tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11400179797163045132024-03-05T05:14:03.997-05:00ShlookshliesAfter suffering for almost 8 years with Ulcerative Colitis, I finally a total colectomy. It has been long road to recovery and learning how to live with my new body. Here are some tid-bits of my life without a colon as I navigate insurance, doctors, and the added bonus of IVF and surrogacy. Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-60250924428609238472017-10-04T21:48:00.000-04:002017-10-04T21:48:22.925-04:00You can have the last cookieWhile dealing with my total colectomy, we had some very dark days. Days we felt weak and broken. We always had each other to lean on, although some days it felt more like we were equally propped up against each other and one strong wind could take us both down.<br />
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We have made it a long way from hospital stays, ER visits, blood transfusions and medication schedules. Those are all in the past. </div>
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Many people tell me how strong I am but I am nothing without my support system. Most of you reading this have played some part in my recovery from life with colitis. My colon is gone, but there are still trials we learn and overcome every year. I do my best to tell everyone how I am not the strong one- I am a product of the love and support I get from all of you. </div>
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When I was really sick, a sweet friend who is like a sister to both of us, organized a book of love and intentions. She was able to get written notes from a number of loved ones, cheering us on from all around the country. She presented it to us during a benefit show other friends hosted to help pay my medical bills. (Is this real life!? Who has friends like this?) I am extremely lucky to have all this support and love to get me though those darker days.<br />
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We could never repay you or thank you enough. In honor of all the love and support we've had over the years, we will be leaving meaningful sayings <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(including, "you can have the last cookie") </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">that got us through those dark times, during our dirtbag roadtrip. The country could use a little pick me up. We hope to make someone smile. And if we do, please know you played a role in it, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you! </span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-59116913861375575232017-10-04T21:37:00.000-04:002017-10-04T21:37:02.019-04:00Update on Pouchitis Vs. Crohn's After a number of tests, we've been down graded from possible Crohn's to very bad pouchitis. This was unbelievable to me after seeing the actual holes in my small intestine. But, let's go with what the specialists say.<br />
They put me on suppository steroids, UC oral medications, pain medication and no real information on diet or lifestyle change. I'm not a fan of taking any steroid at this point because of the deadbone issue. (To catch you up on that, I was experiencing sharp pains in my left knee when I would walk, stand, or even straightening my leg while in bed. I went to the doctors, so many doctors, who did some tests, so many tests, for them to tell me that part of my bone is showing signs of necrosis, or death! Likely caused by prolonged use of steroids. This is commonly found in women in their sixties or woman who have been on steroids for other chronic illnesses.) So now I'm really not a fan of steroids.<br />
The doctor assured me that the suppository will not affect the bone issues.<br />
Because I was not told to change my diet (I had gone back to my regular, healthy-ish diet that included grains, beans, carbs, and sugar), I kept eating like normal and taking all my medication, with very little changes to my situation.<br />
We tried many weeks of antibiotics that lead to C. Diff and a whole host of additional issues.<br />
Months went by with me going from specialist to specialist for digestion and bones, and getting this test and that test. But nothing was helping. Even the tests would give us some information but still no clear answer.<br />
I finally was sent back to my General Practitioner to refer me to pain management. I was just expected to live with pain and not being able to walk in my 30's until it got so bad to require surgery. I told her I need <i>something</i>. I couldn't walk, I couldn't drive my manual car, I couldn't walk my dog. I couldn't live like that. I asked for a cane. She obliged and offered another suggestion. "I have a book I'd like you to read and try the diet. You'll be ahead of the game since you've already done Paleo, but there are a few more restrictions. But I think it will help."<br />
She was so right. The book was <a href="https://www.amymyersmd.com/autoimmunesolution" target="_blank">The Autoimmune Solution by Dr Myers</a>, and the diet restricted grains, dairy, beans, corn, potatoes (same as the Paleo diet), but also nightshade plants (such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplants).<br />
Within a week, I didn't need the cane and the pain in my abdomen began to finally subside. Unbelievable. The specialists still don't believe the diet makes a difference but I'm living it.<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-77085212446219250672017-10-04T21:30:00.004-04:002017-10-04T21:30:45.569-04:00Here we go againLast week I was admitted to the hospital. Rectal bleeding for about a month. It's a thing. I had already talked to my doctor- really, even getting to a doctor is kind of a big deal for me. At this point in my medical life, I should be as close to normal as I could be. I had my colon removed, for crying out loud! When I went to the GI, I told him my symptoms and he wanted to do a scope. The thought of a scope with all the pain I've been having caused a lot of anxiety. He scheduled me for the next available appointment- two weeks out!<br />
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I tried. For a week, I tried to keep it together. I ate low fiber at first. No change. I ate clear liquids (basically jello, broth, and apple sauce) and still no change. I tried to move my appointment up a week and still nothing from the doctor. I called the advice nurse (brilliant move on my part) who advised me to go straight to the ER- do not pass go, do not collect $200! Straight to the ER.<br />
I always say, compared to colitis, this is not really a big deal. I'm not light headed, I don't feel like I've lost a lot of blood. Could it really be ER worthy?<br />
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After sitting in the ER for three hours, they finally got me a room. With in minutes they had my IV hooked up and were sending morphine direct to my blood stream. Ahhhh sweet relief.<br />
That night was kind of a blur. We did an MRI and then waited for the scope the next day.<br />
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The nurse overlooked the "prep" that I knew was looming. I opened my big, fat mouth and asked if I would have to do an enema, as I knew I would. Of course they called for an enema! Years of UC have trained me for these tests. It's second nature.<br />
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As I started my dreaded enema, while in the pain I was in, knowing it would not be comfortable, I began to feel a horrible burning. I ran to the toilet, IV pole trailing close behind, and could barely stand it. For the first time ever, I pulled the emergency line next to the toilet. When a voice came over the intercom, I just bellowed, "I need help!"<br />
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Every person on my team came running in, the nurse was last with a syringe of morphine, finding me hunched over on the commode. She asked if she could help me to the bed but I couldn't move. She plunged the fluids into my IV and I sat until I could wipe the tears from my face. I slowly moved to the bed.<br />
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She called off the rest of the enemas for the day.<br />
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When I finally saw the doctor who was to preform the scope, it was already approaching 3pm. I-85 was shut down the night before while we were in the ER and my GI was stuck in street traffic dealing with the freeway closure. I hadn't eaten or had anything to drink since yesterday at midnight. I turned-on my side in a small room full of the scope team (is that a thing- because there was a whole team in there), ready for my scope, they put me to sleep.<br />
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The test should only be about five to ten minutes. By the time I woke up, it felt like it could have been a hour. They sent me back to my room with pictures from the test. I had never seen anything like it.<br />
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We speculated but the doctor was quick to follow with possible explanations. Either we have a sever case of pouchitis (inflammation of my j-pouch) that is leading to fistulas (holes), or we have Crohn's disease.<br />
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I got to see a couple friendly faces. My old surgeon came around to check on me. When he poked his giant head in my hospital room door, it was like seeing an old friend. I was relieved when he said I'd have a long way to go to before requiring surgery again.<br />
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I'm home now after spending four days in the hospital. We still don't have the test results back yet. I'm taking medication as though it's pouchitis- antibiotics and pain medication. But everyone seems to be concerned that is it actually Crohn's disease.<br />
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Today we wait. Tomorrow we hope for answers.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-60102934017530759352017-01-11T17:22:00.000-05:002017-01-11T17:33:55.352-05:00Send the Stork to the Dickerson's House FundraiserThis summer we decided to start a fundraiser for our last round of IVF. At the time, our plan was to use our last two embryos in one transfer for our last shot.<br />
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Here is the original post from our Youcaring site that has now been <a href="https://www.youcaring.com/eli-and-elizabeth-dickerson-621209" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">updated for our new adventure</span></a>!<br />
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For some people, the stork doesn't offer free delivery. After countless tries the natural way, and three failed procedures, we have one chance left with IVF and are asking for a little help.</div>
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We met while both attending Cal State Northridge in 2001. Eli was on exchange from Winthrop University and never expected to fall in love with a California girl. By the time we were officially dating, I knew we'd marry and start a family.</div>
