You know what I was thinking about?

You know what I was thinking about?  This random ass shit that happened over 10 years ago.  LOL

So I was going to Gadsden Business College at the time, which has long since vanished without a trace.  I'm only sure it existed because I have my diploma still and that's where I met Pam Morgan.  LOL  I think I currently only know a few other people who went there, so it's just weird.

Anyway, there was a woman who was also going there - and she HATED MY GUTS.  Like, I never did anything to her, but she yelled at me all the time, and mocked me when I answered questions, and I think she tried to fight me in Ms. Hill's class once.

I legit never found out why she hated my existence so much.  Maybe the world didn't know of Resting Bitch Face yet and I had one, so she always thought I was mean-mugging her or something.  I honestly have no clue.  I just think about her sometimes and wonder "WTF was that about?"

I mean, it probably didn't help at all that I never let her ruffle me too much.  I'm pretty chill even when being threatened because my mom didn't baby me so it was whatever.  "Oh, you want to beat my face off?  Ok."  "You think you're gonna hit my mom?  Nah, bruh, this gun says otherwise."  I mean, I'm little as fuck, but I think that's why mom always made sure I was mean enough to handle myself if I needed to.  LOL

Look, I know of plenty of people who dislike me, but I know why they do, generally, so it's not a big deal.  But this one, nope.  So bizarre.  Has anyone else ever had a random "enemy" for no reason?  Or am I just special like that?  😛

3 words:

3 words:

Fleece-lined leggings.

^^^

Cozy non-pants.  Best invention ever.

These bad boys are making my day right now!  😃

I cannot even tell you all how great my kid smells right now.

I cannot even tell you all how great my kid smells right now. His shower gel / lotion /deodorant combo is perfect. It's all random shit, but it works. I wish you could just smell him.

Look. Booka has the farts tonight. Boo has some serious farts. But Shadow is making this room smell GREAT. 😳

Yay for having time to do things! 😃

Yay for having time to do things!  😃

I did the rays of holo with a stamping plate, but you could easily do this with tape.  I really need to bust out the tape and see what I can come up with.  It's been a while!

Notice my sad little thumb is cropped out.  He might not make it into the next few photos.  I filed all of my nails down a bit so he wouldn't feel too shitty, but he's seriously pitiful anyway.  LMAO

Have you hugged your trees lately?

Have you hugged your trees lately?

I haven't.  I don't think I've hugged them all year.  🙁

I will fix that tomorrow.  😃

I've been feeling kind of "blegh" the last couple of days.

I've been feeling kind of "blegh" the last couple of days.  I think it's PMS, but it could be anything.  I spent days eating chocolate cake with ice cream and dark chocolate sauce on it.  I don't normally eat THAT MUCH junk food, but I just wanted it, so I ate it.  Oh well.  No regrets.  It was delicious!

My sleeping schedule has been all messed up, too.  That ALWAYS happens to us over the holidays.  Anytime I don't have somewhere to be, me, the kid, and Shaun all end up hanging out all night and going to bed at like, 6 or 7 in the morning.  I mean, as the (clearly) responsible adult that I am you'd think I would know better and not do that, but honestly, it is pure freedom and I treasure my time with no schedules or places to be - especially after having so much to do this past year.

Oddly enough, I am REALLY missing school and looking forward to going back.  As much as I treasure my free time I am so anxious to make progress towards my future that it is really hard to sit here and do nothing.  I know I need the rest; I just super suck at relaxing.  It is a skill that I need to perfect.  LOL

Anyway.  That was my week.  Late nights.  Binge-sleeping.  Lots of junk food.  I've already laid off the sweets, so I guess I'm trying to get right now. Wish me luck.  I work tomorrow, but I'm off the rest of the week, so I have no idea how that will go.  Maybe I'll behave.  We'll see.

I guess everyone hates my favorite winter jacket...

I guess everyone hates my favorite winter jacket because I got THREE new ones over the holiday.  No complaints, but HINT TAKEN.  Doesn't mean I'm not gonna still wear it, though.  😛

[My favorite coat is the one I have to tape shut. Has holes in it from puppies. Stained. I love that damn thing.]

I feel pretty accomplished.

I feel pretty accomplished.  Despite the fact that I am exhausted (woo, holidays!), I finished a necklace for one of my best friends.  Might not seem like much, but I made the stone in August of 2014... so it's been over a year that I've been "working on it."  LOL

One of the major hold-ups was the chain - metal bothers her skin, so I had to do something different from my usual for her.  I ended up grabbing several colors of these rubber cord things and she picked the purple / gray one.  I had gray, a blue / gray, and also black, but not surprisingly, she chose the more odd color.  This stone does include a purple / pink shimmery polish in it, but it doesn't show in every light.  The cording is also weird because the purple in it doesn't always show.  I got a few pics in different lighting to try to show that.

All in all I think it kind of oddly works together.  I probably would have put it on the gray or black if it was my choice, but I'm boring and Laurel is not, so that's ok.  As long as she likes it I'm totally happy, too.  😃

So that's one down - I have one more to go!  I'm hoping to finish Emily's in the next few days.  I'm trying to complete what projects I can before school starts back!  😃

I really wanted to do some holiday nails, but...

I really wanted to do some holiday nails, but tragedy struck when my thumbnail met the doorknob. It broke off down beyond the quick and not only does it hurt - it's ugly, too! Then, while attempting to work on some jewelry I slipped and sliced the same thumb with pliers - right near the cuticle. It is a very sad thumb. I think a band-aid and bed-rest are in order!

I usually don't post holiday greetings, but...

I usually don't post holiday greetings, but I like this too much.  😃

Emma's face can make me laugh until I cry.

Emma's face can make me laugh until I cry. She has the best face ever. 😃

Either I'm jolly today...

Either I'm jolly today, or the internet is funnier than usual.  I just laughed SO HARD at this.

Is this what relaxed feels like?  😳  I must have forgotten!

I cut loose this weekend.

I cut loose this weekend.  I drank TWO Vanilla Lime Dr. Pepper's from Sonic, we watched American Ultra (which was awesome), and oh yeah - I did my freakin' nails!  I'm a happy girl!  🙂

I know these are far from the most impressive nails I've ever done, but I REALLY REALLY wanted to use the awesome flaky polish that I bought myself for my birthday.  It's Ferris Wheel by ILNP and it's BEAUTIFUL.  Also, check out the foil stamping polish - it pops over black!  So excited!  *-*

These were meant to be celebratory nails - Woo for finishing a year of college!  I guess they would also work for New Years.  Didn't mean to skip right over Christmas, but I have a few days left yet.  😉

We're having an adventurous night.

We're having an adventurous night. We just drove on the new road!

Just rode the Ferris Wheel with Shaun...

Just rode the Ferris Wheel with Shaun and went through the Not-so-Haunted Christmas House. I'm so glad Oxford has this. 🙂 I was such a weenie on the Ferris Wheel, but it was a lot of fun! 😃

https://www.facebook.com/santaswonderlandoflights

The boys are watching Star Wars...

The boys are watching Star Wars and I have the house to myself!  I CAN DO WHAT I WANT - however lame it might be!  WOOHOO!  I'm getting a shower, turning on some Andy Griffith, or Doogie Howser, or Charles in Charge and doing my nails!

I love my guys, but this not-people-y person has had very little time to herself this year.  I NEEDS IT!  Later, Internet.  I gotta go spend a little one-on-one time with the TV!  😃

Ever really thought about...

Ever really thought about how you're behaving according to your ani-pals etiquette?  Maybe sniffing their butts back is polite.  Just sayin'.  LOL

When you have plans, but...

When you have plans, but then you're like "Nah. Gonna stay home and wash my lizards."

Koopa is so mad. He keeps giving me the stink eye. Peach is trying to enjoy her bath.

I've been awake for 2, maybe 3 hours of this whole day so far.

