I feel like this has been a very long day.

I feel like this has been a very long day.  My goodness.

In other news I'm gonna post / share some jewelry tomorrow.  I have Alabama and Auburn stuff and some pretty eyeball things for Halloween.  I don't have a lot of time to make a bunch of new stuff, but I would like to sell what I can.  I need to scrape up the money to spay and neuter these 4 foster kittens some kind of way!  🙂

If y'all have time head over to Polish All the Things and see if you like anything from the albums.  I think most of my jewelry is posted there.  Thanks in advance.  ❤

Holy cow.

Holy cow. I made a 95 on that Algebra test that I was sure I'd make a B on. I just got so excited that I gave myself a headache. 😳 Whattt?!

Today didn't turn out horrible.

Today didn't turn out horrible.  I skipped work out of necessity.  I was too exhausted to be of any use, anyway.  It will suck for my paycheck, but I worked more the last two weeks than usual, so it should be ok.

I slept for some hours and woke up feeling almost normal.  I did some things around the house and I'm currently about to read my Literature and hopefully knock that out for the week.  If I can I'll be happy.  I am hoping that the much-needed rest I acquired and knocking some of the things off of my "To Do" list today will allow me to be a normal person for the rest of the week.  We'll see.  LOL

I just logged into Blackboard and my Algebra test grade isn't posted yet.  Maybe I'll get it tomorrow.  I'm not as anxious as I normally am, so I don't know if I'm still just too tired for all that or if I've realized that a B isn't the end of the world.  Honestly, I still feel tired, so that's probably it.

Anyway.  Wishing a good week to all of us in Internet land.  ❤

Ugh. I guess it's legit a Monday.

Ugh.  I guess it's legit a Monday.  I have a headache and thought I'd have to leave class to barf about half-way through.  I'm sore and exhausted.  I did sleep last night, but it doesn't feel like it was enough.

I had an Algebra test this morning.  I didn't get to study for it like I wanted to, but I'm sure I made a B, at least.  Of course I always want an A, but it was the first test of the semester and I just don't have the energy to freak out about it.  I don't have the energy for anything at the moment.  🙁

My sleep schedule is JACKED UP...

My sleep schedule is JACKED UP and it's been one hell of a hectic weekend, but I survived.  I even got to see my besties (plus their guys!) today.  😃

I'm heading to bed.  I have an Algebra test in the morning and I don't feel 100% good about it.  Being exhausted and having no time does not = good things when trying to study.  Just because you're physically awake doesn't mean that your brain is, unfortunately.  🙁

Anyway.  I was a thousand happy to get home and see my guys and my ani-pals today.  Shadow handled most of the animals while I was away and Shaun came over bearing pizza, unsweet tea, and cookies.  Some days even though I'm tired and busy and frazzled I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.  ❤

Oh my gosh.

Oh my gosh.  I just learned how serious it is when you give a baby cat a milk-flavored treat.  That is apparently a BIG DEAL.

They freaking love it! LOL They were all crying for more. They looked frantic. Poor things!

Dr. Crawford's office just called.

Dr. Crawford's office just called. UAB said my bones are not damaged. That's good. Then they asked how I'm doing on the Otezla. You know, that medication the nurse told me to stop taking weeks ago.

So glad I'm in with a new doctor!

Confession Time:

Confession Time:

I've been snuggling a kitten every day for the last week.  Spike is my lap baby.  ❤

Interesting. I have 3 parakeets.

Interesting.  I have 3 parakeets.  I just witnessed one barfing into one of the other parakeets mouth.  Yuck.

I Googled it and it means they like each other.  At least it's a sweet gesture.  LOL

Apparently, they can just bob their heads and barf on command.  I learn something new every day!

You're welcome, Internet.  😃

I made a 98 on my history exam!

I made a 98 on my history exam! So proud of my brain. I was worried I couldn't do it.

First test of the semester is in the morning.

First test of the semester is in the morning.  I think I'm ready!  I've gone over my History flash cards several times today, and I miss like, 2 or 3, tops.  I took out the few I kept missing and tried to figure ways to remember them.  I think I did it.  We'll see!  I'm hoping to make my first A!  😃

Tort Baby acquired.

