I checked in with ATT, my cell phone carrier. I was racking up roll over minutes. No crisis's to use up my time. I was texting more so I wanted to make sure I wasn't going over my 200 text a month limit.
I was doing great. By the end of the call I had saved $30 a month or $360 a year. That just paid for our anniversary weekend. That is with three lines. One for Grandma and one for Riley and one for me. Eventually I will add Trevor. But he wont get a phone for a while. Right now he borrows Riley's as needed. Trevor cant even keep track of his ID card he needs for school every day.
The guy on the phone reminded me of my nephew. He tells me during the course of our hour conversation that he builds computers for fun. He is very chatty and friendly. I had blocked out a lot of time for this call as I have talked to cell phone companies before and they just take a lot of time to resolve any conversation. I could be pleasant and not rushed. As a result I got to keep a huge chunk of my roll over minutes even though I am down grading my package. I also got a refund for this month in credit. It was worth my time and being patient over the phone. I ended up with a lot more than I would have if I had rushed or bullied. It was a reminder that Patience rewards itself.
If only I could be that patient with my family.
Riley is now vacuuming the house as his new favorite chore. I don't know if it is truly his favorite. But he gets his lunch money and I have been firm about it. Vacuum and you get your lunch money. He doesn't do a great job, only once over any area. It probably needs three times. But getting vacuumed at all is a huge achievement. If it gets done every week, that is more than it was doing before. I point out a new zone each week.
First week he did the living room. This week he added my bedroom and bathroom. Who in their right mind puts carpet in a bathroom? It is just another project for me to tackle. Trevor's carpet comes first though. Especially since I already have his flooring. I just need the furniture moved out to get started. Next week I will add the front hall to Riley's list. He makes $20 for vacuuming so he can eat off campus at school. Burgerville charges $4 for a large milkshake. I will be interested in how much Riley weighs when we see the doctor in December. At least at Burgerville they use fresh fruit in their shakes.
I wonder what Trevor will do when he gets to high school. One milk shake will not hold that boy all day. Trevor said he would mow the lawn after school today so he could get some money also. I told him tomorrow is my day off. If he doesn't do it today, I will do it tomorrow.
OoPs, garbage day. I had better check to see if Trevor put the cans out on his way to the bus stop. Today I match socks. I got all the socks washed and now I see how many I can make into matched pairs. It amazes me how many I can not match up.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
strange game
We played Tigard last night. by the end of first quarter the score was 34 to 8. It was not in our favor. Rather than putting in his second stringers the Tigard coach scored again. There is a rule in our youth league that you can not run the score up past 35 points difference at any time during the game. It helps with the moral and good sportsman like conduct. It is youth league after all, and a learning stage.
The penalty for doing this is a $150 fine and a week suspension for the coach. It is also an automatic forfeit of the game. Our coach was on the phone filing a grievance as soon as the last touch down occurred and the score went over the 35 point spread, seconds after second quarter began. A mom that takes our photos during the game got the picture of the score board for evidence.
It had been our fault on a lot of those scores. We had beautiful passes dropped. Passes intercepted, and returned for touch downs. Fumbles occurred leading to more scores. A lot of penalty calls went against us. We were messy. It was like we couldn't do anything right. Trevor wasn't playing a lot. I didn't get that either. I was a little relieved that he wasn't playing at this point. He hadn't contributed to this end.
What finally made our coach really upset, even though he handled himself well, was the touch back. We punted the ball to Tigard and the boy who caught it turned around and ran into our end zone so we could get two points on the score board making it 44 to 10, within the point spread. It was so low class. It was down hill from then on. Tigard gave up playing football. They refused to tackle. They were using language on the field. Acting like they dropped the ball "Woops, oops, looser". They refused to tackle our runners so our boys stopped running. Where was the fun if they weren't even going to try to take us down.
It wasn't even a scrimmage. The game got really sloppy. One of the Tigard boys made a horse caller tackle. We were afraid someone was going to get hurt. I wish coach had just called the game. It was miserable. I have never seen anything so bazaar. Neither had anyone else. At least our coaches kept their cool.
This happened to us a few years ago. We had a great team. Our Coach wasn't paying attention and we passed the spread. Coach immediately called a time out and apologized to the other coach. He benched our top players and brought in our seconds. If we did have the opportunity to score we took a knee in the end zone. But we did not give up playing football and tackling. They had to still earn their points. They did score with our second string on the field. We still won the game. But we did not give up playing football, not like last night. They treated us like babies trying to spoon feed us our points. Our boys responded in kind and stopped running. I am not sure what I would have done as coach.
I might have called a time out for the coaches to talk, had I been in charge. I asked Tom if the refs could have done anything, but he said their hands were tied. Tom said we should have run, taken the points offered. The game would have resumed then, with real football. The ugly thing was it was all over in the first quarter. It made for a long night.
I would like to know if Tigard's second string is that good, that their seconds are better than our firsts. If they hadn't just slapped us in the face with that touch back, it was so rude and blatant.
Scoring our points for us. That was the straw that broke the game up.
Tom didn't go to the game thank goodness. He would have been furious at it all. He said the boys should have run the ball. got the points offered even if they were "gimmes". You don't give up playing football. The penalty would be assessed regardless. I get the feeling a run up score has never happened to our coach before and he didn't know quite how to handle it. Nor the blatant rude behavior which is not supposed to be tolerated in our league. I think that is where the refs could have played a hand in improving the game. They could have called bad conduct on a few and that might have helped spiff up the line.
It was painful but I stayed until the end. The evening had started out so well. Trevor had hitched a ride with another player. While driving over he had pulled out a loose tooth. They all thought that was hilarious. It was the last fun thing that happened. My parents had come and witness the whole debacle. They left during third quarter. I don't blame them. Even on the other side, people were leaving early. It wasn't football being played out there. I think coach should have encouraged our boys to score. It was like cutting off your nose to spite your face, not running in those gimme touchdowns. They weren't going to play until the score was closer and we weren't going to play unless they really played.
Next week I am sure there will be talk. But we will move on. The high school did well. Opening game on our new fancy fake turf, we beat our Nemesis school in an overtime game by one point. This is the school that has always beat us in the playoffs, denying us the championship. The new field looks beautiful. It was done just a few days before the first game. There was no plan B so everyone was happy the field was done on time. They probably would have played on the practice field, But I have no idea where they would have put the fans. The place was packed, standing room only. It was good to see all that support. The home field advantage really showed in this incredibly close game. Then the next night to have this none football game, at least the weather was nice. Today it is raining again.
The penalty for doing this is a $150 fine and a week suspension for the coach. It is also an automatic forfeit of the game. Our coach was on the phone filing a grievance as soon as the last touch down occurred and the score went over the 35 point spread, seconds after second quarter began. A mom that takes our photos during the game got the picture of the score board for evidence.
It had been our fault on a lot of those scores. We had beautiful passes dropped. Passes intercepted, and returned for touch downs. Fumbles occurred leading to more scores. A lot of penalty calls went against us. We were messy. It was like we couldn't do anything right. Trevor wasn't playing a lot. I didn't get that either. I was a little relieved that he wasn't playing at this point. He hadn't contributed to this end.
What finally made our coach really upset, even though he handled himself well, was the touch back. We punted the ball to Tigard and the boy who caught it turned around and ran into our end zone so we could get two points on the score board making it 44 to 10, within the point spread. It was so low class. It was down hill from then on. Tigard gave up playing football. They refused to tackle. They were using language on the field. Acting like they dropped the ball "Woops, oops, looser". They refused to tackle our runners so our boys stopped running. Where was the fun if they weren't even going to try to take us down.
It wasn't even a scrimmage. The game got really sloppy. One of the Tigard boys made a horse caller tackle. We were afraid someone was going to get hurt. I wish coach had just called the game. It was miserable. I have never seen anything so bazaar. Neither had anyone else. At least our coaches kept their cool.
This happened to us a few years ago. We had a great team. Our Coach wasn't paying attention and we passed the spread. Coach immediately called a time out and apologized to the other coach. He benched our top players and brought in our seconds. If we did have the opportunity to score we took a knee in the end zone. But we did not give up playing football and tackling. They had to still earn their points. They did score with our second string on the field. We still won the game. But we did not give up playing football, not like last night. They treated us like babies trying to spoon feed us our points. Our boys responded in kind and stopped running. I am not sure what I would have done as coach.
I might have called a time out for the coaches to talk, had I been in charge. I asked Tom if the refs could have done anything, but he said their hands were tied. Tom said we should have run, taken the points offered. The game would have resumed then, with real football. The ugly thing was it was all over in the first quarter. It made for a long night.
I would like to know if Tigard's second string is that good, that their seconds are better than our firsts. If they hadn't just slapped us in the face with that touch back, it was so rude and blatant.
Scoring our points for us. That was the straw that broke the game up.
Tom didn't go to the game thank goodness. He would have been furious at it all. He said the boys should have run the ball. got the points offered even if they were "gimmes". You don't give up playing football. The penalty would be assessed regardless. I get the feeling a run up score has never happened to our coach before and he didn't know quite how to handle it. Nor the blatant rude behavior which is not supposed to be tolerated in our league. I think that is where the refs could have played a hand in improving the game. They could have called bad conduct on a few and that might have helped spiff up the line.
It was painful but I stayed until the end. The evening had started out so well. Trevor had hitched a ride with another player. While driving over he had pulled out a loose tooth. They all thought that was hilarious. It was the last fun thing that happened. My parents had come and witness the whole debacle. They left during third quarter. I don't blame them. Even on the other side, people were leaving early. It wasn't football being played out there. I think coach should have encouraged our boys to score. It was like cutting off your nose to spite your face, not running in those gimme touchdowns. They weren't going to play until the score was closer and we weren't going to play unless they really played.
Next week I am sure there will be talk. But we will move on. The high school did well. Opening game on our new fancy fake turf, we beat our Nemesis school in an overtime game by one point. This is the school that has always beat us in the playoffs, denying us the championship. The new field looks beautiful. It was done just a few days before the first game. There was no plan B so everyone was happy the field was done on time. They probably would have played on the practice field, But I have no idea where they would have put the fans. The place was packed, standing room only. It was good to see all that support. The home field advantage really showed in this incredibly close game. Then the next night to have this none football game, at least the weather was nice. Today it is raining again.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Day off
I am loving my day off. I thought I would get the chance to sleep in, but riley couldn't find his coat. It was on the couch. That made him cranky. then he forgot his reading book for the bus and came back for it. In the process the bus came and went without him. Trevor got off Ok. He kept out of Riley's way.
riley said he was tired. A full day of school is tough for a boy who has been house bound so much. Tonight I will have him in bed early.
Meanwhile I got up and dressed to drive him to school. He did not vacuum the living room, as I had asked him to do yesterday, while I was at work and he was home watching TV after school, so he did not get his weekly $20 for eating off campus. If he does his chores he gets the money.
The alternative is I have paid for the cafeteria or he can bring his own lunch. I told him I thought they might have a deli bar at the cafeteria, but he opted to make himself a roast beef sandwich to take to school.
Since I was already up and about I got all my chores and errands organized. By 9:00 am the lawn, both front and back were mowed. I hate vacuuming, so I am still leaving that for Riley. I did pick up all the papers, blankets, shoes, socks and clothes that had been stripped off and dumped on the floor, along with garbage and litter too big for the vacuum. so now all Riley needs to do is bring the vacuum out and use it. It takes me longer to clean up in preparation to vacuum as it does to do the chore. That is one of the reasons I don't do it if I don't have to. I can prep or I can vacuum. Mowing the lawn is fun in comparison. I feel like I am getting excersize. I even remove the poop from the yard.
I had bible study next. Its an hour or more of chatting then an hour of study. I swung by the library to drop off books next. Then the old school to drop off books that we had borrowed when Riley was being home schooled last spring. Those were well over due. Next, the bank to deposit my first pay check. That made me feel really good.
When I got back to the house I worked on the football fundraiser. The tickets and money had to be sorted and checked. The unsold tickets needed to be pulled so I can sell them tonight in front of our local grocery store. 75% were already sold, but I still have 30 to sell. The local store has agreed to let us be at their front door later this afternoon. I also found time to eat and now catch up on my life. Working has definitely improved my organization and effective use of time management.
Did I mention I did get someone, a friend who took pitty on me, to be President of PTA this year. I am only vice president instead. Having been President for two year the by laws required someone else to do it. I do feel it is really not a hard job. But so many people fear the title needlessly. It does give me some breathing room. I am not so obligated to make meetings an absolute must every month, or make sure I volunteer at all the events, and that its my job to see that they are successful. I am no longer officially in charge, even though as VP, I am back up for everyone.
Well time for me to run out the door again. I really did make full use of my day off. I am proud of that accomplishment. I feel I have a life again. Tom senior tied me to the house, then Riley. Not that I minded either one, but it created a shadow in my life. Now I can get out and about and enjoy some sunshine.
riley said he was tired. A full day of school is tough for a boy who has been house bound so much. Tonight I will have him in bed early.
