Sick, More Sick, and Impromptu Weddings
There's nothing like a coming back from a great weekend to enter a week full of sick. Lil C spent the weekend with a fever. Monday brought a visit to the doctor for an ear infection that just won't quit. After a week of antibiotics, her ears look the same, possibly worse. So, now she's on another antibiotic, a stronger one that combines two antibiotics into one.
As the PA was writing out the prescription, she said to herself, but loud enough for me to hear, "I'm not going to worry yet."
I don't like the "yet" part of that at all.
I thought I'd only be taking Lil C to the doctor, but Big I woke up Monday morning looking like death. She was sporting a fever of over 102 and it got worse throughout the day. A strep test came back negative, so they've decided she most definitely has the flu. They warned me that this flu is especially awful, terribly contagious, and that it's taking a good 5-7 days to run its course.
Last night, before bed, her fever spiked to 104.9 so I spent the early hours of the evening piggy-backing ibuprofen and Tylenol to keep it at a more reasonable 102.5. She woke up with a fever of 103.2 and is feeling dizzy and miserable.
I woke up this morning with a scratchy throat and chills. I was determined to make it to campus but I spent much of the class teaching from a seated position on a table in the front of the room. I felt shaky and dizzy and just yuck. Thank goodness I had planned to show them two videos of speeches today.
Upon arriving home today, I was told that my father-in-law and his fiance are getting married this weekend. That's right, this weekend. The wedding is about five hours away. My mother-in-law gave us only a couple days notice (two actually, I think) and we were unable to make it out for hers. It took me 11 months to plan my wedding. How this stuff happens so quickly just blows my mind, my very sore headachy mind. For now though, I just need to worry about getting through each day, one day at a time. I'll worry about how to get my sick family out to a surprise wedding once we feel better.
Best Birthday Ever
I can honestly say that this was the best birthday ever. It has even trumped my 10th birthday when I got my first stereo and trust me when I tell you that was an exciting birthday for me, not so much for my parents whose bedroom was right beside mine. I actually still have that stereo.
On Friday, I got a couple cards in the mail. One was from my aunt who always sends me scratch-off lottery tickets. I won $100. I also received several other thoughtful cards (one from Marguerite-thank you!), many of them mentioning my "29th" birthday. Sweet.
Yesterday, I slept in. When I woke up, Mr. BBM made me breakfast. The girls gave me cards they had made themselves and they also gave me that Live Strong t-shirt I saw a couple weeks ago. It says, "100% Back" on it. I'm wearing it today.
At noon, I had a manicure appointment thanks to Renovation Girl and her called in gift certificate. I came home, showered, packed and we were off. We dropped the girls off at my parents house and headed to the hotel. Right after we arrived, one of my friends arrived at the hotel to drive with us to dinner. He brought with him a beautifully wrapped gift and wished me a happy 29th birthday in Japanese (He's a friend from karate). Inside I found a gift card for Ann Taylor Loft. Does he have good blog reading comprehension skills or what? Although I did not at all expect gifts, I was elated. Thank you E!
We drove over to Bahama Breeze for dinner and while we waited for our table, I drank a mojito (ok, actually two mojitos). I nursed the second one all through dinner because it was STRONG and I had some dancing to do later. We had a lovely dinner. I had almond crusted salmon in a lemon butter sauce with tropical rice. It was delicious.
So was the spinach dip which is why my friend Stacey is covering her mouth and we are cracking up. Ok, the cracking up part may be due to the mojito.
We headed back to the hotel and the nightclub afterward. First, I did a quick wardrobe change. I couldn't decide what to wear so Mr. BBM told me I should be like a celebrity hosting an awards show and switch tops, so that's just what I did. He was apparently kidding, but it was a suggestion I couldn't ignore.
I wasn't the only one with a wardrobe change. Ikigai ended up having to borrow one of Mr. BBM's shirts since t-shirts, even nice ones, were not allowed. Yep, that's right, no t-shirts allowed but bring on the leggings, cheesy hot-pants, fishnet stockings and bikinis. Oh, how I wish I were kidding about that part.
Here's Ikigai playing the role of Mr. BBM.
We arrived at the club and were shown to our VIP room. The VIP room was a bunch of comfy couches, six televisions that looked like a kaleidoscope, and a great big comfy ottoman. This was surrounded by long white flowing pieces of fabric. It was like our own little cocoon.
That's my sister and her boyfriend in the background. He was googling himself, like usual.
The VIP room came with a specialty drink for all of us to share. It was quite good and didn't last very long.
I'm just thankful I had some good help getting rid of it. That's Stacey's husband Richard. You may recall him from this post.
Here's another picture of me and my sister. I never really thought we looked anything alike until I saw this picture today. Clearly though, we're leaving the chest area out of this comparison. One of these things is certainly, and sadly, not like the other.
Ikigai (seen below) dared me to go out onto the dance floor to get the party started and I told him I haven't met a (reasonable) dare I haven't liked. So, out I went. Ikigai's girlfriend, "Foxy Citrus" (also seen below and also celebrating her birthday), joined me after a lonely minute and things started rolling. Someone has to start the party right?
