Tonight we went out to eat and our waiter asked "So, did you have a good Christmas?"
Ummmm, nope!
In Chris' words "it sucked".
Those words are kind of severe. I definitely could have been worse. It definitely could've been better too, though.
It all started Monday night, one week ago, I ran to Fareway to grab some groceries for supper. As I was shopping, things started getting fuzzy. Focusing on what I was shopping for became a problem. The next thing I know I was in the ER and they said I'd had a seizure. I didn't believe it at first. No way. I would've known if I'd had a seizure. Apparently, you don't. Slowly my memory came back to me and I remembered trying to find heavy cream for the soup I was going to make. It's the holiday season so I was going to get the real stuff and that's when it happened. It was very scary. Waking up and not knowing what happened. At the ER, they did blood work and a head CT. My blood showed slightly low levels of calcium and potassium, but my head CT was normal. After we were discharged, Chris took me home and I was scared. When something like this happens and there aren't any warning signs nor explanations, you panic every time you have a little strange feeling or if your vision isn't perfect. I was very emotional. I bet Chris felt that when he would turn around, I was crying again and apologizing for this happening. Since the next day was Christmas Eve, I didn't get into a doctor's appointment until Thursday to try and find answers. The frustrating part of having a seizure is that everyone wants to know what happened and you can't answer them. All I could say was what hurt. My head had a bump on it. That raises the question "did you faint first and then have a seizure or did you just have a seizure and fall down?" The answer to that question can mean two dramatically different things! Great, I don't know what happened. Next, was it a full seizure or just spacing out (apparently some people just stare off into space and that can be classified as a seizure). Going by my muscle groups that hurt, they figured it was a full seizure. My jaw muscles hurt so badly that I think my face looked swollen. Then my hip muscles (like where the inner thigh comes into the hip joint) hurt so badly. The other muscles that hurt were my armpit muscles and these would all just ache. I finally took Tylenol for the pain so I could sleep at night. For about 5 days or so I would nap each day because I was so exhausted. Even though it is a short time in the scheme of things, it takes a lot out of you. I really don't recommend it for anyone :)
Slowly I am getting better each day. Chris has analyzed my day leading up to the seizure and he's chalked it up to over-caffeinating, stress, and under-eating. That's all that makes sense because in addition to the ER tests that were done, I've had my blood work re-done, an MRI and an EKG done. All are normal. Tomorrow I have a final test. The EEG. For this test, they want me tired. As in, "stay up until 1 and get up at 5" kind of tired. I have a plan, but I'm not sure I'll make it all the way until 1 because it's only been a couple of days now that I haven't had to nap during the day....
Today the insurance company for Fareway called to make sure I wasn't going to sue them. The rep was able to give us the name and number of the nurse who helped me during the seizure because we really had no answers to what happened the whole time. Apparently a textbook seizure was all. She said she was going to get milk and looked over and I was already on the floor. She said a lady instantly put her hands on me and started speaking in tongues for Jesus to come down to me. The nurse shooed her away, put me on my side and put her coat under my head. She said one of the cashiers who was like 17 was trying to figure out who to call so the nurse said to look at my driver's license, and find someone on the phone with the same last name. :) She said she kind of took over the situation. I am extremely grateful for that! In one of my waterworks sessions, I told Chris I felt badly because I was sure I had ruined some people's night who would've witnessed my seizure (I know if I had, it would bother me and I'd be worried about that person) but Chris assured me that people were not affected. They were grabbing yogurt around the gurney and I was just more of an inconvenience. I mentioned Chris telling me this when I was talking to the nurse and she said she was seriously embarrassed by how people were indifferent to anyone needing any help. I like to think that I would not be one of those indifferent people despite what time of year it is and how busy I think I am. I think my friend Jenni is right ~ she said my angels were watching out for me that night!
So my lessons learned:
1. Have your ICE contact set up in your phone. They called Taite who had to call Chris to come to Fareway that night.
2. Stress can do strange things to your body, even if you think you are handling it. Don't stress over the small stuff. The boys really weren't upset that certain gifts weren't here by Christmas morning and everything was fine.
3. Hug those you love and tell them "I love you" more. No, you are not doing that enough already.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Thinking....
Recently I've been thinking about blogging again on a regular basis. I spend a lot of time reading blogs, seeing projects and learning about other peoples' lives. It's not like I've been removed from the blog word, I just haven't been updating mine. I hesitate when I think of blogging because I don't have projects every day. I don't have a super recipe I came up with myself. I just am "normal". One outlet for my feelings would be the main theme for my blog.
