Game 2

GAME 2, Stanley Cup Finals

Detroit Red Wings
vs
Pittsburgh Penguins

8:00 PM

26 May 2008

national broadcast: VERSUS


GO Wings!!
Go MULE!!

Day 3 Post-op

Things are pretty much the same as yesterday. The right eye is still not as good as the left and I am still having problems adjusting to the new sight. My headache is from eye stress--I just am not resting as much as I should. It is so hard for me. My life is ALL about reading and always has been, so NOT reading just doesn't do it for me. My own fault. Another thing I will have to learn NOT to do is position my head as if I am using bifocals. While wearing glasses, I would hold my head higher so that I could look through the bottom of my glasses in order to see better. Well, I find myself doing that now and the only thing I'm getting out of it is a stiff neck! I gotta stop that. :) The health of my eyes is fine--no signs of infection, redness, or swelling. YIPPEE!! The rest will continue to improve with time.

Celebrate

Celebrations for this week:

25 May
National Tap Dance Day
Neighbor Day
Nerd Pride Day or Geek Pride Day
Towel Day

26 May
National Blueberry Cheesecake Day
MEMORIAL DAY (observed)

27 May
National Grape Popsicle Day

28 May
National Hamburger Day
Whale Day
Slugs Return From Capistrano Day

29 May
Escalator Patented

30 May
Hug Your Cat Day
Loomis Day

31 May
National Macaroon Day
Speak In Complete Sentences Day

Day 2 Post-op

Today I am seeing better out of my left eye than my right--I guess it really IS true about the fluctuations! Several strange things about this whole experience: I find myself trying to 'adjust' my glasses when I can't see something. I'm having a hard time remembering that no matter how much I want it to be so, putting something closer to my face will NOT make me see it better. And I am amazed at how much I actually do need the reading glasses.

About the adjusting my glasses: I was a big adjuster--whether I adjusted with my hand or by scrunching my nose, I did it all of the time. I think it was more a habit than a necessity, but it still is something I will have to quit. I'm sure I look absolutely ridiculous every time I put my hand to my face to move my glasses into position--and there are none there!

Being near-sighted for most of my life, it is so very hard for me to NOT bring something close to my face in order to see it better. I don't know how long it will take for me to quit doing this, but it is beginning to be annoying. After I realize I'm not seeing because something is close, I have to find my readers and THEN look at whatever it is I need to see. I'm hoping I will be able to see as well with the readers as I used to see up close. Time will tell.

I never realized I would need readers for as many things as I do. Of course I knew I would need them to read and write. I figured I would need them for sewing and beadwork and any other craft I would do. However, I never expected to need them for cleaning! If there happens to be a stain in the sink, for example, I need the readers in order to see to clean it--and make sure I did a good job. Unbelievable!

So far, other then eye-strain headaches, I haven't had any pain. Throughout the day my vision continues to fluctuate wildly. Sometimes I have very clear vision, sometimes it is a bit cloudy/hazy/blurry. I don't think I am having a dry eye problem, but I might. My far vision is quite good--I was able to watch the game tonight with no problem whatsoever. I am trying to be as patient as I possibly can be and keep telling myself this is NOT a quick process to get through. I'm still happy I had the surgery.

Detroit 4, Pittsburgh 0

Stanley Cup Finals

GAME 1, Stanley Cup Finals

Detroit Red Wings
vs
Pittsburgh Penguins

8:00 PM

24 May 2008

national broadcast: VERSUS


GO WINGS!!

About My LASIK

Here I am 24+ hours post-surgery, just trying to get used to things. It really is going to be interesting.

I watched a video--on YouTube--of someone's LASIK surgery and, frankly, if I would have seen it before having mine done, I probably would NOT have done it. Anyone thinking of the surgery, just do your research and DO NOT watch any video of the procedure!

I got to the surgical center yesterday and checked in. After the paperwork, I was brought into an exam room. A surgical cap was put on my head, a name tag was put on my chest, and stickers were placed over my eyes--the stickers had the letter 'D' on them so that the doc would remember to only correct for distance vision. (K was with me in the room and I forbade him to take a picture of me--besides, he doesn't know HOW to take pictures with my phone, so I guess I was safe.) The doctor came in and did a little exam and answered any questions--of which I had none. (I did all of my research ahead of time, so I didn't need to ask anything.) He also gave me some ibuprofen and an Ativan--which was to curb any anxiety on my part. (Actually, I wish they would have given me the drugs WAY earlier--I think it only helped me sleep afterwards and didn't do a thing for anxiety.) Then I was brought into the operating room.

I was put in the chair and it was tilted backwards to the point where my feet were higher than my head. Very weird. Then I was given a stuffed bear dressed in surgical scrubs--something for me to hold because the chair didn't have arms. (I think it was good to have something to hold on to--it was a white-knuckle ride all the way for me.)

The doctor taped my right eye closed and began on my left one. I remember a LOT of drops being put into my eye during the operation--AND a lot of mopping up of the liquid. I remember when he put the clamp onto my eyelids to keep my eye open. I know when he cut the flap on my cornea and when he flipped it back. I know when the laser zapped me. (The smell of burning hair is something I will always associate with the lasering of my cornea.) He put the flap back, took off the clamp--all the while wetting and drying the eye--and then he went on to the right eye. I know that he lasered my right cornea for 25 seconds, but I'm not sure how long he did the left one. I had an abrasion--loose epithelial layer--on my left eye, so to protect it even more, the doctor put on a bandage contact. I really didn't notice it. Contrary to what you might see on the 'extreme makeover' shows, I DIDN'T have immediate 20/20 vision. I WAS able to see the chart that was on the wall, but it was quite wavy and blurry and cloudy. I was then brought into another room, had the goggles put on me, was given my post-op instructions, and escorted out of the facility. From getting to the center to being settled into the back seat of the Jimmy was less than two hours. Amazing. I slept all of the way home.

So far, if I had to do it again I would. There was no pain--everything was just very strange. Even post-op, I haven't had any pain. My eyes have felt a little gritty and I have had a headache, but nothing more. (The headache is because I haven't rested today--my own fault.) I had an appointment with my local eye doc today and he said everything was healing wonderfully. The bandage contact was removed, so the sight is much better in the eye than it was. I am amazed at how well I am seeing--I drove myself to the appointment. That is something I NEVER would have dreamed of doing without my glasses! It seems as if my sight is improving constantly--the doc said it will probably take a month for full improvement and can take up to three months. I am learning how to wear reading glasses and had to go out and buy sunglasses. I will have a collection of reading glasses and sunglasses like no one has ever seen by the time I'm done--I am planning on adding to my collection OFTEN. I am using four different eyedrops and still have to sleep wearing the stupid goggles, but this too shall pass. I would rather go through this inconvenience now and have excellent results rather than NOT do it and have bad complications. I am really excited to see how well my vision will be a week from now.

I think that just about covers it. So far, so good--and I hope it continues that way.

Post Surgery

The surgery went well--I guess. :) I still am experiencing haziness, which is to be expected, and reading isn't all it should be--I WILL need reading glasses. To say the whole thing was an experience is putting it mildly--MUCH different than what I expected. I should post an in depth report later. Now I need to get to sleep--the eyes feel SO much better when I rest them. DUH!!!

Where In The world Is CMK?

Tonight I'm sitting in a hotel room in Green Bay, WI. I am having my LASIK surgery tomorrow afternoon, so we decided to come into town tonight already. Works for me--I got to eat a wonderful meal, drink one too many stingers, and sleep all alone in a queen sized bed! Who wouldn't like this?