I've been awake for 2, maybe 3 hours of this whole day so far.  Yay methotrexate.  😕

Speaking of - I found out yesterday that a 5 week supply of methotrexate at my current dose will cost about $50 a month.  Since my insurance was $30 / month and co-payments for regular doctors was $10, and for a specialist, $35, I think that's not the end of the world.  I will also need folic acid and Zofran to counter the effects of methotrexate, but folic acid is $15 for a big bottle.  Zofran might be more expensive, but I'm filling my last refill this weekend and I will just use it sparingly this coming year.

What I'm unsure of is how I will get my blood tested to make sure the methotrexate isn't wrecking my liver.  I am sure that by the time my refills run out in a few months I'll be due for that and that I won't be allowed more methotrexate without it.  I called my rheumy yesterday and left a voice mail asking how much visits were without insurance.  Maybe they'll get back to me early next week.

Still haven't heard from Medicaid, but the more information I'm able to gather regarding my insurance situation, the less hopeless I feel.  Maybe the coming year won't be a train wreck that ends with me unable to walk unassisted or without full use of my hands.  Here's hoping!

When it's your 7 Year Day and...

When it's your 7 Year Day and your guy tries to take you somewhere nice, like Olive Garden, but you're like "Can we just get some Domino's to take home instead?" 

This is how we do. 🙂

I might be in trouble because...

I might be in trouble because he already tucked me in and I'm supposed to be sleeping, but...

I have to take a minute to wish MY FAVORITE HUMAN a very Happy 7th Anniversary of the day we decided to Make It Official.  If romantical lovey shit turns your stomach, please avert your eyes now.

Shaun, these have been the happiest 7 years of my life.  Even when shit gets real and life gets hard, you are there for me and help me through it.  This past year has been especially shitty with my health and me going back to school, but we made it!  I couldn't have done it without you.  I wouldn't have done it without you.  I've never felt so supported and confident in my life.

I know that things are hard when I have no time to hang out and I'm constantly stressed, but it's your fault because you make me feel like I can do anything.  It sucks SO MUCH that I have to work so hard right now and that I don't have as much time for US as I used to, but thinking about our future together after I finish college makes me so excited and motivates me to keep going.  I know that you are patient and amazing, and I thank you x1000 for that.

I also need to thank you for loving me with all of my quirks - numerous though they are.  I'm sure it gets frustrating at times.  I know it's not your favorite thing when I freak out over change hands, or when I love you so much that I'm overcome with the feels and can't make words, so I just smash my face into your face instead.  I just wish I could smash the happy feelings you give me into you so you could feel them, too.  I'm sorry that it hurts and warps your glasses.  It just hasn't worked the way I want it to yet.

You are the best human and I love you so much.  I love you all the way.  I love you and I like you x1000.  You are my very best friend and I'd be lost without you.  I want you to kiss me and hug me when you see me again, but watch out for my face because I'm excited about you.  Happy 7 Years!  My only regret is that I didn't meet you sooner.  ❤

And now that I've word-gasmed all over the Internets, I will settle down and go to sleep.  😛

(P. S. Best Shaun Ever:  You don't have to write me something back.  I just needed to say my words.)

Diggin' it.

Diggin' it.  Except that crab butts aren't necessarily cute, but the shells don't appear to be super see-through, so that's ok.  LOL

I did my Literature paper and...

I did my Literature paper and presentation on early Transcendentalist writers and how they are relevant today.

I am kicking myself for missing this quote!  Why couldn't this one have made the rounds a couple of days earlier?  It did not come up in my research, but I would say this is a big one!

Man, those transcendentalists were deep.  There is probably a lot of cool stuff they said that I haven't found out about yet.  😕

Geez, Nom is busy tonight.

Geez, Nom is busy tonight. I am crashing out, but he's over there dumping out his water and pushing things around. Better appease the beast with a hand full of dog food. That's about the only thing that will settle that tort down when he's hangry. Gah, he's so bad! LOL

I made A's on all of my finals and in all of my classes!

I made A's on all of my finals and in all of my classes!  PHEW.  3.5 achieved!  3.594, to be exact.  😃😃😃

WOO!  😃😃😃

Presentation for Literature class went ok!

Presentation for Literature class went ok!  Woohoo!  Going over my History a few more times for tomorrow, then I'm done with finals!  Sweet relief is in sight!  😃

LMAO This child!

LMAO  This child!

Hanging with the man-cub and he says "Want me to see if our shows are on?"  I'm like "Sure."  He says "Last Man on Earth or Brooklyn Nine-Nine?"  I pick Last Man on Earth.

He plays Brooklyn Nine-Nine, then looks me squarely in the eyes and says "I have defied you."

This one cracks me up.  I don't know how he got so funny.  😃

Finished my Algebra final a little bit ago.

Finished my Algebra final a little bit ago.  I think I did just fine.  Unless my brain skipped out here and there without me noticing I am sure I made an A.

Today was a little sad, though.  I'm gonna miss Ms. Wheeler.  She's a great teacher and I have no clue who's teaching me Trig, but I hope they are in the realm of her greatness.

Working on my presentation for English now.  Also gonna go over my History notes a few times today.  I think I'm gonna survive!

I've still got a headache - unfortunately, when there is a lot of stress relieved I feel worse for a day or so before I feel better.  The next couple of days might suck, but it'll be ok.  All I can say is:  MY FUTURE IS WORTH IT!

About to take this Algebra final with a headache. Lovely.

About to take this Algebra final with a headache. Lovely.

Final paper for Literature is turned in.

Final paper for Literature is turned in.  My brain is all Algebra'd out.  I'm not as confident on the Algebra as I like to be before a test, but I think stress is getting to me and I just can't do anything else tonight.  Unless something crazy happens I should still come out of that class with an A.  I think I'd have to majorly mess up to bring my 98 average down to a B, and I feel like I can make at least a B on the final.  Hopefully that doesn't come across as over-confident - I've passed exams all semester with the same stuff on them - it's just that not all of it is fresh.  LOL

Looks like a crappy start to the work week again, but I HAVE to do my presentation for Literature before class tomorrow evening.  I also need to spend some time on History.  After that I am free from classes for a few weeks, so I can work all I need to.  I just have to get over the next couple of days.

Anyway.  This weekend has not been fun and while I love school finals cause so much stress and I will be glad when this semester is over.  Wish me luck and good grades and sanity!  ❤

Look at little Anansi...

Look at little Anansi not caring that her dinner is climbing away.

She's actually getting pretty big. Shaun feeds her all the time, so she's probably not even hungry. LOL

I am so sad. My brain tickles. I think I killed it.

I am so sad.  My brain tickles.  I think I killed it.  I love Algebra and usually don't have many issues, but right now I can't even.  🙁

I am going to take a shower.  I gotta try to get right.  🙁

It's 5 in the morning and I JUST finished writing all the paragraphs...

It's 5 in the morning and I JUST finished writing all the paragraphs.  I literally haven't moved from this chair since I started writing except to get food and pee.  It has not been a fun day.

I'll check over my paper tomorrow and work on my presentation.  Also, I still have to study my Algebra and History.  But for now, my brain is fried.  Time to sleep.

Goodnight, Internet.  Or morning.  Whatever.  I'm crashing.  ❤

I'm starting the third paragraph of my five paragraph essay.

I'm starting the third paragraph of my five paragraph essay.  I've been at this all day and now I'm tired.  BOO.

History notes are organized and I'm feeling much better.

History notes are organized and I'm feeling much better.  My Literature paper and presentation are huge and daunting, but at least now my mind can focus.  Taking a break for food.  If I'm lucky I'll get sleepy and sleep.  If I end up having another not-sleeping night I'm going to put it to good use and do my Lit.

I hate to be this way but despite my hips aching I'm skipping my methotrexate this week.  I can't be too tired and foggy to function over the next few days.  It would be amazing if my body would get right and cooperate for a few days.  😕

Finished my Algebra homework and test review.

