Still Aching

My back is still bothering me. I'm almost done with the pain pills, still have a few more days of the muscle relaxers, but the pain is down to a constant dull ache. It's still uncomfortable to sit in a chair for more than 10 minutes or so, but I'm doing it as often as I can.

Thank you for all your good thoughts and well-wishes. I'll keep you updated on my progress.

Back Update

I went to the doctor today. She gave me more muscle relaxers and a prescription for pain pills (analgesic + acetominophen). She also suggested I got to physical therapy for 12 sessions to start strengthening my back muscles.

Back to the couch I go.

I'm A Dork

I strained my back again yesterday. The only comfortable place is lying on the couch. Not sure if I'm going to work tomorrow. I started taking some Ibuprofen last night, so far it doesn't seem to be helping. I may have to call the doctor if it's not any better tomorrow. As soon as I can sit at the computer for more than five minutes at a time, I'll be back.

No Fainting or Passing Out Is Allowed!

*Sets down a bunch of pillows to cushion everyone's landing*

No, I'm not just getting back from California. I've been back, but I was held hostage became addicted to a game on Facebook. Mafia Wars has had my attention ever since I got home, and I have been sitting at the computer for hours, literally until my butt hurts, waiting for more energy to do jobs, looking for people who need help with jobs to earn me mega bucks. Can you say sleep-deprived???

I finally started seriously working to get caught up on the blogs, and finally accomplished that this morning about 12:30am. Pitiful, I know.

I have SO many pictures from my trip. NOT! Seriously, I took my camera, I took LOTS of batteries, and every single day I would forget my camera. I only had it out on the FIRST day of my vacation. Extremely pitiful. I admit it.


This was at Cabrillo National Monument, while we were waiting for my sister's flight to arrive. There are tidepools there, but it was high tide, so we just stood and watched the surf come in on the rocks. Still a pretty sight!


Up by the visitors Center, where the monument actually is, I had this beautiful view of the San Diego Harbor. That sky, and the clear air was typical of just about every day I was there. I had bright sunshine every day except Friday. The sandy portion center right of the picture is the Naval Station on Coronado Island, I believe.


Here's my Aunt Val and me, in front of the visitor center's sign.


My sister Sue and Aunt Val also in front of the visitor center sign. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to walk up to see the lighthouse. We had just enough time (not really) to go back to the airport to pick up my other sister, Janet.

Janet's flight was early (I love Southwest!) and we sorta got mis-directed coming out of Cabrillo, so it took us a few minutes longer to get there. But it was all good. We went and had lunch then back to Sue's house to relax and pester her poor hubby. He was so outnumbered for a few days, lol.

My aunt and I stayed in a hotel a couple miles away, Janet stayed at Sue's house, and my other sister Diane stayed at another motel with her dogs. Yes, she brought her dogs. She won't go anywhere without them.

Sunday was my birthday and we hooked up with Diane in Carlsbad, walked along the boardwalk, spent time getting caught up on things, just enjoying the ocean breeze and the great company. For lunch they took me to the Beach House restaurant.

Monday, both Diane, and my Aunt Val had to head back home. That left me with Sue and Janet for a couple days. That afternoon we went to Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas. Apparently they've recently renovated it, and it showed. We took a leisurely stroll on all the paths, marveling at the beautiful flowers, bushes and trees from around California and the world.

Tuesday, Janet and I got out of Sue's hair for a bit so she could do laundry and pay bills. We took a drive to Del Mar looking for a place to eat lunch. Nothing tickled our fancy, so we headed North on 101, past Cardiff By The Sea, through Solana Beach, still nothing. Continuing North, we entered Encinitas, and decided we best park and start looking for a place on foot. We ended up at some bar & grill, with awesome burgers, and the best dessert ever! A grasshopper. Two chocolate chocolate chip cookies with a HUGE scoop of mint chip ice cream in between. I was in heaven.

We were so full afterwards, we headed towards the ocean. We were lucky enough to go down the one street that ends at stairs down to the beach. Walking on sandy beaches is a good way to work off all that extra food. As we headed South along the beach, the tide was obviously coming in, and at one point we were both up on some rocks to keep from getting our shoes wet. Then we had to scamper around part of the cliff before the tide came back in. Just when we were wondering if would have to turn around and go back, we came to another set of stairs taking us up to the road. We were back at the edge of Encinitas, having walked a mile, easily. On the way back through town to the car, we passed the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens. Sue had suggested that as a place to go and see the Koi ponds. It was very beautiful and peaceful. I would love to go back and just relax my brain for a few hours. Sue got a lot accomplished while we were gone and was glad we enjoyed our day together. I've never spent any one-on-one time with Janet, ever. What a special day for me.

