A Close Up of the Costume

Jane's 50th Birthday

Jane Holt's birthday is officially on Sunday; however, the staff wore black today in her honor. I didn't want Jane to wear black, so I bought her the Forever Lazy (thanks to the worst infomercial ever). My mom and I went up to East after school to get in the group picture.

A Return to Work (Finally)

Today I had a doctor appointment at UNMC, and I was officially cleared to go back to work at semester (January 2nd, to be exact, so I can work in my classroom before teachers have to return on the 6th). I got a steroid reduction, so, hopefully, that results in a puffy face decrease.

My MRI results were good, other than I have arthritis (most people over 30 do, apparently) and a touch of scoliosis in my lower back. Clearly, these are "problems" that don't bother me, so we'll just forget about them. My doctor attributed those to years of running.

And speaking of running, maybe it's time to try again. I hate walking in the cold, and it is much easier to run in this weather. We'll see how that weekend goal pans out.

I've been working on keeping the economy running from my couch and computer. Not only does www.vipzappos.com overnight shoes, but I ordered a pair at 8pm last night and got them today. About 50 percent of the time, I reject the shoes and send them back (free shipping both ways), but I am then providing a job for the UPS employee. I am still looking for the elusive comfortable/non-ugly work shoe with a little heel (that does not have a Nike swoosh on it). For my feet, this is as easy as finding Big Foot or the Loch Ness Monster. Maybe I'll finally get it right before Zappos cuts off my VIP status.

Adios.

Friday Night in a Gerbil Tube

I survived a two-hour MRI on Friday night, although now I think I have significant hearing loss. If you have ever suffered through a (closed and claustrophobic) MRI, you might recognize some of these "songs" or noises: "Jet Engine Heard from Tarmac," "Jackhammer," "Machine Gun," and "Crying Puppy." I pulled a stint in the MRI machine because I started getting some vibrating cell phone like buzzing down my spine and legs. However, this new side effect came at the same time as an increase in my immune suppressant drug and a decrease in my steroids. Since I have had most of the Prograf side effects, I figured this was just one more new one for the record. I don't have any results yet. I might not know anything until I go to see my doctor in Omaha on Thursday. Hopefully, everything will continue to be "good," so I can get my release form signed to go back to work on January 6th.

I am getting claustrophobic stuck in my house. This weather is awful, and when it is slick outside, I don't feel like walking (unless you count wandering around the North Face section of Scheels). My cats aren't very motivational either; they just want to sleep all day on my new ginormous bed.

I have to get out of my semi-retirement mode. It is getting harder to do things that I don't want to do...and this mindset does not work in the real world. I think I could fully commit to eating Christmas cookies.

Annual Toys for Tots Bowling Outing (Don't Worry, We Gave Money For Actual Gifts)