Finished my Algebra homework and test review.  I will go over the test review a few more times this weekend to make sure I've got it, but for now I'm working on my History notes.  After that I'm devoting all remaining brainpower to my Literature paper and presentation.  I feel like I write better when my brain is not cluttered, so I just have to get to a good place on everything else first.  Getting there!  Woo!  I feel encouraged!  🙂

I wish I felt as excited as my homework looks...

I wish I felt as excited as my homework looks...

And with that - I'm off.

This has not been a great week.

This has not been a great week.

I've had what feels like literally a thousand small things to do / remember this week.  I normally try to keep life real simple, but schedule appointments here, turn in this paperwork there, make these phone calls, etc. was just unavoidable.  I feel like my energy has been nickel and dimed to death.

I have felt like crap for most of the week, too.  Weird headaches, migraine one day, nausea, head-spinning, sleep schedule all jacked... I don't know what's up, but it sucks.

Between the thousand errands and not feeling well I've barely worked all week.  Boo for not being able to make my mortgage payment by myself.  🙁

Also, finals are Monday and Tuesday.  I've been trying to do my Algebra homework and test review for 2 days, but my head has felt so wonky that I haven't gotten through either.  I also need to study for history, and write a paper AND make a presentation for my literature class.  Algebra and Literature finals are Monday; History is on Tuesday.

I know I have the weekend, but I really didn't want to have to cram  everything in at the last minute.  I definitely wanted to have more time to put into my paper.  I am sad and stressed and I feel sickly.  Even though I really need the money I don't think I'm going to work a whole day tomorrow.  I need to spend time on school stuff and then I can work as much as I need to after Tuesday.

If I'm not around, this is why.  I feel tired even though I napped, so I'm calling it a night.  See you on the other side.  ❤

It's not shaping up to be a great week so far.

It's not shaping up to be a great week so far.  I think yesterday wasn't horrible, but I woke up with a migraine and nauseated today.  I worked for 1 whole hour (maybe).  Excedrin Migraine and Zofran helped enough to get me out of the house, but I still do not feel good by any stretch.  I am guessing that either my kid got me sick or I picked up something from some nasty sick kid while in the waiting room with him on Monday.  Woo.  Here's hoping it doesn't last long.

Also kind of health-related:  No word from Medicaid.  I have no idea what's going on with insurance stuff.  😕

I have finals next week, so I am feeling kind of stressed.  I have a paper and presentation to do for English, and also I need to study for Algebra and History.  Then I will be officially done with my first fall.  As long as I don't majorly screw up anything I think I'll end with all A's again, so that's good, at least.

Anyway.  I'm off to try to get some things done.  I'm home - might as well make a dent in the studying.

I hope y'all are having a better week than I am!  ❤

She knows she's cute. LOL

She knows she's cute. LOL

Monday wasn't great.

Monday wasn't great.

Missed work completely. Shadow was sick and had to go to the doctor. I took him in between my classes, which is normally when I work on Mondays. Also, I had a billion phone calls to make and errands to run. By the time I made it home after class, I had a pretty rough headache coming on.

I crashed out at 8:30. I didn't fight it - I just went to bed.

Woke up a few minutes ago due to a bad dream and the sound of a kitten sneezing. Everyone is doing great, but Calypso seems to have a sinus infection. Will figure out vet stuff in the daylight.

I am hungry and I miss Shaun so much I could cry. I don't think I tend to be super needy, but I felt period horrible all weekend. When I finally got a break from that I cleaned the house. Then today happened and I didn't see him much, either. Doesn't help that my bad dream was about us breaking up. I don't really put stock in dreams, but it was sad and it's hard not to have feelings when you feel like you just lived through it. Blegh.

Debating on getting up and having some cereal. I just don't want to disturb / wake up all of the animals. Decisions are hard. 🙁

I can't even believe this:

I can't even believe this:

I MADE A 100 ON MY ALGEBRA TEST! 😃

My average in that class is 98!

It was a hard test and I was honestly thinking I'd make a high B at best.

I am so excited that my head is spinning. Woo! Happy Weekend to me! 😃

I must be having hormones.

I must be having hormones.  I just belly laughed at this until I cried.  So random.  LOL

My dad is still pretty new to his smartphone, but...

My dad is still pretty new to his smartphone, but he's excited about it - not aggravated, thank goodness.  Shaun's mom seems more annoyed by hers than anything.  😕

Anyway, I texted my dad a link to the YouTube video of Shadow singing at the choir concert the other day.  I asked him if he liked it and he said "Yeah, looks like he had a solo."  I told him that he did and asked him if he watched it and he said "All I got was a picture with a triangle on it."

I died.  LOL

After I told him that it was a video he got it to play.  I love that he's so into learning about his phone.  He's even on SnapChat - he likes the facial animations because they are "far out."  😃

Since I'm not able to work as much as I need to...

Since I'm not able to work as much as I need to due to school, me and Shaun made the decision to stop eating out for lunch so often because it gets expensive.  Problem is that I've never been much of a cook and I suspect that just being too lazy / busy / whatever to make food before we met is why I stayed thin.  LOL  So we've been bringing food to work since last week.  Go us!  But, I went to bed last night and ended up getting up at 3 am to make a PB&J.  I was STARVING.  LOL  It was pretty redonk.  I would not be surprised if I slimmed back down after a few months of this.

Other news:  I got my classes for next semester this morning, so that's exciting.  😃😃😃  History 202, Biology 103, and TRIG.  I hope I like Trig!  😃

I have a scary Algebra test in the morning - I'm not super pumped about it.  Usually I kind of am.  I'm actually going to go over the hard problems on the test review once or twice more before I go to bed.  I'm ok with Logarithms, and I'm ok-ish with expanding and condensing them, but put them in equations and I lose my mind.  LOL  I just go dumb.  I don't know why, so I need to work on that.

Anyway, OTHER THAN THAT, Shadow's choir concert was this evening.  He didn't even tell me that he had a solo part - we saw it in the program once we sat down.  SO, he did an AMAZING job.  People were coming up to him after the concert and telling him what a great job he did.  I mean, of course I think he did great, but when other people do, too, it's awesome.  😃  Here is a link to a video on YouTube if you're interested.  You might need to look away if you get motion sickness.  I am not a videographer.  LOL  The first few second are the worst and then I calm down some.  😛

The awesome Dr. Wheeler...

The awesome Dr. Wheeler had this graphic (or one very close to it) when she was explaining asymptotes to us.  LOVE IT!

That might be almost enough to make Laurel not hate Algebra.  😃

Ok, Algebra times!

Ok, Algebra times!

I have a test on Wednesday.  And we're doing all kinds of stuff - including equations with Logarithms.  I feel shaky at best on those.  Gotta get to work.

While standing in my living room petting cats...

While standing in my living room petting cats Shaun apparently didn't pay enough attention to Calypso.   She leaped from the couch and clung to his chest.  "YOU SHALL HOLD ME NOW!!!"

Bun, on the other hand, has a less dangerous method when she wants to be held.  She will stand up against your leg with her arms up.  If you don't pick her up she will climb you.  If you pet her back she will just lean all the way back into your hand until you might as well scoop her up and cuddle her.  It is the cutest thing that any cat has ever done.

Tobi and Adrian both like to be petted, but they don't attention-seek like their sisters.  They are more playful and don't have time for all that.  LOL

My goodness, Tort Baby is busy today!

My goodness, Tort Baby is busy today!  He wanted out first thing and he hasn't been still since he got out.  He's climbing everywhere.  He's playing Spiderman again today.  😃

Shadow just helped me clean out the fridge.

Shadow just helped me clean out the fridge.  That helped my sanity, somehow.  Still kind of in panic mode about how I'll get through next year, but I can't do anything else until I hear back from Medicaid.  The healthcare.gov website sent my info to Medicaid, so I can't edit or delete the application.  Not that you can fudge that stuff, anyway.  It looks at your tax records.

I'm gonna be doing a lot of scholarship-looking over the next few weeks.  If you hear of anything I might be eligible for, please let me know.  Note:  If I have to be going full time I will not be eligible.  Three-quarters time is all I can handle while working.

