The Longest Three Days

Seriously.

This has been the longest 3-day work week since...since...I don't know when it was this long, but dang, I am ready for it to be done!

Coming back from Christmas with my family, I realized that I, for the first time in my life, do not have the luxurious cushion of a week or more vacation surrounding the holidays. As I shot off out of Two Harbors Christmas day, it occurred to me that I may miss that leisure time more than the summer break people often credit as "teacher's favorite".

On top of the time being short, the weather sucked. I got stranded (well, I stopped myself, so not really) in Hinckley due to weather on the way up. It took me an hour and a half to drive 40 miles from Forest Lake to Hinckley - ridiculous! I got a room at the Days Inn and waiting out the blowing snowing mess. And the drive home on Tuesday wasn't much better; ugh, I hate sloppy crap on the roads! By the time I reached Cambridge/North Branch, the freeway was a crawling mess, and I took back roads the rest of the way home.

And the finale, I was sick on Christmas. I'm still trying to figure out how, but I ended up throwing up all that I ate on Christmas Eve. Which really sucks because that is like the best meal I eat all year, man! Mom's cookies, Bob's guacamole, various grazing items, YUM! Yeah, not so much. About two hours after dinner, I started getting that "feeling" you get when things are going to make a second appearance. Ew. My niece was very interested in Auntie Di sitting on the bathroom rug; she thought we were playing some new game, I think! At least she had a good holiday!!

So happy holidays, yada yada yada. I'm looking forward to this week being over, not being sick, and NOT doing a lot of driving around. Happy New Year - to me! And to you!

(Wo)Man on the Run...

Aaaaahhhh!! Things are crazy - where to start?? I'm all over the map, so to speak:

Vegas
Well, I went to Vegas for 4 days last week - haven't been there in about 5 years, so pretty much all the things that used to be there for me to use as landmarks are now g-o-n-e! I went out with my friend Joy, who was attending an educator's conference and had no one to go with her. Being the awesome friend I am, I said, "Sure, I'll stay for free at Treasure Island!" And so we did.

Good times, including playing keno (and losing abominably), drinking too much, window shopping at all the fabulous stores, and general lazing about were the order of the week. Joy & I hit up the restaurants that looked yummy, and relaxed. You know how you can stay home for a few days, but not really relax? Well, going away like this forced me to - it was awesome!

Joy & I had fun, even though our flight home was late by 3 hours. We bought some cards at the airport gift shop and amused ourselves with games and beer. The flight home wasn't too shabby, if I do say so myself! The buzz may have had a little to do with it, but frankly, after the long wait, I probably didn't have much of one left...just giddiness, as I normally am a bit giddy.

Duluth
During my time in Vegas, my brother Nathan called to tell me Grandma Dugas was in ICU in Duluth. Seems she'd developed some fluid around her heart & lungs as a side effect of her lymphoma treatment. Whoa - lymphoma. That was a bit of a shocker - I mean, over Thanksgiving, she'd told me she'd had a scan and that there were some questionable spots, but I didn't realize the cancer was back. Anyway, they got the fluid off her organs, she's much more comfy and started chemo this week. I was a bit frantic for 24 hours while they weren't sure what was going on, but I shouldn't have been - she's a tough bird, my Grandma! I'm looking forward to seeing her over the holidays.

Minneapolis
Back in the Cities, right before I left for Vegas, the heater blower on my car stopped working. I basically drove around in refrigerator for 3 days before I could get it into the shop! It took $450 to get a new motor and resistor, but I now have heat...woo-hoo!! Of course, all this occurred right before I flew out...perfect timing as always.

My boy is still sick, but FINALLY went to the doctor. It took him actually getting told by his mom to go to the doctor to force him into making an appointment. Meanwhile, he's in a big shakedown/job change hoopla at work that has him stressed out - very crappy. I'm stressed on his behalf, which doesn't help since I'm packed at work this week and next....people need the financial counseling just as much around the holidays as any other time, I guess!

Anyways, that's what is going on with me. I'm all over the place - but what else is new? Cheers!

When Boys Are Sick...

I've discovered that there are a few very common reactions when one is sick. Both have legitimacy in my eyes, but really, must others be punished by a sick person's weak immune system? Sigh...

Reaction one to being sick is to hermit oneself away from the world - the I-just-want-to-be-alone-in-my-misery approach. This is fine; why share your illness? Why try to make witty banter with those around you if you don't feel up to it? Why force your germs out into the world, when the world does not accept nor want them? Closet yourself away, recuperate, and emerge victorious and energetic when you can.

Reaction two is the "sick and proud of it" approach - the can-I-have-all-your-attention-and-whine-all-day-for-days-on-end method. Now, this has its place as well, because as people pay attention to us and take care of us, we feel loved and cherished. Some would even say this caretaking lends itself to quicker healing.

All I know is, when I'm trying to sleep and someone is hacking their lungs out next to me, I don't see how my presence is helping anyone. It certainly isn't helping Hacky Hackerson over there; he just keeps coughing. It very definitely doesn't improve my life; I'm exhausted and depleted the next morning, and I'm not even the sick one.

And why is it, when boys are sick, they almost always adopt reaction #2? Do they revert to an instinctual need for motherly care? I'm all about helping someone out if I can, but my being exhausted and cranky doesn't seem to have any benefits, as far as I can tell. Other than making me look sweet (which I can be, but not when I'm tired), I don't see the upside here.

So, all you boys, you're on notice - make your own doctor appointments. Get your own cough remedies. And for God's sake, when we choose to sleep in the other room for the night, don't get the hangdog, sad puppy look on your face. We still love you...just not your cough.

Surprise, Geb!!

So a little over a month ago, my friend's husband left me a very covert, 007-esque message on my voicemail. "We're surprising Geb for her birthday," he said. "Pass it on." Or something to that effect.



Lo and behold, the party was a success, with my friend Geb completely unaware of what was going on until the big moment. Her husband, Paul (now VERY high on my list of friends' significant others) convinced Geb that he had his own office party to attend, and that she needed to come with as his boss would be there. This "party" was the week prior to Geb's birthday, so I doubt she was even thinking Paul might have something up his sleeve.



The guests arrived at the Loon Cafe by 5:00; Paul & Geb closer to 6:00. The look on Geb's face (see photo) was worth all the hiding, sneaking, and planning - priceless! In addition, Geb's sister Rachel flew in from Montana, which no one knew to expect...except their parents, who were in on it.


Surprises and fun abounded; Geb turns 30 this Sunday, but the celebration has already begun! Happy Birthday to my dear, dear friend - I love you, no matter how old we get!!