tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-164171072024-03-13T17:49:51.678-04:00the view from my fishbowlMusings on everyday life...from my little fishbowlTracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.comBlogger1298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-34621077434978156112018-08-08T22:12:00.001-04:002018-08-08T22:12:42.732-04:00High School. It's really happening.<br />
<br />
High School.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I SWEAR she was just starting kindergarten.<br />
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Time needs to SLOW. DOWN. NOW.
Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-1975138673217693492018-04-19T16:33:00.002-04:002018-04-19T16:33:55.912-04:00Thursday Thoughts - Fibro FogHoly Toledo.<br />
It's a blogging miracle.<br />
Another Thursday, another blog post -- and they're only a week apart.<br />
<br />
Yeah, don't get too excited. I doubt this will happen again.<br />
<br />
But I had to write this down before I forget.<br />
Because, today we're going to talk about Fibro Fog, also know as brain fog. <br />
<br />
Of all the shitty things caused by Fibromyalgia, the brain fog is THE WORST.<br />
<br />
Yes, the constant aches and pains suck. A lot.<br />
But brain fog?<br />
I hate it.<br />
<br />
I used to consider myself a reasonably intelligent person, pre-fibro.<br />
Now?<br />
Most days I feel like a complete idiot at some point or another.<br />
<br />
Either I'm forgetting shit I shouldn't forget or I can't form a complete sentence, or I say something totally opposite of what I meant to say -- none of which makes me sound like I'm smart. And sometimes as the words are coming out of my mouth my brain is shouting "STOP! You're going to use the wrong word or mix up your words....and .... OH TOO LATE."<br />
<br />
Forgetting stuff? Yeah. I hate it.<br />
My lists have lists and then they make little baby lists.<br />
Lists are like gremlins on my desk - they multiply daily.<br />
And when I'm stressed out?<br />
<span class="st"><em>Fuhgettaboutit.</em></span><br />
<span class="st">Stress = 1000% forgetful. </span><br />
<span class="st"><em> </em></span><br />
<span class="st">And ALL OF THIS makes me feel <b>less than</b>. </span><br />
<span class="st">Sure I joke about how I can't remember shit, but to be totally honest it bums me out a lot. </span><br />
<span class="st">I hate how brain fog makes me feel.</span><br />
<span class="st">There's really nothing fun about it. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">If there's ONE thing I wish I could give up when it comes to fibro, it's the brain fog. I'd take more constant body pains if the brain fog would just go away. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /><em></em></span>
<span class="st">OK...now that I've bummed all of you out....I'm gonna go make some more lists so I remember things. ;-D<br /><em></em></span>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-6031419600738287182018-03-08T19:32:00.000-05:002018-03-08T19:32:05.817-05:00Still Here.Y'all.<br />
<br />
I'm still here.<br />
<br />
One of these days I'll get around to writing some more posts.<br />
<br />
Promise.<br />
<br />
And if you're still coming by to see what's up....thank you ;-DTracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-4301450364288633392017-06-26T19:28:00.001-04:002017-06-27T10:53:43.640-04:00She's Home.Well...here it is then. <br />
<br />
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<br />
Mollie is back at home.<br />
Granted, it's as a black velvet bag full of ashes in a lovely wooden box.<br />
But, she's home.<br />
<br />
And damn it all this sucks just about as much as last Thursday did.<br />
<br />
After my epic crying jag last Thursday I had managed to NOT cry for a few days.<br />
<br />
Granted I found myself looking behind my desk chair several times a day to find that she wasn't there anymore. And, I called Jake "Mollie" several times a day (good thing he can't hear). And I still looked for her in the living room when I went upstairs at night. And, I can't bring myself to move her dog bed from our bedroom.<br />
<br />
But yeah.<br />
I was powering through it.<br />
For the most part.<br />
<br />
Until this morning when the vet left a message on my phone that "Mollie is back and ready to come home."<br />
<br />
I'm really happy I let that call go to voicemail. [Also I would hate to be the person who had to make those calls].<br />
<br />
And then tonight when Kevin walked in with her it all came back. All I had to do was look at her paw print and I lost it.<br />
<br />
We put her ashes on a table in the living room right near the spot where she always slept when we were out. That way I can give her a little pat as I walk by each day.<br />
<br />
I suppose eventually that'll make me feel better. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-86032554091226936632017-06-22T16:33:00.001-04:002017-06-23T07:18:16.793-04:00A Dog's LifeToday has been a spectacularly craptastic day.<br />
<br />
Our 15-year-old dog, Mollie, died this morning.<br />
She died on our deck.<br />
With me sitting next to her in my pajamas, crying.<br />
<br />
Mollie was our sweet and sassy and spunky border collie/golden retriever mix. She was the first baby Kevin and I had - we adopted her a few months before our wedding in 2002. She was part of a litter that had been abandoned in a box on the side of the road.<br />
<br />
She was a smart dog, a kind dog, a sassy dog. And she lived her life believing it was her job to herd everyone and everything that ever walked past our backyard. She barked at everything. And everyone. But always with a wagging tail and never out of anger.<br />
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<br />
Mollie was also really freaking cute. No. She was pretty. A damn pretty dog. We didn't know it when we adopted her but she had super long hair (she was just a fuzzball as a baby pup). We soon realized that we'd have to get her groomed (see pic above) unless we wanted her to look like a lion.<br />
<br />
As a puppy she learned to sit, speak (no problem learning that), shake, and roll over. As a senior dog she could still speak. Loudly.<br />
<br />
Last year after one of her grooming sessions we noticed a large tumor on her front leg. She didn't seem bothered by it - she was still chasing Jake (our other dog) around the yard, acting like a dog that was much younger than 14 years old.<br />
<br />
Earlier this spring we visited the vet for her vaccinations so we could board the dogs when we went on vacation. The vet looked at the tumor, said it was cancer, and agreed with us that Mollie was too old to do any sort of surgery.<br />
<br />
So we agreed to just let things happen. We would watch her for any change in behavior, eating habits, etc. And if and when those changes happened we'd take action.<br />
<br />
I've worked at home for six years. And in those six years Mollie was my constant companion, my shadow. She'd wait for me at the bottom of the steps each morning...waiting to "go to work" in my home office. She'd spend the day sleeping behind my chair, following me to the kitchen when it was time for more coffee or for lunch.<br />
<br />
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<br />
She was my furry co-worker.<br />
And my office is much lonelier today.<br />
<br />
Last week I started to notice that Mollie seemed a bit "off." One night she stood in front of me, just staring, almost as if to say "hey, I'm not doing so great." The other animals in the house - Jake the dog, and Quinn and Teddy the cats - each seemed to know something wasn't quite right either. They all spent one day last week in my office, surrounding Mollie.<br />
