While I'm on my soapbox, let me address something that you'll realize over time, but lets just get it out of the way now.
I'm not really your Great Uncle, except by love. You see, your Grandpa Don is my very best friend in the world, and I love him like my brother. Since Grandpa Don is my "brother", I get to be your Great Uncle.
And I've known and loved your mother for years, although we got closer after you were born.
Since I'm never going to have a grandchild of my own, I'm pretending with you - but that doesn't make me love you any less because you don't have my DNA.
So, I'm gonna be your Unca Merlin, your personal faery grandparent.
Wishes granted whenever possible. As long as you're housebroken.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Adoption information summary
Well, it arrived - the summary of the non-identifying information about my adoption.
And, as it turns out, the majority of my theories about the circumstances surrounding my adoption were correct, however as it turns out, my biological father isn't listed in the case record, and there is little to no further information about my birth mother's family either.
However, to quote: "According to the case record, the attorney who handled your adoption had handled several legal matters for your adoptive mother's family for years. <side note, this I already knew from Blake, who referred to him as "a crook" - coming from another lawyer, hard to tell if that's praise or judgement> He was aware of your adoptive parents' desire for a child and their inability to conceive children of their own. A few weeks prior to your birth, the attorney notified your adoptive parents of your birth mother's plan of adoption for you. Your birth mother 'was not able to provide a suitable home' for you. Shortly after your birth, the attorney took you to meet your adoptive parents and you were lovingly welcomed into their home. < I love how they editorialize and use "lovingly welcomed"... > Your adoptive parents paid the hospital bills and possibly for some of your birth mother's expenses. "
I was right. I was paid for.
Seems the Department of Public Welfare attempted to interview her, however she wasn't at the address listed in the case record. She signed me over to Sam & Faye on February 18, 1961, with the adoption finalized on August 3rd 1962.
There has been no contact with Georgia Adoption Registry from any member of my birth family since then.
Well, where do I go now? I'm wondering about paying the $300 to try and find her.
I wonder what I'll get with the $300?
What if they find her and she says "no" ? That's always a possibility.
Wow. This even overshadows your birth, Andrea. Sorry about that, I'm still thrilled beyond mortal comprehension that you're here and safe and healthy, but right now I've got this thrown on my plate, all about my birth and my adoption, and the potential for finding my birth mother.
And it's going to be an interesting next couple of months, lemme tell you.
Enough for now, I posted what I needed to, i.e. the verification of my theories surrounding my adoption.
I was right. Hell yeah, that does feel good.
And, as it turns out, the majority of my theories about the circumstances surrounding my adoption were correct, however as it turns out, my biological father isn't listed in the case record, and there is little to no further information about my birth mother's family either.
However, to quote: "According to the case record, the attorney who handled your adoption had handled several legal matters for your adoptive mother's family for years. <side note, this I already knew from Blake, who referred to him as "a crook" - coming from another lawyer, hard to tell if that's praise or judgement> He was aware of your adoptive parents' desire for a child and their inability to conceive children of their own. A few weeks prior to your birth, the attorney notified your adoptive parents of your birth mother's plan of adoption for you. Your birth mother 'was not able to provide a suitable home' for you. Shortly after your birth, the attorney took you to meet your adoptive parents and you were lovingly welcomed into their home. < I love how they editorialize and use "lovingly welcomed"... > Your adoptive parents paid the hospital bills and possibly for some of your birth mother's expenses. "
I was right. I was paid for.
Seems the Department of Public Welfare attempted to interview her, however she wasn't at the address listed in the case record. She signed me over to Sam & Faye on February 18, 1961, with the adoption finalized on August 3rd 1962.
There has been no contact with Georgia Adoption Registry from any member of my birth family since then.
Well, where do I go now? I'm wondering about paying the $300 to try and find her.
I wonder what I'll get with the $300?
What if they find her and she says "no" ? That's always a possibility.
Wow. This even overshadows your birth, Andrea. Sorry about that, I'm still thrilled beyond mortal comprehension that you're here and safe and healthy, but right now I've got this thrown on my plate, all about my birth and my adoption, and the potential for finding my birth mother.
And it's going to be an interesting next couple of months, lemme tell you.
Enough for now, I posted what I needed to, i.e. the verification of my theories surrounding my adoption.
I was right. Hell yeah, that does feel good.
And even more baby pics - this time with family
Your Uncle John 
Grandma Lisa 
This is Grandpa Joe - 
This is your mom, shortly after you arrived 
This is your Dad, Andrea - don't know him yet, so have nothing to add. Ask Grandma Lisa.
Still more baby pics
Welcome to the world, Andrea Jordan Hutchens.
I've been waiting for someone like you for quite a while - I'm your Great Uncle Merlin - and I'm also your Faery Grandparent - but you can call me Unca Merlin... or Grandpa Merlin.
I have great things in store for you, little one. Think of me as your "Auntie Mame", but male.
And just wait until you're a little older - your Great Uncle Merlin is gonna show you the Happiest Place on Earth - it's called Disney World. (Yes, Jess, you're coming too...although your father probably won't...he's such a wet blanket when it comes to theme parks.)
Time for me to head into work, more in a bit.