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Ten years ago we got married on the beach in California. Before our third anniversary, we got pregnant and miscarried during a colitis flare. I'll spare the details of the pain and suffering that came with colitis. I'll skip over the violent attack at work, once I was healthy and ready to start our family.</div>
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After every falter, we found strength in each other to take the next step.</div>
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We met our fertility doctor in 2014; he was confident in our ability to start a family, with a little help from In Vitro Fertilization. Though we can't verify without another surgery, Dr Slayden thinks that all my surgeries and abdominal trauma from colitis may have caused scar tissue to block some essential functions for fertility. Everything pointed to IVF being the answer to our infertility- bypass the scar tissue and we should be good.</div>
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We took out a loan to start IVF and decided that we could only afford to do this once. We were not strangers to medical procedures and we knew we had to discuss all the options before we got too wrapped up in the possibilities. After the miscarriage we had already talked about adoption and we still know that we will adopt when the time is right for us.</div>
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Our IVF harvest yielded seven strong embryos. We decided our first transfer would be one embryo; our strongest embryo. It failed.</div>
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Our second chance, we would transfer two embryos. Transferring two would increase our chances that at least one would be successful. Both failed.</div>
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Our third chance felt differently. As you can imagine, there is a waiting period where you don't know if the transfer worked or not. The third time was the charm when signs of the transfer not working, did not show up during the waiting period. I marched into the nurse's office for my blood test, practically positive we were finally pregnant.</div>
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That night the doctor called us with sadness in his voice. He said two words, "I'm sorry."</div>
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We have turned everything upside down trying to figure out the best way to support our last two embryos. I have reduced my hours and stress at work. We have improved our diets and have taken time to slow down and decompress.</div>
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We hope to have a successful final IVF round this fall. But we need some help.</div>
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Over the last couple years we have spent a lot of money on IVF procedures. We have been extremely lucky to borrow money from our families and we have been even luckier to have both friends and family donate their tax refunds or overtime pay to our "baby fund," though no official fundraiser was ever created. Until now!</div>
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We created this page to see if anyone else would be willing or able to support us in our last chance at IVF. As you can imagine, financial struggles are an inevitable part of IVF and being able to reduce that stress could be the miracle we need.</div>
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Any amount you can donate to our fund is very much appreciated. Every dollar makes a difference; every share of our story gets us closer to our goal of $9000 to cover medication, embryo thaw and doctor visits not covered by insurance.</div>
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Above all else, we want to thank everyone who has offered us love, kindness, and support during all our tribulations in the past. Your continued love is all we need. But a few bucks could help too. ;)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-41080543107186487992016-07-30T23:47:00.000-04:002016-07-31T12:33:44.449-04:00The Benefits of Car Camping VS Dump CampingLet's be clear, we know we are glamping. We have done our time as dirty kids with a tent. When it got hot, you took off more clothing. When it got cold, you put on more clothing and started a fire. We ate dehydrated crap and fit everything in backpacks. If you haven't heard my story about Eli taking me backpacking, here is a brief summary: uphill into camp, forgot food, hiked uphill out of camp. The photos from that trip show my lack of enthusiasm. That was the weekend we learned to communicate our expectations for our trips. And he agreed to never do that to me again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little mood lighting for night reading? Of course!</td></tr>
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So, now we glamp! We love to pack up the car, plan a nice dinner, drive to the mountains and dump everything in our camp site (dump camping! I know, I just learned that term too!). Everything we need is in the car. I love to play house in the campsite. I've always been that one who sets up the tent, gets the gear organized and starts on food! It's great to be paired with someone whose first priority is either to run somewhere or sleep somewhere. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home sweet home. </td></tr>
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Now we are older and want to enjoy the little perks of extra planning. Although there is not tent, there still a good bit of set up. It took us a couple days to get in a routine of shifting everything out of the back seats and methodically repackaging the front seats to allow full sleep mode. Because of animals in camps, we can't just pull out all our food and play set up. First we set up the big screens on the windows and roll them down to what will best suit us during the night. We do our best to take out what we need for dinner and pack away what we don't need so we can get the bed set up before it's too dark and buggy. By day three we figured out, since Eli is running most mornings while I sleep in, how to pack the front seats to accommodate dinner that evening AND whatever Eli needs for his morning adventure. </div>
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There is definitely more attention to detail with the dirtbag mobile than there is with dump camping. Almost every transition has a plan for what we need to access before the next transition. Snacks for driving, any meals on the road, what we need first thing in the morning, where will the dinner prep gear go once it cools, how much water are we going to drink tonight...</div>
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I love it! This is why I camp. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-7143222769232701112016-07-30T23:32:00.000-04:002016-07-30T23:41:49.344-04:00Dirtbag Trip Begins!<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1. Leaving Atlanta, Georgia. </td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We started off on our adventure we had been planning for months. So much of this was thought out in advance. For me: what food would pack best, meals that we can easily prepare, where and when we would have to stop at markets along the way. Eli is more of the map guy. He knows where it will be coolest at night, the best campgrounds and how long each day's drive will be. We are perfect together.<br /><br />Since we won't have access to a freezer, we figured we'd take Ziplock freezer bags to fill with bags of ice along the way. I didn't want to dump the ice in the cooler, because then everything gets soggy and it can ruin a good cheese (am I right?). The day before, I came up with, what I thought was, a brilliant idea! Smaller ice pieces melt faster because of the greater surface area. I had the ice machine going all weekend to make sure we had enough cubes to get started. But if I could make giant pieces of ice, it would take even longer for it to melt because it has less surface area. So, I pulled out a couple freezer bags and filled them with water. I placed them ever so carefully, flat, in the freezer. So. Smart.<br /><br />The time came to finally pack the perishable food. I pulled out my ice blocks and put them in the cooler. The plan was to have one on the bottom and a second one in the middle so everything would had a little bit of ice around it. The plan did not take into account the measurements of the cooler nor the ice blocks.... They did not fit. 😳 So, plan B, ice cube bags for the cooler.<br /><br />We have a "cool bag" that is probably marketed to keep your frozen goods cold on your drive home from the store. It is probably not advertised as a cooler substitute. I was reminded of its limitations as we pulled into the rest stop to sleep.<br /><br />Since I had the ice blocks, I figured we could use them in the cool bag. I placed one at the bottom of the bag and put our dinner items and things that don't necessarily need to be refrigerated (cauliflower, peppers, onions, carrots- everything cut and prepped for usage) on top of the ice. Zipped it up and kept it close, incase we need it while driving. <br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ify81a7U2sk_iAWzr8MoCOkq4T444T4jVxd_LMWH5wGzYQyiivzTx54h2Jm2tSlOoEmBwVkEkT1T7zQ_QG0hHly3SiuLEGiRkMFI1AKqzQ-1rFYGwGYxDJpvDo7IhCrPJlrp3OSQVsg/s640/blogger-image--402961603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ify81a7U2sk_iAWzr8MoCOkq4T444T4jVxd_LMWH5wGzYQyiivzTx54h2Jm2tSlOoEmBwVkEkT1T7zQ_QG0hHly3SiuLEGiRkMFI1AKqzQ-1rFYGwGYxDJpvDo7IhCrPJlrp3OSQVsg/s320/blogger-image--402961603.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Starbucks parking lot!</td></tr>
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The plan worked great for dinner. We set up our kitchen station at our last coffee run for the night; we pulled out our veggies, lettuce greens, chicken and cheese. We mixed all the ingredients and topped with homemade dressing and some walnuts. Balancing my salad in my lap, we pushed on through the evening. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Finally, it was time to rest. Our planned rest stop was closed for remodeling! Google didn't tell us that. We pushed through until the next stop about forty miles later. We were cranky and ready to sleep. As I start making up the bed, I find a giant wet spot where this cool bag was. My brilliant idea leaked as it slowly melted. 😬 And now there is a wet spot in the bed, down to the wood frame. Eli had to wring out the egg-crate and we had to ditch the sheets for the night until we could dry them out. We packed extra blankets as an after thought but they have already come in handy. We layered all the dry things and finally went to sleep.<br /><br />The mistake that keeps on giving: this morning, my seat was also wet from all the moving I did of the cool bag. I used my rain jacket as a barrier and we drive on.<br /><br />All in all it was a good night. One car alarm went off in the rest area and there were a couple of noisy visitors, probably trying to wake up in the middle of the night on their trips, but we got in some good sleep and weren't too hot with our personal fans. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAWEQ490uS8j2soTFbYuXhR5cvAOVFtSKGVSDOWidEorZMkNux_JV1rmfexkPfjz47CwiQ3uwalVb6-Qc9yfrRq9f-9uAh0oAKciN2MuhRkgI_FmAGmvgQtzdKhtCkRuGm0KIPM6JoJI/s640/blogger-image-1220187480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAWEQ490uS8j2soTFbYuXhR5cvAOVFtSKGVSDOWidEorZMkNux_JV1rmfexkPfjz47CwiQ3uwalVb6-Qc9yfrRq9f-9uAh0oAKciN2MuhRkgI_FmAGmvgQtzdKhtCkRuGm0KIPM6JoJI/s640/blogger-image-1220187480.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish this was in focus but this is the best I can do without my glasses on. </td></tr>