<br />
On Monday of this week she refused to eat in the morning - which was so NOT like Mollie. She spent her 15 years eating like it was her full-time job. So we sort of knew something was going on.<br />
<br />
Tuesday she had many, many accidents in the house. We called the vet. They said it could be the end.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we took her to the vet to see what they thought might be going on. Unfortunately we got stuck with the one doctor we don't like and she was very cold and uncaring. We chose to treat what we thought might be wrong and we chose to bring Mollie home.<br />
<br />
I'm glad we made that decision. If she had died this morning at the vet, alone in a cage, I'm not sure I could forgive myself.<br />
<br />
As it was, she came home last night and got to hang out in the kitchen (her second favorite room in the house). She slept in the family room all night, next to the couch where I was sleeping. I heard her coughing several times during the night - but that was normal for her.<br />
<br />
This morning she woke up at 5:45 a.m. and stumbled out to the backyard where she collapsed. I scooped her up from the yard and placed her on the deck next to me and rubbed her back, telling her it was OK to go. In less than 10 minutes she was gone.<br />
<br />
I don't know if she was in pain when she died. I hope she wasn't, even though she seemed to struggle at the very end. I hope that she was aware that I was right there with her. <br />
<br />
Mollie was the first member of our family 15 years ago and our house feels emptier today without her. While I still love our other fur babies - Jake, Quinn, and Teddy - I will freely admit that I loved Mollie just a little more. Her death is harder even than my beloved Daisy the Cat.<br />
<br />
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<br />
We love you Mollie. Thanks for being our good girl for 15 years. We hope you've found Daisy and Greta and Lucy and Dakota and Warren up there on the Rainbow Bridge and that you're running and barking and letting them know you're the boss. <br />
<br />
We miss you. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-40615423348469367252017-06-15T13:51:00.001-04:002017-06-15T13:51:29.167-04:00Oh hai....it's JUNE!Yes. I'm still here.<br />
Yes. I still blog.<br />
Sometimes.<br />
Most of the time I just THINK about blogging and then I get sidetracked and nothing happens.<br />
<br />
Anyway...here we are...three weeks into summer "break" and I've been on the GO since the end of May.<br />
<br />
We took vacation to the Outer Banks at the beginning of the month. Truth be told, I'd rather still be at the beach. I'm pretty sure I need to retire (someday...hahahahaha) to the beach. Specifically to the OBX.<br />
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<br />
For real. I'd never get tired of looking at the sunrise.<br />
<br />
There's just something SO relaxing about the beach - and I have no problem waking up at 5:45 a.m. almost every day to see the sunrise.<br />
<br />
Back to reality now....<br />
This summer is going to be SO BUSY.<br />
<br />
Between two weeks of religious education (yep, I'm THAT mom), golf lessons and PGA Junior golf matches (for Emma), ballet classes and two weeks of pre-intensives (for Olivia) there's not much "free" time. Our calendars are quite full. <br />
<br />
But we're squeezing in a trip to CT and NYC and a trip to Orlando.<br />
So it's not all work and no play this summer.<br />
<br />
Times flies when you're having fun. ;-)<br />
<br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-8169354736272880082017-03-17T13:51:00.000-04:002017-03-17T13:51:32.313-04:00Food Allergies. Again.I really wanted to start this blog post with a loud sigh.<br />
[SIGH]<br />
<br />
Emma had her very first allergy test this week - I had made the appointment because as soon as things starting blooming (VERY early) around here she was a sniffling, sneezing mess. It seemed like a good time to figure out what kind of seasonal stuff we were dealing with.<br />
<br />
As part of the test they tested 23 outdoor allergens (weeds, trees, dust, grasses, cats, dogs, guinea pigs, etc). The test also included 20 food items.<br />
<br />
This is what her arms looked like:<br />
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The "seasonal" arm immediately reacted with redness, itching, and small weals (or welts). Emma said "I've never been this itchy in my whole life!" And she cried. A lot.<br />
<br />
The food arm took slower to react and I honestly wasn't expecting it to react at all. Or maybe I was HOPING it wouldn't react. I mean, what are the odds that BOTH girls would have food allergies?<br />
<br />
Um, pretty damn good apparently.<br />
<br />
After about 5 minutes Emma's "food" arm started reacting.<br />
This is what it looked like after the serum and pen were wiped off:<br />
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Those red weals are all reactions to certain foods. Specifically: peanuts, almonds, walnuts, soy, and sesame seeds. Now, Emma eats edamame (soy beans) all the time with no issues so we were instructed to keep eating that.<br />
<br />
However, everything else on the list of allergens is OFF LIMITS. So...Emma and Olivia have the same food allergies. [insert loud sigh here].<br />
<br />
Emma hasn't ever liked peanut butter - she never eats it. And we don't eat nuts because I don't keep them in the house. But she now has to avoid anything that might have a cross contact issue (M&Ms, other candy bars, etc).<br />
<br />
[As an aside: Please don't lecture me about this. Maybe you feed your peanut and tree nut allergy kid M&Ms all the time. I don't. I'm very vigilant about avoiding any foods that have been processed in a plant/on a line that also processes foods containing the allergens. You do you. I'll do things my way].<br />
<br />
And so, Emma now has EpiPens and we have to be careful about her foods too. <br />
<br />
To say I'm sad about this might be an understatement. I'm really pissed off. And, I'm sad for Emma (who is also sad). I wouldn't wish food allergies (of any kind) on anyone and now both my kids have them.<br />
<br />
I mean really.<br />
Seriously universe?<br />
Are you done yet?<br />
<br />
Oddly enough, I can say that this was not a bombshell diagnosis like it was with Olivia. When she was diagnosed in 2011 I was floored. Like FLOORED. With Emma it was more a feeling of sadness and resignation. Like, "well, here we go again."<br />
<br />
And I know a lot more about food allergies than I did six years ago. So...I keep on keeping on. I continue to be the strongest advocate I can be for my kids. <br />
<br />
But really universe. If you could just give me a break ... for just a little bit, that would be awesome. <br />
<br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-78380117888981747102017-03-07T13:07:00.001-05:002017-03-09T13:57:51.108-05:00A Top 10 List for FibromyalgiaI'm coming up on my one year "anniversary" of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Thinking I'll buy myself a cupcake and a venti caramel machiato to celebrate. [Sarcasm font deployed].<br />
<br />
The other night as I painfully crawled into bed I started thinking about this
blog post - which in itself is a dangerous notion because I can't
remember shit most of the time. That I remembered <i>some</i> of what I wanted
to write is AH-mazing. <br />
<br />
As I thought about my life PF (pre-fibro) and how I feel now....every
single day....it's kind of sad. I honestly can't remember the last time