Usually I'm happy, occasionally sad, disappointed, etc., but those feelings usually only apply to empathy I'm feeling for my kids or husband. I've decided that in order to keep me happy, here are a list of requests:
1. If you tell my boys you are going to do something, you better do it. Otherwise, don't bother to tell them unless you are certain you can fulfill your promise. I understand that sometimes everything doesn't work out and they will be disappointed in life, but there will be plenty of that in the world, they don't need it from family and friends.
2. Please be fair. Treat them as you would want your own children to be treated! This one seems like it should be simple, but surprisingly isn't for all people.
3. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Enough said...
4. Remember to keep an open mind and heart for children. I can't tell you how many boys have been mean to my boys and I really really didn't like those boys when they acted and said what they did. Over time, however, when my boys start hanging out with this child, I have kept an open mind and welcomed them back into my home to realize they aren't the same kid who was mean a while ago. Give the kids a chance.
I guess that is all I can think of for now. Heck, it might even be all of it. That's okay. I feel better. Just remember if I feel the need to vent, it's usually because someone has done some harm towards my boys (and by "boys", I'm including Chris) :)
I'm trying to stay positive for getting my Thanksgiving dinner planned and space/sleeping options all set for our guests. The problem is not knowing who is coming when.... Do I rent a hotel room just so there is swimming available for the kids? That's kind of an expensive insurance option... I've kind of got the menu figured out and that is not what makes me nervous. It's making sure everyone is feeling at home and has what they need while they are here, that is what really makes me nervous.
Oh, the planning that goes with Thanksgiving AND the fact that we figured out there are bats in the attic late last week. They are kind of noisy and the hole in the roof (well, think more of unsealed roofing area) is above Bray's bedroom so they make lots of noise when he's trying to get to sleep. Nice... This morning the owl woke Bray up as he slept in my sewing room. Did you know owls eat bats? I didn't either, but it makes sense, so I'm hoping more owls hang out by our house now! The thought of bats in the house is terrifying to me and especially since they say that if you are sleeping when they are in the room, you have to get the rabies shots. I do NOT want to have to do that!! Okay, enough about that, they are yucky and I am really hoping they all leave and don't ever come back. We never had a problem like this in MN, but the building codes are so much more lax over here that the builders get away with not sealing things up because by the time a problem arises, their warranty or whatever is over. Today a bat guy came to seal the roof and put up a screen over the hole. I though it was a special kind of thing, but no, it's just window screen that they tack at the top of the whole so the bats can get out, but when they try to get back in, the screen prevents their entry. Yes, that was probably a waste of $425 because Chris sealed up any areas he questioned on the roof just this weekend. The only thing he didn't do was the screen thing.... Maybe I'll contact that guy and make him give us the refund on the tax he over charged us! :)
Today I took Taite to the dermatologist. I think the dermatologist feels like I should be helping Taite apply the medicine better to his back, but he's almost 14 and doesn't need my help! So, we just listen to the Dr. talk in a bored tone about the steps we are to be taking. The Dr. also wasn't pleased that we took Taite off the anti-biotic he was taking because he seriously was way more emotional that he had been prior to taking the meds. The Dr. didn't believe the mood was due to the meds, so we're giving it a shot again with strict bedtimes. That could've been the cause of the moodiness. Maybe next month he'll have a better report.
Tomorrow Brayton has his first basketball team. This year Chris is not coaching and Bray has moved up in his skill level, so he is playing on the 'A' team. He doesn't do so much playing, but he's learning and enjoying the sport still and that is what matters the most. We all have some adjustments to make and new things to get used to, but we'll survive. I hope he gets some playing time and does well tomorrow. There's something extremely difficult about watching players getting seconds on the court and trying to prove to the coaches that they deserve more playing time. I saw it on Taite's school basketball team last year when they had about 30 kids out! When only 5 are on the court at a time, it's so painful to watch the players when the extra time is played so they get some playing time.
There, that's all. All caught up! LOL!! Take care! Hugs ~ Lisa
Usually I'm happy, occasionally sad, disappointed, etc., but those feelings usually only apply to empathy I'm feeling for my kids or husband. I've decided that in order to keep me happy, here are a list of requests:
1. If you tell my boys you are going to do something, you better do it. Otherwise, don't bother to tell them unless you are certain you can fulfill your promise. I understand that sometimes everything doesn't work out and they will be disappointed in life, but there will be plenty of that in the world, they don't need it from family and friends.