Driving around Green Bay, I am absolutely amazed at everything painted green and yellow. (Okay, maybe they consider it gold.) Of course, those are the Packer colors. I don't believe there is another city with a pro-sports team that is like Green Bay. EVERYTHING is Packers here. I can just about guarantee that you wouldn't have to move too many blocks from Joe Louis Arena in Detroit to see the colors red and white diminish immensely. They sure do love their Packers here.

I got to see Lambeau field today--I have seen it before, but I thought I would mention it anyway. This is where the Packers play. yippee. I suppose Packer-backers would be thrilled to see it--probably the way I would feel if I got to see 'the Joe.' Lambeau field is situated right up against a residential area. From what I am told, people who live there have a hard time finding parking whenever the Packers are playing. I also have been told that some locals even rent out parking spaces on their property on game days. Hey, you do what you have to, I guess.

K and I always download a copy of the Packers schedule when it comes out. We put game days on our calendars. We do this so that we make sure and stay the hell away from Wisconsin on those days! Some people wind up having to get rooms just over the border in Michigan for the games because you can't get anything closer to Green Bay. We are talking 50 miles or more away. Unbelievable.

So, other than driving around and looking at Packer colors, and then getting tipsy during dinner, I have done very little today. I just want this all to be over. And in less than 24 hours, it will be. I will post an update as soon as I am able.

Western Conference Champs

The Wings did it tonight--they won the Western Conference and are now in the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in six years. I am a happy woman! They are four games away from winning the Cup.

The next round will be very difficult--they will be fighting the refs as well as the Penguins. I see the series as being called very much in favor of the Pens--after all, you can't hurt golden boy Crosby's feelings by penalizing his team too many times! Saturday will begin the finals--guess where I will be!


--Detroit Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood (30) and Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco (35) greet each other after Game 6 of the NHL Western Conference hockey finals, Monday, May 19, 2008 in Dallas. Detroit won, 4-1. (AP Photo/LM Otero)--

The Party

I figure I should just write about the party first. It will take me time to sort out my feelings about the rest of the weekend. :)

Surprisingly, C managed to get to the party on time. The last time she was early for ANYTHING was her birth--she was three weeks early.

The 'room' where the party was held was the eating area off of a cafeteria in one of the university buildings. While it turned out to be more than what we actually needed, it was nice that people were able to spread out if they wanted. And it gave C some privacy when she had to nurse the baby. We only put a little bit of crepe paper and balloons up in the way of decorating. Nothing more was actually needed. The center of attention was the display board I made with pictures of C--most of the guests spent a good amount of time 'remembering when.' This is what it looked like:



And, of course, that is her tiara on the table. :)

The food went over very well--the catering was excellent. We had ham and pickle rolls, silver dollar sandwiches, fruit, veggies, potato chips and dip, and nachos and cheese dip. Coffee and punch were also served. I was impressed with the way things were handled and set up. The food table:



The food was very good and everyone was well pleased. Of course, being my family, someone had to complain. The Father's oldest sister said the coffee was cold. I took a cup and, while it wasn't SCALDING, it definitely wasn't cold. I told her as much and then ignored her. (If you only knew how big a triumph that was for me. Less than ten years ago I would have apologized until I was sick, worried for WEEKS after that someone wasn't happy, gotten my stomach tied up in knots, etc, etc, etc. I am now a stronger person--and I like me MUCH better. :)) If anyone else didn't like something, I didn't know about it.

I really liked the cake. The decorator did a great job--and it was sooooooo tasty! It had REAL buttercream frosting--YUM!



There was a scepter and crown as decorations on the cake--and the princess theme continued.

The first hour was spent eating, mingling, and visiting. It was nice to see my aunt--The Father's twin sister. I don't know how many years it has been since I saw her last. She has terminal cancer--spread throughout her body--and I don't know how many more times I will be able to visit with her. It is so very sad. Her daughter and son had come to visit her for the weekend, so they came to the party too. I hadn't seen either of them since we were children! It was good to connect.

After the food, C was presented with everything she needs now that she is so 'old.' She was given Gas-X, Metamucil, Raisin Bran, etc, for the digestive problems she will have in her old age. We gave her bladder control pads. An AARP magazine was presented to her along with reading glasses on the most obnoxiously ugly cord possible--it was a beaded lime-green. In all there were about thirty different things--each funnier than the last. A good time was had by all. Then several of us told our favorite 'C' stories, which went over well. And that pretty much took up the two hours of the party. And I was happy it was over. :)

While the party was a success, there was a blot on the whole thing--at least for me. I don't know if anyone else noticed it, but The Brother and his wife were there 'only because they HAD to be.' They both acted as if I didn't exist--walked past me like I was invisible, never said a word to me, looked through me. While everyone else was listening to my stories, they sat with their arms folded across their chests, with frowns on their faces. If they would have acted like decent humans, they could have added to the stories and helped things be even better for C than they were. Oh, well, I won't dwell.

C was happy with the party and I am so very glad I did it. And I learned something that I will never forget: CATERER! The ONLY way to go. :)

Police Log

The good times with the police logs continue:


--11:22 PM, juveniles on roof of building

I guess the people in this town have a thing for roofs!


--1:28 AM, people lighting off fireworks inside residence

Please, let's hope THESE idiots don't reproduce!

(next day)


--1:32 AM, boat anchor thrown through window

I don't think I want to know the person that is strong enough to do this.


--4:32 AM, subjects walking around backyard with flashlights

COULD they have been looking for nightcrawlers?

Celebrate

Celebrations for the week:

18 May
National Cheese Souffle Day
Rooster Day
Send An Electronic Greeting Card Day
Visit Your Relatives Day

19 May
National Devil's Food Cake Day
Bike to Work Day


20 May
Flower Day
Eliza Doolittle Day

21 May
National Strawberries 'n Cream Day
Turn Beauty Inside Out Day
I Need a Patch For That Day

22 May
Buy-A-Musical Instrument Day

23 May
National Taffy Day
Penny Day

24 May
National Escargot Day
Plant a Letterbox Day
Tiara Day

Home Again

We got home around noon today--and it definitely is good. The party went very well and the weekend was okay. I have to sort through things in my mind and will post again later.

Here I Am

Posting will be a bit spotty for the next day or two. We are here in the north country where we will be celebrating C's 30th birthday. Yes, the day is finally here--her party! I will update when I can. Hope you all have a good weekend.

Police Log

--10:49 PM, gun found in patient's belongings (at the hospital)

WHOA! I wouldn't want to be this patient's doctor!


--2:21 PM, suspicious people arguing

Why 'suspicious?' I don't get it.


--2:43 AM, problem between tenants

THIS one I want to know more about. Where is Paul Harvey when you need him? I want 'the rest of the story!'

Hmmmm.......

I'm not a conspiracy theorist. (I lied, I am. I just don't tell people--they tend to look at you funny if you do.) But, once again, I gotta wonder.

Last night, the Wings played game 4 of the series against Dallas. They pretty much have been rolling over the Stars. The Stars won last night--they played better than Detroit in many aspects. (Yes, once I cool down I can admit it.) Game 5 will be on NBC on Saturday afternoon.

Tonight, the Penguins (boo, hiss) and Flyers played game 4 of their series. The Penguins (boo, hiss) have been rolling over the Flyers--just like the Wings in their series. The Flyers won tonight's game--and played much better than Pittsburgh. Their game 5 will be played on NBC on Sunday afternoon.

So here is where the conspiracy comes in. NBC didn't broadcast either of last weekend's games--they put on golf (?) instead. This weekend will be the last time they can put on a Cup playoff game until (possibly) the finals--whenever they are played. Did someone put in the bribe for each series to continue for the weekend? And who got the money? My vote is the refs, but it is only an opinion. It just seems WAY too coincidental. ;)

**********

The Mule, AKA Johan Franzen, has been cleared to begin light workouts. He will not be playing in Saturday's game because he still is suffering headaches. None of the tests show anything. (No jokes about hockey players not having anything in their heads anyway!) There is no word on when he might play again. It has fans concerned.