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<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-91154097669225046682016-07-17T16:58:00.002-04:002016-07-17T17:06:54.248-04:00Privacy Please!We will be living in our car for about eleven days and will need some privacy. Our next focus of the Dirtbag Mobile was removable curtains and screens.<br />
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Curtains- We found tension rods at Family Dollar for $2.50 each. Four is enough to cover our larger windows. The tension won't really work inside the door frame (no matter how hard I hope), so we attached them to the plastic parts of the car around the windows with sticky hooks we also found at Family Dollar. I found a ton of fabric left over from another project that never got competed. I just measured and cut the fabric to be 1 1/2 times the width of the window and sewed an inch and a half loop for the poles. Alternatively, you could us any poles or dowels you have laying around and we also talked about cutting holes in hand towels to pass the pole through and have curtains that pull double duty. Perfect for real-hard dirtbagging.<br />
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We wanted to make sure to not feel like we lost space with the curtains. As they hang, they drop a few inches away from the door. We bought Velcro dots to attach the bottom of the curtain to the door to give us more breathable space when they are closed. Once I hung them, I was able to situate the tail ends with the seatbelt!! The curtains fall just in front of both front and back seat belts. No Velcro needed; no space lost!! </div>
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For the back of the car, we used left over cardboard from another project and for the windshield, we'll just get a regular sun shade cover.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUMF_0XzHlTR_RDsK7KeTMreN4PAsurWWTckcW_060OYd6ms2PkKED7O6wm6b7gp8UTTkOHd6IlAFjDa7Un4os0HUr2KbKp4qU7K2PjlOkbgUuIlWQ1tOQhpn_PXtCHtHIN-ovbCSGko/s640/blogger-image-867140803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUMF_0XzHlTR_RDsK7KeTMreN4PAsurWWTckcW_060OYd6ms2PkKED7O6wm6b7gp8UTTkOHd6IlAFjDa7Un4os0HUr2KbKp4qU7K2PjlOkbgUuIlWQ1tOQhpn_PXtCHtHIN-ovbCSGko/s640/blogger-image-867140803.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Screen attached with magnets and hangs well below the bumper. You can also see the cardboard for the back window above this adorable man. </span></td></tr>
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Screen is large enough to cover the table if we need to keep the flies out during dinner prep.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QUX8EyJFe_CsCxfqO2g4ROcHAABoFUjdxhBmMSWHgUbG99-NWDzS7hHT7-G4Ml6WnJTxPIrwKGoglbvMbjzNWo9gsTzsLusCr879_GB2BJ-cUMw9Qzer4lQgPU6xt6Sssd6DDDGSD0w/s640/blogger-image--1939511271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QUX8EyJFe_CsCxfqO2g4ROcHAABoFUjdxhBmMSWHgUbG99-NWDzS7hHT7-G4Ml6WnJTxPIrwKGoglbvMbjzNWo9gsTzsLusCr879_GB2BJ-cUMw9Qzer4lQgPU6xt6Sssd6DDDGSD0w/s320/blogger-image--1939511271.jpg" width="240" /></a>Screens- I went back and forth on how to make screens for the windows. In the desert, we'll need to sleep with the windows open but I'm not about to play with flying creatures at night (did that once- not fun). I was going to get a <a href="https://www.magicmesh.com/apgmm/13.0000/index.dtm?mid=6415133&otsrid=9caf8d16-5036-41d0-88ed-3900742e4727" target="_blank">Magic Mesh</a> door and just cut it up to size. But, they are expensive and I would probably need two to cover all the windows. Of course, Ikea has those fantastic <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90111980/" target="_blank">mesh curtains</a> for $5- always. You can't beat that! I was able to cut screens for the back windows, front windows and the hatchback, and have some left over to fix the first ones that are just slightly too small PLUS one whole panel that will fit nicely in my hallway door. SO MUCH MESH! To attach, we used small, ceramic magnets that the door can actually close on without a problem. It takes about eight magnets for each window. We wrap the screen around the door frame so it is pulled tight when the door is closed and it opens with the door.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Here is the first edition we tried out on a weekend camping trip. The screens are now a little larger to wrap around the window better.</span></td></tr>
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For extra ventilation, we got two stroller fans on Amazon with clips that fit on the handle above the windows. This will allow us each to regulate our own wind speed though the night.<br />
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Don't forget to check out the <a href="http://shlookshlies.blogspot.com/2016/06/building-our-dirtbag-mobile-part-1.html" target="_blank">building of our Dirtbag mobile</a> to see what we started with!<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-18553165286639292352016-07-15T23:33:00.000-04:002016-07-15T23:36:52.705-04:00The Bells and WhistlesNow that it is mostly assembled, we wanted to add the little things to help make it more user-friendly.<br />
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Each side has a cubbie that will (hopefully) house our clothing and personal items that need to stay out of sight. We drilled two finger holes on each cubbie door for easy lifting. After we added the extra length to give us 6 feet in sleep mode, we realized we lost the brilliance of these holes when we were in drive mode and when we would need them most. So, we added two holes on the extending flaps as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cubbie!</td></tr>
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Next was the back storage. We wanted to make sure the back opens up all the way to reach items toward the middle of the car. To help with packing the "trunk" under the sliding table, we added a hoop and hook to hold it open while loading and unloading. We used an "s" hook we have from Ikea and just made a loop out of plastic string we keep in the car. The "s" hook attaches perfectly to a child seat </div>
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anchor in the rear roof.</div>
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Next we added the sliding table. This was a little difficult because the sizing has to be perfect. We measured and placed the slides but couldn't get the table to slide easily. We kept one slide placed and unscrewed the other to replace it with the table attached. That did the trick!<br />
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All we had to do next was get the plywood attached to the supports and screw on the hinges and doors. It's actually coming together.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw8vytXU9Kd1wUW3bW8xh_ypUbAu8XM1-wIc3BZguKfZmxqwxSr-wwLIpwl6i1jNUiH6nKLIEA-tFww_FFA7A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_PkE6FP6nMPdByeFudetFZ-etyeb-GSLinh3btlC341FiqjJXTjfds6JNb-P2o98A0CSYyUlN0CibdPW4AtzDcGejV4j2uETbK6Zq4S_AJ1NZir5iY14aggg8DkqxzC-uVpQ_kr0gUc/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_PkE6FP6nMPdByeFudetFZ-etyeb-GSLinh3btlC341FiqjJXTjfds6JNb-P2o98A0CSYyUlN0CibdPW4AtzDcGejV4j2uETbK6Zq4S_AJ1NZir5iY14aggg8DkqxzC-uVpQ_kr0gUc/s200/IMG_0226.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN66pR2p3vfOm7NWgd7xUgIwlzvsQ3rS5z4yTYwuJL-i2VmkHJ6XGwKTVks3ku0zXBDsKY9nIjwDJher2M6SCoNKuXTDLJgEmV05PVOgS-ZGR_vm9Mvj8EzGhEffNTbVd4ehLlR34jss/s1600/IMG_0225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN66pR2p3vfOm7NWgd7xUgIwlzvsQ3rS5z4yTYwuJL-i2VmkHJ6XGwKTVks3ku0zXBDsKY9nIjwDJher2M6SCoNKuXTDLJgEmV05PVOgS-ZGR_vm9Mvj8EzGhEffNTbVd4ehLlR34jss/s200/IMG_0225.jpg" width="150" /></a>Despite the rain keeping us from working on our back porch (aka- our "wood shop"), we still had to add the extenders for what we call "sleep mode." When we aren't driving, we will push the driver and front passenger seats forward as far as they will go, and lean the backs as far forward as they will go to give us the extra foot or so needed to sleep comfortably. We moved the project indoors and attached the extenders at the top of the unit with hinges that will fold over the cubbie doors while in "driver mode." Once we did that, we totally fit!<br />
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Now we have to move this beast!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFuoOkjhGAlW0o1MLxPvVAtW8wP4MfHuDRelehSIJ2tQtZ1DjL6sJcgDNBJ4BWVPDMncYVe8NxwQ3BXGF-ysP82QCs5jlumCdqqOz8z1fqInyMhqrIZR4pU_1sEj0rwRt-99UNgl_F7U/s1600/handles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFuoOkjhGAlW0o1MLxPvVAtW8wP4MfHuDRelehSIJ2tQtZ1DjL6sJcgDNBJ4BWVPDMncYVe8NxwQ3BXGF-ysP82QCs5jlumCdqqOz8z1fqInyMhqrIZR4pU_1sEj0rwRt-99UNgl_F7U/s200/handles.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLVOH4uNgYSIZnl913b5V_2bZKO6RPJfztj9Q1JauoqloetDCQC1S5O2CFpgyGRjMiabY9MTVYxvGMMmViAFdTxuTBRoDBAT8zIWihZEjlifsePdX24GOtWvvP8XpTSF6vyCw-BwFRV0/s1600/handles+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLVOH4uNgYSIZnl913b5V_2bZKO6RPJfztj9Q1JauoqloetDCQC1S5O2CFpgyGRjMiabY9MTVYxvGMMmViAFdTxuTBRoDBAT8zIWihZEjlifsePdX24GOtWvvP8XpTSF6vyCw-BwFRV0/s200/handles+2.jpg" width="150" /></a>It is HEAVY! Once we moved it into the car, we didn't move it out for at least a month, and even then it was only to make improvements! To help carry the load, we added handles at the back by drilling two holes through the support beams on each side and made a loop with some rope. Knot the rope on the inside and pull tight- viola! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBkD9aUnat4WEvpi6fJplqMisddCC1fmItEF2MKkOe8ckeGO4qoO2gGR_NG-WXo9AoT0wdajzeTXqnHuX3pj3B5O__IXQ2XSOrNxlh_mvmQrS8L-fyRETtKdEfE4uZiTBNWpnkv2Xe2Y/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBkD9aUnat4WEvpi6fJplqMisddCC1fmItEF2MKkOe8ckeGO4qoO2gGR_NG-WXo9AoT0wdajzeTXqnHuX3pj3B5O__IXQ2XSOrNxlh_mvmQrS8L-fyRETtKdEfE4uZiTBNWpnkv2Xe2Y/s320/IMG_0230.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are ready to go!</td></tr>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-9467044378924719092016-06-06T20:40:00.001-04:002016-07-15T23:21:47.391-04:00Building Our Dirtbag Mobile Part 2- PlywoodCheck <a href="http://shlookshlies.blogspot.com/2016/06/building-our-dirtbag-mobile-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a> for the steps before this post.<br />
While out with a truck, Eli picked up the plywood needed for our platform. We made sure to get a finished hardwood ply-board to reduce splinters and catching on our sleeping bags, etc, during our trip. The little things count. We also wanted hardwood so we could have something sturdy but still slim. We ended up with Top Choice Birch Plywood (.47 inches x 4ftx8ft). This will give us enough to build the bed platform with the "extender flaps" as well as the extended table in the back (although we have another piece we had laying around we will be using for our table).<br />