Wednesday Janet was heading home, but it was an early evening flight, so we still had time to take in more sights. We drove over to Coronado Island and walked around the Hotel Del Coronado. What a beautiful hotel! As we were standing in the lobby, I could picture couples from the late 1800's and early 1900's coming down the wide staircase, dressed to the nines for dinner. We drove around the island, past the gate for the Naval Base, got turned around a few times, and finally found our lunch spot. Peohe's, right along the water. We could see downtown San Diego from there. The food was wonderful, the company was fantastic, perfect way to end Janet's trip to CA. We hugged tight at the airport, not wanting to part again. But we promised a family reunion soon.

Thursday/Friday Sue and I were planning on driving up to Grover Beach, near San Luis Obispo to visit our nephew Doug, his wife Margie, and their son Aaron. Because the drive was going to take at least 5-1/2 hours, and we didn't want to get stuck in LA during rush hour, we headed part way Wednesday night. A hotel room in Ventura to rest up, and we were all set! We left about 6:30pm, arrived in Ventura about 9:30pm, headed out about 9:30am, and arrived at my nephew's house around 11:30am. Just in time for lunch! They took us to a cute restaurant that was made from an old railroad car. More walking along the beach (can't get enough of that),


a ride around town on Doug's motorcycle with sidecar, dinner and relaxation. This is Sue going for a ride. I haven't got the picture from her of me in the sidecar, but it was a blast! He took me for a tour of Arroyo Grande, the next town over, where their kids go/went to school. Their oldest, Alycia, is off at college, and was very disappointed to not be there for the visit. Doug is an electrician, owns his own business, and keeps very busy through word-of-mouth only. He and his brother did the electrical work for a new gazebo at the park in Arroyo Grande. Everyone who donated their time to help get it set up was honored with a cement block in front of the gazebo. It proudly says "The Xxxxx Family" almost dead center in front. I'm so proud of him!

We stayed until about noon on Friday, hoping that we could miss a lot of the traffic going back to San Diego. We even detoured a little East, over to the I-15, but that didn't even work. Arriving home at 7pm, we were exhausted and hungry. And I still had to pack and get my boarding pass printed for my 1:30pm flight the next day.

Back in Chicago, I arrived safe but tired. I really enjoyed my trip, and boy do I wish I'd taken more pictures! We did get some ideas about places for a family reunion, tentatively set for sometime next summer.

I'll try not to let Mafia Wars abduct me again, because I know everyone was wondering if I'd ever blog again. Or maybe not. LOL

I'm Off!

I'm off to sunny southern California for some much needed rest and relaxation.

I'll see everyone in about a week!

I've Been Rated!

This Page is Rated

PG-13

makingsmallthoughtfulblogentries.blogspot.com/

Lets101 Quizzes - Blog Quizzes

According to the MPAA (edited for blogs):

A PG-13 rating is a sterner warning by the Rating Board to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should read it, as some material might not be suited for them. A PG-13 blog may go beyond the PG rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities or other elements, but does not reach the restricted R category.

The theme of the blog by itself will not result in a rating greater than PG-13, although depictions of activities related to a mature theme may result in a restricted rating for the blog. Any drug use will initially require at least a PG-13 rating (at least I'm not into that). More than brief nudity will require at least a PG-13 rating, but such nudity in a PG-13 rated blog generally will not be sexually oriented (yes it will). There may be depictions of violence in a PG-13 blog (only when there are squirrels involved), but generally not both realistic and extreme or persistent violence.

A blog’s single use of one of the harsher sexually-derived words, though only as an expletive (I do not cuss!), initially requires at least a PG-13 rating. More than one such expletive requires an R rating (again, I do not cuss!), as must even one of those words used in a sexual context. The Rating Board nevertheless may rate such a blog PG-13 if, based on a special vote by a two-thirds majority, the Raters feel that most American parents would believe that a PG-13 rating is appropriate because of the context or manner in which the words are used or because the use of those words in the blog is inconspicuous.

Well! Now that we have that all cleared up, those of you that are under 13, must stop reading right now!

Seriously.

Happy Earth Day!

So, is anyone doing anything special for Earth Day? I'm going to do my part by exhaling lots of CO2.