One of the reasons Wings fans are concerned about this is because of Jiri Fischer. Fischer played for the Wings for several years. He was 25 years old, healthy, a pro-athlete very good at what he did. He had star written all over him. And then came that night in November 2005. Jiri Fischer died during a game. Late in the first period in which he was playing, Fischer went into cardiac arrest while sitting on the bench. Luckily, he was revived, but remained unconscious for six minutes. Subsequently it was determined that he had a heart problem that never was diagnosed. Today he is healthy in every way but will probably not play hockey again. He now is a scout for the Wings.

So, fans are very worried that Franzen might have something going on that is extremely serious. Let's hope that isn't the case.

Dallas 3-Detroit 1

I hope you enjoy your celebration, Dallas, because it all ends on Saturday! And I hope you all are proud of the fact that the only way you can beat the Wings is by having legal goals waved off--Datsyuk's goal in the second, for example--and having your ILLEGAL goal allowed. It is also nice how the refs didn't call all of those hooking, tripping, slashing penalties against you--with Detroit on the power play, NOTHING could have stopped them.

So enjoy, Dallas. Saturday is coming--and don't forget what will happen next year. I'm sure the Wings won't.

Someone's In TROUBLE

I was on the phone with C earlier and she was making dinner. She needed something out of one of the freezers and sent one of the kids to get it. A couple of minutes later, the child came to C and said, "Something is wrong in the freezer. All of the meat has like blood on it." C went to look and everything in the freezer was thawed out. Upon further investigation, she saw where her husband had UNPLUGGED the freezer so a sander could be plugged in. After using the sander, he neglected to plug the freezer back in. They lost an entire deer--and more--of food. I told her I don't want to read about her in the paper.

Police Log

I CAN'T even comment on this:


11:00 AM, bird banging into window

Okay, I lied. Maybe if the bird was a VULTURE...

glitter-graphics.com

Police Log

--11:10 AM, goose feces on playground

EWWWWWW!!!!!!!! But, what are the police supposed to do about it?


Now, I'm sensing a theme here:

--10:50 PM, two people retrieving tennis balls from roof


--2:58 AM, people on roof of veterans center


--3:56 AM, people on school roof

I don't know what to say.

3-0

With tonight's win--5-2--the Wings are one win away from becoming the Western Conference champs and moving on to the Stanley Cup finals. And they played unbelievably tonight. Even some of the announcers are showing some love to the Wings--the comment heard often tonight was, "They are putting on a clinic." How true! Z and Datsyuk played as well as I have ever seen them play--D got the first ever hat-trick of his career! It was a joy to see--he is a very stoic, rather unemotional person, but he couldn't contain his elation. AND the Wings even got secondary scoring--Hudler got a goal. Z got the other one--DUH! A nice win, completely. Next game: Wednesday.



--Detroit Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk, of Russia, reacts after scoring against the Dallas Stars during the third period of Game 3 of the NHL Western Conference hockey finals in Dallas, Monday, May 12, 2008. Datsyuk scored three times in the game for a hat trick. Detroit won 5-2. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)--

Busy Day

Today was one of my busier ones for a while. It started at 7:30 AM--EXCUSE ME!!!!!--when I woke up to get ready for my pre-op eye appointment at 9:00. I was prepared to be there for the hour they said it would take, but I didn't get home till 11:15! Good grief. And the doc put extra super-duper strong dilating drops in my eyes, which he said could cause my eyes to stay dilated till tomorrow. Needless to say, I had a headache all day. Anyway, he said everything looks fine and there is no reason why I can't have the surgery, so it is a go.

When I got home, I had to take a nap--too short, but a nap. It is very difficult to stay awake and be able to do something when your eyes are as unfocused as mine were. The nap helped, but not enough.

All afternoon I had to get ready for my dinner guests--my sister-in-law and her daughter-in-law. They were in town so that the daughter-in-law could have her radiation treatment--she has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These radiation treatments are supposed to be the last of what she has to go through--everything is looking very well. I hope all continues to go well--she is a real sweetheart.

They stayed for a visit till after 8:00 and then left to go back to their room--they need to stay the night for another treatment tomorrow. Niece-in-law will have to be here every day for about 18 days (Monday through Friday only) for a treatment. And they live 100 miles away. And she has school-age children, so she needs to be at home when she can. But, the three weeks will go fast for her, I hope.

I wouldn't let them help me clean up because K is on night shift and it gave me something to occupy the rest of my evening. I got to watch the hockey game while cleaning up, so things went pretty fast for me. My eyes are slowly getting back to normal, but I still need to get some more sleep.

This has been a very boring post and isn't particularly well-written. I apologize for that. I guess I'm tired. :)

I Sure Hope Not!

At the end of last night's game, Ozzie stuck the end of his stick out and caught Ribeiro with it. Ribeiro retaliated by swinging his stick with both hands and hit Ozzie just below the throat. The whole thing was reviewed and both got monetary fines, but no game suspensions. (I'm not too sure I'm all that happy with the decision, but...) Anyway, there will be hell to pay either tomorrow night--unlikely--or some time next season. I'm just hoping things don't wind up like this:

To All The Mothers

For all of my readers who are mothers--I hope you are as appreciated by your families as I appreciate you!

glitter-graphics.com

Another Win

Tonight's win wasn't nearly as easy as Thursday's, but it doesn't matter: The Red Wings won! Unfortunately The Mule was out and will be out the next game because of concussion-like symptoms. Turns out he has been suffering headaches since the Avs series and they just won't go away. He will undergo tests on Monday and won't be with the team in Dallas--at least for the first game. The league rules state that anyone with a concussion must be out for a week, so if he has one he won't possibly play until the Cup finals--if Detroit goes on. Damn. He was playing AMAZINGLY well.

Police Log

Forgot to post yesterday's police log offerings, so here goes.

--4:41 PM, hurt seagull in roadway

Now really, WHAT are the police supposed to do about this?


--6:00 PM, people sitting on top of car while driving around

These must be the same nutjobs with the office chair from the other day!


--6:18 PM, couch blocking roadway

So what, the couch went out for a walk and stopped short?

Celebrate

The holidays for the week:

11 May
Twilight Zone Day
Eat What You Want Day

12 May
National Nutty Fudge Day
Kite Day
Limerick Day

13 May
National Apple Pie Day

14 May
National Buttermilk Biscuit Day
Root Canal Appreciation Day

15 May
National Chocolate Chip Day
Straw Hat Day
Nylon Stockings Day

16 May
Love A Tree Day
National Pizza Party Day
National Sea Monkey Day

17 May
National Cherry Cobbler Day

Enjoy!

Blogger Problems

Anyone else having Blogger issues today? I have to keep reloading pages before they finally come up. Everything is going so slowly. ARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!

Food

I really hate it when I eat something that I thought was going to be good, isn't. Then I have to look around for something else to take the taste of the first thing away. And, hopefully, the second thing tastes good, or else I have to find a THIRD thing to eat. This has the potential to turn into an eating binge.

And I really hate it when I am craving something, but don't know WHAT. This DOES turn into a binge. I eat my way through the house and, inevitably, never find what it was I was craving.

And it is no fun when I eat something 'salty' and feel the need to eat something 'sweet' right after. And 'sweet' doesn't usually do it for me--unless it happens to be a donut--so I then have to eat something 'salty' again. This can go on for hours--and has.

And it REALLY is a bitch whenever I am on a diet and KNOW what I am craving, but feel as if I can't eat it because it is not 'on program.' I wide up eating three times as many calories of 'good' food, trying to satisfy my craving, as I would have if I would have eaten the 'forbidden' food right away.

