**We Interrupt Regular Broadcasting**
It’s 3:30 as I’m typing. 3:30 a.m.. A.M. as in morning. I’ve been awake since about 1:00 and the two things that keep rolling through my mind are:
1. I can’t wait for the dead of winter. If it was freezing in here I’d be blissfully bundled up, sleeping like a baby instead of flipping and flopping and trying to get each side cooled off by the ceiling fan. It’s not even that hot, but I can’t seem to get cool or comfortable.
2. All that’s left is a band of gold… I can’t get that stupid song out of my head.
I tried reading, but that didn’t do any good. So then I picked up a financial budgeting book thinking that would bore me into somnolence, but obviously that didn’t work, either. It just made me want to check my bank balances.
So I’ll tell you about my Thursday and hope this post will make sense by the light of day. Then again this is me we’re talking about. My well-rested, caffeinated self doesn’t always make sense. What makes me think my blurry-eyed, muddled-headed self will?
I had to see the nurse at the plastic surgeon’s office in Philadelphia this morning. At one point it took me 8 minutes to go 1 mile. Then when I pulled in to the parking deck I got behind a lady in a walker. Seriously. The woman was walking up the middle of the lane in a walker, up hill, and I couldn’t get around her. The whole stinkin’ length of the parking garage.
Surprisingly I didn’t feel aggravated. It made me laugh because it was so incredibly ridiculous. That and I wasn’t in a rush so who cared.
Oh. Also because I had a yummy mint mocha iced coffee from Wawa. Except I don’t recommend drinking it while you’re eating a Reece’s Peanut Butter granola bar. Then it just tastes like mouthwash.
Anyway, I had to see the nurse because the right side of my recent little procedure became infected over the weekend. She said that there was some breakdown, but that’s very normal. She also told me I was doing an excellent job taking care of “them” and the doctor would be pleased when I saw him for my regular follow up next Wednesday. Then she prescribed me an antibiotic.
After that I had a routine checkup with the White Russian. I had a little over two hours to kill so I hung out at Borders. Stupid, stupid girl. I ran in to buy one book. Lord John Grey and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon. Found it with no problem. And four other books I had to have as well. Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn and Hal Iggulden; Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier; and two historical fiction books set during the English Restoration (King Charles II). The books are downstairs and, while I may be awake, I’m not in the mood to run downstairs just for the titles. But ever since I read Forever Amber I’ve been fascinated with that time period.
I seriously need to stop this madness. If I was still reading three or four books a week that would be one thing. But I only read one book the entire month of August. That’s horrible! I think part of my problem is that I need a change in genres. I do this every once in a while. I’ve been on a romance kick for a while and I love romance novels, but it’s time for a change. Thus the straight historical fiction.
And since the nurse told me I was such a good girl (or something like that) I treated myself to an iced white chocolate mocha and a chocolate cherry scone. Well, I was hungry and that was all Border’s cafe had to offer.
When I left the store I noticed a used book store across the street. Apparently it’s been there for a while, but this is the first time in over a year that I noticed it. So I filed that bit of information away for later.
Saw the White Russian and got a great report. My blood work is all within good limits. My blood pressure was excellent. The nurse and I crossed off several medications and narrowed it down to two. Well, three if you count the antibiotic I’m on. Though I’m thinking I could surely use some Lunesta tonight. Maybe we were a little too quick with that!
I promised the kids I’d stop at Hope’s Cookies after the oncologist’s visit. That’s not exactly true. What I said was, “Let’s just say I was to stop in at Hope’s Cookies after I see the White Russian, what kind of cookies would you want?” But that was close enough to a pledge for me so I bought chocolate chip for Katie, Peanut Butter Chip for Taylor and White Russian cookies for me. (It’s a theme with me, okay?)
That used book store I’d spied earlier is right behind Hope’s. So I meandered over there for a quick looksie. Guess what happened? I bought a book. I bought a beautiful leather bound copy of Milton’s Paradise Lost. I swear it jumped off the shelf and I had to catch it so as not to let its beautiful cover be marred from bouncing off the cement floor. Then we bonded and I had to take it home. Or something like that.
Once I got back in the car I endeavored to look straight ahead on my way home lest I be tempted by yet another book store. All this book buying is probably why I felt the need to peruse the budgeting book this morning.
Todd is out of town and Taylor was busy with school and social functions, so Katie and I went to dinner, picked up my prescription and came home to watch Steel Magnolias. Remember my comment a couple posts back about needing to schedule time for a breakdown? Not so anymore. I am cleansed! All it takes is a little Sally Field having her own meltdown after her daughter’s funeral. Why didn’t I think of that earlier?
It was rather funny. Katie was laying on the love seat and I was sitting in Todd’s green chair (Yes – it’s back to being his chair) and we were both sniffling and hooty-puckering and laughing at each other all at the same time. And then when Clairee offers Ouiser (I checked the spelling on IMDB) as a punching bag we became nearly hysterical.