Gift From Jeannie

Ok, none of these photos are very good, but it seems every spot of light in my apartment isn't condusive to picture taking. I flipped my mouse pad over to give some contrast to the envelope and cards, but if it's not focusing well, that doesn't make much difference. I had to turn the flash off, because it was washing out the image so you couldn't see anything. You can't really tell in this picture of the envelope, but the sticker says "Good Mail From Jeannie" and it has an embossed Love stamp on the flap. What a cute personal touch!

(Told ya, the pictures suck!) This is the card I won, it says Bubble Queen in the top right corner, and the ribbons says Celebrate together fun happy laugh friends giggle. The bubbles are all sparkly and I'm totally jealous of that bath. I wish my bubble baths were that nice! And of course, don't forget the pink flower in the top left corner, matching color to the Bubble Queen lettering.

Inside the card was the Bath & Body Works card I also won. Free Signature Collection travel-size item of your choice and save 20% on your entire purchase. Hmmmm, I can't wait to go perusing the store for something to buy!

Thank you so much Jeannie! I know it took me a bit to get this done, but I would never forget you and your generosity! You're the best!!!!!!!

A Belated Award Entry

Thank you IntenseGuy for awarding me this very special and original award. No, I do not have sexy ankles, but I get good pictures of them. Here is Iggy's post with all the winners.

When I'm back out in the land of warm weather and bare skin the end of the month, I'll look for some more sexy ankles to photograph. Thank you again for considering my picture award-worthy.

The Coat Hanger

A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her small daughter was very sick with a fever. She left work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car and found she had locked her keys in the car. She didn't know what to do, so she called home and told the babysitter what had happened.

The babysitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door."

The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked their keys in their car. She looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this."

She bowed her head and asked God to send her help. Within five minutes a beat up old motorcycle pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.

The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful.

The man got off his cycle and asked if he could help. She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"

He said, "Sure." He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute, the car was opened.

She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank you so much! You are a very nice man."

The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft, and have only been out for about an hour."

The woman hugged the man again, and with sobbin tears cried out loud,

"Oh thank you God! You even sent me a professional!"

Weekend Wordle

It's Wordle time! Go here for instructions, and then link back to Last Shreds of Sanity to let her know you're playing along.

I tried really hard to not have worm be the biggest word, but after numerous attempts to re-do it, it was always huge. So I gave up. You'll just have to deal.

You've Got To Hear This!

Susan Boyle Sings on Britain's Got Talent 2009 Episode 1 @ Yahoo! Video

Four Worms And A Lesson

A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon.

Four worms were placed into four separate jars.

The first worm was put into a container of alcohol.

The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke.

The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup.

The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil.

At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results:

The first worm in alcohol - DEAD.

The second worm in cigarette smoke - DEAD.

The third worm in chocolate syrup - DEAD.

The fourth worm in good clean soil - ALIVE.

The Minister asked the congregation:

"What did you learn from this demonstration?"


Maxine, sitting in the back, quickly raised her hand and said, "As long as you drink, smoke, and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!"

Tough Choice

Amy Poehler heard about IntenseGuy's love of squirrels, and his tough decision whether to wear a squirrel thong or stick with traditional briefs. After taking the above picture for TV Guide, she sent me the following:

It arrived with a card that says, "I heard you were interested in these things, so I took the squirrel that I posed with for TV Guide (and a few of his friends) and whipped one up for you. I hope that it meets with your approval! Thanks for being a fan, and I hope you watch my new show 'Parks and Recreation'. Much love, Amy Poehler."

If the squirrel mankini is too warm for you this summer, I'm sure she'll make up a thong for you if you ask nicely.

Happy Easter!

I'm going out to brunch with my aunt and her sister. I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Weekend Wordle

It's Wordle time! Go here for instructions, and then link back to Last Shreds of Sanity to let her know you're playing along. This week I chose the conversation between myself, LadyStyx and IntenseGuy about the various types of underwear.

Spring Is Definitely Here!

Last night was the first game of the season for the Chicago Cubs. They scored early and held off the Houston Astros to win 4-2.



Way to start the season Cubbies! Following are the lyrics and a YouTube video to a classic song all Cubs fans know, "A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request" by Steve Goodman.

