carolyn

Oh geeeeeeeeez has a month already passed?!?!?! I cant believe how long this has gone on!!! Latte and I won a settlement with the drug company (through my Attorney General) for $1,000. I am definately grateful for this. Though part of me feels like it is a spit in the face considering how much I have and will continue to spend on her...AND considering the billions of dollars of profits they made last year. Anyway, Latte now has her own bank account/cash card. She is the cat that keeps on ticking. I took her in last month to the University where two of the countries top renal specialists reside. Unfortunately she couldnt see either of them as they are in the midst of research. She did however see one of the residents who is supervised by them. They believed she may have an ulcer, though it cant be confirmed w/o an ultrasound, which I have chosen not to subject her to. Anything revealed in an ultrasound would either be something we treat symptomatically (which we are already doing) OR would determine something more serious that I would never be able to do anything about. She vomited the first dose of ulcer medication. The next day she started eating like a crazy girl. I also did another med switch for her tummy and put her on sub-q fluids 2x/day because she keeps getting very dehydrated. She has been eating like a crazy girl other than this last week because of an infection (which can be solved easily). She is playing, purring, talking non-stop. She seems very happy. I recently made a large 'flower' box on my back porch and planted cat grass in it. She likes to lay in it (as well as eat it) while pretending to stalk something - I think the ants?!?!?! Her medication schedule is a little taxing, but otherwise things are going well. As much as I am dreading her death, as devastated as I will be to lose my best buddy, I am ready as I can be. I have put limits on the type of treatments I will offer her and stuck with it for the most part. Yet here she is, refusing to move along and demanding every last bit I can offer. Is it worth it? Heck ya! Guess Thailand will be saved for another winter. Boy am I getting antsy!!!! Carolyn

Only if they are willing to make it long term and pay for my cat! The latest: I also work at a local outdoor gear retailer. We had 9 officers come in today to have us fix new straps on their riot helmets. Apperantly the original ones are too difficult with gloves to unclip and adjust so they can pull their gas masks down. By the end of the day we received a phone call requesting if we could do 400 more! The cops are funny to talk with. They are not very excited and would rather be on vacation.

secrets UTOH!

I was joking with a co-worker of mine who lives blocks from the convention center about sitting in a bar all day/night just to observe. Thought he could sell some good information by the end of the week. He is on high alert for unfamiliar men/women in really good shape walking around his neighborhood. I have two other friends who just rented out their place and are getting the hell outta dodge. I will basically be hunkered down at home, except when I have to work. Well, this event is only blocks from my home. Sounds intriquing... RNC DIY!: Liberty Parade Promises... I will do my best to get myself voted in the "Best TR" post by the end of this!

From the rumors I have heard about working the private parties, I will basically be volunteering. An average night I can walk with $200-$300, occassionally a little more or less. On these nights ofprivate parties (open bar) the gratuity will be about $100 per bartender - not confirmed yet. A hundred bucks is a hundred bucks, I know. I need it badly. But, there is principle involved, not to mention the longer hours (4am close) making it impossible to function at my day job, and the fact that I may have to use some of that money to buy a 'uniform'. Rumor also has it that one of the nights (not sure if it is one Im usually scheduled for) the party will be bringing in their own bartenders/support staff, so no need for regular employees. I would like to know what part of the state's economy is benefiting from this. It sure isnt the average person, like me. (you dont have to answer that question. I already know)

:crazy:NOT! If I could leave town I would. Responsibilities/Obligations keep me here in the Twin Cities. Part of my responsibilites may actually include bartending for one or more of the private parties. I dont care if it's dems or rep's I really dont care to cater to either of their special event. Im not thrilled with the possibility of being searched before I go to work, dealing with the traffic, security, blah, blah, blah. But that is beside the point. I thought I would share some funnies on the blogs... security budget Comments regarding blog post - Convention Crashers Response to the parties around town: Grafitti Just a touch of discussion on most bars not staying open later and why Looks Like Rage Against the Machine will be playing across the street from where I will likely be working one of the private parties. Maybe I should pony up the 60 bucks for tickets to that show and skip out on work.

