carolyn

How NOT to do it.... aQm7YpxgOnA The Proper way... uzK9Gn4E_Eg Good Luck!

Ummm....just what ARE his accomplishments? Sorry, I should have been more specific about what I meant.I would say being the first African American to get this far in a presidential election process is quite an accomplishment. Possibly the fact that he was part of why record amount of voters came out to have their voice heard (obviously Hillary was a big factor in that as well).

Ahhh, no worries here! Im so injury prone Im used to this shit all too well. It always gets better. This is just going to offer me a little more time to hang with the cat, enjoy the patio garden I started a few weeks ago, and keep at my state rep and senator so we can write a particular bill that I think needs to be introduced to lawmakers next session. I recently bought an atlas and started mapping out my year long road trip. Maybe I will post the general route and start getting feedback/suggestions. One good thing about a leg injury is that you CAN still do pull ups, hand exercises, some core training, and stretches. Its a lot harder when its and arm or shoulder to stay in climbing shape (I think). Carolyn

I just listened to the speech in full. I also hope he is able to deliver, if even half of his ideas. No matter the outcome, I do find it inspiring and cant believe for a moment that there wasnt an inkling of pride and truth in his speech (for both himself and the country), considering his accomplishments. Truley a historic moment. Im honored to have had the speech take place on my home turf! Cant wait for the hoopla of the RNC. I recently heard they passed a temporary law allowing bars in the city to stay open until something like 4am. Of course the bar owners have to pay a ton of money for the permit. carolyn

Hey its time for an update! Latte is doing the same ol same ol, though her good and bad days are often closer together than they used to be. Im getting a feeling lately that she is kind of sick and tired of getting shots and syringed medicine. I got her a new "friend" - a betta fish. She has been enjoying watching 'matilda' quite a bit. Someone recently gave me a larger fish tank, so I hope to get some help picking up supplies this weekend and filling it with some goldfish (plasma tv for a cat!). There are a few interesting updates on the political front with the drug company, though I need to save that news until its all confirmed. One thing I can say is that I recently received a letter from my Attorney General in response to a complaint I filed against the company. though not liable for their product - (ha!) they will offer $500 dollars toward Latte's veterinarian care. Obviously I will accept. However, I will not accept without making it clear that I hold the company liable for their product and employees, who advocate its off label (unapproved) use. I have all receipts from her veterinarian and will ask for an amount closer to what has been spent and needs in order to stay comfortable until she is ready to move on. OMG! When will that be! Love her to pieces, but sometimes I wonder WHY she likes it here so much! Since she will be paid off at the end of this month, I may ask for a refund of $100 from what I have paid so I can buy a new pair of climbing shoes! Wooohooo! No more barge cement!!!! The rest will go into a slush fund for future veterinary and end of life expenses. carolyn

I had to go back to the dr today to try and get refitted for a stabilizer. No go. Nothing different, so I guess I cant use it. I set the next free apt with a sports medicine specialist in the clinic - next thursday. I imagine we will do an MRI at that point. In the meantime I have about 5 days off, so I will rest and try to recover. Maybe it will magically improve. The hardest part of this is (other than how I did it), the fact that it is the right leg, making it very difficult to drive and get things done (incl dr appts). I physically CANT drive around looking for a stabilizer, the right dr, etc. I went to work tonight at the bar and was told to go home when they saw me on crutches. Shit! I call in because I CANT get their (on crutches, pain meds, etc) and Im told Im irresponsible. I come in on crutches with a drs note excusing me from Monday's meeting, but allowing me (with accomodations) to work tonight and I get in trouble for coming in and not calling in sick. I spoke with the top manager and he laughed that I even brought in a dr's note (I didnt need it nor did I need to be at the meeting). I expressed concern that I may lose future shifts (reprecussions) but he told me not to worry about it. Still shitty to have to deal with the whole situation. I dont know why they hire people to be managers when they dont have people skills. I literally celebrate 14 years to the date of working there tonight. *sigh* Looking forward to lots of rest and a healing knee this next week. Carolyn