Presenting Ms. Andrea Jordan, Diva-In-Training
Presenting Ms. Andrea Jordan Hutchens.
Born January 24th, 2008, weighing 8 lbs, 3 oz and measuring 20 inches in length.
Ain't she something else? See that little finger? It's already got me wrapped around it.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
January 26th
It's Saturday, and I'm at work.
On the bright side, it's a typical Saturday, meaning no fires to put out - I'm just sitting here updating the Windows software on my workstation, updating various spyware programs and in general just sitting here waiting for my relief to get in.
It's also only 20 days until my birthday - I'll be 47 this year. I know that sounds like an eternity to you, but believe me, it really does go a lot faster than you think. Especially when you get older.
I'm on the phone now with Grandpa Don, and he's just told me that your first pictures have arrived.
According to Grandma Lisa, they took tons and tons and they're just waiting to get to a computer to upload them from the camera.
Grandpa Don said that he sent copies to me, but they haven't shown up in my inbox yet. I can wait, I've waited 7 months for you to arrive, I'm going to have to wait for a few more months before I can actually meet you and hold you, so a few more hours or days for pictures won't matter much... (who am I kidding, I want those pictures **NOW**)
You can probably tell by now that patience is not one of my stronger attributes.
On the bright side, it's a typical Saturday, meaning no fires to put out - I'm just sitting here updating the Windows software on my workstation, updating various spyware programs and in general just sitting here waiting for my relief to get in.
It's also only 20 days until my birthday - I'll be 47 this year. I know that sounds like an eternity to you, but believe me, it really does go a lot faster than you think. Especially when you get older.
I'm on the phone now with Grandpa Don, and he's just told me that your first pictures have arrived.
According to Grandma Lisa, they took tons and tons and they're just waiting to get to a computer to upload them from the camera.
Grandpa Don said that he sent copies to me, but they haven't shown up in my inbox yet. I can wait, I've waited 7 months for you to arrive, I'm going to have to wait for a few more months before I can actually meet you and hold you, so a few more hours or days for pictures won't matter much... (who am I kidding, I want those pictures **NOW**)
You can probably tell by now that patience is not one of my stronger attributes.
Friday, January 25, 2008
January 25 - one day old
You're now one day old - and probably being subjected to being kicked out of the hospital because insurance will only cover one day. Don't worry, it gets better.
I went through merry hell trying to find pink candy cigars so I could play the doting Great Uncle, but found that they don't actually make those things any more.
I settled for cupcakes with pink icing. Not exactly what I'd call primo substitution, but given my alternatives were cigars in glass tubes at $6.50 each (not that I don't think you're worth it, but since noone here at work smokes, that would have been an incredible waste of money), cupcakes it was.
I realize I'm babbling, but I'm trying to keep my promise about writing down something daily so you'll have an idea of what's going on.
I still haven't heard anything about where you were born - I'll yank some chains about that tomorrow, I know your mom's going to want your chart done ASAP.
I went through merry hell trying to find pink candy cigars so I could play the doting Great Uncle, but found that they don't actually make those things any more.
I settled for cupcakes with pink icing. Not exactly what I'd call primo substitution, but given my alternatives were cigars in glass tubes at $6.50 each (not that I don't think you're worth it, but since noone here at work smokes, that would have been an incredible waste of money), cupcakes it was.
I realize I'm babbling, but I'm trying to keep my promise about writing down something daily so you'll have an idea of what's going on.
I still haven't heard anything about where you were born - I'll yank some chains about that tomorrow, I know your mom's going to want your chart done ASAP.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
January 24th 20:00 Update - WELCOME ANDREA!
You did it! You're here! You arrived at 5:53 pm today, you weighed 8 lbs 3oz, and you measured 20 inches long.
Grandpa Don called me with the news shortly after 7:30 pm today.
Now I just have to find out where you were born so I can run your Natal Chart. I already know you're an Aquarian (believe me, Grandpa Don's going to have a field day with that one...or more accurately, you'll have a field day with that at Grandpa Don's expense...I'll help you make sure of that, believe me)
So you're now here...this means I need to get off my ass and start figuring out what to send up for you - Diapers are high on the list I know, but I'm also going to be sending up more bears and clothes - I just hope you don't grow out of them too quickly.
I think that means I have to buy bigger and hope you grow into 'em long enough to at least enjoy them before you grow out of 'em. I'm going to check with a couple of people who've had babies and see what the best option is. Always best to reference these things with people who have experience.
Grandpa Don called me with the news shortly after 7:30 pm today.
Now I just have to find out where you were born so I can run your Natal Chart. I already know you're an Aquarian (believe me, Grandpa Don's going to have a field day with that one...or more accurately, you'll have a field day with that at Grandpa Don's expense...I'll help you make sure of that, believe me)
So you're now here...this means I need to get off my ass and start figuring out what to send up for you - Diapers are high on the list I know, but I'm also going to be sending up more bears and clothes - I just hope you don't grow out of them too quickly.
I think that means I have to buy bigger and hope you grow into 'em long enough to at least enjoy them before you grow out of 'em. I'm going to check with a couple of people who've had babies and see what the best option is. Always best to reference these things with people who have experience.