I recently finished the book, Savage Summit, about some of the women who have climbed K2 (HIGHLY recommend, btw). Maybe I will send this woman my copy to read. Nick Rice's dispatches from earlier in the season and approaching summit day are somewhat revealing of the situation. I think there is a link on k2.net Carolyn

It's a toss up in my eyes if they decide to continue (if that is even a possibility at this point). Im guessing they dont have the full scope of whats going on yet. Looks like a grand mess with some extremely intense emotions going on at the moment.... k2climb.net latest everest news latest

I posted about this earlier this morning in the int'l section. A friend and climbing partner of mine has just finished a unsuccessful summit attempt this weekend on Broad Peak. They are now reporting they are headed to K2. Their blog is not nearly as active as Mike's - the one posted above (who is also a Minnesotan), but it will be interesting to see what they decide to do under the circumstances. k2tallmountain It's a sad day for many. Good wishes continue for those who are involved.

I got a call early this morning from a friend wondering if we knew where 'dave' was on the mountain. Thankfully he is still on broad peak, but another minnesotan was on K2. It appears he is okay as well. Unfortunately one of the blogs reports up to 11 dead. No Americans reported dead or missing according to CNN. cnn k2.net More details, but not necessarily more accurate The altitude experience k2tallmountain

well the final verdict is that it doesnt appear I have any ligament or cartalidge damage through a physical exam (no MRI done). What is likely going on is a bone bruise not just on the patella, but both the fibula and tibia. The bone bruise on the tibia was mentioned as a possibility before. This would explain the pain while going down things as there is more jarring on the two bones where the bruise would be located. He noticed some atrophy in the right leg and thought that might be causing some of the wobbliness. I also have very loose ligaments in both legs, so my bones take a beating when I fall and increase my future risk of ligament injury. This would explain why I so easily fractured my fibula in a fall about 5yrs ago. It was thought that pt would be a good idea. yet they cant get me in for a month?!?!?!? Seems a little pointless to me. Carolyn

I agree those are all good ways to go. I use them often If its something I can put my thumb on to rest, then I can usually put the side of my hand on instead (pinky side). I choose that option more often because it feels like a better rest on all the digits. Heel hooking whenever possible is always good as well. I never realized the importance of resting until someone drilled it in my head. A few times out climbing with the focus of the day being to find rests at every point possible has made it much more natural.

That was pretty funny. Almost makes me want to try it. you know the Mall of America out here has a lot of good ones! Btw...stupid knee has been very wobbly and only slightly painful on the inside. Ive done a little bouldering w/o much of a problem. But going downstairs sucks. I tried climbing yesterday. I downclimb as much as possible and had some pretty big issues with stability. My climbing partner could see it shaking/wobbling 20-30 feet up. carolyn I go back to see the dr next week.

When Kurt and I did OuterSpace a number of years back he looked at me for the last pitch (with the crack and knobby face finish). It was pretty much I lead it or we stay on the ledge forever. I was terrified. I hadnt had much crack climbing experience, let alone leading. We were pretty high up off the ground, ya know - for someone from MN. I was so 'in the moment' with each move. More so than I had ever experienced. It was awesome! The knobby face ruled, as did the crack. I was pretty close to running out of rope at the top and felt a little alone up there hoping I could bring him up safely. It never matters how easy or hard the pitch is. The most memorable one's are when Im pushed beyond what "I" believe I am capable of doing and able to get out of the extreme fear zone. Fun moves are also a plus. carolyn

