Our poodle had two little girls on August 8th 2011.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Quick Medical Post
Medical news-
I had some blood work done which revealed that my vitamin D levels were a third of what they should be, rising Cholesterol, and a taxed/fatty liver. So I'm taking vitamin D and fish oil to help out with two of those three issues.
For the liver it was decided to cut back on the Celebrex and replace the Norcos. I'm now on a more liver friendly Methadone. Methadone is of course the medicine used to wean people off of heroin, but apparently before it was used for that it was a pain medicine. The doctor made a point of telling me that JFK took Methadone for his back.
The advantages of Methadone are less stress on the liver, the medication is longer lasting, and pill doesn't mess you up as much as Norco and some other drugs. The first disadvantage of the drug is of course the image that the name alone conjures. When you say your on Methadone most people will immediately leap to heroin abuse. The other downside to Methadone is the time it takes to start working. Methadone works by building up in your system over a period of time. It takes anywhere from 2 to 7 days of use before enough builds up in your body to actually start relieving pain.
In other medical news, I've been going to the Rose Center to work on my dizziness/vertigo issue. They've identified that I have an inner ear problem that causes problems when I turn my head to the right. As your walking or really doing much of anything, you tend to unconsciously scan to the right and left. The more actively I do this the bigger the problem, at least in theory. Via computer tests and vision/balance exercises the problems has been reduced some, mostly. The frequent and brief episodes have been greatly reduced, but lately I've been having more severe episodes every few days. So this is a work in progress.
In other news-
Joelle (poodle) had two pups on Monday August 8th, 2011. So far they are doing very well, and we took them to have their dew claws and tails clipped yesterday. Unfortunately both are girls and the other lady isn't sure she wants a female. So we may be selling a female toy poodle in the next few weeks, and then trying again next time Joelle goes into labor. I'll try to post some pics of them latter, right now Joelle really doesn't want them out of her sight.
School-
Doing my second marketing class. Interestingly we are using an international textbook that makes a lot of references to pop culture and trends in Britain. Actually pretty interesting.
Games, help Helps
Need a game to play with peeps until Swtor launches. Doing a trial of DAoC and Darkfall, but thinking of maybe slinking back to WoW with my tail between my legs.
I had some blood work done which revealed that my vitamin D levels were a third of what they should be, rising Cholesterol, and a taxed/fatty liver. So I'm taking vitamin D and fish oil to help out with two of those three issues.
For the liver it was decided to cut back on the Celebrex and replace the Norcos. I'm now on a more liver friendly Methadone. Methadone is of course the medicine used to wean people off of heroin, but apparently before it was used for that it was a pain medicine. The doctor made a point of telling me that JFK took Methadone for his back.
The advantages of Methadone are less stress on the liver, the medication is longer lasting, and pill doesn't mess you up as much as Norco and some other drugs. The first disadvantage of the drug is of course the image that the name alone conjures. When you say your on Methadone most people will immediately leap to heroin abuse. The other downside to Methadone is the time it takes to start working. Methadone works by building up in your system over a period of time. It takes anywhere from 2 to 7 days of use before enough builds up in your body to actually start relieving pain.
In other medical news, I've been going to the Rose Center to work on my dizziness/vertigo issue. They've identified that I have an inner ear problem that causes problems when I turn my head to the right. As your walking or really doing much of anything, you tend to unconsciously scan to the right and left. The more actively I do this the bigger the problem, at least in theory. Via computer tests and vision/balance exercises the problems has been reduced some, mostly. The frequent and brief episodes have been greatly reduced, but lately I've been having more severe episodes every few days. So this is a work in progress.
In other news-
Joelle (poodle) had two pups on Monday August 8th, 2011. So far they are doing very well, and we took them to have their dew claws and tails clipped yesterday. Unfortunately both are girls and the other lady isn't sure she wants a female. So we may be selling a female toy poodle in the next few weeks, and then trying again next time Joelle goes into labor. I'll try to post some pics of them latter, right now Joelle really doesn't want them out of her sight.
School-
Doing my second marketing class. Interestingly we are using an international textbook that makes a lot of references to pop culture and trends in Britain. Actually pretty interesting.
Games, help Helps
Need a game to play with peeps until Swtor launches. Doing a trial of DAoC and Darkfall, but thinking of maybe slinking back to WoW with my tail between my legs.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Short Post
I've made an appointment to try and get stronger pain medication. Right now I'm taking norcos and three other pills for pain, plus using lidocaine pain patches and it just isn't doing the job. I just want something until we're cleared to do.pain blockers or whatever the doctor decides.
Poodle still pregnant but it should be any day now.
Poodle still pregnant but it should be any day now.
