Swine Flu

So, there's a possible case of Swine Flu here in our county. The school where the child goes has been closed.

I know that a lot of people think this is nothing to worry about - my mom included. But I'm worried. It's in the back of my mind a lot and when I think about it, I feel a little panicky.

But, I'm also an admitted hypochondriac. My friends and coworkers make fun of me when I'm sick and joke that I probably have the bird flu. I laugh with them because there is a story behind it.

A few years ago, when the bird flu was all that everyone could talk about, I got sick. I ached all over, my head felt like it would explode, my back hurt from coughing, running fever and even my eyelids hurt.

So, I was letting the FedEx guy in and he said, "boy, you sound terrible. What's wrong?" So, I told him. He stepped back and said, "You've got all of the symptoms of the bird flu. I'd get to the doctor asap"!!!

That did it. I was off to call my doctor and beg them to fit me in. I had a panic attack on the way over there. I just KNEW I was going to be the first case of the bird flu in the US. Now, while I'm probably one of the most competitive people EVER, I did not want to be the first in this. I'm divorced and raising two kids alone. I didn't want me to die and leave them without me! Sheesh!

Finally, after paying the extra $30 as a walk-in plus my co-pay (and an hour and a half later), the nurse called me back.

She took my temp (101) and listened to my back and chest and took my blood pressure (which was sky high due to the fact that I had the bird flu and I was panicked about it).

She asked me why I was there and what my symptoms were and how long I'd had them. I told her my symptoms and then I told her matter of factly, "I think I have the bird flu". I didn't crack a smile. In fact, I think I was about to cry.

She looked at me warily and completely surprised that those words came out of my mouth. Then she burst out laughing. She got up and told the other nurses what I said. They all peeked around the corner to see the girl with the bird flu. They laughed until they cried. I just pouted.

Finally I get shown to a room amidst snorts and giggles and belly laughs. Whatev.

Then the kind doctor comes in. Blessedly, he kept his smirk to a minimum. He listened to my list of symptoms, listened to my heart and chest, looked down my throat and up my nose and in my ears.

I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and two ear infections.

So now, with this swine flu, you may understand that I am a little paranoid. I'm going to buy the boys alcohol based wipes to take to school to keep their hands clean. I want to completely steralize my house. I want a storm/germ shelter to retreat to. Really.

I went to the CDC site and they say to wash your hands after you sneeze or cough. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer. Don't pick your nose. That kind of thing.

BUT - you can eat all the pork (cooked at least to 160 degrees) you want - since you can't get it that way.

Go figure. Stay healthy!

Sonic - To Tip or Not To Tip - a public service announcement

I have many things to blog about but this will be my post for the day because of it's importance.

My girl Whitney and I had a conversation about Sonic and how much, if any you are supposed to tip. Do you just tell them to keep the change, even if it's 4 cents? Do they make at least minimum wage and the tip is extra cash? Or do they make waitress wages and rely on tips to get by. You can read about our more in depth conversation here.

Over the weekend, I did some research. I went to Sonic for a large diet coke. It is delicious. They have the best ice in the whole world. When "Lindsay" brought out my drink that was $1.79, I asked her. She told me.

The car hops at Sonic make more than waitress wages but less than minimum wage. They do rely on their tips to help make that amount up. You CANNOT add a tip on the debit/credit card machine attached to the menu. So, her suggestion was to either pay in cash and give a tip - even if it's just the change from a dollar - or pay by debit or credit but make sure you bring a little change to help a girl (or guy) out. I gave her $3.00.

So. Now you know.

You're welcome.

Green Day

Happy Earth Day! Many people are thinking greener as the years go by and while I'm not hugging any trees, nor do I want to ride my bike to work, I do recycle and try my best to keep it green as much as possible in our little world.

I love Earth Day because I love the planet we live on and how wonderous and beautiful and HUGE it is.

The boys and I are going to check out the above movie. We love movies like this and frequent the local IMAX. This movie, made by Disney, should be powerful. I will most likely cry through the whole thing, but that's okay. I have a tender heart.

Have a wonderful, beautiful, green day!

Much Ado About Nothing

I am trying to think of witty and clever things to write - however - I'm so tired that I don't think that's going to happen.

In my last post, I mentioned that I hadn't talked to Mike in awhile and then BAM - yesterday, he called. Not once, not twice, but three times! We didn't go to lunch last weekend. It just didn't work out, but I think we are on Saturday. It was really good to hear his voice. Did I mention how cute he is (even though we're "just friends")? He's 6'2" - love a tall guy - in great shape - green eyes, blondish/brown hair. Did I also mention how well he kisses? I'll let ya know how things go after the weekend.

Jake is going camping this weekend. I'll post about it after he gets back because I don't want to broadcast where he will be. Anyone ever read the Shack? Yeah - I don't want my Pippy to be stalked. Not that anyone on here would but you never freaking know.

I think Cole is spending the night at a friends house on Saturday. Which leaves me my quiet time.

I rarely get that. It is always noisy at my house - which is fine with me - but it's nice to have alone time.

I look at my kids and they are so grown up. they are so close to being gone from me and I can't stand it.

My girl, Tricia over at Shimmering Thoughts, once asked me if we'd need to make me a dress out of tissue for when Cole graduated because I'd be a basketcase. I will be with both of them. I have no idea what I'll do. (hmmm.... travel, walk around naked, etc - I bet I can think of some things).