Yesterday I heard a guy approach a group with his first words being, "not to be a dick, but that is the WORST and most unsafe set up I have seen in my life". Later he tore apart a 6 year old little girl who threw a pebble off the cliff. Then proceeded to tell her if she got too close to the edge she would fall off, bounce into the river and die. Those are probably not be the best approaches to take. I think it is usually pretty obvious to see the difference between folks who are open to suggestions/learning and those who are not. For those who are, I will offer what I can (knowing my limitations). When surrounded by those who are not, I just move along. Heck, yesterday I took off bouldering instead of hanging around the zoo that developed around me (I had a rope thrown down on me, a biner dropped on my shoulder by someone rapping down, and someone who lost control of the direction of their rap at the last minute and practically landed on top of me). I dont really like bouldering and I suck at it. But my day was much more enjoyable than staying where I was. Gym climbing is becoming MUCH more popular, bring more folks out to local crags. I think we just need to accept that as a trend for now. I found it interesting how much more time was spent with those around me yesterday laying in the sun, talking about how to get a girlfriend/boyfriend, etc than actually climbing. That is what often happens in the gym. Its becoming more of a social scene, with safety taken for granted often times (because someone else has always been there to take care of that for you). My opinion may not be the best, but I just say teach those who are willing and walk away from those who are not. Be friendly when approaching anyone because they may wind up being the one's who can teach you. If you dont like what you are seeing around you and it doesnt feel right to offer assistance - go somewhere else. Like I said above, I would rather be doing a form of climbing I dont enjoy as much than around a zoo where danger looms. Carolyn

Looks like a great day from the photos! Way to just pick up and go.

-40 while waiting for the bus shortly after moving to MN (not with windchill). Thats when I realized I needed to invest in a REAL winter coat. I would say one of my coldest experiences was climbing in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. I took a two day ice climbing class and added a few extra days onto my trip because they were having an ice festival. I couldnt afford the lodging, so I camped on the shore of Lake Superior. Mind you this was sometime in Jan. By the second to last night I couldnt feel my toes, so the nice folks who owned the lodge let me sleep in an unheated cabin. I couldnt tell you the temperature, with or without windchill. All I know is everyone thought I was insane, including someone who recently got back from Everest. I was too new and too broke to understand. I caught on by that third or fourth night. Any guesses to the temp along Lake? Ive adapted well to the cold after that experience. It's now the heat/humidity I have a rough time with. Carolyn

same with the lion, tiger, or bear (oh my!) that a neighbor kept luring over to our area each night by leaving a steak out (yes, on purpose). Layton would have been the first to go in his little bivy sack.

I figured after my post on the climbers forum I should update... I can count on one hand the number of times latte has eaten on her own (w/o a stimulant or being assisted) in the last 3 weeks. Her labwork 3 weeks ago came back normal for the first time since this fiasco, so I was pretty suprised when she couldnt keep anything down two days later. Last week I brought her in for blood work and it showed her kidney functioning was deteriorating more. It should still be managable w/o such severe symptoms (not eating), lethargy, a bit of hiding, etc. If its not the kidneys than I dont know. I cant afford, nor do I care to put her through more poking and prodding just to find out all I can really do are treat her symptoms. Its confusing because she is still grooming, not vomiting anymore, talkative most days, somewhat her normal self (what is left of it after the metacam). She does have her sparkling moments. Yet her bloodwork, her fighting the medicine (she pockets her pills and spits them out elsewhere in the house), excessive drinking, lethargy, hiding (maybe its the heat), her occassional looks of enough is enough. Im taking her in for some basic bloodwork tomorrow. If it is rising (kidneys deteriorating) I will probably do another check within a week or so. If there is a rising pattern I will need to prepare for that inevitable day. If it is stable, I dont know what the fuck I will do (forgive the language in cafe sensitivioso). I just know that not being able to eat on your own is a HUGE quality of life issue. Whether it is more an issue for myself (its exhausting to assist feed) or for her, I dont know. Im trying to sort it out and not project my exhaustion and frustration onto her. I hate to give up on a being that WANTS to live. Yet I hate to keep one around that is only doing so for me. We have had a number of 'talks', but all she seems to say back to me is "MEOW". I still havent figured out what it means I must say with sincere sadness I had to flush Matilda (the fish) down the toilet today. I felt sooooo bad. Now I wonder and hope I can take care of these guppies and aquatic frog I bought a few weeks ago for the 10 gallon tank. They seem to be thriving at the moment, but so did matilda. Im such a sucker! Carolyn