January 24th 16:00 Update
I got a call on the way into work from your Grandma Lisa, who said that you were on your way - your mom has dilated to 5cm, and they've given her the epidural and something to strengthen the contractions, so you'll be here any time now.
YAY!! Welcome to the world, Andrea!
I'm stuck at work and number 3 or 4 on the phone lists, but I don't care ... you couldn't wipe this smile off my face with steel wool. You're finally on your way! HOORAY!!
More in a bit.
YAY!! Welcome to the world, Andrea!
I'm stuck at work and number 3 or 4 on the phone lists, but I don't care ... you couldn't wipe this smile off my face with steel wool. You're finally on your way! HOORAY!!
More in a bit.
January 24 - no word 13:00
It's Thursday January 24th, and I haven't heard anything yet.
I'll call Grandpa Don for an update shortly, but I'm not expecting to hear anything new - of course, I could be wrong and you've arrived, but we'll have to see about that.
More in a little while
I'll call Grandpa Don for an update shortly, but I'm not expecting to hear anything new - of course, I could be wrong and you've arrived, but we'll have to see about that.
More in a little while
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
January 23rd part 2
At last report (via Grandpa Don) your mom was still in active labor but still at home, not at the hospital delivering you. You are one stubborn little girl!
Currently, that's all the information I have, aside from a re-estimation of when the Dr is willing to induce, that originally coming from your mother as Monday/Tuesday but when Grandpa Don told me, it had been reduced to Friday.
Personally, I think you'll arrive just fine by yourself.
You're just being a Diva, and building up the anticipation factor before you make your appearance.
Currently, that's all the information I have, aside from a re-estimation of when the Dr is willing to induce, that originally coming from your mother as Monday/Tuesday but when Grandpa Don told me, it had been reduced to Friday.
Personally, I think you'll arrive just fine by yourself.
You're just being a Diva, and building up the anticipation factor before you make your appearance.
January 23rd - Active labor
Well, your mom's in active labor now and has been since 3 pm yesterday. Two hospital visits, and sent home both times because she's not dilated enough, although contractions are 5 minutes apart.
You really are a stubborn one, aren't you?
At least I was partially right, labor started on the 22nd.
Whether you make an appearance now or in a day or two remains to be seen, however.
More later.
You really are a stubborn one, aren't you?
At least I was partially right, labor started on the 22nd.
Whether you make an appearance now or in a day or two remains to be seen, however.
More later.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
January 22nd - still no word
Still nothing. Young lady, you make a Missouri mule look like a straw in the wind.
I know it's cold outside, but you can't hold out forever - and it's a little late to make your mother move to a warmer climate so you're not inconvenienced. If you don't decide to do this on your own, they're gonna come get you...and you won't be pleased.
I think you've still got a couple of days before that happens, but just take the easy way out... you just have to wait until the most inconvenient moment possible (the middle of the night is the usual choice) and then decide to make your appearance.
That's it. Easy as all get out (at least from your perspective) - your mom's going to have a completely different perspective on the process however - but the result is you finally making your appearance and making a bunch of people very very happy.
SO HURRY UP!!
I know it's cold outside, but you can't hold out forever - and it's a little late to make your mother move to a warmer climate so you're not inconvenienced. If you don't decide to do this on your own, they're gonna come get you...and you won't be pleased.
I think you've still got a couple of days before that happens, but just take the easy way out... you just have to wait until the most inconvenient moment possible (the middle of the night is the usual choice) and then decide to make your appearance.
That's it. Easy as all get out (at least from your perspective) - your mom's going to have a completely different perspective on the process however - but the result is you finally making your appearance and making a bunch of people very very happy.
SO HURRY UP!!
Jan 22nd - Waiting on you
Okay kid, enough's enough and you need to make your appearance.
Your mom's waiting on you, I'm waiting on you, your Grandpa Don's waiting on you, your Grandma Lisa, and Great Grandma Susan are all waiting on you.
So come on already.
Besides, you don't want to make a liar out of me, do you? I'm the one who said today originally - your mom insisted on the 18th, Grandpa Don said the 13th.
C'mon... there's a lotta fun waiting for you, but you gotta show up for it. So c'mon and get born!
Your mom's waiting on you, I'm waiting on you, your Grandpa Don's waiting on you, your Grandma Lisa, and Great Grandma Susan are all waiting on you.
So come on already.
Besides, you don't want to make a liar out of me, do you? I'm the one who said today originally - your mom insisted on the 18th, Grandpa Don said the 13th.
C'mon... there's a lotta fun waiting for you, but you gotta show up for it. So c'mon and get born!
Monday, January 21, 2008
January 21st - MLK Day
Well, it's a little past 7:30 pm, and I'm at work.
It's also a Federal Holiday, Martin Luther King Day, celebrating the birthday of Dr. King.
This means I get paid at the holiday rate for working today (yaaaaaaaaay), and because it's at the beginning of my 10 day stretch, I'll get OT for Saturday too. (double yaaaaaaaaaay).
I have the diabetes class pre-screen tomorrow at 9:30 am at Dekalb Med, and the Diabetes class next week on Monday and Tuesday.