Tort Baby acquired. His game of "Hide and Sleep" is NOT on point tonight. 😛

You might be tired if...

You might be tired if...

a random post from a friend reminds you that your tortoise is loose in the house somewhere.

I'm coming, Tort Baby!

(Not that he cares.  He likes to be free range all the times.  LOL)

We graphed curvy lines in Algebra today.

We graphed curvy lines in Algebra today. Circles Wednesday! Test next Monday! 😃

I've done so much homework that...

I've done so much homework that I've given myself a headache.  Boo.  Time to bust out the Ibuprofen!

I guess I was so caught up in trying to prepare for my upcoming History test that I kind of let Algebra slide last week.  I had 3 lessons of homework to get through today.  WOW.  It was all stuff I'd done last semester, so that made it a little easier.  Anyway, it's done.  🙂

I've gone over all 124 of the History flash cards that I made and I only missed 8.  I was recalling from memory, but the test is mostly matching and true / false, so I'm starting to calm down about it.  LOL  I was afraid that my brain wouldn't be able to handle memorizing information this way, but I guess that as long as I have the time it can be done.  Thank goodness!

Now I've gotta read some stories for Literature and participate in the online discussion.  Then I'll be all squared away.  Better grab that Ibuprofen real fast.  I don't think reading tiny letters in a book is gonna help matters.

Later, peeps.  I hope you've all had a nice Sunday!  ❤

P. S.  Did I tell you that JSU accepted me as a transfer student?  I'm in!  🙂

I slept late. And got a late start.

I slept late.  And got a late start.  And I've been tired for hours.  Blegh.

Yay Methotrexate!

On the bright side I got a lot done today.  I cleaned some stuff, and I also made an ass-ton of flash cards for History.  I am feeling more and more ok with the upcoming test.

Tomorrow I have to read and write some stuff for Literature, and get through 2 Algebra lessons.  I think I can do it.  I don't have a whole lot else planned.  My dad is coming to look at my car, which has started running hot.  He'll probably wake me up super early because he's an early bird, but that's ok.  🙂  Maybe it will get my schedule on track for the week.

Anyway.  Kitten time!  😃

Checking out kitten butts!

Checking out kitten butts!

Siamese baby looks like a girl.

Spike looks like a girl.

Adrian looks like a girl.

Orange looks like a boy.

Wouldn't you know. I have 3/4 that need the more expensive surgeries. Boo.

Happy (future) Birthday to me!

Happy (future) Birthday to me!  Rheumatology Associates just called and the first afternoon appointment they had available for Dr. Townsend was 11/24.  I booked it!  Hopefully, that will be a great gift to myself.

That's still a ways off (which I expected), but I'm happy to have gotten in.  Now if I can survive the next 10 weeks as the weather gets increasingly colder without being too miserable that will be great.  Wish me luck!

It's a bit past my bedtime, so I'm calling it a night.

It's a bit past my bedtime, so I'm calling it a night.  I got my baby pics and a video uploaded, so check those out if you're interested.

I don't know what the deal is today, but my left elbow has been hurting.  Kind of a lot.  My left knee, too, but that's not so unusual.  Tylenol nor Ibuprofen even touched it.  I'm not sure if it's arthritis or what - it hurts differently than my hips and knees.  I am a little achy in all the usual spots.  This chill in the air probably doesn't help.  Might be time to bust out with the snow pants.  But I'm not in such pain that I'm miserable, thankfully.  It's not enough to steal all of my energy and make me hate life.  So yay for that.  🙂

Anyway, here's hoping I sleep as good as a kitten in Shaun's hands.  😛  Goodnight!  ❤

Foster Kittens

Foster Kitten #4

I called this one Spike because that spot of orange hair makes me think of the Gremlin with hair. LOL

Spike has pretty stripes and a nubby tail. He or she swishes it around, and it's adorable. 😃

Foster Kitten #3

This is Orange. Or Tobi. I don't know. No one wants to let me name a cat Orange for some reason...