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We got right to assembling once we had the plywood at home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt8OVu2r51IrXl-KJCqa7Rjl4jiZXG8A_K5lpRj8RTCX85aCpr0tfI73yDGHQ0q51J2bXv70p7JW1KzkE2J8WeE41Hjn9ZaqTLF_cgFC6IQnutg6PukWH3LAtjUrZX3vk_x85_4BQ0sY/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt8OVu2r51IrXl-KJCqa7Rjl4jiZXG8A_K5lpRj8RTCX85aCpr0tfI73yDGHQ0q51J2bXv70p7JW1KzkE2J8WeE41Hjn9ZaqTLF_cgFC6IQnutg6PukWH3LAtjUrZX3vk_x85_4BQ0sY/s200/IMG_4611.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRM0bQMo90iGHIlZx1xUct9ydmpdEB_4I2-ECKmUscweEfKjr7r_l7Ehx3pGrqCS0HU52S_sGurflD-LuUJVlPi7ba2YPUsgGTeES9mY1pjA4lVcoe8idD0khcd7508xPdJKhmgFjTyA/s1600/IMG_4508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRM0bQMo90iGHIlZx1xUct9ydmpdEB_4I2-ECKmUscweEfKjr7r_l7Ehx3pGrqCS0HU52S_sGurflD-LuUJVlPi7ba2YPUsgGTeES9mY1pjA4lVcoe8idD0khcd7508xPdJKhmgFjTyA/s200/IMG_4508.JPG" width="150" /></a>First we joined the support beams. Top beam to the two side beams first with wood screws and brackets for extra support. We measured where we wanted the second beam thinking if we needed to move it, in the event the plywood wouldn't hold our weight, we could take out the screws and move it to where we needed the support most. We joined the second cross beam and tested it. The plywood bowed a little once we sat on it so we decided to add more support at the corners to allow the room needed for our hide-a-table. When the car seats are laying flat, there is a hard metal piece in the middle of the cabin followed by a very soft part. We opted to have the support across the hard part. The added support in the corners bypass the need to figure out where the next hard spot is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0saVY2gs3zwlqEygtwnJgWwmAOItPlWiWi3i1vCppu2snK8ee13kopeROjk8X5T-mmKj83r-QPXSMPg0g4zb39Ont-SHSoTQfKeF617hF2HC3KPv4lNxqZycH4i9KRUBHEuXNgVtAnUE/s1600/IMG_4600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0saVY2gs3zwlqEygtwnJgWwmAOItPlWiWi3i1vCppu2snK8ee13kopeROjk8X5T-mmKj83r-QPXSMPg0g4zb39Ont-SHSoTQfKeF617hF2HC3KPv4lNxqZycH4i9KRUBHEuXNgVtAnUE/s320/IMG_4600.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We also decided to add additional support between the two cubbies where the hinges will sit. We have the lumber and you can never have too much support.<br />
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Once the frame was built, we traced it on the plywood and cut the extras off. Next steps will be cutting and placing all bells and whistles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5DdBd0ugndL6aqaO1Nw4L_1CmhzSedJVOZDDmSN5L5QXGv0Fy0eHhqU4nMFgpVRCidc5JPp9M7fVAbrmfwN7J8t7dufmSbRN0x3eNZ5i9A8n4ePkZzNjWEKzSrh6azka7YsiImOKC30/s1600/IMG_4506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5DdBd0ugndL6aqaO1Nw4L_1CmhzSedJVOZDDmSN5L5QXGv0Fy0eHhqU4nMFgpVRCidc5JPp9M7fVAbrmfwN7J8t7dufmSbRN0x3eNZ5i9A8n4ePkZzNjWEKzSrh6azka7YsiImOKC30/s320/IMG_4506.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Supplies this trip:<br />
Birch Plywood .47inch x 4ft x 8ft $34.27<br />
Total with tax: $37.01<br />
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Running Project Total: $88.44<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-91062340990887581022016-06-06T20:10:00.002-04:002016-06-06T21:49:58.350-04:00Building Our Dirtbag Mobile Part 1<a href="http://shlookshlies.blogspot.com/2016/04/summer-sabbatical.html" target="_blank">How we decided on this trip (past post).</a><br />
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We have plenty of time to create our Dirtbag Mobile but we are so excited, we couldn't wait to get started. We've searched online for Instructables or blogs from Dirtbags before; took a little of this and a little of that and created our plan. Our two favorites were <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Ultimate-Road-Trip-Car-Conversion-Honda-Fit/?ALLSTEPS" target="_blank">JMYilla</a> and <a href="http://www.jeffersdoesstuff.com/abodeontheroad/" target="_blank">Jeffers</a>. We decided we wanted a little more headroom so we made our support a little shorter (8 inches rather than the traditional 12 inches).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Hvx_BXi-RO4-1eXn3e0mRBY-pXRQv_Lwezs3T9tMcsV09BWG-lqOoBSHRO1GyyJRjF9liNeQJfYW6sEBBFS8msgB3BhmEAAqjSCHEZC1ppBOAlJss6lJt5X9d1EJFgYkiOJ-voDdLO8/s640/blogger-image--1323528190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Hvx_BXi-RO4-1eXn3e0mRBY-pXRQv_Lwezs3T9tMcsV09BWG-lqOoBSHRO1GyyJRjF9liNeQJfYW6sEBBFS8msgB3BhmEAAqjSCHEZC1ppBOAlJss6lJt5X9d1EJFgYkiOJ-voDdLO8/s320/blogger-image--1323528190.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketched out plans, just like Poppie taught me.</td></tr>
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The best part of our plan, and the most important part is the Honda Fit. When we bought this car in 2007, it was the first year these amazing wheels were available in the US, and man, have we gotten use out of it. We used to joke about how everything fits in the Fit. We took it camping early on and filled the car with five adults and all their camping gear-it fits! I think we all took pictures with the hatchback opened, filled with gear. We've transported lumber for house projects, boxes from Ikea, puppies, plants, trees, whatever fits! It generally stays in sport mode for Eli to put his work stuff in and take out on the ready. With the back seats in sport mode, we can build the platform up to the front seats while in driving condition and have a hinged "flap" to extend while we are parked and can move the front seats forward.<br />
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We plan to have two cubbies at the back doors for personal storage- clothing, food, anything that needs to be kept out of sight. We have about 7 inches deep to work with (turns out '2 by 8's' aren't <i>actually</i> a full 8 inches deep). The doors will be hinged and have a handle to open and close.<br />
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Second storage will be for our tent and cooking supplies in the section of the trunk. Again, a hinged door will allow us to open and close as needed but will remain closed while on the move. This door will also hold a little added bonus: an extending table as seen in Jerrers <a href="http://www.jeffersdoesstuff.com/abodeontheroad/" target="_blank">Abode on The Road</a>. Brilliant!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZF-4723w7Nuyb_TQdSsEXo0iBRxcdVe7Vf8Yau55gqJz7gO2FojCBCq_AZTwSvGH5DdQfJ6sqzF_OQgqXCQrQKRAFzaDxmjoTnQHTtR3ZRV_ewSrGnRQYMK8th1PVJkJYWn_5mBRAlI/s640/blogger-image-175087997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZF-4723w7Nuyb_TQdSsEXo0iBRxcdVe7Vf8Yau55gqJz7gO2FojCBCq_AZTwSvGH5DdQfJ6sqzF_OQgqXCQrQKRAFzaDxmjoTnQHTtR3ZRV_ewSrGnRQYMK8th1PVJkJYWn_5mBRAlI/s200/blogger-image-175087997.jpg" width="200" /></a>Our first trip to Lowe's, we got enough to get us started. Support beams, brackets, wood screws and drawer sliders. We can fit a lot in Fitty, but the plywood would have to wait or get cut. We just wanted to get started so we opted to wait for the plywood.<br />
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We measured twice, cut once and double checked everything would fit. IT FITS!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oBth_S4MjyQbmj9xizN8BsIUUqrtkTaGS-qv1Ny_sJEkgUIRBRCsMhfENe0_XwnRuyWh9VAlu9BATmFeqX9TN-H7SMNU-ommz8V82FhLacjcXNT0N-p-IEaixXP_v1IvGJLF3ZDg-yk/s640/blogger-image-668922370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oBth_S4MjyQbmj9xizN8BsIUUqrtkTaGS-qv1Ny_sJEkgUIRBRCsMhfENe0_XwnRuyWh9VAlu9BATmFeqX9TN-H7SMNU-ommz8V82FhLacjcXNT0N-p-IEaixXP_v1IvGJLF3ZDg-yk/s400/blogger-image-668922370.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry fit was a success!</td></tr>
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Supplies and cost:<br />
2x8x8 (3) $5.71 each- $17.13<br />
4 count 2.5 corner brackets (3) $2.98 each- $894<br />
8x2.5 wood screws (50 count)- $5.58<br />
18 inch drawer sliders (2 pack)- $15.97<br />
Total with Tax: $51.43<br />
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Measurements:<br />
Side beams: 56 inches<br />
Cross beams: 37 inches<br />
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Building continued <a href="http://shlookshlies.blogspot.com/2016/06/building-our-dirtbag-mobile-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-74357707305758845522016-04-28T19:39:00.002-04:002016-06-06T21:47:12.333-04:00Summer SabbaticalWe have recently come to the understanding that work is killing me. Not literally, but very much so figuratively. I've lost the excitement for life and I want it back. As with anything, Eli and I made a plan to fix it. <br />
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Step One: Take back my health-I've heard of friends having fertility issues for months and then getting pregnant after going Paleo. One friend was losing weight to get pregnant and on her way to fertility treatments found out she <i>was</i> pregnant. Of course, our mutual friend went Paleo after that and got pregnant on her first IVF cycle! I'm in. I gave up refined sugar and carbs such as bread, rice, grains, beans, corn and white potatoes. It wasn't easy at first, but now I'm getting the hang of it.<br />
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We aren't trying to stress me out with this diet, so if I mess up or "cheat," we roll with it as long as it is once in awhile. I can't remember when I felt better. Joint pain is gone; I'm able to walk a lot more and do gentle exercises (walk the dog or light yoga). Our food is fresh and the kitchen sink is full of dirty dishes every night. I love cooking; I love eating; it was a no brainer.<br />
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Step Two: Quit my job- I knew the news wouldn't be taken lightly but I had to get out, by any means necessary. I was over worked, totally stressed and not happy. Now that I'm treating myself better, I need to be treated better. I broke the news to the boss and we were able to strike a deal. Part time, reduced responsibility, and work mostly from home for a pretty good portion of my regular salary. I'll take it!<br />
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Step Three: Summer Sabbatical! We want to get away. We are packing up the old Honda Fit (lovingly referred to as Fitty) and going out west! We'll have about ten days of just me and the hubs and the open road. We'll stop along the way, visit friends, camp, hike, eat, sleep, and of course poop (I can't help it, I don't have a colon!). Thus, our Dirtbag Summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf34QS_IeodxRwqGGwKlLpfKJJvnyWUyiZGOuo96RlWw7TOMcESYx6eve6XrLr8o2Adtx-lAty-sDl4Q2KAe5_CzcMXUAL8gkBDhk-QImzPPgxx4sqhVkB6FOv7qD4oOVaLamZ1ggzGWY/s1600/Dirtbags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf34QS_IeodxRwqGGwKlLpfKJJvnyWUyiZGOuo96RlWw7TOMcESYx6eve6XrLr8o2Adtx-lAty-sDl4Q2KAe5_CzcMXUAL8gkBDhk-QImzPPgxx4sqhVkB6FOv7qD4oOVaLamZ1ggzGWY/s320/Dirtbags.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirtbag trip 2015 over the Grand Canyon</td></tr>
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We are bumping up our Dirtbaggedness this year. Last year we booked hotels/B&Bs and flew to Vegas to start the trip. This year, we are driving from Atlanta to Colorado. Living out of the car for so long (as the old folks we have become) requires a little more creature comforts than we used to pack. We are outfitting Fitty to be an amazing little camper! All DYI! We hope you follow our journey into the gorgeous sunset of our Dirtbag Summer!<br />