Good times.
Now it’s 4:05 and I have got to get some sleep. I’m interviewing for a part-time position with our church’s new preschool tomorrow. The position is 9:00 to 12:00 and I had originally thought I might like to work two days a week – Tuesday and Thursday. But when the director called me about setting up an interview she said she would love to have someone (hopefully me) all five days. But I don’t want to give up my ladies’ bible study on Friday mornings so it may turn into four days a week. We’ll just see.
If I don’t get to it tomorrow, I’ll get to the wedding and the rest of Rhode Island on Saturday. My alarm is going off in a little over two hours so I’m going to try to fill that time with dreams. Good dreams. Dreams that involve a snug sleeping bag and a cot in the frozen tundra and no bands of gold.
Until later…
“Ouiser”??? It’s not spelled “Weezer”? Wow. I love that movie. It is the best movie ever to cry and laugh in the same scene. Even my husband who HATES chick flicks likes this one.Glad your appointments went well today. Hope you’re sleeping like a baby right now. 🙂
Ack! It’s nearly 10:00 and I’m STILL awake. I’ve done laundry, cleaned the kitchen and hit half my blogbuddies. (Not you because I started at the bottom and am working my way up. Not that either is any better – they’re in no particular order. Okay. I’m stopping now because I seriously need some sleep!)
Jenster, if that’s what you write when you’re blurry-eyed and muddle-headed…you’re good…REAL good!And I agree on the wishing for cold weather thing. I don’t do summers. We went to Costco the other day, and I stayed overly long in the giant walk-in refrigerator room with all the fruit and perishable produce. LOL. It was nice. Felt like winter. Or maybe I’ve just snapped and am going crazy. *crosses eyes*
It’s pretty bad when 90 degrees is a break in the heat…. that’s what it’s been this week, I think. I agree, it’s time for long sleeves, hayrides, smores, and cider.Hope you get some rest.
I’m anxiously waiting for the colder weather also! Hate summer ~ although our weather is only supposed to be in the mid-high 60’s for the next few days. It’s going to be heaven!!!How was the interview?
Yes, Jenster is correct, it IS Ouiser. There. I feel better, now.I’m glad for your good news re: the “girls”, but sorry for your infection. Go Jenster! Heal up now! Go Jenster! Heal up now! Okay…I never made the cheer squad in high school, either.We are bonded for life over the love of books, dusty used book stores, and Steel Magnolias. I have to rescreen that movie at least once every 6 months. I got married right after that movie came out. Oh, how I wanted to BE Julia Roberts, complete with big hair (hairdo hall of fame), pink dress, and Sally Field as my mama.Better go put on some practically pink nail polish before my nails chip away…I hope you sleep well tonight. xxxooogretchen
Okay…books.Have you read “The Pact” by Picoult? Good read.It’s a love story, but I would not call it a romance novel.I want to read “America’s Cheapest Family”…but have YET to find it in a store…
My usual awake time is from about 3am to 5am, so I can relate. Instead of “Band of Gold” going through my head, however, it is almost always “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy.” 😉
Becky – I think maybe I write better when I’m only semi-conscience. Maybe I should try it more often??LOL on the cooler at Costco. I totally get it!Wandering Heart – Oooo! I can almost smell the fall with all you described!! Bring it on!!!Dev – Our lows are in the 60’s and I was thinking how I would love it if they were our highs.The interview was great. The executive pastor has to give the final okay so as long as he doesn’t have anything against me I’ve got a job. I should know Monday.Gretchen – Thanks for the cheer!! I’m pumped!!! It was fun to share my love for SM with Katie. She loved it, though I did have to explain a couple things to her. lolLainey-Paney – I haven’t read anything by Jodi Picoult, though I’ve picked up some of her books. I’m sure I’ll get around to it eventually. I’d like to read America’s Cheapest Family, too. Maybe that could be my budgeting book instead.New Diva – LOL!