This one is missing a tail. It actually doesn't even have much of a nub. I feel like that's pretty odd. I've seen bob-tails before, but not like this.

Foster Kitten #2

This is the one I call Adrian. No idea of the gender. Will maybe find out tomorrow. LOL This kitten has a tail unlike 2 of his / her siblings, but also very interesting markings.

Foster Kitten #1

I have not named this kitten. I don't even know the gender. It's the one that everyone wants, though. Gee, I wonder why.

Shaun Massages a Kitten into a Coma

Shaun Massages a Kitten into a Coma

Not really, but Adrian cat naps like a pro. 😛

Hang in there. It gets funny after the first minute. 🙂

(Foster babies after play time. One was SOOO sleepy!)

Just spent some time with the foster kittens.

Just spent some time with the foster kittens.  Still have no idea who's a boy and who's a girl.  I'll Google "kitten genitals" one day this week.  LOL

I got some cute photos and videos.  I'll get at least some of it posted tonight.  Stay tuned!  🙂

I came home from Munford with a box full of kittens.

I came home from Munford with a box full of kittens. I'll post better pics this week, but for now this is all you get. 😛

I will say that they are all beautifully unique. Orange has no tail. Spike (named for the Gremlin with hair) has an orange streak of hair on his head and a super short tail. Adrian (named for a shelter cat I loved) has a tail, but very interesting markings. Then the little Siamese looking baby I just call "Laurel's Kitten" because she has a thing for Siamese cats and would be an excellent home. I'm hoping my not-so-subtle naming will put some ideas in her head. LOL

They are probably 3-4 weeks old. Mama stopped nursing early, but thankfully not before they were old enough to figure out how to lap up liquid.

They are gonna be my foster babies. I haven't had a foster in a while and I've missed it.

FYI:  I am planning to start posting things for sale on the yard sale sites to clean out my garage and pay for their vetting. Keep an eye out for that and buy my junk if you can. 🙂

I have been play-bowed at by many dogs.

I have been play-bowed at by many dogs.  That is nothing new.  But today on the way to Munford a dog play-bowed to me.  IN MY CAR.  WHILE I WAS DRIVING TOWARD HIM.

Whattt?

I did my Literature!

I did my Literature!  Well, what of it I could do.  I had to write a post on the discussion board.  I am also supposed to respond to two peers... but none of them have written yet.  Get on it, classmates!

So now my big deal is History.  My brain is having a hard time remembering all the people and the things they did.  Our first test is Thursday and it's 130 questions... and I'm just like "...  ...  shit..."  🙁  It's the story of America and I'm enjoying hearing it, but committing these details to memory is not easy.  There are like, 20 or 30 people we're learning all at once.  😕

Anyway.  I think I'm gonna go clean my bathroom real quick.  Shaun is coming back.  Yay!  I will start working on history tomorrow.  My brain is tired and my body is, too.

Thankfully, I've gotten enough stuff done today that I don't feel frantic anymore.  I feel like I can think and concentrate, so that's amazing.  When my house is crazy and I feel behind (even if I'm not, but I'm not where I want to be), I start spiraling out into "can't concentrate" land.  I hate that place.

Today was ok!

Today was ok!  I'm not done with it yet, but so far, so good!  🙂

Shaun helped me repair some things around the house.  I spent a good chunk of time cleaning.  I also took a nap.  Got a surprise visit from my brother and his friend, so that was cool.  Too bad that was before I started cleaning (seriously, the house was NOT COOL), but it was good to see them.  🙂

Shadow's still with his friend, so Shaun and I have had the day pretty much to ourselves.  It's been a nice mix of doing things and also not doing things.  Since I took Methotrexate yesterday resting between accomplishing things has been necessary, but that's ok.  I'm currently about to do some homework, and then I'll either hang with my guy again or call it a night.  Who knows?