Meanwhile I got up and dressed to drive him to school. He did not vacuum the living room, as I had asked him to do yesterday, while I was at work and he was home watching TV after school, so he did not get his weekly $20 for eating off campus. If he does his chores he gets the money.
The alternative is I have paid for the cafeteria or he can bring his own lunch. I told him I thought they might have a deli bar at the cafeteria, but he opted to make himself a roast beef sandwich to take to school.
Since I was already up and about I got all my chores and errands organized. By 9:00 am the lawn, both front and back were mowed. I hate vacuuming, so I am still leaving that for Riley. I did pick up all the papers, blankets, shoes, socks and clothes that had been stripped off and dumped on the floor, along with garbage and litter too big for the vacuum. so now all Riley needs to do is bring the vacuum out and use it. It takes me longer to clean up in preparation to vacuum as it does to do the chore. That is one of the reasons I don't do it if I don't have to. I can prep or I can vacuum. Mowing the lawn is fun in comparison. I feel like I am getting excersize. I even remove the poop from the yard.
I had bible study next. Its an hour or more of chatting then an hour of study. I swung by the library to drop off books next. Then the old school to drop off books that we had borrowed when Riley was being home schooled last spring. Those were well over due. Next, the bank to deposit my first pay check. That made me feel really good.
When I got back to the house I worked on the football fundraiser. The tickets and money had to be sorted and checked. The unsold tickets needed to be pulled so I can sell them tonight in front of our local grocery store. 75% were already sold, but I still have 30 to sell. The local store has agreed to let us be at their front door later this afternoon. I also found time to eat and now catch up on my life. Working has definitely improved my organization and effective use of time management.
Did I mention I did get someone, a friend who took pitty on me, to be President of PTA this year. I am only vice president instead. Having been President for two year the by laws required someone else to do it. I do feel it is really not a hard job. But so many people fear the title needlessly. It does give me some breathing room. I am not so obligated to make meetings an absolute must every month, or make sure I volunteer at all the events, and that its my job to see that they are successful. I am no longer officially in charge, even though as VP, I am back up for everyone.
Well time for me to run out the door again. I really did make full use of my day off. I am proud of that accomplishment. I feel I have a life again. Tom senior tied me to the house, then Riley. Not that I minded either one, but it created a shadow in my life. Now I can get out and about and enjoy some sunshine.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
504
We met in the councilor's office. She has a lounge chair and a love seat for two. Another chair was squeezed into the room of the assistant vice principal. One teacher came, his English teacher. Riley and I sat on the love seat.
Riley sat and spoke in monosyllabic phrases; Yes, No. I had to tell him to use his words, full sentences please. He was completely clammed up.
We did decide to table the 504. There was no need for any special assistance for Riley. Other than waving the PE for the year. The councilor made that decision on her own after hearing my description of the decease and concerns. I told them he could do running. The English teacher suggested badminton. I said that would work, but no tennis. He can't get hit by a ball. That was when the councilor said to just skip PE this year and not worry about it. They were asking if he needed to walk in the halls when there weren't other students, be a little late to classes to avoid being jostled. Riley said "No. I'm fine". That was probably the longest sentence he spoke.
I did ask if Riley might be able to get a locker in the building. Right now his locker is so far away he doesn't use it at all. He carries fifty pounds around on his back all day. I did say this was just a general request, not for a sick child. They said they would get back to him in a couple of days. They had to see what was available, track down an empty locker, if there was one.
The meeting lasted maybe 15 minutes or less. It started fifteen minutes late. I think they were waiting to see if any other teachers were coming. I told Riley I wouldn't give him a goodbye kiss as I left. Even though that was exactly what I wanted to do, and a big hug.
He seemed so reclusive this morning. I am hoping in class he opens up more. I did notice when he did his assignment on describing himself, he did not mention his illness. the last year has been all about his illness. It is something for me to take note of, and respect. He wants to be normal like the other kids. He does not want to be weird or different.
I probably should have let him do more of the talking. But he wasn't talking at all. We needed to get the meeting on and over with quickly. If Tom had been in the room I can now feel him squeezing my knee. Its his signal for me to shush and let someone else speak. I just like to get it done and over quickly and efficiently.
Seeing Riley clam up though, I realized the fine line I am on now as the over protective parent with a teen ager. He will not step up and advocate for himself if I am already doing it for him. When and how do you step back.?
We as parents are supposed to pay attention to them. Know who their friends are, spy on their facebook accounts. I have a reserved child, who hasn't been able to spread his wings yet. He probably wont until he moves out of the house. I was a late bloomer. College helped, but it was the real job and new friends when I finally began to explore the world.
Watching Riley be a turtle, brought back so many painful memories of missed opportunities in life. An unhappy painfully shy high school experience, and there is nothing I can do to help Riley get through it any easier. He has to take those risks himself and make the effort himself.
How do you play police parent when you really want him to do something first. He couldn't tell me the last names of the "friends" he has been making at school. He named three boys he knew last night at dinner. That was better than none. And he is happy and loving his classes. Maybe I just have to realize he is an observer personality. He'll be a late bloomer.
I told him his face looked good and asked if he was using his creams. He said yes, then no. He hadn't been regularly using the creams. That means the complexion is all natural. His body is recovering. I am so excited. I can't wait for December to see our new numbers. I don't know if it is the change in modified meds, but I do think he looks better these days.
Make a wish trip is on conference week. I am so bummed I am not meeting the teachers at either school like I should. I haven't decided what I want or can do about it. Benefit is the boys don't miss as much school as they would otherwise, as it is a no school day. I guess it will depend on grades how concerned I need to be. Again, I get the feeling I need to be careful about micromanaging the boys lives. Its a fine line parents walk with teen agers
Riley sat and spoke in monosyllabic phrases; Yes, No. I had to tell him to use his words, full sentences please. He was completely clammed up.
We did decide to table the 504. There was no need for any special assistance for Riley. Other than waving the PE for the year. The councilor made that decision on her own after hearing my description of the decease and concerns. I told them he could do running. The English teacher suggested badminton. I said that would work, but no tennis. He can't get hit by a ball. That was when the councilor said to just skip PE this year and not worry about it. They were asking if he needed to walk in the halls when there weren't other students, be a little late to classes to avoid being jostled. Riley said "No. I'm fine". That was probably the longest sentence he spoke.
I did ask if Riley might be able to get a locker in the building. Right now his locker is so far away he doesn't use it at all. He carries fifty pounds around on his back all day. I did say this was just a general request, not for a sick child. They said they would get back to him in a couple of days. They had to see what was available, track down an empty locker, if there was one.
The meeting lasted maybe 15 minutes or less. It started fifteen minutes late. I think they were waiting to see if any other teachers were coming. I told Riley I wouldn't give him a goodbye kiss as I left. Even though that was exactly what I wanted to do, and a big hug.
He seemed so reclusive this morning. I am hoping in class he opens up more. I did notice when he did his assignment on describing himself, he did not mention his illness. the last year has been all about his illness. It is something for me to take note of, and respect. He wants to be normal like the other kids. He does not want to be weird or different.
I probably should have let him do more of the talking. But he wasn't talking at all. We needed to get the meeting on and over with quickly. If Tom had been in the room I can now feel him squeezing my knee. Its his signal for me to shush and let someone else speak. I just like to get it done and over quickly and efficiently.
Seeing Riley clam up though, I realized the fine line I am on now as the over protective parent with a teen ager. He will not step up and advocate for himself if I am already doing it for him. When and how do you step back.?
We as parents are supposed to pay attention to them. Know who their friends are, spy on their facebook accounts. I have a reserved child, who hasn't been able to spread his wings yet. He probably wont until he moves out of the house. I was a late bloomer. College helped, but it was the real job and new friends when I finally began to explore the world.
Watching Riley be a turtle, brought back so many painful memories of missed opportunities in life. An unhappy painfully shy high school experience, and there is nothing I can do to help Riley get through it any easier. He has to take those risks himself and make the effort himself.
How do you play police parent when you really want him to do something first. He couldn't tell me the last names of the "friends" he has been making at school. He named three boys he knew last night at dinner. That was better than none. And he is happy and loving his classes. Maybe I just have to realize he is an observer personality. He'll be a late bloomer.
I told him his face looked good and asked if he was using his creams. He said yes, then no. He hadn't been regularly using the creams. That means the complexion is all natural. His body is recovering. I am so excited. I can't wait for December to see our new numbers. I don't know if it is the change in modified meds, but I do think he looks better these days.
Make a wish trip is on conference week. I am so bummed I am not meeting the teachers at either school like I should. I haven't decided what I want or can do about it. Benefit is the boys don't miss as much school as they would otherwise, as it is a no school day. I guess it will depend on grades how concerned I need to be. Again, I get the feeling I need to be careful about micromanaging the boys lives. Its a fine line parents walk with teen agers
Monday, September 20, 2010
describe yourself
Riley had an assignment to do an art work that describes yourself, a mobile, or a shadow box or what ever you wanted to do to represent your personality. One teen decorated a football. Riley made a stage theater in a shoe box. He said he didn't like to do art projects though as he wasn't very good at them. He said he was happy, liked science fiction, and loved to read, his favorite animal is a dog, and he is patriotic. The finally was he liked to fly, and had flown a plane. He said they clapped. So I asked if they clapped for everybody. He said yes, but for his it was "particularly loud" because they thought it was cool he had flown a plane.
He also told his cousin that he found high school to be easy. This is the boy who is taking honors classes full load. They aren't really hard he says. Tomorrow we meet at 7:00 am with his teachers to discuss his 504 plan. I am guessing we are tabling it until spring. He is so happy to be in school. He sings in his room nonsense songs, loudly. He studies without complaint. He gets his work done. He loves getting a milk shake from Burgerville at lunch time every day. What I want to know is who his friends are. If he has met people, started a social network.
Tonight was open house at two schools for me. I didn't even get home from work in time to attend all of Trevor's teachers. He needs the attention more, so I felt bad. The tutor seems to have been worth every Penney this last summer. Trevor has been able to complete his math in class and keep up. We will see how long that lasts. I did wave at the teachers. Bummer is conferences are during our make a wish trip. So I will miss all of them then also.
I did make most of Riley's orientation. There was a segment on safety on line. 40% of students have an on line chat area like face book or my space. I have not yet let the boys have their own sights. A friend had a bad experience, so I told my boys no. Most of their friends don't have face book accounts yet. There are a few though.
Another thing discussed was graduation requirements have gone up. I am not so worried about Riley as I am for Trevor. I hope Trevor finds this to be a turning point year for him. The tutor tried to show him that the difference between an A and a D was homework handed in on time. Riley already gets the game.
Riley finished reading his independent reading book this weekend. The new first Chronicle of the Dune Series about the machine wars. he wants to get the next one now. This is something that was supposed to hold him all semester. He was already reading Ray Bradbury at school for class. He enjoyed the science fiction and got right away the depressing nature of his stories. They were reading the short stories. I remember how disturbing they were when I read them.
It is so strange to think that six months ago, Riley was at death's door and now he is happier than most high school freshmen. He showed me his pictures taken at registration. He looked nervous and tense. I told him I wanted smiles. Retakes are on Friday. I told him I would buy new ones for him. He said OK. He said I was the one making him nervous that day. He was probably right. Sending your child off to high school is scary.
Here I am going back to work, abandoning my child to the system. Failing to make appointments with the teachers on time for Trevor. I am going to have to do better juggling my schedules. I need to pay more attention to dates and times. I know its not rocket science. Everyone does it. I just have to learn quickly, before I blow any other important meetings.
So I am a little frazzled tonight. My boys seem to be doing better than I am regarding my new schedule. Tom had Trevor at practice on time. Trevor tells me he is getting his work done in class. I will check with the teachers to see if that is true.
I have faith Riley can handle his load, even though he didn't tell me orientation was tonight too for the high school. I ran into another parent with children of similar age. She told me she was heading to the high school for orientation. That is what alerted me. Thank goodness Trevor's practice for football was at the high school right by where we were meeting. I was able to slip out of the meeting and back in again when it was time to pick Trevor up.
We did drive thru for dinner after 8:00pm, when I finally found breathing room to get food. Trevor said I didn't buy him enough and he was still starving after dinner. Next time I will order the party platter. tom was content with his portion thank goodness. We were home by 8:30. Bath time has to happen with football practice, so bed time is a little late tonight. This was a particularly busy Monday.
He also told his cousin that he found high school to be easy. This is the boy who is taking honors classes full load. They aren't really hard he says. Tomorrow we meet at 7:00 am with his teachers to discuss his 504 plan. I am guessing we are tabling it until spring. He is so happy to be in school. He sings in his room nonsense songs, loudly. He studies without complaint. He gets his work done. He loves getting a milk shake from Burgerville at lunch time every day. What I want to know is who his friends are. If he has met people, started a social network.
