11/4 Gratitude: I Graduated!

...at least that's what Jimmy called it!

I've been getting weekly allergy shots for the past year. It's made a big difference. I resisted the idea of getting allergy shots for so many years but so glad I did. I still have allergies, but nothing compared to what I was suffering with before.

I'll still have to go in to get shots, but just every other week now!!

the 4 A's

I've been a terrible blogger! I've never gone 2 whole weeks without blogging before. I wish i had great excuses, but i don't. However, as per my usual m.o., I'm leaving for a trip tomorrow, so whenever I'm busiest is when I sit down to write a post. But this will certainly have to be a quickie. I'll be at the airport to Phoenix in less than 10 hours and I haven't even started packing yet. Again, my usual m.o.

So, you may ask yourself, what has she been doing that she hasn't blogged in 2 weeks? Actually, nothing. I think i blog more when i have lots going on. Which is why i'm blogging now.

Ok, so what I've really been doing is going to miscellaneous doctor appointments. Nothing exciting or worrisome whatsoever. But I think when you turn 40...or 41 in my case, you finally realize that all those small ailments that have been barely a nuisance in your 30s or even back in your 20s, aren't going away and really just are making life not quite as simple as it should be. What in the world is she talking about?

Apnea
Ok, so I did a sleep study. It's official, I have the Apnea. I know I've had it all my life, but with age and...eh hem...additional (sigh!) weight gain, it's gotten more bothersome. No official word yet, that'll take another week or so, but they unofficially said they'll give me that CPAP machine. I remember as a kid waking up because I had stopped breathing in my sleep. And I remember the embarrassment I went through in college every time I had to explain to my roommates about my loud snoring. It's still one of my most embarrassing traits and i usually cringe whenever I have tell a friend who I'm traveling with. So! Why not post it on my blog for anyone in the world to read!

Allergies and Asthma
Also, finally seeing a doctor who specializes in allergies and asthma. The good thing is, I'm not allergic to any food except soy beans. Actually, I almost wish I were allergic to certain foods, like...say...ice cream and chocolate? How 'bout butter and sugar? That might give me the push i need to not indulge. LOL, actually knowing me, I'd probably find something else equally bad to replace any allergic fuds. I am allergic to grasses, weeds, trees...no big surprise there. Have you had an allergy test before? They prick your back with 111 pins, many of which you may be allergic to,leave you for 15-20 minutes and tell you not to scratch. Hilarious.

So today, the day before a trip, my to do list looked like this:
-check in for flight
-Call dixie at resort
-get sinus CT and chest x-ray
-get blood work done
-lunch (yummy gyro!)
-target
-trader joes
-michaels
-clean coffee table (which is usually piled 3 feet high of crafting supplies) so living room is decent for Jimmy while I'm away
-finish making the CE Autograph books
-find all supplies for trip
-dinner (sloppy joes!)
-make sure Jimmy's set for food for the long weekend
-pack pack pack

Arizona
Why would i go to Phoenix in August? When I've claimed oh-so-many times how much I hate the desert and hate the excessive heat? Well, see...there's this crafting retreat happening this weekend...it's called Creative Escape, and I'm going with my friend Doris and a few other friends are going, too, that we'll meet up with when we get there.

I am beyond excited! It's being held at a cool resort and 10 different well-known artists of the industry are teaching a variety of classes during the long weekend.