I'm also pretty excited.  Shaun usually gives me birthday presents early and this year doesn't seem to be an exception.  I don't usually want him to buy me expensive gifts, but he offered to buy a dishwasher for me and I told him that if he could find a good deal, then I'd be ok with it.  We'll start looking either tomorrow or sometime next week, I guess.

He's starting to wear me down.  After all these years of him trying to help me and get me nice things it's hard to keep saying "No."  But this would help my life so much.  With school and work and studying and animals - making time to wash dishes is just not happening like it should.  I'm opposed to using disposable dishes long term for the sake of the environment, so that doesn't work.  And I don't know - I guess I could make Shadow do the dishes, but I can't really stand the thought of anyone else washing them.  I am SUPER PICKY about what I eat and what I eat off of.  LOL  And it's not like he doesn't already do a lot around here.

Anyway.  No complaints so far today.  I did get a little sore, but some Ibuprofen helped that.  If I can knock out my literature assignments this evening, then I will be super psyched.  And with that - I'm off!

Later, friends.  I hope you all had a good day, as well!  ❤

I'm not sure if it's the wet weather...

I'm not sure if it's the wet weather or the fact that I drove Shadow to a friend's house that was kind of far away, but I'm starting to get sore again as of this evening. 🙁 Boo. But I started back on my methotrexate earlier today, so maybe it won't last.  Here's hoping. 

Goodnight, Internet land. I'm hanging with Shaun for a bit and then I'm calling it a night.

I started the day by falling out of my bed.

I started the day by falling out of my bed.  More accurately - I fell off the ladder to my bed.  I got a phone call that woke me up and the person calling required some information that I had to get out of my bed to retrieve.  FYI:  Trying to go down a ladder while half-asleep with a phone in one hand is probably not a great idea.  You're welcome.

I am, SOMEHOW, still feeling ok.  I had a "well" visit with Dr. Rana this afternoon, which was perfect because I mostly wanted to test him out.  It was free - thank you BCBS.  And the verdict is:  I really like him.  He didn't rush me, he listened to me, he's referring me to the rheumatologist I want to see (no pressure, even though there was one accepting patients in his practice), and we have a plan in place in case I start feeling like crap before they get me in.  I am pleased.

This part is just details, so skip it if you don't care:

He's putting me back on Methotrexate to see if we can head off the Psoriasis flare I feel coming.  In the event my bones start hurting I am allowed to take up to 600mg of Ibuprofen at a time, for up to two weeks.  If my pain persists beyond that I am to come see him.  Other than that, since Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis are the things that are hurting me he's planning to be there if I need him, but he wants the rheumy to do most of the work, which makes sense.  Another thing I liked about Dr. Rana was that when I told him who I wanted to see he Googled him right then and there.  He agreed that it was a good choice.  I just thought it was really neat that he was taking an obvious interest in my care.

His nurse (or whoever does the referral appointments) called to get my appointment with the rheumy with me sitting right there.  WHATTT?  Amazing.  😳  It was the afternoon, so we missed Rheumatology Associates by about 8 minutes, but she said she'd try again in the morning.  She asked me what times were best for me and I told her.  At every other GP I was told to take whatever appointment I could get when seeing a specialist - they wouldn't even make the effort to make the appointment convenient for me.  So it made me feel very happy that I'm not expected to drop / rearrange my whole life to get this treatment.  Because seriously, having a chronic illness sucks enough.  Being treated like everything should revolve around it doesn't making coping any easier.  I have a life and stuff to do.  I feel like this is the first doctor who's really heard me and understood that.

All in all, today was another ok day.  I don't understand how or why I don't feel like complete and utter shit right now since I am on no medication whatsoever, but I'm really glad that I don't.  No complaints today!  😃

Feeling mostly ok today, thank goodness. 🙂

Feeling mostly ok today, thank goodness.  🙂  I can tell that my skin is about to freak out on me, though.  What's coming is SO BAD.  I can feel it starting.  Thank goodness for creams and medicated shampoos.

Seeing Dr. Rana tomorrow and I'm planning to get a referral to Dr. Townsend in Birmingham.  When I called Rheumatology Associates they said it would probably be mid-November before they could get me in.  That kind of sucks, but it could be worse.  I'm gonna try to hang in there.