I have food issues. (And I wonder why I look like I do! :))

glitter-graphics.com

Detroit 4, Dallas 1

First game of the conference finals and the Wings won. WOOT!! Seven more to go. Baby Boy got the fourth goal of the night--GO VAL!

A Visit To The Doc

Let's say you have a pain in your shoulder. You finally decide you must see the doctor. After an exam, the doc says you have bursitis and need a cortisone injection cause you waited so long to be seen. The doctor takes a syringe with a relatively long needle and jabs you in the shoulder. When I say 'in the shoulder,' that is precisely what I mean--you get the needle in the joint. That's why the needle is long. Then, while the needle is in your shoulder joint, the doctor begins to manipulate it and move it around to find the spot where the pain is. S/he might also move your VERY sore shoulder back and forth in order to get the needle exactly where it is needed. The plunger is pushed and the cortisone goes to the pain. All of this takes a few minutes and is excruciatingly painful.* So tell me, WHY did I ask the doctor for a cortisone injection today?

Okay, truth be told, I DIDN'T have any pain and I had no joint involvement with the injection--I just wanted to get your full, undivided attention. I'm an attention whore, so sue me! :) I had an appointment with my dermatologist and I asked if she could give me cortisone to see if it would help my psoriasis. We decided to try the spot on my ankle and re-evaluate in six weeks to see if we continue. While the injection in no way was as awful as getting one in the joint, it wasn't exactly pleasant, either. First, I got poked six times in the ankle--albeit, just under the skin, but still. Then, while the needle is inserted, the doc wiggled it from side to side a bit in order to distribute the cortisone in as wide an area as possible. EWWWW!!!! While it didn't take all that long for her to do this, I still could have done a lot of things that were more pleasant--like clean a toilet, pick up my cat's hacked-up hairballs, scoop out the litter box. You get my drift. She added an anesthetic to the cortisone in order to numb my ankle, so I am now left with a very funky-feeling leg. I hope this was worth it--we'll see how things look after a few days. All this just so I can wear shorter-length capri pants for the summer. I don't know. I have to decide whether or not I want to get my elbows shot up--but short-sleeved shirts aren't REALLY that important, are they?

*The Mother has had several of the painful cortisone injections, so it is her description that I use here. Thankfully, I have never needed one and hope I never do.

Police Log

--3:45 AM, unknown drunken woman entered house and fell asleep

It is called LOCKING YOUR DOORS, MORON!!!!

Round Three

Tomorrow it all begins again. Dallas will be in Detroit playing round three--the western Conference final--of the playoffs. It WILL be interesting and it won't be easy. It DEFINITELY will be a harder series than the last one. NO sweep here.

Baby Boy re-injured his leg during the Colorado series and has used the time off to heal. Today was the first time he has been practicing with the team and is still questionable for tomorrow night's game. And just when his line has been doing so well. With Franzen on the tear he's been on, you hate to see any changes happen--what isn't broke doesn't need to be fixed!

The word is out: The NHL has decided to 'loosen the rules' regarding the swinging of the octopus at JLA. DUH!! After all of the shit Bettman took for the stupid decision, I'm surprised it took THIS long for the reversal. Go Al!

Also tomorrow, the word should come down as to what team Fabian Brunnstrom will sign with. He has been the 'next, best' that everyone has been talking about for the entire season. Detroit is one of the teams he is considering, but I have a feeling he WON'T sign with them. If he decides to wear the winged wheel, I hope all of the hype proves true. If he wears some other team's sweater, I hope it is ALL hype! :)

glitter-graphics.com

Police Log

Here we go again!

--3:44 PM, cordless phone picking up other phone conversations

Isn't this a problem that the PHONE company should fix?


--4:48 PM, assisted older person who fell

I can't help it: "I've fallen and can't get up!"


--9:47 PM, person sitting in truck for hours

Obviously, the person who called this in needs to get a life!

A Lesson Learned

To continue growing and becoming a well-rounded individual--NO comment on my weight, please!--I try to learn something new every day. Of course, there are many days I don't quite get this accomplished, but today I DID learn a very valuable lesson. NEVER go to the local pub, down a couple of stingers* in a short amount of time, and return home just in time to set up the recorders to record the three programs you want to watch for the evening. As of now, I am aware that I screwed up at least one of the recordings. Unless there is a replay of the episode, I will have to wait another week to see Hell's Kitchen. Damn.


*Brandy and white creme de menthe. While they should be shaken with ice and strained into a glass, I prefer mine on the rocks.

Police Logs

I really think I may have to add 'police logs' as a label for my posts. It looks like it might be a banner year! Here we go:


--9:10 AM, skunk in fence post hole

I'm sure the response from the person taking this call was, "And just WHAT do you want ME to do about it?"


--11:55 AM, littering in dumpster

Um, don't you USUALLY put litter/garbage in dumpsters? Or am I missing something here?


--8:30 PM, juveniles riding on an office chair towed by a black Jeep

Just picture this in your mind--no comment from me is necessary!

Western Conference Finals

Dallas and San Jose finished their series. Dallas won. The game that just ended went 9 minutes into the fourth overtime--that is equivalent to more than two full games. And I watched it to the bitter end. It wasn't a good game after the first overtime--all of the players were just too exhausted to play very well. Unfortunately, the game was determined as the result of a power play goal. Bummer.

The Wings FINALLY know when the next round begins. On Thursday, the Western Conference finals start. I just hope they haven't gotten rusty by being off for so long. It's time to drop the puck already--I need me some Red Wings hockey!

Same Time Next Year

I don't have a good singing voice. See, I don't think you understand: I DON'T HAVE A GOOD SINGING VOICE! People who don't have a good 'ear' would find my singing bad--anyone with any kind of musical ability thinks I sound like fingernails on a chalkboard, only worse! About the only thing I can choke out without sending people to the corner to puke are hymns--and at Christmas I can almost be considered okay. I guess He doesn't even want to hear me sing as badly as I do, so I get a little boost. :) With all that said, I must tell of something I do that has become a tradition in our family.

Every year on their birthdays, I call my girls and sing them 'Happy Birthday.' That is all well and good, but I do EVERYTHING in my power to make my singing even worse than it already is. So bad that ANYONE would want to take a pointy stick and poke their eardrum out after hearing the 'song.' We are talking worse than William Hung, bad. (Love how I can reference a show I have never seen, hey? :)) I sing while listening to my daughters groan on the other end of the line. They protest and beg me not to do it ever again--and I sing to them every year.

Today is C's birthday and I called to sing to her. It was later in the day and I really think she was waiting for my call. I told K that the girls would wonder what happened if I DIDN'T call with the birthday greetings. Despite their protestations, I believe they secretly like my rendition of 'Happy Birthday.' It just wouldn't be the same if I didn't call. :)

LOVE This

I have been waiting for this commercial to show up on YouTube--it is one of new favorites.

Celebrate

Holidays for the week:

4 May
My Oldest Daughter's 30th Birthday!!!!
National Weather Observer's Day
Join Hands Day
Respect For Chickens Day

5 May
Cinco De Mayo
Totally Chipotle Day

6 May
National Crepe Suzette Day
No Diet Day
No Homework Day

7 May
National Roasted Leg of Lamb Day
Great American Grump Out Day

8 May
No Socks Day
National Coconut Cream Pie Day

9 May
National Butterscotch Brownie Day

10 May
Golden Spike Day
National Shrimp Day
Windmill Day

Next?

I am doing the 'Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy' dance in my mind--the Wings ran all over the Avs tonight. The score was 8-2. The Wings swept the series. It was pretty. So many highlight reel goals were scored and records broken, that it would take pages to write about all of the them. Which I won't do. Now the guys get some time off while they wait to see who they will play in the Western Conference finals--it will be either San Jose or Dallas. I can't wait.

