how about drinking?

Dara_Diverse

Lori, I have been following your mother's story and totally understand where you are. It is not easy. I am praying that she is placed into a home like the one we had both my parents in. Do make sure that family visits any prospective locations to check it out as well as do research on the facilities. My Mom was sent to the ER five times while in the Lutheran Home, she was moved to Genesis and never went to the ER. Each time she went to the ER, she was dehydrated which is neglect. Anyway, I really feel your family's pain. Thanks for the good wishes, God knows I need em.

cheeRs!

Jazzygirl

Good morning friends- my weekend check-in with you. I hope you all have some nice St Patty's day plans. Maybe some corn beef and cabbage somewhere? I am not doing a St Pat's thing per se, but am meeting a friend for a birthday lunch today and plan to wear GREEN!

I had a busy professional week and did a presentation with two other women (panel style) at a prof org event. Facilitated questions and a few open questions from the audience. It went so well and I had several people I know and new people come up to say how much they enjoyed listening to my experiences and advise. I usually do at least one presentation a year (if not more) in local orgs for marketing, networking, etc. and this was my first for the year. Felt very empowering and came away feeling good!

And spring is starting up here in New Mexico. Fruit trees are in bloom and my weeping cherry is about to come out too. We did get some nice rain last sunday and supposedly more tomorrow. We need a lot more moisture here, where as I hear the east coast is getting hit brutally with storm after storm.

Goldie- my heart goes out to you with all you are going through with your mom. We went through so many hard things with our mother during her health changes and in her final years. Like Dara said, try to research ahead of time as you can to be sure she ends up in a good place with no incidents on record. I know how exhausting all of this may be for you. I hope your husband is doing better too. I know men are not much fun with their health problems.

Dara- well that is really unfortunate it a) has played out this way and b) the way they treated you. I will share with you both times it has happened to me, because of a business decision (closing a business line, mergers and acquisitions that went south, etc.), I was not treated well either. The last time is when I chose to go out on my own (11 years next month). I won't say self employment is easy, but I have never been let go from a contract, some projects get cancelled and I get picked up for another. I hope you can take a look at your transferable skills and leap into something else. I know you tried freelance and the whole insurance thing makes it much harder now (super expensive plans this year). Remember all you have come through friend- you can find your way through this.

ChiSandy- black ice is not my friend. I rolled a vehicle once in upstate NY years ago on black ice. I was lucky to walk away from it. The SUV took the hit, and fortunately I did not. I was very nervous driver after (I actually feel I still am).

I am excited for you that you are going to Rome next month too!

NM- sounds like you and Sadie are weathering the storms well together. I heard the last storm brought the most to Boston on up. Another on it's way in this week. Well, spring is almost here (this next week). I know you are ready!

Cami- I hope Leslie continues to feel better. You sound so busy with your work, and love that Joey is helping around the house. He is a real peach and love your special relationship.

Teka- any signs of spring in north country?

Mema- I hope you are doing okay. I am not sure chemo has started yet, but think of you often and praying for a successful treatment this go around.

Genny- how is the knee recovery going. Almost a month since the surgery?

I have to get out to my day. Wishing you all a nice weekend!

Dara_Diverse

Jazzy, I am jealous of your Spring weather. We are expecting a forth blizzard here this coming week depending on how the storm tracks. Thanks for the kind words. Enjoy that nice weather.

I am going to really try to stay connected. I need you girls in my life on a regular basis. Plus I miss the hell out of you all. Now that I am not working, there is no excuse.

janky

Happy Saturday all! I just started my second cycle of Ibrance with Femara and was hoping to have a couple of 'green' beer today? any thoughts? should I avoid the alcohol or? Thanks for your feedback J

goldie0827

Hi Janky, and welcome. Well did you have some green beer? I would say if you feel up to it, then go for it! I am currently on Xeloda, been on it for 3 years. Ibrance will be my next try.

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Sunday Funday! 25 whole degrees outside, still over a foot of snow on the ground, wind chills still below the donut overnights, welcome to spring in Maine! The snow is softening up so poor Sadie ends up poking a paw down through the snow when she wanders off her beaten paths. I can practically hear her swearing when it happens, too. And of course the weather guessers are talking about another Nor'Easter later in the week, but hopefully not a big one. Time will tell, I guess.

Been thinking about the Hospice situation over the weekend. My commitment is only for 2 more weeks, and in April I have some teaching assignments so won't be working for Hospice as much which will provide me a bit of a break and reinforce my limits with management. So I'm going to take the lessons learned--get any special arrangements in writing with details--and the extra hours pay and move on. I've talked it over at length with Sadie and she agrees with the plan.

Goldie--I'm always careful in the snow. It's the other drivers that are a problem!

Jazzy--LOL!!!

Dara--Oh, my dear, what a horrible experience! So unfeeling how they went about it. Do you know what company that contract went to? They must be looking for help. But that's a thought for Monday, the weekend is for the jack n Cokes and maybe some cussin.

Goldie--I am so sorry your Mom is going through more pain, but glad there is a new problem, a new diagnosis. This may be just the bit of change necessary for her to qualify for placement. Hopefully the doctor will follow up with the Rehab Facility. Was your Mom mentioning back pain before she was discharged home?

