Friday, December 12, 2008

WANTED

I swear I wasn’t stressing out.

I was seriously trying to go with the flow, be happy with what I could get done. Let go of what I couldn’t get to until the next day.

I was dealing with the frantic pace of work and the week before finals.

With two parent meetings this week when I needed to be tutoring students. Or grading. Or Christmas shopping. Or Christmas a million other things.

My daughter’s frantic pace of finishing up 17 credits at UH and opening week of the play she is in. And she started a new job.

Did I mention she commutes 44 miles round trip each day to school?

Of juggling cars.

So I was more than a little bummed when I woke up at 1 AM Monday night with a migraine.

And it didn’t respond to the Imitrex by 4 AM so I had to take another.

Then, the headache came back in the middle of the night on Tuesday.

I took my last Imitrex. I can’t refill my prescription until the 15th because our insurance will only pay for one refill every 27 days. Even though my internist has written them two letters saying my chronic migraine syndrome acts up on a more regular basis than the amount of pills they are willing to supply.

I could pay $130. But it’s Christmas. Things are tight. Tuition is due. So I dealt with it for a day without migraine meds.

The headache went away yesterday. Yea.

So we got the Christmas boxes down and the tree down. Yeah, I know. We have a fake tree. But I tried the real tree over here, and what with the tropical weather, it dies faster than Christmas shopping days fly past. By Christmas morning it would look like a giant matchstick ready to spontaneously combust.

So, like I was saying, we got the Christmas stuff down last night. Which surprised me because my husband was in a foul mood. The night before, my daughter got a flat tire on her way home.
At 11 at night.

Afraid to stop? Unwilling? She drove my car two miles on a flat tire. So, my husband spent the day at the tire center at Sears. The warranty did not cover $150 for the alignment.

So, like I was saying, we got the Christmas stuff down last night.

Then, the 15 year old tree stand broke. My husband went out to get a new one and decided to kill 1,000 birds with one stone and never got back.

This morning, there is an artificial tree in three parts on the floor.

There are eight boxes hanging out with the tree parts. They are having a party.

I’m supposed to be making a DVD that will serve as a Christmas present for many a peoples.

But our computer that we bought last summer does not have a movie making software program, so I am supposed to be researching what to buy. I was supposed to do that last month.

Anyone out there know of a good editing program that can make videos and slideshows on a PC? My daughter suggested Vegas?

Appreciating all advice as the way things are going, Christmas is going to occur at our home around January 5th.

Oh, and while I was down for the count, two of my measly 12 followers dropped me. It's a tough world out here too apparently.

36 comments:

Kristan said...

AWWW!! What a week you've had. :(

[HUG]

I'm sure the followers will come back, and if not, MEH, they were no good anyway. >P

Sadly I have no advice... Except that Xmas on Jan 5th is prolly ok! I mean, I heard Jesus was supposedly born in summer anyway. So relax, take care of yourself first and foremost, and THEN you can save the rest of the world.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting this. I've had a similar week - it's nice to know that I probably wasn't alone when I sat down to eat lunch and just burst into tears.

I'm better now. For the time being.

(((Hugs)))

InventingLiz said...

Thanks for the laugh, though it probably did not seem funny as you were going through it!

Hey, you could switch from celebrating Christmas to celebrating Three Kings Day - it's supposed to be the day the wise men actually arrived to give their gifts, celebrated in a lot of Latino cultures and (I recently learned) in Ethiopia. It's January 6th.

essbesee said...

never got back? I hope/think I am reading that wrong. Two of my measly 13 followers dropped me, perhaps the same two jerks? Here's hoping you have a better weekend than week. I wish I could send you "the snuggie" to cheer you up. Or a giant cake of yourself. How cocky of me to think you've even had time to read my blog this week to get those bad jokes! :0)

cheatymoon said...

Oh, you poor thing. I really hope your migraine situation is easing up. Stress can do it to you, huh?

We have a fake tree too. I've had one ever since I lived in the U.K. and was afraid of the fire hazard for a real tree...

There are a lot of us who have had similarly ridiculous weeks. Most of my week is simply unbloggable. Today we have a snow day... and I am not spending it in a cozy way. It's not terrible, but it's not cozy.

Hang in there Pseudo. Oh, and follower schmollower....

Just B said...