I didn't have some level of pain in my body. I'm sure it was some time
back in late 2015, but that "old" me is gone.<br />
<br />
One of my boards on Pinterest is labeled '<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tracileigh/fibrogirl/" target="_blank">Fibro Girl</a>' and it is where I post all the fibro-related pins I find, whether they're snarky ecards or "do this to feel better" ideas. Several of the pins are "things I wish people understood about fibro" memes.<br />
<br />
And so, I thought I'd share a few things with you (my seven loyal readers....lol) about what I wish people understood about <b>my</b> fibro (because MY fibro might be totally different than your best friend's sister's boyfriend's mom's fibro).<br />
<br />
1. Most days my pain level is a 2 or 3. [Click on photo below to see what these numbers mean]. On a rare occasion it'll be a 4. I have had a few days where I made it to 5. That's when I sleep and avoid people at all costs. But on any given day - including today and probably tomorrow - I'm a 2 or 3. Today I'd say I'm a 2 but might be headed toward a 3. Last night I was a strong 3. I had pain radiating from my shoulder blades into my collar bones. This morning Emma hugged me and it hurt. Pain is a <u><b>daily</b></u> thing for me.That's why they call it CHRONIC PAIN. I cannot remember the last time I didn't have some level of pain. Chew on that for a second.<b> Chronic. Pain.</b> <br />
<br />
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2. I'm not kidding when I say I don't want you to hug me. Or touch my arm or shoulder. Or grab my arm because something really exciting happened. Or pat me on the arm. Or the back. It really does hurt when people touch me. I'm not being overly-dramatic if you grab my arm (like one person at Emma's school is prone to do during meetings) and I say "OUCH. That hurts." I am super sensitive to being touched and quite frankly I don't like it. If I go in for a hug that's my way of saying it's OK to hug me. Otherwise, hands off me people.<br />
<br />
3. Noise bothers me. A lot. If the TV is too loud (as my kids and husband are prone to do) I turn it down. If the whole family (all 10 of us) are together and everything is talking loudly it is literally like nails on a chalkboard to me. I can't handle it. If we're in a restaurant and it's really loud I can't handle it. The only way I can explain it is this: I can't think straight when it is too loud and it feels like my brain is short circuiting. I think I'm going to need headphones just to get through my flight to Orlando this weekend.<br />
<br />
4. If I say I'm "OK" when you ask how I'm feeling, that doesn't mean that I'm feeling great (see #1 above). It just means that I don't feel like talking about how I really feel. Probably because I think you won't understand it.<br />
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5. I might joke about my shitty memory but my "fibro memory" and <a href="https://themighty.com/2016/02/what-brain-fog-feels-like/" target="_blank">brain fog</a> are seriously awful. I hate that I can't remember things without writing stuff down on at least two lists. I literally have a "to-do list" and a "don't forget to do this list." Most days, I will think "OK, I must do [insert random task here]" and if I get distracted even for a minute or two, <b>game over</b>. I won't remember what I was supposed to do. Brain fog takes all of this to a whole new level. My day can be going great and out of nowhere my train of thought derails and that's it. The only way I can explain it is this: it feels like a swarm of bees buzzing about in my head (like I literally have a bee or 20 in my bonnet) and I can't focus. On anything. That's when I walk away and take a nap and hope my brain reboots. I hate this feeling more than anything else because I feel <i>stupid</i>. <br />
<br />
6. I am super moody, and the pain makes it worse. Sure I have good days where my mood is fine and all but....no shit, that can change on a dime. When I don't feel good - when the pain is closer to a high 3 or low 4 - that's when I get really snappish and you should probably avoid me. I also have a low tolerance for people in general when I feel like shit. You've been warned. ;-) [Ask Kevin how I act when I'm snappish. That guy deserves a f*cking medal for putting up with me when I'm in a "fibro mood.']<br />
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7. I have to take a pill to help me sleep at night. That pill has made me gain weight and I can't lose that weight. Which makes me feel even shittier than normal. Like, I'd love to lose 70 lbs (for reals) but the mere thought of exercising is exhausting. Lately, I've had to take 2 of those pills each night to help me sleep. Why? Because I am prone to wake up in the middle of the night with horrible pain in my elbows and hips and collar bones and if I take two pills I fall back to sleep easier. Imagine for a minute that you wake up in the middle of the night not because you heard a noise or because your husband is snoring but because you hurt SO MUCH that the simple act of rolling over in bed is excruciating. Welcome to my world.<br />
<br />
8. I hate having fibro. Like for the longest time last year I kept thinking "this will go away and I'll wake up tomorrow and I won't be in pain." That hasn't happened. Which means I've had to accept this. I hate that going to the grocery store is exhausting. I hate that usually the simple act of taking a shower (especially on a 3-4 pain level day) is exhausting to the point that I have to sit in bed for 20-30 minutes just to regroup enough to walk downstairs. (Yes. Really. Taking a shower makes me tired.) I hate that as I'm sitting there typing I have flames of pain radiating out of my shoulders and collar bones and down into my elbows. I hate that my kids feel like they need to ask if they can give me a "real hug" or an "air hug." I hate that I feel like people will think I'm just being a complainer when I talk about how crappy I really feel.<br />
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9. The only thing I can do is power through every day. Even if I'm in pain (which remember IS every day) I have shit to get done. I have a job. I have laundry to do. I have meals to cook. I have ballet classes to drive to and basketball games to attend. I can't let fibro hold me back. And I <u>will</u> power through it ever single day. I have no other choice. But on any given day there might be one thing that sets me off - the weather, hormones, stress, lack of sleep, change in temperature, change in routine. This week it has been a four-day-long headache that sent me to bed at 8:45 Tuesday night because the pain was THAT bad and I felt that if I didn't go to sleep I would be sick. Like vomiting sick. I just never know what is going to be that thing that knocks me on my ass. At the end of this week it'll be the temperature change - which I can already feel BTW.<br />
<br />
...and finally.... <br />
<br />
10. <a href="https://themighty.com/2016/03/fibromyalgia-things-no-one-talks-about/" target="_blank">This</a>. And <a href="https://themighty.com/2015/11/what-to-know-about-fibromyalgia/" target="_blank">this</a>. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-75831780890845447202017-03-02T16:13:00.001-05:002017-03-02T16:13:23.431-05:00Random Thursday ThoughtsI just ordered groceries online for the first time ever. This could actually be an amazing thing. If it goes well and they don't eff up my order (I requested "no substitutions" so as to limit the chance of effing it up), I might never leave my house again to go to the store.<br />
<br />
