3 Year Old Golfer=News
In the mornings while I am putzing around the house I usually keep either CNN Headline News or Good Morning America on in the background. This morning I realized the dumbing of America has gotten out of hand. A three year old who hits golf balls somehow deserves 5 minutes of coverage. Meanwhile no one discusses the truly important issues. I can understand escapism--I watch Adam Sandler movies and even went to see several movies about pirates, but I really don't think escapism on the news is the direction this country should go in. Of course here the news is mainly to sell cars and indigestion medicine to the public. Feh.
The doctors assigned to mom are really reaching the bottom of the barrel when it comes to testing. In the past few days she has been tested for the following: West Nile Virus, Mad Cow Disease, Malaria, AIDS, and Bird Flu. Seriously. This lack of diagnosis is so frustrating. We live on this razor's edge. Everyone wants a diagnosis so we can fight the problem and get a cure, but on the other hand, every time my phone rings or a doctor walks in the room we all cringe in anticipation of what might be wrong. I have come to the conclusion, however, that no matter what the news is, it's better than this lenghty purgatory where we are lef to imagine and fear. I just want to figure this out so we can all get our lives back. I realized I have spent more time at the hospital this summer than I have anywhere else. Not exactly the summer I thought we would have. Mom is very discouraged. She has started to believe that she is going crazy and that all of this is some sort of bizarre mental breakdown--a psychosomatic illness on a grand scale. We all need this to be over soon.
Besides hanging at the hospital, the weekend was rather productive. Eric and I painted the master bedroom and guest bedroom--a huge improvement. We also fixed the third toilet and put on new light switches and power plates (the old ones were a hideous gold/bronze color). I also had the pool and hot tub fixed so they are running beautifully. We had Jen, Jay and Evangeline over to swim Saturday night. The back yard has been my refuge durning all of this stress--the sound of the waterfall sucks away my stress, and the noise of the windchimes soothes my fears. They need to release mom and let her hang at the house. . . it's better medicine than what they can give her at the hospital!
Speaking of hosptial, I should head out there now. I'm determined to spread some cheer, even if I'm not necessarily feeling it.

I Am Doll Parts
I have been trying all day to get to this hospital, but circumstances rarely go with our wishes. The pool guy just left after spending almost 5 hours at the house installing a new filter and new furnace. The dcost was alsmot double what the old owners allowed in closing costs. oh well. It is worth it to have something that brings us so much joy. I feel really bad, though, because I really wanted to be at mom's side today.
So far she has had a cat-scan, an m.r.i., a echo cardiagram, and a painful spinal tap. It has not been one of her better days. I just wish we could have a diagnosis so we canstart fighting it and stop second guessing whatever is wrong with her. This is truly not fair. I'm adding to my list of universal injustices.
I am truly glad that we have made this move and I am in a position to be able to help as best as I can during this stressful time. This is not how I thought the summer would go, but I'd rather be here than fretting down in Austin.
Today brings to a close my last full week of summer vacation. Next Thursday and Friday I have to report to a seminar for all new Diocesan staff. I am looking forward to getting up with purpose again. I love my job and I can't wait to return. Summer is too long.
I"ve unpacked almost everything now, and we're slowly settling in. It's starting to feel like home and not some strange hotel. Come visit.

Round and Round and Round She Goes
I don't have much time, but I wanted to post that mom is in the hospital again. While at work this morning, she pretty much collapsed and had a really bad one of her attacks. This time she couldn't breathe, passed out, adn didn't know where she was. Her coworkers called the ambulance and they took her to a hosptial in Denton. I met dad up there. They just trasnfered her back to Plano Presby where she has been the past few times. I was sent home becuse I couldn't even keep my eyes ioen. I did not sleep a wink last night--I just felt wrong.
It is so frustrating to not know what one earth is even wrong with her and to have her in such despair. She has given up, and the whole thing hurts.
I can't think about this right now. . . must sleep.
Will update when i know something.