Anyway.  Happy part of the night:  Caught Calypso massaging Snaga's back and Snaga looking like she was in heaven.  LOL  It was adorable.  Snaga isn't a fan of the other cats, but she may end up liking that one!  🙂

Guess what I am NOT thankful for? This stupid ass state!

Guess what I am NOT thankful for?  This stupid ass state!

I sat down to follow up on my insurance crap since I keep getting emails that if I don't change it by 12/15, my premium will go from $28 to $108.  So I'm in the marketplace thinking "Why are all of these plans so expensive?  I can't afford any of them!" and I look for the tax help thing.  This is what it says for my income level:

"Below $15,930

Since your state hasn't expanded Medicaid you probably won't qualify for Medicaid based on your income alone. You also won't qualify for savings on a Marketplace insurance plan."

So basically I can't afford insurance for next year.  I'm gonna be crippled up and unable to function by the time winter rolls around.  This is seriously not ok.  I have so much to do, but this stupid backwards state would rather see my crippled and begging for disability than going to school and trying to better my life.  I feel so sad and angry and frustrated right now.  🙁

Happy Birthday to me! I've had a good day! 😃

Happy Birthday to me!  I've had a good day!  😃

I slept in with no guilt, so that's always a good start!  😃  Woke up to presents at my door - thanks to the awesome Mary Beth, who always manages to surprise me with something awesome.  This time it was a Jack Skellington hat - just in time for the cold weather, and some smelly-good hand soap.  😃

After that me and the best Shaun ever trekked to Birmingham to meet my new doctor.  On the way he gave me a card.  I'd told him not to buy me anything else because that dishwasher a few months ago was plenty.  Well, he got me a card... a 32 gig SD card to go in my phone!  And also a really cute card that the SD card was hidden in.  It had a squirrel and a kitten on it.  Who doesn't love that?

So in the waiting room at the doctor I got a coupon code for my birthday to one of the sites that sells awesome nail polish.  I ended up pre-ordering that flaky one that I wanted, plus getting another I'd been eyeing, AND getting them shipped for just $13 total.  SCORE!

Then finally it was time to meet my new doctor.  He seems like a good and smart guy.  He examined me and asked a lot of questions.  He seemed happy with my spreadsheet of medications and dates that I had on my tablet, so heck yes for that!  😃  He is not convinced that I have Psoriatic Arthritis because it usually affects smaller joints like hands and feet, not larger joints like hips and knees.  He's testing me for Rheumatoid, just to make sure.

Since I've been doing mostly fine on the methotrexate he wants to keep me on it for now.  He also wants to see me back in 6 weeks to see how I'm feeling and how my test results turned out.

Also, THIS IS THE COOLEST THING EVER.  His nurse dude had to get some blood from me, so I'm used to that.  But he had this tube attached to the thing that sticks in your arm, that then lead to the thing where they pop the glass tubes that they fill up off and on.  That means that they are not snatching the needle while it's in your arm!  Most of my blood-takers have been pretty good, but I had one who was straight brutal.  So that just freakin' made my day!  Seriously - it's the little things, but it made a HUGE difference.  I don't have a bruise or anything and my arm isn't even sore.  Woohoo!

After that we ate at Outback.  It was nice to have a date with Shaun.  I "see" him all the time, but it's really different when I'm crazy and busy versus a time when I don't have anything else needing my attention.  Of course, after Outback, we made a quick trip to Ulta.  They didn't have a lot of polish that I was interested in.  Shaun bought me a lip gloss and a dark gray polish that I didn't have, so that was nice.  THEN, we made the long trip home.

Now I'm here.  I see that I have an ass-ton of notifications, so thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes!  I will go through them in a bit when I'm settled in.  Of course, all of the animals need to be checked on and all that first.  And this house is messy and driving me nuts.  After sitting around so much today I have the energy to work on that, so I'm gonna take advantage of it for a while.

Later, friends, and super thank you to everyone who thought of me today!  ❤

Just got home from Munford. It was a fun visit. 😃

Just got home from Munford.  It was a fun visit.  😃

At Dad's he gave me my birthday card early.  Also, a marker, which I was more excited about than he expected.  LOL  He also put anti-freeze in my car, woohoo!  While we were outside I noticed that the sibling of my foster kittens that they kept is, in fact, a female.  I think she's gonna go on the transport at the same time as mine and get fixed.  They are done having a kitten situation over there, for sure.  I am so glad they are willing to do that!

On the way back in his house I noticed that the tire stem valve caps on his blazer type of truck were big and pink.  I was like, "Dad, I like those caps!"  He was like "Really?  Someone gave them to me."  I was like, "So you don't know they're pink, do you?"  Dad:  "Aww, shit, they're pink?  You want 'em?"  LOL  Dad is color blind, so someone pranked him.  We'll be swapping valve caps on Thanksgiving.  It was too cold to bother with it today.

Anyway.  Went by mom's after that.  She gave me some fuzzy pajama pants that I am ALL ABOUT.  One is TMNT and the other is Cookie Monster.  Hell yes.  No complaints there!  I am about to shower and put them on my myself.  😳  It's so chilly today that I'm getting stiff.  My hands don't want to work and I feel like my body is seizing up.  I need a hot shower to get me warmed up.  Thank goodness I get to see my new doctor on Tuesday!  🙂

How is it almost 2 in the morning?!

How is it almost 2 in the morning?!

I slept A LOT today.  Like, 12 hours, no problem.  I REALLY needed it, though.  I've been dragging all week.  I've got a "to do" list a mile long because I just couldn't keep up.  😕

I just finished my Literature that was due, but I need to start thinking about the final, which is a paper and presentation.  I also need to do some history and also some Algebra this week.  We're doing Logarithms in Algebra and I get it and I can do it, but I need practice.  It doesn't come as easily as I'd like.  😕

We don't have class next week, but there's Thanksgiving (meaning I'll be driving everywhere to see family) and also work.  AND, TUESDAY, I get to see my new Rheumy, finally.  😃  So it's a busy week, even without classes.

I don't know why, but we have a week off from school before finals.  I am SO not complaining, though.  I will use that time to study and perfect my paper.  So far I'm doing ok again.  If I can manage to not screw up in the next few weeks I will have all A's, which will put my GPA at 3.59, counting that D from 2001.  Then I will finally be in the running (assuming I can maintain at least a 3.5) for the scholarship to JSU.

Looking back, this year has really flown by.  I've stayed so busy that it just seems like yesterday when I started school.  I'm really enjoying my classes, but juggling everything is really hard.  SUPER hard.  Maybe next year (and the next and the next!) will fly by, too, and I'll be working a rich-making job before I know it.  LOL

Anyway.  I guess I'm off to do something else now.  Goodnight, any of you weirdos who are still awake.  😛

Well hello, little dude!

Well hello, little dude! He's so small. I just noticed him coming up my leg. He left a snot trail, but you can't see it because of the flash. 

I took him back outside. He must have hitched a ride in on my boot.

Look at my sexy little Tort Baby.

Look at my sexy little Tort Baby. This is how he's sleeping tonight. The weather is so mild that he's not even worried about having a blankie or even going all the way in his house. LOL

The weather sounds really scary right now.

The weather sounds really scary right now.  I'm not leaving my house until this lets up.  I hate driving in the rain, but this wind, tho.  😳  Stuff is falling all over my house.  😕

I saw that Nom was awake and...

I saw that Nom was awake and offered him a blackberry. He not only did not eat it - he rammed me, too! I don't know what I might have done to offend that tortoise, but he is not friendly tonight. If he doesn't get right soon I might have to have him checked out. He's NEVER refused food before!

With it cooling off my bedroom is drying out.

With it cooling off my bedroom is drying out.  I've woken up with dry sinuses for the last few days.  I found this video because (even though I keep Bruce's house dampened), I worry that it won't be enough.