We all know how I feel about people in general and if I don't have to leave home and participate in small talk with a checkout clerk things might be right in the world again.<br />
<br />
So why am I finally hopping on the ClickList bandwagon? Because I'm really effing busy this week. Like I have Post-It notes for my Post-It notes. My desk looks like a tornado tore through the home office (and I'm fighting some wicked brain fog - I almost typed threw instead of through).<br />
<br />
Basically I don't have time to shop for groceries. I can't go tonight because Kevin is at basketball practice with the kids and me going to the store without adult supervision after a long week is not a good idea. I don't have time to go tomorrow because my to-do list is birthing another to-do list.<br />
<br />
It ain't pretty folks.<br />
This week is kicking my ass.<br />
<br />
I am trying to stay focused - which is why I have notes upon to-do lists upon bullet journal pages. I make lists for my lists.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I sat down at my computer at 11:15 a.m. and didn't move until 3 p.m. No bathroom breaks, no snacks, nothing. Today was very similar.<br />
<br />
I've been fighting brain fog and pain all week which just adds to the list making. I need to write everything down or I forget. For reals.<br />
<br />
However, I am finding that making a "what's for dinner" page and a grocery list page in my BuJo (bullet journal people...keep up) has helped this week. Like I'll be sitting here and I'll think "oh! that sounds good for dinner" and I write down what I need.<br />
<br />
And so...that is my week in a nutshell. There might not be enough Post-It notes to get me to the weekend. <br />
<br />
The only thing that could make the whole grocery shopping from home thing better? If they gave out Venti Vanilla Lattes from Starbucks when you pick up the groceries.<br />
<br />
A girl can dream. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-20920553712062575302017-02-16T20:51:00.001-05:002017-02-16T20:51:24.450-05:00This WeekOK, so yes it's ONLY Thursday but lately (as Chris Hayes says) every day feels like 20. And this has been a long week.<br />
<br />
I celebrated my birthday last week and by Sunday I was starting to feel 'off.' Pretty sure it was my body's way of telling me I had been overdoing things.<br />
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<br />
Sunday night I took my sleeping pill like a good little fibro patient and I SLEPT FOR SHIT. You ever have one of those night where you think you're sleeping but your brain is on FULL OVERDRIVE and therefore you're really not asleep? (Sorry. That's the only way I can describe it).<br />
<br />
That was Sunday night.<br />
<br />
Monday morning I was in a fog.<br />
I actually told my parents and sister at lunch that I was feeling "fuzzy."<br />
My brain felt like it was full of buzzing bees.<br />
Sounds pleasant right?<br />
I managed to make it through the whole day without failing too hard.<br />
<br />
That night I took TWO sleeping pills.<br />
Don't worry, my rheumatologist says that's OK.<br />
Holy shit was that some good sleep.<br />
<br />
I made it through Tuesday without much effort.<br />
I actually felt OK.<br />
<br />
Tuesday night I took two pills again.<br />
More good sleep.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I was irritable and cranky.<br />
I blame PMS + Fibro.<br />
It makes me super bitchy.<br />
I took a 90 minute nap. <br />
<br />
Wednesday night was not good.<br />
Our dog crapped in our bedroom at 11 p.m.<br />
I cannot handle smells like that (even before fibro I couldn't do it but now it's like a trillion times worse).<br />
So...I "slept" on the couch.<br />
In pain.<br />
<br />
Today I struggled to stay focused on stuff.<br />
I managed to keep my focus, barely.<br />
But as the day went on I could feel it.<br />
<br />
The aches and pains creeping into my hips, elbows, shoulders, back, and the tip of my left index finger. Yes, really. The tip of my left index finger hurts. A lot. <br />
<br />
I'm doing my best to fight it right now but I think tomorrow might be a not-so-great day.<br />
Here's hoping I'm wrong.<br />
<br />
And that my friends has been this week in Fibroland. <br />
Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-55800214589145895352017-02-08T15:43:00.001-05:002017-02-08T15:43:17.084-05:00Nevertheless, She PersistedOh Mitch McConnell. You weak, spineless, sniveling, man-child. You just cannot tolerate a woman in power. An intelligent, well-spoken, respected, outspoken woman in a position of power makes you feel week and inferior, doesn't she?<br />
<br />
That's why last night you "warned" Senator Elizabeth Warren about the words she was speaking. And yet she persisted to speak. And you couldn't have <i>that</i> because HOW DARE SHE cross YOU. I mean, you're the guy in charge, right? How dare a woman speak her mind. That is unheard of.<br />
<br />
And so ...<br />
<br />
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<br />
You mansplained it to her. You warned her.<br />
And she persisted.<br />
<br />
Good.<br />
<br />
You see, I worked for men like you before. Weak, threatened by women who speak their mind (hell, men like you are threatened by women in every aspect of life). Men like you are the reason women still make less than men in the workforce. You're the reason we're STILL fighting for control over OUR OWN BODIES. You're the reason women are often treated as less than.<br />
<br />
You are a weak, small-minded, sexist, mysognistic man-child. You wish women still stayed at home. But instead you're surrounded by intelligent, well-spoken, and outspoken women in Congress. And they aren't afraid of you. They know you're weak and malevolent and immature.<br />
<br />
So you might have thought last night that you showed Elizabeth Warren who was "boss." You might have thought you put her in her rightful place.<br />
<br />
But you're so wrong.<br />
<br />
All you did was embolden a whole lot of strong, outspoken, intelligent women to stand up, speak out, and resist. Hell, we're even using your bullshit line ... "she was warned. she was given an explanation. nevertheless she persisted" - as a call to arms. We're posting it on our FB profiles. We're tweeting about it. We're hastagging the shit out of it. Oh, and as of right now about 8.5 MILLION people have watched that Facebook live video of Sen. Warren reading Coretta Scott King's letter.<br />
<br />
Bet you weren't prepared for that, were you?<br />
Of course you weren't.<br />
You thought she (and we) would go silently into the night.<br />
<br />
You were so wrong.<br />
<br />
Also, I'm pretty sure "nevertheless, she persisted" WILL be part of Sen. Warren's 2020 presidential bid. So thanks for the tagline.<br />
<br />
Now go crawl back into the hole from which you emerged you sexist, neanderthal pig. <br />
<br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-92146022075494674432017-02-05T10:54:00.001-05:002017-02-05T11:04:43.860-05:00Basketball Diaries, Chapter 2Because it's what I do, I posted on Facebook about yesterday's basketball game.<br />
<br />
My post: <i>"The point of recreation league basketball at the 4th grade level should
be to have FUN. But when your kid ends the game in tears because a
player from the opposing team shoved her to the ground .... it's not
fun. Also, every team should be held to the same standards and rules
[and there should also be a SET of rules to follow] otherwise what's the
point? These girls on the other teams aren't learning the game, they're
only being taught to win no matter the cost. I have a problem with
that."</i><br />
<br />
I had several responses that were supportive but something someone said left me scratching my head.<br />