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Saturday, July 30, 2011
Kind of fell off there, but back now
My excuse-
I've been busy with finishing up my first graduate marketing class, yelling at people, doctors, watching movies and playing through the xbox Captain America game. I just need one more paper for my class, due tomorrow night and then I'll have some free time to work on writing. I still have my rough idea but not much else, so I'm just going to start writing and see what comes out.
Movies I saw-
We saw the last Harry Potter movie after a long Harry Potter marathon the night before. While I've seen every movie, Scarlett hadn't seen any so she had to catch up. Watched the movie in 3d at Cinemark in Redding. The movie itself was fantastic, but I didn't care for the theatre itself. We had to sit through 15+ minutes of ABC comercials, then another 10+ minutes of movie previews before the movie finally started, the seats went too far back and there were some douches making farting noises during the movie. However the douches did end up coughing up $20 after Scarlett complained to them, so essentially we saw the movie for free. Still I highly recommend the movie (all of them) and I've added the first three books to my pile of books to read.
As a Captain America fan (he's right up there with Deadpool) I was extremely excited about the movie and the xbox game. Scarlett liked the movie and everyone else at the theatre seemed to enjoy it, but I was highly irritated with the changes they made to Cap's early adventures. I think if your a big Cap fan you have to go in with really low expectations, and just be glad to see the character on the big screen even if the story isn't adequate for such a great character. For non fans though the movie seems to be a great action movie that is going over very well. Perhaps this movie will bring some more people into the comic game and give marvel a good boost. The Cap game on the other hand is fantastic. The acrobatics, exploration and combat rival Batman Arkham Asylum. I highly recommend the game and Captain America comics.
Speaking of the Cap and comics-
The Captain America series is being relaunched after a series of events that forces Steve Rogers to once again assume the shield. Great jumping in point for new fans. If you don't have a local comic shop you can go to mycomicshop.com to order comics, set up subscriptions and big on comic related auctions.
Health update-
If the pain doctor isn't able to do something soon, I may have to move up to stronger pain medication. The current medication just isn't doing the job and I'm already at a borderline dangerous level in terms of my liver's ability to handle things. I saw another doctor for my dizziness and she did some computer tests that revealed that I do have an inner ear problem that is creating problems when I turn my head too quickly. I've been given some exercises to do to rebuild my ability to function normally.
Poodle Watch-
This morning we were able to feel the baby(s) kicking, should only be about another week until birth. Joelle (poodle) seems rather unhappy and sort of waddles about. Hoping for two pups so we don't have to put her through another pregnancy.
Star Wars the Old Republic pre-orders-
Went ahead and ordered the $150 collector's edition. Also joined a sith guild called Wraith of the Sith'ari. Maybe some Star Wars fan fiction to come? Possibly.
I've been busy with finishing up my first graduate marketing class, yelling at people, doctors, watching movies and playing through the xbox Captain America game. I just need one more paper for my class, due tomorrow night and then I'll have some free time to work on writing. I still have my rough idea but not much else, so I'm just going to start writing and see what comes out.
Movies I saw-
We saw the last Harry Potter movie after a long Harry Potter marathon the night before. While I've seen every movie, Scarlett hadn't seen any so she had to catch up. Watched the movie in 3d at Cinemark in Redding. The movie itself was fantastic, but I didn't care for the theatre itself. We had to sit through 15+ minutes of ABC comercials, then another 10+ minutes of movie previews before the movie finally started, the seats went too far back and there were some douches making farting noises during the movie. However the douches did end up coughing up $20 after Scarlett complained to them, so essentially we saw the movie for free. Still I highly recommend the movie (all of them) and I've added the first three books to my pile of books to read.
As a Captain America fan (he's right up there with Deadpool) I was extremely excited about the movie and the xbox game. Scarlett liked the movie and everyone else at the theatre seemed to enjoy it, but I was highly irritated with the changes they made to Cap's early adventures. I think if your a big Cap fan you have to go in with really low expectations, and just be glad to see the character on the big screen even if the story isn't adequate for such a great character. For non fans though the movie seems to be a great action movie that is going over very well. Perhaps this movie will bring some more people into the comic game and give marvel a good boost. The Cap game on the other hand is fantastic. The acrobatics, exploration and combat rival Batman Arkham Asylum. I highly recommend the game and Captain America comics.
Speaking of the Cap and comics-
The Captain America series is being relaunched after a series of events that forces Steve Rogers to once again assume the shield. Great jumping in point for new fans. If you don't have a local comic shop you can go to mycomicshop.com to order comics, set up subscriptions and big on comic related auctions.
Health update-
If the pain doctor isn't able to do something soon, I may have to move up to stronger pain medication. The current medication just isn't doing the job and I'm already at a borderline dangerous level in terms of my liver's ability to handle things. I saw another doctor for my dizziness and she did some computer tests that revealed that I do have an inner ear problem that is creating problems when I turn my head too quickly. I've been given some exercises to do to rebuild my ability to function normally.
