So remember when I mentioned my wacky gynecological problems? They are hormonal in nature, which I figured, and might need some tinkering to fix.
I got a call from my doctor's office two weeks ago. The nurse told me that the blood they took for my tests revealed low prolactin. I did a quickie consult with my friend Dr. Google, who was puzzled. Prolactin is the hormone that kicks in after you give birth that makes your milk come in. Any other time, it doesn't really matter. I called them back and asked them to mail me a copy of the test results along with the test forms for the second round of blood tests they wanted.
I'm glad I did that, as the nurse was reading the paperwork wrong. I actually have HIGH prolactin. Dr. Google was much more useful on that subject. High prolactin is a sign of three possible things: hypothyroidism, which runs in my family, polycystic ovarian syndrome, which I have a lot the symptoms of, and a pituitary tumor causing various problems. The nice thing is these are all things people are willing to treat. Heck, the treatment for a pituitary tumor can even be brain surgery, which I would be more freaked about the possibility of if Lisa over at Filthy Commerce hadn't had it last year. Aces told me really play up the brain surgery possibility and that I could be totally over the top demanding attention for that, but that's not in my nature. So more medical stuff is in my future, but I am just happy that it's not stuff that's in my imagination.
Monday, February 08, 2010
The Final Fun Of The Foreclosure
So, I got the paperwork from the mortgage company about the foreclosure that I need to do my taxes. The fair market value of my house? $55,000. Purchase price in 2001? $99,000.
As is being reported in the press with articles like"No Hope In Sight, More Homeowners Walk Away", the market is wrecked, the modification programs are not working, and it's a big mess.
When I play with the "Does It Make Financial Sense To Walk Away And Rent?" calculator I get an estimate of 30-50 years before I regain equity, depending on the variables I put in. It was right to walk.
Now on my reading list, although I've done pretty well so far--Life After Bankruptcy: Living Well With Bad Credit.
As is being reported in the press with articles like"No Hope In Sight, More Homeowners Walk Away", the market is wrecked, the modification programs are not working, and it's a big mess.
When I play with the "Does It Make Financial Sense To Walk Away And Rent?" calculator I get an estimate of 30-50 years before I regain equity, depending on the variables I put in. It was right to walk.
Now on my reading list, although I've done pretty well so far--Life After Bankruptcy: Living Well With Bad Credit.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Genevieve!
My best friend Genevieve is coming to visit me at the end of March! I am so excited!
She is leaving her husband and toddler son to visit. For those who don't know her, Genevieve and I have been friends since 2001, when we met at Weight Watchers. But we had noticed each other on the W.117th Rapid station platform previously--we had just never approached each other. Genevieve is a vegetarian, an avid gardener, a wife and mother, and works as a web designer. She likes physical activity, good local food, public transit, checking out art and cities, and has never been to the Southwest.
Here's what I have tentatively planned out--and if anyone has suggestions, I'd love to hear them. She comes in on Saturday night and leaves Tuesday morning. I am going to make Pizzeria Bianco reservations for Saturday because I can make a table of at least 6 if Genevieve doesn't mind meeting other people from my life. There are several options for Sunday--the farmers' market in Awateukee, fancy breakfast at Over Easy or Matt's Big Breakfast, taking the light rail to the College & University station and climbing the butte at ASU, and the Desert Botanical Garden. We can also then go walk around the joyfully collegiate Mill Ave, and check out Tempe Town Lake. Or just take the light rail around and go to Roosevelt for drinks and music. Monday we might go out to Queen Creek to see the olive mill and farm (they do tours on the half hour), and we can maybe go farther out to the San Tan Mountains and see if there are any good walks or drive up the Camelback Mountains. Or a trip to Sweet Republic in North Scottsdale. Or we can drive up over the mountains and go up to Slide Rock State Park.
Of course this is also a good kick in the pants to get the apartment into shape, and get a sofa, clean out the rest of the stuff, buy new sheets and towels. Maybe train the cats to be less annoying (ha ha ha!). These were things I was thinking about, but hadn't really made a move on. But the most important thing is that Genevieve is coming to visit!