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Building begins <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1140017979716304513#editor/target=post;postID=9106234099088758102;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=1;src=postname" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-55574315928726929992012-08-25T10:22:00.001-04:002012-08-26T15:48:53.936-04:00Fresh Green Bean Salad<div style="color: #38761d;">
Our green beans have been BOOMING! lately. I am so excited to have free, fresh veggies to whip up with dinner. I was making Lemon Pepper Tuna Tacos last night and HAD to use up my GBs. I checked the handy Internet, and after consulting my fridge and pantry, I came up with this little ditty. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdzAPWjJzf7wuIfnov8JuIqKazq5dqRw4rjqgtJRUjF51Kh8Y_qInXmcXG8p7wJq9OmomBcjxtWkPdfGzjGZvIGbV08FNdNQBW109DdKF2iQjNrClb-tC8bwUdWdtOIpQtqD_2HiKMSA/s640/blogger-image--2001673201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdzAPWjJzf7wuIfnov8JuIqKazq5dqRw4rjqgtJRUjF51Kh8Y_qInXmcXG8p7wJq9OmomBcjxtWkPdfGzjGZvIGbV08FNdNQBW109DdKF2iQjNrClb-tC8bwUdWdtOIpQtqD_2HiKMSA/s200/blogger-image--2001673201.jpg" width="148" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Green Bean and Cherry Tomato Salad</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Green beans (It's just the two of us so I didn't need many)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Halved (freshly picked) cherry tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Onion- maybe half of a medium one?</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Equal parts vinegar and olive oil</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">A little bit of sugar or honey (I used about 1/2 teaspoon? Maybe one tsp?)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Salt and pepper to tasted</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Throw in some herbs if you got 'em!</span><br />
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I steamed cut green beans and onion. I kept the onion in larger pieces while steaming so I wouldn't lose them in the pot. I pulled out the onion first and chopped it then the green beans when they were a suitable tenderness- however you like. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKWO4Cg9rbhP_RocQYqSHsFa_fOcelC403ddX3dGlQI1IBw_6Mbf5LdkTpTnpJL4KmAfAIPl2R9-xFYnYOtSGqdQx3D8e0wFQPOoXoDBO7Ox_J5VLnnH6z7K2x2HSSuAzMf8D2ra6pYI/s640/blogger-image-14554028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKWO4Cg9rbhP_RocQYqSHsFa_fOcelC403ddX3dGlQI1IBw_6Mbf5LdkTpTnpJL4KmAfAIPl2R9-xFYnYOtSGqdQx3D8e0wFQPOoXoDBO7Ox_J5VLnnH6z7K2x2HSSuAzMf8D2ra6pYI/s320/blogger-image-14554028.jpg" width="320" /></a>In a bowl, I mixed the vinegar and oil and added the sugar- whisk until the sugar dissolves or the honey in well incorporated. Then stir in the GBs and tomatoes. Chill for a little bit and you got a great side salad for a picnic or any summer meal!</div>
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Side note: I've read that the green beans change color because of the acid in the vinegar but I didn't experience this. Also, Eli felt it was too vinegary so maybe I'm a freak but I like it that way. If you alter the amount of vinegar, I won't know and as long as it is not too much less than the oil, it shouldn't be a big deal. Make it your own! ;)</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">I was in a hurry when I made this but also consider roasting the tomatoes before tossing... how great would THAT be!?</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-35063950834726696512012-06-25T11:11:00.002-04:002012-07-13T10:09:00.588-04:00Family Heirloom Gardening<div style="color: #38761d;">
I have very fond memories of my dad spending the day with us on little projects around the house when we were growing up. It sounds so suburban-middle class, but that's what we were. I keep those lessons with me everyday. He would paint with us and teach us perspective; we would mow the lawn and he'd tell us about yard maintenance. One day, I remember it was just me and my Poppie. He told me about the California Golden Poppy. It was our state flower and he loved having them all over our yard!</div>
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This day, he had cut some of the flowers and was working with them over the dining room table. He had a plate with tiny black dots all over it. He was harvesting the seeds. I don't remember much of the lesson verbatim, but I can still remember the feeling of stretching across the table with my knees in my dinner chair. Stretching to see what he was doing with these tiny, little seeds. I remember him putting a clear glass bowl over the lot of seeds and telling me that they were going to POP! And that would be our next poppy flower.</div>
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This memory is why I call him Poppie today and one day my children will do the same. And when they ask why, I will tell them this story.</div>
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Fast forward to many, many years later, my cousin Katie starts up her own <a href="http://www.gardenhoard.com/" target="_blank">seed business</a>. She is crafty, money smart and LOVES to garden. Last time we were in Michigan visiting, she had everyone, including our aunt, sitting on the floor over newspaper separating seeds from the dead heads of plants. She explained how she separated them, packaged them, labeled them and sold them at the farmer's market and on-line. She is crazy-imaginative and so meticulous. </div>
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In our garden this year, we have new tomato plants next to plants that re-sprouted from last year! We have some of cousin Katie's seeds and some plants we got from the local farmer's market. This year we started off with Bibb lettuce and a red Romain. We ate off the lettuce for a good month or so before it bolted. ARRRG! I tried different tricks to keep it from bolting so early but I just couldn't keep up with the growth. So, I pulled some plants to make way for new vegetables but I left some of the bolted lettuce to see if I could get seeds from them- Like cousin Katie does. ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FFh0rQfoJ4qSGWF32badVLbpNX8jMvRx5DQXfXqIIwmY4PGe4R3tj1Dl4pdaBf6CilCxNoO59KqN8unZhr-QkcEn9XtR4CNxjHAP0ov2Kw_Uz7Ewp2z6zGeshWiKklvNc7dDZnwgyHQ/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FFh0rQfoJ4qSGWF32badVLbpNX8jMvRx5DQXfXqIIwmY4PGe4R3tj1Dl4pdaBf6CilCxNoO59KqN8unZhr-QkcEn9XtR4CNxjHAP0ov2Kw_Uz7Ewp2z6zGeshWiKklvNc7dDZnwgyHQ/s200/photo(1).JPG" width="149" /></a>After weeks of this over-grown lettuce, I saw flowers come and go and today noticed little tufts of fluff on the end of the old flowers. After searching the trusty Internet, I found out it was time to harvest the seeds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJaPEJXcKIIsPCkS9cjBObBxsAgJKBDdSlTs7nU9A0YJtuSPtxB0_MyI1Dtb5hrKJKHVNfSq9HJCrg_oxH8KClEEDUg6DbjuZ-xbd8Dsqzw6w2imFWsF8BD5dnxXp9Z8txiLcB4llg74/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJaPEJXcKIIsPCkS9cjBObBxsAgJKBDdSlTs7nU9A0YJtuSPtxB0_MyI1Dtb5hrKJKHVNfSq9HJCrg_oxH8KClEEDUg6DbjuZ-xbd8Dsqzw6w2imFWsF8BD5dnxXp9Z8txiLcB4llg74/s200/photo(3).JPG" width="149" /></a>I pulled the fluffy heads and collected them in a small dish. I brought them inside and, like my dad, I sat at the dining room table to separate the seeds from the rest of the plant. What a great haul!</div>
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I, of course, planted some right away in plastic cups and brought them inside to water and start growing. I labeled the rest of the seeds to plant later in the year or even next spring!</div>
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I'll be charting the progress to see how long it takes to germinate and harvest. I can't believe Katie does all this with TONS of plants!!</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">We'll see how it turns out! I'll keep you posted.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">UPDATE: After a week or so of watering, I found only one sprout in my seven cups. I did some more research and it looks like lettuce seeds need a cold snap to become viable. So, I threw my other seeds in the fridge. We'll see what happens. ;) </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-77890213084779008372012-03-23T15:55:00.003-04:002012-04-17T15:34:16.150-04:00Silver Linings and Thorns<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The only way to get through the roller coaster of UC, is to look for the silver linings. Everything will come and go. Even though, sometimes it seems like things just keep going... The pain will subside at some point. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The problem with living your life like that, is that when you get a rose, you often see the thorns. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Over the last week, my bathroom visits have drastically reduced. At night, especially, I'll get up ONCE! The whole night. I haven't been able to do that after a normal sized dinner for I don't know how long! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">While in the bathroom at 3:35am the other day, I was thinking about this. Immediately after congratulating myself, in my mind, I got a twinge. Twinges are normal; Gurgles are normal; Any odd abdominal noise or feeling has become normal. But this twinge awoke a fear in me. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The thorn- What if I have a kink in my J-pouch!? This isn't UNcommon. Most people with the surgery find they have a kink at some point. It sounds painful and one of the first signs is slow movements... </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">By the time I woke up, I had forgotten about the twinge but it made me think, when will I not have the "thorns" popping up? When will it just be a normal tummy ache? </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">To make it worse- My heart palpitations are back! What is that!? Hahahaha</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-18775648980051048632011-11-30T19:10:00.004-05:002012-04-17T15:37:16.114-04:00Denied Worker's Compensation<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Today, I received an email from my worker's compensation adjuster. In the email, she thanked me for my patience and then bluntly said, "there will be no claims paid."</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I immediately sent it to my Human Resources department and the Executive Director. I had been talking to my old supervisor all morning about how difficult it is to forgive the woman who choked me when I feel that I have all the repercussions for the assault she did onto me. She assured me that the woman is deeply sorry and she hasn't been in the office until recently. