulked off to my hiding place and have stopped leaving comments for my bloggy friends. I do still try to pop in and keep up to date, but I know I'm being quiet. And I'm sorry. I hope I'll come around again soon.

Musical Monday - "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee

Obviously this is not an actual music video. This is my favorite Christmas tune (this exact version) and I have been trying to get my BFF's husband to do this song in his display.

Shout Out Sunday

Another new reader that dropped by! I LOVE new readers! Especially when they come by and compliment my blog, too!

So, with that, I give you this week's Shout Out, who actually is a native of the town where I work (and therefore, spend a whole lot of time in!). How small worldish is that?

Thanks for stopping by, Susan.....hope you visit more often!

Suck-It Saturday

Believe it or not, I'm actually having a bit of a time trying to find something to tell to Suck-It this week.

I thought about saying "Suck-it, Steroids" a few nights ago when I was hurting, and having hot flashes, and not sleeping well, and then I felt like I wanted to put my fist through a wall, or perhaps just get in my car and run away (in my pajamas). For a moment, I felt really friggin crazy. But I feel a little better now (pain-wise, slightly, and my head/personality feels a bit more normal).

I thought about saying "Suck-It, Things to Do" to the list of endless projects and chores, and things that need to be done (has anyone checked that December 1st is just around the corner?). But, what good is that going to do me? Part of the chores involve getting things done for my son's birthday party, as well as all the preparations for Christmas, and even though it's a busy time of year -- it is one of my favorite times of year.

So, maybe by next Saturday something will have truly pissed me off enough that I can tell it/him/her to SUCK-IT!!!!!

Foto Friday

Class of 1998, 10-year Reunion
September 2008

Theater Thursday - Hard Candy

Hard Candy

I love me some Patrick Wilson, and I was curious to see the popular Juno star in a previous film.

Never in a million years would I have predicted where this movie would go. Watch it, and prepare to be shocked!

I give this one **** !

Shout Outs & Steroids

I've got 2 more Sunday Shout Outs comin' up .... who wants to be one? Just comment .... I'm looking for a couple new snazzy bloggers.

And please tell me .... do steroids give you hot flashes? I woke up last night and my skin was damp. And then I had trouble getting back to sleep. I tossed and turned for a good 2 hours from 2:30am when I got up one of the many times to use the bathroom (that's what you get when you drink a bottle of water right before going to bed for the night -- but again, can you say thirsty?? Thanks, steroids.)

Wishlist Wednesday

About the only thing on my wishlist this year......

I made it through without having a panic attack

I made it to my doctor appointment yesterday, but maybe that's because I made my husband drive. Otherwise perhaps I would have spent the day at the mall. Or hiding in a corner sucking my thumb.

The neurosurgeon looked at my MRI films, poked me, stuck a vibrating tuning fork against me, and then tried to crack my body in half (or at least that's how it felt, and he did apologize). He wants to try treating this before having to think surgery, which is a-okay with me.

I'm now on methylprednisolone and once that is finished, I move on to naproxen.

I am also scheduled to have a SSEP, test done on my nerves, this Friday. I'll follow up with another appointment with him to talk about the results next Wednesday.

So, aside from hurting, my mind is okay. I made it through the appointment, and I'm taking it one step a time.

Of course, I'll probably be panicking again before Friday's test and then before my next visit. But for now - I am okay. (And I hope if I keep telling myself that, I can get through this .... no matter what the outcome is)

Tasty Tuesday - Crispy Butterscotch Cookies

Crispy Butterscotch Cookies

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup butterscotch chips

DIRECTIONS:
In large bowl, cream butter or margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat until well blended. Add flour, salt, and baking soda, mixing well. Stir in cereal and butterscotch chips.

Drop by heaping tablespoon onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove cookies to cool on racks.

(*I just recently tried this recipe for the first time as my brother & myself are big butterscotch nuts. He enjoyed them, but they are not my favorite of butterscotch cookies I've had. My mom, on the other hand, who does NOT like butterscotch, enjoyed these more than I did.*)

(Recipe from allrecipes.com**)

(**Notice a pattern? Yes, I really like that website)

Excuse me, while I freak the f*ck out

I'd be lying if I said I was cool as a cucumber about my appointment with the neurosurgeon.