I am truly a very, very happy woman tonight. :)



--DENVER - MAY 01: The Detroit Red Wings are congratulated by the Colorado Avalanche after the Red Wings won Game Four and clinched the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 1, 2008 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. The Red Wings defeated the Avalanche 8-2 and swept the series 4-0. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)--

That Time Of Year

I can tell it is getting close to summer, because we are starting to see the REALLY strange police calls. Here are today's:

--4:03 PM, woman beating her head against car

A man HAD to be involved in some way! :D


--10:06 PM, kids playing flashlight tag

At least they weren't SHOOTING at each other!


Looks as if we might be having a good summer for wacky police logs--I can't wait.

Random Mindlessness

Does anyone else think that, at some point, Oprah had a classic Scarlett O'Hara "As God is my witness, I'll never go hungry again." moment? You know, just before she sold her soul to the devil. (Oh, come on, you KNOW you've thought that is the only way she got to where she is!)

**********

Our city is looking to make talking on a cell phone while driving illegal. Of course they are! Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think it is particularly safe to use a cell while driving--and I CERTAINLY don't do it very often myself. The thing is, the city isn't doing it for safety reasons--IMHO--they are doing it to make money. See, this town will do anything to make money. It is so bad here that we think the 'Welcome to...' sign should have the slogan 'Anything For A Buck' printed under the city name. It would be more than appropriate.

**********

K once told me that he heard a superior say, "If the Navy wanted you to have a wife, you would have been issued one in your seabag." Is it any wonder I never quite made it as a 'Navy wife?'

**********

Whenever I watch a hockey game on Versus, I miss the TV show 24--and can't wait till the next season comes on early in 2009. What does hockey and 24 have in common? Keifer Sutherland. Before every broadcast, this announcement comes on: "The following is a presentation of the National Hockey League." It is Keifer Sutherland's voice that is heard. I miss 24.

About House and The Police Log

POSSIBLE SPOILERS?

So, House was new on Monday night. YIPPEE!! I'm still very annoyed by Cutthroat Bitch--I REALLY wish she would go away. However, she WAS partly responsible for a subplot in the episode. House decided that Amber and he should divide Wilson--House missed being able to spend time with him and he also thought spending time with Wilson could help him find a way to break Amber and Wilson up. Of course, House and Amber couldn't come to an agreement, so they went to Cuddy to make a decision. At one point, Cuddy told Wilson to say something. Wilson replied, "I'm going to piss off one of them and they BOTH scare me!"* One of only many great lines in the episode. I only wish there were going to be more than three more episodes for the year. I REALLY enjoy this show.

**********

It is time, once again, to see what our city police logs have to say. There have been some weird calls again.


--11:30 AM, car parked on street for a few days

I REALLY don't understand this. I mean, why can't a car be parked on the street? The winter parking bans are over for the year, so I am perplexed by this one.


--1:33 PM, large boulder placed in roadway struck by taxi

Um, did the taxi strike the boulder on purpose? I guess I understand what is meant, it just is written very strangely.


--2:50 PM, reports of subject in yard late at night playing guitar

Okay, so the guy next door bothers you late at night with his guitar playing. Fine. WHY do you wait till the following afternoon to report it? Can the cops actually do anything if he is no longer causing a nuisance?


--6:35 PM, two dead birds found in apartment, one missing

WHAT? First, why are you calling the cops about dead birds in your apartment and second, were there supposed to be more? How many birds, total, were in this apartment? Again, written very strangely.


--5:32 AM, vehicle parked on road with very loud music

So, WHAT had the very loud music? The car or the road?


--3:50 PM, kids climbing on building, eating pizza

Is it really relevant that the kids are eating pizza?


--8:03, large truck tire in yard
and
--9:53 AM, dispute over tire

I really would like to know if it is the same tire.


-6:09 PM, strong suspicious smell

I'm assuming the smell is outside. Just how strong and how suspicious must it have been for someone to call the cops?!


*You REALLY had to see it in order to appreciate how really funny that line was.

One Step Closer

The win tonight was a definite relief. Colorado had Forsberg playing tonight and Theodore didn't do quite as badly as the last two games, PLUS they were at home. They were desperate and it showed.

I knew the Avs would really play physically tonight and they did. Forsberg got a double minor for high-sticking Samuelsson--two minutes for the high stick and two minutes because he drew blood. Shortly after Sammy sat down, a linesman skated over to the bench and handed over the tooth they found on the ice--it was Sammy's. I guess that's why the blood. :) It was lucky that the Wings brought their dentist along to Denver--maybe Sammy's tooth can be saved. But, I would be surprised if this is the first tooth he had knocked out while playing hockey.

While I am not ready to say 'sweep,' the Wings CAN do it if they win on Thursday. It would be nice for them to get rid of the Avs, but then they will have too many days till they have to play again. It would be good for them to rest, but they also could get very rusty, so... Two of the four other series are on the verge of sweeping, also--only one of the series has both teams winning at least one game. A very interesting round, to say the least.

A Little Sad

The finalists were announced for the Hart trophy today and Lidstrom is not one of them. I feel a little sad. Oh, well. I guess 'they' decided that he will (probably) win the Norris for the sixth time in seven years, so he doesn't NEED the Hart. (There are some who have suggested renaming the Norris the Nick Lidstrom Award, as he has won or been nominated so many times. :) He still hasn't set the record for number of wins, though--that goes to Orr with eight.) Also, he will get so many accolades if the Wings win the Cup. He will be the first European to captain a Cup winner--something that many say will NEVER happen. I certainly hope he proves them wrong.

While Lidstrom gets his share of praise, I don't think a lot of people realize just how good he actually is. The man does his job with such ease and perfection, that he makes it look easy. (And the same can be said of Datsyuk!) If he had to struggle to put up the numbers he gets, maybe he would be acknowledged more. He comes by the nickname of 'The Most Perfect Human' that his teammates have given him, honestly.

More...

With C's birthday this Sunday, I've been making more bracelets. The first one I made for her is one with her birthstones. I used emerald green and clear Swarovski crystals and liquid silver spacers.




Considering the amount of kids she has, it is not very easy to find Mother's rings/necklaces/bracelets, so I decided to make her a bracelet myself. The pendants are her and her husband's birthstones. The colored birthstones are Swarovski crystals and I used silver beads, silver rondelle and daisy spacers, and Swarovski pearls to complete it.



I think she will like them. (By the way, I REALLY admire jewelry photographers. It is not an easy task, at all. ALL of the pics I take seem to be a bit fuzzy. Oh, well.)

The gem stone and color for 'serenity' is amethyst. Considering I long for serenity constantly, I made myself bracelets to invoke the concept. These I wear all of the time.

This bracelet is made of amethyst beads, amethyst colored Swarovski crystals, and silver round beads. The large bead is silver and says 'serenity' on it. (Just in case it isn't easily readable.)



And this one is made of ametyst beads, clear Swarovski crystals, and silver round beads.



(These last two photographed MUCH darker than they actually are.)

As you can see, I have WAY too much time on my hands! But, I enjoy making them and it isn't anything that taxes my brain too much. :)

A Wedding To Remember

When K and I got married, it was decided that the ceremony would be held in the church that my great-grandparents helped build/found. (Yes, it was ME that made the decision, but K was so much in love he would have gone along with just about anything! :)) It was a tiny church in one of the small towns that I grew up in--cozy, not elegant or elaborate in decor. So many people squeezed into the sanctuary that the basement door wouldn't close--the floor sagged under the weight. (We found THIS out several days later.)