Jazzy--So happy the presentation went well! It's nice when something works out well. Wish I could send some of my moisture your way. The last storm dumped 2.15 inches worth of water in the form of snow. How much you want?This last storm was more north than the earlier ones. The next one in line is looking to be further off shore and less of a problem than the others. I certainly hope it's true.The snowbanks beside the garage are higher than the car!

Janky--the alcohol during treatment decision is a very individual one. I'm of the opinion that since a drink of wine with dinner or an occasional cocktail is one of the finer pleasures in life that I am going to have them, and did have some while in treatment. Of course, I did not take chemo so there is a difference there. Some choose to not drink during active treatment, some choose tokeep strict limits. I don't think anybody objects or prohibits a drink or two for a special occasion. Note how your body reacts and make future decisions from there.

NM's DOTD:

Lucky Charm Cocktail

It is 'sinfully delicious."

Ingredients

• 2 Ounces tequila
• 1 ounce Sour Apple Pucker
• 1/4 ounce Melon Liqueur
• 1-ounce fresh lime juice
• 2 lime wheels Garnish

Directions

Add all ingredients into bar shaker and shake well, serve in a Collins glass. Float lime wheels as garnish

janky

Snowing (again) - very picturesque, now I am ready for green grass though! NativeMainer (one of my favorite states btw, my son went to college in Bangor) thank you for your words of wisdom. I did go out and enjoy a couple of beer, but not green - I avoided the food color Cheers...

ChiSandy

Jazzy, love the cartoons! Dara, bummer about getting let go again. Happens more & more in this economy--the corporate model is to max the bottom line by skimping on wages & benefits. I agree with Jazzy that assessing your skills and seeing alternative ways to use them independently in the new "gig economy" might be the way to go. (Doesn't mean you shouldn't look for another job, though). Lori, I hope that your mom finally gets the residential care she needs. Kim, do they make doggie-snowshoes?

Welcome, janky! We ER+ gals (regardless of stage) don't necessarily have to teetotal, just not drink more than moderately. (For us, that's 3 drinks a week, though the general definition for women is 7). So don't beat yourself up for having that St. Pat's Day beer. My rule, though, is if I'm gonna drink, it had better be worth it--ergo, no boxed wine (or no "just because it's there" wine), no "macrobrewed" beer (e.g., PBR, Miller Lite, Bud Lite, etc.), beer or wine only when paired with food (celebratory bubbly is an exception), and spirits only in tiny doses and only if extraordinary. (Exception--in a special holiday cocktail).

Last night I walked over to Cellars to watch the Loyola game and have corned beef & cabbage. Had a half-pour of a nice Argentinian malbec (which I don't normally drink because IMHO there are better reds out there, but it was recommended for corned beef and went well with it). Owner poured me 1/2 c. of a local craft-brew (5 Rabbit) porter; and dessert was an Irish coffee--the real thing, using fresh coffee, Jameson's muddled with raw sugar, and lightly whipped cream, not just a shot of Bailey's poured into a cup of stale coffee with a squirt of Reddi-Wip on top like most bars make. (By now you may have intuited that the owner is Irish. I'm not, but I wore green anyway--albeit a dark-green dulcimer festival tee and green eyeglass frames). So between the half-pours of wine & porter and the Irish coffee, there went two out of my three drinks for the week.

Spring has sprung here--high 50s...and moderate tree pollen count (win some, lose some).

janky

Thanks ChiSandy, so I did indeed imbibe 3 beer, felt great, and I can wait a week for the next round of libation, though I have just had diarrhea, hmmm, beer or Ibrance? Cellars sounds stellar !

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Monday! Another very chilly ayem here, Sadie did her outside business and ran right straight back in, ate 2 bites of dog food and galloped down the hall to the bedroom and is currently curled up in the blankets and pillows. For someone who is so good at being a bed warmer she sure does act like the cold is a real problem! And she has a fur coat! She likes her comfort, can't say as I blame her.

Janky--glad you had a good time. Not so many places around here do the green coloring thing anymore, but some of the bars do open at 6 ayem on St. Paddy's day.

Chi--I'll have to check on the doggie snow shoes, I know they make doggie boots, why not snow shoes? Right about now I am looking forward to pollen counts, but then I will complain about that, I'm sure.That real Irish Coffee sound so yummy!

NM's DOTD:

Chilly Irishman

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
• 1 oz Irish Whiskey
• 1/2 oz Irish Cream
• 1 dash Simple Syrup
• 1 scoop Ice Cream
• 3 oz (Cold) Espresso

Directions

Add all ingredients to a blender with 4 cups of crushed ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into parfait glasses, garnish with clover leafs, and serve.

Best served in a Parfait Glass.

ChiSandy

Kim, I was kidding about the doggie snowshoes, but stranger things are being marketed as "pet-cessories."