I'm really hoping you're here by then, or else your mom's gonna be bald. She's really over anxious about getting you to decide to be born, young lady. Personally, I think it's a genetic thing. You're all stubborn - your mom, your Grandpa Don, your Grandma Lisa... so I honestly don't know why she expected anything different with you.
I keep telling her I'm seeing your arrival on the 22nd. Don't make a liar out of me, okay?
Hurry up and arrive healthy... I'm waiting to see you!
It's also a Federal Holiday, Martin Luther King Day, celebrating the birthday of Dr. King.
This means I get paid at the holiday rate for working today (yaaaaaaaaay), and because it's at the beginning of my 10 day stretch, I'll get OT for Saturday too. (double yaaaaaaaaaay).
I have the diabetes class pre-screen tomorrow at 9:30 am at Dekalb Med, and the Diabetes class next week on Monday and Tuesday.
I'm really hoping you're here by then, or else your mom's gonna be bald. She's really over anxious about getting you to decide to be born, young lady. Personally, I think it's a genetic thing. You're all stubborn - your mom, your Grandpa Don, your Grandma Lisa... so I honestly don't know why she expected anything different with you.
I keep telling her I'm seeing your arrival on the 22nd. Don't make a liar out of me, okay?
Hurry up and arrive healthy... I'm waiting to see you!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Jan 20 continued
False alarm, wasn't "the call".
Still watching "F word". I can't wait to hear you're here.
Last word from your mom via her MySpace page was that you were being stubborn, and she was ready for you to be born. I'm thinking you're going to be born on the full moon or the 22nd, whichever comes first.
I lean towards the 22nd myself.
Still doing Chantix, I project my quit date as tomorrow. We'll have to see.
Aside from laundry, I have nothing going on today, so til next time, bye.
Still watching "F word". I can't wait to hear you're here.
Last word from your mom via her MySpace page was that you were being stubborn, and she was ready for you to be born. I'm thinking you're going to be born on the full moon or the 22nd, whichever comes first.
I lean towards the 22nd myself.
Still doing Chantix, I project my quit date as tomorrow. We'll have to see.
Aside from laundry, I have nothing going on today, so til next time, bye.
Sunday Jan 20
So, I'm sitting here on pins and needles, waiting to hear you've finally decided to make an appearance, Andrea.
I'm going to try and write something every day now, so you learn what's happened every day of your life from my perspective.
Probably nothing you'll ever use, but an entry nonetheless.
I'm watching one of my favorite shows, Gordon Ramsey's "The F Word" ...
I think the phone rang, I'm going to check it.
I'm going to try and write something every day now, so you learn what's happened every day of your life from my perspective.
Probably nothing you'll ever use, but an entry nonetheless.
I'm watching one of my favorite shows, Gordon Ramsey's "The F Word" ...
I think the phone rang, I'm going to check it.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Snowed In - Atlanta style so to speak
Today, the Atlanta area got hit with what passes here for a blizzard. 3-5 inches of snow.
Thankfully, the temperature hovered around 34 so it didn't stick on the roads.
However, the overnight temperature is expected to be in the lower 20's, meaning that it's gonna freeze over - should be beautiful in the morning, all frozen and crystalline. Because it's gonna freeze, I see no need to be out in it, so I'm "snowed in" Atlanta style.
Additionally, I'm fully expecting to hear any time now that you're here, Andrea.
I'm just worndering how much labor you put your mom through, and whether or not you come C-Section due to your mother's heart condition. Either way, you're an Aquarius, so that's all that really matters.
As soon as i get the birth time and location from either your mom, dad, or Grandma Lisa, I'm going to run what's known as a natal chart on you. I'm looking forward to seeing what your chart says.
I'll add more later...
Thankfully, the temperature hovered around 34 so it didn't stick on the roads.
However, the overnight temperature is expected to be in the lower 20's, meaning that it's gonna freeze over - should be beautiful in the morning, all frozen and crystalline. Because it's gonna freeze, I see no need to be out in it, so I'm "snowed in" Atlanta style.
Additionally, I'm fully expecting to hear any time now that you're here, Andrea.
I'm just worndering how much labor you put your mom through, and whether or not you come C-Section due to your mother's heart condition. Either way, you're an Aquarius, so that's all that really matters.
As soon as i get the birth time and location from either your mom, dad, or Grandma Lisa, I'm going to run what's known as a natal chart on you. I'm looking forward to seeing what your chart says.
I'll add more later...
Flooring and a cushy new eco-toilet pea soup
Well, the other day I made plans to pick up the 25 cases of laminate I'd bought at Floor and Decor - and those plans were for Saturday. Little did I know that Mother Nature had scheduled a snowstorm for the day... and not your typical Atlanta flurry and go, this one was supposed to accumulate (it did, see pics below) - anyway, I ended up driving through it to Southlake Mall, to get it loaded on Frank's truck. Frank then followed me back to the townhouse by way of the Home Depot where I got a new toilet for the upstairs.
Its called eco-friendly because it only uses 1.28 gallons per flush rather than the 2.6 standard.