The pastor who married us had a long history with both of our families. He was a student of my great-grandfather, a lay preacher. He married my parents and K's parents. He baptized me. He confirmed both of us. (There were many other family events he had a part in, also, but you get my drift.) So, we decided he should officiate at our wedding as well. At the end of the rehearsal, he made a point of saying that the ceremony will begin at 7:00 PM SHARP! We understood completely and vowed we would be there and ready on time.

On the day of our wedding, I was very aware of the time. I didn't want to disappoint the pastor in any way, so I KNEW I would be at the church early. As it turned out, I was at least an hour early. As the time crept closer to 7:00, I could hear all of the people filing into the sanctuary. I sent someone--perhaps my maid-of-honor--to make sure K was there. Once I was sure he wasn't about to bolt, I relaxed a bit and waited to walk down the aisle.

At precisely 7:00, word was sent to the organist to begin. My father and I climbed the stairs and made our way down the aisle. Of course, the only person I saw was K standing in front of the altar. Slowly I made my way to him, gave him my hand, and together we faced the altar. And that is ALL we saw--the altar. The pastor was not there. As a matter of fact, he was nowhere to be found. We started the wedding before the pastor got to the church.

So, what to do? At first, I panicked. Was I supposed to go back downstairs and begin again when Pastor got there? Were we supposed to stand there and wait for him to show up? The buzz behind us got louder and louder as the seconds ticked by. After what seemed like HOURS--it actually was only about a minute and a half, according to the tape--the pastor came running down the aisle. As he passed K and me, he pointed to his watch and said, "I told you 7:00!" And then he smiled at us. Everything went fine after that. Except for the fact that he called me by the wrong name when he pronounced us husband and wife. :D

(As it turned out, the pastor was halfway to the church when he realized that he forgot the marriage license, so he went back home to get it. It was a lucky thing he drove as fast as he did--scary man on the road--otherwise we would have waited much, much longer for him to get to the church.)

Celebrate

Here are the celebrations for this week:

27 April
National Prime Rib Day
Write An Old Friend Today Day

28 April
National Blueberry Pie Day
Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day
Cubicle Day

29 April
National Shrimp Scampi Day
National Hairball Awareness Day
Sense of Smell Day
National Dance Day

30 April
National Oatmeal Cookie Day
Hairstylists Appreciation Day

1 May
Save a Rhino Day
Frequent Flyer Day
Mother Goose Day
Stepmother's Day

2 May
National Truffles Day
No Pants Day

3 May
National Raspberry Popover Day
Lumpy Rug Day
International Pilates Day
National Scrapbooking Day

Six Down, Ten To Go

The Wings went on a kind of tear today and beat the Avs 5-1. This was the best they played during the playoffs so far AND was the second game in a row that the Avs goalie was replaced. Hmmmm. Franzen got his first career hat trick--how cool to do that during the playoffs?!--Baby Boy got his second goal of the playoffs, and Z got a goal. Even McCarty got in on the action and had a fight. All in all, a very, very good game.

Tuesday the series goes to Colorado. I think things will be a bit more difficult for the Wings in the next two games. Keeping my fingers crossed.

No Comment

I STILL don't believe this.

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?

The Lion Cut

There is a hair (fur) cut that some people do to their cats. It is called the Lion Cut. While I understand it--it REALLY would make taking care of a long-haired cat so much easier--it is just so wrong in so many ways. This picture is NOT a pic of my cat, but this is what she would look like if she had a Lion Cut:



Poor kitteh!

The Newest

We took a trip up north to bring some stuff to C today. As usual, they were running late for something, so we just stayed a couple of minutes. I guess she would want a longer visit if we weren't in the habit of just dropping in. No problem.

After we left C's, we went to The Parent's house. yippee. The Mother's birthday is next week, so this was the perfect time for me to bring her gift. I made her a really pretty bracelet with emerald green (her birthstone color) Swarovski crystals, which I thought she would rave about. She didn't. It's not as if she didn't like it, she just didn't like it as much as I thought she would. Here's what it looks like: (the pic doesn't really do it justice)


Also, for a kick, I got a set of retro kitchen canisters and matching salt and pepper shakers. She had a set of the exact same canisters in her kitchen for most of my childhood and when I saw them, I thought she would think they were fun. WRONG! She LOVED them and can't wait to use them. Obviously, I don't know the woman at all.

Here are the shakers: (The canisters look exactly like this, only they are different sizes and have flour, sugar, coffee, and tea written on them.)


The Mother was a little strange. Her mood was a bit weird, but I suppose it is due to the fact that she isn't feeling all that well. (She had rotator-cuff surgery about a month ago and it has been a long rehabilitation. I think she is getting discouraged.) She made a couple of 'off' remarks--she commented about how VERY THIN my hair is, as if it is something I can control--and it reminded me how grateful I am to not be involved with her anymore. (You have to know The Mother to understand her tone of voice, words, and look on her face when she made her remarks. I know what she meant--someone else might not have heard the disapproval in her tone. The hair-thing was a criticism of me having long hair--she doesn't approve.) AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

**********

On our way up north, K woke me up rather abruptly at one point. He had to point out the coyote crossing the road--quite cool. I still would rather see a wolf, though. I didn't see an eagle today, but I did see a swan--neat.

**********

When we got back into town, we decided to pick up dinner, so we went through a drive-through. As we were leaving the parking lot, K noticed that the brakes on the Jimmy didn't feel right and the 'check brakes now' light was on. GREAT! Thankfully, we were only about a block away from where we bring the Jimmy for repairs, so we went directly there. After a short look-see, it was determined that one of the brake lines broke. GREAT! At least we weren't driving 70 down the highway when the line went. We left the Jimmy there and they said they would get to it when they could, but they were completely booked at the moment. Not too much trouble, as we still have the truck. They called about 10:00 PM and said it was all taken care of. Amazing--I didn't think we would get it back till tomorrow.

**********

Before the game tonight, Versus showed a guy run to the edge of the ice and throw an octopus. They then showed the refs cleaning the octopus off of the ice--using a shovel and scraper. It took them five minutes. It takes Al less than a minute to go onto the ice, pick up the octopus, swing it over his head, and leave the ice. What a bunch of idiots. Obviously, Al didn't get the octopus and take the fine. I'm sad. It just isn't right.

**********

The Avs and the Wings came together tonight for the first game of round two. The Wings won 4-3. I want this series to be over. Eleven more wins and the Wings can drink out of Lord Stanley's Cup. Do it!

Leave Al Alone, Please!

On April 15, 1952, the first octopus hit the ice during a Red Wings game. Al Sobotka wasn't even born. Al is the buildings operation manager of Joe Louis Arena, where the Red Wings play today. He has been with the Red Wings for 37 years. Al takes care of the ice for the games and he drives the Zamboni. He is also in charge of picking up the octopi that are tossed onto the ice. When one makes it to the ice surface, he goes and picks it up--WITHOUT gloves, mind you--and swings the octopus over his head while leaving the ice. It is a tradition and it makes the crowd go wild. Everyone loves Al and the Red Wing mascot is named 'Al' in his honor. The NHL has decided that Al can't swing octopi any longer.

The Wings were told by the NHL last Friday that Al--or anyone else--is NOT allowed to swing an octopus over the head while removing it from the ice. If this is not adhered to, the person doing the swinging will be fined $10,000. When asked for a reason to the ban, the answer was, "Because matter flies off of the octopus and gets on the ice when he does it." Ah, excuse me? Have the powers-that-be even WATCHED a hockey game? With the amount of nose-blowing and spitting done by the players, octopus guck is nothing! Add blood--which we may see during the Colorado series--and I'm sure most people would be able to overlook a little octopus 'matter.'