Week not getting off to an auspicious start. Picked Gordy up from near Leslie's place (she teaches in the afternoons) and headed up to Highland Park for a shrink appt. But half a mile later, he asked to pull over because he was carsick (which hasn't happened since he was ten). When he got back in the car, he admitted he was awakened this morning with a headache, and he couldn't finish his coffee because the queasiness set in. I felt his forehead and it was ice-cold and dripping with sweat. He said he felt like his heart was racing. I asked if he wanted to turn around, and he said no--but a few blocks later he said we should reschedule. We went straight home; I tried to take his pulse but I couldn't find it at his wrist or neck. I called Bob, who said to go to Immediate Care stat. We did--and though everything else was absolutely normal (in fact, his heart rate's a little slow), the nasal swab was positive for type A flu. (He never got his shot this year, but it's the strain against which this year's vaccine is least effective). Dropped him off at home, and he took the first tab of our emergency Tamiflu stash while I went to pick up his prescriptions (and lots of Gatorade). Starting Tamiflu so early in the course of the disease will probably knock it out in 2-3 days, but there's still a possibility he'll spike a fever and get some muscle aches before he gets better.

I'm feeling a bit queasy myself--but just as likely because I'm worried about him. (Also, the P.A. at the clinic said not to get cocky about having had my shot--we all need to wash hands, isolate dishes & utensils, use paper plates, etc). He was diagnosed so early that he hadn't yet gotten a fever or muscle aches. I'm not going to take anything but ginger tea or diet ginger ale till I develop anything more than queasiness--Tamiflu does have some side effects and there's no point wasting my "emergency pill" on something that might not be flu. I did notice how important Medicare Part D is--our "stash" cost a $10 co-pay, but Gordy's insurance still left him with a $99 co-pay for the same drug.

Now getting a mild headache--but the tree pollens are at allergenic levels. Was going to vote today to beat the rush tomorrow (and in case I'm not in shape to vote tomorrow), but now I dunno. If the lines aren't too long at the library, I'll go now; if I can't handle the wait, I'll go straight back to the clinic and get a nasal swab myself.

ChiSandy

DId get to vote, just under the wire. Whew! Conscience is clear. I’ll drink to that: ginger peach green tea, extra ginger, raw honey

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! Another interesting day at work yesterday. I discovered that there was a whole lot of conversations and e-mailing that went on after I offered to manage one facility, and the management team and one other nurse decided that I would managed a whole other set of patients in 2 other facilities and several home patients that live in the boonies without ever mentioning any of this to me.It started when the one nurse asked how I was liking the out of the way run. I flat out said I was very surprised and not happy about trying to manage patients at one facility and being sent all over hell and gone, and not being able to figure out who is managing these other patients. When she said "you are" I stopped dead, and asked "since when?" I made it very clear that I was totally disgusted that 6 people, 5 inmanagement positions, would take my offer, totally change it and never once mention anything to me about it. I flat out told 3 people that I expected to be treated with the common courtesy due any human being, no matter how little they value staff who aren't full time case managers. Poor Sadie, I really talked her ears off last night when I got home from work (after an extra long day with more work still to do). I am so lucky, she listens so well and petting her and tickling her belly is so calming. Sadie plus a glass of wine and I slept well last night, when I finally got to go to bed. Today the furnace isn't working right, so called for a service call, that's going to cost me, starting with $200 travel fee just to get the guy here. Sometimes life does not seem very fair.

Chi--I often think the flu shot gives many people a false sense of security--I've got the shot, now I won't get the flu. So they don't pay attention to hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes and end up catching it and spreading it all over the place. Tamiflu is a great help if it can be started soon enough. It's also a godsend for nursing homes. Once one person tests positive for the flu everyone on the unit gets put on Tamiflu for prevention. It is incredibly expensive, though. Even the generic form is expensive. I'm glad you are taking care of yourself proactively. It makes a big difference in the long run. I'm like you, I voteevery chance I get just to preserve my right to complain!

NM's DOTD:

Paraflu Cocktail

Ingredients

• 3/4 oz Vodka
• 1/2 oz Blue Curacao
• 1 oz Lemon Juice

Directions

Pour the vodka and lemon juice (to taste) into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Slowly pour the blue curacao to the bottom of the glass, and serve.

Best served in a Cocktail Glass.

goldie0827

DH has acupuncture and chiro today. Mom is being released from the hospital today, so we are trying to get her placed for long term care. Not sure how it will play out. Have 2 possible owners for Zues, hopefully will know something by the weekend.

Sandy, sorry about Gordy and hope you are not sick again.

NM, I think it's time to quit Hospice, or at least consider it? So glad you have Sadie to discuss things with!

ChiSandy

Gordy's doing a bit better, not feverish yet, but getting tired of all the hydration (how much Gatorade can one person drink?). Not nauseated but still not up to eating much in the way of solids. I made a batch (2 c.) of ginger-honey tea yesterday: a Republic of Tea ginger-peach green tea bag, 2 tsp. grated ginger in a tea infuser, and then 1T. of raw honey after steeping. He didn't want any, so I poured it into my giant soup mug and drank it. Meanwhile, we've been going through a lot of Lysol, Clorox & paper towels, disinfecting knobs, handles, toilet seats, etc. My housekeeper is even wearing one of Bob's old white consult coats.