OMG, I was SO PLEASANTLY SURPRISED when I watched this.  EVEN IF you don't have a reptile and don't need to make one of these, if you like animals at all this video will probably make you smile.  This dude with his snake, tho!  I love their relationship.  She makes a great assistant.  LOL  She makes her exit at around the 8 minute mark.

Also, this video caused me to Google "rainbow boa" photos, which I recommend you do.  They are ABSOLUTELY STUNNING.  When I get money one of these days, I'd love to have an Olive Python and probably one of these.  I would want to kiss them with my eyeballs they are so pretty.  😳

Aced another History exam this morning.

Aced another History exam this morning.  96!  Woohoo!  🙂

Gave flea meds to 11 cats ALL BY MYSELF.  Shaun is sick, so... he couldn't help me.  I feel accomplished, though.  Cats are awful.  LOL

I think I have just heard gunshots outside of my house, but I am not sure...

Anyway.  I know that I have a lot going on with classes, but I feel like I want to do computer stuff.  I think I'm gonna try to learn Java from the Internet.  I know there are a thousand tutorials out there.  I just feel antsy and like I'm not doing enough...  I will probably feel that way until I finally graduate.  😕

Anyway.  I feel super tired.  I think I'm heading to bed soon.  ❤

I need advice. It's about career / school stuff.

I need advice.  It's about career / school stuff.

When is it the right time to look for another job when you are planning to switch careers?  I haven't had any major computer classes yet - so far it's only been stuff that I already knew how to do.  It looks like I won't get TOO into the computer classes until I transfer.  I will have a couple eventually at GSCC, but I'm not sure which ones yet.  I'm still covering basics, basically.

I don't know why, but I'm kind of freaking out about the transition - both from GSCC to JSU and also from SCM to whatever new job I get.  I know that technically I don't have any good reason to worry about that stuff just yet, but I feel like it's all gonna be upon me before I know it.  I've been so busy this year that it has just flown by.

Kind of, what I am thinking (and Shaun agrees) is that I should not worry about the job stuff just yet.  Because I feel like so much is changing all the time right now with a different schedule and classes every semester, and learning a new job would just add more stress.  Plus, my current boss is flexible with me and my school schedule, so I worry about switching things up and not having that.

I just don't want to ruin my chances at a great job when I'm out of school by not doing more now.  I don't really know what future employers will be looking at or thinking when they see my resume.  I just don't know what to do.  Seems like a lot of companies want experienced people.  When I get out of school I will have experience holding a job, but not necessarily in my new field.

So.  What do you think I should do?  I feel like my life is tricky right now.

Feels nice and crisp outside.

Feels nice and crisp outside.  Like actual fall.  I've kind of been looking forward to it.

But my hips, tho...  🙁

A little over 2 weeks until I see my new rheumy!

I will survive.

It is weird.

It is weird.

I slept for most of the day.

I slept for most of the day.  (Seriously, I didn't get out of my bed until 3:30 this afternoon.)  I probably needed it because I slept like crap all week.

Shaun worked on moving my modem around the house until we could get a better connection in the back room.  Then we ate dinner at Los Arcos and came home and watched Mockingjay, Part 1 on Hulu.  I haven't really done anything else aside from feed the animals.  LOL

I think I'm gonna do homework until I get sleepy, and then call it a night.

Yay for a (so far) restful weekend.  I feel like my stress levels are in check... at least for the next day or two.  😛

I feel really excited about my life today. 🙂

I feel really excited about my life today.  🙂

I met with my adviser and asked her an ass-ton of questions.  She believes that I will be ready to graduate GSCC in the Spring of 2017, so that's awesome.  I will have a General Studies degree with a concentration in Computer Science.  Woohoo!  😃  Then it's on to JSU!

Registration for classes isn't open yet, but I am eligible for Priority Registration this time, so I'm pretty sure I'll be able to get the classes we planned out.  Even without being eligible for Priority Registration in the past I've always gotten what I need.  Probably because I'm a freak and I get up as soon as registration opens and add my classes like I'm opening presents on Christmas morning.  LOL

So... I'll be taking Trig at the Gadsden Campus.  That's a hike.  One the bright side and also the dark side, the class starts at 7.  Wait, let me clarify - 7 PM.  That's ok with me because my brain will be awake and ready for that, but it's a LONG class - ending at 9:45.  Thankfully, it only meets one day a week.  I will also be taking biology and another history.

So you would think that would be enough excitement for one day, but it wasn't.  I was concerned about having money for summer classes next year since my Pell Grant will be used for Spring and Fall.  Thankfully, Student Support Services has my back.  They have a scholarship that I will be eligible for, and it sounded like it was a pretty sure thing that they would help me.  So that is awesome.  😃

But, that's not even the end of my school day excitement.  I had seen a job posting for math tutoring a while back and briefly considered trying it, but chickened out.  I didn't mention it, but my adviser did and asked me how I felt about it.  I told her that I wasn't sure if I would be good at it, but that I'd considered it.  Well, she took me to meet the tutoring coordinator.  We talked for a while and she wants me to come fill out the paperwork after I get my spring schedule secured.

Yes, I already have a job, but we slow down during the spring and summer and usually only work 4 days a week.  If I tutored one day a week that would help make ends meet, and (even though I'm not really a people-person), I do like to help others.  I think I'd just be tutoring the other Student Support Services students, but I'm totally ok with helping SSS out after all they've done for me.

All in all I'm feeling pretty excited about school and life in general.    This morning was unexpectedly awesome and I'm so glad it was.  I feel like it renewed my energy supply for a while.  😃  Yay!

I had an Algebra test this morning.

I had an Algebra test this morning.  I made a 98!  I'm excited!  😃😃😃

I wasn't on here much yesterday, but that's because I was studying and also doing very important work around the house.  Since Pomona passed away I decided to move Nom into Pomona's large and empty old house.  Then I moved the turtle into Nom's old place.  Everyone got an upgrade.

I did that purposefully so that all of my good habitats would be occupied.  Really, the last thing I need is to take in more animals right now, so I figured that would be a good deterrent.  Maybe not, but it's worth a shot.

And for anyone who was worried about Bruce, he's cool.  His breathing is fine, his nostrils are clear and cute as ever, and he's had no more scary, giant, noisy snake farts.  I need to get some new photos of him soon.  I swear, he's so big and beautiful!  ❤

Oh my gosh. Bruce just nearly gave me a heart attack!

Oh my gosh.  Bruce just nearly gave me a heart attack!

So I'm just here at my desk going over my test review, and he starts making these gurgling sounds.  He's opening his mouth and kind of pushing backwards with his upper body and I have NO CLUE what is happening.  I am thinking "Is he barfing?  Is he sick?  Is that a snake cough?"  Like, a billion thoughts go through my head, and I have NO IDEA what to do for him.

Then I heard the nastiest, wettest, louder than I would have ever expected fart sound come from him.  I look around at his back end, and he has pooped.  Now he's just chillin'.

Emily, Jennifer, Laurel, Janet, Chris - is that normal / ok?

Shaun.  Ya boy is stinking up my room over here.  o_O

*****

I mean, do they open their mouths and look all happy when they shit? Because DAMN. If I hadn't been so scared at the moment he would have looked straight JOYOUS. LOL

I despise this time-change crap.

I despise this time-change crap. I wish we could just leave it like it is.

As if this day wasn't crappy enough AS IS...

As if this day wasn't crappy enough AS IS I have PMS.  As a person who is extremely empathetic and has so many feelings about things that she just avoids most humans - PMS days can be REALLY hard.

Some of you may already know this, but I have always been a cry-er.  I cry pretty much every single day at SOMETHING.  Posts on Facebook, commercials on TV, just having a feeling of my own, or noticing someone else having feelings... I don't know.  But it takes almost nothing.

So... someone ate the yogurt that I bought for myself because I wanted to try it and I absolutely lost it.  I cried SO HARD over that stupid yogurt.