She is leaving her husband and toddler son to visit. For those who don't know her, Genevieve and I have been friends since 2001, when we met at Weight Watchers. But we had noticed each other on the W.117th Rapid station platform previously--we had just never approached each other. Genevieve is a vegetarian, an avid gardener, a wife and mother, and works as a web designer. She likes physical activity, good local food, public transit, checking out art and cities, and has never been to the Southwest.
Here's what I have tentatively planned out--and if anyone has suggestions, I'd love to hear them. She comes in on Saturday night and leaves Tuesday morning. I am going to make Pizzeria Bianco reservations for Saturday because I can make a table of at least 6 if Genevieve doesn't mind meeting other people from my life. There are several options for Sunday--the farmers' market in Awateukee, fancy breakfast at Over Easy or Matt's Big Breakfast, taking the light rail to the College & University station and climbing the butte at ASU, and the Desert Botanical Garden. We can also then go walk around the joyfully collegiate Mill Ave, and check out Tempe Town Lake. Or just take the light rail around and go to Roosevelt for drinks and music. Monday we might go out to Queen Creek to see the olive mill and farm (they do tours on the half hour), and we can maybe go farther out to the San Tan Mountains and see if there are any good walks or drive up the Camelback Mountains. Or a trip to Sweet Republic in North Scottsdale. Or we can drive up over the mountains and go up to Slide Rock State Park.
Of course this is also a good kick in the pants to get the apartment into shape, and get a sofa, clean out the rest of the stuff, buy new sheets and towels. Maybe train the cats to be less annoying (ha ha ha!). These were things I was thinking about, but hadn't really made a move on. But the most important thing is that Genevieve is coming to visit!
Week In Review/Week In Advance
Last week:
Monday: See below for the details on Phoenix. I decided to skip the show because I don't stay out until midnight on a work night lightly and I was way tired.
Tuesday: I went to see my mom because she arrived in town on Monday. Her new place is very swank.
Wednesday: We went out to Cibo to see off Boss Lady. It's like Pizzeria Bianco, but with a wider menu, no wait, a friendly waiter called Matt, and they let you hang out and chat. I did not sample the homemade limoncello. Cibo not as good as PB, but it's good and more accessible and about the same in price.
Thursday: I woke up very late and went to Starbucks to cut the after effects of the 2 glasses of moscato I had the night before. I left without getting anything due to the line, but Huntress yelled at me in the parking lot, "Kerry! Get in my car!"and took me through the drive through. In the evening I made up fruit plates for Boss Lady's going away work party. She's not a cake person, so fruit was more appropriate. I also bought a package of Tim Tams, the Australian cookies that I found at Fry's around Christmas, thrilling my teammate World Traveler. The .33/lb oranges are so perfect--I bought an extra 5 lbs for myself today.
Friday: We kept it going with an office happy hour at the local pool hall where I ate 1.5 servings of delicious onion rings for dinner and had a hurricane. It's a bad sign when the tender has to look up the recipe when it is in the corporate menu.
Saturday: I went to the downtown farmers' market with my mom, Dusie, and SJP!. Dusie was looking for tomato plants. I was caught flirting with a guy and his well behaved pit/boxer mix, Goody. No, I did not get the man's name. We then went to the chocolate festival out in Glendale, which was a disappointment, although Dusie did buy a piece of silver.
Sunday: I have to fix my skirt to wear it to our meeting with the agency tomorrow. I have done very little all day.
This week:
Monday/Tuesday: One of these nights I have to make snickerdoodle quick bread for another work thing. Who knows what else I might do. EDIT: Monday night is Scrabble night at Urban Beans coffeehouse.
Wednesday: James McMurtry is playing at The Rhythm Room. I doubt I am going.
Thursday: I have to go to Target. But you should go to see St. Vincent at The Rhythm Room.
Friday: Nothing lined up that night. It may be my usual clean the house/laundry/catboxes/watch movies routine. Or I might have done all that earlier in the week.