Meanwhile, my gut is sort of bloated--but that could be from having had to switch iron formulas to one that's double-strength. Anything else about that would be TMI. My sis & I made a pact in our forties that if one of us ever began to give digestive "organ recitals," the other had permission to shoot to kill. (No fair--she has 3 rifles in her house, albeit in a locked safe). Head seems stuffy, post-nasal drip (which really stupid people think is a breakfast cereal), throat scratchy, eyes itchy...but the tree pollen count is in the "moderate" range, which means that it'll bother most people who are allergic. The flip side of spring. (Which it officially is, as of today).

Lori, hope you find good L.T. care for your mom--and a happy "forever home" for Zues.

Kim, it really sucks when management lacks transparency and then blames you for not intuiting the plans about which they neglected to inform you.

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Hump Day! Got the furnace fixed, fortunately it was just some components that needed replacing, bad news it was a $500 bill I hadn't planned for, good news is that Emergency Fund will take care of it with plenty left over for another emergency. Having dependable heat and hot water is such a luxury after months of having to hit the reset button every hour or so and coming home/getting up to a house temp in the 40's. The full tank of oil will get me through the rest of this season.I had a totally bizarre dream last night. Dreamt I was driving from one visit to another, through the countryside, was supposed to be on a certain road, the snow blew up into a white out, and next thing I knew I was falling. The car landed on all four tires on the side of a city road, down in a ditch. I climb out and find an open store and find out that I am in a totally different town on a totally different road. The ladies working at the store call the police for me, turns out the policeman is a relative of theirs. I keep saying I can't understand how I ended up in this place, on this road. The policeman finds a child's toy in the car, tests it and finds cigarette smoke on it, and was using a half smoked cigarette to swab parts of my car for evidence of smoking in the car. (I know where this detail comes from--there was a work e-mail reviewing the smoking policy which specifies that staff cannot smoke on company or patient property, not even in their own cars, but must drive off the property first). (FYI, I don't smoke.) Then I have to give a urine sample to prove I wasn't drinking, but the sample is taken by one of the shop ladies, not the policeman. Then I'm on the phone with my office, and the woman is telling me that I have to stay in a motel overnight while she arranges a rental car for me, and I'm arguing with her saying I need to get home, I was thinking of Sadie,and I can call someone to come pick me up and she keeps saying I can't leave the town I'm in, and have to stay in a motel that she will arrange for. That was when the alarm went off. I was rather glad to wake up from that dream!

Goldie--I am praying your Mom gets placement this time around. And that Zues finds a good home. I have considered leaving Hospice all together, but right now I need the income of working a couple days a week and the flexibility of being per diem and choosing when I work. This whole thing is partly my own fault for not insisting on getting things in writing, and I am using it to really push on the Clinical Managers that I need to be deliberately communicated with directly. I am making it clear that I am finishing out the next week and a half as they set it up for the sake of the patients, not to make things easier for them, and that it will be a very long time before I trust them enough to offer any extra help again. I'm hoping they will figure out that other nurses arren't offering to do a lot of extra for the same reason and that they have a big communication problem to fix. I got a text from them yesterday ayem telling me to do some computer work for the Tues ayem meeting, I told them No, as it was my day off. If that doesn't get me fired it should open their eyes a bit since the meeting and the notes are federal reg mandated and one of them would have had to do them. But I am going to start looking for something else I can do with the same flexibility. I'm hoping the teaching job can be built up to the point I don't need to work Hospice anymore.

Chi--glad you are escaping the flu symptoms so far. Changing iron supplement can really do a job on the ol digestive system. You might want to alternate the double strength with the regular strength tablets for a couple of weeks to let your system adjust with less distress. The work thing does suck, but it's temporary, so I keep reminding myself. And it's time I stood up for myself there.

NM's DOTD:

goldie0827

Sandy, you can't seem to catch a break, my goodness!

NM, what a dream that was. I'm too am glad the alarm went off. So detailed and long! Glad you have a plan, going forward with Hospice. I hope you don't get fired tho, as you mention you need that income….for now!

Well, we got mom placed. They had to enter her back into rehab, which they said they would waive the cost, as Medicaid won't pay unless she was home for 60 days and she wasn't. Then they will admit her as Long Term. HOWEVER, she wasn't there but 5 hours or so and now complaining of chest pain! So, back to the hospital she goes! Diagnosed with A FIB, which she has all the time! Look up Drama Queen in the dictionary and you will see her picture! DH didn't make it to the acupuncturist, took too long with chiro. But he like him! So we go back on Thursday.

camillegal

Good Morning Ladies,

Oh I come here almost every day and read as much as I can, thinking I'm going o write, then I don't

I saw a new name Janky, welcome I love these ladies and come on back and u will too.

Lori u mom has to really be scared of all that'a going on around her. This is so difficult for everyone. And now ur DH, boy when u get in the medical world u really commit, it sucks doesnt it.

