SNOWMAGEDDON 2011

OK, I am ready for the next snowpocalypse. 10 - 20 inches predicted between monday afternoon and wednesday morning. I'm all stocked up on bread, milk, and of course, yarn! I'm glad I have two cats to snuggle up with. You wouldn't believe how much heat a 7 lb hairless cat gives off! I suppose I could be really nice and volunteer to go in to work - if she decides to open up at all - so that Megan doesn't have to make the drive in. I can sit on my butt and knit at work just as easily as I can at home.

Rambling on

Holy crap, I'm bored!

Bored with TV, bored with reading, and (GASP!) bored with my knitting projects. Mom and Dad came over for a quick visit today they brought a load of carbohydrates: cake, coffee cake, and dinner rolls (all home-made, of course). I'm a carb addict so I sampled all three. I'm trying really hard to eat fewer refined carbohydrates, but they're so tasty!

In other news, Karl finally decided it's time for a new computer. Normally, this would involve at least a week of research. Spreadsheets would be involved. Nope, new one is ordered as of this morning. Our behemoth CRT monitor is still working fine, so that's going to wait. BUT I am so excited that we're getting an iPod Touch so we can enjoy natural light while web surfing off our neighbor's wireless (He's fine with that). Welcome to this century, Baumeister household!

B Day!

I didn't know it when I got up this morning, but besides National Chocolate Cake Day, today is Bra Day! I know, I'm easily excited.

I had yet another doctor's appointment. Drove to Madison in a bit of a "snow event"- it took twice as long to get there. I did get there early, got a little waiting room knitting done, then saw Dr. Brad. More stitches came out, and I got the OK to wear a bra instead of the ace bandage. The bandage is annoying because now that I'm pancake flat, there's nothing to hold it up! So, after a little yarn shopping, I went to Kohl's and got a couple new sports bras - they were even on sale! Got home and put one on right away. I didn't realize there was so much swelling in my armpit - it's not exactly comfortable. I may put one of my old, stretched out ones on to see if it's any better.

Well, now I'm off to make a chocolate cake. That is, if I can lift the flour out of the pantry.


ETA - I did make a cake, with chocolate buttercream frosting. So delish! I overdid it today with the lifting and reaching (emptied the dishwasher, cooked dinner along with the cake), and now I'm paying for it.

I'm humbled

Wow, to say I have wonderful friends and family is and understatement. I was not expecting so many to do so much. My mom said it looked like a funeral home there were so many flowers - and more arrived after she left! So many cards, we've run out of room on the window sill. A collective "Thank You" to everyone !

White and yellow roses from Jill,


A gorgeous arrangement from the gang at work - there are Starburst Lilies that smell heavenly.



Just as the roses started to fade, a beautiful arrangement came from Sunita to take over their place on the piano.

A lovely Cyclamen from the Ladies who Swing (I hope I can keep it alive!)



And today: chocolate dipped fruit from my wonderful friends the Blaauw's. How did they know that's just what I need to get my appetite back?

And my most favorite of all, a cake from Katrina. Can you see all the love she baked right in?

So sleepy!

Yesterday morning was busy and it WIPED ME OUT!

I had a 9:30 doctors appointment. Karl had to drive me and Katrina had to come along since there was no school, so it was a hectic "get ready to go" morning. The appointment went well - I got my drains removed and some stitches out (TMI?). Then, Karl drops us off at home and he goes to work. So, Katrina and I snuggled up and watched some TV. Lunchtime rolls around and since I am not a big PBJ fan (which was what Katrina was going to make us for lunch), I suggested Culver's. I refuse to be seen in public in my fuzzy pajama pants, so it was a quick trip through the drive-thru for some kids meals.

After lunch, I could barely keep my eyes open. I laid down with the TV on, and pretty soon it was 3:30! On a normal day when Katrina is home, she doesn't leave me alone - "Mom, look at this" and "Mom, watch this" and a never ending narrative of what's going through her head. Yesterday, though, she played her Wii game and watched TV and I never heard her. She said she came upstairs to check on me, and I was asleep so she closed the door so I wouldn't wake up when she got a snack. She has to be the best kid ever.

Today, I'm taking it easy. I do have to go to the drugstore. Maybe I'll do some knitting, but the project is getting bigger, and it's kind of hard to hold it up. Guess I'll have to start something smaller - socks.

Tidbits

There are many reasons why Meriter Hospital was named one of Thompson Reuters Top 100 Hospitals. The excellent care I received, the beautiful facilities, their commitment to excellence. Those are all great criteria, but it's the little things that really stood out for me. Like the afternoon CNA who cared for me right after I got out of recovery - Zac. Not only was he a hottie, but he wrote on my white board "Welcome Becky!!" with a little smiley face. He made sure I could find my glasses, and was quick to come in when I hit my call button.

The hospital is actually known to have good food. Their cafe is supposed to be excellent, and I believe the general public is invited to dine there any time. But for patients, we have room service. No filling out a meal card for me - I jut called down, and they actually answered "Room Service, what can I do for you?" And yes, my food was good. Visitor can order as well so they can eat while they visit. (Karl opted for McDonalds - BLECH!)

It was actually an enjoyable stay.

Excellent!

I got my first real look at myself last night when we changed my bandages. Not gross, not upsetting, just really weird. When I catch myself in the mirror, I'm kind of hunched over because it hurts to straighten up all the way. But then I do, and it's just so odd. I was an early bloomer - and was downright busty by the time I hit junior high. Being flat is so foreign.

I had an appointment with the DR this morning. He likes how things are healing, and will probably remove the drains on monday. The pathology report was back already, and it was excellent news - clean margins and no lymph node involvement. A HUGE relief!

I'm feeling pretty good - not terribly sore. Now, if I would just get my appetite back, I'd be happy. I'm queasy because my stomach is empty, but I don't want to eat because I'm queasy thing going. Bring on the Jello!