Anyway, in installing it, Frank broke the seat - so we went back to Home Depot, where I elected to get a cushy seat as an upgrade rather than simply replacing the screw.
Pictures of my cushy new eco toilet in the next entry.
Above, you can see pictures of the laminate that we hauled back from Morrow - a nightmare of a haul in and of itself, you cannot imagine how it was during all that snow.
Thankfully, it remained above freezing, so the snow didn't stick to the roads during the daytime.
By then, I was safely in the house, enjoying a couple of bowls of split pea soup.
Pics to follow.
January 19th 2008
January 19th - Saturday - The snow that fell on Atlanta - also the day that I went down and got the laminate for the upstairs. And the day that I got a new toilet for the upstairs bathroom. Eco-friendly, 1.28 gallons per flush rather than the standard 2.6 or more. I'll put that picture up in a minute...
This is a picture of the snow from the storm that Atlanta got, thankfully it was a Saturday and a holiday weekend to boot.Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Winter Storm 2008 part 2
Okay, it's a crappy picture, however what's to be expected from a cellphone camera?
Anyway, when I posted the previous entry, the only snow coming down was a flurry - and from all accounts, it was turning to rain and sleet with no chance of accumulation. So, I thought no biggie, rainy ride home and it'll be okay.
Then, I went outside during my dinner break to have a smoke and saw this. My heart sank. I honestly don't mind snow when I'm at home and don't have to go anywhere or do anything, however being at work when something like this happens is well and truly a nightmare in the making.
What a difference a few hours makes - by 10:30 pm, it had indeed all changed to rain, and the majority of the danger had passed, although with the temperature hovering just above freezing, bridges and overpasses still posed the potential for issues. My relief did show up, so I managed to make it home relatively on time. This doesn't change my position on snow though. I still hate the stuff.Winter Storm Jan 16 2008
It's January 16th, I'm at work, and we're under a Winter Storm Warning.
What, precisely, does this mean? Here's a direct quote from the National Weather Service:
A BAND OF MODERATE SNOW AND SLEET IS FORECAST TO MOVE NORTH OVER THE INTERSTATE 85 CORRIDOR FROM NORTHEAST GEORGIA ACROSS THE UPSTATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA BY MIDNIGHT. THIS BAND OF SNOW AND SLEET IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE A QUICK 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW. A RAPID TRANSITION TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN WILL THEN FOLLOW DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS THURSDAY. ICE MAY ACCUMULATE TO AROUND A TENTH OF AN INCH UNTIL TEMPERATURES RISE ABOVE FREEZING AROUND NOON. A COLD RAIN AND PERIODS OF SLEET WILL PERSIST INTO EARLY AFTERNOON.
THE TIMING OF THE WINTRY PRECIPITATION WILL LIKELY LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL PROBLEMS ACROSS THE WARNED AREA THURSDAY MORNING. WET SNOW AND ICE ACCUMULATIONS AROUND A TENTH OF AN INCH MAY RESULT IN SOME TREES AND POWER LINES TO FALL...BLOCKING ROADS AND LEADING TO SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES.
A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW... SLEET... AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.
What does this mean to me? One, that everyone in the building who can possibly get the hell out of Dodge has left and will be leaving ASAP. Two, that if there's any sort of accumulation or driving hazard, I can expect to be here all night because the Graveyard shift will call in, and because my department is 24x7, I'll have to stay. Three, this serves to emphasize my point that I absolutely, positively, beyond any shadow of a doubt, **HATE** snow.
The only potential bright side to this is that work compensates for what are called Snow Days by paying time and a half to those unfortunate enough to get stuck here. Yay.
The downside to this situation is the insanity that infects Atlanta drivers at the mere mention of the "S" word as I call it, by any news media. Doesn't matter whether or not there's accumulation, if the news media uses the word in a sentence, such as "there is a threat of snow to the Atlanta metropolitan area", you can guarantee 2 things. A traffic nightmare that makes the normal rush hour look like a holiday, and a run at the grocery store on bread and milk.
Yeah, we're idiots. However in our defense, we so rarely get snow that things like traffic nightmares and grocery runs on bread and milk are to be expected.
I'll write more as this develops.
It's currently 17:45 -
By the way, I've also checked the Doppler Radar for the Midwest, and it's really coming down out there too - which of course means that you're going to probably be born today or tonight in the middle of it, Andrea. Never fails, babies always pick the most inconvenient moment to make their appearance. I love you, little darling!
What, precisely, does this mean? Here's a direct quote from the National Weather Service:
A BAND OF MODERATE SNOW AND SLEET IS FORECAST TO MOVE NORTH OVER THE INTERSTATE 85 CORRIDOR FROM NORTHEAST GEORGIA ACROSS THE UPSTATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA BY MIDNIGHT. THIS BAND OF SNOW AND SLEET IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE A QUICK 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW. A RAPID TRANSITION TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN WILL THEN FOLLOW DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS THURSDAY. ICE MAY ACCUMULATE TO AROUND A TENTH OF AN INCH UNTIL TEMPERATURES RISE ABOVE FREEZING AROUND NOON. A COLD RAIN AND PERIODS OF SLEET WILL PERSIST INTO EARLY AFTERNOON.