Snaga just loudly brought me another trinket to trade for treats.  Looks like I'm gonna have to buy some more cat treats soon at this rate.  LOL

I'm off to do more homework.  Trying to stay on top of all that fun stuff.  🙂  Still digging Algebra more than any of my other classes.  I'm still floored that I'm so into math.  It's so funny how much I learn about myself all the time.

Later, friends!  ❤

Today was also ok.

Today was also ok.  I can feel the pain settling back into my hips, but I took some Tylenol Arthritis Pain medication and that helped.

I called some doctors this morning.  I have an appointment with Dr. Rana on Thursday.  As for Rheumys, Dr. McLain wouldn't be able to get me in until February, so that's unfortunate.  Dr. Traylor could get me in near the beginning of November.  Dr. Saway would be the end of November / early December.  After looking at the Rheumatology Associates website I think I'd be ok with pretty much any of those doctors.  I'm planning to do more research on them and have a solid plan in mind by Thursday so I can tell Dr. Rana what I want.  Dr. Townsend has a special interest in PSA, so he might be a good bet.  I can't recall if anyone has mentioned him or not, but I'll check his reviews in the next day or two.

Anyway.  I think it's time for a nice, hot shower.  I have a little bit of homework and then I'm probably calling it a night.  Life is harder when you can't just nap when you want to!  😕  For whatever reason I felt like this day was exhausting.  Later, friends.  ❤

I had another good day today.

I had another good day today.  I feel like myself right now - which is awesome.  🙂

I gotta say I've really enjoyed not having to take medication every day.  I KNOW that's gonna catch up with me, but I just hated doing it.  Maybe if I end up on a biologic, taking a shot every week or every other week will end up being better than having to take pills all the time.  I guess we'll see.  Still not too keen on the thought of self-injecting, but I feel more mentally equipped to cross that bridge this semester if need be.

I spent my weekend sleeping and playing catch-up on things I'd fallen behind on doing, mostly.  Me and my guys went out for a late lunch or early dinner, whatever, and then came home and played Mario together for a while.  I can't even recall the last time I felt like playing a game with someone.  I am so thankful that even though Friday sucked the rest of the weekend was pretty nice.  I really needed that.

Here's hoping that the grind of the week doesn't kill my good vibe!  At least I got to skip Monday, right?  😛

Poor Harley.

Poor Harley. He learned today that even true love doesn't make it ok for you to come between your woman and her food. ESPECIALLY if she's in shed. He got his toe bitten by a very hangry Teyla. 

Don't worry. He's fine. Just bruised his feelings for the day. 🙂

Snaga has been meowing all morning.

Snaga has been meowing all morning.  She has food and water and I've petted her.  She's totally fine, so I just went back in my room like "She's being weird again.  Whatever."  LOL  Finally, she found a way to make me understand her message:  She wanted treats.

So... She started meowing again, but this time she brought me a gift.  She came right up to my door and brought me a lighter.

I just traded my cat some treats for a lighter.  LOL

She's quiet now.  That's all she wanted.  I absolutely adore how much effort she put into getting her message across.  Funny girl.  ❤

Not a super recent picture, but...

Not a super recent picture, but I don't have my camera handy.  I'm hanging with this Scale-Baby and doing some Algebra.  Then I'm gonna spend some time with my guys before I call it a night.

Today was another ok day.  🙂  My stomach still feels a little off, but not terribly.  I'll take it.  I'm almost caught up on homework.  I will need to spend a little time on the house tomorrow, but that's ok.

Even though I don't celebrate most holidays I'm really happy that we're on the end of the year that has a bunch.  I am all about these extra days off!

I feel ok! 😃

I feel ok! 😃 I can't even tell y'all how excited I am about that!

I did wake up feeling like crap. My stomach has been hurting the last few days. I made myself go to Wal-Mart and buy some Prevacid. I'd read that it helps to take something like that if you take a bunch of NSAIDS - which I have been taking various OTC NSAIDS for the last several weeks. I'm slightly concerned that I'm developing an ulcer on top of everything else, but maybe I won't.