I'm sure I'll be so jazzed about the fun classes I took that I'll share all the details when I get home.

photo of Treasure Island Light House from our SF Bay boat ride last month.
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My planets are out of whack

I'm usually not one to air out my grievances usually because when one thing bad happens a good happens and it all balances out. And it's not that things really went wrong, but things didn't quite go right. It really felt like I was just a step behind or a step too far forward and not on track. Is something going on with the cosmos that I'm not aware of? Perhaps I should read my horoscope. Anyhoo...let the venting commence:

Part 1.
I had my weekly hand therapy appointment at 1pm. Arrive on time, 5 mins early in fact, check in, all seems good. Till 10 mins go by, the receptionist tells me "Margaret doesn't have you for an appointment today. In fact, she's out of the office."
I say "Oh really? Is today Wednesday?" Because granted, I get confused on my days and it very well could have been Tuesday and oops, my bad.
He says "Yes. Lemme look you up...your last name is West, right?"
Me: "No. Retzlaff. R-e-t-z-l-a-f-f"
Him: "W-e-s-t..."
Me: "R.e.t.z..."
Him" "R-e-s-t..."
Me even slower "R.E.T.Z.L.A.F.F"
I'll spare you...took him 3 more tries.

He says: "Looks like you canceled your appointment."
I say: "Uh no. I definitely did not cancel my appointment."
He says "Yes. You rescheduled with Susan for this morning at 10:30."
Me: "No...I would have been here at 10:30 then."
He calls another receptionist to help.
She says " Looks like Margaret canceled your appointment and switched it to 10:30 this morning with Susan. Didn't she call you?"
Me: "nnnnoo."
Blah Blah Blah more back and forth. She apologizes profusely, can't explain why Margaret didn't call. Asks if I can come back at 2:30 to see susan.
Yes. So i have lunch. Go back and see Susan. I've decided to see Susan from now on instead of Margaret.

Part 2.
While I was at lunch, I was seated and for more than 10 minutes, no one helped me. I saw a waitress chitterchattering about Hawaii w/ some customers at a nearby table. Not sure she was mine, but I did try to make eye contact just so I could let anyone know that I was ready to place my order. I finally get the eye of random waiter and he helps me. Lunch was fine, not really a big deal, but I was on a schedule, had to get back for my hand therapy. And really, I think chatting w/ your customers is great, but don't do it at the expense of your other customers. But I have a question for ya'll...what is your suggestion on tipping? I gave her a 12% tip, I know how hard it is to work in the food service and times are tough. I was tossing between leaving nothing, to 8%-10%. The 12% just ended up being a round number. I had hoped the bill would be under the other waiter's tab, but it was under hers.

Part 3.
On my way home, decided I really really needed a haircut. I go to my salon, the one where I've been going for over 10 years, seeing the same stylist. I knew it was a long shot to get a walk-in appointment. So I was not disappointed when I couldn't get my hair cut. But it turns out that my stylist will be out for a few months "to have baby." I'm so excited for her, I know she's been trying.
But for 10 years, no one else has cut my hair. I don't even know where to look for another stylist till she comes back. I decided to drive around till I found another salon that had time for a walk-in. 2 hours later, I finally find myself back at home, no haircut. Everywhere I went and called, no availabilities. Oh well. But the good thing is I think I found a nice salon less than a mile from my house that will do till Lynn comes back. I'll make an appointment for next week, after we get back from Chicago.

Part 4.
The trash people didn't pick up our trash today.

BUT the good that came about:
-Hand therapy felt better than it ever has. I had no idea my thumb was suppose to have the range of motion is has now. Plus they did the paraffin wax thingy on both hands...awesomeness. And I got a new splint that hopefully will work better.
-lucky to be able to eat good food.
-stylist having a baby.
-found good salon that's near home. Till Lynn comes back. I'm pretty loyal to her.
-weather in the high 60s low 70s.
-planning for tomorrow's trip.


We all need days like these to remind us how blessed we are when everything seems to go so smoothly. But I'd appreciate it if my planets would realign before I get on that plane tomorrow afternoon. Thank you.
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Lazy Days of Summer

Check it out! This cool website, Yearbook Yourself, takes your photo and takes you back in time.