Okay - I do have a question about the immobilizer. I wasnt really fitted by someone who knew how to use it (thats whatcha get when its free). Ive noticed it is having a hard time staying up. It slides down just enough to hit the painful part. If I cinch it up much more it cuts off circulation. I wonder if its too big. As big and obnoxious as it is, I definately feel a bit of support that I cant seem to offer myself w/o it. The knee feels better when its on. I do have naproxen. It makes me sleepy, so I can only take it when Im home. Im way sensitive to medicine, so I stick with the minimal pain relief. I will look into the cod liver oil. Thanks!

Thanks, I found out I have free care until the end of the month through the county hospital and its clinics. So, I went to the dr to make sure its not infected. The dr didnt feel it showed signs of infection. He saw something on the xray that didnt look right but wasnt sure what it could be. He thought maybe it could have been a seam in my pants. I think thats strange that my seams didnt show up elsewhere, though. we both went "eeeew" when he first started to exam the knee. I asked if he felt that (the crunchiness). He asked if I HEARD it?! Yucky. He moved it a few ways that caused me to jump and yell. This caught us both by surpise. He wasnt sure why that caused it caused so much pain in the upper right of the patella and lingering to the side. He noticed some popping with the meniscus, but thought it might be related to wear and tear. They gave me a knee immobilizer and told me not to use my leg for a week. If its still painful, swollen, cant bend it well, etc then he wants me in for an MRI. When I picked up my immobilizer at another clinic it was suggested I come in and see a sports medicine dr next week just to follow up, considering the red flags. The dr I saw was just a general practitioner. He felt I wouldnt be able to climb for a month (TR or following). He suggested it would be longer before I lead in case of it giving out or popping. Sucky! carolyn

Ya, trade in my climbing gear for some better shoes than crocs to run up escalators! What a dumb ass I am! The wound appears to be a puncture and a few scrapes. It was still shedding a little blood at the urgent care but they didnt feel stitches were necessary. The wound/cut itself doesnt seem to be what is hot or infected. Its the entire knee cap and some of the surrounding swollen area. And its the tetanus shot that made my arm sore. It was sore yesterday, but worse today. I understand it takes a few days. Just sucks. To add insult to injury I just called work to tell them I couldnt be there for a mandatory meeting they scheduled three days ago. Heck Ive been there 14yrs bartending. I think Im fully aware of liquor laws/liability. I was told I was on the 'to be fired list' and 'irresponsible for not coming in'. Guess I should accept those drs notes when offered. *sigh*

I was out with a climbing friend of mine to see a band and have some cocktails this last friday. I was a tad intoxicated. In the parking ramp we went up the escalators. He asked if I had ever tried going up the down escalator. No! But sounds like fun.... Until the fall. Even then it was fun. It didnt even dawn on me to just let it take me down and go back up the right way. I HAD to finish. I ended with an entire pant leg soaked with blood from a small cut. It took a while to stop the bleeding. The next day I couldnt move my knee. It was VERY swollen. I wound up in urgent care cause I couldnt remember if this was the knee cap I cracked years ago. Nothing broken. Just bruised and some fluid. RICE. I also had to get a tetanus shot. Today I cant lift my fricken arm. It hurts just to type this. But my knee.... Its still super swollen, but also VERY hot (which is new today). I dont have insurance, but some assistance for medical expenses. The places I CAN call no longer have nurse lines and wont tell me if it is a sign of healing or infection. They just tell me to come back in if Im concerned. I dont want to waste time/money just to find out its "healing". I also dont want to wait if its an infection because I would like to climb this summer. Does anyone know? Thanks. Hope I provided you with a damn good laugh. (I cant believe Im even posting this Carolyn

Happy Birthday BUTT FACE!!!!! :6packstpauliegirlnonalcohol: :oxycotin: Hope you had fun at Dantes! Carolyn

