Today we had our first snow day of the school year. I was so happy when they called off school last night. It was nice to not have to decide whether or not to call in or go to work. I like having the decision made for me. The boys and Shaun thought they would camp out in the den and keep the fire in the fireplace going all night long. Samuel got cold so he came up and snuggled with me.
Anyway, I thought I would get tons of stuff done today but.... NOPE. I finally got up and got a shower at the crack on noon!! The boys just played here at the house. They had some friends come over and go sledding in our back yard. I should have gotten pictures but I just didn't think about it. It was just too cold out there!!
So far we have a 2 hour delay tomorrow. I'm still praying for the powers that be to call off school tomorrow. A girl can hope. I know we will have to make up these days but I would rather make up these days when the weather is NICE!!
Anyway, a girl can dream. I'm doing the snow dance now.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Jumper Cables
Well, I'm the proud owner of jumper cables. Yea me, YAHOO, YIPPEE!!! I know what you are thinking. "Jumper cables... why is she so happy about jumper cables." No, I haven't lost my marbles and my car didn't need fixed either. Let me explain.
I have been passing out and getting dizzy for over 2 years. Shaun says much longer but as this is my blog, I get to say how long (I feel powerful behind this keyboard). It has been a long road to figuring everything out. My first symptoms were just getting dizzy and ALMOST passing out. Not just once, but, over and over for days. Can you imagine my doc when I go in to tell him I'm almost passing out? It kinda went something like this.
Doc: So what brings you in today?
Me: I almost passed out 6 times last night.
Doc: So, you passed out 6 times last night?
Me: No, I ALMOST passed out 6 times.
Doc: Hmm, well, how many times did you pass out?
Me: None, I just almost passed out.......6 times.
Doc: (insert long pause here and funny look on his face)
Me: (nervous and realizing I sound like an idiot or hypochondriac) I know this sounds crazy but every hour or so I get really dizzy and feel like I'm passing out so I lay down or sit with my head down and it passes.
Doc: OH, so you never actually passed out?
Me: &%#$$&&$& (cursing in my head)
This is where all the referrals started. I have seen so many doctors; cardiologist, neurologist, ENT, general doc, back to the cardiologist. Nobody could figure it out and each one referred me to the other doc. Possible diagnosis were vertigo, low blood sugar, brain tumor, heart issues but every test came back fine. FINALLY, I actually passed all the way out and hit the floor. My general physician was excited for the new symptom. He pretty much told me what I had but to get the actual diagnosis I had to see the cardiologist again and wear that lovely holter monitor. Unfortunately, my symptoms are so random that they don't always happen when the doctors want them. So back to the drawing board. I was in tears when my doc finally said, "don't come back to me because I don't know what else to tell you". Well, you know me and my mouth. I had all kinds of nasty thoughts running through my head of things to say to him. Unfortunately, I was so distraught I just left and cried in my car in the parking lot. As I was walking out he did tell me to go to the ER the next time my spells happened so they could hook me up to the heart monitors right then and catch it on the monitors. I guess he felt so bad for me he had to tell me something. It turned out that was great advice.
I had more spells so I went to one particular ER (I shall not repeat its name but I will never go again to that ER). They were getting ready to conduct some sort of drill. There were people walking around in their "space suits". Anyway, she hooked me up to the monitors for about 30 minutes, told me I was fine and it wasn't heart related and sent me on my merry little way. I just sat there and finally asked her "So, you're going to let me walk out of here and get in my car even though I told you I keep getting dizzy and almost passing out?". She said "yep" so I left crying once again.
So I lived with these spells for about 6 more months refusing to go back to the ER or the doctors. I mean, what's the use? They can't figure it out and don't seem to want to. So, at the beginning of this school year they came back.... bad. I felt terrible so I went to a different ER this time. I am so glad I did. The ER physician assistant thought I had vertigo and was insisting that is all it was. I told him my symptoms and what my general doctor thought it was (it is a really long name). He didn't like me contradicting him very much. Anyway, I felt another dizzy spell come on and beeped the nurses station telling them to check the monitor. SCORE!! They caught it on the monitor. My heart stopped for a few seconds making me feel dizzy. I think the nurse was more excited than I was. He came bouncing in my room yelling "we got it, you're not leaving the hospital". I was pretty excited too just because it was finally documented. Well, the ER physician assistant wasn't so happy for me. I think he was mad because I was right and he was wrong. His response was "Well, looks like it was your heart. I hope you're happy". HUH?? What a jerk!! But I did tell him I was happy that it was finally caught so I could do something about it.