Overthrow the Masters
After spending a good portion of my days here as slave to the whims of my pets, I just spent a ridiculous ammount of money on a pet door that will fit into our window so Clem and Toby can pee and explore on their own time. No more will I let Clem in and out 10 times an hour! Also it will help us be able to get out of town more easily without worrying about coming home to pee stains all over our house.
Besides my hunt for the perfect door has made me feel somewhat useful and productive this morning. That is something that cannot be overrated. I also finished Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop this morning. I found the book strangely moving. It's rather unlike most books I read. The plot, of which there is rather little, plays second fiddle to the real character of the book, the New Mexican landscape as it was in the 1850s. Reading it is more akin to staring at a lush landscape painting than perusing a novel. Anyway, I read it for school. The 8th graders read it first. I cannot imagine an 8th grader enjoying the book, but we'll see. It's funny all the stuff we make the young people read they cannot possibly appreciate for many years until they have lived some more. I suppose they selected this book because of the trip the class makes to Santa Fe and Taos in October. I must admit that is one of the reasons I was eager to take this job--an all expenses paid trip to New Mexico for a weekend. The catch, of course, is that I have to escort 50 14 year olds. Oh well, nothing is perfect.
There is a big party in San Antonio this weekend, and I want to attend but I just don't see how it is possible. We have no one to watch after our pets and a million things to do to get the house settled. I am not sure what we are going to do at this point. Maybe the next few days will provide clarification.
In bonus news, I got tickets to see Lyle Lovett in November with Jen and Evangeline! You can take my woman but don't touch my hat! Yummy!
I have taken to squirting Toby whenever he barks, so he spends most of the day wet. Still, however, he continues the constant noise. I am making an appointment with a local vet and will look into tranquilizers. After 5 glorious weeks without him, I am reminded that a different way of living is possible. Yes, folks, I'm going to invest in doggie prozac. I am torn between wondering what this world has come to and being in awe that the world has created such wonders. Oh what a brave new world with such people in it!

Shake Yer Tail Feather
That's exactly what I did last night. I didn't just shake my tail feather, I shook my whole tail! We went to a party at Jen's friend Wendy's house which was most excellent. Good wine, cheese, music and company. I don't know how, but at 2am it devolved into a crazy dance party. You know it's been a good night when you have a group of professional women dancing to "My Humps" on a sofa. Yes, it was that kind of night.
They have a totally cute house, very put together. I hope we can get ours to that point someday soon. Eric is currently rewiring the sound system so it looks decent. Since I found out our couches would not arrive for another few weeks, we found a really cool alternative: the love sack! We got the oversize super sack! It's quite possible the best invention of the 21st centry. Very snugglesworthy. It kinda sucks my soul. It's that good.
I'm feeling perfectly useless today. Maybe that's a good thing. one must never be too uesful.

Gone, Daddy, Gone
For about the millionth time this summer I escorted one of my parents to the hospital. Today it was my father. They successfully removed a giant cyst from his back, and the surgery was quick and easy. He should be up to full speed before the weekend is up. Regardless, I told him I'd had enough of their hospital nonsense that they they need to cut this crap out. No more hospitals!
Mom is doing ok this morning. She is going to start working half time next week. I worry about her driving to Denton, but I don't really know what else to do. Perhaps the test results will reveal something.
We did dinner with Eric'e coworkers lastnight, and it was pretty fun. I got along with them a lot better than i did with his AAI coworkers. I think it's because they're not all ex-military. Anyway, this company really treats its employees well. I'm glad he's working for them. Besides I really never pass up a chance to get yummy Italian food, especially when someone else is picking up the tab.
E and I had lunch in downtown Grapevine at this lovely bakery/cafe that all the locals hang out at. Afterwards e went to his physical therapy appointment and I stayed to check out all of the cute little shops. Think Fredericksburg without the insane crowds and ridiculous prices.
Now I contemplate nappage. Tonight I plan to get my money's worth out of that pool. Despite all the whining and crap, I gratefully acknowledge that I live a good life.