THE TIMING OF THE WINTRY PRECIPITATION WILL LIKELY LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL PROBLEMS ACROSS THE WARNED AREA THURSDAY MORNING. WET SNOW AND ICE ACCUMULATIONS AROUND A TENTH OF AN INCH MAY RESULT IN SOME TREES AND POWER LINES TO FALL...BLOCKING ROADS AND LEADING TO SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES.
A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW... SLEET... AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.
What does this mean to me? One, that everyone in the building who can possibly get the hell out of Dodge has left and will be leaving ASAP. Two, that if there's any sort of accumulation or driving hazard, I can expect to be here all night because the Graveyard shift will call in, and because my department is 24x7, I'll have to stay. Three, this serves to emphasize my point that I absolutely, positively, beyond any shadow of a doubt, **HATE** snow.
The only potential bright side to this is that work compensates for what are called Snow Days by paying time and a half to those unfortunate enough to get stuck here. Yay.
The downside to this situation is the insanity that infects Atlanta drivers at the mere mention of the "S" word as I call it, by any news media. Doesn't matter whether or not there's accumulation, if the news media uses the word in a sentence, such as "there is a threat of snow to the Atlanta metropolitan area", you can guarantee 2 things. A traffic nightmare that makes the normal rush hour look like a holiday, and a run at the grocery store on bread and milk.
Yeah, we're idiots. However in our defense, we so rarely get snow that things like traffic nightmares and grocery runs on bread and milk are to be expected.
I'll write more as this develops.
It's currently 17:45 -
By the way, I've also checked the Doppler Radar for the Midwest, and it's really coming down out there too - which of course means that you're going to probably be born today or tonight in the middle of it, Andrea. Never fails, babies always pick the most inconvenient moment to make their appearance. I love you, little darling!
Stopping smoking the Chantix way and other medical news
I have decided that 34 years of smoking is enough, and I have started on Chantix. This is the latest in my attempts to quit smoking, having tried the patch (a couple of times), nicotine gum (nasty nasty stuff), cold turkey, and Wellbutrin.
This round of treatment is also the single most costly attempt I've made - the "starter" pack cost over $100, and the first month's supply of pills cost around $140. Quite the out of pocket investment, so I'm obviously determined to make this work. My plan is to do this regimen for at least 2 months and then go back on Wellbutrin for a couple of months, until I've managed to break the psychological addiction of smoking.
That's usually ended up being my downfall...I can deal with ending the physical addiction, however inevitably, something happens that triggers me to start smoking again.
Anyway, as of this post, I've been on Chantix for 2 days now. I'll write more about this after I've put down the smokes for the last time, and continue detailing the effort.
(Side note to Andrea: if I **EVER** catch you smoking young lady, you won't be able to sit down for at least a month. I don't care what your mother says, I'll kick your ass.)
The regimen starts with a half dose for the first 3 days (ie 1 pill instead of 2) , then a pill in the morning and a pill in the evening. Apparently, I'm also the guinea pig for the family, since Sheba, Bobby and Grandpa Don are all waiting to see how this works out before they commit to trying it.
On another front, I'm scheduled for an MRI of my shoulder on Thursday the 17th. After undergoing a few months of Chiropractic treatment abetted by massage therapy and still having limited mobility of my left arm (the condition is known as "frozen shoulder"), I went to the Doctor and got a couple of shots in the shoulder - they didn't do much good, so he's now sending me to have the MRI so we can get a better picture of what we're dealing with. I'm honestly not looking forward to a surgical solution to this issue, however I believe that will end up as a last resort.
I'm still on 10 units of subcutaneous insulin daily, however I've lost 11 more pounds - based on what Doctor Springer said when I started the insulin, I've only got about 40 more to go and I should be able to come off the insulin and manage the diabetes through diet alone.
That's all I have for now... you're being stubborn and haven't made your appearance yet, (Grandpa Don was wrong about that, quelle suprise) but I'm still holding out for the 21st/22nd. We'll see.
This round of treatment is also the single most costly attempt I've made - the "starter" pack cost over $100, and the first month's supply of pills cost around $140. Quite the out of pocket investment, so I'm obviously determined to make this work. My plan is to do this regimen for at least 2 months and then go back on Wellbutrin for a couple of months, until I've managed to break the psychological addiction of smoking.
That's usually ended up being my downfall...I can deal with ending the physical addiction, however inevitably, something happens that triggers me to start smoking again.
Anyway, as of this post, I've been on Chantix for 2 days now. I'll write more about this after I've put down the smokes for the last time, and continue detailing the effort.
(Side note to Andrea: if I **EVER** catch you smoking young lady, you won't be able to sit down for at least a month. I don't care what your mother says, I'll kick your ass.)
The regimen starts with a half dose for the first 3 days (ie 1 pill instead of 2) , then a pill in the morning and a pill in the evening. Apparently, I'm also the guinea pig for the family, since Sheba, Bobby and Grandpa Don are all waiting to see how this works out before they commit to trying it.