<br />
In response to a comment from a parent I said: <i>"<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">It
just drives me crazy that these coaches are teaching the girls to be
mean - like why is that a requirement for basketball? The screaming in
other player's faces blows my mind. I mean, I know basketball can be
rough but there's "playing hard" and then there's just playing stupid." </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">And this was the response in part: "</span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">They have taught our girls to do that [scream in other player's faces] to distract. It's just a tactic most teams use."</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Wait. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Wot? </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Coaches are teaching players to SCREAM IN THEIR OPPONENT'S FACES as a distraction tactic? WTAF. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">This is not OK in any way. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Do you see college players doing this? Do you see professional players doing this? </span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Since when did it become acceptable to scream in another person's face to "distract" them? </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Another friend offered these gems: </span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">"A lot of parents and coaches are trying to re-live their youth through their kids. Shameful." ... and </span></span>"</span></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">Lord help our society. And now we have a terrible example in the white house. Ugh."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">I just have to wonder when ti became OK to essentially teach our kids to bully other players on the court or the field. I get that there's smack talk in any sport but screaming in someone's face seems so .... pathetic.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">If your players aren't capable of learning the proper rules of a game and playing defense (or offense) in the proper way perhaps they are better suited to something else. And if the "coaches" can't manage to teach their teams how to play by the rules then perhaps they need to do something else too. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">I'm trying to teach my kids to play by the rules and respect the game and other players. Emma plays hard on the court but she would never scream in another player's face just to "distract" them. That's just unacceptable behavior. </span></span> Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-5885713071752885162017-02-04T15:25:00.000-05:002017-02-05T10:51:56.291-05:00Basketball DiariesEmma plays basketball for the local "recreational" league. See, our school district has no sports teams until 7th grade so all the kids in the district have to play for this league (or some other league).<br />
<br />
On the league's website they state: <i>"<span id="home-nav">Our programs focus on the enjoyment of playing
basketball in an organized setting, as well as fundamental training
through the drills necessary to properly develop."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span id="home-nav">I call bullshit on this. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="home-nav">We've been part of this program since Liv was in 4th grade and every year it gets worse. There is no "enjoyment" when it comes to the weekly games.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="home-nav">The majority of the coaches in this league - let's remember that this year I'm talking about FOURTH GRADE GIRLS - are only in it to win it. At any cost. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="home-nav">The team we played today were rude, crass, and super physical. Like throwing elbows to the throat and shoving players to the ground. Which, in a normal game with REAL refs might actually be called as fouls. But not in today's game. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="home-nav">Nope. Today the "ref" (I use that term really lightly) didn't call one single foul.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="home-nav">Now let's think about this for a sec. In basketball fouls are called on players for specific violations. It's a common and accepted part of the game. But in this league in grades K-4 fouls are only called IF the ref decides he feels like calling them. And then when the players get to 5th grade fouls MUST be called. But by this point the kids don't know why they are getting fouls called on behavior that was ACCEPTED SINCE KINDERGARTEN. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="home-nav">See? Zero consistency. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="home-nav">Oh and let's talk about the coaches. Last week we had the meathead who kept screaming "get your man!" to a group of 4th grade GIRLS. (And NO. I don't give two hoots that it's called man-on-man play. They're girls. Call them girls). This week? Oh, we had a real peach as the opposing team's coach - she was cheering as her girls threw elbows to the throats and SCREAMED in our player's faces. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="home-nav">Being unable to control myself I actually yelled toward her (not at her...just in her general direction) "Seriously?!?" as the girls screamed in our players' faces, and she decided to yell at me "Stay on your side!" and something else that I can't recall. I'm pretty sure I responded in kind. I don't tolerate grownups mouthing off at me. </span><span id="home-nav"> </span><br />
<span id="home-nav"><br /></span>
<span id="home-nav">At the end of the game a player on the opposing team shoved Emma to the ground so hard that she ended up in tears. This is not normal for Emma to cry in a game so I know it hurt. And....no whistle, no foul, no nothing. </span><br />
<span id="home-nav"><br /></span>
<span id="home-nav">Everything about this "league" is laughable from the management to the coaching to the "refs." I'm pretty sure this will be the last year we play in this "league." </span><br />
<span id="home-nav"><br /></span>
<span id="home-nav">If their goal is to teach these kids the rules and regulations of the game they are failing in a spectacular manner. </span>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-49318072828708059672017-01-31T19:15:00.001-05:002017-01-31T19:15:19.818-05:00Farewell JanuaryI've said this before and I'll keep saying it.<br />
If it wasn't for the fact that BOTH OF MY KIDS were born in January I would despise this month.<br />
<br />
But as it is, there are two really great days in January.<br />
So I give the LONGEST MONTH EVER a pass.<br />
For the most part.<br />
<br />
However, this January has been a real bear (except for those two days).<br />
The month has dragged on FOREVER.<br />
Like for reals.<br />
I thought it would never end.<br />
<br />
I blame January 20 for the shit factor this month.<br />
I mean, if we're being totally honest here, that day sucked.<br />
A lot.<br />
<br />
And it hasn't gotten better since.<br />
In fact, it's getting worse every damn day.<br />
<br />
I'm literally waiting for the day when we're all assigned districts a la <i>The Hunger Games</i>.<br />
I just have one request - please give us Finnick Odair.<br />
Kthanxbye.<br />
<br />
Seriously though.<br />
I think we're past the whole 'waiting for the other shoe to drop' part of this shit show.<br />
Now we're just waiting for the impeachment.<br />
I'll be popping popcorn for that. ;-)<br />
<br />
So goodbye January.<br />