Crash Into Me
Crazy/frustrating day. Mom called very upset because she ran her car into some giant rock at the doctor's office and was feeling generally crappy. This illness seems to come and go. I drove up to Plano to pick her up because she wasn't sure the car was driveable. It probably is, but she was in no condition to drive. Scary.
On my way home I hit rush hour on 114/121. Actually hit is very apt because someone hit my car. Luckily the car is fine and no one was hurt. It was a little rattling though.
When i returned the satellite that was supposed to be booting had done nothing. We still have no tv. Nor will be have living room furniture until August 4th, at least.

There are many, many things to be thankful for today. i totally understand this. Right this very moment, however, I'm annoyed, frustrated and frightened.

2 Out of 3
Thanks to Eric's efforts we now have 2 out of 3 toilets working. The move has not been entirely smooth, but having a pick of bathrooms is a bonus.
Actually the move itself was disastrous. I hope this means that everything that odcmes after will be a breeze. To begin the movers who were supposed to show up at 11:00 a.m. did not arrive until after 2:30. We had to close at 3, and so we just left them at the house. We had to lease back the property for a day which created a lot of complications. When we returned to the house, they informed us that they couldn't take half of our boxes because they were not regulation. I had packed a lot in crates, small dish boxes, ect. They also refused to take anything loose--for example, fire place tools or any yard tools. Then they filled the truck and just left us there with a garage full of stuff. After my hysterical tears, we called Don, Maria and Chris who came in a caravan to take our stuff up to Don and Maria's in Round Rock. Now we have to rent a Uhaul and drive back down to pick it up later. I'm waiting for dad to get back from Santa Fe to get this done.
Anyway at closing we were promised that they money we would make on the sale, the money we were going to use for closing costs would be wired to our title company early the next morning. When we went to close, however, that had not yet been done. Their loan hadn't funded yet, so we were screwed. When the movers called to tell us they were here, we had to run to the bank and get an emergency cashier's check to pay closing until they money was wired into our account. Luckily we had the money, but we did not have too much more than the ammount needed. Anyway we thought the crisis had been adverted. When we got to the house with the keys, the movers said that they wouldn't do anything until they had been paid. I whipped out my checkbook, but they said they did not take checks or credit cards, only cash. Who has $1500 of cash lying around? We had to run back to the bank and get another cashier's check which we could only fund by transfering money and putting a little on a credit card because the house money still hadn't come in. I think that's a pretty shady business practice, but whatever. Once they were paid, they finally did some work although they would only put boxes in one place, not in the rooms where they belonged.
Once we got to the house, we learned that 2 of 3 toilets were not functioning properly. I lost it a little on that one. Also the pool repairs are going to be very expensie--that, however, is money I don't mind paying.
Despite all of the craziness and mishaps, I love the new house. We have so much room, and it just feels like home. Also the backyard/pool is amazing. After shocking the pool, I have been swimming at least once a day every day. It's so relaxing and wonderful. I also love the community we have settled in. MOm and I went to one of the coffee shops on the historic main street yesterday, and while sipping amazing lattes we heard a bunch of locals going on and on about how much they loved their community. I am loving it too. Unlike most metroplex locales, it has a soul. It has history. It has personality. And wine. . . oh yes, it has 11 vineyards. Anyway, like I said that myriad small problems we've been having so far do not mean much in terms of our long term happiness in this house. As Martha Stewart would say, It's a good thing!
Mom is not having so much of a good thing now, however. Yesterday I took her in for some sort of nuclear medicine test--they are still searching for the source of infection. The leading theory right now is Lupus, but they are also looking at a number of other possibilities. It could also, of course, be nothing. It's the not knowing that is really annoying. Still she is feeling better--she too has gotten a big kick out of the pool--she's been over several times this week for "therapy" aka splashing in the pool. It's done wonders for her, loosening up the joints that have been attacked by high fever for the last 25 days. Hopefully progress will continue.
As if we weren't having enough fun with doctors, when Dad gets back from Santa Fe, I hae to take him to have surgery--he's having a giant cyst on his back removed. No more Quaismodo! My summer tour of North Dallas hospitals continues. I've had about enough fun.
After several really busy days of running all over the metroplex, I am forced to stay home today because the satelite guy is coming sometime between 8 and 5. Very helpful. These are the same people who were supposed to come on Saturday. So much for that. In the meantime we can only pick up 2 channels on the tv: CBS and Telemundo. Ole!
There is more, but I have another cup of coffee to drink and a dog who would like to go on a walk before the satellite guy shows up.