I can tell that the Otezla is wearing off. I'm getting pretty achy again, but it's not terrible yet. I also feel more clear-headed than I have in a while. I don't think I actually realized how far gone I was in the head. 😕

Anyway. I took the Prevacid, and some Ibuprofen for slight joint pain and a headache, then went back to bed for some hours. After Shaun woke me up we went out to Pizza Hut and I ate SO MUCH food. Now I'm sitting here all cozy on the couch - digesting my food and relaxing. I'm planning to do some Algebra soon while my guys watch a movie. I'm pretty excited that I feel like I can. 🙂

I know that I'm gonna be in pain before I get on new medication and it has time to kick in, but I'm thankful for this evening and for getting my brain back. Yay! 😃

I've been pretty quiet on here this week...

I've been pretty quiet on here this week... mostly because it's been a bad week.  Here's an update for anyone who's interested:

Monday I felt like crap and went to work for roughly 1.5 hours in the afternoon before dragging myself to class and half-assing an assignment in Literature.  Being alive felt like work.  HARD work.  It was SO DIFFICULT to make myself leave the house, but I eventually did.  How did I get so amazing?

After being in pain for most of last week Dr. Crawford's office finally returned my call on Tuesday and offered me Tramadol.  I told them I didn't want it.  It's an opioid and addiction runs in my family and I'm not ready to go there.  I don't understand why the fuck no one wants to prescribe a stronger NSAID - from everything I've been told on the Psoriasis boards, that's the usual coarse of action.  I feel like Tramadol is jumping the gun.  I feel like no one is listening to me and I hate it.

While I had them on the phone I told them that the Otezla they put me on was making me depressed.  They told me to stop taking it immediately.  I guess when you can accidentally pull out in front of other cars and not even have a fleeting sense of panic that you might possibly be hit by one of them, that's a sign.  So.  I'm off the Otezla.  Of course it had started helping my joint pain, but if you'd just as soon die as live it doesn't matter.  They said that they would call me back and let me know what I can take next.  That was Tuesday and I'm still waiting.  So, Dr. Monica Crawford is fired.

After researching rheumatologists that my friends recommended, my top three choices are Dr. Saway, Dr. McLain, and Dr. Traylor.  Dr. Saway is in the lead because he also specializes in Pain Management, which seems like a big freaking deal right now.

As for this day - it's not great.  I went to bed with a migraine, barely slept, and then was woken up by the sound of Shadow gagging.  He's been sick at his stomach all day and when I was woken up I noticed that I felt pretty yucky, too.  My stomach felt cold and swollen and I felt like I was gonna puke for most of the day.

I thought I would take Shadow to the doctor, but all of the ones that his Medicaid allows him to see were closed for the day.  I called Medicaid to see where I could take him besides the emergency room (because that seems like overkill), and they said that he does not have Medicaid.  I had the brand new card in my hand along with the acceptance letter.  After being put on hold for 30 minutes I decided I'd better make my own doctor appointments before everyone closed and of course, the Medicaid lady picked back up.  I asked her to please give me one second and she said she could hold for one minute.  I told her she could wait for a couple if she needed to because I've been waiting on her for 30.  I am quite sure I had a "don't fuck with me" tone to my voice because I would have jumped through the phone and ripped her face off had she said anything but "ok."

So, I ended up having to leave a message at another number about Shadow's insurance.  Of course - that place was closed, too.  So Shadow's not going to the doctor unless he gets sicker and then I'll take him to an urgent care place and pay out of pocket, I guess.  With all that money I made this week missing two days of work due to sickness and depression.

I have no words to express what I'm feeling right now.  I just want to scream profanity.  That, or lay on my couch like a lump.  I don't actually have the energy to be as upset as I feel.  That's been my week.  The End.

Former Anniston restaurant owner gets maximum for animal cruelty

Former Anniston restaurant owner gets maximum for animal cruelty (Link is to al.com news site)

Previous Post about this Piece of Shit