Don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out.<br />
<br />
Also: #ResistTracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-8632311825090992752017-01-25T12:58:00.000-05:002017-01-25T12:58:04.492-05:00Resistance is NOT RidiculousFor less than a week (OMG it seems SO MUCH FUCKING LONGER THAN THAT) I've been listening to the new "administration" spew bullshit and lies and half truths and alternative facts.<br />
<br />
I've also been watching good, honest people stand up and resist. I know many people who didn't watch the inauguration last Friday (and oh how I wish I had missed it too). I know others who marched in one of the many Women's Marches last weekend (again, wishing I would have marched). And every day I see people posting their thoughts, opinions, and FEARS on social media.<br />
<br />
At the same time I am watching and listening as those who support/like/trust the new president and his gang of old white men talk about how stupid we are for protesting. Talking about how we need to accept what has happened and move one and suck it up. How we should blindly follow the president and his merry band of assholes because HE'S OUR PRESIDENT TOO.<br />
<br />
Today I saw someone post on Facebook - in response to the story of people hanging a "resist" banner from a crane in D.C. - <i>"Enough people. You look so dumb."</i><br />
<br />
And that was enough for me.<br />
<br />
For the last six (seriously? IT'S ONLY BEEN SIX DAYS???) days I've felt this anger bubbling up. Hell, it even has my fibro all flared up I'm so angry and pissed off.<br />
<br />
I have never - in all my almost 44 years of life - seen this country in such a fucked up state as it is in right now. I have never seen or heard so many adults with such worry and anger in their voice - at the same time, mind you.<br />
<br />
Don't you DARE tell me to stop fighting or stop resisting or stop posting anti-Trump messages on my Facebook page or my Twitter account or my blog (not that anyone has ... YET .. but now you've been warned).<br />
<br />
You want to know why I'm scared and pissed off? Because this president seems hell-bent on destroying the TRUTH with his bullshit "alternative facts" narrative. Because he doesn't seem to comprehend the First Amendment and all that is built upon those rights. Because he wants to destroy a woman's right to choose what is best for HER BODY. Because he wants to take health care away from 20 million Americans. Because he is leading us down a path that I never thought we could go down.<br />
<br />
I've heard people say that it shouldn't be personal.<br />
Guess what? It IS personal.<br />
<br />
If the ACA is revoked and people can once again be denied health insurance because of pre-existing conditions that means that Olivia could potentially be denied health insurance at some point in her life. It means that if I ever have to get insurance on my own I could be denied. If the ACA is revoked I will lose my free birth control (and YES I can afford to pay for it, but the government shouldn't get to dictate that).<br />
<br />
I could go on and on.<br />
<br />
But instead I'll say this: How dare YOU think that you can tell anyone that they look "dumb" fighting for what they believe is right and just. How dare you think you have the right to tell us to "suck it up" and "deal with it." Because nothing he does will ever be OK or normal. We are not living in normal times and I fear that it will get worse before it gets better.<br />
<br />
There's a reason George Orwell's <i>1984 </i>is back on the best seller list.<br />
<br />
I will continue to resist and fight and speak my mind. And if anyone doesn't like it you can (1) unfollow me on Facebook, (2) unfriend me on Facebook, (3) unfollow this blog, and (4) unfollow my Twitter account. <br />
<br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-46433956889778472462017-01-20T14:15:00.000-05:002017-01-20T14:15:20.691-05:00January 20Today was not a happy day.<br />
<br />
It felt a lot like the day after Election Day.<br />
But much worse.<br />
<br />
I cried when I watched President Obama walk out of the White House for the last time as Commander-in-Chief. (At the same time I was yelling at He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named to button his damn suit jacket. Seriously.)<br />
<br />
I did my best to NOT watch the <strike>shitshow</strike> inauguration but I did see him take the oath of office. I walked away when he started to talk.<br />
<br />
From what I'm seeing online his speech was basically red meat for his "followers" and was full of cynicism, one-liners, and bullshit. Pretty much what I expected it would be.<br />
<br />
My Timehop from 8 years ago today was filled with memories like this: "so freaking excited about today! YAY Prez Obama!", and "Oh my gosh. Look @ that crowd!", and "is thrilled to be witnessing history.", and "is so happy!", and finally "amazing speech." (Another favorite was "bye bye George.").<br />
<br />
Today I am not happy.<br />
I'm unsettled.<br />
And angry.<br />
And worried.<br />
<br />
I think we're all in for a very bumpy ride. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-9094554724714980582017-01-19T18:01:00.000-05:002017-01-19T18:02:15.959-05:00Teddy ... Otherwise Known as 'Worry Cat' As I mentioned earlier today - the world could possibly end tomorrow.<br />
<br />
More likely though is the sad reality that we're stuck with a reality show con man for president for the next four years.<br />
<br />
Which leaves the majority of us (you know, the popular vote that went to Hillary) feeling a lot of unease, dread, sadness, and angst.<br />
<br />
Teddy's face sums it up best:<br />
<br />
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Oh, Teddy. I like to call him "Worry Cat" because that look right there - the one with the sad, worried eyes - that's his normal face.<br />
<br />
And so, I think Teddy will become our mascot for the next four years. Hell, he might even get his own blog (thanks for the suggestion Melissa!). He can wear the look of worry and unease for all of us. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-16456207574305931822017-01-19T13:52:00.000-05:002017-01-19T13:52:00.367-05:00Thursday ThoughtsA few random thoughts on a Thursday....<br />
<br />
So...tomorrow is basically the end of the world as we know it.<br />
Are you going to watch the ringmaster take the oath of office?<br />
I'm not.<br />
I'll be working. And trying to avoid social media for a while.<br />
And maybe day drinking.<br />
<br />
Anyway...today is one of 'those' days - I feel like the week is catching up with me.<br />
I've been waking up every night in a lot of pain.<br />
And I've been fighting brain fog all week.<br />
Today might be the day where it all catches up with me.<br />
<br />
I'm all tingly from head to toe (not in a good way).<br />
My shoulders ache. My elbows hurt to touch.<br />
Oh and I have the concentration of a gnat right now.<br />
It is taking all my energy to actually write semi-coherent sentences.<br />
<br />
I think I need a nap.<br />
Or a vacation.<br />
Or both.<br />
A nap on a beach.<br />
That would be idea.<br />
<br />
OK.<br />
Enough blathering on and on.<br />
I better get some work done before the fog takes over. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-41801708899194155932017-01-11T13:40:00.001-05:002017-01-11T13:40:35.656-05:00Love Trumps HateBack in November, after the election was over and I was feeling rather distraught and angry, I decided to hang a sign in my office window. It was a sign that we picked up at the Hillary Clinton office here in town and I decided I would leave it up for as long as was necessary (at least four year at this point, right?)<br />