While I am looking forward to knowing the plan of action to take care of my messed up back, I'm petrified of what that plan might be.

I'm actually writing this post Sunday evening, and will have it go live about the time I'll be heading to the neuro's office.

So, when you read this - can you please send some happy thoughts my way? I'd appreciate it.

Musical Monday - "I Love Rock and Roll" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Anytime this song comes on when I'm in the car, it's an automatic, "Turn it up til your eardrums bleed" kind of deal. Just love it!

Shout Out Sunday

This week's Shout Out is for a new reader of mine. She's stopped in and commented a few times. I don't know a whole lot about her yet, but I plan on learning more by visiting her blog and adding her into my blogroll.

So, go check her out, and thanks again for visiting, Michelle!

Suck-It Saturday

Why is it that some people expect the world to cater to them?
Especially those that need it the least?

If you've already gotten a reduced price because we felt you deserved it, then that's that. You can't negotiate it down further because you think you are entitled. Let me tell you this - you live in a MANSION for cripes sakes!

SUCK IT, RICH CHEAPSKATES!!!!

Foto Friday

So, this isn't exactly Foto Friday, moreso along the lines of Film Friday - but this is too good to pass up.

My BFF has recently contemplated what underwear would be appropriate to wear during some doctoring. She wondered .... do you let it all hang out and wear a thong? Or do you cover up with some granny panties?

During a recent shopping excursion with my mother, we found the perfect solution!

So, I did what any other good BFF would do. I tucked them into a small gift bag, wrote a little poem and presented the new gift.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Well, this video must be worth 1,000,000.

Theater Thursday - Reign Over Me

Reign Over Me

I am a huge Adam Sandler fan, so it's almost a guarantee that I will watch any movie he puts out.

He surprised me with Spanglish, and I really enjoyed him in this.

I give it ***** !

Wishlist Wednesday

While my kids have played with this and eyeballed it in the store, they have not asked for it. I probably wouldn't buy it for them, anyhow.

I just don't get it. A remote control dinosaur? Is this so it can burst into Barbieville or run rampant and terrorize Little People Main Street?

Maybe I just haven't looked closely enough at it since my kids haven't expressed much of an interest.

At any rate, it seems like it may be one of the big toys this season. I'll bet Santa will hear all about this one.....

The Things My Son Learned in 1st Grade

Not only is he learning how to add, subtract and write sentences, but he's also learning inappropriate hand gestures.

Imagine our surprise this past weekend when he sticks up his middle finger and tells us that he knows that means a bad word.

And then displays the tooth/thumb flick (I don't know how else to describe it) as well.

How did he learn this? From his 4th grade reading buddy. I don't expect him to never know what these things mean - and I certainly don't shield him from these things (I am known to have the mouth of a sailor at times) -- but c'mon! I'm not even sure I know the true meaning of the tooth/thumb flick!!!

Tasty Tuesday - Chili Dog Casserole

Chili Dog Casserole

INGREDIENTS:
2 (15 oz) cans chili with beans
1 (16 oz) package beef hotdogs (or your favorite weiner)
10 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 (8 oz) package Cheddar cheese, shredded (or your favorite cheese variety)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425.

Spread 1 can of chili and beans in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Roll up franks inside tortillas and place in baking dish, seam side down, on top of chili and bean 'bed'. Top with remaining can of chili and beans, and sprinkle with cheese.

Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake for 30 minutes.

(*Simple, fast, and my kids LOVED it!*)

(Recipe from allrecipes.com)

Musical Monday - "No Rain" by Blind Melon

I enjoyed this one quite a bit in junior high.

Shout Out Sunday

Just this past week, I was bouncing from blog to blog through cyberspace, and I found a post about NKOTB. As I was reading through the comments, I noticed one from someone with a strangely familiar name.

I clicked to head to her blog, and imagine my surprise when I find it's an old online friend from years ago. With the millions of blogs out there, and I find hers.

Go check it out! Fun times!!!

And if you'd like to be my next Sunday Shout Out, leave a comment and let me know something witty about yourself.

Suck-It Saturday

Remember how I mentioned that I needed an MRI done? Because my back has been causing me all sorts of drama?

Well, I finally know what is wrong with me. And I've held back on posting it until now, because Suck-It Saturday is perfect.