Like, I'm cool now.  But in that moment I was SO FAR FROM COOL.  I know I looked just like a baby who'd had some delicious candy snatched from him.  I mean... my feelings were SO HURT.

It's been a hard and emotionally charged day, anyway, but I know PMS crying when I feel it.  I had to call my mom and tell on the boys for eating my yogurt.  LOL  Poor mom.  She's been dealing with me bawling over nothing for most of my life.  She's just about the only person that can talk me back into sanity, though Shaun made a mighty effort by going to Wal-Mart and buying not only 3 yogurts but some dark chocolate with caramel cookies.  I am so thankful for the weirdys in my life who love me enough to put up with me.  I know that I am 100% ridiculous sometimes, and I'm sorry.

I have wound down and am heading to bed soon.  It's about time to put an end to this day.  Goodnight, friends.  ❤

This has been a shit day from beginning to end. 🙁

This has been a shit day from beginning to end.  🙁

I woke up late.  My phone was dead... meaning I got no alarms to wake up, so I slept until about halfway through the history class I was supposed to be attending.  Since I'm one of those weird people who actually like learning shit I was pretty bummed about missing it.  Mr. Hamilton said he was gonna show us some photos of cliff-dwelling Native Americans and that sounded really cool.  And I freaking missed it.  🙁

So I got up and started trying to make my usual rounds, but I had a pounding headache and felt nauseated.  I've felt slightly sinus-y the past few days.  I really hope I'm not trying to get full-blown sick.  Anyway, I was trying to do things and get ready for work, but was moving like a slug getting anything done.

Then I found my beautiful, spunky Pomona dead... and I just lost all motivation for a while.  🙁

Finally dragged my ass to work, WAYYY late, but I got there.  My head had faded to a dull ache by that point, which was better, but not great.  And I spent the rest of the day trying to work despite that feeling.  Stayed kind of late to wrap up some stuff, and now I'm home.

I really wanted to go over the Algebra test review, but I don't think I feel good enough to bother.  Blegh.

I think I'm headed to the couch.  It's a "sit on the couch with some blankets" kind of night.  Maybe there will be something on Netflix or Hulu that me and Shadow can chill out and watch.  Later, peeps.  So glad it's almost the weekend.

Lost my girl sometime overnight.

Lost my girl sometime overnight.  She'd started looking puny.  I was hoping to take her to Riverview this weekend, but she didn't make it.  She was older, so it's entirely possible it was just her time.  Still, I'm super sad today.  But we had a lot of fun.  I will especially miss our games of "Hide and Sleep."  ❤❤❤

Rest in Peace, my feisty girl.  ❤

Today was pretty good. 🙂

Today was pretty good.  🙂

This morning I got some of the sweetest kitty kisses from Calypso before work.  She is SUPER LOVEY sometimes.  She was the foster baby that got the most attention because she's so pretty, but she's also sweet.  I'm pretty sure that she's got a certain someone wrapped around her paw, (as do the other 3, actually), so we'll just have to finish the spays and neuter to make their forever homes final.  🙂

Checked out the STARS guide for Gadsden State / JSU today and I might be disappointed.  I needed the Algebra classes and will also need Trig to get to Calculus, but I don't think the Algebras or Trig are on the guide.  It appears that I need 26 credits to get a General Studies diploma from GSCC, but that I have a good bit more to go than that to be ready to transfer to JSU.  Also, I found out that Calculus isn't offered year-round, so I'll have to take those whenever I can.  I was hoping to not spend 4 years at Gadsden, but now I'm not so sure I won't.  I don't know.  I'll officially meet with my adviser in a couple of weeks and I'll ask a billion questions.  Still trying to figure it all out, I guess.

Anyway.  After that I went to trivia at Mellow Mushroom again.  Found out that I am ok with the tofu they put in their salads, so that's cool.  We also won trivia again - first place, second week in a row.  Both this time and last time we had a score in the triple digits.  Last week when they announced that he said it was the first time in a while anyone had scored that high, so we're super smart.  And by "we're" I mean everyone else.  I sit there like a lump and eat food.  LOL  Got to meet some new people IRL that I'm friends with on the Internet, so that was super cool.  🙂

It's almost 11 and I'm about ready to pass out.  I think I'm gonna tuck all the animals in, take a shower, and then call it a night.  I hope that everyone else has had an acceptable Wednesday, too.  ❤

Just finished my test review.

Just finished my test review.  Woohoo!  I don't feel too bad about it.  The first run-through is always the hardest.  Gotta get all the problems worked with the help of notes, so it's a lot of looking back at things to make sure I've done them correctly.

The test is Monday, so if I do the practice test a few more times before then I should be all set.  Phew!  🙂

I would say I'm heading to bed, but me and the kid are running around the corner to McDonald's first.  24/7 breakfast?  Yes, please.

And before you think I'm a bad mom (because YES, it's a school night), he was asleep on the couch when I got home from work.  He woke up for maybe 30 minutes and went back to bed.  I don't know why he was so tired today (because he slept like a normal human yesterday), but we're taking advantage of it.  😛

Goodnight, friends!  🙂❤

Studying, going through my notes...

Studying, going through my notes. Saw this and thought "What in the hell was happening in my head that day?!" "If they is squared..." 😂

I might need to go to bed. 😛

I'm home. Glad to be here.

I'm home.  Glad to be here.  Was freezing my ass off all day.  The dampness makes it worse.  Needless to say I've been very uncomfortable.  I think it's about time to bust out with the snow pants 24/7.  Counting down the days until I see my new Rheumy.  I have less than a month to go now!

Stopped in and saw my adviser today.  We couldn't plan my schedule because they are still working on classes for next semester, but I did find out that I have to take Trig before Calculus.  Trig sounds scary, but not as scary as Calculus.  So, I feel better about that progression, on the bright side.

On the dark side (Is that a thing people say?  I don't think I've ever heard that.  Oh well.  Going with it.), counting Trig I have FOUR more maths to take, which is ok.  But it means that I won't be ready to transfer by Fall 2017 unless I take one of the Calculus classes over a summer semester.  I'm not even sure they are offered over the summer.  But even if they are since summer is shorter, it's harder.  Shaun recommends not doing that.

I don't have to make any decisions right now, but I need to be mulling it over in the back of my mind.

Anyway, I'm off.  I've got an Algebra test coming up, so I need to finish my homework and study.  The test is Monday so I've got time, but tomorrow is the last class before the test, so I need to make sure that if I have questions I can get them answered in the morning.

Later, peeps.  ❤

I've had a pretty good weekend.

I've had a pretty good weekend.  Did some housework, some studying.  Saw my parents, and ate their food.  It was nice.  🙂

Last night, though, my brain went weird.  🙁

Before I went to bed I started freaking out about how school was going to get harder.  I Googled (which, I know - it's always a bad idea if you're upset about something to Google it, but I did) about how hard it is to get a Computer Science degree.  And how hard Calculus is.  And then I was just there, in my bed, wondering if I was being stupid for thinking I can do it.  I'm still a bit shaken, but my thought process has kind of returned to where I was when I decided to go to school:  "Let's just do this and see how it goes."  LOL  I think I might be putting unnecessary pressure on myself because I have set a goal.  And to me, "goal" is just another word for "Some shit I'm gonna actually do."  But I really want to be ready to transfer to JSU by Fall Semester of 2017.  After looking at my Degree Works page with the help of the awesome Emily it doesn't seem un-attainable, but I'll have to keep busting my ass to do it.

So, after all that loveliness I dreamed that Bruce tried to eat Teyla - face first.  I stopped him, but I was rough with him and she was injured.  I hate that I only seem to remember dreams if they are bad.  😕  For the record this would be nearly impossible to have happen because I doubt that they even know of each others existence because they don't live in the same room, so it's not that I'm worried, but it made me super sad.  I really hate thinking about loved ones being hurt or eaten.  🙁

Anyway.  I'm about to eat something and get ready for bed.  Y'all wish me pleasant dreams.  Or no dreams.  I'll take either.  LOL  ❤

Ok. Chilled out. Ate some dinner.