On another front, I'm scheduled for an MRI of my shoulder on Thursday the 17th. After undergoing a few months of Chiropractic treatment abetted by massage therapy and still having limited mobility of my left arm (the condition is known as "frozen shoulder"), I went to the Doctor and got a couple of shots in the shoulder - they didn't do much good, so he's now sending me to have the MRI so we can get a better picture of what we're dealing with. I'm honestly not looking forward to a surgical solution to this issue, however I believe that will end up as a last resort.
I'm still on 10 units of subcutaneous insulin daily, however I've lost 11 more pounds - based on what Doctor Springer said when I started the insulin, I've only got about 40 more to go and I should be able to come off the insulin and manage the diabetes through diet alone.
That's all I have for now... you're being stubborn and haven't made your appearance yet, (Grandpa Don was wrong about that, quelle suprise) but I'm still holding out for the 21st/22nd. We'll see.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Renovation nightmare resolution
At last, I have resolution on the flooring nightmare.
I dragged Sheba on a road trip down to the Southlake area - (it's OTP, (Outside the Perimeter) South of Atlanta) to check on whether or not the Floor & Decor there actually had the last remaining stock of the laminate I used on the downstairs.
I got lucky, and they had 40 cases remaining.
On the other hand, since I wasn't sure they would actually have the flooring, I didn't take my measurements. Because of this, I only bought 20 cases, however in figuring out the square footage required, I'm probably going to buy an additional 5 cases to make sure I have enough to do the bedroom, the office, and the upstairs hallway.
The stairs are an issue I'm still working out - doing the stairs in the laminate would be the ideal, but the stuff is SLICK - and given Cleo's habit of shadowing me, it presents a strong potential for injury.
Sheba has suggested doing the stairs in a Berber carpet, while I'm thinking of doing the laminate and putting down a runner to reduce the slickness factor.
Thankfully, I still have a little while to decide what I'm going to do because I won't be installing the flooring upstairs for a few weeks yet due to a couple of factors, primarily finances, however there are issues with a section of the subfloor near the water heater closet.
Apparently, prior to my buying this unit, the water heater exploded and required replacement.
While the previous owner replaced the water heater, they did nothing about the water damage to the subfloor, and now that I'm going to be replacing the carpet with laminate, this issue has to be addressed.
According to Bobby, the biggest issue I'll have to deal with is getting the new subfloor home from the Home Depot - since I'm going to be dealing with roughly a 5'x6' piece of wood, it won't fit in the car. The installation itself will only be a couple of minutes and a handful of nails.
I'll write more about the install itself when I get it started.
I dragged Sheba on a road trip down to the Southlake area - (it's OTP, (Outside the Perimeter) South of Atlanta) to check on whether or not the Floor & Decor there actually had the last remaining stock of the laminate I used on the downstairs.
I got lucky, and they had 40 cases remaining.
On the other hand, since I wasn't sure they would actually have the flooring, I didn't take my measurements. Because of this, I only bought 20 cases, however in figuring out the square footage required, I'm probably going to buy an additional 5 cases to make sure I have enough to do the bedroom, the office, and the upstairs hallway.
The stairs are an issue I'm still working out - doing the stairs in the laminate would be the ideal, but the stuff is SLICK - and given Cleo's habit of shadowing me, it presents a strong potential for injury.
Sheba has suggested doing the stairs in a Berber carpet, while I'm thinking of doing the laminate and putting down a runner to reduce the slickness factor.
Thankfully, I still have a little while to decide what I'm going to do because I won't be installing the flooring upstairs for a few weeks yet due to a couple of factors, primarily finances, however there are issues with a section of the subfloor near the water heater closet.
Apparently, prior to my buying this unit, the water heater exploded and required replacement.
While the previous owner replaced the water heater, they did nothing about the water damage to the subfloor, and now that I'm going to be replacing the carpet with laminate, this issue has to be addressed.
According to Bobby, the biggest issue I'll have to deal with is getting the new subfloor home from the Home Depot - since I'm going to be dealing with roughly a 5'x6' piece of wood, it won't fit in the car. The installation itself will only be a couple of minutes and a handful of nails.
I'll write more about the install itself when I get it started.
Monday, January 7, 2008
January 7th thoughts
Officially, (i.e. the Dr's due date) Andrea, you're due on the 18th.
I don't think you're going to make an appearance until around the 21st or 22nd, however we'll see. Grandpa Don says the 13th, and your mom wants you anytime now (I'm theorizing on that point, however I'm basing it on experience with women in the late stage of their pregnancy - so I'm pretty sure I'm right)
You're coming into a really strange family structure, kid.
Lets get that established right off the bat.
However, if you think of me as your faery grandparent, it begins to make sense.
Since I'll never have a grandchild of my own, you're the nearest thing.
I'm gonna spoil you so rotten they'll call DFACS on me.
And you provide me an excuse to be able to do Disney World, and Epcot, and all the amusement parks I never get to go to because noone ever wants to go.
You'll be going, trust me on this.
Second childhood, here I come.
I don't think you're going to make an appearance until around the 21st or 22nd, however we'll see. Grandpa Don says the 13th, and your mom wants you anytime now (I'm theorizing on that point, however I'm basing it on experience with women in the late stage of their pregnancy - so I'm pretty sure I'm right)
You're coming into a really strange family structure, kid.