I got admitted that night and had the same tests done as before but they actually got the results they needed to get a diagnosis. Basically, my heart rate drops drastically (or in a few cases it stopped for a few seconds) and causes me to pass out or get really dizzy. I thought he would say something like "here's the pill to fix it" but was shocked to hear that I would eventually need a pace maker. He offered it in the hospital but I refused and said not yet. He did give me some meds but they didn't work for me. I ended up with another few days of dizzy so I called him back thinking I could just get an implantable recorder put in to document these episodes. While talking to the nurse, he just took the phone from her and told me "no" I couldn't have the device when what I really needed was the pace maker. He got me in quick... real quick. Like just a few days later. I was scrambling to get everything ready for a few days off work but I'm glad he did it that way. I didn't have too much time to think about it and freak out about it.
So, this is why I say I got new jumper cables. I have had to take off work for longer than I thought too. I thought that I would go back to work after 3-4 days but on Monday, I still couldn't lift my arm and sitting up still REALLY hurt. I has now been one week and one day and I can sit up with mild discomfort and lift my arm better but that still hurts too. I have developed some sort of rash on my shoulder but that could be from something else. Who knows. Once this thing heals I can do everything I once did with no restrictions. I was kind of bummed to see I couldn't use a jack hammer anymore (haha).
Anyway, long story short, jumper cables = pace maker = cured Krista!!
I have been passing out and getting dizzy for over 2 years. Shaun says much longer but as this is my blog, I get to say how long (I feel powerful behind this keyboard). It has been a long road to figuring everything out. My first symptoms were just getting dizzy and ALMOST passing out. Not just once, but, over and over for days. Can you imagine my doc when I go in to tell him I'm almost passing out? It kinda went something like this.
Doc: So what brings you in today?
Me: I almost passed out 6 times last night.
Doc: So, you passed out 6 times last night?
Me: No, I ALMOST passed out 6 times.
Doc: Hmm, well, how many times did you pass out?
Me: None, I just almost passed out.......6 times.
Doc: (insert long pause here and funny look on his face)
Me: (nervous and realizing I sound like an idiot or hypochondriac) I know this sounds crazy but every hour or so I get really dizzy and feel like I'm passing out so I lay down or sit with my head down and it passes.
Doc: OH, so you never actually passed out?
Me: &%#$$&&$& (cursing in my head)
This is where all the referrals started. I have seen so many doctors; cardiologist, neurologist, ENT, general doc, back to the cardiologist. Nobody could figure it out and each one referred me to the other doc. Possible diagnosis were vertigo, low blood sugar, brain tumor, heart issues but every test came back fine. FINALLY, I actually passed all the way out and hit the floor. My general physician was excited for the new symptom. He pretty much told me what I had but to get the actual diagnosis I had to see the cardiologist again and wear that lovely holter monitor. Unfortunately, my symptoms are so random that they don't always happen when the doctors want them. So back to the drawing board. I was in tears when my doc finally said, "don't come back to me because I don't know what else to tell you". Well, you know me and my mouth. I had all kinds of nasty thoughts running through my head of things to say to him. Unfortunately, I was so distraught I just left and cried in my car in the parking lot. As I was walking out he did tell me to go to the ER the next time my spells happened so they could hook me up to the heart monitors right then and catch it on the monitors. I guess he felt so bad for me he had to tell me something. It turned out that was great advice.
I had more spells so I went to one particular ER (I shall not repeat its name but I will never go again to that ER). They were getting ready to conduct some sort of drill. There were people walking around in their "space suits". Anyway, she hooked me up to the monitors for about 30 minutes, told me I was fine and it wasn't heart related and sent me on my merry little way. I just sat there and finally asked her "So, you're going to let me walk out of here and get in my car even though I told you I keep getting dizzy and almost passing out?". She said "yep" so I left crying once again.