This is one of the STUPIDEST things that have come from the powers-that-be. With all of the rule changes, name changes, expansions, and taking away of traditions, this is no longer your daddy's NHL. I'm waiting till they decide to stop the playing of the Canadian national anthem before games because it is annoying to the majority of the teams/fans--simply because the majority are in the US. I can't wait till the game tonight to see if Al follows the 'rules.' Or, has he been told that the fine will be paid for him? ;)




--Joe Louis Arena building manager Al Sobotka twirls an octopus that was thrown on this ice during the singing of the national anthem before the Red Wings-Blackhawks game in Detroit on April 7. The Wings went on to a 7-2 victory. (JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DFP)--

Just Saying

I don't get too political on this blog--or at least I haven't for a while--but this has just crawled up under my skin and is irritating the hell out of me. Hence, the post.

I know politicians have always 'kissed babies' and mingled with the 'little people' as if to say they are just like the rest of us. They try to make themselves appear more human and humble. What I don't understand is, when did this change and candidates become total idiots? Frankly, I WANT my leader--the most powerful person in the US, which makes him/her the most powerful person in the world--to be above me. I WANT my leader to know more than me. I WANT my leader to be better than 90% of the people in this country. I WANT my leader to be a LEADER!

We are NOT seeing this type of attitude anymore. What we get to see are candidates being 'human.' They bowl and fish and down shots of whiskey and tell jokes on late-night shows and dance with Ellen. In my opinion, this does not show them being human, just like the rest of us. I find it condescending and insulting. Like I would ever believe that one of these candidates would be sitting in my local pub on a Friday, having a beer with the 'guys' before going to the bowling alley to bowl a few frames. And then wake up on Saturday morning and go to the ol' fishing hole to catch dinner before mowing the lawn. All the while discussing nothing more important than the crabgrass or how the Wings will do in the playoffs. RIIIIIGGGGGHHHHHHTTTTTTT.

These people SHOULD have more important things on their minds than the Red Wings. They SHOULD be thinking about and discussing the life-and-death issues that face each of us every day. They should NOT worry about making it look good for the camera and trying to be like the rest of us. They SHOULD be better. Enough with the foolishness--get serious and get REAL! And when the candidate emerges--at whatever point in time in the future--that can be like this, he/she will have my vote AND voice. Completely.

It's Done and Done

I spent the day getting everything scheduled for my LASIK surgery. The big day is 22 May and we will be traveling to Green Bay for the procedure. I am having all of the pre- and post-sugical appointments done locally--much easier that way. I'm really excited about the whole thing!

**********

It took until after midnight--less than two hours ago--to find out which team Detroit plays in the second round of the playoffs. Calgary just kind of melted, so San Jose won their series. This means that Colorado and Detroit go at it in the second round. I'm not too sure how I feel about this. But then, I'm not too sure I wanted the Wings to play the Flames, so...

This series is going to be ANOTHER excuse to bring out everything having to do with The Great Rivalry. All I know is that halfway through the second game I will want to drop kick the TVs out of the front window because I will be tired of hearing the name of Peter Forsberg being praised over and over and over and over... Oh, well, I guess he IS the only European good enough to be praised by Canadian/ North American announcers. Yeah, right.

Once again, I am cautiously optimistic about the Wings chances in the second round. If they play to their ability, they can win. If they let their guard down for an instant, they will lose. Here's hoping they play their best! Thursday, round two begins--guess where I will be?

Spring Has Sprung?

We just MIGHT be experiencing the start of spring.

The tulips are coming up:




The neighbor's magnolia tree is budding:




And there is some new, green grass growing:




Yup, we just might get summer this year.

Adieu, Ducks, Adieu

I hope this doesn't come back and bit me in the ass--which it probably will--and I'm trying not to be TOO happy--which is very hard for me--but, the Anaheim Ducks have been eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. They WILL NOT REPEAT as champions. I'm trying not to cry for them--as if I could EVER feel sorry for them. They have the dirtiest player in the NHL--even The Hockey News says so--and they manipulated and skirted the rules by having two of their top players 'retire' for half the year and come back rested and they STILL were not able to get the job done. The only down side to this? Detroit will not be able to humiliate them for the dirty way the Ducks eliminated the Wings last year. Get out your golf clubs boys, tee time is early for you!

Four Down, Twelve To Go

Today the Wings defeated Nashville and won round one of the playoffs. Thank goodness that is over. I feel as if the first round and the last round are the hardest on the players and this series was no exception. The Nashville goalie was fantastic and that is why the scores were as close as they were. Now the Wings have a few days off and then will go on to round two against either Calgary or Colorado. Either team is going to be hard for them to play, so it doesn't matter which one they get. For a couple of days, anyway, the knot in the pit of my stomach will be eased. :)

One of the greatest things about hockey is the post-game handshake at the end of a playoff series--no other sport does the same thing. Hockey players are a class act, in many ways, as opposed to a lot of other athletes.



--NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 20: The Detroit Red Wings defeat the Nashville Predators to move to the next playoff round on April 20, 2008 during game six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)--

Celebrate

A little late, but here are the celebrations for this week:

20 April
National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day

21 April
Kindergarten Day
National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day

22 April
National Jelly Bean Day

23 April
National Cherry Cheesecake Day
Administrative Professionals Day or Secretary's Day

24 April
Plumber's Day
Take Our Daughters & Sons To Work Day

25 April
National Zucchini Bread Day
Red Hat Society Day

26 April
National Pretzel Day
Shuffleboard Day
Hug An Australian Day

I Can See Clearly...Soon

The only thing that has been decided since my eye appointment on Friday is, I WILL be having surgery. After the evaluation, I was told I am an 'excellent' candidate. Then, I was given all of my options. Great.

I have three surgery options. I can have straight LASIK done. This would give me excellent, crisp, clear, vision--nothing more. Mono-vision surgery would correct my nearsightedness and astigmatism problem AND would correct for reading. I also could have the lenses in my eyes replaced with artificial ones--this would correct all of my problems permanently. Each option has its pros as well as cons.

The straight LASIK would correct my vision the best. I probably have NEVER seen as well as I would with this option. The downside is that it will not correct my reading vision, at all, so I would still need to wear reading glasses. I never went into this because I hate glasses, so this option wouldn't be a problem for me. And knowing how anal I am, I KNOW I would have reading glasses in every room of the house, so having to look for my glasses wouldn't be an issue. This also WOULD correct both my nearsightedness AND my astigmatism. Astigmatism used to be a problem with this surgery, but they now have THAT obstacle cleared.

Mono-vision is a viable option. My right eye would be corrected for distance and my left eye would be corrected for reading. The tech put a pair of glasses on me to show what it would be like and it was interesting to say the least. I really loved how well I could READ--with all the pairs of bifocals I have had over the years (I've worn them since around the age of thirty), this was the clearest the words have EVER been for me. The downside is that my distance vision wouldn't be as good. There also is a few days worth of getting used to the vision--there is a lot of 'ghosting,' at first, until your brain figures out how to 'see.' Also, it doesn't seem as if the reading correction is permanent--tweaking is needed a few years down the road.

The third option is the artificial lens. They would replace the natural lens in both eyes with a lens that is similar to a no-line bifocal. This is a permanent solution and would negate the necessity of EVER needing cataract surgery. It also is a much more invasive surgery. AND it takes longer to get vision back--there is a bit of a 'learning curve' with this one. Having LASIK doesn't mean that this couldn't be done some time in the future, so a decision about this isn't needed right now.

I believe I WILL have the straight LASIK. As I said, I went into this JUST wanting to be able to see better and this is the best option for that. I can wear reading glasses, no problem, and I think I will even be able to see to read better than I do now. So, first decision made. (I think.)