2. Please be fair. Treat them as you would want your own children to be treated! This one seems like it should be simple, but surprisingly isn't for all people.
3. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Enough said...
4. Remember to keep an open mind and heart for children. I can't tell you how many boys have been mean to my boys and I really really didn't like those boys when they acted and said what they did. Over time, however, when my boys start hanging out with this child, I have kept an open mind and welcomed them back into my home to realize they aren't the same kid who was mean a while ago. Give the kids a chance.
I guess that is all I can think of for now. Heck, it might even be all of it. That's okay. I feel better. Just remember if I feel the need to vent, it's usually because someone has done some harm towards my boys (and by "boys", I'm including Chris) :)
I'm trying to stay positive for getting my Thanksgiving dinner planned and space/sleeping options all set for our guests. The problem is not knowing who is coming when.... Do I rent a hotel room just so there is swimming available for the kids? That's kind of an expensive insurance option... I've kind of got the menu figured out and that is not what makes me nervous. It's making sure everyone is feeling at home and has what they need while they are here, that is what really makes me nervous.
Oh, the planning that goes with Thanksgiving AND the fact that we figured out there are bats in the attic late last week. They are kind of noisy and the hole in the roof (well, think more of unsealed roofing area) is above Bray's bedroom so they make lots of noise when he's trying to get to sleep. Nice... This morning the owl woke Bray up as he slept in my sewing room. Did you know owls eat bats? I didn't either, but it makes sense, so I'm hoping more owls hang out by our house now! The thought of bats in the house is terrifying to me and especially since they say that if you are sleeping when they are in the room, you have to get the rabies shots. I do NOT want to have to do that!! Okay, enough about that, they are yucky and I am really hoping they all leave and don't ever come back. We never had a problem like this in MN, but the building codes are so much more lax over here that the builders get away with not sealing things up because by the time a problem arises, their warranty or whatever is over. Today a bat guy came to seal the roof and put up a screen over the hole. I though it was a special kind of thing, but no, it's just window screen that they tack at the top of the whole so the bats can get out, but when they try to get back in, the screen prevents their entry. Yes, that was probably a waste of $425 because Chris sealed up any areas he questioned on the roof just this weekend. The only thing he didn't do was the screen thing.... Maybe I'll contact that guy and make him give us the refund on the tax he over charged us! :)
Today I took Taite to the dermatologist. I think the dermatologist feels like I should be helping Taite apply the medicine better to his back, but he's almost 14 and doesn't need my help! So, we just listen to the Dr. talk in a bored tone about the steps we are to be taking. The Dr. also wasn't pleased that we took Taite off the anti-biotic he was taking because he seriously was way more emotional that he had been prior to taking the meds. The Dr. didn't believe the mood was due to the meds, so we're giving it a shot again with strict bedtimes. That could've been the cause of the moodiness. Maybe next month he'll have a better report.
Tomorrow Brayton has his first basketball team. This year Chris is not coaching and Bray has moved up in his skill level, so he is playing on the 'A' team. He doesn't do so much playing, but he's learning and enjoying the sport still and that is what matters the most. We all have some adjustments to make and new things to get used to, but we'll survive. I hope he gets some playing time and does well tomorrow. There's something extremely difficult about watching players getting seconds on the court and trying to prove to the coaches that they deserve more playing time. I saw it on Taite's school basketball team last year when they had about 30 kids out! When only 5 are on the court at a time, it's so painful to watch the players when the extra time is played so they get some playing time.
There, that's all. All caught up! LOL!! Take care! Hugs ~ Lisa
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Seriously?!
Really? Has it been over a year since my last post? Maybe I have been blogging in my head only. Did you get to read those? What did you think? :)
I am amazed.
I don't know what else to say about this.
I know that we have good kids.
I think I'm a good mom and Chris is a good dad.
Yet, I am still thrilled, happy, amazed when I hear of good things about my boys.
Today it was Taite's story about what happened at school in phy ed. I didn't hear the whole story, but here is what I gathered: they are working on basketball. Since in 7th grade, they only have phy ed for 1 quarter (yes, a total of 6 weeks or whatever of the whole school year) they move through multiple sports rather quickly. Up to this point, they've done their cup stacking, baseball, etc., all of which Taite is not great at. There was one student who felt it was his job to constantly remind Taite that he was lacking in the skills for these other sports, especially baseball. We didn't learn of this until the said student also did something hurtful towards one of Taite's friends and then that was too much. With the pain caused to his friend, Taite was able to share with us his heartbreak over what the other kid had said to him and called him in phy ed.