Shady's Back
Mom is back in the hospital. I just got home, but we still don't know what is wrong with her. In fact after waiting about 5 horus she still hadn't even talked to a real doctor. We are all very frustrated. It's more of the shakes and fever and nastiness from two weeks ago--and she's already lost her gall!
My sense of humor has wilted a little.
A rat jumped out at me as I left. That didn't help.

Under the Sun
I was going to begin by lodging the completely ridiculous complaint that people keep calling me during Magnum P.I., but all of my silly drama seems besides the point today. I just heard that a good friend of my parents and the partner of my favorite high school teacher died this morning after a 10 year fight with cancer. It was not surprising but very sad nonetheless. I hurt for her.
As I mentioned earlier this week I've taken to reading the obits in the paper every day which is a little morbid, but it always reminds me that hundreds of places across this city as I sip my coffee and bitch about daytime television someone is having the worst day of their life. It's a sobering thought, but not as depressing as you might think. In a way it helps me to appreciate my day and to try to send out good vibes through the metro. I remember grandpa used to read to obits every day. He said he did it to make sure he wasn't in there, but maybe he had similar reasons. I miss him very much (I was going to say on days like today, but really I miss him every day). I'm also thinking about P.M. today because I loved him too.
Mom and dad come back from Canada tonight, and I am looking forward to hearing all about the Bard. He would have the right words.

Up, Up, and Away
To counter balance my super active Friday and Saturday, I am being a complete bum today. It's noon and we've done nothing productive. In fact I'm still in pjs and show no signs of getting off my butt. I know that at some point clothes might be necessary, but I'm just not seeing the need at the moment.
Friday's show at the West End was really fun. We saw Soul Alive and Bob Schneider, and that atmosphere was chill and lovely. To me nothing beats an outdoor show. I hadn't been down there for years, but it's a fairly cool little area. Last night we met up with Jen and her friends for a unique Dallas experience: Gilley's. It's the bar where Urban Cowboy was filmed. I was going to ride the mechanical bull, but it was a little spendy. The place was really not my sort of thing, but I figure it's something you have to do once. The problem was that the sound system was freakishly loud and talking was pretty impossible. Oddly after finishing the country concert where there were lyrics extoling mamas and crying in beer they went immediately into My Humps. Watching the cowboys trying to dance to that was wild. That was almost worth price of admission.
Not that Bryan Singer needs it, but here's my plug: You must see Superman Returns, preferably on IMAX. It reminded me that I used to actually like seeing movies. For the past year or so I've been off movie going because even if there was something I wouldn't mind seeing, the theatres were so expensive and uncomfortable that it wasn't worth it. This movie solved both dilemmas. The movie is truly outstanding, and the Imax/3-D experience made me get off my butt and head to the theatre. Movie going should blow you away. I hate comic book movies, but this blew me away. End advertising section.

Only a few more days on the house. I'm excited but starting to freak a little bit. This will mean the move is real. I'm looking forward to our first dip in the pool. Then I will know our hard work has paid off. For some reason growing up I always though that having a pool meant that you had made it. I know that's crazy silly, but there are some attitudes you don't grow out of I guess. I suppose I'm proud of us for growing up, and I'm proud of the boy for getting such a nice job and making so much of himself. He's a really good egg.
And in less lofty sentiment, I need to go clean the cat box. I think those damn cats are all intestines. (How's that for bringing down an entry?)