Of course, I have many more decisions to make. I have to figure out WHERE I want to have the surgery. I can go to either of two different cities, but both require a minimum of a two hour drive for us. I can have all of my pre- and post-surgery appointments taken care of here in my own town--OR I can travel and have everything done where the surgery takes place. I just CAN'T have my own doctor do them. (The surgeons work with a doctor in another office here in town.) Bummer. There are three levels of aftercare that have to be decided on--of course, the higher the level, the more expensive. And, we have to figure out when to do this. As of Friday, the soonest I could have this done in Appleton is the 22nd of May. Don't know if I could have it done earlier if I go to Green Bay.

Tonight I have to finish figuring everything out so that I can call tomorrow. As of this moment, the only thing I am absolutely sure of is that I WILL be having surgery within the next month or so. Other than that, I'm not sure. I HATE having too many options. :)

Memories

One evening at the end of my junior year in high school, The Family was sitting around the table eating dinner. The Brother, looking at me--with a 'nanner, nanner' look on his face--announced, "I am going to Camp Wayoutinthewoods with my class! I will NOT have to deal with YOU for an ENTIRE week!" I looked at him with an extremely evil and malevolent look of my own and answered, "Don't be so sure. I was just asked to be the coordinator for the girl's counselor's at Camp Wayoutinthewoods--the week YOU will be there!"

That night I learned the meaning of crestfallen--the exact look on The Brother's face. (I also learned the word 'blanched.') :D

Damn

After the loss tonight, I AM beginning to worry. But, there are three potential games left to this series, so they can still pull it off--and two of the games are at the Joe. I will NOT be like the Nashville fans/management and whine about the bad/non-existent calls and the bad luck. (The Wings management is the classiest in the NHL--THEY don't blame the refs, etc, either--unlike too many other teams do.) The Wings didn't play the way they can for a full 60 minutes--as they didn't WAY too often during the season--and that is the only reason they lost. Now, they have to pull themselves up, wipe their noses, and come out fighting from the opening puck drop on Friday. Enough said.

Life Goes On

Right now, our thermometers are showing 69 degrees. And yes, that IS outside. All of the snow we got with the last storm is pretty much gone from our yard. That is NOT to say that we don't still have snow--I'm looking at another week or so before it is all gone. I guess there still is some cold air in Canada that needs to be watched, so we are not totally out of the woods in terms of getting more snow. Never say never here.

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We are doing a road trip on Friday. It will be nice to get out of here for the night--we haven't done an overnighter since January, so we're due. The major reason for the trip is an appointment with an eye doctor. I'm going to be evaluated to see if I am a candidate for LASIK surgery. The more I read, however, the more I'm afraid it won't be an option for me. Oh, well, the evaluation is free, so I won't be out anything but a little time. I'm still hopeful, though.

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I'm having a real problem trying to get C to write up a guest list for her birthday party. I don't know what gives. I know she is looking forward to the party, but she would be just as happy with a small dinner party. I think she is a little embarrassed about the fuss. She will just have to suck it up, though--I've already sent in the deposit, so the party WILL happen. I will need the list before the week is out--I need to talk to the caterer about the menu and I have to get the invitations out before the postage goes up.

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Game number four is on tonight--I just hope there is ONLY one more after this. If they get their shit together, they can finish off the series in five games.

Our Central Division Champion T-shirts were delivered the other day. I'm hoping to get two more shirts this year: Western Conference Champions and Stanley Cup Champions! If not this year, then another.

We won't be able to watch game five as we will be out of town. Hmmm. I watched a part of ALL of the regular season games and now will miss a possible series-ending game. Unbelievable! :) I will be wearing my newest jersey--a blank one that I just got--on Friday when we go out to eat. Hey, the boys will be playing, so I HAVE to wear the colors! :D

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I'm having some computer issues. There seems to be some problems with Firefox--I am getting error messages. The trouble is, nothing is consistent, so I couldn't re-create the problem and ask any tech support about what might be going on. I also am having a problem that crops up saying there is a network/IP problem--again, not consistent. ARRRRGGGGHHHH! I SO want to get a new computer, but I can't even think about it until Microsoft fixes Vista--or decides they will continue to sell XP. They have announced that the new OS will be out in 2010, but we all know how right-on-the-money Microsoft is with getting their products to market on time! UGH! Unfortunately, I think the only thing I will be able to do is re-format my hard drive and start with a clean slate. I don't want to do it. (And I DON'T want to hear it, Meleah! I KNOW you are hooked on Apple. :))

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And, for a little laugh:



I LOVE the smile on her face--as well as the hanging-down boobs!

Ha Ha!!

Great Truths That Little Children Have Learned

1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.

2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.

3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.

4) Never ask your 3-year-old brother to hold a tomato.

5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.

6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.

7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.

8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.

10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

Next...

Even though the Wings lost tonight, I really am not concerned. From the beginning, this didn't feel like a sweep to me. And I expected them to lose at least one in Nashville. Nashville is a very difficult place for teams to play in--the fans don't seem to cheer FOR the Predators as much as they cheer AGAINST the visiting team. It can be a little disconcerting, to say the least. Although, I think Dom and Cheli actually thrive on the fans being against them. All I can say about the game is "Next!"

It was good to see Datsyuk score tonight. Baby Boy still hasn't gotten a goal, but there still is time. Babcock has separated the Euro-Twins--at least for tonight--so VF should have a better chance at some goals while on Datsyuk's line. I still would rather see Holmstrom on Z's line and Cleary or Franzen with VF and Datsyuk--but then, I'm not the coach and I trust that Babcock knows what he's doing.

WTF?!?!?!

I now present my annual 'WTF are we thinking in this country' post. Parade magazine has a yearly article that lists what people in America earn. After reading the article, all I can think is WTF are we thinking in this country?!

Salaries of some celebrities:

Leona Helmsley's dog---$12 million
Miley Cyrus, 15, singer/actress---$18.2 million
Meredith Vieira, 54, television anchor---$10 million
Timothy Janus, 31, competitive eater---$25,000 (excuse me? competitive eater?)
Mary-Kate Olsen, 21, actress/entrepreneur---$17 million
Gisele Bundchen, 27, model---$33 million
'Dr'Phil McGraw, 57, TV host---$90 million
Steven Spielberg, 61, movie director---$110 million
50 cent, 32, rapper---$33 million
Oprah Winfrey, 54, TV personality---$260 million
Eli Manning, 27, football player---$11.5 million

Now for what REAL people earn:

Dean McIlvane, 50, farmer---$30,000
Yordana Rodriguez, 25, pharmacy technician---$23,000
Paula Daigle, 35, Spanish teacher---$38,000
Shetal Amin, 31, speech pathologist---$85,000
Mike Crawford, 31, deputy sheriff---$35,000
Capt. Richard Barnett, 34, Air Force fire chief---$70,000
Eileen Welsh, 44, preschool teacher---$15,000
Allen Kite, 48, firefighter/paramedic---$53,000
Lisa Summers, 41, VA clinic coordinator---$46,600
Bruce Hossler, 53, truck driver---$45,000
Tiffany Todd, 34, 911 supervisor---$54,500
Grace Jones, 45, dental assistant---$41,000
Lt jg Brendan Blain, 26, Coast Guard pilot---$66,000
Russell Farmer, 28, high school teacher---$42,000
Joshua Shelton, 25, police detective---$40,000
Lynn Hosford, 57, home daycare provider---$56,000
Steven Drews, 46, social worker---$43,700

It is sad that we are more than willing to give 'entertainers' millions of dollars and don't pay those who watch over our children, watch over our safety, watch our health, help provide us with what we need, a living wage. Just what does this say about us as a nation? WTF are we thinking? Is it a wonder a lot of people around the world have no respect for us?