Tonight was open house at two schools for me. I didn't even get home from work in time to attend all of Trevor's teachers. He needs the attention more, so I felt bad. The tutor seems to have been worth every Penney this last summer. Trevor has been able to complete his math in class and keep up. We will see how long that lasts. I did wave at the teachers. Bummer is conferences are during our make a wish trip. So I will miss all of them then also.
I did make most of Riley's orientation. There was a segment on safety on line. 40% of students have an on line chat area like face book or my space. I have not yet let the boys have their own sights. A friend had a bad experience, so I told my boys no. Most of their friends don't have face book accounts yet. There are a few though.
Another thing discussed was graduation requirements have gone up. I am not so worried about Riley as I am for Trevor. I hope Trevor finds this to be a turning point year for him. The tutor tried to show him that the difference between an A and a D was homework handed in on time. Riley already gets the game.
Riley finished reading his independent reading book this weekend. The new first Chronicle of the Dune Series about the machine wars. he wants to get the next one now. This is something that was supposed to hold him all semester. He was already reading Ray Bradbury at school for class. He enjoyed the science fiction and got right away the depressing nature of his stories. They were reading the short stories. I remember how disturbing they were when I read them.
It is so strange to think that six months ago, Riley was at death's door and now he is happier than most high school freshmen. He showed me his pictures taken at registration. He looked nervous and tense. I told him I wanted smiles. Retakes are on Friday. I told him I would buy new ones for him. He said OK. He said I was the one making him nervous that day. He was probably right. Sending your child off to high school is scary.
Here I am going back to work, abandoning my child to the system. Failing to make appointments with the teachers on time for Trevor. I am going to have to do better juggling my schedules. I need to pay more attention to dates and times. I know its not rocket science. Everyone does it. I just have to learn quickly, before I blow any other important meetings.
So I am a little frazzled tonight. My boys seem to be doing better than I am regarding my new schedule. Tom had Trevor at practice on time. Trevor tells me he is getting his work done in class. I will check with the teachers to see if that is true.
I have faith Riley can handle his load, even though he didn't tell me orientation was tonight too for the high school. I ran into another parent with children of similar age. She told me she was heading to the high school for orientation. That is what alerted me. Thank goodness Trevor's practice for football was at the high school right by where we were meeting. I was able to slip out of the meeting and back in again when it was time to pick Trevor up.
We did drive thru for dinner after 8:00pm, when I finally found breathing room to get food. Trevor said I didn't buy him enough and he was still starving after dinner. Next time I will order the party platter. tom was content with his portion thank goodness. We were home by 8:30. Bath time has to happen with football practice, so bed time is a little late tonight. This was a particularly busy Monday.
Texting
The wonderful thing about texting is it can be done surreptitiously. I worked Saturday. My sister would be taking Trevor to his 2:00 game. Tom had Corvallis and a nieces wedding to go to. He was booked all day also. Riley would be updating me on the game.
It rained, it poured. My sister took her youngest child back to the house, leaving Riley and my niece, who is of similar age, with money for the snack shack, to watch the game. I am not sure it had clicked what she had volunteered for until she was in the thick of delivering Trevor to warm ups two hours before the game even started. Then she thought it would only last an hour. A football game is at least two hours.
Had the day been lovely, it would have been fine. But within 15 minutes she was soaked to the skin and so was her child. Trevor was loving it. The field is grass so they get really wet and dirty. Its still really cool to get as filthy as possible and have an excuse for it.
Riley and my niece tucked themselves under the awning of the snack shack and proceeded to sample every candy and pop available for the next few hours. My parents arrived and brought their Chinese pug, Hoover vacuum. Riley proudly walked him around the track. The dog was loving all the activity.
Meanwhile, I was at work. My sister had swung by earlier on her way to my house. I had my niece pick out a pair of shoes. I bought them for her with my family discount. She picked out a pair of UGGs. Did you know that the company is in California and the shoes are made in China. It is just a very successful name and advertising gimmick. They are very comfortable shoes though. The new slippers are really cool looking and padded. We also sell the Haflinger slippers, which are even better.
My boss sent me home with a pair of Haflinger slippers as a gift. I fell in love with them within 10 minutes of removing my work shoes. They feel like a massage when you walk in them.
Customers came in before I could finish with my sister. I will have to have her come back on another day, so I can get her a pair of shoes. I told them it was early presents. They can get socks from me at the holidays. Though the socks we sell are really expensive and high end also. We carry the brands Thorlo, Wigwam, Sugar free, and smartwool. $11 to $22 a pair.
I get them for the employee discount of cost plus shipping.
Riley agrees to text me highlights of the game, which means that he sends me the score periodically. Trevor played a lot in the first half, and some in the second. Coach has to make sure everyone gets playing time.The texts started arriving at work. The opponents scored first but missed the extra point. At least I assume so as the score was 6 to 0. Then we scored 6. It stayed six six until third quarter when we scored again, 12 to 6 now. Riley's texts were short, just the scores. The final score was 12 to 6.
This game the offense made the scores. Last week coach said the boys won by shear luck as all the scoring was mostly done by the defense running back interceptions and fumbles. He had not been happy with his offense. This game the touch downs were offense doing their job. We find out at Monday night practice how it really went down. I wish parents were still allowed, but coach asked at the beginning of the season that the cute chick fan club that was following practices and the parents stay off the field.
My mom said Trevor played hard. Not being there to watch, I have no idea how hard he really played. He said he played a lot, and hard. His gear was filthy. He left a big pool of water in my front hall where he left his pads. I came home at 6:30 and made dinner for everyone after mopping up the hall. The grand parents had not stayed. No one had delivered the message that I had wanted them to swing by my work so I could get them shoes at the family discount.
Since I was stuck at work, and they were going to be in the neighborhood, I had thought that might have been fun to buy them shoes. They are the kind of clients we get regularly. I had been able to get my niece shoes just by luck. She is a size 6 shoe, barely into adult sizes.
The day had been full of ebbs and flows of customers. People come in spurts, slow and steady. It ended as a pretty good sale day. Not like it used to be three years ago, but the rule of thumb is that the company covers its costs plus some if we clear $1000 each day. We did much better than $1000, so it was a good day. I told my parents the days I work, so they could stop by another time. Many of our customers are our best sales people. They come in and are so pleased with the shoes that they recommend the place to friends and expand our business pool by word of mouth.
These days people are very frugal with their money. Business is down because of the economy. But we have a very custom market. Doctors send their patients to us, as we are less expensive than custom Orthodox, but can give similar assistance. I look forward to work. Its interesting work and it gets me out of the house regularly.
Missing Trevor's game was tough. I will be able to make some of the other ones. The late games are best for me. But if I wasn't working, I would probably just be sitting around watching TV instead. This is so much more constructive.
Now I just have to swing a long break so I can get Trevor's floors done. I finally feel my energy returning with activity. Or it could be the vitamin regime I am now taking per the doctor's orders.
It rained, it poured. My sister took her youngest child back to the house, leaving Riley and my niece, who is of similar age, with money for the snack shack, to watch the game. I am not sure it had clicked what she had volunteered for until she was in the thick of delivering Trevor to warm ups two hours before the game even started. Then she thought it would only last an hour. A football game is at least two hours.
Had the day been lovely, it would have been fine. But within 15 minutes she was soaked to the skin and so was her child. Trevor was loving it. The field is grass so they get really wet and dirty. Its still really cool to get as filthy as possible and have an excuse for it.
Riley and my niece tucked themselves under the awning of the snack shack and proceeded to sample every candy and pop available for the next few hours. My parents arrived and brought their Chinese pug, Hoover vacuum. Riley proudly walked him around the track. The dog was loving all the activity.
Meanwhile, I was at work. My sister had swung by earlier on her way to my house. I had my niece pick out a pair of shoes. I bought them for her with my family discount. She picked out a pair of UGGs. Did you know that the company is in California and the shoes are made in China. It is just a very successful name and advertising gimmick. They are very comfortable shoes though. The new slippers are really cool looking and padded. We also sell the Haflinger slippers, which are even better.
My boss sent me home with a pair of Haflinger slippers as a gift. I fell in love with them within 10 minutes of removing my work shoes. They feel like a massage when you walk in them.
Customers came in before I could finish with my sister. I will have to have her come back on another day, so I can get her a pair of shoes. I told them it was early presents. They can get socks from me at the holidays. Though the socks we sell are really expensive and high end also. We carry the brands Thorlo, Wigwam, Sugar free, and smartwool. $11 to $22 a pair.
I get them for the employee discount of cost plus shipping.
Riley agrees to text me highlights of the game, which means that he sends me the score periodically. Trevor played a lot in the first half, and some in the second. Coach has to make sure everyone gets playing time.The texts started arriving at work. The opponents scored first but missed the extra point. At least I assume so as the score was 6 to 0. Then we scored 6. It stayed six six until third quarter when we scored again, 12 to 6 now. Riley's texts were short, just the scores. The final score was 12 to 6.
This game the offense made the scores. Last week coach said the boys won by shear luck as all the scoring was mostly done by the defense running back interceptions and fumbles. He had not been happy with his offense. This game the touch downs were offense doing their job. We find out at Monday night practice how it really went down. I wish parents were still allowed, but coach asked at the beginning of the season that the cute chick fan club that was following practices and the parents stay off the field.
My mom said Trevor played hard. Not being there to watch, I have no idea how hard he really played. He said he played a lot, and hard. His gear was filthy. He left a big pool of water in my front hall where he left his pads. I came home at 6:30 and made dinner for everyone after mopping up the hall. The grand parents had not stayed. No one had delivered the message that I had wanted them to swing by my work so I could get them shoes at the family discount.
Since I was stuck at work, and they were going to be in the neighborhood, I had thought that might have been fun to buy them shoes. They are the kind of clients we get regularly. I had been able to get my niece shoes just by luck. She is a size 6 shoe, barely into adult sizes.
The day had been full of ebbs and flows of customers. People come in spurts, slow and steady. It ended as a pretty good sale day. Not like it used to be three years ago, but the rule of thumb is that the company covers its costs plus some if we clear $1000 each day. We did much better than $1000, so it was a good day. I told my parents the days I work, so they could stop by another time. Many of our customers are our best sales people. They come in and are so pleased with the shoes that they recommend the place to friends and expand our business pool by word of mouth.
These days people are very frugal with their money. Business is down because of the economy. But we have a very custom market. Doctors send their patients to us, as we are less expensive than custom Orthodox, but can give similar assistance. I look forward to work. Its interesting work and it gets me out of the house regularly.
Missing Trevor's game was tough. I will be able to make some of the other ones. The late games are best for me. But if I wasn't working, I would probably just be sitting around watching TV instead. This is so much more constructive.
Now I just have to swing a long break so I can get Trevor's floors done. I finally feel my energy returning with activity. Or it could be the vitamin regime I am now taking per the doctor's orders.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Fear factor
The service engine soon light came on in our spare car. It's a Taurus. I like to drive it as it is red and sporty looking and gets better gas mileage than either of our other cars. I had stopped driving it when the light came on, until I could get it in to the mechanic for a check up. It has been sitting for a few weeks now. This morning was to be my appointment. No sleeping in today. I had to get up to take the car to the shop.
I did my usual morning putter. Unload the dishes from last night's wash. Change over a load of laundry, check my e-mails. After I had postponed as long as I could , I went out to the car. It didn't start. Dead battery. Called the husband to see if he could help. He was at work and its Thursday so probably a down day. That is when they take a machine off line for repairs and maintenance. He usually comes home late on those days. He tells me he will get to it later. I can hear voices in the background. I know he is busy. He hates this car anyway. It is not a performance vehicle. Not a car an engineer would drive.
He had made me buy the Jeep, which drives like a truck because he didn't like the Taurus. The Taurus is a 1997. He said after 5 years or 100,000 miles a car becomes untrustworthy. We still have 20,000 miles before we reach 100k. But the age thing may have some validity. We have replaced all the rubber plugs in the radiator as one had dried out and leaked.
Like everything else in our house, we are rough on cars. I think that is why he wanted a car more like a truck for me to drive. It might be more resilient to the wear and tear of our household.
Riley turns 15 in November. He will be learning to drive. This Taurus was to be his car. Nicely seasoned for a teen age driver. Bumps and dents wont be a factor. I will be sad if the car does not make the repair cost grade.
It could be that I just hadn't been driving it enough and that is why the battery is dead. Short trips around town may not be enough. It wants a road trip.
Meanwhile, I decide not to wait on my poor overworked husband. A dead car in the driveway will irritate me. I also don't like feeling like a helpless female who can't fend for herself.
The handle to open the hood on the Taurus broke off a few years ago. I had bought the car used on Craig's list for a great price. It had really low miles for its age. But little things were wrong. The back seat left window doesn't go down. The hood handle wire needs to be pulled with pliers. turns out it doesn't really need pliers. You can grab a little wire firmly with your fingers and pull. A light click informs you the hood is released, even though you don't see it pop up visually.