We had an unsolicited dance partner who didn't smell that great, so we decided we'd go sit back in the VIP room to let him cool his engines.
The club had a stage where only ladies could dance and at some point, they called me up there. I went and took a posse of girls with me. We truly had a blast.
I believe that's me doing my best impersonation of nai hanchi stance. Actually, on second thought, I think I was just getting low and stuff.
When my friend told me this club was cheesy, she neglected to tell me that there were "cages." That would be my sister leaning way back there while holding the bar and that would be me standing in the cage laughing. No one can say we weren't adding to the entertainment value at the club.
With the exception of one party pooper (see "google" image above), everyone from my party got out on the dance floor at some point, even those who swore they were like T.I. as in "alright, ok, I don't dance, no way."
Of course, my sister and I don't use that type of logic. We're always ready to dance.
My knee held up quite well all night long, and although none of us made it to the 2 a.m. closing time, I didn't mind because they started playing really craptastic music. See my face expression reflecting this below. And for those who only tolerated last nights music in honor of me and my birthday, zip it, I already know what you're going to say about the music that preceded the end of the night's craptastic music.
My friends all put in a good amount of time at the club. I had a great group of people, a great group of friends, and a really fantastic time.
Tonight I went to my Mom's for dinner and cake. My Mom and the girls made me a cake. The girls decorated it almost completely by themselves and they did a fantastic job.
I've learned that one of the keys to having a good birthday is having it fall on a weekend. This was definitely one for the memory books! Thank you to everyone who made this birthday special by sending me something sweet, typing me birthday wishes, or getting your groove on. I truly have the best friends in the world.
Karl is Hired and Avitable Rocks
Yesterday, Karl found the secret BBM lair with his GPS. I think we had a great time. I know my kids did for sure. I'm not so sure about how much Karl liked being a jungle gym, but he was a good sport even if he wasn't digging it.
Lil C made fast friends with Karl. She fed him chocolate chips while he taught her to say "Whoa Jack." Within 30 minutes, she was climbing on his lap, and forcing him to play with Barbie dolls and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse toys. Think Mary Poppins in pants. Yes, he was that good.
When Lil C tired of that, she climbed onto Karl's back and told him he was her horse. He happily obliged. Later, she held up two play hamburger buns to his face and told him he was her Prince. She was playing the part of Ariel and apparently she thinks that Prince Eric looks like Princess Leia.
At some point, she had a "wardrobe change" and morphed into Cinderella. She told Karl they were getting married and she kissed him. He told her she was the best girlfriend he ever had. It was a match made in heaven.
I seriously think I need to convince him to buy the lot beside me. I could really use another babysitter and Lil C would like to see her "husband" more than once a year or so. Plus, I think I only had about 20 minutes of talk time with Karl. My kids totally monopolized him. If he moved in, we could have drinks on the lawn all summer long.
Thanks for coming to visit me Karl! What fun!!!
Right after Karl arrived, the doorbell rang. Arriving was a birthday present from Avitable. His site may be a little wild at times but the man has a heart of gold. He sent me this shirt after he read this post.
If you look closely you'll see that the shirt is covered with little pictures of gi'd up me. I have to say that this was the most unique present I've ever received. Thank you Adam!
Tomorrow is the birthday bash and I am so looking forward to it. I'm sure someone will take pictures. My knee is feeling great and I am looking forward to getting my groove on.
Musical Memories
We've been listening to a lot of music around the house lately. Having an IPod Touch makes it all the more enjoyable. I'm totally loving their Genius feature. Anyway, as I was listening to music today, I started to mentally compile a list of some of my favorite songs. My favorite songs are almost always linked to good or fun memories and I thought I'd share a fun one with you today.
My best guy friend got married a couple years after I did. He met his girlfriend in college and had been with her for years before they got married. Unlike most couples who get married, they had actually waited if you know where I'm going with this. For my friend, this had been especially rough and frustrating at times.
While at his reception, music was playing. It was all classy stuff, dinner type music that anyone could enjoy. And then my friend made a request.
The DJ announced over the microphone that my friend had made a request and was dedicating it to his new bride. There were collective ooh's and ah's and a lot of aw's. My friend led his new bride out to the dance floor and the music started; except it wasn't at all what anyone was expecting.
It was this. . . (You can watch the video and hear the song here.)
This thing right here
Is lettin all the ladies know
What guys talk about
You know
The finer things in life
Hahaha
Check it out
Ooh dat dress so scandalous
And ya know another n couldn't handle it
See ya shakin that thang like who's da ish
With a look in ya eye so devilish
Uh
Ya like to dance at all the hip hop spots
And ya cruise to the crews like connect da dots
Not just urban she likes the pop
Cuz she was livin la vida loca
[BRIDGE]
She had dumps like a truck truck truck
Thighs like what what what
Baby move your butt butt butt
Uh
I think to sing it again
She had dumps like a truck truck truck
Thighs like what what what
All night long
Let me see that thong
[CHORUS]
I like it when the beat goes da na da na
Baby make your booty go da na da na
Girl I know you wanna show da na da na
That thong th thong thong thong
I like it when the beat goes da na da na
Baby make your booty go da na da na
Girl I know you wanna show da na da na
That thong th thong thong thong
Lyrics thanks to: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sisqo/thongsong.html
As soon as the music started, my friend started going nuts, dancing all around her and right up to her. There she stood in her bridal gown, completely dumbstruck. She was a good sport throughout and it was absolutely hysterical. Every time I hear that song, I just crack up. The look on her face, the look on his face as he danced like a maniac, the look on everyone's faces at the reception. . . it was priceless.