I've got 4 -- yes, count them ... one, two, three, FOUR -- screwed up discs. We're talking bulging/herniated and generally fucked up. My back is a disaster. You'd think I was 80 years old. And I fear the day when I'm that old. Or even when I'm 50 for that matter.

So I was instructed to see an orthopedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. I am now booked to see an neurosurgeon on the 17th of this month.

Lord help me, I hope I can manage that long. If the numbness moves any farther up my leg, I'll need a wheelbarrow to pull along that side of my body.

(...Just 9 more days, just 9 more days...)

SUCK IT BACK PROBLEMS!!!!!

Foto Friday

An impromptu lunch with fellow bloggers....

Theater Thursday - Little Children

Little Children

I heard about the book first, and made a mental note to read it. I still haven't picked up a copy to read, however, I did see the movie and truly loved it. One of these days, I will read the book!

I give the movie ***** !

Wishlist Wednesday

Christmas is just around the corner, folks.

I know .... crazy, isn't it?

So, I figured I'd put something out there that my kids are wishing for, or maybe I am. Or, perhaps it's just something that I think will be hot this holiday season.



My daughter found this at the store, and immediately fell in love. I mentally added it to my list, and remembered to check Amazon later on to see their price.

Imagine my surprise when it was listed at only $7-something! I quickly added it to my cart, and had my first official Christmas present for the season. The price is back up to 'normal' now, but I love shopping online here and always look for the deals to qualify for free shipping, too.

I always knew I'd win an award for my weirdness

Thanks to bloggy-buddy, Melisa, for awarding my weirdness. As I read her list of 7 weird things about herself, I nodded in agreement and exclaimed

"I don't like my food touching on my plate either", and

"HEY! People in mascot/character costumes freak me out, too!"

(Seriously, even fun ones like Chip & Dale and Mickey Mouse in Disney World heeb me out .... I think it's because I can't tell where the person's eyes are .... and it makes me uneasy)

So, 7 odd things .....

1. Today, November 4th, 2008 I voted in my very first Presidential Election. Maybe not totally weird - but I'm proud for putting myself out there and rockin' the vote!



2. I generally start my Christmas shopping well before November or Black Friday. Sometimes I have gifts put away as early as spring.

3. I like pickle juice. I have been known to take a swig from the pickle jar.

4. In junior high & high school, my friend & I were stalked by a Ghost that we named Harry.

5. I don't know how to tie my shoes any other way that using the "bunny ears" method.

6. I have recently become addicted to juice boxes and Capri Suns. (Really, I'm trying to kick my Diet Coke fascination - that stuff is horrible, seriously...)

7. I never liked the color pink until my daughter was born. Now it's my favorite color.

And so now I hereby pass the weird award to and tag for the meme:

Melissa
Jenni
Lisa
Sassy Lisa
Candace
Jess
Sage

Amaze me with your weirdness, girls (and guy!)!!!

Tasty Tuesday - Burrito Pie

Burrito Pie

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 (2 oz) can black olives, sliced
1 (4 oz) can diced green chili peppers
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
1 (16 oz) jar taco sauce
2 (16 oz) cans refried beans
12 (8 inch) flour tortillas
9 oz shredded Colby cheese (or your favorite cheese variety)


DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the ground beef for 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, and saute for 5 more minutes. Drain any excess fat, if desired. Mix in the olives, green chile peppers, tomatoes with green chile peppers, taco sauce and refried beans. Stir mixture thoroughly, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture in the bottom of a 4 quart casserole dish. Cover with a layer of tortillas followed by more meat mixture, then a layer of cheese. Repeat tortilla, meat, cheese pattern until all the tortillas are used, topping off with a layer of meat mixture and cheese.

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until cheese is slightly brown and bubbly.

(*This was delicious and went over well with the family.*)

(Photo & recipe found at allrecipes.com)

Musical Monday - "Grown Man" by NKOTB

It's not an official video (there isn't one yet) - but it's one of my favorites off the new album.

And you should SEE the dance moves that go along with this song in concert.

All I can say is these guys make me tingle and leave me damp.

Shout Out Sunday

Alright - my Shout Out this week is for a pretty cool lady.

She lives locally to me, she's got two awesome boys, and best of all, she's a Cubs fan, too! I have yet to meet her in person, but hopefully someday!

So, what are you waiting for? Go check her out!