I found this out after tinkering with the wire for about 20 minutes. I went around to the hood and ran my fingers along the seam until I found a spot I could slip my fingers in and lift the hood open. Now I knew I was on a roll. Once the hood was open I knew I could use the charger cables and try to start the battery with the jeep.
I have a bag in the car that the cables are stored in. The outside of the bag in big bold letters says "HELP". You turn the bag over and the instructions are right there to follow on how to hook up the cable to batteries to jump start the car. Follow the instructions and I'll be just fine.
I move the jeep into position. Then spend 10 minutes trying to find the button or pull to open the jeep's hood. It is a sleek pull, flush with the wall panel and the same color, down at my feet. Now both hoods are open. The package says to start with the good battery first. There is a plastic square box in the jeep with a lid on it. I figure out how to pry the lid off, but inside I find the computer chips. Its the wrong box. Not the battery at all. I look around and see the battery tucked below another plastic cover. In raised writing I see where it says to remove this piece to reach the battery. OK, now I have both batteries exposed. Now for the cable hook up.
I know this is dangerous. Batteries can explode. You are supposed to do it in a specific order. I follow the directions. Then start both cars in the right order. The Taurus starts on the first try and the service engine soon light comes on immediately. The instructions say to remove the cables in reverse order.
I let the cars run for a little while I unload the dishwasher. Then I think maybe I should not leave the cars unsupervised in case something does go wrong. I race back outside but both cars are still doing fine. I undo the cables and throw everything into the back seat of the Taurus. Just in case I don't make it all the way to the shop. I turn off the jeep and shut the hoods.
The drive to the mechanic is uneventful. I am antsy at every red light worried the problem could be the alternator. Every delay could lead to me getting stuck. But I make it. I leave the car running while I check in. They can move it easier if it is still running. Our town is so small, the battery still doesn't have much of a charge in it.
Now it is not my problem anymore.I have handed it off to the mechanics. I told the shop to call and let me know what they find. If it is not too expensive we might still repair the car for Riley. They gave me a lift home. I was really proud of myself to solve this dead car issue with no outside help. I didn't even ask the neighbor to come stand by for moral support.
A friend told me once that it is the fear factor that prevents us from doing things. Most of the time it is not rocket science. But having sawed off my fingers once, I am much more careful and cautious with what I undertake.
Now, on my day off, I am tidying up the house. One problem with letting the boys see themselves off to school in the morning by themselves, is the mess left behind. I have to decide if an hour of extra sleep is worth an hour of clean up at the other end. If I get up with the boys, they help me. Gathering dishes and things from around the house. Putting things in their proper place goes fast with help, but I do love that extra hour of sleep. There will always be chores.
I did my usual morning putter. Unload the dishes from last night's wash. Change over a load of laundry, check my e-mails. After I had postponed as long as I could , I went out to the car. It didn't start. Dead battery. Called the husband to see if he could help. He was at work and its Thursday so probably a down day. That is when they take a machine off line for repairs and maintenance. He usually comes home late on those days. He tells me he will get to it later. I can hear voices in the background. I know he is busy. He hates this car anyway. It is not a performance vehicle. Not a car an engineer would drive.
He had made me buy the Jeep, which drives like a truck because he didn't like the Taurus. The Taurus is a 1997. He said after 5 years or 100,000 miles a car becomes untrustworthy. We still have 20,000 miles before we reach 100k. But the age thing may have some validity. We have replaced all the rubber plugs in the radiator as one had dried out and leaked.
Like everything else in our house, we are rough on cars. I think that is why he wanted a car more like a truck for me to drive. It might be more resilient to the wear and tear of our household.
Riley turns 15 in November. He will be learning to drive. This Taurus was to be his car. Nicely seasoned for a teen age driver. Bumps and dents wont be a factor. I will be sad if the car does not make the repair cost grade.
It could be that I just hadn't been driving it enough and that is why the battery is dead. Short trips around town may not be enough. It wants a road trip.
Meanwhile, I decide not to wait on my poor overworked husband. A dead car in the driveway will irritate me. I also don't like feeling like a helpless female who can't fend for herself.
The handle to open the hood on the Taurus broke off a few years ago. I had bought the car used on Craig's list for a great price. It had really low miles for its age. But little things were wrong. The back seat left window doesn't go down. The hood handle wire needs to be pulled with pliers. turns out it doesn't really need pliers. You can grab a little wire firmly with your fingers and pull. A light click informs you the hood is released, even though you don't see it pop up visually.
I found this out after tinkering with the wire for about 20 minutes. I went around to the hood and ran my fingers along the seam until I found a spot I could slip my fingers in and lift the hood open. Now I knew I was on a roll. Once the hood was open I knew I could use the charger cables and try to start the battery with the jeep.
I have a bag in the car that the cables are stored in. The outside of the bag in big bold letters says "HELP". You turn the bag over and the instructions are right there to follow on how to hook up the cable to batteries to jump start the car. Follow the instructions and I'll be just fine.
I move the jeep into position. Then spend 10 minutes trying to find the button or pull to open the jeep's hood. It is a sleek pull, flush with the wall panel and the same color, down at my feet. Now both hoods are open. The package says to start with the good battery first. There is a plastic square box in the jeep with a lid on it. I figure out how to pry the lid off, but inside I find the computer chips. Its the wrong box. Not the battery at all. I look around and see the battery tucked below another plastic cover. In raised writing I see where it says to remove this piece to reach the battery. OK, now I have both batteries exposed. Now for the cable hook up.
I know this is dangerous. Batteries can explode. You are supposed to do it in a specific order. I follow the directions. Then start both cars in the right order. The Taurus starts on the first try and the service engine soon light comes on immediately. The instructions say to remove the cables in reverse order.
I let the cars run for a little while I unload the dishwasher. Then I think maybe I should not leave the cars unsupervised in case something does go wrong. I race back outside but both cars are still doing fine. I undo the cables and throw everything into the back seat of the Taurus. Just in case I don't make it all the way to the shop. I turn off the jeep and shut the hoods.
The drive to the mechanic is uneventful. I am antsy at every red light worried the problem could be the alternator. Every delay could lead to me getting stuck. But I make it. I leave the car running while I check in. They can move it easier if it is still running. Our town is so small, the battery still doesn't have much of a charge in it.
Now it is not my problem anymore.I have handed it off to the mechanics. I told the shop to call and let me know what they find. If it is not too expensive we might still repair the car for Riley. They gave me a lift home. I was really proud of myself to solve this dead car issue with no outside help. I didn't even ask the neighbor to come stand by for moral support.
A friend told me once that it is the fear factor that prevents us from doing things. Most of the time it is not rocket science. But having sawed off my fingers once, I am much more careful and cautious with what I undertake.
Now, on my day off, I am tidying up the house. One problem with letting the boys see themselves off to school in the morning by themselves, is the mess left behind. I have to decide if an hour of extra sleep is worth an hour of clean up at the other end. If I get up with the boys, they help me. Gathering dishes and things from around the house. Putting things in their proper place goes fast with help, but I do love that extra hour of sleep. There will always be chores.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
PTA
Tonight was PTA. 14 parents came to the meeting. It took a little longer than usual. Last year we got out in 30 minutes easily, most meetings. This one we needed to cover a lot of territory: build and vote in a budget and a new board. We waited until this year because there would be so many new incoming families the way our school is set up. We did not want to exclude anyone.
We got two new names on the board. I tell myself next year this will not be my problem anymore as I leave middle school entirely behind.
I do miss the vitality of working in the schools. My phone went off with a job opportunity for the school district, but I let it pass to someone else. I am tempted though if the next time they call on my day off, to grab it just to keep my finger in the pot. I like half days and the school days are shorter than my store hours.
During PTA my phone rang. Trevor was looking for a pick up. I had asked Tom if he was OK with picking up Trevor, but after I left he came down with a migraine. The coach drove Trevor home. I feel so guilty. The coach does enough with his time for the kids. I just am grateful we live in town, not far away. I have no idea where the coach lives. I just hope it was not too far out of his way.
Tom has been fighting a migraine for several days now. Last week I had to drive out to a work event and drop off his sinus spray as he became overcome by the pain. If he doesn't get it under control soon I am going to make him go back to the doctor. He had these same headaches two years ago. They turned out to be an impacted infection in his sinuses. The sinus spray worked wonders to break it up quickly. He originally thought they were cluster headaches and was happy to find something that works to minimize the pain.
I wish for the coaches sake I had made other arrangements for Trevor to get home after practice. Tomorrow Tom is on the bubble again for getting Trevor to practice. I hope Trevor is prepared to take the bus. I might do a dry run with him afterwards so he knows what to do in the event of another abandonment.
We got two new names on the board. I tell myself next year this will not be my problem anymore as I leave middle school entirely behind.
I do miss the vitality of working in the schools. My phone went off with a job opportunity for the school district, but I let it pass to someone else. I am tempted though if the next time they call on my day off, to grab it just to keep my finger in the pot. I like half days and the school days are shorter than my store hours.
During PTA my phone rang. Trevor was looking for a pick up. I had asked Tom if he was OK with picking up Trevor, but after I left he came down with a migraine. The coach drove Trevor home. I feel so guilty. The coach does enough with his time for the kids. I just am grateful we live in town, not far away. I have no idea where the coach lives. I just hope it was not too far out of his way.
Tom has been fighting a migraine for several days now. Last week I had to drive out to a work event and drop off his sinus spray as he became overcome by the pain. If he doesn't get it under control soon I am going to make him go back to the doctor. He had these same headaches two years ago. They turned out to be an impacted infection in his sinuses. The sinus spray worked wonders to break it up quickly. He originally thought they were cluster headaches and was happy to find something that works to minimize the pain.
I wish for the coaches sake I had made other arrangements for Trevor to get home after practice. Tomorrow Tom is on the bubble again for getting Trevor to practice. I hope Trevor is prepared to take the bus. I might do a dry run with him afterwards so he knows what to do in the event of another abandonment.
Rest day
I did my shopping at 7:30 am yesterday. The boys missed the bus, so I drove them both to their respective schools. I swung by the grocery store afterwards. It opens at 7:30 am. I was surprised that there were other shoppers busy in the store that early.
I bought the basics and then picked up a box of Reeces Pieces cereal for the boys. Its a big treat for me to buy junky cereal. It was a great call because today when the boys got up for school, I did not have to work. I went back to bed after telling them of the cereal in the kitchen. I knew they would not fight with a full fresh box of Reeces pieces to fill their mouths at breakfast. Peace reined and they didn't miss the bus either.
I slept in until 9:00 am. I had bible study at 9:30 am or I would have probably still slept. I feel for the boys with this being their first full week of school. I needed my break after the days I have been working at my new job. I can see I will like my work.
I was told to ratchet down the enthusiasm a little, not try so hard. Tom payed me the compliment that I was a little over qualified, but he was pleased I got a job and am working, even at this pay grade.
I am catching on quickly. Having never really worked retail, it has been a steep learning curve, but it seems to come to me easily from the feed back I am getting. I can see my next challenge is learning the details of each shoe and why it is special and has earned a spot in the store. There are similar competitors in shoe manufacturing, but my boss is experienced and knows the vendors that work well with us as a low volume customer and high service orientation.
The seasonal changes will be an adventure to learn. I am looking forward to the boots arrival in a week
I bought the basics and then picked up a box of Reeces Pieces cereal for the boys. Its a big treat for me to buy junky cereal. It was a great call because today when the boys got up for school, I did not have to work. I went back to bed after telling them of the cereal in the kitchen. I knew they would not fight with a full fresh box of Reeces pieces to fill their mouths at breakfast. Peace reined and they didn't miss the bus either.
I slept in until 9:00 am. I had bible study at 9:30 am or I would have probably still slept. I feel for the boys with this being their first full week of school. I needed my break after the days I have been working at my new job. I can see I will like my work.
I was told to ratchet down the enthusiasm a little, not try so hard. Tom payed me the compliment that I was a little over qualified, but he was pleased I got a job and am working, even at this pay grade.
I am catching on quickly. Having never really worked retail, it has been a steep learning curve, but it seems to come to me easily from the feed back I am getting. I can see my next challenge is learning the details of each shoe and why it is special and has earned a spot in the store. There are similar competitors in shoe manufacturing, but my boss is experienced and knows the vendors that work well with us as a low volume customer and high service orientation.
The seasonal changes will be an adventure to learn. I am looking forward to the boots arrival in a week
Sunday, September 12, 2010
week 1 football
We won 30 to 26. Tom was on the line on chain gang. He handled the "box", the marker that reads the down. He does a great job, waiting for the ref to signal the new ball mark, then racing over to set the spot. It was fun to watch him hustle. He smelled almost as bad as Trevor after the game. He really worked up a sweat.
I had made up cards with the team names and numbers so the families could tell the players and cheer the boys by name. The jerseys are new and will be used again next season so no names can be put on them, just numbers, as they will be passed on to someone else next season to save money for the program. Riley and Tom had helped me put them together right before we left the house. I had to take Trevor two hours early for warm ups. Tom brought Riley and some grapes for after game snacks closer to kick off.