Poodle Watch-
This morning we were able to feel the baby(s) kicking, should only be about another week until birth. Joelle (poodle) seems rather unhappy and sort of waddles about. Hoping for two pups so we don't have to put her through another pregnancy.
Star Wars the Old Republic pre-orders-
Went ahead and ordered the $150 collector's edition. Also joined a sith guild called Wraith of the Sith'ari. Maybe some Star Wars fan fiction to come? Possibly.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Another sleepless night
-Medical stuff-
Found out tonight that kidney problems that result in frequent peeing and lighted headedness runs in the family. Not sure if that could relate to my "vertigo" issues but I'll bring it up with the doctor tomorrow. Near certain that I'm going to request some more time before returning to work. The dizziness still returns off and on though not as bad, but my back pain in getting ridiculous.
-Other stuff-
Didn't do much today, couldn't sleep the night before so I wasn't really up for doing much. Eventually was able to get a couple hours of sleep but woke up feeling a bit off. Did some reading and played some Warhammer 40k: Kill Team; very good game. Love the recent rise in popularity that the 40k universe has received. Between the recent animated movie, the novels and the upcoming game I'm a bit giddy to see Space Marines, Orks and Chaos come to live. Hoping for another animated movie. Captain America game is on the way in the mail and I'm going to spend some time reading Cap books in anticipation of a weekend devoted to the movie and the game. Also cautiously interested in the "announcements" regarding Swtor that are supposed to come out this Thursday. I don't have much faith in the game, but still look forward to immersing myself in the sith storyline for at least the free month.
-Poodle watch-
Our pregnant poodle is fattening up and should be having a pup/s between 7/28 and 8/9. Hoping for at least two pups.
-Writing-
I actually came up with the beginnings of something I want to write tonight while sitting here not able to sleep. So far I have a character and some bits about the culture/environment he lives in.
Found out tonight that kidney problems that result in frequent peeing and lighted headedness runs in the family. Not sure if that could relate to my "vertigo" issues but I'll bring it up with the doctor tomorrow. Near certain that I'm going to request some more time before returning to work. The dizziness still returns off and on though not as bad, but my back pain in getting ridiculous.
-Other stuff-
Didn't do much today, couldn't sleep the night before so I wasn't really up for doing much. Eventually was able to get a couple hours of sleep but woke up feeling a bit off. Did some reading and played some Warhammer 40k: Kill Team; very good game. Love the recent rise in popularity that the 40k universe has received. Between the recent animated movie, the novels and the upcoming game I'm a bit giddy to see Space Marines, Orks and Chaos come to live. Hoping for another animated movie. Captain America game is on the way in the mail and I'm going to spend some time reading Cap books in anticipation of a weekend devoted to the movie and the game. Also cautiously interested in the "announcements" regarding Swtor that are supposed to come out this Thursday. I don't have much faith in the game, but still look forward to immersing myself in the sith storyline for at least the free month.
-Poodle watch-
Our pregnant poodle is fattening up and should be having a pup/s between 7/28 and 8/9. Hoping for at least two pups.
-Writing-
I actually came up with the beginnings of something I want to write tonight while sitting here not able to sleep. So far I have a character and some bits about the culture/environment he lives in.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Day one, or Sticking to the Plan
-Medical stuff-
Uneventful day. Still feeling the dizziness on and off which is troubling since the plan was for me to return to work in just a few more days. I think I'm going to request a few more days off in hopes that things clear up a bit more before getting behind the wheel and trying to drive to work. Also concerned that back pain is now constant and at times near debilitating. I've been spending much of my time doped up just so I can function, but still sleep is an issue. Tough to sleep when your in pain. Hopefully in the next month we can get things cleared up and move on to more aggressive pain management. At my last appointment with the doctor I was told that the pain doctor would probably have to move onto pain blockers.
-Other stuff-
Got some reading and homework done today but not much else. Started reading a book on writing and getting a book published and letting some stuff slowly take form in my mind, but other than this post I didn't get much writing done.
Uneventful day. Still feeling the dizziness on and off which is troubling since the plan was for me to return to work in just a few more days. I think I'm going to request a few more days off in hopes that things clear up a bit more before getting behind the wheel and trying to drive to work. Also concerned that back pain is now constant and at times near debilitating. I've been spending much of my time doped up just so I can function, but still sleep is an issue. Tough to sleep when your in pain. Hopefully in the next month we can get things cleared up and move on to more aggressive pain management. At my last appointment with the doctor I was told that the pain doctor would probably have to move onto pain blockers.
-Other stuff-
Got some reading and homework done today but not much else. Started reading a book on writing and getting a book published and letting some stuff slowly take form in my mind, but other than this post I didn't get much writing done.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Where have I been?