Ok. Chilled out. Ate some dinner. And then Halloween Cap'n Crunch that turns your milk green for dessert. LOL

I did also paint my nails, but nothing post-worthy. They are not themed any kind of way. I just had some new polishes I hadn't tried and I wanted to try them. So, all of my nails are a different color. LOL They look fun, at least. 😃

Also... since I live under a rock I just now saw the video for "What Do You Mean" by Justin Bieber. I think I'm about to find someone to cut my hair and shamelessly request his new 'do. LOL

After 4 hours of me and the Man-Cub...

After 4 hours of me and the Man-Cub going hard on the cleaning the house looks actually NICE.  We're not as gross as it might sound - some of that was deep cleaning, which always takes time.  Got a lot of extra crap put away in the garage and we cleaned off the porch, too.  Also washed 1/6 of the dogs - the little stinky Booka.  Would love to wash Emma later, but she hates it and it really depends on how my energy holds out.  I'm kind of ready to get some dinner and call it quits for the day.

I have a feeling that I will sleep like a rock tonight!

Oh, Kitten Update:

Their energy is back - full throttle.  There is rarely a sneeze to be heard.  But beautiful Calypso and Adrian both have one red eye left.  It's much improved, but not gone.  I'm giving them a week to finish clearing up and then we'll head back to the vet if need be.  But they all seem to be feeling just fine, thank goodness.  🙂

It's been a lazy day so far, but I have a lot to do.

It's been a lazy day so far, but I have a lot to do.  I guess I've spent enough time scrolling on the Internet.  Gonna do some housework and get through a history lesson.  If I accomplish as much as I want to, maybe I'll sit down and paint my nails.  It's been long enough.  😕  And I love doing Halloween ones!  🙂

Today in Algebra we had a substitute teacher.

Today in Algebra we had a substitute teacher.  I thought I was crazy and in the wrong place for a minute!  But I wasn't.  And we learned composite functions.  And that is SO COOL.  😳  I'm going to trivia tonight; otherwise, I'd be doing the shit out of my homework right now!  😃

So on a kind-of related note... is it ridiculous to think that I could be ready to transfer to JSU by Fall semester of 2017?  I've taken 9 hours every semester (including summer) this year.  So that gives me another year and a half to get myself squared away.  Two and a half years isn't bad since I can't go full-time, right?

I know this sounds so dumb, but I'm still not 100% on college "hours" and all of that.  😕

I slept last night so I wasn't tired today, but...

I slept last night so I wasn't tired today, but I've been nauseated like whoa all day.  🙁  Zofran isn't kicking it.  I don't know what this is, but I hate it.  I'm not sure how I will get to sleep tonight.  🙁

I think I'm gonna sit around here on the Internet for a few minutes while I decide if I can eat, and then I'll read some Literature until I am too tired to stay awake.

Algebra is starting to get a little complicated, but I did my homework tonight and felt mostly successful.  I think we're about halfway through the semester and that feels fast, but at the same time I'm ready to meet with my adviser and plan next semester out.  LOL  As far as I know I'll definitely have Calculus I (I'll have to take up to Cal III) and maybe some computer classes, too!  So that is pretty exciting.  😃

Anyway.  I'm off to like a bunch of stuff and think about whether food is a good idea or not.  ❤

It feels so early, but I am exhausted and in my bed.

It feels so early, but I am exhausted and in my bed. I started this week out on track - not behind on any housework, homework, or sleep. Now, the hard part will be maintaining it. But I'm off to a good start. Warm blankets are making me so happy right now. My eyes won't be open for long. 🙂

Goodnight, Internet!

Up close of Shadow.

Up close of Shadow.  Krystal did an amazing job!

Crappy cell pic that doesn't do it justice, but...

Crappy cell pic that doesn't do it justice, but this was Shadow today.

Here's one that Shaun took:

I am exhausted again today - but for good reason.

I am exhausted again today - but for good reason.  Shadow was awesomely zombi-fied by the amazing Krystal Bost for a photo shoot. A group of gruesome-looking ghouls hiked around for hours getting photographed. I can't wait to see how the photos turned out. I will definitely be sharing them.

I'm not usually very into being around people a super lot, but I had fun. Shadow did, too. It was good to see you again, Shane and Keith. And Krystal, you are just awesome. 😃

Jennifer, I'm getting your package ready to mail shortly. 🙂

Yay for a good day that wasn't completely full of work and studying! 😃

MAYBE I'M LAME, but...

MAYBE I'M LAME, but I'm pretty excited about this. It's my desktop. Never tried a totally clean one like this before, but it soothes my brain, so I think I'm gonna stick with it. Added bonus: Mario icons! Those 9 icons were just plain ugly folders that I could not tell apart. Now I can. 😃

Boo is my camera folder because I'm camera shy!

The red "big man" mushroom is my college folder because that's how I level up my life.

The coin is my Polish All the Things stuff because that's how I make money.

The Chomp is my nail folder because I don't bite my nails, especially when they are pretty. LOL

The others don't have any great significant meaning for being what they are, but they have enough that I know what I'm clicking on when I click them.

So totally geeking out and giddy about this. LOL I'm so happy when I look at it.

Finished with Algebra!

Finished with Algebra! I might actually get to rest sometime this weekend! Woohoo!

Home from the vet.

Home from the vet.

Kittens tested negative for FIV so we've got a stronger antibiotic and more eye drops.  They are resting now and enjoying some warm, wet food.

Would like to stick around, but I've got to feed the rest of the crew and get some homework done.  It never ends!

Just finished a big chunk of homework.

Just finished a big chunk of homework.  Ah, the relief!  I am so freaking happy right now.  😃

What a week!

What a week!

The kittens are hanging in there.  Adrian and Spike don't feel well at all.  Tobi and Calypso played this morning, though.  None of them look or sound any better (or worse, thank goodness!), but I'm grateful for the energy of the two.  Regardless, they are all headed to see Dr. Berry in the morning.  I'm ready for them to kick whatever crud this is.  They are getting about big enough for it to be spay and neuter time!  🙂

Everyone else seems to be feeling better, so I'm SUPER EXCITED about that.  It's been a tough week of medicating so many animals, but we're getting close to done with all the meds and for the most part (aside from the kittens) everyone is doing well, so I'm feeling pretty relieved.  😃

As for me, well, I have felt ok for the last couple of days, too.  Of course, I've been sleeping 10 - 12 hours a night.  I'm just so exhausted that I have no choice in the matter.  I have been going to bed super early and sleeping late.  I can't really keep doing that because I have to get to work and class, but sometimes, you just gotta do what you gotta do.  I plan to do homework this weekend and otherwise take it easy, so maybe Monday won't be awful.

Anyway.  I'm off to knock out as much homework as I can before I get too tired to do anything.  I hope everyone has a good weekend!  ❤

Not a horrible day, but it could definitely have been better.

Not a horrible day, but it could definitely have been better.

I went to the doctor this morning and gave them FOUR WHOLE VIALS of my blood.  However, that was not enough.  Nope.  Now they want my pee.  So I have to collect my pee this weekend and take it to them in a big, bright orange jug on Monday.  Just the thought of that feels really weird, but I'll do it.  I hope it helps them figure out what's up with me.  I REALLY appreciate that Dr. Rana is being so thorough.

Later in the day I had a quick lunch with Shaun.  We were kind of naughty.  We went to Sweet Cups and shared a piece of caramel cheesecake.  I know - not super healthy, but sometimes fun is more important.  So.  That's what we did, and I have no regrets.  😛

So, the kittens don't look any better, unfortunately.  I'm gonna give the antibiotic and eye stuff a couple of more days to work and if they aren't much improved by the weekend we'll be heading to the vet on Saturday.  I also ordered some L-Lysine treats from Amazon which should be here soon, so I'll be adding that into the mix.  On the bright side everyone else seems to be doing ok, thank goodness.  It's just these babies I've gotta concentrate on getting sorted out.