I handed out the cards to parents and grandparents and other family on our side of the field.
Trevor played well. Tom wondered every time the coach took him out, why Trevor was being subbed out. The coach lets everyone play though, so other children needed time. League rules are at least ten plays for every child on the team. Trevor played well over 10, which was quite the change from last year.
We scored first and made the extra point. Then they scored but we blocked their extra point. ?Second quarter we caught two interceptions and ran them in for touch downs and made one of two extra points. I am meanwhile running up and down the field behind the yellow ropes of the visitor bleachers cheering the team on with Riley shadowing me. He was excited at first also but it was not a big crowd, just family, so not nearly as exciting as a crowded college game like his father takes him to once a year.
After half time he started to go stir crazy. He didn't have a book to read and once the sun set it got cold. The game got close when the opposing team scored twice more. But we answered every time and held them off in the last two minutes. It was a fun game under the lights. 7:00 kick offs are late enough that the boys get to play the second half with the stadium lights on. We have several games like that this season.
As long as Riley has money to eat at the snack shack he is content to hang out and watch the game. As usual my family happiness evolves around food. Foot long hot dogs and pop and hot cocoa and candy and gum go along way to entertain Riley for the two hours his brother's game lasts.
I love that he is willing to stay the whole time without much fuss. Tom doesn't notice us while the game is on and he is on duty with the down marker. He concentrated on the game intently, happy Trevor is playing.
I had made up cards with the team names and numbers so the families could tell the players and cheer the boys by name. The jerseys are new and will be used again next season so no names can be put on them, just numbers, as they will be passed on to someone else next season to save money for the program. Riley and Tom had helped me put them together right before we left the house. I had to take Trevor two hours early for warm ups. Tom brought Riley and some grapes for after game snacks closer to kick off.
I handed out the cards to parents and grandparents and other family on our side of the field.
Trevor played well. Tom wondered every time the coach took him out, why Trevor was being subbed out. The coach lets everyone play though, so other children needed time. League rules are at least ten plays for every child on the team. Trevor played well over 10, which was quite the change from last year.
We scored first and made the extra point. Then they scored but we blocked their extra point. ?Second quarter we caught two interceptions and ran them in for touch downs and made one of two extra points. I am meanwhile running up and down the field behind the yellow ropes of the visitor bleachers cheering the team on with Riley shadowing me. He was excited at first also but it was not a big crowd, just family, so not nearly as exciting as a crowded college game like his father takes him to once a year.
After half time he started to go stir crazy. He didn't have a book to read and once the sun set it got cold. The game got close when the opposing team scored twice more. But we answered every time and held them off in the last two minutes. It was a fun game under the lights. 7:00 kick offs are late enough that the boys get to play the second half with the stadium lights on. We have several games like that this season.
As long as Riley has money to eat at the snack shack he is content to hang out and watch the game. As usual my family happiness evolves around food. Foot long hot dogs and pop and hot cocoa and candy and gum go along way to entertain Riley for the two hours his brother's game lasts.
I love that he is willing to stay the whole time without much fuss. Tom doesn't notice us while the game is on and he is on duty with the down marker. He concentrated on the game intently, happy Trevor is playing.
A week of changes
I started my new job and everything went smoothly. Other than filing some shoes away in the wrong places I think my bosses think I will work out. In the stock room Mary Jane's are together
or strapped shoes, Dansko and Sanita clogs are together, other slip ons go in another area. Black dress shoes are next to black tie shoes while browns are in another area. Seasonal items are close to the door and will soon change out. Brooks and new balance are in the back hall and mens shoes are upstairs. All this will change when the new items come in each season so don't fall in love with that location. It was not unexpected that I miss filed a few even though that is the worst thing you can do in a shoe store, other than make a client mad, which I have not had the opportunity to do yet.
We had a call yesterday, another employee took the call. The woman at the other end was in pain and searching for a shoe that would work for her. She was trying to get an idea of what we had and virtually get fitted over the phone. It is a little difficult to fit someone over the phone. When the call ended, the woman called back to complain about our service. The clerk had been as helpful as she could, but there was no way we could have fit that desperate woman over the phone no matter how hard we tried. I would say that was our most difficult client so far and she didn't even come into the store. But it gives you a little idea of the pain and frustration our clients are in before we even see them. The letters of thank you plaster a board in the back from customers that finally found hope and comfort with good shoes by coming to us.
We can spend over an hour on one customer. But then some shoes cost $200 to $300 dollars. We have to get it right. I am learning a tone about cushion and cork soles, firm support and "last" shape, which is the bottom shape of the shoe and the beginning spot when making a shoe.
My first week and part time job is turning into a lot of days. Monday Tuesday and Saturday now add Fridays. Fill in for other employee on Wednesday and Sunday is a trade show. I think I will only do these long weeks occasionally. I am in training and want to absorb as much as I can in the first few weeks.
I tried changing out my manager's shoes as a practice. I Brought the wrong size, too small. I did figure it out, but I need to build up my confidence and skill in this area. You have to get the size right when selling shoes. I want to bring in my boys and have them try shoes. For family there is a 30% discount. We don't get commission, but we get great discounts. cost plus $10 shipping if it is for employees. Some manufacturers give 25% on top of that. They want you to wear their product. So I bought my first pair of shoes for work. Romikas retail for $130. I got mine for $51.87. Only $5 shipping cost from the manufacturer. Boots come in two weeks.
Even if this job doesn't last in the long run, I will have some very gorgeous shoes and comfortable shoes as compensation. But I see this job as working for me for a while. Gordon, the owner is 72. He likes to fuss with the store . He comes in 10 to 2 four days a week. Otherwise its all women like me, with teens at home or headed off to college. We are down to four staff. They need to hire again but they are waiting to finish training me. I think in a couple months they will add someone else. I hope so because none of the existing staff wants to work full time and now there is no give in system. Everyone is working a lot more hours than they intended, until I am trained and another new employee is hired to give some relief to the schedule.
or strapped shoes, Dansko and Sanita clogs are together, other slip ons go in another area. Black dress shoes are next to black tie shoes while browns are in another area. Seasonal items are close to the door and will soon change out. Brooks and new balance are in the back hall and mens shoes are upstairs. All this will change when the new items come in each season so don't fall in love with that location. It was not unexpected that I miss filed a few even though that is the worst thing you can do in a shoe store, other than make a client mad, which I have not had the opportunity to do yet.
We had a call yesterday, another employee took the call. The woman at the other end was in pain and searching for a shoe that would work for her. She was trying to get an idea of what we had and virtually get fitted over the phone. It is a little difficult to fit someone over the phone. When the call ended, the woman called back to complain about our service. The clerk had been as helpful as she could, but there was no way we could have fit that desperate woman over the phone no matter how hard we tried. I would say that was our most difficult client so far and she didn't even come into the store. But it gives you a little idea of the pain and frustration our clients are in before we even see them. The letters of thank you plaster a board in the back from customers that finally found hope and comfort with good shoes by coming to us.
We can spend over an hour on one customer. But then some shoes cost $200 to $300 dollars. We have to get it right. I am learning a tone about cushion and cork soles, firm support and "last" shape, which is the bottom shape of the shoe and the beginning spot when making a shoe.
My first week and part time job is turning into a lot of days. Monday Tuesday and Saturday now add Fridays. Fill in for other employee on Wednesday and Sunday is a trade show. I think I will only do these long weeks occasionally. I am in training and want to absorb as much as I can in the first few weeks.
I tried changing out my manager's shoes as a practice. I Brought the wrong size, too small. I did figure it out, but I need to build up my confidence and skill in this area. You have to get the size right when selling shoes. I want to bring in my boys and have them try shoes. For family there is a 30% discount. We don't get commission, but we get great discounts. cost plus $10 shipping if it is for employees. Some manufacturers give 25% on top of that. They want you to wear their product. So I bought my first pair of shoes for work. Romikas retail for $130. I got mine for $51.87. Only $5 shipping cost from the manufacturer. Boots come in two weeks.
Even if this job doesn't last in the long run, I will have some very gorgeous shoes and comfortable shoes as compensation. But I see this job as working for me for a while. Gordon, the owner is 72. He likes to fuss with the store . He comes in 10 to 2 four days a week. Otherwise its all women like me, with teens at home or headed off to college. We are down to four staff. They need to hire again but they are waiting to finish training me. I think in a couple months they will add someone else. I hope so because none of the existing staff wants to work full time and now there is no give in system. Everyone is working a lot more hours than they intended, until I am trained and another new employee is hired to give some relief to the schedule.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
First week of school and work
I can hear the laundry banging away. I must have missed a golf ball in a pocket of Tom's pants. I really have to stay up on the chores or I can see they can easily get out of hand. I walk in the door and send the kids off to do the chores they should have done before I got home from work. I have been going from work to football which means not getting home until 8:00 pm. Dinner needs to be made and eaten within the next half hour.
I don't like going to bed just having eaten a big meal. This family lives on steak or hamburger dishes; spaghetti, chili. I can get it done quickly, but there is no way to avoid the time. I realize though it is only for football season. After football I gain an extra hour or more in the evening. It is being organized that will be key. Having planned meals during the week, with all the ingredients on hand.
When I was in real estate, I had more time and I planned my time. I will get back into the being really organized quickly, I can see already. I am up to four days a week now. Another employee is no longer with the company. We were asked to pick up extra days. They are not sure if they will replace her any time soon as they have just started training me.
Meanwhile, the boys both started school. Trevor is his usual scatter brained self. Leaving important papers and books at home, not tuned in totally in class. I am hopeful that will improve if we stay on top of it. A computer, a new one that takes games, is on the line if he can make honor role all three trimesters. B's will do it, just nothing less than that.
Riley only got lost twice trying to find a classroom. He loves his teachers and thinks they will all work out well. You do tend to get better teachers when you take the accelerated classes. His math teacher is from Ireland on a one year exchange. She was the only one to pronounce his last name correctly. She gave out homework on the first full day of school. Riley didn't tell his dad or me until I got home, so he started late on his homework. I told him to expect 3 hours a night of home work now that he is in high school. Especially with his class load.
He has accelerated English, World Studies, Geometry (higher math class), Life sciences (which I think is a biology), and wellness. five classes, all core classes, no electives this trimester. We will see how he does. One of his teachers thought it might be a tough load. But really its all standard fare. He can get the electives in on other trimesters. He is healthy now. We don't anticipate his missing any school. This is the time to get the important classes done. He can take electives as fillers later.
He is in accelerated English. They will be reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I know he will like that book. They will also tackle the Odyssey, which I am thrilled about. He will like that book also if he can get through the language issue. Battling witches and monsters is just what he likes to read. They will also read a book of their choice and do a fun project or report to coincide with the book. Sounds like a great class.
World Studies wants him to attend a cultural event and then write about it. It can be a play or a music or even a sport event. It needs to be unrelated to school. A ticket stub and pamphlet from the event for proof of attendance is required. So we are off to the symphony for school, love it.
It is an open campus at lunch. You are not allowed to drive, but the students can go off campus to get lunch from any of the fast food places around campus. I have learned never to shop the nearby grocery store at noon. The cafeteria on campus cannot handle the volume of students all arriving at the same time for lunch.
Riley and I had discussed his options. I had put money in his cafeteria account, but also sent him off with cash. He told me he was the first in line at Burgerville for a milkshake and chicken strips. He was so proud of himself, going off campus. I asked how much he thought he might need eating off campus each day. He said $10. What? I don't think so. Tom was also appalled. Riley said it would leave him a little change. No, $5 max, or $20 a week. That is what we can afford.
He can do kids meals some days, or learn to split a meal with a friend. He never finishes his fries. Order off the dollar menus. Anyway, he melded right in, said he knew at least one person in all his classes.
He had called me at work all excited, wanting to tell me all about his day. I was so torn when I said I had to go. We had customers coming in the door. I could hear the disappointment in his voice when he said goodbye. I called back as soon as I could. I could still hear his enthusiasm, but the edge was gone. When I got home, it was homework time for math. He said it was new stuff, but as I watched him work, he whipped right through it. It did not stump him. He had 40 problems done in 30 minutes. He was tired so he left ten to do in the morning, which he accomplished without problems.
Getting him up took a little work. Both boys lay in bed for a while. I told them we would have to try for earlier bed times if they needed more sleep. Hard to do when we are already pushing 9:00 pm just getting homework and dinner in between 8 and 9. Once football is over though, we can grab that extra hour for sleep. If I can convince teenagers to go to bed at 8:00pm again.
The bus has been late picking them up before school, making them late for school, but I am sure that the schedule will be adjusted accordingly after this week. Mostly it effects Trevor as it makes him have to rush to class first thing. Trevor does not rush. He saunters. Its a problem I see when he is at football practice. Even when he brings on his A game, he still slows down afterwards to a saunter. Its the best word to describe the casual stride he uses to move his body from one destination to another.