I can't believe it's been a week since I've posted. I haven't been out of town or busy. The complete opposite, actually. I went to the foot doctor and I don't have to wear that godawful cast anymore but still have to wear a brace for a month. I can walk about 20-30 minutes at a time, about a mile or so. But...um...remember that 5k I mentioned several weeks ago? It's this weekend. Unfortunately, I won't be able to do it, but I'm still going to cheer on Danielle's sister, who I was suppose to do it with. Anyhoo, I'm a lot more mobile than the week before, but still a tiny bit gimpy.
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We're "This Many"

When Danielle came to visit a few weeks ago with her daughter, she would tell everyone that she was "this many" and hold up 3 fingers. So, on the way to my birthday lunch, the 4 of us: me, Danielle, Jimmy and TG, were in the car together and I told everyone to hold up all of their fingers and that was "how many" I was. TG thought that was so funny, that was A LOT of fingers to be!
We had a great time in S. California celebrating Danielle's 40th. The weather cooperated and cooled off nicely after the sun set. She had a fun band, the most delicious birthday cake, and I saw a couple of friends from high school that I haven't seen since TG's baby shower.

On another note, I went to the foot doctor the morning we left. He took an xray that showed something suspicious between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal, and after getting a CATscan, it turns out that I have torn several ligaments and have very bad sprain. I have to wear a removable cast for the next few weeks. But now my foot hurts more than it did, in places that never hurt before. Which doesn't make me want to wear it. And since it's removable, it's easy to talk myself into taking it off. But everyone around me makes sure that I wear it. I suck at self-discipline. It all comes back to my lack of fortitude.

Despite hobbling around S. California for 2 days, we had a good time. We spent Saturday morning and afternoon with Lauree, Jimmy's sister, her husband Jim, and Eric, Jimmy's brother.
On the way home, we had dinner in Solvang.Solvang is a cute little town that was settled by a group of Danish educators in 1911. It was the first time Jimmy and I had gone to Solvang together. All the shops and bakeries were closed, but we found a little restaurant, and dined on Danish meatballs, sausage and red cabbage outside on their patio. I have to admit the atmosphere was far superior over the food, but it was great being in a part of California that we hadn't seen together.

Today, Sunday, we are relaxing at home. We intended on going to the hideaway, but with this gimpy leg of mine, I'm far to lazy to make another trip away from homebase. Not to mention that 2 1/2 more hours in the car, after 7 hours yesterday, doesn't sound very appealing. So the remaining of my Sunday will be spent either clicking a remote or clicking a mouse.

Home sweet home!
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My time on the lake, after the injury

Floating on an inner-tube! Not too shabby, huh?

My foot felt the best when I was in the water. No resistance, I guess. Its actually started feeling worse since we got home and daily tasks have kept me busy. How long are you suppose to ice? I thought it was just the first 24 hours. But i started icing again tonight and it feels slightly better.

Saw Mamma Mia today. Such a fun movie! Totally corny, but I loved it!
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updating

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Mine will be full of activities. Tomorrow morning, heading to the favorite scrapbook store for a chance at a 30 second shopping spree then going to Paper Source for their grand opening event. Sunday going to the parentals for dinner.

Wanted to give you an update on my attempt-to-better-health journey. I haven't blogged about it much but I'm almost down 2 sizes. My weight is evenly distributed - I'm not a pear, apple or cone shape. I fall more into the hourglass category. So even though I can't wear any of my 'big' pants anymore, I don't look like I've lost as much as the numbers indicate. This happened to me the last time, too. (7 years ago already). It wasn't noticeable for a long time till suddenly it was dramatic. Strangely enough, I'm really not telling anyone I know in the real world, except those few who read my blog. I think it's because the last time I was on this journey, it made some people uncomfortable. Like they couldn't eat in front of me or they had to change their way of eating or cooking when they were with me. It also made me uncomfortable whenever I would eat something that they deemed bad for me. I know how many points/calories I've eaten and how many I can afford for this meal or that snack. Trust me, I calculate everything to the 1/2 point. So if I'm eating a cookie, I know the caloric/point value of it and it's accounted for. I still eat ice cream (the low-cal kind) , chocolate and potato chips (always portioned out), Mexican and Hawaiian food. But I admit that I miss pizza.