I could say that I've been busy with work and school which is true, but not the real reason for the long silence. Truth is I just don't have the drive to come here and post, plus I'm lazy. I've been very undecided on what I wanted to do with this blog but I'm starting to get an idea of what I want.
One-
There will be a certain element of autobiography. I will make posts regarding things going on in my life, things I want, and things I think about. May also make the occasional lazy review but those will likely be far and few between.
Two-
A certain element of certainty exists in my life right now. It has long been my dream to be a writer, but I've also had it beaten into my head that writing is an uncertain profession and may not pay the bills. Thus I made the compromise to attain an education related to business so I could have a day job, and then when I was set up I could then indulge in writing in my spare time. However with the medical things going on in my life right now, I'm not certain if I'll be able to work in the near future, or at least not be able to work for a time.
What medical stuff?
I've suffered from back pain since my junior year of high school. The pain wasn't bad at the time but an x-ray did reveal some possible osteoarthritis in my back. Thirteen years later, end of '09 early '10, the pain suddenly got worse. Since then the pain has gradually gotten worse to the point where I'm unable to work some days, and every day I'm in constant pain. I've seen at least a half dozen doctors in the last year and a half, done physical therapy twice, had multiple tests, tried all sorts of muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatorys/etc, and saw a chiropractor for two and a half months.
So whats the damage?
A couple discs in my back are wearing away, two discs being pushed out and into my spinal cord, mild scoliosis and at least one pinched nerve. Additionally I'm also developing carpal tunnel in both wrists. July first of this year (2011) I suffered an episode of vertigo, accelerated heart rate and vomiting. This led to a visit to the emergency room and a new round of tests for this new problem. Sixteen days latter I'm still suffering from vertigo off and on and my back pain seems to be getting more persistent. I've been off of work since the first and I'm due to return around the nineteenth but I'm not sure if I can drive to work with the vertigo. With this problem and the back pain that is beginning to turn me into a cripple I'm not real confident how much longer I'll be able to hold a job.
Time for plan B?
What is plan B exactly? The original plan was to take the safe route get a normal job then do the writing thing as a second job of sorts. However that plan is now in danger of being derailed. So I'm going to bring the writing pursuit up to the front burner just in case I find myself unable to work.
I hope to use this blog to keep me focused on the writing. I'll brain storm here, post some rough writing and talk about the process and how its going. My goal is to post at least three times a week, though if I'm not working then I should be posting more often.
So in short this blog will be used to keep me focused and responsible for pursuing my writing dream.
One-
There will be a certain element of autobiography. I will make posts regarding things going on in my life, things I want, and things I think about. May also make the occasional lazy review but those will likely be far and few between.
Two-
A certain element of certainty exists in my life right now. It has long been my dream to be a writer, but I've also had it beaten into my head that writing is an uncertain profession and may not pay the bills. Thus I made the compromise to attain an education related to business so I could have a day job, and then when I was set up I could then indulge in writing in my spare time. However with the medical things going on in my life right now, I'm not certain if I'll be able to work in the near future, or at least not be able to work for a time.
What medical stuff?
I've suffered from back pain since my junior year of high school. The pain wasn't bad at the time but an x-ray did reveal some possible osteoarthritis in my back. Thirteen years later, end of '09 early '10, the pain suddenly got worse. Since then the pain has gradually gotten worse to the point where I'm unable to work some days, and every day I'm in constant pain. I've seen at least a half dozen doctors in the last year and a half, done physical therapy twice, had multiple tests, tried all sorts of muscle relaxers/anti-inflammatorys/etc, and saw a chiropractor for two and a half months.
So whats the damage?
A couple discs in my back are wearing away, two discs being pushed out and into my spinal cord, mild scoliosis and at least one pinched nerve. Additionally I'm also developing carpal tunnel in both wrists. July first of this year (2011) I suffered an episode of vertigo, accelerated heart rate and vomiting. This led to a visit to the emergency room and a new round of tests for this new problem. Sixteen days latter I'm still suffering from vertigo off and on and my back pain seems to be getting more persistent. I've been off of work since the first and I'm due to return around the nineteenth but I'm not sure if I can drive to work with the vertigo. With this problem and the back pain that is beginning to turn me into a cripple I'm not real confident how much longer I'll be able to hold a job.
Time for plan B?
What is plan B exactly? The original plan was to take the safe route get a normal job then do the writing thing as a second job of sorts. However that plan is now in danger of being derailed. So I'm going to bring the writing pursuit up to the front burner just in case I find myself unable to work.
I hope to use this blog to keep me focused on the writing. I'll brain storm here, post some rough writing and talk about the process and how its going. My goal is to post at least three times a week, though if I'm not working then I should be posting more often.
So in short this blog will be used to keep me focused and responsible for pursuing my writing dream.
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