Look on the bright side, I only have two followers! I've decided that this follower/following thing is not a big deal and have bowed out of the blog high school popularity contest. Or so I tell myself...

How can your daughter commute 44 miles round trip?!! Does she drive around the whole island??? Just joking, of course, there are far more miles of roads on that tiny island there is actual island!

Hang in there. Think if there is anything--anything--that doesn't really matter in the scheme of things and cross it off the list.

Anonymous said...

Real trees don't survive well in Hawaii? I'm shocked... probably about as shocked as I was when my pineapple plant died because I left it in my car overnight in september here in Indianapolis...

Sorry you're followers dropped you... that bugs the crap out of me too... what am I not witty enough for you? C'mon my last blog killed! hmpf.

Kate Lord Brown said...

Here's a big hug from Hampshire! I also have the opposite of whatever green thumbs are - real, fake, nothing is safe - brought a frangipani stem back from Hawaii to Spain (what did it do? One leaf, then died on me).

Anonymous said...

Hmm...that is the kind of week that does suck. Especially the pain part as that will make everything just a little bit worse...i'm messed up with back pain, and i've got idea why...just know it's hard to get in and out of the car...and the follower thing? remember the whole living life vs blogging about it mantra. This is supposed to be something we do for fun, not someone else's benefit or approval. Perhaps their sense of humour is just not as finally tuned as ours, in which case...whatEVER. If you need a laught, go to Stoneskin and read his post about the hamster potential...or just about anything else he writes. You like my sarcasm? you will probably enjoy his even more.

Hang in there...there's a new year coming. And a chance for a fresh start. Not to mention a few days off work coming up ;)

word very = trize

'i trize to cheer you up, let meez know how itz werkin'

Anonymous said...

oh...stoneskin's on my blogroll if you need a shortcut and don't already know his address...

qtpie said...

I'm still your fan. I commiserate with you in regards to prescriptions and insurance companies. You've got a good handle on things. Keep it together. We'll get through this together!!!

Pancake said...

Hey Girl, you have a GREAT blog! I have you in google reader, I looked on your blog to see the follow thingy and it is no where to be found.... so pop it up and I can switch from reader in google to devoted follower (When I get back from my blogcation) I have had followers come and go. Some stop following and refollow just so their icon can be seen.. OK whatever... it doesnt matter. you are writing for you after all right?
Here is my theory....
Have a great Christmas! Hopefuly you wont find anymore silver tinsel in the dryer.

Anonymous said...

Sorry about the migraines. Totally sucks that you can't refill your prescription when you need to.

Followers? On twitter? Your blog? I use Reader to follow your blog posts, but I'm not following you on Twitter - I would if I knew how ;).

K Dubs said...

I'm still a follower. I think you're wonderful. Even if you do have a fake tree - but it's understandable, being where you are and all. Did I mention it's snowing here? Hmmph. And 23 degrees. F. Not C.
And as far as followers - I have a stalker now - would you like him? An ex found my blog (by searching for it) and now reads it every day. I don't think he knows I know, and one day - I'm going to BAM! do a post all about him and how stupid he is.
Oh. Sorry. Went off on a tangent. Sorry about the migraines, that sucks. The wishy-washy followers? Just think of how many you have that are stealth.

And I say Vegas. Screw it all and go to Vegas I say!!

Lori said...

I hope that this weekend goes much better for you. Sorry to hear that you were in so much pain...that really sucks when there is so much to do. I hope that tonight you are taking a moment to catch your breath and are pain free...maybe sipping(or guzzeling)a glass or two of wine or something else. Good luck to your daughter on her perfomance and hope that you get that darn tree put up! Ours is up but no decorations on it yet. Hang in there my friend!

Anonymous said...

Migraines suck! Welcome to the stressed out club. My daughter got home from college today - no food in the house, no gifts purchased, tree not decorated. I'm a mess. But I would never stop following you. My followers have gone down too this month. I think people get too busy to read and will probably be back in January ... hopefully. Either that or I suck. Which is very likely!

Anna Lefler said...

Allow me to channel Rex Harrison for a moment:

"Damn, damn, DAMN!"

It just sounds classier when you British it up.

I'm so glad your migraine is gone...at least the one in your head (not the holiday one still in full swing).