On another note, since I admitted that I'm an aggressive driver, I've been driving a lot calmer lately. I really just like to get to wherever I'm going Now. So maybe I'm really more of a speed demon rather than aggressive. Because I always signal, I'll let people in if they signal and will move out of the way if someone wants to go even faster than I'm going. And I don't talk on my cell phone while I'm driving because I know that I can't possibly concentrate on driving fast, watching all the other cars around and hold a cell phone to my ear all at the same time. But what weighs on my conscience more is the gas issue. Since I drive an SUV, my gas mileage isn't ideal to start with. I try to get around 22mpg, but if I'm feeling a little lead footed, I'll only get around 19mpg. Yup, I need to slow down.

Those of you with blog readers have noticed that I've been updating my blog a bit. Just adding labels to past posts. That organizing thing I like to do. My apologies for any confusions. It'll probably happen a few more times till all of my old posts are properly labeled. Just as a little warning. :)

A Good Friday that Happens to be the 13th

Knock on wood (LOL), this superstitious day as gone without a hitch, so far. I did have one frustrating phone conversation with the bank, but otherwise, it was a good day. I went to my weight watchers meeting and surprisingly yet happily was successful at the scales. I admit that I was concerned about my frivolous weekend in Seattle, but I also bumped up my activities and didn't give in to every single indulgence. (Note to self: don't wait to eat till your starving then go to Jack-in-the-Box). Continued the afternoon with my weekly walk at Stanford with my girlfriend Eve, the warm sun behind our backs. Now enjoying the evening, planning on quality tv time and crafting.
Tulips for sale at Pikes Market.

Simple life

I haven't been up to a whole heck of a lot lately so haven't had much inspiration to write about anything. Pretty much, all I've been doing the past 2 weeks has been sneezing and trying to not rip my eyes out of their sockets. I think I may have gotten to the point where I want to see an allergist rather than just suffer through the whole spring season. Then again, I know myself well enough that I'll probably put off making an appointment so long that I won't be suffering as much anymore by then and I'll think, eh - the season's almost gone, I don't need no stinkin' medication.

I've also finally decided to take another step towards a healthier lifestyle and better eating habits. Seven years ago I joined weight watchers and I was successful with it. I never reached "goal" - a few chaotic life events, several family surgeries, work stress then finally quitting, figuring how to work at home, job instability on Jimmy's end and lots of other familiar life events we all deal with, stalled that last few pounds then ultimately the weight started creeping back on and I find myself almost where I started that July 2000. So a week and a half ago, I joined WW again, hoping to find the inspiration I had back then or at least get back in touch with the tools I need to take control of my bad eating habits. So far, so good! My very first day "back on program" was t.o.u.g.h. but the rest of the week went well and I'm still riding on that motivation train. I found out that I am a huge snack-a-holic but I'm finding treats that taste great and are workable with my plan. So far my very favorite snack is the Fiber One Chewy Bars. (I couldn't find a direct link to General Mills, this person's review sounded good to me though). I've tried the Oats and Chocolate, they are t.a.s.t.y and totally satisfy that sweet and chocolate craving. However, at 9 grams of fiber per bar, I wouldn't recommend eating more than one a day.

This is the artwork I had framed a few weeks ago. A couple of you asked about it, so here she is in all her glory. I'm so happy with how she turned out. I had this feeling of dread after I left it to get framed because I really wasn't sure about the matting (dark purple) and the very ornate frame. It's really hard to decide what will compliment someone else's artwork. Framing can make such a difference, and I didn't want to ruin her. She was made by Misty Mawn.

Not completely a slug

After reviewing my post about all the tv I've been watching, I have the compulsion to let you all know that I truly haven't been sitting in front of the evil box for the past 8 days. It was a pretty relaxing week and we're off to Las Vegas tomorrow, but I did get a few things done aside from brain pickling.