By the shore's of old Lake Michigan
Where the "hawk wind" blows so cold
An old Cub fan lay dying
In his midnight hour that tolled
Round his bed, his friends had all gathered
They knew his time was short
And on his head they put this bright blue cap
From his all-time favorite sport
He told them, "It's late and its getting dark in here"
And I know its time to go
But before I leave the line-up
Boys, there's just one thing I'd like to know

Do they still play the blues in Chicago
When baseball season rolls around
When the snow melts away,
Do the Cubbies still play
In their ivy-covered burial ground
When I was a boy they were my pride and joy
But now they only bring fatigue
To the home of the brave
The land of the free
And the doormat of the National League

Told his friends "You know the law of averages says:
Anything will happen that can
"That's what it says"
But the last time the Cubs won a National League pennant
Was the year we dropped the bomb on Japan
"The Cubs made me a criminal
Sent me down a wayward path
They stole my youth from me
(that's the truth)
I'd forsake my teachers
To go sit in the bleachers
In flagrant truancy

And then one thing led to another
and soon I'd discovered alcohol, gambling, dope
football, hockey, lacrosse, tennis
But what do you expect,
When you raise up a young boy's hopes
And then just crush 'em like so many paper beer cups.

Year after year after year
after year, after year, after year, after year, after year
'Til those hopes are just so much popcorn
for the pigeons beneath the 'L' tracks to eat
He said, "You know I'll never see Wrigley Field, anymore before my eternal rest
So if you have your pencils and your score cards ready,
and I'll read you my last request
He said, "Give me a double header funeral in Wrigley Field
On some sunny weekend day (no lights)
Have the organ play the "National Anthem"
and then a little 'na, na, na, na, hey hey, hey, Goodbye'
Make six bullpen pitchers, carry my coffin
and six ground keepers clear my path
Have the umpires bark me out at every base
In all their holy wrath
Its a beautiful day for a funeral, Hey Ernie lets play two!
Somebody go get Jack Brickhouse to come back,
and conduct just one more interview
Have the Cubbies run right out into the middle of the field,
Have Keith Moreland drop a routine fly
Give everybody two bags of peanuts and a frosty malt
And I'll be ready to die.

Build a big fire on home plate out of your Louisville Sluggers baseball bats,
And toss my coffin in
Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow
From the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind
When my last remains go flying over the left-field wall
Will bid the bleacher bums adieu
And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue.

The dying man's friends told him to cut it out
They said stop it that's an awful shame
He whispered, "Don't Cry, we'll meet by and by near the Heavenly Hall of Fame
He said, "I've got season's tickets to watch the Angels now,
So its just what I'm going to do
He said, "but you the living, you're stuck here with the Cubs,
So it's me that feels sorry for you!"

And he said, "Ahh Play, play that lonesome losers tune,
That's the one I like the best"
And he closed his eyes, and slipped away
What we got is the Dying Cub Fan's Last Request
And here it is

Do they still play the blues in Chicago
When baseball season rolls around
When the snow melts away,
Do the Cubbies still play
In their ivy-covered burial ground
When I was a boy they were my pride and joy
But now they only bring fatigue
To the home of the brave
The land of the free
And the doormat of the National League

Winter In Northern Illinois

We got snow this evening, about 2-3 inches from what I can tell. What happened to winter only lasting 6 more weeks? Where's Spring? I need Spring!!!!

It's winter in Northern Illinois

the gentle breezes blow,

70 miles per hour at 32 below!

Oh, how I love Illinois

when the snow's up to your butt;

You take a breath of winter air

and your nose is frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful,

I guess I'll hang around.

I could never leave Illinois

because I'm frozen to the ground.

Weekend Wordles

It's Wordle time! Go here for instructions, and then link back to Last Shreds of Sanity to let her know you're playing along. This week I chose the text about the wine advertisement I posted this week.

His Fault? Or Is It Her Fault?

Following is a page from today's Meijer ad. I just couldn't resist showing you the wine they are pimping this week.


His Fault White or Her Fault Red. I'm assuming the women would drink the white, because it's always his fault. That would leave the red to the men, who falsely believe it's her fault, even though it's never her fault. I would go and buy a bottle, but I currently have WAY too many bottles of wine already. Anyone want to come over and help me drink it?

Speaking of wine...

I was walking down the street when I was stopped by a particularly dirty and shabby looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple dollars for dinner.

I took out my wallet, got out $10.00 and asked, "If I give you this money, will you buy wine with it instead of dinner?"

"No, I had to stop drinking years ago," the homeless woman told me.

"Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?" I asked.

"No, I don't waste time shopping," the homeless woman said. "I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive."

"Will you spend this on beauty salon instead of food?" I asked.

"Are you NUTS?!?" replied the homeless woman. "I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!"

I said, "I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight."

The homeless woman was shocked. "Won't your husband be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting."

I said, "That's ok. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and wine."