What's one of your best musical memories?
Sour Grapes and Epi Pens
Filed under: Back in the Classroom, Mental Strain for Mama
Today I arrived on campus and actually had mail in my mailbox. My evaluations from last semester finally arrived. I wasn't sure if I should look at them before class or save them for after. I'm the girl who lets one negative comment bother her for all eternity. I decided to wait until after.
My students did their first speeches today and I was impressed. We have some things to work on but overall, I think I have a good group of students who are oozing with creativity. I think this semester, like last one, will be enjoyable.
After class, one of my students who only showed up today for the first time, approached me in order to get everything she needed and get caught up. First, though, she had some information for me about her medical condition(s).
She began by telling me she has severe asthma. I thought this was leading up to, "sometimes I'll need to leave the room to use my inhaler" or something, but before I knew it she was pulling out an epi pen and giving me directions on how to use it and a directive to call 911 if I need to use the pen on her.
You should know that my Mom is a type 1 diabetic and for years gave herself several shots of insulin daily. I could never watch. If I happened to see it, I'd usually end up with my head between my knees, trying not to pass out.
During the summer before I was heading off to college, I had to get a hepatitis vaccine at the pediatricians office and ended up passing out as my Mom paid for it. I woke up with a heap of animal crackers all over me (the billing lady thought it would be cute and funny to give me a little treat in the form of a cup of animal crackers), and a bunch of toddlers standing over my head staring at me with curiosity.
My student continued to tell me to just "jam the epi pen into her thigh" and "try to keep the classroom calm." I started wondering how I would keep the classroom calm when I would probably be freaking out myself.
Then she told me she sometimes has seizures and that if she has one, I'll need to call 911 and dig through her purse to find her glucose monitor to test her blood. I'll also need to make sure she doesn't "hurt herself." I've tested my own blood plenty of times. I was a gestational diabetic for many months of my pregnancy with Lil C, but testing someone else's blood?
"Are you diabetic?" I asked her.
"They're not sure yet," she said.
I questioned her more about what I'm supposed to do and when, and she told me that she sometimes just coughs a little and the next thing you know, she needs an epi pen injection.
I should note that none of this explanation came with a doctors excuse or written directions. She also told me she may frequently miss class and assignments and that she's "always behind."
We moved on to my portion of the talking where I told her what she needs to do to get caught up. She started to cough a bit and I quickly wrapped up our conversation. I'm an adjunct instructor, not a medic; and I am obviously not prepared or equipped to handle these types of things, especially not without some written instructions.
Delivering lesson plans with enthusiasm and creativity. . . check.
Handing assignments back in a timely matter. . . check.
Teaching students responsibility. . . check.
Helping my students become better speakers. . . check.
Administering emergency medical care in the middle of class and keeping my class calm as the ambulance arrives. . . not so much!
We finished our conversation with me telling her I need a written flow chart, if you will, of what I'm supposed to do and when. I'm really hoping I never need to use it. One encouraging thing is that I do have an army medic in my classroom. He hasn't missed a class yet, and I plan to rely on him heavily if something does happen. I'm going to have a hard time using an epi pen on my student while I have my head between my knees as I try not to hyperventilate.
When I got home, my mind needed a break from all the terrible scenarios I was envisioning in the weeks to come so I broke out the evaluations and had a quick read. I had really favorable reviews, and great comments throughout.
"She is very lively and grabs your attention." Cool.
"She is a great teacher and I really enjoyed her class." Fantastic.
"She always had a creative way of demonstrating new things." Why yes I did. Thank you!
"Thank you. I learned a lot." You're very welcome!
"The whole class was good. It really taught me how to write better." Sweet.
"Mrs. BBM was an awesome teacher." Great, glad you think so!
"Mrs. BBM made us think and made the course fun." Really cool.
"Mrs. BBM was always available for extra help. She always had helpful comments for you if you were struggling. She explained everything nicely so you weren't confused." I tried.
"This class was awesome!" Yeah! Thank you!
"She is a caring teacher." Aww.
"I learned a lot and had fun at the same time." Good! That was the goal!
And then one person gave me a "disagree" for being "available for questions and additional assistance." That, my friends, is all I can think about. I've been going over and over again my students and those who asked me for help. I can't think of a time I didn't make myself available. I can't think of a time I didn't offer to come to campus on days I didn't even teach! I know it's probably just someone with sour grapes about something, but it's one sour grape that sticks in my head.
That and the epi pen.
Copyright
© Copyright 2006-2019 blackbeltmama dot com ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Follow Me
Blog Designed By
My Creations
Things You Could Care Less About