Saturday: The Crimson Conquest wants me and The Huntress to meet up with her at the asscrack of dawn to go to the VSNA Book Sale. I don't really want to go as I have given up on the book hoarding. But I might go so the Huntress and I can go to Matt's Big Breakfast and the Royal Coffee Bar afterwards. And the farmers' market downtown. Then I may go home and nap. But there is also a steampunk fashion show at Evermore Nevermore in Mesa.
Sunday: I am going to the Willo House Tour. There's also a free yoga class in Coronado Park around noon sponsored by Sutra Yoga. I may visit the family afterwards.
Monday: I am getting a car to go shopping. I plan to hit DSW in hopes of hitting the SW stash of Nicole Beautiful Apple Mary Janes.
Monday: See below for the details on Phoenix. I decided to skip the show because I don't stay out until midnight on a work night lightly and I was way tired.
Tuesday: I went to see my mom because she arrived in town on Monday. Her new place is very swank.
Wednesday: We went out to Cibo to see off Boss Lady. It's like Pizzeria Bianco, but with a wider menu, no wait, a friendly waiter called Matt, and they let you hang out and chat. I did not sample the homemade limoncello. Cibo not as good as PB, but it's good and more accessible and about the same in price.
Thursday: I woke up very late and went to Starbucks to cut the after effects of the 2 glasses of moscato I had the night before. I left without getting anything due to the line, but Huntress yelled at me in the parking lot, "Kerry! Get in my car!"and took me through the drive through. In the evening I made up fruit plates for Boss Lady's going away work party. She's not a cake person, so fruit was more appropriate. I also bought a package of Tim Tams, the Australian cookies that I found at Fry's around Christmas, thrilling my teammate World Traveler. The .33/lb oranges are so perfect--I bought an extra 5 lbs for myself today.
Friday: We kept it going with an office happy hour at the local pool hall where I ate 1.5 servings of delicious onion rings for dinner and had a hurricane. It's a bad sign when the tender has to look up the recipe when it is in the corporate menu.
Saturday: I went to the downtown farmers' market with my mom, Dusie, and SJP!. Dusie was looking for tomato plants. I was caught flirting with a guy and his well behaved pit/boxer mix, Goody. No, I did not get the man's name. We then went to the chocolate festival out in Glendale, which was a disappointment, although Dusie did buy a piece of silver.
Sunday: I have to fix my skirt to wear it to our meeting with the agency tomorrow. I have done very little all day.
This week:
Monday/Tuesday: One of these nights I have to make snickerdoodle quick bread for another work thing. Who knows what else I might do. EDIT: Monday night is Scrabble night at Urban Beans coffeehouse.
Wednesday: James McMurtry is playing at The Rhythm Room. I doubt I am going.
Thursday: I have to go to Target. But you should go to see St. Vincent at The Rhythm Room.
Friday: Nothing lined up that night. It may be my usual clean the house/laundry/catboxes/watch movies routine. Or I might have done all that earlier in the week.
Saturday: The Crimson Conquest wants me and The Huntress to meet up with her at the asscrack of dawn to go to the VSNA Book Sale. I don't really want to go as I have given up on the book hoarding. But I might go so the Huntress and I can go to Matt's Big Breakfast and the Royal Coffee Bar afterwards. And the farmers' market downtown. Then I may go home and nap. But there is also a steampunk fashion show at Evermore Nevermore in Mesa.
Sunday: I am going to the Willo House Tour. There's also a free yoga class in Coronado Park around noon sponsored by Sutra Yoga. I may visit the family afterwards.
Monday: I am getting a car to go shopping. I plan to hit DSW in hopes of hitting the SW stash of Nicole Beautiful Apple Mary Janes.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Any Phoenicians Out There?
If so, do you want 2 tickets to the Phoenix-Sea Wolf show tonight. Email me at yahoo, atomiclibrarian@ and we will discuss.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Projects For February
Remember this post? I'm still struggling with everything on it. Not much progress to report. I haven't gone clothes shopping as I spent all my money on theater and music tickets, I have been falling into the false notion that watching movies as I fall asleep is restful, and my email is filling up. And if my desk looks clean it is because I haven't been at the office. Still, I try harder.
I have a couple more projects to work on:
1) Get 2 things off my to do list. Mostly these deal with correspondences I have dropped lately. Bad Kerry!