Sandy hoping Gordy is much better now, but u really know how to take precautions and know exactly what to do Our house too should be a commercial for Lysol or clorox. I like the post cereal line. LOL If I ever got the flu <God forbid> I want u to take care of me, bring a mask and gloves and ur all set. Oh bring the tea and honey, I can supply the water, bottles or tap.

NM WTF is going on??? it seems kind of like Deju vue <sp> I can't believe all this, but I know u'll stand up for what right for you. And that dream it started to sound like a Steven King theme. Even when u sleep u mind is overtimed of being hectic. Thank God for Sadie and I really mean that, especially how I love our furbabies.

Leslie had to go see the PS and other surgeon again about this infection, I think it has to do with the PS, but I'm not saying anything, no one can figure out what to do, even the skin Dr. couldn't see what the problem is to clear it up. She's taken so many anti_b's, it recockulous and of course this stops all other treatment, this drags on and on.

Well Dan got the keys to his new warehouse, wow it's so nice, he called me as soon as he got them, There is so much work and he needs to hire more people so it's not easy cuz he wants everyone to fit in. He's happy cuz hell get his house back. u can't even park a motorcycle in the garage or use the basement, it's filled to the top but very organized. Now everything has to be moved, without taking anyone off jobs so now he's hiring guys to pack and move everything---this is going to take time for him for sure. And I really am having a hard time keeping up with the phones most days. He's trying to hire good family and Christian men, not as easy as u think LOL That's why we don't work Sundays cuz it's church and family time.

Oh Dara ur going thru a difficult time now, Jazzy always has such good advice about these things and I know ur always open for that. This sucks for u, I dont know anything about the kind of work u do, but u have so much knowledge in what u do, it seems only logical u must know so much more than u think. So maybe it's time u do go another way and use urself as more than what u''ve always done. Ur so damn smart and have a niceness towards people there has to be more for you.

Love to all, it's great when I get here, I want to know what's going on and let's face it, it's therapeutic for me, probably most of us, but I speak for myself.

LUBS U ALL

goldie0827

Cami, it's good to see you posting. I'm so sorry to hear about Leslie's continuing problems. How is it this is so tough on some, and then more manageable for others. And still wanting to know how Joey is. That is great news for Dan, and finding good help is so hard to find. We lost 2 good friends that we had working for us, they were stealing from us. One of them was my DH's best friend. Needless to say, they are no longer friends.

NM, are you getting pounded? By snow that is!

I'm having to rewrite my post, as my palm hit the mouse pad and it took me to a different page. I usually write in Word first, and then just copy/paste to BCO. Well since it was only Cami that had wrote, I typed in the BCO box. That's what I get for not doing it in Word or Notepad. Anyways, DH has chiro appt. today, so I'll get groceries while he is there. OMG, talked to my mom last night and was telling me how they were going to do CT scan on her heart, but canceled and decided to do her lungs instead. She sounded so normal, she's usually asking what's wrong with me, where am I, etc. The only thing she said that was off, was that she asked me 4 times, how things were out here. I'm so affraid she will get back to where she was (her normal) and they won't want to keep her. I'm pretty sure she can't handle her meds and insulin. Plus we are hoping to have Zues gone, maybe even this weekend. We have to be very careful as to when we surrender her house, as she no longer owns it.

NativeMainer

Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Thirsty Thursday! When I went into the office yesterday ayem I was treated rather like glass. I think I may have gotten through, at least a little bit. I had to write a self-evaluation yesterday and as I was looking at that and thinking about that, I decided that this latest incident is too big to let slide. I detailed the incident and several disparaging comments made over the lastyear (including names and dates) as "evidence" that I am not a team player, and my observations about how what I have been doing for them IS helpful and how. I'm going to see how the evaluation "conversation" goes. Then I'll decide if I'm going to talk to someone in HR about the situation. I really feel like I have to do something as there are at least 2 other nurses in the office getting the same kind of treatment but are too afraid to speak up. If I get fired I know I can find another job, it just won't be as convenient as this one, but God will provide. I've actually started looking around for something else to have as a back up plan. Gotta love Sadie in all this, she's just so happy when I get home, and so generous with her time letting me pet and belly rub and jabber away to her. And she keeps me moving on my days off by going in and out and in and out!

Well, big Nor'Easter #4 is turning into a bust, not that anyone is complaining. Supposed to start yesterday peeyem, didn't start till around 9 ayem today. Now the weather guessers are saying "snow showers" and "snow squalls" with very little accumulation predicted. But, that accumulation will be very heavy, wet snow as the temp is hovering right around freezing.The wind is picking up, so there will be lots of blowing going on, that's always fun to watch.

Goldie--Your poor Mom. I think the chest pain and getting bounced back to the ER is proof that she can't be at home. Nice of the Rehab to waive the cost since they were the ones who missed the compression fractures and sent her home inappropriately. The rules for qualifying for rehab and long term care really need an overhaul. Glad the DH likes the chiro, and hoping the chiro can be really helpful.