So I lived with these spells for about 6 more months refusing to go back to the ER or the doctors. I mean, what's the use? They can't figure it out and don't seem to want to. So, at the beginning of this school year they came back.... bad. I felt terrible so I went to a different ER this time. I am so glad I did. The ER physician assistant thought I had vertigo and was insisting that is all it was. I told him my symptoms and what my general doctor thought it was (it is a really long name). He didn't like me contradicting him very much. Anyway, I felt another dizzy spell come on and beeped the nurses station telling them to check the monitor. SCORE!! They caught it on the monitor. My heart stopped for a few seconds making me feel dizzy. I think the nurse was more excited than I was. He came bouncing in my room yelling "we got it, you're not leaving the hospital". I was pretty excited too just because it was finally documented. Well, the ER physician assistant wasn't so happy for me. I think he was mad because I was right and he was wrong. His response was "Well, looks like it was your heart. I hope you're happy". HUH?? What a jerk!! But I did tell him I was happy that it was finally caught so I could do something about it.
I got admitted that night and had the same tests done as before but they actually got the results they needed to get a diagnosis. Basically, my heart rate drops drastically (or in a few cases it stopped for a few seconds) and causes me to pass out or get really dizzy. I thought he would say something like "here's the pill to fix it" but was shocked to hear that I would eventually need a pace maker. He offered it in the hospital but I refused and said not yet. He did give me some meds but they didn't work for me. I ended up with another few days of dizzy so I called him back thinking I could just get an implantable recorder put in to document these episodes. While talking to the nurse, he just took the phone from her and told me "no" I couldn't have the device when what I really needed was the pace maker. He got me in quick... real quick. Like just a few days later. I was scrambling to get everything ready for a few days off work but I'm glad he did it that way. I didn't have too much time to think about it and freak out about it.
So, this is why I say I got new jumper cables. I have had to take off work for longer than I thought too. I thought that I would go back to work after 3-4 days but on Monday, I still couldn't lift my arm and sitting up still REALLY hurt. I has now been one week and one day and I can sit up with mild discomfort and lift my arm better but that still hurts too. I have developed some sort of rash on my shoulder but that could be from something else. Who knows. Once this thing heals I can do everything I once did with no restrictions. I was kind of bummed to see I couldn't use a jack hammer anymore (haha).
Anyway, long story short, jumper cables = pace maker = cured Krista!!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Random thoughts
I was going to blog about all kinds of great stuff today but really don't have anything great and wise to discuss. Instead, I have several random thoughts that have popped in my head today.
Krista
- I hate it when people stand too close to me. Seriously, I have a space bubble and this older lady was all up in my bubble standing in line at T.J.Maxx. I was waiting in line to pay when she walked up behind me. She was very close to my bubble but not yet in it. Still, that is too close for a stranger so I took a little step forward. SHE DID TOO. I was getting a little irritated so I took another little step forward and SHE DID TOO. I looked around thinking that maybe I was on that show "what would you do". Nope, no camera's. I took another step this time turning to the side so she was beside me instead of behind me. HAHA, I outsmarted you, you close standing, bubble invading lady. I was a little smug a little too soon. She took another step acting like she was looking at something on the shelf then ended up behind me AGAIN in my space. My mind was racing as was my heart. What should I do? Should I tell her to step back? Should I take yet another step forward? Should I .... SCORE, my turn in the checkout lane. Whew, saved by the quick sales clerk.
- I wish I was a singer. I was driving down Nicholasville Road today singing to a Katy Perry song when I thought, dang, with the radio up loud and the traffic all around, I sound pretty good. HA! I don't care if I totally stink and can't carry a tune in a tin can, I seriously love to sing. I am so blessed to have a job that allows me to sing whenever I want and I always have an audience. I'm so glad they are only 3 and 4 and don't really understand tone, pitch and being in tune. They just love to sing with me. I'm thinking about getting a Karaoke machine for the boys for Christmas but secretly it is really a gift for me! I can't wait!! I think Harrison will LOVE it. He loves singing as much as I do. I have a hysterical video of him singing that I will post IF I can figure out how.
Krista
Monday, November 1, 2010
I just don't get it!