Ok, the following may be quite boring and annoying to non religious philosophy majors so be forewarned: As for "Karma".. It can be said that many Tibetans view their current predicament as being a manifestation of karma, of past "wrong actions" you might say, however, in higher Tibetan Buddhist philosophy "karma" is a bit different than say Hindu karma. It is a complex subject (boring to say the least unless you enjoy studying the stuff - I did for a while) but the chase is basically that ones karma can be changed or influenced in another direction thru wise (enlightened) thought and action. Ie, Karma is not set in stone. Becoming a "witness to the manifestations (of karma) with no attempt to change or rectify it" is not really correct. What I studied of Buddhist phi mentioned 2 aspects of reality simultaneously always present. 1, conventional (physical measurable reality). 2 Ultimate (empty, non-"self" existing) reality. Karma is number 1. It is the "cause n effect" process of life, or more correctly of what is our experience across many lives. We have to interact with karma because we live in its midst, everything we experience as practical/conventional reality is simply put, karma. The ultimate truth or ultimate nature of karma (and our selves) though is that it is empty of being anything actually substantial and independently real (this is where it differs from Hindu karma) so it ultimately is rather "dream like." And so, because karma is an empty process, it can actually exist because only a process that is empty can actually exist as a process. Got it??? Take home lesson is that a wise person engages life as though every single moment is precious and meaningful, but realizes it is but momentary and without ultimate meaning (not at all the same as "meaningless" btw). Karma is definately a more complicated concept than what I first thought it to be. I try to see it as cause/effect, event/reaction/event. If I am late to work and someone in front of me is driving too slow I may get mad. That frustration or anger will cause me to think and act in ways that will likely produce MORE events to my disliking, possibly at work. Those events may carry over into my ride home and how I treat others on the road...and so on. Over time it all accumulates UNLESS I am able to change my thoughts to produce what I might consider more favorable Karma. And on it goes through my entire life, carried on from past lives and continued on to future lives (depending on how I experience my death). When they say repeating phrases like, "Oh mani padme hum" reduces negative karma or increases positive karma it is only because it is known to put you in a mindstate that allows you to be in the moment and/or react in a more compassionate manner. So....the way I see this recent outburst in Tibet related to karma MAY have to do with their reaction to built up anger, NOT that they deserve it from past lives. Im sure there are plenty of other factors involved in this situation/karma as well. Just my thoughts - though never complete and possibly not accurate.

More importantly I think they want to be able to practice their spiritual beliefs more freely. Not the greatest news source, but I was glancing at the Yahoo update. Interestingly enough they have an "ethnic Tibetan" speaking on behalf of the chinese government about protesters needing to turn themselves in and what will happen to them if they do not.

I have only had a chance to glance at these posts, and must go to sleep. I hope to read them later.... Regarding google: google I was introduced to the Tibetan culture in depth only 4yrs ago. My interactions with TIbetans has changed my life for the better. We will likely never really know what has gone on in the last few days,or the days to come. What we do know is that the Chinese finally decided it was time to take Tibet way back when (after many decades of dispute). Tibetans who are still living in Tibet cannot continue living on THEIR land,practicing THEIR beliefs w/o the threat of torture or death. And as they disperse to various parts of the world they lose a bit of themselves and their culture. I heard/saw the D.L. speak two years ago in Tibetan TO Tibetans. Loosely translated afterwards, he was encouraging them to maintain their spiritual and cultural beliefs. I didnt sense one ounce of anger in his voice. I was actually working with a Tibetan girl in school at the time. She danced on stage for him. From that day on her attitude changed drastically (for the positive). My heart goes out to all of them,and everyone else who is at risk of losing their heritage. I have to say, I am a bit embarrassed and ashamed of our country and others for cowering to the Chinese over this issue after all these years. BUT - I do understand why. Its just a shame.