2) No Coke or outside coffee purchases in February. I was casting about for a small healthful change I could make, and seized upon the no Coke thing since while I love it, it's not helping me any. And February is a short month, so surely I can make it through 28 days of no Coke. No outside coffee went along with it as I spend a chunk of money on coffee too.
I actually gave up Coke for all of 2000, and when the year ended I went back to it. I feel somewhat ridiculous that I love it so, but it is really a beverage that complements all food.
Aces asked what brought about this bent to do something healthful and slightly radical and I answered truthfully that I think it's the anti-depressants. They make it easier to imagine doing something like this, and not an insurmountable painful task. Plus, I know that I use caffeine and sugar as a way to manipulate my mood for short periods, but as I feel more alert and able to concentrate on the drugs, I don't need to self-medicate. Better living through chemistry, kids.
I have a couple more projects to work on:
1) Get 2 things off my to do list. Mostly these deal with correspondences I have dropped lately. Bad Kerry!
2) No Coke or outside coffee purchases in February. I was casting about for a small healthful change I could make, and seized upon the no Coke thing since while I love it, it's not helping me any. And February is a short month, so surely I can make it through 28 days of no Coke. No outside coffee went along with it as I spend a chunk of money on coffee too.
I actually gave up Coke for all of 2000, and when the year ended I went back to it. I feel somewhat ridiculous that I love it so, but it is really a beverage that complements all food.
Aces asked what brought about this bent to do something healthful and slightly radical and I answered truthfully that I think it's the anti-depressants. They make it easier to imagine doing something like this, and not an insurmountable painful task. Plus, I know that I use caffeine and sugar as a way to manipulate my mood for short periods, but as I feel more alert and able to concentrate on the drugs, I don't need to self-medicate. Better living through chemistry, kids.
Hard Hearted and Hard Headed
I'm really enjoying the blog Good Intentions Are Not Enough. It's written by a former aid worker and covers the topics of fail that people fall into when disaster happens and they just want to help so much that do wildly inappropriate things. Like kidnap a bunch of kids and try to take them to a neighboring foreign country. Or send breastmilk instead of money for rations that would allow moms to make the food to feed their own kids or wet nurse the neighbor's. Or sending a bunch of OTC painkillers from Costco and your half used prescriptions, instead of money for morphine or useful pharmaceuticals. It's arrogant to assume that your desire to be helpful trumps actual need and people should just be grateful that you mean no harm and just want to help. Haiti was not a thriving nation before the earthquake; it needs even more help now, but appropriate help is more important than assuaging your guilt.
It brings to mind a kerfuffle that happened on Facebook recently about the young Christian preacher who trekked into North Korea to deliver his heart-felt letters to Kim Jong-Il, really sure that this would be the action that would turn the dictator's heart and bring about change in North Korea, as opposed to secret airlifts of supplies for its people to give them impetus for revolution, or running a Radio Free North Korea project, or really anything with a chance of success. Hell, staying home and fasting and praying had more of a chance of working on Kim Jong-Il than winding up in a North Korea prison. And there were two opposing camps, the people who thought that one person setting himself to be a martyr is a noble action no matter what the chance of success and another who thought really it's arrogant and a waste for your work and gesture to mean nothing because you're seized by the spirit and don't think things through. The situation in Haiti seems to be another example of that--when are you doing more bad than good? How do you feel about that? And is there really a completely altuistic action that doesn't gratify yourself in some way?
It brings to mind a kerfuffle that happened on Facebook recently about the young Christian preacher who trekked into North Korea to deliver his heart-felt letters to Kim Jong-Il, really sure that this would be the action that would turn the dictator's heart and bring about change in North Korea, as opposed to secret airlifts of supplies for its people to give them impetus for revolution, or running a Radio Free North Korea project, or really anything with a chance of success. Hell, staying home and fasting and praying had more of a chance of working on Kim Jong-Il than winding up in a North Korea prison. And there were two opposing camps, the people who thought that one person setting himself to be a martyr is a noble action no matter what the chance of success and another who thought really it's arrogant and a waste for your work and gesture to mean nothing because you're seized by the spirit and don't think things through. The situation in Haiti seems to be another example of that--when are you doing more bad than good? How do you feel about that? And is there really a completely altuistic action that doesn't gratify yourself in some way?