I don't usually post about my job or my classroom but I am so confused by a new little friend I just have to write it down. First, let me start off by saying I teach in a school where there are many children who are considered at risk just because of their socio-economic status. In the preschool program in our state, we take children based on low income and on identified disabilities. Throughout the years I thought I had experienced almost everything I could possibly experience in this particular school. I have had children with ADHD, physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, and even children who are medically fragile. I have had typical children who have so little structure in their home lives that they appear to have disabilities but are, in fact, very bright children who just needed someone to show/teach them to have boundaries.
Tourette's Syndrome is something I have only seen on television. I watched a movie about a man with Tourette's who went on to be a teacher. It was something like you would see on the Lifetime Channel but it was a great movie. Now, I'm not saying I have a child in my class with Tourette's because I am no diagnostician and have no qualifications to make such diagnosis. I am saying I have a child who has some very random behaviors. Very random and sometimes very violent. I pride myself on being able to just go with the flow in the classroom and if a child disrupts the classroom, I can usually go right on with what I'm doing. This child's first day I was so distracted I could barely get through our morning calendar group. The random shouting, the cursing not to anyone in particular. I have never been that surprised in my whole teaching career (well, maybe I have been that surprised during my first few years of teaching but you get my drift). When you look at this little child you just see this beautiful little face with these big beautiful eyes. It is so hard to accept that he has the mouth of a sailor and just acts/reacts in such a violent or random way. I definitely will be getting more info on Tourette's and ADHD in the very near future. I am hoping that once everything is checked out that there will be a different diagnosis for this little one. But in the mean time, I am just plugging away with him trying to do my very best to make him feel loved. He is truly becoming one of my favorite children despite the behavior. I always end up getting attached to the ones who take more time to get under control.
I always try to put a positive spin on things especially when I am in a very difficult situation. So, here is my "spin". At least I might loose a couple of pounds and get into shape with this little one in my class. Also, I might learn to be a more patient person and more accepting of other people's situations.
I have always been the kind of person who loves a challenge and this might just be one of the biggest challenges I have had in quite a while.
Tourette's Syndrome is something I have only seen on television. I watched a movie about a man with Tourette's who went on to be a teacher. It was something like you would see on the Lifetime Channel but it was a great movie. Now, I'm not saying I have a child in my class with Tourette's because I am no diagnostician and have no qualifications to make such diagnosis. I am saying I have a child who has some very random behaviors. Very random and sometimes very violent. I pride myself on being able to just go with the flow in the classroom and if a child disrupts the classroom, I can usually go right on with what I'm doing. This child's first day I was so distracted I could barely get through our morning calendar group. The random shouting, the cursing not to anyone in particular. I have never been that surprised in my whole teaching career (well, maybe I have been that surprised during my first few years of teaching but you get my drift). When you look at this little child you just see this beautiful little face with these big beautiful eyes. It is so hard to accept that he has the mouth of a sailor and just acts/reacts in such a violent or random way. I definitely will be getting more info on Tourette's and ADHD in the very near future. I am hoping that once everything is checked out that there will be a different diagnosis for this little one. But in the mean time, I am just plugging away with him trying to do my very best to make him feel loved. He is truly becoming one of my favorite children despite the behavior. I always end up getting attached to the ones who take more time to get under control.
I always try to put a positive spin on things especially when I am in a very difficult situation. So, here is my "spin". At least I might loose a couple of pounds and get into shape with this little one in my class. Also, I might learn to be a more patient person and more accepting of other people's situations.
I have always been the kind of person who loves a challenge and this might just be one of the biggest challenges I have had in quite a while.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
I love the smell of Lysol!
I love the smell of Lysol! I really do. I especially love it when someone is sick in my house like last night. Poor Harrison has a stomach virus and was up the whole night throwing up. I felt so bad for him (and me since I couldn't sleep either). My mother in law brought me some Lysol and I have sprayed everything with it. I forgot about how much I love the smell (crazy, I know). He is feeling better tonight but still isn't 100%. I will continue following him around with the Lysol for at least another 24 hours just to be safe.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
YIPPEE!!!