Of course, on a day when I look horrible I see people I know.  LOL  I saw Jennifer wayyy early this morning (sorry if I was bad at conversation - I'd literally just rolled out of bed and gone straight to the doctor).  Then Keith and Krystal later at Wal-Mart.  That's probably the most socialization I've had outside of the Internet in a long time, but it was pretty fun.  I should maybe try to make it a point of seeing and / or talking to people more often.  I'm just so pressed for time that it is really hard to do.  🙁

Anyway.  Shower time.  Then paper time.  I'm off!

I just got home from a very long day.

I just got home from a very long day.  I'm currently baking a Totino's pizza and trying to rally the energy to work on my paper that is due tomorrow.  It's not looking so good.  🙁

Kitten meds acquired with the help of the ever-amazing Shari.  Babies have been medicated and are resting now.  I'll make the nightly rounds for everyone else later, but I didn't want to make the babies wait.  I hope they will look a bit improved by morning.

Having more blood taken in the a.m.  Dr. Rana is working hard to get me back on track and I am so thankful for that.  I hope that everyone in Internet land is doing well.  ❤

A poem by Blu

Addsie looks better.

The kittens look worse.

I made a 92 on my history test.

I feel frazzled.

On my way to work. Yay money.

Waiting for class to start.

Waiting for class to start. Here a little early, but that's better than late.

I finished my presentation late last night. I missed work again today, but I felt like crap and slept a lot. I guess I needed it. I feel almost ok now, except that I'm worried I'm getting some sinus crud. That is the last thing I need, so maybe I just magically won't.

I haven't been as productive today as I needed to, but I feel like my body is fighting me at every turn. I don't really know what to do to fix that. 🙁 I have another doctor appointment on Wednesday for labs, so maybe that will turn up something.

Today I have been concentrating on History since that test is tomorrow. I do not feel even remotely ok about it yet, but maybe I will by the time I call it a night. I hope.

Also, I called Cable One and told them that I wanted back on the 300 GB plan. They told me that if I'm still not over 300 GB by 10/20, they would put me back. I won't be. We've barely used over 200 GB during the last few months, so I'm not concerned. I'm glad they will do that. It's one less thing I have to stress over and be worried about.

Anyway. The animals have been mostly pretty good for their meds, so that's been awesome. I've even been able to medicate Addsie all by myself! Thank goodness!

Well, I'm off. Wish me luck on this presentation. I want all the A's. 🙂

So... I slept super late.

So... I slept super late.  I've been dragging all day even though I have 1000 things to do.  I am guessing it's the methotrexate.  Or the fact that yet again I've been unable to relax for now the third weekend in a row due to the all of the things I have to do.  Blegh.

I'm only half-way through my presentation for Literature (which I have to present tomorrow), and I've got a headache and feel like I could fall asleep in my chair at any moment.  I'm gonna get back to it and hopefully knock the rest of it out.  Even if I finish that I still have the paper to write (due Wednesday) and studying to do for the History exam, which I think is on Tuesday.

This week isn't shaping up so great.  It feels like it takes a huge amount of effort to do any little thing.  🙁

Speaking of:  Jennifer, I haven't mailed your package yet.  If I can survive through Wednesday I think I can get it mailed by Thursday.  Is that ok?  I'm sorry that I'm crappy.  The struggle is real.  ❤

Holy wow. I just woke up.

Holy wow.  I just woke up.  A nap wasn't part of my plan, but I was so drunk tired after we ate that I could not function.  Y'all know what I'm talking about?  Being so tired that you feel drunk (or rather - what I assume drunk feels like)?  LOL

I hate feeling that way, but that is one way my body forces rest upon me.  "You're done.  You can't do anything.  You can't even talk.  That's right.  Just get in your bed and STFU."  LOL  My head still feels a little swimmy, but I just woke up and I don't feel like I can sleep more yet.  Maybe I just need to move around some.

I dreamed that I was at Six Flags with Donald Glover and I was about to have a tomato grilled cheese (which in my dream looked more like a mozzarella and pizza sauce pot pie, but whatever).  I am hungry for that now even though I'm like, 99% sure it is not a thing that exists.  Maybe one of those cheap $1 pizza's from Wal-Mart would hit the spot...

All of the kids are fed and cleaned.

All of the kids are fed and cleaned.  The house is finally clean enough that my brain feels like it will work.  I have showered.  And, (OF COURSE), now I'm exhausted.  🙁

I got rid of the old dishwasher today so now it's not in the middle of my kitchen floor.  I almost feel like my house is normal!  That's pretty exciting.  🙂

Getting some food with my guys, then gonna tackle the homework.  Wish me luck.  All I can think about at the moment is a nap.  😕

Ok, home from the vet.

Ok, home from the vet.  $200 later... maybe we have everyone taken care of!

We got:

•  Eyedrops for the kittens

•  A shot for Addsie, plus an antibiotic

•  More Prednisone for Booka's little itchy stink butt

•  Nappy's rabies shot, more Kinetic injections, eye drops, plus an anti-inflammatory pill for when her arthritis is flaring more than the injections can handle

It's going to be an awesomely fun week of medicating animals who don't understand why we're making them eat gross liquid, stabbing them, and dropping shit in their eyes!

The kittens are easy enough to eye-drop, but Midna's still on her ointment and she hates it.  She's not horrible, though - I can handle her alone when I need to, but it's not fun.

Nappy had an ulcer in one eye (explains the out-of-control persistent eye booger), but thankfully, she's easy to eye-drop.  She just sits down and lets you.  I am sure she'll be pretty easy to get a pill down, too.  Unfortunately, she runs when it's time for her shot - even though she takes it like a pro at the vet.  What a baby!

Booka gets his Prednisone as needed for his itchy skin.  He's easy because I just hide it in food.  Same with Lowrider for her bite puncture from the other day.

Addsie got her injection at the vet, but we have to medicate her orally twice a day.  That's gonna be the tough one because she hides and when you catch her, she fights and spits out whatever you give her.  I'm gonna need help with her, for sure.  Yet again, Shaun to the rescue.

So... the coming week is shaping up to be AWESOME.  Just AWESOME.  I can't wait to feel the pressure of needing to be at work and / or school all the while feeding, cleaning, and now MEDICATING my ani-pals.

I don't know what happened this past week, but it seems like the majority of the beings in my household ended up sick or hurt.  If I don't have some down time next weekend I can promise you all that you'll have to write me at the loony bin because I will LOSE IT.  This will mark my third weekend of no rest.  I need to go do some things around the house, then start on my paper for Lit and then study for a history test.

Wish me luck.  Wish me ALL the luck!

Homecoming for SHS was tonight, so...

Homecoming for SHS was tonight, so Shadow went to the game and the dance.  That meant I had the house to myself for a while.  I should have been doing homework, but I decided that I needed some Shaun and Blu time since it is so rare these days.  So, we hung out for some hours and it was fun.  I know that I "see" him pretty much every day, but it's a lot different when I'm relaxed and not distracted by needing to do housework, homework, or whatever.  It was great and I'm hoping we can figure out a way to make that happen again soon.  ❤

Other than that I'm heading to bed.  As no good deed goes unpunished, the taking-in of the kittens has left me with a very sick cat.  Addsie is sneezing a lot and making horrible snot sounds.  🙁  She's been like this for two days and it's not improving - I was hoping it was just a cold, but I don't want to let her get too far gone without intervention.  I'll get up early and get her to Dr. Berry's tomorrow.  Nappy is due for her rabies shot (gotta keep on top of that so I can get her groomed) and we also need to talk about her joint pain.

So between the vet, an ass-ton of homework, and whatever housework I can manage, tomorrow is shaping up to look QUITE fun.  (Not really.)  At least the rain will be nice to sleep to tonight.  And with that in mind, I'm off.  So much to do, so little time!  Goodnight, Internet!  ❤