Some of you have heard me mention that once my cat is put to rest (or puts herself to rest) I would like to spend some time traveling, with the likelihood of eventually ending up out west. I know it may not sound nice, but I need something to look forward to once this saga is over. Im going to throw out some of my general ideas (though I have an atlas with marks going everywhere at the moment) and get some feedback/suggestion. Im not wealthy, by any means, in fact Im pretty damn poor right now. So, this would be a budget trip. I would probably sell pretty much everything, move out of my apt, and go live at camp for a season (it is year round work) to save the money for half the trip, return to live/work at camp, and head back on the road. Option #1 (very likely cat doesnt make it through the summer,so I work in the fall, travel in the winter).... Thailand Nepal India (curious about travel options from country to country as a general expedia flight plan lands me out the door about 4 grand) Option #2 - winter- ?!?!?! Car SUCKS for winter driving...maybe just lots of mini road trips and a few flights out to ice destinations?!?!?! Option #3 Spring/Summer - US- Mpls - Black Hills - Laramie - Colorado (lots of family), boulder, estes park, rifle, glenwood springs, aspen - Arches - Grand Canyon - Red Rocks - Jtree - Yos.- head over to the coast and drive up toward bend, or - back to coast and over to PDX - visit Gator at Rainier - Seattle - Olympics - Lvworth - Ncascades/mazama/Lake chelan - Vancouver - Drive through lower Canada to Glacier - Billings - Yellowstone - Teitons - Devils Tower and back to Mpls - work a season and then head out west to desired location for permanent residence. Maybe Im just dreaming, but I have been mapping things out, trying to research areas, and figuring out expenses. I do think at least one or two of the options will be feasible, considering the country doesnt go to crap any further. I would likely be traveling alone and meeting up with folks along the way. Im not sure how great my car (geo prizm) will handle winter driving and some other terrain, but I figure people have done it before these fancy new gas guzzlers came out. Could become a total disaster, though. If Im lucky I may be able to get some donations from gear reps through the store I work at (maybe if I write lots of reports and take photos). Though I wont count on it. Go ahead and shoot me down or build me up.... Carolyn

Ya, or the time when I was probably about the same age and I wanted to put the 'do not disturb' sign up on the sliding glass door. I couldnt just do it like normal people. I had my brother on the outside where the sign would hang. me on the inside. The goal was to have me put my hand out the open door, hang the sign and get my hand back in before my brother shut the door. I left the hotel with one less fingernail. Boy did that hurt. *DOH* Btw - knee is doing better. I was hoping to get on my bike this weekend, but Im having some increased pain the past few days. Wobbly knee when going downstairs with full weight on it. At first I thought my muscles were a little weak. Its been ten days of this leaning against the railing or wall to get down the stairs, as Im afraid it will give out. Very slight swelling. Not very noticable. Any thoughts? Carolyn

You think this is a coincidence?

Do it again. Im not sure what the recommended limit is, but I think you can do it a few times each day if you are extremely congested (unless you use pickle juice, than only 1x/day). I think it also becomes more helpful if you do it on a regular basis. Thats the difference between traditional and non- traditional medicine. Immediate cure or maintenance/prevention. What you DO get out may not make you feel better immediately, but it will prevent continuous build up that will make you feel worse. hit it right when the cold or allergies start and do it on a regular basis, Im sure you will notice a difference. Hope all of you start to feel better!

i'm so fawking miserable right now any possible relief is tempting. maybe i'll order the thing Any food coop should have one for under 15 bucks (probably less). I think you can probably find them now days in regular drug stores. Gross as it is, they really do work! Well, that is unless you put coffee...whiskey...or pickle juice in your nose. Carolyn

I finally saw a sports med doc this morning. Bruised knee cap and possibly part of the tibia. Something is going on with the inner meniscus, but not likely too bad or I would still be in as much pain as I was ten days ago. Drastic improvement overnight after a touch and go weekend. Told I should be close to regular activity level in a couple of weeks. Recommended not running up escalators going the opposite way in the near future, or ever. What a waste - today is perfect for a bike ride - Sunny, mid 70's, with only a slight breeze. *sigh* Oh well!