A good friend of mine has a daughter full of energy. Even when the child is still, it seems as if she might leap up at any minute to do something. Trevor stops to smell the roses. He tends not to see the garbage to be picked up, but that is probably because its too far from his head. Roses reach out to be noticed.
On the days I work, Trevor and I must remember to remove his gear from my car, so he will have it to take with him when his Dad takes him. The first day of my job, Trevor forgot to eat and went to practice hungry. Worst thing he could have done. My family runs on its stomach. Full stomachs equals happy family. One of the other boys mentioned Trevor had a rough practice when I went to pick him up. The next day I called home and reminded Trevor to eat, not watch TV or play computer games to the oblivion of all else.
Tom is making a great effort being home early enough to get Trevor to practice on time. We may not love this house for the lack of land and noisy design, but the convenient location makes up for a lot. Tom and I both can be home with little commute time. It gives us that edge we need to be someplace on time. The boys also have the ability to get to where they need to be independently if we absolutely can't do it.
So far the new school year is going well. It helped that the bus was late, so when the boys came back having forgotten things in the house, they did not miss it. Work is not difficult and it is a great time filler and distraction. I was just not getting enough work from the school district to fill my time. I do not feel I have the energy or money to go back to school for that certificate of Teaching. Besides there are a lot of teachers already out there laid off. This new job is just right. I can also feel that I can be firm and tell them the days I need off. They seem to be pretty good about it as long as they have advance warning. The employee pool is a bit slim as there is not a lot of wiggle room when they do need to change people around. I was looking for just a part time job. This has become four days a week over night. But I was going stir crazy last school year when the boys weren't at home.
I can honestly say we had a busy summer. Not a lot of down time. It felt good to be busy. It feels good now to be busy.
I don't like going to bed just having eaten a big meal. This family lives on steak or hamburger dishes; spaghetti, chili. I can get it done quickly, but there is no way to avoid the time. I realize though it is only for football season. After football I gain an extra hour or more in the evening. It is being organized that will be key. Having planned meals during the week, with all the ingredients on hand.
When I was in real estate, I had more time and I planned my time. I will get back into the being really organized quickly, I can see already. I am up to four days a week now. Another employee is no longer with the company. We were asked to pick up extra days. They are not sure if they will replace her any time soon as they have just started training me.
Meanwhile, the boys both started school. Trevor is his usual scatter brained self. Leaving important papers and books at home, not tuned in totally in class. I am hopeful that will improve if we stay on top of it. A computer, a new one that takes games, is on the line if he can make honor role all three trimesters. B's will do it, just nothing less than that.
Riley only got lost twice trying to find a classroom. He loves his teachers and thinks they will all work out well. You do tend to get better teachers when you take the accelerated classes. His math teacher is from Ireland on a one year exchange. She was the only one to pronounce his last name correctly. She gave out homework on the first full day of school. Riley didn't tell his dad or me until I got home, so he started late on his homework. I told him to expect 3 hours a night of home work now that he is in high school. Especially with his class load.
He has accelerated English, World Studies, Geometry (higher math class), Life sciences (which I think is a biology), and wellness. five classes, all core classes, no electives this trimester. We will see how he does. One of his teachers thought it might be a tough load. But really its all standard fare. He can get the electives in on other trimesters. He is healthy now. We don't anticipate his missing any school. This is the time to get the important classes done. He can take electives as fillers later.
He is in accelerated English. They will be reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I know he will like that book. They will also tackle the Odyssey, which I am thrilled about. He will like that book also if he can get through the language issue. Battling witches and monsters is just what he likes to read. They will also read a book of their choice and do a fun project or report to coincide with the book. Sounds like a great class.
World Studies wants him to attend a cultural event and then write about it. It can be a play or a music or even a sport event. It needs to be unrelated to school. A ticket stub and pamphlet from the event for proof of attendance is required. So we are off to the symphony for school, love it.
It is an open campus at lunch. You are not allowed to drive, but the students can go off campus to get lunch from any of the fast food places around campus. I have learned never to shop the nearby grocery store at noon. The cafeteria on campus cannot handle the volume of students all arriving at the same time for lunch.
Riley and I had discussed his options. I had put money in his cafeteria account, but also sent him off with cash. He told me he was the first in line at Burgerville for a milkshake and chicken strips. He was so proud of himself, going off campus. I asked how much he thought he might need eating off campus each day. He said $10. What? I don't think so. Tom was also appalled. Riley said it would leave him a little change. No, $5 max, or $20 a week. That is what we can afford.
He can do kids meals some days, or learn to split a meal with a friend. He never finishes his fries. Order off the dollar menus. Anyway, he melded right in, said he knew at least one person in all his classes.
He had called me at work all excited, wanting to tell me all about his day. I was so torn when I said I had to go. We had customers coming in the door. I could hear the disappointment in his voice when he said goodbye. I called back as soon as I could. I could still hear his enthusiasm, but the edge was gone. When I got home, it was homework time for math. He said it was new stuff, but as I watched him work, he whipped right through it. It did not stump him. He had 40 problems done in 30 minutes. He was tired so he left ten to do in the morning, which he accomplished without problems.
Getting him up took a little work. Both boys lay in bed for a while. I told them we would have to try for earlier bed times if they needed more sleep. Hard to do when we are already pushing 9:00 pm just getting homework and dinner in between 8 and 9. Once football is over though, we can grab that extra hour for sleep. If I can convince teenagers to go to bed at 8:00pm again.
The bus has been late picking them up before school, making them late for school, but I am sure that the schedule will be adjusted accordingly after this week. Mostly it effects Trevor as it makes him have to rush to class first thing. Trevor does not rush. He saunters. Its a problem I see when he is at football practice. Even when he brings on his A game, he still slows down afterwards to a saunter. Its the best word to describe the casual stride he uses to move his body from one destination to another.
A good friend of mine has a daughter full of energy. Even when the child is still, it seems as if she might leap up at any minute to do something. Trevor stops to smell the roses. He tends not to see the garbage to be picked up, but that is probably because its too far from his head. Roses reach out to be noticed.
On the days I work, Trevor and I must remember to remove his gear from my car, so he will have it to take with him when his Dad takes him. The first day of my job, Trevor forgot to eat and went to practice hungry. Worst thing he could have done. My family runs on its stomach. Full stomachs equals happy family. One of the other boys mentioned Trevor had a rough practice when I went to pick him up. The next day I called home and reminded Trevor to eat, not watch TV or play computer games to the oblivion of all else.
Tom is making a great effort being home early enough to get Trevor to practice on time. We may not love this house for the lack of land and noisy design, but the convenient location makes up for a lot. Tom and I both can be home with little commute time. It gives us that edge we need to be someplace on time. The boys also have the ability to get to where they need to be independently if we absolutely can't do it.
So far the new school year is going well. It helped that the bus was late, so when the boys came back having forgotten things in the house, they did not miss it. Work is not difficult and it is a great time filler and distraction. I was just not getting enough work from the school district to fill my time. I do not feel I have the energy or money to go back to school for that certificate of Teaching. Besides there are a lot of teachers already out there laid off. This new job is just right. I can also feel that I can be firm and tell them the days I need off. They seem to be pretty good about it as long as they have advance warning. The employee pool is a bit slim as there is not a lot of wiggle room when they do need to change people around. I was looking for just a part time job. This has become four days a week over night. But I was going stir crazy last school year when the boys weren't at home.
I can honestly say we had a busy summer. Not a lot of down time. It felt good to be busy. It feels good now to be busy.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Company
We had friends come to watch the Beaver game with us. We played and danced. Trevor got out a guitar and we pretended to air band to Led Zeppelin, who needs a Wii when you can do it to the radio. I had hoola hoops and they all competed. Tom made the boys do push ups then the girls then the adults. what a hoot. I was the worst, couldn't even do two. It was really fun.
The food was delicious and so was the company. Too bad the Beavers didn't win. But they are notorious for losing in September and they were playing the sixth ranked school in the nation. We were having so much fun even Tom didn't get too upset over the loss. It was so fun for all of us. The kids all played apples to apples. I loved it, the energy and happiness in the air.
These friends light up a room when they enter it. Even their children are wonderful. It was so good for all of us to have a good time. It was like our road trip on the east coast without all the stress. Bliss.
The food was delicious and so was the company. Too bad the Beavers didn't win. But they are notorious for losing in September and they were playing the sixth ranked school in the nation. We were having so much fun even Tom didn't get too upset over the loss. It was so fun for all of us. The kids all played apples to apples. I loved it, the energy and happiness in the air.
These friends light up a room when they enter it. Even their children are wonderful. It was so good for all of us to have a good time. It was like our road trip on the east coast without all the stress. Bliss.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
House cleaning
I woke up with Tom at 5am Friday. I had been dwelling on how to not have Riley miss any school the first week if I had to go back to the hospital for the cyclosporine test. I had decided the best route was just to take him in. Its the last weekday before school starts. There was no easy way with school starting at 8am and the lab not open until 9 am. He would miss at least three classes.
We just need to know the lows and creatinen numbers and see if Modified works as well as unmodified. Tom agrees that it should be fine to just go in. Labs don't need an appointment, just an order on the charts from the doctor. He would have done it yesterday had Riley not just taken his pills moments before the doctor walked in and the discussion took a few minutes to get around to the pill change order.
I need to make it clear to the pharmacy that they cant keep going back and forth modified vs unmodified. Its a big deal. I will have to personally call each month not computer order because the computer doesn't seem to see a difference.
The trip to the hospital went fine. We bypassed the construction zone and made good time. Waited maybe ten minutes at the hospital lab for Riley's spot in the Que. They are quick getting the blood draw. Not much is needed for the one test. I offer Riley breakfast, but he wants a donut shop. As we drive home I look but Starbucks has replaced Duncan Donuts these days. We don't see anything that perks Riley's interest. I suggest we stop at the Safeway in town and get donuts there.
The result is a dozen donuts in a variety box. It was still cheaper than the donut store had we found one. I use the donuts to bribe the boys to help clean up the house for Labor day visitors.
the first hour of work went well. Then the boys began to fade. They wanted breaks and more food. I worked through for 3 hours. The boys were not quite as dedicated. They tell me I screamed at them. I prefer the word yell. Either way, we made a dent on the mess, but the job is not done. I was tired and called it quits. I wasn't getting much work out of the boys any more. They were more a frustration than a help. I needed food and didn't see any point in ruining the day further with arguments. Their father would direct them tomorrow, with the things we missed.
Trevor wanted to go to the river. We hadn't been all summer. Riley's number were OK. The weather was hot. I said that was a great idea. I suggest KFC picnic. They want burgers but I am driving and its my money so they don't argue. They are just happy to not be doing chores, getting out of the house and going to do something fun.
Trevor has loaded camp chairs and an inner tub into the car. We swing by KFC . I order a thighs and legs meal. Trevor orders strawberry milk shake and chicken nuggets. Riley orders a root beer float and chicken snacker, what ever that is. By the time we get to the park, all the food is gone. So much for a picnic. We were hungry.
We had brought the dog. Trevor started blowing up his float. I offered him a bribe when he was done. If he would let Riley have the float, I would pay him $10. Trevor took the bribe. Riley wont go in the river without the inner tube. I knew that. I wanted to do everything in my power for Riley to do an absolutely normal activity like all the other kids. I thought perhaps the inner tube would clinch the deal. It did.
Riley hiked up around the bend with the inner tube to drift down the small rapids. He loved it. I had asked him if he wanted to take off his Hawaiian shirt he was wearing to keep it dry. He said he wouldn't be getting wet. I didn't argue. I just wanted to see him doing something fun and active for a change, rather than just hang out with his computer, which he did bring with him to the beach.
Trevor got right into the cold water and drifted looking for fish. He ran into some people he knew from school. Riley came drifting round the bend, with his shirt wet and a happy grin on his face. I was so happy to see him do something so normal and active. It was a lovely afternoon for all of us.
We just need to know the lows and creatinen numbers and see if Modified works as well as unmodified. Tom agrees that it should be fine to just go in. Labs don't need an appointment, just an order on the charts from the doctor. He would have done it yesterday had Riley not just taken his pills moments before the doctor walked in and the discussion took a few minutes to get around to the pill change order.
I need to make it clear to the pharmacy that they cant keep going back and forth modified vs unmodified. Its a big deal. I will have to personally call each month not computer order because the computer doesn't seem to see a difference.
The trip to the hospital went fine. We bypassed the construction zone and made good time. Waited maybe ten minutes at the hospital lab for Riley's spot in the Que. They are quick getting the blood draw. Not much is needed for the one test. I offer Riley breakfast, but he wants a donut shop. As we drive home I look but Starbucks has replaced Duncan Donuts these days. We don't see anything that perks Riley's interest. I suggest we stop at the Safeway in town and get donuts there.