I dont know much about dogs, as the only one Ive ever had sat on my head all the time when i was 6 or 7. Then a neighbors dog tore my tummy to shreds when I was 9. I was terrified of them all until about 5 or 6 yrs ago. Now I want one! I introduced Latte to living with a dog (shelty) a few years back. It was fine. She hated the dog, especially when she would get followed around or try to eat her food. She used to lay in the middle of the room and stretch out belly up and entice the dog to get closer. She would scooch on her back to get closer as well. As soon as his nose was in range - WHACK! Yet the dog never learned, time and time again. It was all very entertaining. The yappiness of the dog drove me bannanas, but he was sweet. Good luck on your search, but I wouldnt worry about the cats so much. Just do a slow introduction - and watch out for each other;s food.

Well the dr from pfizer involved in the class action suit is now with BI Vetmedica - metacam. Im not sure where the original metacam dr got displaced to. He apparently went out the door the same time they stopped providing compensation. Its too bad, because up until my last conversation with him I found him VERY helpful. My vet called them again to see if they would reopen my case, but according to BIV they are no longer providing compesation to any cats with adverse reactions. She offered to write a letter, but doesnt think it will do any good. Im going to have her do it anyway. I will see her on Saturday with latte because we found the injectible famotidine and they want to show me how to administer it. I can talk to her then. I think if any of the reps told her the drug was approved OR told her where to find information on the dosage in cats (which is common practice recently reported to the FDA)then she may have some pull . On the other hand Im really beginning to understand how much bureaucracy is involved with the simple request of providing clients with information on the drugs which vets administer to their furry friends, or at least certain ones like NSAID's. I dont exactly understand how the FDA can mandate the CIS (client information sheet) on a federal level, yet any state can exclude that from their regulations. My understanding is that employees of the FDA have been fired over advocating for informed consent of an owner with certain off label drugs (NSAID's), among other things. I guess when it comes down to it the equation looks like this - CIS = informed owner = less distribution of some medications = less money in the pockets of the pharmaceutical companies. Im a little scared with all the information I have obtained. I feel like Im in some John Grisham book and someone is waiting around the corner to shoot me.

Time for an update!!! Latte is kickin' back and enjoying her remaining time. A recent (minor) infection required a visit to the vet. Somehow I was convinced to run a set of labs on her, despite my promise to her that they would never draw her blood again. There was good reasoning for it and I have no regrets. Her lab tests came back with some being the same and some better than in September!!!! She has also gained a little over a pound! Thats a lot for a cat who weighed just over 6lbs. She definately has her rough days, but it appears that she wants to stick around and keep me homebound for a bit longer. In the meantime I have done a great deal of research regarding the medication she was given (metacam). I have had some productive conversations with the MN vet board and the FDA regarding the dosing confusion, Client Information Sheets not being given out prior to administration, and the drug company. It appears as if the drug company has its reps telling vets the drug is approved and "safe", but the label hasnt been changed yet. It also appears that Latte was given twice the recommended dose in european countries where the drug is approved. I am working with both organizations to send out a letter to vets making sure they are keeping up with literature on acceptable dosing as well as following state and/or federal law regarding informed consent. I have also requested an investigation and/or warning to the drug company regarding their reps misrepresenting the medication. Im optimistic, maybe nieve. I think a change could be made to make sure owners are informed before deciding to give this medication or any NSAID (pain reliever). So thats the scoop. She is a fighter and its rubbing off on me. carolyn

pink nail polish. You will stand out from the crowd.