AHHHHHH!!!! How could you do that?!?! Now that song is in my head!!!All that’s left of the dreams I hold…
I am glad your appointment went well, what a relief. Hope that stupid infection goes away, sounds like it is more annoying than anything else and it would be good to get off the antibiotics. Lunesta sounds like it might be a good idea, not getting good sleep can mess up your whole day. I LOVE books so much too. I can’t pass by a bookstore, it is addictive. I have this major gravitational pull, what can I say. If they have a starbucks and other goodies, the pull is even stronger. I’m with you on that one!Good luck on your interview.XOXO
Well, I’m thinking I’d have to have a wrestling match with my doc if she ever took my sleeping pills away! But then I’m usually up all weird hours.Terrific news about your job! and I’m glad that you had a cathartic cry with laughter – those are a the best kind.I have been fighting some sort of rash on my tummy – I ended up going to a clinic because I couldn’t get into the docs. Well, I think it was a minute before they were to close up before the doc got in. Took one look and wrote up a cream prescription. Not contagious and not a fungus. Great, what is it? Still don’t know, she just said if it’s what she thinks it is it will *start* to clear up within 4 days. This thing started out the size of a half dollar (your American right, so you wouldn’t know what a toonie is ;)) and now it’s the size of a T-Bone steak! And for a while there it looked like a giant bruise.OOOoops, rambling, sorry!it jumped off the shelf and I had to catch it so as not to let it’s beautiful cover be marred from bouncing off the cement floor. Then we bonded and I had to take it home. Or something like that.I’m telling ya, books are always throwing themselves at me! You think they would get that fixed ;)CindyS
The few times I’ve watched chick flicks I’ve sworn to my husband that they’re great movies and then he walks in right as someone’s dying. So now he thinx girl movies are all about death and depression. Sounds like you’ll get your wish for cold–60’s here next week (we’ll blow it your way) and Farmer’s Almanac sez cold and snowy winter east of the Mississippi!
Remember Em’s post about the Lunesta moth? Just a random thought (or a quantum leap). Maybe thinking of the little fluorescent moth honing in on your bed will help you–or scare you–I’m not sure which.xxxooogretchen
I have been having major insomnia this week, too … don’t know why! Sometimes it takes my head awhile to settle down. Would you believe that I have never seen Steel Magnolias! I know!And, yes, Jodi Picoult books are great. My favorite is My Sister’s Keeper. I also just read a book that I absolutely ADORED: Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos. SUCH a sweet book!
OK, no more wee hour postings…you’ve really triggered my sweet tooth and we’ve nothing in house and I’m sure everything is closed right now. The only thing you mentioned that we have is mouthwash. And, well… I’m glad all is still well with the new “girls”.
Eeek! I hate when I’m stuck awake at night like that! Ususally I just veg out — congrats for sitting down and hammering out your thoughts!
Eeek! I hate when I’m stuck awake at night like that! Ususally I just veg out — congrats for sitting down and hammering out your thoughts!
There must be a rampant case of insomnia in blogland. I haven’t slept well in weeks. Thanks to my back the the doctors orders to avoid sleeping on my stomach.I also share you book buying infliction. But if I get an infection in one of “them” I’m gonna start thinking you’ve put a curse on me.
I’m reading like crazy so the book buying has been quiet…this week. Of course I spent practically my whole monthly allowance last weekend so there you have it.Sleep and being awake the wee hours? It happens to me all the time. I was just telling GG that I wish I was normal and slept like normal people. Not sleeping when everyone else does puts you out of sync with the world.
Insomnia is the worst! It also usually hits me between 3 and 5am. I wish I could squeeze in as many books as you do. You are so good about making time to read.
I love Steel Magnolias, too. One of the best ever, for sure.And about sleeping … I’m with you. I can sleep so well when t is cool, but with the least bit of warmth, I just toss and turn, flip and flop. Cool weather is the best anyway, period!
Jenster, I believe I have YOU to thank for the song that I can’t seem to get out of my head since your posting…BAND OF GOLD! LOL…I’m serious…I am STILL finding myself humming it, and I hadn’t heard it in YEARS until your posting…LOL. That one was a real stick-in-the-brainer! ;o)
FOUR A.M.??? Are you sure you’re not my mother-in-law? She does that all the time — stays up until the wee hours …
Uh don’t know the song so I’m not worried about it being stuck in my head. But now you’ve seriously got me craving a white chocolate mocha. I’m usually okay with sleeping through the night, though I only need about 5-6 hours, otherwise I’m way too lethargic during the day. Happy Monday….
Books and coffee are definately gifts from a loving God. Now insomnia….
What I don’t understand, if you were up that early in the morning, why didn’t you just stay up and cook that wonderful breakfast for your kids and earn that Mom of the Year award??? I can see it now… “morning Katie and Taylor, I have a wonderful breakfast ready for you.” “Sorry Mom, running late, got to go. I’ll grab something out of the snack machine at school.” Or, more likely: “Who are you and what did you do with our mother??” :DI love Steel Magnolias, and it is one of the few chick flicks hubby will watch.
I just thought you should know that I got YOUR song stuck in my head too! I didn’t even know the song before you posted! THANKS!:)I’m over to visit Todd.
Todd isn’t on your sidebar?
Well, the song didn’t get stuck in my head because I didn’t know it…..Unfortunately, it reminded me of a song that I did know and now that’s stuck in my head…..”I know a song that gets on everybody’s nerves, everybody’s nerves, everybody’s nerves. I know a song that gets on everybody’s nerves, and this is how it goes.”And repeat. Several times.