Frantic Friday - A very long to do list

One day at a time, one task at a time, one issue at a time - these are some of the things I say to myself when I get an overload of things to do on my list.  There are days and weeks that I don't have to deal with anything and then all of a sudden, there it is, a long list of things to take care of.  When these things happen, sometimes I have stop because I get all frantic and worried that I cannot resolve it or don't know how.  You are probably wondering why I would have such a list when in fact I am retired and should be able to do it since I do not work.  Some of my problem is the fact that I am here and I still have some things to get done back in Canada.  With the new technology, I thought that I should be able to solve all my concerns via email or telephone.  Unfortunately not and I might have to return to my former residence in order to sort it once and for all.  

Truthful Thursday - Happy Report

It does not take much to keep me happy and here's the latest update on my health concerns.

After a week of using a different inhaler, my wheezing and my coughing has disappeared and I can sleep much better.  Unfortunately, I have to use the inhaler for another two weeks just to make sure that everything is clear.  If and when it comes back, then I will use it as needed.

Feeling great is very important to me and I am sure everyone feels the same.  I have been getting good results of my blood sugar as well.  What I find weird is that when I don't have a snack around ten, my result seems higher.  But when I do have a snack and if I chose a small scoop of ice cream with some nut sprinkles, my results are perfect.  Now I am wondering if it's the ice cream that is the secret.  I know that there's quite a bit of sugar in ice cream, that's why I try to limit it to a really small scoop.  There are other snacks that is healthier but it does not provide a good result.  Someone will have to explain this concept to me and I might have to ask my doctor or dietician on my next visit.

  

Why Wednesday - Service Industry

Due to some recent experience that my MIL and I went through, I thought that I need to do a post about people behaving badly.  I honestly believe that if you work in a place where the majority of your work is dealing with people, you have got to have great people skills.  But yesterday we were not impressed with some of the people we interacted with.  The first appointment was for some eye test that was conducted by a technician.  She asked my MIL some question and when my MIL responded, the technician was not very polite and my MIL felt like she was lying as she insisted that she has taken the test prior to yesterday.  At the end of the test, the technician told my MIL that maybe they might have mispelled her name and that's why she could not find previous test.  The way they track your file is by your medical ID and then they verify your name.  One would think that since they are the ones that can access medical file by ID number, then it does not matter if they mispelled or added extra letter on my MIL's name, they should be able to find her by her ID number, right???

We had some extra time so my MIL needed to get her California ID so we went to the most dreaded agency in the state - DMV.  We were about the third on line to get a number. The first worker was pleasant, gave us a form to complete and told us to see her on the side and she will give my MIL a number.  Once completed we went to the side, by this time it was a different worker who gave us that angry look (kinda like asking what are you doing there), so we told her that we were instruction to do so by the other lady. Anyway we did get a number and waited. The third person we saw was so rude and so unhappy.  Her first question "what can I do for you" but very abrupt tone, grab the paper, and asked why my MIL did not sign the form.  The form actually said in bold letter:  DO NOT SIGN THE FORM UNTIL YOU ARE SEEN BY THE DMV EMPLOYEE.  She then instructed my MIL to get her photo taken.

The worker who takes photo was pleasant and very polite.  When we left the office, the line up of people wanting to see all these very happy workers (NOT) were outside almost to the parking lot.  By the way, did you know that in the state of California you get a choice of many different language to take your test (English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean and Tagalog).  And I thought Toronto was very multi-cultural, I believe you can only take the test in English or French.

Moody Monday - Possible Side Effects

Have you ever read the instructions, side effects, etc. of a new prescription for a recent health issue?  Most of the time when you pick up your new presciption, the pharmacist will provide a quick info on how to use and maybe some of the side effects.  Usually I read the printed paper that accompanies my prescription.  The recent one I read is not the printed one but the piece of paper inside the box of my inhaler.  OMG, the possible side effects are a bit scary that I felt like it might be better not taking the medication.  I have decided to just share the combined list of side effects for my recent changes and new prescriptions.  Please do not continue reading the list if you start feeling dizzy, nausea or anxiety. 

• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, weakness
• Sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, tingling
• Rash, itching, trouble breathing, rapid breathing
• Increased thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness,flushing
• Stuffy nose, hoarseness, dry mouth, throat irritation
• Fever, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping,muscles cramps
• Lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat

As you can see, I have decided to group them otherwise the list will be so long that today's post would occupy the whole page and more.  The good news is that I am happy to report that I have not experienced any of the above.  The other good news is that my wheezing and coughing has improved that I am able to get a good nights rest.  I am also happy to add that my blood sugar resulting in the morning and mid morning has been excellent.  All I need is more encourgement and determination to do more exerise, for example, walking for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.   

Scented Sunday - Favorite kind

There are so many types of ways to keep the home smelling fresh or just plain nice scents.  My favorite kinds to use is the one from Bath and Body Works that you plug.  They have so many variety of scents, plug ins, etc.  Here's what I use in our bathrooms and bedrooms.

For the kitchen we use the Febreeze type because I made a mistake of buying a refill for the one we already have.  It was actually Air Wick which the type we use for the garage.  How many different kinds do you use?  Sometimes I just use some of my scented candles and at times I use a scented room air freshners when the smell from cooking is too potent.

Sitting Saturday - Babysitting again

A couple of weekends ago we were babysitting the grandkids not just for a couple of hours but a sleepover.  Today we were asked again to babysit because Dan (Jeff's son) wants to go out with a friend.  Since we did not have anything planned for tonight, Jeff agreed to accept the request.  Unfortunately I cannot spend a lot of time with them tomorrow because I do volunteer work on Sundays.  After the phone call from Dan, Jeff got another call from his friend Carlos asking if we wanted to play tennis in the morning.  It's too bad Jeff did not get this call first, it would have been more fun to play doubles with Carlos and Mark. Oh bother.

Even if the grandkids will be dropped off after dinner and will be picked up before lunch, it is still a few hours before their bedtime.  Sometimes it's very tiring entertaining them because they do require a lot of attention specially the little one.  She needs a lot of comforting before she goes to sleep.  She usually cries a lot but Jeff seems to know how to take care of her.  I feel like I am not a good grandmother because I can't make her stop crying.  Even when changing diapers, it takes both of us to change her and again she does a lot of crying.  The rest of the time, she would just go around the living room and dining room exploring.  She likes to touch or play with anything different she sees in our home.  The majority of items she is not allowed to play with or touch.  She then gets a little upset but she does listen when we say "NO".  Well, that's how our weekend is about.  I hope yours is more exciting than this.

Food Friday - A new wing place

Last weekend we notice a new building near the Oakridge Mall so we decided to check it out.  The place was called Wild Buffalo Wings.  Since it just opened obviously it would be busy but we saw that the patio was not full.  We were able to get a table but it was a bit windy therefore it was cool.  They have a heater that helps but it was still cold but we brave it.  It took a while before our waiter came over.  We knew what we wanted because we had been waiting and was able to order right away.  I chose the Lemon and Pepper seasoning (6 wings) for $6.99 and a small bowl of mac and cheese for $ 2.99 while Jeff ordered the chipotle BBQ wings and an appetizer - Mozzarella Cheese sticks for $6.98. The wings were good because it was not greasy and was very crispy and lots of flavor.  The waiter said the food will be out with 15 minutes but it actually did not get until after half an hour.  I don't think we will be going back there until after a few more months.  Maybe we will wait until my daughter and SIL come for a visit before we return.  No photos because we both forgot to take them since we were so hungry and we only remembered half way through our lunch.