The result is a dozen donuts in a variety box. It was still cheaper than the donut store had we found one. I use the donuts to bribe the boys to help clean up the house for Labor day visitors.
the first hour of work went well. Then the boys began to fade. They wanted breaks and more food. I worked through for 3 hours. The boys were not quite as dedicated. They tell me I screamed at them. I prefer the word yell. Either way, we made a dent on the mess, but the job is not done. I was tired and called it quits. I wasn't getting much work out of the boys any more. They were more a frustration than a help. I needed food and didn't see any point in ruining the day further with arguments. Their father would direct them tomorrow, with the things we missed.
Trevor wanted to go to the river. We hadn't been all summer. Riley's number were OK. The weather was hot. I said that was a great idea. I suggest KFC picnic. They want burgers but I am driving and its my money so they don't argue. They are just happy to not be doing chores, getting out of the house and going to do something fun.
Trevor has loaded camp chairs and an inner tub into the car. We swing by KFC . I order a thighs and legs meal. Trevor orders strawberry milk shake and chicken nuggets. Riley orders a root beer float and chicken snacker, what ever that is. By the time we get to the park, all the food is gone. So much for a picnic. We were hungry.
We had brought the dog. Trevor started blowing up his float. I offered him a bribe when he was done. If he would let Riley have the float, I would pay him $10. Trevor took the bribe. Riley wont go in the river without the inner tube. I knew that. I wanted to do everything in my power for Riley to do an absolutely normal activity like all the other kids. I thought perhaps the inner tube would clinch the deal. It did.
Riley hiked up around the bend with the inner tube to drift down the small rapids. He loved it. I had asked him if he wanted to take off his Hawaiian shirt he was wearing to keep it dry. He said he wouldn't be getting wet. I didn't argue. I just wanted to see him doing something fun and active for a change, rather than just hang out with his computer, which he did bring with him to the beach.
Trevor got right into the cold water and drifted looking for fish. He ran into some people he knew from school. Riley came drifting round the bend, with his shirt wet and a happy grin on his face. I was so happy to see him do something so normal and active. It was a lovely afternoon for all of us.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Emotional lows and highs
Riley finally came and gave me a hug. I had suggested a little while ago he might be hungry. He barely ate his breakfast at the hospital. Just as we were sitting down Tom called and said the doctor could see us earlier than our appointed time. We had to rush eating on top of the stress of worry.
Riley's mood had been somewhat withdrawn and got worse on the ride home. He was making an irritating sound in the back seat. flipping his phone open and closed with a snap while listening to his brother beg for computer time. I finally pulled over to the side of the road. Trevor apologized immediately for being irritating, but Riley refused. I got out of the car and came round to his side door. Opened the passenger door and asked him to walk the rest of the way home. If he could not just graciously say sorry, even if he didn't know the reason, he could mull it over on a hot walk home. Besides he is supposed to get exercise. He might even feel better afterwards.He stomped off down the sidewalk, not forgetting his computer bag in the process. Not once relinquishing control of that computer to share.
He did feel better, by the time he got home. He was still trying to be mad, but I could see the stuffing had been taken out of the fight. I suggested he might like food. He realized he was hungry and made some macaroni and cheese. Then he came and gave me a hug. He said he hadn't realized he was so hungry. His whole mood is improved from a little exercise and food. He is now playing with the neighbors and his brother included. I did not lose my temper the whole time, amazingly. Though my jaw was sore from gritting my teeth while I prayed for calm.
Riley's mood had been somewhat withdrawn and got worse on the ride home. He was making an irritating sound in the back seat. flipping his phone open and closed with a snap while listening to his brother beg for computer time. I finally pulled over to the side of the road. Trevor apologized immediately for being irritating, but Riley refused. I got out of the car and came round to his side door. Opened the passenger door and asked him to walk the rest of the way home. If he could not just graciously say sorry, even if he didn't know the reason, he could mull it over on a hot walk home. Besides he is supposed to get exercise. He might even feel better afterwards.He stomped off down the sidewalk, not forgetting his computer bag in the process. Not once relinquishing control of that computer to share.
He did feel better, by the time he got home. He was still trying to be mad, but I could see the stuffing had been taken out of the fight. I suggested he might like food. He realized he was hungry and made some macaroni and cheese. Then he came and gave me a hug. He said he hadn't realized he was so hungry. His whole mood is improved from a little exercise and food. He is now playing with the neighbors and his brother included. I did not lose my temper the whole time, amazingly. Though my jaw was sore from gritting my teeth while I prayed for calm.
family
I asked Trevor if he wanted to come with us to the doctor. I wanted to make sure he was feeling included in this family defining event. Seeing the doctor and discussing Riley's options. Trevor would be impacted by what decisions were made as much as Riley and the rest of us. I didn't want Trevor to feel excluded.
Riley takes his computer with him to his doctor visits. The games keep him busy. He is supposed to shut it or stop playing while the doctor is in the room. Trevor asked if Riley would be taking his computer.
Yesterday we were visiting friends and the boys downloaded a new game Civilization onto Riley's computer. Trevor was following the game. Last night he asked if we could wake him as we were leaving in hopes the computer would be left at home and he could have exclusive use of it and uninterrupted time to play the new game. Riley disappointed him by taking the computer with game to the hospital visit. Trevor said he would go with us as a result.
I warned the boys that their father was on a short fuse today. He was very antsy and stressed out as he geared up for the doctor's visit. It was also a down day at work. He needed to get back to the office. He had spent the evening the night before studying the Internet regarding BMT and Aplastic Anemia. He was looking at the studies and the blood numbers available on other cases to compare with our own situation. I knew he was tense.
Last night was the league football monthly meeting. A friend reminded me of it in a phone message. I gleefully leaped into my car to attend, just so I could get out of the tension in the house caused by Tom. I truly appreciate all his research. I have also done some of my own reading, and read what he showed me. I also know I can not let it tear me apart. I have to make life as normal and pleasurable as possible for the whole family. I also knew the in all likely hood the boys would do something to bug their dad and he would yell at them, just to vent a little tension. It was almost unavoidable. This house has no where to hide, or keep the noise down. So, last night I ditched and ran knowing Tom growling was inevitable this particular evening.
Sometime the boys will learn how not to be noticed by their father. Keep the noise down, not argue over a silly computer game, not sit right by their father while they argue loudly. There are easy ways not to get in trouble. Meanwhile I knew what was coming and I had a lovely time sitting in on the board meeting for football. The small arguments seemed so pleasurable to watch as I was only an observer and I knew it wasn't personal. At home I can't distance myself that way.
I got home about 9:30pm just in time for Tom to tell the boys to turn off the computer and go to bed. I got them set up quietly in their rooms. Trevor read. Riley went right to sleep. He has been sleeping a lot. Tom thinks its related to lack of activities. Lethargy feeds on itself.
In the morning Trevor chose to chase the computer to the hospital. I thought it was a thoughtful gesture until I found out his motives, by then it was too late. We were in the car driving. I took the boys to breakfast in the hospital cafe only to have Tom call and say the doctor could squeeze us in early. I was surprised the blood was back that quickly.
In the observation room, I asked Trevor to go down to the play room where there is a play station. The observation room is not really big enough for the whole family. Its more set up for parents and sick child. Trevor didn't take the hint so again he brought down the wrath of Tom. Trying to argue with me about leaving the room without the computer, which was still in Riley's possession, in front of his father was not a bright move.
Tom questioned my reasoning for bringing Trevor along. I forget sometimes to think like a teenager. I truly had thought he might sit home and dwell on how it was going at the hospital. Instead I should have realized for teenagers the world revolves around them. Trevor's only focus was getting that computer out of Riley's possession . If perchance there was an opportunity at the hospital to play the game, he was not going to miss it.
After words from his father, Trevor discovered the PlayStation in the children's game room, he was contently occupied while we spoke with the doctor. The doctor was very impressed as usual with Riley's extremely large feet. At the end of our meeting we brought in Trevor to show that younger brother was also of unusual proportions. Trevor had worn his sandals. His toes have begun to creep over the outer edge of the size 12 shoe, but he likes their comfortable fit. The doctor is a modest sized gentleman. Trevor easily out weighed him by 30 pounds. He jokingly told Trevor to knock off the "roids".
He also asked if we had Trevor's blood tested since it was football season. Tom thought that was funny, but I missed the humor of it. I had asked way back when, if football might have had anything to do with Riley's illness. A hard hit to an organ or something, anything that might have triggered what happened to him. That doctor has a mind like a steel trap. Probably why he and Tom get along so well.
The appointment is over. Tom went back to work. Riley is a little fussy, but I bet it is reaction to the emotional tension of the last 24 hours. He makes it seem as if it doesn't get to him, but he knows what is going on and is very intelligent. It makes him edgy, a little like his father. He is refusing to share the computer game with Trevor. Its a power trip. Poor Trevor doesn't know how to dodge and keep his head low. A bull in a china shop when it comes to subtlty, that is what Trevor is. Trevor keeps harping on that computer until I either override Riley or confiscate the computer because Riley is being such a jerk and not sharing.
We also have company coming this weekend. I told the boys to tackle the game room. Trevor started, but quit when Riley didn't come help. They really cant do it together anyway because they either distract each other playing games, or fight because one isn't doing as much as the other.
We just need to put space and time between us and the hospital this morning. Next week new blood draw because of the medicine screw up, then three months before our next visit in December. School and job will keep us occupied mean while.
I know I am going to love distractions. Tom came home giddy the other night after reading my blog that I might consider spending our anniversary in Corvallis at the Civil War. Get a hotel. He has extra tickets, but they are in the duck section. Last time I went to a game where he sat in the opponent's section, he almost got in a fight.
Huskies were down and Tom was up and cheering. Husky fan behind us asked Tom to sit down. Tom turned to the guy and said "If you wanted to sit down and watch the game you should have stayed home and watched it on your couch." We moved to the student section at half time, where his enthusiasm was more appreciated. OSU lost that game. Tom swears its because we ruined the Karma by moving.
I told Tom I would get a hotel, but he needs to see about trading those tickets for Beaver seats. His one season ticket is now worth $700 according to some Internet site. I truly hope he can pull off a trade. I don't mind seats that aren't so strategically located, but he loves his seat.
Riley takes his computer with him to his doctor visits. The games keep him busy. He is supposed to shut it or stop playing while the doctor is in the room. Trevor asked if Riley would be taking his computer.
Yesterday we were visiting friends and the boys downloaded a new game Civilization onto Riley's computer. Trevor was following the game. Last night he asked if we could wake him as we were leaving in hopes the computer would be left at home and he could have exclusive use of it and uninterrupted time to play the new game. Riley disappointed him by taking the computer with game to the hospital visit. Trevor said he would go with us as a result.
I warned the boys that their father was on a short fuse today. He was very antsy and stressed out as he geared up for the doctor's visit. It was also a down day at work. He needed to get back to the office. He had spent the evening the night before studying the Internet regarding BMT and Aplastic Anemia. He was looking at the studies and the blood numbers available on other cases to compare with our own situation. I knew he was tense.
Last night was the league football monthly meeting. A friend reminded me of it in a phone message. I gleefully leaped into my car to attend, just so I could get out of the tension in the house caused by Tom. I truly appreciate all his research. I have also done some of my own reading, and read what he showed me. I also know I can not let it tear me apart. I have to make life as normal and pleasurable as possible for the whole family. I also knew the in all likely hood the boys would do something to bug their dad and he would yell at them, just to vent a little tension. It was almost unavoidable. This house has no where to hide, or keep the noise down. So, last night I ditched and ran knowing Tom growling was inevitable this particular evening.
Sometime the boys will learn how not to be noticed by their father. Keep the noise down, not argue over a silly computer game, not sit right by their father while they argue loudly. There are easy ways not to get in trouble. Meanwhile I knew what was coming and I had a lovely time sitting in on the board meeting for football. The small arguments seemed so pleasurable to watch as I was only an observer and I knew it wasn't personal. At home I can't distance myself that way.
I got home about 9:30pm just in time for Tom to tell the boys to turn off the computer and go to bed. I got them set up quietly in their rooms. Trevor read. Riley went right to sleep. He has been sleeping a lot. Tom thinks its related to lack of activities. Lethargy feeds on itself.
In the morning Trevor chose to chase the computer to the hospital. I thought it was a thoughtful gesture until I found out his motives, by then it was too late. We were in the car driving. I took the boys to breakfast in the hospital cafe only to have Tom call and say the doctor could squeeze us in early. I was surprised the blood was back that quickly.
In the observation room, I asked Trevor to go down to the play room where there is a play station. The observation room is not really big enough for the whole family. Its more set up for parents and sick child. Trevor didn't take the hint so again he brought down the wrath of Tom. Trying to argue with me about leaving the room without the computer, which was still in Riley's possession, in front of his father was not a bright move.
Tom questioned my reasoning for bringing Trevor along. I forget sometimes to think like a teenager. I truly had thought he might sit home and dwell on how it was going at the hospital. Instead I should have realized for teenagers the world revolves around them. Trevor's only focus was getting that computer out of Riley's possession . If perchance there was an opportunity at the hospital to play the game, he was not going to miss it.