To me this is all important in the story I am sharing because today the roles were different. You see, Taite has practiced, practiced, practiced basketball. It all started last summer with basketball skills camp. Each day, they had homework and Taite took that as seriously as he does any "real" homework he gets at school! He spent hours shooting hoops in the sun sweating it up! And he improved. He's since practiced every chance he gets and he's recently been using his moves to compete against the skills coach he goes to most Monday and Thursday nights (and has won against him the last two times). I don't know if his coach is being soft on him or not, but Taite is getting good....
Back to today....from what I gathered, the students are playing 2-on-2 or 4-on-4 basketball games. Taite decided to help a student in his class who doesn't play basketball. I'm not sure this student plays any sports (but I could be wrong). To describe him, think brainyack with glasses. The dad from Back to the Future. Highly intelligent, but reserved. Taite helped him with his form for shooting, kept working him the ball so he even scored in the game and Taite said he then played defense too by helping to double-team with Taite (must've been more than 2-on-2)! In my head, I envision Taite giving him the skills and help to have small successes and those successes lead to him having some confidence in playing the game, so he worked at his defense as well! I'm not sure I have that all right, but it sounds good and makes me proud nonetheless!
BUT WAIT, I'm not done! Taite said that after class, a teacher (he wasn't even sure who she was) pulled him aside and thanked him. She explained that the student he helped has anxiety issues and with Taite giving him the attention and help he needed, made him feel more comfortable. Doesn't that just bring tears to your eyes? That's our Taite.
I wish he would rub off on his little brother just a smidge since he is struggling with baseball and currently believes he's the "worst ever". We're hoping it's just a slump he's in, but I sure wish someone would take him aside and give him a little more confidence because what we are doing isn't working....
I am amazed.
I don't know what else to say about this.
I know that we have good kids.
I think I'm a good mom and Chris is a good dad.
Yet, I am still thrilled, happy, amazed when I hear of good things about my boys.
Today it was Taite's story about what happened at school in phy ed. I didn't hear the whole story, but here is what I gathered: they are working on basketball. Since in 7th grade, they only have phy ed for 1 quarter (yes, a total of 6 weeks or whatever of the whole school year) they move through multiple sports rather quickly. Up to this point, they've done their cup stacking, baseball, etc., all of which Taite is not great at. There was one student who felt it was his job to constantly remind Taite that he was lacking in the skills for these other sports, especially baseball. We didn't learn of this until the said student also did something hurtful towards one of Taite's friends and then that was too much. With the pain caused to his friend, Taite was able to share with us his heartbreak over what the other kid had said to him and called him in phy ed.
To me this is all important in the story I am sharing because today the roles were different. You see, Taite has practiced, practiced, practiced basketball. It all started last summer with basketball skills camp. Each day, they had homework and Taite took that as seriously as he does any "real" homework he gets at school! He spent hours shooting hoops in the sun sweating it up! And he improved. He's since practiced every chance he gets and he's recently been using his moves to compete against the skills coach he goes to most Monday and Thursday nights (and has won against him the last two times). I don't know if his coach is being soft on him or not, but Taite is getting good....
Back to today....from what I gathered, the students are playing 2-on-2 or 4-on-4 basketball games. Taite decided to help a student in his class who doesn't play basketball. I'm not sure this student plays any sports (but I could be wrong). To describe him, think brainyack with glasses. The dad from Back to the Future. Highly intelligent, but reserved. Taite helped him with his form for shooting, kept working him the ball so he even scored in the game and Taite said he then played defense too by helping to double-team with Taite (must've been more than 2-on-2)! In my head, I envision Taite giving him the skills and help to have small successes and those successes lead to him having some confidence in playing the game, so he worked at his defense as well! I'm not sure I have that all right, but it sounds good and makes me proud nonetheless!
BUT WAIT, I'm not done! Taite said that after class, a teacher (he wasn't even sure who she was) pulled him aside and thanked him. She explained that the student he helped has anxiety issues and with Taite giving him the attention and help he needed, made him feel more comfortable. Doesn't that just bring tears to your eyes? That's our Taite.
I wish he would rub off on his little brother just a smidge since he is struggling with baseball and currently believes he's the "worst ever". We're hoping it's just a slump he's in, but I sure wish someone would take him aside and give him a little more confidence because what we are doing isn't working....
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