Onto another subject. In case you didn't know, I'm an avid reader. I LOVE to read. Right now, I'm reading the Phillipa Greggory books. I've read The Other Boleyn Girl but wanted to start them in order. So, I read The Constant Princess and had to pick up the OBG and read it again so I could understand what was going on in the next book. There is just so much detail to remember.

I am wiped out and can't wait to head home to hug the boys and take a hot jacuzzi bath and then snuggle up and read.

See ya on the flip side.

TD

I'm Baaaack!

I'm back into blogging. I don't know how long it will last but I've decided to give it a whirl. I've been catching up on lots of blogs and found some new ones as well. It gave me the bug to try my hand at this again.

I played around with my layout and I hate it. I'm hoping Brandi will be able to help me with one. So please excuse the nastiness that is my blog right now.

Nothing really exciting has been happening in my life. Mike and I are no longer dating. It was my decision because he just wasn't "the one" and to be honest, life is too short and I didn't want to waste his or my time. We still talk to each other every other week or so and I may see him this weekend for lunch (shut up, Susan) :)

Oh yes - I HAD to post about this! I am going to see WICKED when it comes to Memphis in June (shout out to Cyndie and Susan)! I can't freaking wait!!!

As most of you know, I think my life should be a musical and everyone should go around randomly breaking into song and dance! Seriously.

To be able to go see Wicked is huge, to me!!! I'm seriously thinking about buying season tickets to the Orpheum.

My girl Whitney tagged everyone with the Crazy Eights, so I decided to do it. I tag everyone else!

8 Things I am Looking Forward To:
1) This weekend.
2) NC this summer.
3) Memorial Day weekend!
4) The beach this summer!
5) Winning the Lottery

6) moving back to Florida or Hawaii when the boys graduate
7) Hopefully a trip to Chicago
8) Grilling out with friends all summer long

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1) Worked.
2) Worked out.
3) Watched Scarred with the boys
4) Was disgusted by Scarred
5) Pigged out with the girls at work. Sinful
6) Laughed at Cole and Jamie playing
7) Screamed at my cat NOT to bring in the live bird he just caught

8) Talked to Robin

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
1) Play the piano like I used to

2) Eat whatever I wanted without gaining weight.
3) Have patience.
4) have a boyfriend that is the one

5) Move home to florida sooner than 5 years

6) Win the lottery so I could give tons of money to Make-A-Wish and help all my friends and move to Florida
7) Sleep in.
8) Learn more.

8 Shows I Watch:
1) Survivor
2) American Idol
3) The Hills
4) Real World/Road Rules Challenge (I may be the only one - I'm obsessed)
5) Amazing Race
6) Who Wants to be a Millionaire reruns - both Cole and I are warehouses of useless knowledge
7) Good Morning America
8) The Office

It's been a long time....

So this post is a long one and I don't think anyone is reading anymore, but I thought I'd give it a shot! Please read below. It is a copy of a letter I sent out to my Friends and Family. We, at work, as most everyone are suffering from the hard economic times. We have a campaign going on Nationally to help us through these times. We haven't had to say no to any child thus far and don't want to. We want to continue granting wishes as we always have. Anything you can do will impact us.... any dollar amount. If you can help, please do... if you know someone who can help, please copy and paste and send them an email. this is not an easy thing to ask for, but I know you understand.
Trace~


Hi everyone!

I am writing with a very special request.one that I would NOT be approachingyou all with were the times not so dire (do I sound like the President?). As you all know, I have worked for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of theMid-South for the past 4 years. During this time, our fundraising staff has weathered many storms, but nothing has shaken our foundation like the current economic environment. As a result of decreasing donations coupled with a steadfast hope not to postpone or cancel any pending wishes of the children we serve, we are taking some very strategic steps.

Our goal is to not only stay afloat until things smooth out, but thrive by developing new sources of support. Many of the kids we grant wishes for cannot afford to wait until the economy improves. I recently created a personal web page called Friends and Family to give people the opportunity to help make a wish come true. Literally every dollar makes an immediate and personal impact on the chance for yet another child to receive the news that their wish is coming true.

Most of you know how much I love my job and how much I believe in what wedo. To see a child's one true wish granted and to see the smiles on their face's, is an incredible gift. These children can forget for that moment in time that they are sick. They can forget about doctors and hospitals andtreatments and shots. Hope, strength and joy is what we strive to give these children who go through way too much.

I ask you to please take a look at this site and thank you in advance for your kind consideration of a contribution. You may also mail any contributions to the address below. It is hard to ask my family and friends for this, but I know you understand that the need must be pretty great to do so. Here is the link: https://secure.wish.org/ourfriends/049-000/tracydain.htm

Thank you so much!
Tracy

ps. Please feel free to forward to any of your "friends and family" that might be interested in helping kids with life threatening medical conditions. Maybe you know someone who has tons of money and has no ideawhat to do with it :-) You can forward this email to them and we'd be happyto take it off their hands :-)


An added incentive is a brand new dollar for dollar match for all gifts $100 or more by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America!

Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-South
1780 Moriah Woods Blvd, Suite 10
Memphis, TN 38117
www.midsouth.wish.org
Attn: Tracy Dain