After words from his father, Trevor discovered the PlayStation in the children's game room, he was contently occupied while we spoke with the doctor. The doctor was very impressed as usual with Riley's extremely large feet. At the end of our meeting we brought in Trevor to show that younger brother was also of unusual proportions. Trevor had worn his sandals. His toes have begun to creep over the outer edge of the size 12 shoe, but he likes their comfortable fit. The doctor is a modest sized gentleman. Trevor easily out weighed him by 30 pounds. He jokingly told Trevor to knock off the "roids".
He also asked if we had Trevor's blood tested since it was football season. Tom thought that was funny, but I missed the humor of it. I had asked way back when, if football might have had anything to do with Riley's illness. A hard hit to an organ or something, anything that might have triggered what happened to him. That doctor has a mind like a steel trap. Probably why he and Tom get along so well.
The appointment is over. Tom went back to work. Riley is a little fussy, but I bet it is reaction to the emotional tension of the last 24 hours. He makes it seem as if it doesn't get to him, but he knows what is going on and is very intelligent. It makes him edgy, a little like his father. He is refusing to share the computer game with Trevor. Its a power trip. Poor Trevor doesn't know how to dodge and keep his head low. A bull in a china shop when it comes to subtlty, that is what Trevor is. Trevor keeps harping on that computer until I either override Riley or confiscate the computer because Riley is being such a jerk and not sharing.
We also have company coming this weekend. I told the boys to tackle the game room. Trevor started, but quit when Riley didn't come help. They really cant do it together anyway because they either distract each other playing games, or fight because one isn't doing as much as the other.
We just need to put space and time between us and the hospital this morning. Next week new blood draw because of the medicine screw up, then three months before our next visit in December. School and job will keep us occupied mean while.
I know I am going to love distractions. Tom came home giddy the other night after reading my blog that I might consider spending our anniversary in Corvallis at the Civil War. Get a hotel. He has extra tickets, but they are in the duck section. Last time I went to a game where he sat in the opponent's section, he almost got in a fight.
Huskies were down and Tom was up and cheering. Husky fan behind us asked Tom to sit down. Tom turned to the guy and said "If you wanted to sit down and watch the game you should have stayed home and watched it on your couch." We moved to the student section at half time, where his enthusiasm was more appreciated. OSU lost that game. Tom swears its because we ruined the Karma by moving.
I told Tom I would get a hotel, but he needs to see about trading those tickets for Beaver seats. His one season ticket is now worth $700 according to some Internet site. I truly hope he can pull off a trade. I don't mind seats that aren't so strategically located, but he loves his seat.
Numbers September 2nd
Numbers
Platelets 95,000
red 11.2
white 2.6
reticulcites 27
creatinen up
Its Thursday. We saw the Doctor today. Lots of questions and lots of discussion. Its six months. This is when we discuss options and next game plan. Riley is considered mediocre success. The goal at 6 months was to have 100,000 platelets at a minimum, red is in the minimum zone, white cells are also close to the low goal. As Tom put it the results were "acceptable for government work".
Tom and I had gone in with a plan to ask the doctor to start weening Riley off the cyclosporine to force his hand on the bone marrow. Turns out the doctor has a similar game plan. He told us that best results are to keep this dose for another 3 months. Statistics show that weening off before nine months can cause the numbers to fall 25%. He also said that at a year if the numbers are not satisfactory, or sub normal still, because we have such a great bone marrow match he would recommend doing the BMT at that time. He said in our circumstances with Riley's age to consider he would not recommend another course of AGT, which is the alternative treatment. He would do the AGT for a 35 year old person with a poor match. But we are lucky with our options. We have a near sibling match. Not a sibling exactly, but so close as to be negligible.
Last month while I was at the funeral in Tucson, the pharmacy messed up on the prescription again. They go for the least expensive manufacturer and they don't keep it in stock. Riley was out so he had to take what they had available. They gave him modified cyclosporine rather than the unmodified he had been taking. The size of the pills were 25 ml instead of 50 ml. It was a $15 copay so I figured we would use it up and get the right stuff next time. Had I been home I probable would have driven down to the pharmacy in Woodburn to my girlfriend.
The Safeway there keeps it in stock as they have other clients that sadly take it also. If that pharmacy was closer I would have her do our meds. She was the one that alerted us to the difference initially. She warned us about needing a few days to fill a new prescription that was not normally stocked. I just hadn't realized it would be such a big deal. On the other hand if that mistake in the modified pills is what caused the leap in platelets, I look at the bright side of the mistake.
Riley asked the doctor about the difference. the doctor was not happy to hear Riley had been on the modified. It is more potent and effects people differently. Riley's creatinen levels were up which showed his kidneys were working harder, not dangerous levels, but showing that Riley was not drinking enough fluids to keep the stress on his organs down. But it now could also be related to the modified pills. It makes the number results fuzzy.
As a result, we will be doing another blood draw next week to check his cyclosporine levels before we need to reorder his pills. The doctor didn't want Riley bouncing back and forth on the meds from modified to unmodified. The platelets were up substantially, now we have to see if it was from the change from unmodified to modified and see if his body responds better to the modified. There are some serious side effects like solid tumors associated with the modified. But if it gets his platelets up more effectively, then maybe the benefits out way the risks. Especially for only a year or less. It will be a telephone conference with the results next week. I still have to go up to Dornbechers as they are the ones that test the cyclosporine levels. Every lab being slightly different, for consistency and it might be timing, as we are testing absorption levels, the doctor wants the levels tested at his lab.
Riley will hold off taking his morning pills until after the blood draw. They are looking at the lowest level. I want to call and find out how early the lab opens so we can try and avoid missing too much school. We will get stuck in rush hour either way.
tom and I tested the routes this morning during rush hour. I took the free way and he went across town on the streets. We arrived pretty much the same time. He had stopped for a coffee and I had gotten stuck at a construction sight leaving town. Though the traffic on the freeway slowed occasionally, it was steady forward progression. As I tell the boys, if we are going over 13 miles an hour we are traveling faster than the pioneers did in a day.
At nine months we, Tom and ,I want to reassess the dose. There could be room for adjustment. The doctor said that this dose is known to work. But with the createnin levels I would love to see Riley on a minimum dose or weened completely off eventually, sooner if possible. The doctor anticipated Riley being on the cyclosporine for a year. So February/March is our next really big visit. If Riley is not well by February then we do BMT. The doctor is in agreement.
School starts next week. I want to make sure Riley gets his fluids. My fear is he wont. It is crucial that he not have long term damage to his liver and kidneys. Often it is not the BMT that fails, but the stressed out organs from long term drug use.
We asked about the worry of fever and colds now that he is going back to school. Without the picc line that worry is decreased enormously. Treat the cold and fever as you normally would. Be careful and stay away from sick people. Wash hands regularly and be cautious but not paranoid. Call with really high fevers or questions, but don't freak out.
So here we are six months out, improved but not completely well. At nine months we meet with the doctor again, early December. Then March we see again where we are. I was hoping it wouldn't drag out, but that is the beast. It will be a year in February. Tom asked me to find out how much to set aside for flexible spending, if the doctor had any idea. It is so irritating that we know the illness, but not how much extra we may need to cover. I am guessing $3000. I will go ask the pharmacy the amounts on this years prescriptions copay. That will at least provide a minimum amount needed.
Today was what it was, good news mixed with the gray unknown. Another 6 months to go, minimum. Maybe BMT maybe not, have to wait another six months to find out. Problem is neither Tom nor I are patient people. We like our gratification and answers now. Tom looks like he has done a term as president of the united states. He has noticeably aged. Good thing men age gracefully and look more sexy with grey hair. Or maybe its just my failing eye sight. My doctor implied , no there was no implication it was straight up blunt, I was just around the corner from a stroke or heart attack. I have been dieing my gray hair for several years now. So neither one of us is escaping the stress unscathed.
Platelets 95,000
red 11.2
white 2.6
reticulcites 27
creatinen up
Its Thursday. We saw the Doctor today. Lots of questions and lots of discussion. Its six months. This is when we discuss options and next game plan. Riley is considered mediocre success. The goal at 6 months was to have 100,000 platelets at a minimum, red is in the minimum zone, white cells are also close to the low goal. As Tom put it the results were "acceptable for government work".
Tom and I had gone in with a plan to ask the doctor to start weening Riley off the cyclosporine to force his hand on the bone marrow. Turns out the doctor has a similar game plan. He told us that best results are to keep this dose for another 3 months. Statistics show that weening off before nine months can cause the numbers to fall 25%. He also said that at a year if the numbers are not satisfactory, or sub normal still, because we have such a great bone marrow match he would recommend doing the BMT at that time. He said in our circumstances with Riley's age to consider he would not recommend another course of AGT, which is the alternative treatment. He would do the AGT for a 35 year old person with a poor match. But we are lucky with our options. We have a near sibling match. Not a sibling exactly, but so close as to be negligible.
Last month while I was at the funeral in Tucson, the pharmacy messed up on the prescription again. They go for the least expensive manufacturer and they don't keep it in stock. Riley was out so he had to take what they had available. They gave him modified cyclosporine rather than the unmodified he had been taking. The size of the pills were 25 ml instead of 50 ml. It was a $15 copay so I figured we would use it up and get the right stuff next time. Had I been home I probable would have driven down to the pharmacy in Woodburn to my girlfriend.
The Safeway there keeps it in stock as they have other clients that sadly take it also. If that pharmacy was closer I would have her do our meds. She was the one that alerted us to the difference initially. She warned us about needing a few days to fill a new prescription that was not normally stocked. I just hadn't realized it would be such a big deal. On the other hand if that mistake in the modified pills is what caused the leap in platelets, I look at the bright side of the mistake.
Riley asked the doctor about the difference. the doctor was not happy to hear Riley had been on the modified. It is more potent and effects people differently. Riley's creatinen levels were up which showed his kidneys were working harder, not dangerous levels, but showing that Riley was not drinking enough fluids to keep the stress on his organs down. But it now could also be related to the modified pills. It makes the number results fuzzy.
As a result, we will be doing another blood draw next week to check his cyclosporine levels before we need to reorder his pills. The doctor didn't want Riley bouncing back and forth on the meds from modified to unmodified. The platelets were up substantially, now we have to see if it was from the change from unmodified to modified and see if his body responds better to the modified. There are some serious side effects like solid tumors associated with the modified. But if it gets his platelets up more effectively, then maybe the benefits out way the risks. Especially for only a year or less. It will be a telephone conference with the results next week. I still have to go up to Dornbechers as they are the ones that test the cyclosporine levels. Every lab being slightly different, for consistency and it might be timing, as we are testing absorption levels, the doctor wants the levels tested at his lab.
Riley will hold off taking his morning pills until after the blood draw. They are looking at the lowest level. I want to call and find out how early the lab opens so we can try and avoid missing too much school. We will get stuck in rush hour either way.
tom and I tested the routes this morning during rush hour. I took the free way and he went across town on the streets. We arrived pretty much the same time. He had stopped for a coffee and I had gotten stuck at a construction sight leaving town. Though the traffic on the freeway slowed occasionally, it was steady forward progression. As I tell the boys, if we are going over 13 miles an hour we are traveling faster than the pioneers did in a day.
At nine months we, Tom and ,I want to reassess the dose. There could be room for adjustment. The doctor said that this dose is known to work. But with the createnin levels I would love to see Riley on a minimum dose or weened completely off eventually, sooner if possible. The doctor anticipated Riley being on the cyclosporine for a year. So February/March is our next really big visit. If Riley is not well by February then we do BMT. The doctor is in agreement.
School starts next week. I want to make sure Riley gets his fluids. My fear is he wont. It is crucial that he not have long term damage to his liver and kidneys. Often it is not the BMT that fails, but the stressed out organs from long term drug use.
We asked about the worry of fever and colds now that he is going back to school. Without the picc line that worry is decreased enormously. Treat the cold and fever as you normally would. Be careful and stay away from sick people. Wash hands regularly and be cautious but not paranoid. Call with really high fevers or questions, but don't freak out.
So here we are six months out, improved but not completely well. At nine months we meet with the doctor again, early December. Then March we see again where we are. I was hoping it wouldn't drag out, but that is the beast. It will be a year in February. Tom asked me to find out how much to set aside for flexible spending, if the doctor had any idea. It is so irritating that we know the illness, but not how much extra we may need to cover. I am guessing $3000. I will go ask the pharmacy the amounts on this years prescriptions copay. That will at least provide a minimum amount needed.
Today was what it was, good news mixed with the gray unknown. Another 6 months to go, minimum. Maybe BMT maybe not, have to wait another six months to find out. Problem is neither Tom nor I are patient people. We like our gratification and answers now. Tom looks like he has done a term as president of the united states. He has noticeably aged. Good thing men age gracefully and look more sexy with grey hair. Or maybe its just my failing eye sight. My doctor implied , no there was no implication it was straight up blunt, I was just around the corner from a stroke or heart attack. I have been dieing my gray hair for several years now. So neither one of us is escaping the stress unscathed.
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