Ive been employed at the same places anywhere between 7 and 14yrs, with occassional time off to see if other work would be more profitable. Ropes Course work - no increase in pay for 5yrs (im at the highest pay on the scale). Same driving distance. I now spend more than twice as much on gas to get to work. Unfortunately there are no bus or trains. Only occassionally is carpooling an option because so many of us go to other jobs. There is also less work because so many of our groups come from schools and other nonprofits. Due to budget cuts, most organizations cut us out first. This has been very evident since 9/11. Bartending - There are not as many concerts because of the bundling of bands for shows at bigger venues (ie/stadiums). Ticket prices have gone from an average of 10-15 bucks to 20-25. Even last night for "Clutch" I believe it was $20!!!! Beer prices have skyrocketed. The same beer 5yrs ago which cost $4 is now $7.50/8, leaving less money in the customers pocket to tip me. When I used to easily be able to walk out of there with $200-$300 on a busy night, I feel lucky when I can leave with $100 or so. Gear Shop - Havent seen a raise in 4 yrs and doubt I will. Though strangely it does seem like the store is doing well and people ARE buying recreational gear. I used to live off of my ropes course job (rent, food, gas, etc). Gear Shop was to buy climbing equipment. Bartending was extra money for trips, novelties, car repairs, and savings. I remember a time when I was just bartending and could live off of working 3 days a week and have plenty of extra money to spare. Now I am on a strict budget. I eat what is on sale at the grocery store rather than what I necessarily like. If I have used my alloted amount for gas during the week to go to work, then I cant drive far or even climb on the weekend. Its definately cut down on my weekday rondevous climbing random places in the city. Bartending and the gear shop are needed now to pay my bills. I need a new pair of rock shoes desperately but those have to wait until I have "extra" money. Something I dont see in the near future. I work 6 days a week just to make ends meet at the moment. Am I better off? Well, somehow I manage to get my bills paid. I would definately say my stress level regarding finances and my quality of life due to lack of free time to enjoy life doesnt make me better off. Dru was right though - Higher prices = conservation. This has really taught me how to pinch pennies and see how unneccesary some things are. I believe if we ever get back to a booming economy (where my income is affected in a positive way) I will have a much easier time saving money.

Looks like Cascade in Grand Marais. First year since I started and I wont be making any trips up to the north land. This is the year I need garbage pillar!

Damn, your as quick as my local news!

can i place a bet after the winner is predicted and still win the prize?

I might also note, I struggle with how appropriate it is with my cats situation...but.. Suffering can be considered a way to get rid of negative karma from previous lives. Who am I to decide not to let my cat experience the natural process of dying and give her the opportunity to release some of that negative karma for her rebirth. Then again, is allowing the animal to suffer producing negative karma for me? I dont have the answers. I dont even know if I truly believe any of it. The most important thing Im learning is to act with best intentions.

Thats tough. As I stated earlier, I think each situation is unique so I dont think there is one blanket answer. It makes me think back to this little boy I took care of for about 6-7yrs. He had a degenerative/fatal disease with no cure. I dont think anyone would have a child, hear his/her life expectancy would be in the teens and likely suffer quite a bit and kill the child because of the prognosis (which is what we do to animals). What you do, and what the parents and myself did was help him have the highest quality of life possible and love him. Eric spent the last month of his life puzzling everyone. The nurses and drs didnt understand how his respiratory rate could be so low and continue living. I spent many nights with him sandwiched between me and mom while we took turns counting his breathing and hold our breaths when he would stop. He was not put on any machines and his liquids/nutrition were kept at a minimum to keep him as comfortable as possible near the end. He was on serious pain medication as well. I was there when he took his last breath and watched the dr/coroner take him from his home for the last time. I guess to me,the process he went through,no matter how painful for all of us was very natural. It would have been selfish to keep him alive through machines (if that would even be possible). Yet after seeing his parents have so much difficulty going through the process of accepting the anticipated death, I can completely understand why some might fight and do everything just to make sure their loved one has a heart beat, even if they will never be coherent. Im probably not addressing your question. And if I am, its in quite a round about way. Sorry. In relation to pets, I see it similar to Eric. Do what YOU CAN and feel is in the best interest of the being. Give them the highest quality of life and love them until they are ready to move on. Each owner will have a different level of values and commitment, thus making different decisions than some. Neither I believe is right or wrong.

well said and the difference is respected. I dont see how you or others think of the subject as right or wrong. Nor do I see myself as right or wrong. Its just a matter of beliefs.