Cammy--Yeah, this is some crazy stuff, and it needs to be addressed, and I am going to force the issue this time. By putting it in my self-eval it's going to be really hard for them to fire me without it looking like retaliation.The office is so busy that losing another nurse right now will be a total crisis. I am so sorry Leslie is going through such misery with the infection not clearing up. I hope someone figures out the issue very soon. Congrats to Dan on getting the warehouse! I bet he'll love getting his house back. It is going to be a big job getting everything packed and moved and keep it all organized. I hope he can find some good Christian men who fit in well. It's really hard to maintain Christian standards in the business world these days. Lubs to you!!

NM's DOTD:

Northern Europe Mongrel

Ingredients

• 1/2 shot Beer
• 1/4 shot Vodka
• 1/2 shot Irish Cream

Directions

Layer vodka and irish cream in a shot glass. Pour beer to fill.

Best served in a Shot Glass.

MemaSue56

Morning DahLinks!!

Dara - I agree…what the F%#K. I have great faith in you that you will find something and it'll come soon. Am praying for that for you…(((BIG HUGZ))) My surgery is postponed for 3 to 6 mos…during that time I am doin chemo every 3 weeks of Perjeta, Taxol, and Herceptin. I am, however, feeling pretty good for now. Got my hair trimmed yest, Stylist said my hair is already falling out UGH!! Mayb I'll get a better wig this time.

Lowee - ohm thank goodness someone in med field seeing your mom as 'in need'. Hope and pray it works out (((HUGZ)))

Jazz - good to see you again. WOW sounds like you had a GR8 week, glad you came away feeling good. Thanks for your concern. Yes chemo started. Had 2 already. Next one is Tues. We are hoping to see our Madison that day too. Yay!!!

Janky - welcome….glad you imbibed on St Pat day.

NM - been watching the weather, feel so much for you and Dara and all living in those areas. F&#K…that is totally not right that they did that without your knowledge, I wud'a had to do a tap dance on someones head for that chit. LOL about Sadie swearing LOL.

Sandy - WOW about Gordy….Hope the meds kick in soon.

Cami - Glad to hear from you. Will say some prayers for Les. Dan is really moving along now eh? Hope he can find the help he needs to get his warehouse into shape.

NM - good for you, I'm curious to hear how it all turns out on the job front. ((NM))

LUBSLUBSLUBS TO ALL

ChiSandy

Gordy's feeling better--never did have a fever and actually wants real food again. Of course, he's pretty bummed out about not being able to see his g.f. Leslie before she went back to Houston Mon. night. for spring break (she gets back here next Fri., and we may take her to her first Seder on Sat. night). His symptoms first hit when he woke up Mon. a.m. at her place. She's been vaccinated, but it's easy to spread this bug even if you don't catch it. By Sun. he should no longer be contagious, but we're not taking chances. As he has asthma, we're being very careful to make sure he uses his inhalers. (We have nebulizer supplies at the ready). When flu patients get pneumonia, it usually strikes after they start feeling well. I'd planned to go to Cellars tonight to watch the Loyola game, but I don't want to be an unwitting "plague vector." Besides, I don't feel like stuffing myself with $10 Reubens & fries, however delicious. I've had a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal at breakfast & just had avocado-and-tomato toast with an egg on top for lunch and am stuffed to the gills.

Had my annual eye appt. yesterday. All is well, except need a slight add'l reading, astigmatism & distance correction in my left eye. (Which explains why I have to narrow my eyes to a near-squint to keep the computer page from swimming, and why I've been confusing the numeral 5 and 6 in the FB Messenger and iCal fonts, with embarrassing results). Also, very slight retrocapsular clouding in the left eye, but nothing needing lasering yet. (Ophtho says to call if I start getting night glare or see halos or streaks from lights--which is how Bob's clouding manifested about a year after his first cataract removal).

Since the ophtho is a friend of ours, Bob urged me to buy a pair of glasses from his office (more expensive than Warby Parker but less than Lens Crafters). When I mentioned the "laptop pages swimming" to the doc, he suggested that in addition to everyday glasses I get a pair for computer & reading. So I picked out some cute purple frames for that. I called Warby Parker about replacing the lenses in my current frames from them, and they said they could only replace single-vision, because for some reason they can't update progressives--just exchange my glasses and they'd issue me a new set of frames & lenses, at the same price as new. Zenni won't replace lenses at all unless it's a screwup on their part. So I tried on a few pair at Warby Parker's shop, and settled on some round-ish frames in "Beach Glass" (a translucent muted teal), with photochromic lenses for everyday, and some really sharp semi-cat-eye frames in rose gold titanium & stainless for dresswear. All of the above will be ready for adjustment & pickup in about 10-12 days. Meanwhile, the change in my general prescription is slight enough that I can hang in there without being tempted by the "one-hour" promise at LensCrafters & VisionWorks. (And I don't want to feed the Luxottica monopoly more than I have to). As to my favorites among my current frame wardrobe, I will get estimates from both my ophtho and the local independent optician in West Ridge (the mostly Hasidic & Indian neighborhood to the n.w. of us) as to which is cheaper. I know the local guy is quicker, as he does it in-house. But he is very observant and is open only Tues-Thurs. afternoons--and not at all on Jewish holidays or the day before. My ophtho has to send orders out, as does Warby Parker. I will update my current frames one at a time. (One lens at a time--the R eye is unchanged).