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Of course, after the email, I was sobbing. I met the ED in the hallway who said, "HR will know how to appeal it. I'm sorry to hear that," as he cleaned his oatmeal bowl and quickly walked out of the room. I went to the HR's office- Empty. I sat on the couch and waited for her return from, what I assume was, her smoke break. "What's going on?" she asked as though she had been forced to say it. I told her I was denied worker's compensation and her response was, "Yeah, I got the email." Really? Then why'd you ask? Why else would I come into your office? Certainly not for a social visit. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">We called WC and the adjuster said I was denied medical bill reimbursement because I did not go to WC approved doctors. I need a referral from the doc-in-the-box they send us to for Worker's Comp and preliminary drug testing. Even if I go now, they will not make it retro-active. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I went to that doc-in-the-box and saw the same doctor that evaluated my neck injury hours after the assault. We had a heated conversation where I learned that, despite my lack of a medical degree, I should have told him that I needed to see a therapist when I saw him in September. Then he would have referred me to one but now, he can't say to go to a therapist because I am already seeing one; he wants me to stay with this therapist because he knows the whole story already... He suggested I go back to my HR. Yes, the lady who told me to go to this doctor and asked me, "What do you want me to do? You act like I have some power in all this!" Human Resources at its finest. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I am calling every attorney I know, gathering all my documents, apply for government funded assistance because the company, that my organization pays to cover their employees after things like assaults, decided not to pay out money that has been paid to them for this exact reason. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">When the assault happened, all the supervisors were happy to help and expressed how I "deserved" compensation for this attack. Now, no one feels it is there job to make it happen. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">There is light at the end of the tunnel; This tunnel is just really long. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-90089379351996078992011-11-28T19:53:00.002-05:002012-04-17T15:37:58.453-04:00Homemade, homegrown salsa verdeMmmm. As the winter approaches, we are coming to our last harvests. Today was our tomatillos and pepper.<br />I roasted the tomatillos and pepper, after halving them, until blackened. In a pot I added olive oil, onion and garlic. I chunked the harvest and added it to the pot. If I had lime, I'd add it now but I just added some salt and veggie stock. Simmered; blended; simmer until thick. Booyah! It is amazing with my black bean quesadillas. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8qbrDyydPnoYPsUj2Z5Hrq9J0d4v-bSrFLy0iMlnmrQrpIBukFthK69mysuVFOtj_Fvm8SyhHVmnPjsJzFaASKXPsNL3NcIIoPrsItq7vqkQ-Tj9pF3RXqraD1QFiAUAVAxJibglrGs/s640/blogger-image-461842910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8qbrDyydPnoYPsUj2Z5Hrq9J0d4v-bSrFLy0iMlnmrQrpIBukFthK69mysuVFOtj_Fvm8SyhHVmnPjsJzFaASKXPsNL3NcIIoPrsItq7vqkQ-Tj9pF3RXqraD1QFiAUAVAxJibglrGs/s640/blogger-image-461842910.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-19470073844786920182011-10-21T12:31:00.002-04:002012-04-17T15:38:32.115-04:00Bloody Mary CostumeI was on the phone with my friend, Mary, deciding what we should be for Halloween. We played off her name and favorite drink and came up with Bloody Mary! The drink!<br /><br />So, she's going to put celery sticks in her hair and I came up with crocheted olives!! The larger one could be a necklace or another hair accessory, maybe a bracelet. Total costume picture to come! :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE591uk-P0hZ1rPZEupvDSCOQE4Vq1pV6byWeD8TZxgYQuBHAW5lC5VMINszS9vG3I-bSuKxSJwsCyftJTtVTifRtDJWM5usYjYVos60IyQbXqSOgKN_muJyPzyAY-0-xIPYcVwXduPJc/s640/blogger-image--716878799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE591uk-P0hZ1rPZEupvDSCOQE4Vq1pV6byWeD8TZxgYQuBHAW5lC5VMINszS9vG3I-bSuKxSJwsCyftJTtVTifRtDJWM5usYjYVos60IyQbXqSOgKN_muJyPzyAY-0-xIPYcVwXduPJc/s640/blogger-image--716878799.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-83056371394874867302011-10-17T09:50:00.003-04:002012-04-17T15:39:32.568-04:00Back to the grindLast week I was offered another (temporary) position at work at the same rate. Because our offices are moving, they will hire me to aid in the moving- organizing, shredding, files... until the end of the year.<br /><br />I have some apprehension about going back. The idea of the office where participants can just show up, frightens me. The other night I was thinking and preparing myself for going back as I laid in bed about to fall asleep. Before I knew it, I could picture myself moving a box in the corner of the office, turning around and seeing her. Blocking me from the door. And then I felt her hands around my neck again. It triggered a panic attack, as you can imagine. I woke up Eli and took a anxiety pill to calm me down.<br /><br />Since then, I've been trying to rationalize the likelihood of that happening. I know it would be very unlikely. I know I can prevent it and I know if it <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> happen, I would be able to call out for help.<br /><br />I am still nervous about going and thought about it all night.<br /><br />Here's hoping!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-82524612073076366692011-10-03T21:16:00.003-04:002012-04-17T15:41:41.445-04:00Never stopsEli used to joke that my full time job is my health- Not so funny now!<br /><br />Friday, as we were heading out of town to get away from ourselves, we got a call from the APD (Atlanta Police Department), asking for more information about my assault. They asked for the attacker's birthday with exact year, address and I'm sure other things I can't think of now. All stuff I gave to the investigator on Monday. "Who did you speak with? We don't have anyone here by that name. Were you at zone 3?" I was at zone 5- where they told me to go last week. Where they took my written statement and got all her corrected information. "Did you call zone 5?"<br /><br />She actually said, "I don't have any reason to call zone 5." She, the investigator, wanted me to call my work to get the above information and call her back. I called zone 5 to send her the information.<br /><br />The weekend was a much needed getaway with my in-laws. Eli ran a race and came in first for his age group, that is slowly climbing... so is mine. Great for his race times; not so great for one who sits around all day investigating her own assault...<br /><br />We took our 85 pound, five year old puppy to the beach to let her run. She was so excited and happy. Each time running to the water and back to me, almost to check in with me. On the beach, alone, I felt safe and sound. Free of fear and anxiety.<br /><br />As we left, of course, we started to talk about our next move. The thought of going into the office that has supported this woman, for probably close to 20 years, tightens my shoulders and sends a pain through my gut. I ball up in the passenger seat, the seat she sat in when she reached for my throat. Then the thought of other participants- people who have yelled at me before, people who have records, people I used to <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to help have now become masses of furry concealed until I unleash it. She is still receiving services while I am locked in my home, waiting for a warrant to be served.<br /><br />I ran errands today and was feeling good. I have only taken my klonopin when I can feel a panic attack coming on and have even started splitting the pills in half. And then the phone rings. It's not the police, or the worker's compensation firm, or my office. It was my nurse for my gynecology/oncologist. My appointment is tomorrow but this was not a routine phone call to verify my appointment. She said, "I know you are coming here tomorrow but I wanted to know if you want to go ahead and schedule the surgery?"<br /><br />The surgery?! I don't even know what the diagnosis is. I don't even know what "the surgery" is! This is not what you want to hear when you are on Prozac and klonopin to "just get by"!<br /><br />24 hours from the phone call, I will find out what she is talking about. I'm hoping for the best... surgery?... is there such a thing?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-90798228604112231052011-09-26T19:51:00.004-04:002012-04-17T15:42:46.197-04:00The aftermath<span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Today was my day to get things "in order". I met a new therapist who seems to understand that things were bad before the attack and now things are just a horrible! </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Next, Zone 5 precinct to press charges. The investigator seemed helpful and concerned for the most part but was a but surprised when I mentioned the doctor put me on major anti-anxiety medication and I have not returned to work. Hummm...</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Then, the phone calls. HR rep called- I need to talk to an adjuster to get my medical costs paid; I can't just see who I want, I need to go where they send me; Unless I've already seen one, in which case I need to give my statement to the adjuster and they may need to contact the doctor... Worker's Comp lawyer- We need to set up an appointment to get the story down and see if we have a case; and next week won't work for him, how 'bout Wednesday? Afternoon? Fine. (I feel like he's a lawyer...)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">By 3pm I was ready to be alone and not talk about <span style="font-weight: bold;">it.</span> I sent Ophie to the neighbors' and turned on my appletv to catch up on reruns. I tried, at the urging of my doctors, to delay dosing until I can get a feel for how I am doing each day. If I can get through the morning without a crying spell, I'm good. By lunch, even better. Unfortunately, about 3 pm was the tipping point. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Depression began to set in. It quickly turned to panic; sporadic breathing and uncontrollable shaking. The medication is pretty fast acting but it took about 20 minutes for me to calm down. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I called for reinforcements. Emily and Casey came over to snuggle. Casey has turned into a gentle, caring little lady who could make anyone smile. She gently rubbed my back just like my dad used to when I'd stay home from school. She showed me pictures of her trip to Six Flags and was so funny. The medication began to do it's job. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Tomorrow is another day. No plans. Just working on me. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">I wonder if my participant will be in the office for her bi-weekly meeting.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-13272883113721827282011-09-24T11:37:00.010-04:002012-04-17T15:43:13.982-04:00Minute by minuteI have always worked in a "social worker" setting, meaning that when I explain my job to people, I usually get one of two responses: "It takes a special person to do what you do. God bless you!" or "That is so great; I really need to start volunteering too!" Although they both are true-it does take a special person and you should volunteer, it makes me feel like they don't <span style="font-style: italic;">get</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">what</span> I do.