<br />
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So now it's January and I don't often think about the sign, except when I happen to drive by my house and see it. I also never gave much thought to whether or not anyone else saw the sign.<br />
<br />
Then...<br />
<br />
Today I received a note in the mail.<br />
It was from a person I've never met.<br />
<br />
The note read:<br />
<br />
<i>Traci - </i><br />
<i>We've never met before - unless we have passed each other on Halloween, but I live in your neighborhood and drive past your house daily. I wanted to <u>Thank You</u> for your sign in your window. When the days are horrific and I read again and again of the awful things happening in our current governmental leadership, the racism and hate crimes and just the uphill battle of it all, your window makes me smile. It lets me know that you are there and we have an ally close by. Thank you for your presence. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Always stronger together,</i><br />
<i>(there was a name but I'm not publishing the name) </i><br />
<br />
You guys.<br />
I was standing in my kitchen crying after I read this.<br />
To know that someone saw this sign and feels better and safer because of it?<br />
All the feels. <br />
<br />
After watching the slightly terrifying (OK, really terrifying) "press conference" from He Who Shall Not Be Named (on this blog) and feeling very angry and defeated it was amazing to read something like this from a complete stranger.<br />
<br />
Because honestly, we're going to need to meet those strangers and become friends and allies in person and fight the good fight. Stronger together is the ONLY way we're going to get through the next four years.<br />
<br />
Love trumps hate.<br />
Never forget that. <br />
<br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-50352698448174879042017-01-02T14:51:00.001-05:002017-01-02T14:51:17.344-05:00Happy New Year!Yes, I realize that today is the SECOND day of 2017, but I was busy yesterday.<br />
Doing nothing. ;)<br />
So Happy New Year today.<br />
<br />
I've been seriously neglecting this blog (and my <a href="http://glasscityallergymom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">allergy blog</a> too) so I'm going to try my best to actually BLOG about life this year.<br />
<br />
NO.<br />
I'm not making a resolution because I don't do that.<br />
I'm simply stating that I have a lot to say (and I'm sure after the world goes to shit on January 20 I'll have more to say..provided we're all still here).<br />
<br />
And this blog is the perfect vessel for all that I have to say.<br />
<br />
Also, I've been blogging since....2005 (!!!)... so it's too late to quit now. ;-)<br />
<br />
As it is in the next four weeks the Tweeter-in-Chief is going to be sworn in (God help us all), my oldest turns 13, and my youngest turns 10.<br />
<br />
Also happening this year: my husband turns 50, we celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary, and I'll be 44.<br />
<br />
Yeah. I just realized that last part.<br />
I forgot I was going to be 44.<br />
WTF.<br />
<br />
So yeah.<br />
I think I'll have a lot to blog about this year.<br />
<br />
And, if you don't like swearing or sarcasm or politics ... you should probably remove this blog from your bookmarks because I predict there will be A LOT of that happening this year.<br />
<br />
Happy 2017.<br />
May the odds be ever in OUR favor. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-76091517048741008102016-11-15T13:30:00.000-05:002016-11-15T13:30:50.126-05:00Tuesday Thoughts: A Week LaterSo here we are, one week after Election Day 2016 (aka: The End of Days).<br />
<br />
Am I still angry about the outcome?<br />
Yep.<br />
Am I still posting political stuff on Facebook and Twitter?<br />
Yep. (And I'll get to that more in a bit)<br />
<br />
But, here's the thing: in the midst of my anger and (yes, really) despair about what happened last week I am finding resolve and positive thoughts. Do I still think we, as a country, are headed down a path that is equal parts terrifying and uncharted? Damn right. But I am convinced that there is a huge group of folks out there who are willing to fight back.<br />
<br />
And for my part I'm involved in another campaign for 2017 and that is likely just the start of my part of the fight.<br />
<br />
I'm also trying to remain positive and do things that make me happy.<br />
<br />
Like, decorating for Christmas.<br />
On November 14.<br />
<br />
Yes, really.<br />
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Last night Kevin said "we should decorate" and the girls were really excited about it ... so who was I to say no? [I did say 'no' to Walt the Elf on the Shelf coming back. It's way too soon for that nonsense].<br />
<br />
And to be honest sitting next to the tree last night, sipping a cuppa tea, was very relaxing. It was happiness in the midst of impending darkness.<br />
<br />
So yeah.<br />
I decorated for Christmas.<br />
On November 14.<br />
Deal with it.<br />
<br />
Which brings me to my other thought for today. I've seen several people posting on FB about how THEY THINK we should all stop posting about politics and how we should "unlike" sites like MSNBC, Vox, The Daily Kos, etc. Basically telling people that they're tired of hearing about it and therefore we should all shut up.<br />
<br />
Well guess what?<br />
That's not going to happen any time soon on my FB page.<br />
So, if you're tired of seeing political posts you best unfollow or unfriend me now.<br />
<br />
Because in case you aren't aware there is a revolution starting and that means this is NOT the time to sit back and shut up.<br />
<br />
This is the time to speak up, speak out, be heard, and let those who think they're going to silence entire religions or groups of people know that we will not be silent. I will continue to speak up and speak out because that is MY right. And if we stop speaking up and speaking out then THEY win. Again. And that is not OK.<br />
<br />
So there you have it.<br />
I decorated for Christmas<br />
And I'm going to keep posting political stuff.<br />
Because I can.<br />
;)<br />
<br />
Happy Tuesday. <br />
<br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-67123325419161190952016-11-10T10:05:00.001-05:002016-11-10T10:05:47.255-05:00A New DayYesterday I cried.<br />
A lot.<br />
<br />
And then I got mad.<br />
Really, really angry.<br />
Pissed off.<br />
<br />
And I resolved to fight against what has happened to this country.<br />
<br />
My candidate won the popular vote.<br />
If we didn't have such a f*cked up system she would be president.<br />
<br />
Instead, we have a racist, sexist, nationalist, xenophobic clown taking over the Oval Office in 71 days.<br />
<br />
I hate clowns.<br />
They're frightening.<br />
<br />
Last night I watched as thousands of people marched in protest over the election results.<br />
That made me smile.<br />
<br />
I love that we live in a country with freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.<br />
And I hope these protests continue for the next four years.<br />
They don't have to be huge protests, but we must continue to fight the good fight.<br />
<br />
We have to fight for our rights. Fight for the foundations of this republic. Fight for those who can't fight.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we had a breakfast for parents at the elementary school. It was more like a wake after a funeral - no one was talking, everyone was somber. Today we had another breakfast and the mood had shifted. It was as if everyone shook off the fear and uncertainty and sadness of November 9 and made the decision that life must go on and we will still keep doing what we've always done in the face of something horrific.<br />