Lets get that established right off the bat.
However, if you think of me as your faery grandparent, it begins to make sense.
Since I'll never have a grandchild of my own, you're the nearest thing.
I'm gonna spoil you so rotten they'll call DFACS on me.
And you provide me an excuse to be able to do Disney World, and Epcot, and all the amusement parks I never get to go to because noone ever wants to go.
You'll be going, trust me on this.
Second childhood, here I come.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
B'sidhe
Hands down, my all time favorite picture of B'sidhe. That look just says "of course you know, now you have to die."
"Mr DeMille, I'm not ready for my closeup yet..."
Her Royal Highness, Cleopatra, Queen of Denial
Cleopatra actually named herself - when she first came to live with me, there was the usual territorial dispute with the older cats, ie lots of hissing and spitting (I call it "leaky tire syndrome")
Anyway, one day Cleo was walking down the hallway past Polgara, who was doing her best "leaky tire" impression, and Cleo sauntered by her, completely ignoring the display.
As I watched in amazement, my only reaction was to say "you are such the Queen of Denial! Oh my God, you've named yourself! Cleopatra, Queen of Denial!"
And so, Her Royal Highness, Cleopatra, Queen of Denial she became.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Down to the wire
Well Andrea, it's nigh on 2 weeks until you're expected to arrive (your Mom still says January 18th, but I still think you'll be a little later than that, probably around the 21st to the 23rd - after all, why be a Capricorn when you can be an Aquarius? )
Am I thrilled?
Sweetie, you have no idea how thrilled I am. You're all I talk about to anyone.
My only regret is that your parents are currently living in a frozen wasteland called Missouri, so I can't be there for your arrival. Uncle Merlin doesn't do snow.
Now that the nightmare that is Christmas shipping is over, I'll be sending you some bears - two new ones, and my old childhood friend, Pinky, for starters.
Mind you, this is only the beginning. Because, young lady, I have every intention of spoiling you absolutely rotten (and have the time of my life doing it too.)
I just have to remember that I promised your Mom not to send anything bigger than you until you're walking.
Believe me, that's going to be one promise I'm going to find hard to keep. I'm already trying to figure out how to get some big (and when I say big, I mean BIG) stuffed animals on a plane without having to resort to paying for a seat for 'em - not to worry, given my promise, I still have at least a year and a couple of months to go before really worrying out those logistics.
Regardless of how it works itself out, you'll have some gi-normous bears around when you start walking.
You're going to be one lucky little lady - I think there's going to be some serious competition as to who can spoil you the most - but don't worry, I'm planning on winning that battle.
Am I thrilled?
Sweetie, you have no idea how thrilled I am. You're all I talk about to anyone.
My only regret is that your parents are currently living in a frozen wasteland called Missouri, so I can't be there for your arrival. Uncle Merlin doesn't do snow.
Now that the nightmare that is Christmas shipping is over, I'll be sending you some bears - two new ones, and my old childhood friend, Pinky, for starters.
Mind you, this is only the beginning. Because, young lady, I have every intention of spoiling you absolutely rotten (and have the time of my life doing it too.)
I just have to remember that I promised your Mom not to send anything bigger than you until you're walking.
Believe me, that's going to be one promise I'm going to find hard to keep. I'm already trying to figure out how to get some big (and when I say big, I mean BIG) stuffed animals on a plane without having to resort to paying for a seat for 'em - not to worry, given my promise, I still have at least a year and a couple of months to go before really worrying out those logistics.
Regardless of how it works itself out, you'll have some gi-normous bears around when you start walking.
You're going to be one lucky little lady - I think there's going to be some serious competition as to who can spoil you the most - but don't worry, I'm planning on winning that battle.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Renovation nightmare
An update on the renovations - having reached a stopping point on the renovations, I decided to go ahead and get the flooring for the upstairs and the stairway.
So, armed with my measurements, I went back to Floor & Decor, fully intending on at least getting the supplies to do the floors, with the intention of hiring the labor when I can afford it.
To my utter shock, I was informed that they no longer carry the brand and color I used for the downstairs.
Mind you, when I chose that style, I was told "oh, we'll always have that, it's a popular color and style, we'll always have it, don't worry". So, all I bought at the time was enough to do the downstairs - taking them at their word that "they'd always have it".
Now, I'm scrambling trying to locate a) about 20 - 25 cases of CASA Gunstock Oak laminate, b) the website for the company to see if I can still order the laminate directly from them, or c) find another color that closely matches the downstairs floors.
So, armed with my measurements, I went back to Floor & Decor, fully intending on at least getting the supplies to do the floors, with the intention of hiring the labor when I can afford it.
To my utter shock, I was informed that they no longer carry the brand and color I used for the downstairs.
Mind you, when I chose that style, I was told "oh, we'll always have that, it's a popular color and style, we'll always have it, don't worry". So, all I bought at the time was enough to do the downstairs - taking them at their word that "they'd always have it".
Now, I'm scrambling trying to locate a) about 20 - 25 cases of CASA Gunstock Oak laminate, b) the website for the company to see if I can still order the laminate directly from them, or c) find another color that closely matches the downstairs floors.
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