<br /><br />A day in the life is usually pretty mundane. I am the same person at work that I am anywhere. I usually make jokes, I try to make people smile, I question the unknown and I try to learn more about my participants. On most days, when I don't have to do paperwork or get yelled at, I love my job. Many participants become confidants and friends. I care about them and I feel that most of them care for me-The ones that call me back anyway.<br /><br />Thursday started out like any other day. I had my coffee and began to plan my day. In order to be most efficient I decided to get a form for services signed at Grady Hospital before heading to my participant's house. Grady sits between our homes and I could get it signed faster alone than with my participant. It took some time but I ended up getting to the participant's house at the perfect time to leave and go to her dentist appointment across town. She came down and got in the car in her usual fashion- she gives me a hard time about not knowing if it's me in the car, she never wants to put on her seat belt unless I tell her to... she asked how I was feeling because the day before, I was home sick. She thought it was stomach issues but really I had a panic attack dealing with my doctors and insurance company. I reminded her we were going to the dentist and she got excited and started checking herself out in the visor mirror, flattening her hair and checking her profile.<br /><br />I checked the GPS and it has us getting there in 21 minutes. I checked the clock. It was 10:41am. I started to pull away. I left her parking lot and made the first right turn. I drive especially careful with participants in my car. I would never want to cause an accident at all but <span style="font-style: italic;">especially </span>on work time with a participant. We were stopped at the light. I knew she would not like signing the form I had half completed with the doctors earlier because she gives us a hard time every year. I began to tell her, "I'm sorry I was sick yesterday and had to cancel our appointment but I was able to get the form filled out earlier this morning..." She did not appreciate this. She began to get her bag and open the car door. All I was thinking was that she was so upset and when she gets upset it could lead to a seizure. I didn't want her to get hurt on the street alone. I convinced her to get in the car and I will take her to the doctor so we can talk about this.<br /><br />I can't remember exactly what she said then, but I can still hear her yell, "Don't you EVER!" as she lunged at my throat with her right hand and pulled my head back by my hair with her left hand. I screamed her name. I asked her to let go and began to convince her that I could not drive like this. She would need to put on her seat belt and we will go to the doctor to talk to them about this form. It seemed like she held me over the center console for minutes. I know it was only a couple seconds. I felt like it was someone else. Not me and not her. This is not how our relationship was. A few days earlier our intern noticed how "protective she is of" me.<br /><br />We sat in silence for the four minutes it took to get to the hospital. My entire body was shaking. I sat as far to the left of my seat as I could get with my right shoulder close to my ear to fend off any more attacks. My mind was so calm and rational. I remember just thinking as if this was another part of our day. It was like my body and my mind were disconnected. My body trembled in fear while my mind was still at work, thinking methodically what to do next.<br /><br />She would not let me drop her off in front of the hospital to go up alone. She would not go without me. She saw this as my fault; my wrong doing. I never would have thought my meticulous planning would have lead to such a violet reaction from my "friend". I told her I would park and go with her while thinking, "Once I get her out, I'm leaving." She knew this.<br /><br />That is one of the most misunderstood things about my job. People hear "developmental disabilities" and "low IQs" and think they are dumb. But make no mistake, they can be logical, methodical and manipulative. Survival is inherent and when one feels that they are at risk, that trait kicks in. The problem I experienced was that she saw what I did as putting her at risk. She lashed out irrationally but it was all very logically executed and intended.<br /><br />She knew I needed her out in order for me to get away. She sat in the car and motioned for me to turn off the car. I did. She went immediately for my keys. She grabbed the bunch of them but I could see my car key swinging above her fisted hand. I told her to give me my keys. She would not. I remember looking at the man standing on the side walk just over her shoulder. He saw my eyes. He saw her. I called her name again and she went to hit me with her fist of my keys. She just missed my face but caught my lip- probably with my boxy Prius key flailing about! I focused in on my car key and went for it.<br /><br />Two months ago when we bought the car we were given two keys. One had a sturdy key ring and the other had one of the cheapy, flexible rings that you get at the mechanic's. I was handed the latter and thought, "Eli won't notice but I'll switch it out later. I want the 'real' key not the secondary key!" Thankfully I never got around to that. When I grabbed the key from my participant's hand it was only because the ring was weak that I could separate it from the rest of the keys and from her.<br /><br />With key in hand, I jumped out of the car and hauled ass down the street toward the hospital and crowds of people. She can't walk as fast as I can so I knew I would be able to out run her- yes, even me. I was across the street and waited for her to get out of the car. I tried to call 911 but my hands were shaking so much it kept coming out 611 or 922. She got out of the car but stood there with the door open for a few seconds. Once she shut that door, I was going to hit the alarm and just keep running. She did and I did. She started walking toward me and the hospital. She continued to follow me until she realized that I was going to stay well ahead of her. She turned and disappeared behind the building.<br /><br />The next few minutes I hid in the adjacent parking structure looking for any sign of her. I didn't know if she would go wait at my car or go in to the doctor's office. I just hid behind a van with my back to a fence hoping that she wouldn't find me.<br /><br />I called the office so many times. When I wouldn't get an answer at the front desk I just started dialing three digit extensions hoping I would get someone. No one answered! I finally called my sister and all I could say was, "I need help! I'm at Grady and 'she' attacked me! Please come got me. She has my keys. I don't know where she is! No one is answering at work!" In a heart beat, my sister headed down to get me.<br /><br />My legs felt like jelly. Again, my body was weak but my mind was racing. I called a co-worker's cell phone and told the same story. He would come and get her and suggested I call the police right away. A call came in on the other line. It was her nurse. She said, "she is up here with me... she wants me to tell you that she doesn't want you around her again." Really!? "I can do that. Is she up there with you?" The nurse repeated at least two more times that she was up there with her and I knew it would be save for me to make the half block sprint for the car.<br /><br />I checked the back seat like an axe murderer was chasing me in a movie. I don't think I even checked traffic- I just pulled out and headed to the office. Every street on the way to the office was where one client of another lived. I checked my door lock probably three times. Of course when I pull into the parking lot it was like a space invaders game dodging around all the people, construction and vehicles through out the tiny lot. I nestled my car between two SUVs hugging the line, slammed the door and ran inside.<br /><br />I knew all the "higher-ups" were in a meeting but I didn't expect them all to be in the front office and I didn't expect a stranger in there. I walked right into the meeting room to find familiar faces and one unknown man who, no doubt, was important financially or politically to our organization. I took a step back to shield him from the trauma pouring down my face. I mouthed, "I need someone!" I sat in the chairs for intended for our guests and waited for anyone to come and comfort me. When they approached I couldn't contain myself and started telling my story through short breaths of anxiety. I'm sure the VIP I tried to protect from the story heard the whole thing once I started exclaiming the incident in the front office.<br /><br />They escorted me to a more private room. I could hardly walk. I felt like my body had no bones; I was just a jelly mass. I asked for water. Holding the mug in my hands, I had to concentrate so hard to not drop it. I couldn't control my hands; they shook uncontrollably. By now, my mind and body had connected again and my thoughts were as frantic as my hands.<br /><br />We agreed that I should file a police report and get checked out at the clinic. My sister arrived and drove me to find a police station. Even with two iPhones, we couldn't find one so we headed to the clinic. Of course when we called my husband and told him everything was ok now and he didn't need to come down, he was <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> ok and needed to be with me. My sister filled out the forms as my hands were still shuddering as we waiting for Eli and the police. Office Huntely met us in the waiting room and took my statement. He was compassionate and authoritative. The nurse called me back as we were finishing up the interview. The police have her name, her address and a description. I could tell them how she walks, how she talks, where her doctors are, where she banks. I was a major part of her life.<br /><br />In the exam room, after waiting the obligatory 30 minutes to been seen, the doctor came in. I told the "short version" of my tale and he assisted me onto the exam table. I sat eye to eye with the doctor as he looked at my neck. "I can see some discoloration and bruising here... Does this hurt?" As he examined my neck, inside and out, I could feel the air conditioning blow across the scratches left behind from the attack. He suggested I stay out of work today but can return tomorrow. "Take some ibuprofen for stiffness."<br /><br />Unfortunately, I did not have the wherewithal to stop him and tell him the fear this materialized. The anxiety I had on a daily basis<span style="font-style: italic;"> before</span> this attack! That there are days when I am afraid to get the mail from my mailbox just 50 feet from my front door. That I stay up nights thinking that someone might kick in my back door. General anxiety comes and goes. Some days, I'm normal. But most days I am secretly strategising contingency plans if something should go wrong. That may be what got me out of the car and out of her grips.