Woo Hoo!!! No preschool tomorrow!! I have 2 glorious work days with no students! Thank goodness. I am so behind on paperwork the I need these 2 days to get caught up. I can't wait to get up their and get to work (did I really just say that?). Anyway, here's 3 cheers to all the school system preschool teachers out there tomorrow. Hip Hip Hooray!! Hip Hip Hooray!! Hip Hip Hooray!!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
School year 2010
I know I have not blogged in quite some time. I just let myself get too bogged down with school, work, home, etc. I promise to be better with blogging. I mean, we all know I have a lot to say so I might as well say it here!!
School started in August and we have been so busy I can't believe I am keeping up with everything. Harrison just started 6th grade and is middle school in the Spanish Immersion program. He is on the other side of town but can walk to his dad's school, if needed, after school. He is in the fitness club this year. They meet 3 days a week and work on being healthier. Right now they are running. He loves running so this is right up his alley. He wants to try out for the basketball team so this is a good way to get ready for all the running he will do on the basketball court. Of course, he is also in the band and plays trumpet just like his daddy. Shaun found out he was first chair trumpet so we are very proud of him. Now, if only we could get him to practice more.
Samuel is in 4th grade at my school and doing well also. Of course, he would love school so much more if it didn't involve work! He wants to play basketball too so I just signed him up through the local YMCA. He can't wait!! I used to be a soccer mom and now I'm becoming a basketball mom. Samuel still loves, Loves, LOVES art. He counts down the days until he has art as his special class. Even right now, as I type, he is drawing. I wish I could get him to paint more but he loves drawing. He wants to be in band too and play the french horn but band doesn't start until 5th grade so he will have to wait one more year.
As for me, I am busy with work, helping with homework (both in English and Spanish) and now I'm serving as a KTIP resource teacher for a first year teacher. What was I thinking?? It would be so much easier if she and I taught at schools that are close together but NOOOOO, her school is downtown. It took me about 25 minutes to get there the other day. I am excited about helping a first year teacher though. It will make me look at my own classroom practices and be a better teacher.
Between work and home, there isn't a lot of time for relaxation. I decided I needed to do something fun just for me so I'm starting piano again! I am so excited about it. I took piano lessons for a few years when I was younger so I know quite a bit about playing the piano already. I was always better at playing once I heard what the song was supposed to sound like so I found a book that came with a CD. I can't wait to get started. I'm doing this "self study" right now. Wish me luck!!!
School started in August and we have been so busy I can't believe I am keeping up with everything. Harrison just started 6th grade and is middle school in the Spanish Immersion program. He is on the other side of town but can walk to his dad's school, if needed, after school. He is in the fitness club this year. They meet 3 days a week and work on being healthier. Right now they are running. He loves running so this is right up his alley. He wants to try out for the basketball team so this is a good way to get ready for all the running he will do on the basketball court. Of course, he is also in the band and plays trumpet just like his daddy. Shaun found out he was first chair trumpet so we are very proud of him. Now, if only we could get him to practice more.
Samuel is in 4th grade at my school and doing well also. Of course, he would love school so much more if it didn't involve work! He wants to play basketball too so I just signed him up through the local YMCA. He can't wait!! I used to be a soccer mom and now I'm becoming a basketball mom. Samuel still loves, Loves, LOVES art. He counts down the days until he has art as his special class. Even right now, as I type, he is drawing. I wish I could get him to paint more but he loves drawing. He wants to be in band too and play the french horn but band doesn't start until 5th grade so he will have to wait one more year.
As for me, I am busy with work, helping with homework (both in English and Spanish) and now I'm serving as a KTIP resource teacher for a first year teacher. What was I thinking?? It would be so much easier if she and I taught at schools that are close together but NOOOOO, her school is downtown. It took me about 25 minutes to get there the other day. I am excited about helping a first year teacher though. It will make me look at my own classroom practices and be a better teacher.
Between work and home, there isn't a lot of time for relaxation. I decided I needed to do something fun just for me so I'm starting piano again! I am so excited about it. I took piano lessons for a few years when I was younger so I know quite a bit about playing the piano already. I was always better at playing once I heard what the song was supposed to sound like so I found a book that came with a CD. I can't wait to get started. I'm doing this "self study" right now. Wish me luck!!!
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