Cami, I will definitely be your chicken-soup source! Hope Dan can staff his business with good, moral, ethical people who are up to the task. Careful about the "Christian" part, though--it's illegal in IL to specify that (or hire on that basis) unless it's a faith-based entity doing the hiring, and for a faith-based task at that. Putting on my lawyer hat here, all it takes is one non-Christian person rejected for a job to cause a litigation--or at least gov't administrative hearing--nightmare. Been there, done that (defending a business & a landlord), and it's almost impossible for a respondent to prevail. Hope they can figure out what's causing Les' infection and finally cure it. (A fellow BCO sister over at "Lumpectomy Lounge" ended up using a portable wound-vac after she had to have a BMX due to genetic mutations and her incisions got infected; the contraption finally did the trick).

Kim, hope your HR woes get ironed out. Seems DC and NYC got your snowstorm. We're getting "wintry mix" tomorrow night into Sat., but little to no accumulations here on the N. Side. (Far N. Shore may not even see any rain). Lori, glad your mom will have a roof over her head and medical needs met.

Haven't had any wine since Sun. Probably will keep hitting the decaf & seltzer.

NativeMainer

Good morning, Loungettes! Happy TGIF day! The big Nor'Easter that started as I was posting yesterday lasted about an hour for me, no accumulation to speak of at all. A couple inches in town, more on the coast. No more big storms in store right now, so maybe spring will finally get a chance to move it. I know Sadie would like to see mud season come along, she LOVES mud!

Mema--Glad you are feeling well. Sorry about the hair coming out already. Will let you know what happens at work today.

Chi--So glad Gordy got through the deadly flu plague without even a fever! Wise to be extra careful for a while after to keep the asthma under control. Glasses frames and lenses are quite the complicated thing these days. It's amazing how much the cost comes to in the end. And all the options are just amazing. This last storm did hit southern New England way harder than Maine, and not one person in Maine is at all upset about that! No matter what else happens with my evaluation I have learned a lesson, and will not be placing my trust in the management team again for quite some time.

NM's DOTD:

Fridays Frozen Mudslide

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka
• 1 1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
• 1 1/2 oz Irish Cream
• 8 cubes Ice
• 1 1/2 oz Cream
• 1 scoop Vanilla Ice Cream
• 2 scoops Chocolate Ice Cream

Directions

Begin by crushing the 8 ice cubes in a blender. When ice is finely crushed, add the remaining ingredients and blend for 45 seconds on blender's highest setting. Pour into glass and serve immediately.

Best served in a Hurricane Glass.

camillegal

Mornin' Ladies,

NM I knew ud step up for urself, uve been so much stronger since u had gotten sick, u'r now in control and u now know it. Good for u. I'm glad that weather missed u, finally maybe it is turning spring, but I won't believe it for a while. I still have my little heater on.

Lori I'm so glad ur mom is being taken care of, this has to be better for ur stress too. It's the way it has to be, unfortunately---its tough. Wow a lot's going on. Joey is doing better but he's still a little shaky with all of this cuz it keeps going on. He's talking more to me about things tho and that's a good sign. It's funny out of nowhere all of a sudden he'll say how much he loves me and of course I love that part. He's gotten so tall he stands and cradles me in his arms. Of course I did shrink. LOL

Sandy I'm glad Gordy is feeling better, but I forgot Leslie is from TX right??? That's stinky to me but people nowadays fly easily from one place to another so for now it's not so bad. But how do u feel about that, Id think that maybe there has to be moving involved and I wouldn't want mine to move. I know I think to far ahead sometimes.

SusyQ good to see you, but sorry what u'r going thru. So far u seem to feel well, OK and I like hearing that---<PRAYERS> always for u.

Oh sandy I have to say Dan <my boss> is very careful about what he says and does, usually he hires someone one of the guys know, which is a big help to all of them, he tries very hard to have the men get along. And so far all of them like him so much and work together well. And the man who schedules and bills he's known since he was a kid and he's called him uncle for many years cuz they have been so close, they started working together just the 2 of them so I like that. He's the one I deal with the most <a lot> and at nite he usually calls me and we close up things and he tells me he loves me now, he's a good man. funny too.

Dara what a beautiful pic. on FB, I pooped in and saw that right away. How are u doing??? I hope u don't let this chit get u down.

Hello to everyone, hoping u have good days and nites too.

LUBS U ALL

goldie0827

NM, that's really too bad that some of those other nurses won't speak up. And I'm glad you are considering something else, but certainly understand the need for the cash! Glad you didn't get hit with storm #4, but there is no way I would be disappointed!

Oh gosh Sue, I didn't know you were on Taxol. How often? I see, every 3 weeks. Is it making you sick? How many treatments? Please, pictures of Maddy!

Sandy, glad Gordy is feeling better and hopefully will stay that way and you are keeping it at bay. Shopping for glasses can be fun if you look good in them. I am not one of those, but can not wear contacts.

NM, I'm thinking Ms. Sadie likes the mud more than you do! Did your mom make her trip to your brothers?