<br /><br />Before picking up a new client I always think about what I would do if something went wrong. It's not always personal attacks or even scary things. For my deaf client, I work on sentences in sign language while driving to her house. I think about car accidents or tires popping on the freeway. I've thought about personal attacks but I never thought I'd have to live it.<br /><br />That night I laid close to my husband. When the house got quiet, I could hear the day over and over in my head. I heard her yelling demands at me. I heard me pleading for her to stop. The ceiling fan still swept air against the scratches reminding me of the feeling of her hand on my neck. "Only six more hours until I see <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> doctor."<br /><br />I had originally set up this doctor appointment as a routine visit to get a refill on medication and get referrals to my specialists. I checked in as routine. I met the nurse as always. When we went back to the private room I had reached my breaking point when she asked gently and with a smile, "What's the reason for today's visit?"<br /><br />Tears welled up instantly, "I am supposed to get referrals but... I was attacked at work yesterday..." She didn't expect it. I could tell she wanted to get what information she could without offending me or making things worse. As she was getting up to get the doctor she said in the sweetest voice, "I'm gonna give you this box of kleenex, and this hug because I know you need it!"<br /><br />The doctor explained that the referrals will be taken care of but wanted to know what happened yesterday. I told her the story and she immediately began to propose a healing plan. She was aware of my general anxiety and knew this attack alone would deeply affect anyone. She prescribed klonopin, a fast acting anti-anxiety medication, to get me through the weekend until I can see a therapist. She suggested I see someone who specializes in trauma or PTSD. She also suggested I never go back to that job.<br /><br />The medication has certainly made it easier to talk about the attack. I have been able to sleep. In the car I still check the door lock as if she is standing outside trying to get in. After a year of working with her, there are still everyday things that remind me of her; A song on the radio, a store we shopped at. Happy memories have become an alleyway back to the attack.<br /><br />I am on leave at work and am not sure when or if I'll go back. For years my doctors have been urging me to get out of the disability/social work field for my own mental health. I don't know if that is even possible in this economy. How do you find a job outside of a field that your resume was built on?<br /><br />I have strong support in friends and family who love me. I know this is yet another obstacle we will get over. At times I think about if it happened to someone I love and I thank God it was me and not them. If I was taking life one day at a time before, now I'll have to take it one hour at a time.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-11744862456127721612011-04-26T19:37:00.003-04:002011-04-26T19:44:38.897-04:00Hilarious podcast!<span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">My friend posted this on my facebook wall. If ever there was a story like mine but different... </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);" href="http://cdn.themoth.prx.org/moth-podcast-169-andy-borowitz.mp3">here </a><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">it is! (Language not suitable for my nieces... lets just say that...)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">After you hear this, you have to know how much I love my husband. He makes me laugh, he has always taken care of me and most heroically, he has cleaned up my bags of poop! I love you E and hope I am there for you just half as much as you have been for me. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-16488603121252227662011-04-21T16:28:00.006-04:002012-04-17T15:43:32.348-04:00Cut the CRAP! TP evaluation installment 1:Cottonelle Aloe and Vitamin E<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">When you have your colon removed, everyone, if they know or not, will tell you that you'll have to get used to the frequent bathroom visits. What they don't tell you is the enormous influx of the use of toilet paper; and with that, of course, the changing of the rolls!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">It seems like every time I go to the bathroom, </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> have to change the roll. Sharing my bathroom with a man who, lets be honest, "wipes" at school or at work more than he does at home, chances are good, </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I'll </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">need to change the roll more than he does. I'm sure most sitter/stander couples go through the same thing. But do you go through it every day and a half? That's how quickly we go through a roll. And I'm talking a double roll of Kleenex Cottonelle.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Now, bottom line, </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">my</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"> bottom line deserves the best after what we've been through. Not to mention the wet, irritated... situation down there that comes with the "new body". I deserve the best... I just haven't found it yet!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">I have been using not only Cottonelle double roll, but Cottonelle Double roll with Aloe and Vitamin E! I thought it would soothe my toosh. I was wrong!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoHfNrrKmJQkyuYJPAl0dy8d7HUsDkju3uYukpSO19WS5_FU___AnclswUY0JqXbdIRy7sV0t2YVP9v9yyBepm5TZ04X0hp_Xpnpc5IlGfCpV5YH8qftfgX_COW-I0uHo8htTVBOT_x8/s1600/cottonelle+puppy"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoHfNrrKmJQkyuYJPAl0dy8d7HUsDkju3uYukpSO19WS5_FU___AnclswUY0JqXbdIRy7sV0t2YVP9v9yyBepm5TZ04X0hp_Xpnpc5IlGfCpV5YH8qftfgX_COW-I0uHo8htTVBOT_x8/s200/cottonelle+puppy" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598142279689824610" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Evaluation: I need something to stand up to wetness, creams, ointments, fronts and backs, and can do it with less irritation and less squares! After weeks of using this brand, I found that this puppy doesn't stand up to my... puppy! Although it is soft, Fido falls apart when fetched to wipe up my business. I didn't notice any soothing going on with or without the added Aloe and E. :( In Kleenex's defence, I do like the wet wipes!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Back to the drawing board. Maybe I'll try the bears?</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-17229676800746189562011-01-23T20:46:00.004-05:002012-04-17T15:44:24.757-04:00Knitted Coffee Snuggly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NKqDoTXzsgc8jQMF5Q7dYNnaOINvHbAPEBUS6bPWb6HsVoeWZ2ry-1COpOwrh7qCBf2EphGIxvv8yfu5PcNry7rYO-Uw3kDj_Ng7HVdLeIKnUwtPDkR1TIGztlppEZjvRgSTfdfUeDU/s1600/coffee+snuggly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NKqDoTXzsgc8jQMF5Q7dYNnaOINvHbAPEBUS6bPWb6HsVoeWZ2ry-1COpOwrh7qCBf2EphGIxvv8yfu5PcNry7rYO-Uw3kDj_Ng7HVdLeIKnUwtPDkR1TIGztlppEZjvRgSTfdfUeDU/s200/coffee+snuggly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565563242472069714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjN85l0m0JrYBn4S6lYLKrEiA2vfMVriRjIpQO7aUd5eirigGpl9iUKBHq9BvG5U-OdsCmhuRly7oUAxPAlOaC95tQMWDRY6f3jnom1qKl8P5SKX2PIS_aRYeLmmqU8kzIh1Ttny2yVK0/s1600/snuggly+work.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjN85l0m0JrYBn4S6lYLKrEiA2vfMVriRjIpQO7aUd5eirigGpl9iUKBHq9BvG5U-OdsCmhuRly7oUAxPAlOaC95tQMWDRY6f3jnom1qKl8P5SKX2PIS_aRYeLmmqU8kzIh1Ttny2yVK0/s200/snuggly+work.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565563163499496690" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">I used bamboo yarn, Size 10 needles. This is my first pattern so tell me if I wrote something wrong. :)</span><br /><br /><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Coffee Snuggly</b></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Size 10 needles</b></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);"><b>Pattern:</b></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Cast on 18 stitches</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Row1 (rs): (K1, P1) 9 times</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Row2 (ws): (P1, K1) 9 times</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Row3 (rs): (K1, P1){K1, K1, K1, K1, P1, K1, K1, K1, K1, P1, K1, K1, K1, K1} (P1, K1)</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Row4 (ws): (P1, K1) {P1}14 times (K1, P1)</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Row 5: repeat row 3</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Row 6: repeat row 4</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Row 7: K1, P1, C4B, P1, C4B, P1, C4B, P1, K1</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Row8: repeat row 4</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Continue to repeat pattern (Row 3-8) until your work is about 9 inches long ending on row 8. Work in button holes as follows. K1, P1, K1, yo, k2tog, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, yo, K2tog, K1, P1, K1.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Finish with:</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Row 2</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: 150%; color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Cast off. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140017979716304513.post-12651277370007719952011-01-23T20:31:00.005-05:002012-04-17T15:44:55.118-04:00Knit my cares away!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcIJgH600sSbFGLe2olQpjphPhYdfmDvI4jR_2hvuBFgq7Ke3QqUffY2nrFB_fiOj3Xs9jt32YLSEhseMAi9E3C04DY1ZGBkxeu4we7zzpH1f1k6G8OWD76KeQNb4QuSv3bfwveAEfuE/s1600/Modern+Bib.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcIJgH600sSbFGLe2olQpjphPhYdfmDvI4jR_2hvuBFgq7Ke3QqUffY2nrFB_fiOj3Xs9jt32YLSEhseMAi9E3C04DY1ZGBkxeu4we7zzpH1f1k6G8OWD76KeQNb4QuSv3bfwveAEfuE/s200/Modern+Bib.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565562435899073602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">I've been working on health stuff for a few months now. I get tests done and they tell me to do more tests; and then they tell me there was nothing to worry about!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">No matter what, I can always use my hands and knit all my cares away. Just in the last week I learned how to follow a pattern for my first baby bib. (Pattern </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);" href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/gibsongirl/modern-ca...">here!)</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);">And I wrote and executed my first pattern!! I'm so excited that I can work on these projects as much or as little as I want. What a great week!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Have you seen my "Donate" button? By clicking "donate" in the bar on the right, you can contribute to my medical bill fund with Paypal or credit card.</div>Lizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246646470403980763noreply@blogger.com0