Eat, Drink, Man, Woman
In my continuing quest to actually do and explore Dallas, tonight we're hitting the Taste of Dallas Festival. Mainly becuase Bob Schneider is playing but also because anything involving free good can't be bad. Tomororrow we are going to see Superman in 3D at the Imax. This is actually the reason we moved to Dallas. Eric is completely in love with the idea of an Imax that shows commercial movies. I think this also explains the huge tv. Anyway I"m actually kinda looking forward to it too. I heard it's really a chick flick.
7 days until we're in our new house. I might be obsessive enough to starting putting the countdown into hours cool. I know that this about when everything should start going wrong, so I'm bracing myself for that. But I figure besides my pictures I"m not really attached to very much of my stuff. So what if something breaks, gets lost, ect.?! It's all good. We do need all of the loan stuff to come through, though, that's pretty crucial. We've gotten all of the preapproval stuff taken care of, but we need final word on our loan as well as the buyer's loan. I can't imagine a problem. Our broker said we had some of the best credit he had ever seen. You never know I guess.
Ooh. . . Magnum is about to start. . .yes, I fully appreciate the sadness of that statement. I also haven't done the daily crossword yet. What is the world coming to?

55 Down: Idiot
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, yours truly has suffered the world's first crossword puzzle injury. Sad, no? I have become slightly obsessed, sitting in the recliner, sipping my coffee, doing the puzzles, and I did so many yesterday that I messed up my neck. I had to put a hot pad on it for a few hours. I think I have reached the ultimate in ridiculous. And I thought the Magnum PI obsession was going to be as bad as it got this summer.
Fortunatley I've been balancing this dorkiness with a rigorous workout schedule. I go to the gym every day to blow off steam. I don't know that I have been losing much weight, but I'm definately reshaping my body anad seeing muscles form again. My goals: to get ripped and to be able to complete a New York Times puzzle without help from google.
I was reading an article on Okapis this morning. Did you know they hate the sound of the electric pooper scooper? That was a fact that the Dallas Morning News felt compelled to share. Now you know. I dig getting to read the paper each morning, it makes me a veritable font of useless information. I have taken to reading the obits which I'm not sure is normal, but I think it gives an interesting insight into the people who never normally make the news.
8 days until the move. Rock on like Donkey Kong.

Plans. . . Ha
Here was my plan for the morning: get up with Eric, do morning chores, read newspaper, go back to sleep, have a leisurely morning and then workout in the afternoon.
Here's what happened: got up, did chores, in the middle of my morning coffee Eric called with a flat tired, adn so I drove out and gave him my car and spent my morning at Firestone. Actually I went to Curves which is around the corner and then hung at Firestone. They just dropped me back off because they do not even have the right tire to fix his car right now. It's always something I guess.
It's rainy and gross. I shouldn't complain because we really need the rain, but I will anyway. It's much more fun than stoic acceptance.
Speaking of stoic, I think this is my summer of the crossword puzzle. I'm fairly addicted. Stoic is a favorite of puzzle editors because it has multiple vowels next to each other. Must see Wordplay. Darn you New York Times!

How to Win Friends and Influence People
Eric is giddy. We just bought our new tv at Fry's, and I think it was a quasi orgasmic experience for him. Although we went in to find a 42" television, we ended up with a 62" HD 1080P that is truly stunning. It isn't flat, but for the same money we got twice the television. Eric swears this is the way of the future. I really don't care. To me it's a way to get people to come out to the house (sad, no?) Anyway here's your invite to our SuperBowl Party 9 months ahead of time.
In other news we got back from Austin yesterday. A nice trip. We stayed at the Bresie guest apartment which was really nice--we got a little privacy but also got to hang with the family. ON Sunday we tried to blow stuff up with Jay's sister, but the rain was a pretty big deterent. Also got to send birthday wishes to the fabulous Pete and Pat. That was nice although you never get to talk to everyone in a big group like that.
Eric had physical therapy yesterday, and we discovered his condition is a fancy word for frozen shoulder which for some reason affects diabetics. There is not much that can be done for it, but she claims that she can improve his range of motion. She also said that it will go away eventually. He was a little upset about it, especially since this is really his first diabetes related problem. Luckily it will get better. The whole thing makes me appreciate him more.
Tonight we head out to Lake Grapevine for some fireworks and a picnic. We'd better enjoy going out as much as we can because once we get the tv we might never want to leave our house again.