I'm really sorry about all the other stuff...Sometimes I'm tempted to take a pass on the whole holiday decorating thing because it turns into one big, sparkly stress ball...then directly into a buzzkill. That feeling usually passes, though. (Eggnog helps.)

Anyway, I'm sending huge, happy vibes your way and hoping that you're already having a better day...

Take care and remember: eggnog.

XO

Anna

rachaelgking said...

I hear you... it has been THAT KINDA week, lady. I even forgive you for the fake tree. Except that you live in a tropical place, so yeah... you still win.

Chin up, and all that crap. It is sometimes hell to get to, but Christmas morning is always so, so worth it.

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

Over from SITS...came to say HI!!

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your week and your husband ... leaving you? I feel I must have misread that, but if not, well, you're certainly taking it in stride.

If you just bought your PC, it should have Windows Movie Maker already loaded on it (unless your operating system is Vista, in which case, I don't know). But if you have XP, look in your Programs menu. If you don't see it, you can download it free from Microsoft.

Anonymous said...

Oh my you sound like you could use a beer. I don't have any movie editor advice because we use a mac but I completely empathize with your bad week. Hang in there.

♥ Braja said...

Oh, Pseudo, no! I wondered where'd you had got to. But Idon't get where your followers are...put followers on your front page and let me be the first to join!

Oh and word verification is babie.... things will be ok :)

essbesee said...

p.s. I thought I was already doing this, bugt I'm following your ass now. And by "ass" I mean, "blog."

Pseudo said...

Well, reading these comments has certainly go tme in a better mood. Plus it's Friday....

For the misreads... my husband did not leave me ; -) I obviously should not write with migraine hangover. He went to WalMart to get a new tree stand and he and son decided to make a night of it. I fell asleep at 9 and they did not get home until 10.

And yes, follower schmollower. I agree with you all, I did not get into this for anything but a creative outlet and some fun and ended up getting a circle of internet buddies whose company I am thoroughly enjoying. Pity party over.

Can't have wine as the days following a migraine I am too easily thrown back in.

flurrious - thanks for th tip, I have vista, but will try and see hat it can do. This weekend is
MUST. MAKE. DVD.

Vodka Mom said...

you hang tight, I'm on my way over with a martini..........

Ash said...

How do I follow you!? I can't find it. You know I totally would if I could find where to click. Does that help?

Help me, help you - where do I sign up?

I lost one last week too. I'm trying here people!!

Em

susan said...

Oh, migraines suck. I always seemed to get one last year around the time grades were due or when I had observation coming up.

Hope the weekend goes good and that you get that DVD made!

Pseudo said...

Om geez. Now it looks like I was begging for followers. So not. Just was in the isn't everything going to piss mood.

Anonymous said...

All I can say is Geesshhh! Oh and send a Hug!

Anonymous said...

I've got that Windows Movie Maker, and it's a bit addictive. had great fun doing a movie about the Scooterdog. Might be time to play with it again...a lot of the 'psuedo' music videos you see on youtube are done with moviemaker, like that 12 days of christmas one i have on my blog...

if you can download it free, it's definitely worth it.

Unknown said...

Now that is some week... I would have just stayed in bed and not come out until it was over.. I feel you on the migraines! Ever since my car wreck last year and the 40+ staples I had in my head, I've had more severe reoccuring migraines and NOTHING seems to help me at all!
HUGS!!!!

Anonymous said...

In my blogging research this morning, it seems that many of us are on a downturn of happenstance, which surely must pick up sometime very very soon. I mean there's supposed to be some symmetry to the world, so for the weak weeks there must surely follow strong and good weeks.

Thoughts of unfolding blossoms of happiness out to you, way over there, in the middle of the Pacific, by the sand, by the palm trees, by the soothing ocean breezes, by the warm evenings touched by the scent of petals.

Green said...

visiting from SITS..to a better wk to come

Sunny said...

Adobe Premiere is the best software for editting films, ever. imho

Anonymous said...

Premiere IS the best PC program to edit on. Unfortunately it's kind of expensive and can be a little overwhelming to learn if you've never seen it before! Hopefully your holiday turns and becomes more enjoyable!

Mama Dawg said...

Oh, man. I've been down and out w/a bug (virus of the body, not the 'puter) and I missed this post. I hope you're feeling better now!