This is the 3rd hospital mom has been in and the 3rd rehab/nursing home. She doesn't remember me being there at all, except when she looks at her nails and says, oh I guess Lori was here, my nails are done. I decorated them for her. They are doing a heart cath today. So I will be a bit worried, until she's done. 2 of my brothers will be there.

Gonna be windy here for the next 4 days, but almost 70 outside!

ChiSandy

Hugs for your mom, Lori. Hope this rehab is the one that "clicks" for her, and she can stay. Sue, Nevada certainly gave Loyola a run for its money. (I guess, though, that UNLV is more your home team than NV).

Cami, Leslie is from Katy, TX, but has been in Chicago for a couple of years--she teaches at a local charter H.S. Gordy went down to visit New Year's weekend--all three sisters brought their boyfriends home for the first time. He had a great time down there. We'll take things one step at a time--she likes her job and Chicago, and Gordy has better career employment up here. So if he moves out, it'll be to his own apt. or one they'll share.

Chilly lake breeze here. "Wintry mix" predicted overnight, but nothing should stick by this time tomorrow this far north. Even frezing rain will thaw before noon.

Jazzygirl

Good afternoon friends- greetings from windy New Mexico. The winds are up this month which is common for March, but it has been warm and many fruit trees in bloom. My weeping cherry is blooming right now, but noticed it was not looking to healthy as the buds came out and found bore holes (ugh) at the top of the tree. I am hoping with some selective pruning and some spray that I can address this and the tree will be saved. I lost 2 trees in the back yard with drought a number of years ago and replaced three of them and the backyard trees just seem to struggle. My neighbor behind me had a fabulous cottonwood that used to provide wonderful shade to my patio with the morning sun, but that got pruned down to nothing recently too. That tree was visible struggling as well. Keeping trees alive here in the desert has become a lot of work, but I do have a "tree guy" to help too.

I am in the last few days of being 57. Been celebrating with a few people this month, more next week. Got some fun things in the mail the past few days including some delicious coffee from Peets on the west coast, some jewelry, fun thing for the house and more.

I am leaving for the west coast on Wed to have some family time with my sister and partner, but the trip sort of went up in the air this week. My sister's partner had a death in the family and we knew when we planned this that something may happen, so we discussed it in advance if it happened and they need to go back east. Well, on Tuesday morning I got the call and left it up to them to let me know if I should come out as planned or not (assuming most likely not). As I have shared with you, my sis' partner is in poor health and they just decided they cannot do the trip right now so they are staying back and we are sending flowers for the service and my sister is helping with some other arrangements. I think this trip will be a bit more mixed than what we had planned, but my sister is way stressed out and going to try to have a visit and help her as best I can.

NM- I am sorry you continue to have issues with the Hospice folks. They are trying to treat you like one of their drones even though you are working on a PT per diem basis. I don't think this will improve with them, and wondering with the nursing shortage if there is not something else in the area you could do part time with your nursing expertise? Maybe with a visiting nurse or home health group? I had an awesome home health nurse who helped me through my recovery from my busted appi and my breast surgery too. Just throwing out ideas. I hope the snow has stopped and you and Miss Sadie can look forward to some green around there soon.

Goldie- it sounds like you are back from seeing your mom, and know she is having a tough time of it and cannot remember much. I am so glad you went to spend time with her. I hope she has a successful procedure and will put her in my daily meditations friend. And you and DH as well. I am with you on the high winds and warm temps.

ChiSandy- hope Gordy is turning the corner on the flu. I am like him with the asthma and have to be super careful with anything respiratory that comes along. I hope his girlfriend has a good visit at home and hopefully they will enjoy some nice time together when she is back.

Cami- so sorry about Leslie and her ongoing struggles. It is good to hear Dan is in his new space and think he needs to get busy hiring new folks. Cami needs a bit of a break I think. Joey will be out of school in another six week or so for the summer, yes?

Ill- did you run your race yet?

Celia C- how are you doing friend?

And check in on Karen 1 and Karen 2 please?

Janky- boy do I like that name. I hope you were able to enjoy some green beer. I have something I will post at the end about the next drinking holiday.

Mema- you are working through the next round of treatment I see and hope you are doing okay. My sister got a nice wig when she went through treatment for the time she was seeing patients, I went out to help her as she got started with chemo and found something that was so much like her current style. I was impressed how many good ones they make now. I hope you can find something you like. Take a girlfriend with you and go eat lunch after to have something good to look forward to?

Will be back Sunday to say hey again before I head out on my wee trip!

janky

Jazzygirl - thank you, I did enjoy some beer and so far all is well, just finished week 1 of my second Ibrance cycle, hoping my neutrophils don't act up this time around

Mema - my daughter, who trained as a stylist, came with me to choose a wig, then we had lunch and it was a lovely day, (I still had hair )!

Jazzygirl

Until the next drinking holiday.....

ChiSandy

Jose Cuervo's Birthday! Can hardly wait!

Dinner tonight was wild king salmon, so DOTD was a couple of oz. of 2014 Hahn Monterey County Pinot Noir. (Funny how it looks so paltry in a proper Burgundy stem),