Monday, January 25, 2010
In Which I Take A Sick Day
Yes, I did. I never take sick days as I think I am always horribly behind and filled with goof, but today I did. I started to come down with a cold on Friday. I originally told myself that it might be allergies spurred by the damp as it rained every day last week, but by Saturday morning I knew I had fallen. It was a bit inconvenient to be sniffling and feverish as I had theater tickets for both Saturday and Sunday, but I took some meds and went out to Mesa Contemporary Arts Center. Saturday I saw Julius Caesar and on Sunday Huntress met me and we saw A. R. Gurney's Love Letters. They were both good productions. And on Saturday night Dusie and Jesse X and SJP! came and picked me up and we went for Indian food that was so good. Guru Palace in Gilbert.
I stayed home every night last week because of the rain, but also because I had been out and doing something almost every night the previous week--seriously, I was out of the house 6 of 7 nights. I was tired, the place was a mess, and I needed a day to get my head straight. Things are a mess all over.
Today I slept in, walked to Target and returned the night time cold medicine I bought accidently (I needed the daytime, non-drowsy version) vacuumed, folded my clothing and cleaned a bit. I need to descale my coffee maker too--I can't make coffee until I do so as it refuses to work. There was cat cuddling too. And I placed an online order for a pair of shoes, a necklace and a tray with a peacock on it. I can't help myself--I love peacocks these days. Pictures will potentially follow.
I stayed home every night last week because of the rain, but also because I had been out and doing something almost every night the previous week--seriously, I was out of the house 6 of 7 nights. I was tired, the place was a mess, and I needed a day to get my head straight. Things are a mess all over.
Today I slept in, walked to Target and returned the night time cold medicine I bought accidently (I needed the daytime, non-drowsy version) vacuumed, folded my clothing and cleaned a bit. I need to descale my coffee maker too--I can't make coffee until I do so as it refuses to work. There was cat cuddling too. And I placed an online order for a pair of shoes, a necklace and a tray with a peacock on it. I can't help myself--I love peacocks these days. Pictures will potentially follow.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Why You Want To Come To Arizona
On Saturday at 10am, you can join a hike at Estrella Mountain Park to go look at the 5th largest cactus in Arizona. Yes, we have cataloged our cactus by size.
And if you can stay until noon, there's a snake feeding demonstration at the same place.
And if you can stay until noon, there's a snake feeding demonstration at the same place.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Practically The Saddest Day Ever
The mysterious visitor who left cognac and roses on Poe's grave did not show up this year, ending a 60 year tradition. Aw.
EDIT: And, Writers' Almanac profiled Poe, and included the detail that he trained the cat to sleep on his tuberculosis-stricken wife's lap to keep her warm. I almost cried.
Kate McGarrigle died. I saw one of her shows several years ago--she was very cranky and there was excess deadspace as they tuned guitars. This is one of my favorite Kate & Anna McGarrigle songs.
Robert B. Parker, author of the Spenser novels, also died. I read his books several times over in my teens.
Hell, Erich Segal, who wrote Love Story died. Yes, it's a sapfest story that should be titled Oliver And His Daddy Issues, but the movie is enjoyable for the luminous Ali McGraw and the well-developed story.
EDIT: And, Writers' Almanac profiled Poe, and included the detail that he trained the cat to sleep on his tuberculosis-stricken wife's lap to keep her warm. I almost cried.
Kate McGarrigle died. I saw one of her shows several years ago--she was very cranky and there was excess deadspace as they tuned guitars. This is one of my favorite Kate & Anna McGarrigle songs.
Robert B. Parker, author of the Spenser novels, also died. I read his books several times over in my teens.
Hell, Erich Segal, who wrote Love Story died. Yes, it's a sapfest story that should be titled Oliver And His Daddy Issues, but the movie is enjoyable for the luminous Ali McGraw and the well-developed story.
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