<br />
We come together as a country and fight like hell.<br />
<br />
I'm in.<br />
Are you?Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-18074160267300827742016-11-09T09:59:00.000-05:002016-11-09T12:42:22.100-05:00Now What?I don't even know where to begin today.<br />
<br />
I've been staring at this screen for a while, wondering how to put into words the despair, sadness, and disgust that I'm feeling.<br />
<br />
I can't even reconcile the words in my head right now: Donald Trump is our next president.<br />
<br />
This seriously has to be some sort of sick, twisted alternate reality.<br />
It can't be real.<br />
This can't really be happening.<br />
<br />
But then I remember - it really did happen. The country just elected a reality tv star with NO political experience - who also happens to be a sexist racist nationalist xenophobe - to the highest office in the land.<br />
<br />
Today is the end of the Democratic party and the GOP. In one swift move both political parties have written their obituaries and now the American public is left wondering where in the hell do we go from here.<br />
<br />
Sure, there are people who are happy that Trump won. I know a few of those people. I don't understand how anyone can be happy about this.<br />
<br />
There is nothing to be joyous about.<br />
There is no happiness.<br />
Right now all I see is darkness and sadness and uncertainty and fear.<br />
<br />
When I woke this morning to the nightmare realization that he had been elected I sat in my bed and cried. I am crying now as I type this.<br />
<br />
I am sad.<br />
And scared.<br />
And fearful.<br />
And worried.<br />
And confused.<br />
<br />
I fear for our country's future. And what this will mean for my daughters. And what this will mean for the world. I fear for the future of the Supreme Court and women's rights and LGBTQ rights and I am scared for Muslims, and blacks, and Latinos, and yes even white middle class women like myself.<br />
<br />
I've been voting since 1992 and I've never felt so much despair after an election. I have been angry about results before (2000 I'm looking at you) but I've never felt such overwhelming sadness. <br />
<br />
And yet, I get it. People wanted change. They wanted something different. But this? This isn't the way to do it. Electing a man who wants to build a wall and ban an entire religion and take away women's rights and LGBTQ rights....that isn't change. That is taking our country back decades and that is not OK.<br />
<br />
Beyond my sadness though is an anger toward the Democrats that I didn't think was possible for me to feel. My party has failed me and this country. They refused to listen to the millions of people who voted for Bernie Sanders - people who wanted change and voted for that change. I firmly believe that if Bernie had been on the ticket - even as a VP - we would be having a totally different conversation today.<br />
<br />
And for that I am angry. <br />
<br />
So now what?<br />
<br />
A friend posted on Facebook that now is the time to fight
darkness with light. He said "we mourn and bury our dead and we fight." <br />
<br />
So, now we fight. We surround ourselves with our friends and neighbors and we vow to protect those who need protecting. We continue to fight for the rights of those who are targeted, for those who need protecting, and for those who are marginalized, and for those who fear their rights will be stripped away.<br />
<br />
We fight for the America that we want to have.<br />
We fight for civil rights and equality and love.<br />
<br />
We fight with our words and our love of country and our determination to make this world a better place for our kids and grandkids. We fight with our votes whether that is on a local or national level. We fight in two years in the midterms.<br />
<br />
And, we fight again in four years.<br />
<br />
Today we find ourselves standing on the precipice, staring into the dark abyss of the next four years. As a country we've been on the brink before and somehow we make it through the darkness into the light. The only way to get through this is to stand together and stand for what is right and just and fair.<br />
<br />
We need to channel our sadness and fear and anger into a fight for justice and equality and prosperity and love. That is the ONLY way we can set this country back on the right path. It might take some time but nothing that is worth it is ever easy. Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-55681125664626096592016-11-08T09:12:00.000-05:002016-11-08T09:12:27.978-05:00Election DayToday has been rather surreal.<br />
And it's ONLY 9 a.m.<br />
<br />
My day started at 5 a.m. when I was interviewed on the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05qqk5c" target="_blank">BBC's Victoria Derbyshire Programme</a>.<br />
In the United Kingdom.<br />
<br />
So....long story short: Yesterday a reporter from the BBC contacted me via Twitter to ask if I would be interested in being interviewed as a "swing state" voter on this BBC current affairs show. I said yes and then spoke to the reporter for about 30 minutes on the phone.<br />
<br />
Today, I had to be up at 4:30 to be ready for my Skype call from the BBC.<br />
(How weird does that sound?!?)<br />
<br />
I was part of a panel that included another Hillary supporter from Florida, a very angry Trump supporter from Nevada, and a 21-year-old college student from Iowa who was voting for Trump because he hated Hillary. Yes, really.<br />
<br />
In all, I think I spoke for about one minute (maybe two) but it was still super cool.<br />
I got interviewed on the freaking BBC!<br />
<br />
And then I went to vote.<br />
At 6:30 a.m.<br />
With the kids and Kevin.<br />
<br />
It was really cool to see a rather long line at the polling place.<br />
And it was REALLY amazing to vote for Hillary.<br />
History was made with that vote. <br />
<br />
Here's hoping for the right result tonight.<br />
<br />
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<br />Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16417107.post-52480874795726326822016-11-01T12:28:00.001-04:002016-11-01T12:28:28.974-04:00NovemberWell would ya look at this?<br />
It's November 1.<br />
And I'm blogging.<br />
Seems like a good way to start the month I guess.<br />
<br />
Not sure what the hell happened in October, but somehow the month got away from me and I didn't blog.<br />
<br />
Whatevs. ;)<br />
<br />
So here we are ONE WEEK away from Election Day and I am SO SICK AND TIRED OF POLITICS RIGHT NOW.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
I am a political news junkie but right now it's all so damn exhausting.<br />
This election is beyond ridiculous.<br />
And I really can't wait until it is over.<br />
<br />
I'm voting for Hillary. <br />
I think Trump is a sexist, racist, misogynistic asshat and I hope he sulks in Trump Tower for MONTHS after he loses. <br />
<br />
And that's all I have to say about that.<br />
<br />
November is actually one of my favorite months - mostly because Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays (Halloween used to hold the top spot but I'm debating giving it to Turkey Day). So here's hoping for a Democratic sweep next week. And maybe, just maybe, I'll blog more (that way my mom can't PM me to tell me I haven't blogged in weeks. LOL!! HI MOM!)<br />
<br />
Here's to a good month. ;) Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16659946702584728654noreply@blogger.com0