I made my first homemade pie (mixed berry) last Tuesday. Needs work, the crust was a little dry but at least it was flaky. Also made chicken and dumplings that night for dinner. It was cold and cloudy all day and fall certainly was in the air. Chicken and dumplings was nice, warm comfort food. I used lite Bisquick for the dumplings, so dinner was healthy...no added fat. We more than made up for it with the pie.

Had a complete physical. I'm the type of person who sticks her head in the sand when it comes to healthcare. Although I'm not looking forward to the results of the blood work (nervous about my cholesterol), hopefully it'll help kick me in the pants to make better food choices. I'm already trying to eat breakfast...yes, I know it's the most important meal of the day...but I've never been one to eat it regularly. Even just a slice of toast or OJ is torture to eat. Unless you're talking brunch with eggs and bacon and sausage and potatoes, then I can easily consume a whole plate full of cholesterol. I realize though, now that I'm in my mid to late 30's (!), health really is something you need to pay attention to. So I need to get my head out of the sand and just pay more attention.

Did some bookkeeping for the bizness. I've never talked about work on my blog. I've spilled open a lot except in area. Let's just say that Jimmy does the technical stuff, I do the grunt work but oh.so.very.important to keep the technical stuff running smoothly.

Went to Krung Thai for dinner with Phin then we went to a crop at our local scrapbook store from 7p-1a on Friday night. Completely lacking in creativity lately, I only did 1 scrapbook page in 6 hours. However, I did organize my totebag for about 2+ hours!!

Saturday, we went to our fav Mexican restaurant, La Morenita in Palo Alto, then to the Apple store to look at Macs. Just looking. Really. :-)

Woke up at 5:40am Sunday and met Phin in downtown San Jose before her race. She ran in the Inaugural San Jose Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon and I was there to cheer her on and take pictures. Even though I've only wogged a 5k once, I have so much more respect for runners. Those elite runners fly. The men's champion ran the 2nd fastest half on American soil. After her race, we had brunch at Stacks in Menlo Park. Feeling nostalgic for Hawaii, I tried their banana mac nut coconut pancakes, short stack. Definitely "broke da mouf", but not what my doctor had in mind when she recommended eating breakfast. But I ate less than half and brought the rest home to pick at later.

Went to dinner with Doris at Himawari in San Mateo. Delicious ramen house. (Phin, we need to find a ramen place near us). After dinner, we went to stamp club and learned how to make the awesome star book in my previous post. I've wanted to make one of these for years but never did so I was really looking forward to doing the project. We didn't have enough time to finish it during the meeting, so as soon as I came home, I had to finish it (while watching tv of course).

Got Jimmy's car smog checked and washed in prep for our trip to Vegas. We were suppose to leave today, but work and road closures delayed our journey by a day. Our original plans were to go to the cabin tonight then drive to Bishop tomorrow to visit Jimmy's cousin Andrew then drive to Vegas Thursday morning. But we've already had snow in the high country and the highway from the cabin to Bishop is already closed for the season. So instead, we'll drive though Bakersfield, Barstow and Baker en route to the Las Vegas Hockey Tournament, that starts Thursday night. (Melani: we'll be thinking of you and your man! It was so fun when you guys went with us!).

Hopefully, I'll be able to blog while we're there. In addition to the tournament and the artery clogging food we'll eat, we're going to Cirque du Soleil's newest show Love.

Waimea Canyon, dubbed by Mark Twain as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
I tore/pulled a calf muscle about 1/2 a hour before I took this photo. Felt like a rubberband being stretched then snapping and I almost passed out from the pain. The next day we had a "condo" day. The ohana went to the beach, I RICE'd my injury: Rested, Iced, Compressed, Elevated. Still aches a bit, almost 2 weeks later, but I can almost walk without a noticable limp. I'm optimistic that within another week or 2, it'll feel totally normal.