Food?

I got to my hospital room just before the dinner hour. I was famished and excited for my first meal, even though I knew it wouldn't be fabulous, I just needed something that was somewhat edible.  Tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwich and a brownie with frosting. Good enough for me, I didn't have to prepare it, it was delivered and I didn't have to clean up. Being appreciative for the small things like a simple meal and the GREAT stuff like drugs to combat wayward bacteria.

What Really Happened

My last post before disappearing for 5 weeks metioned how busy I was but more stupidly it stated I might just reclaim my life that weekend. Well...... as they say, those were famous last words. I did NOT reclaim my life, quite the opposite, I landed in the hospital. Went into urgent care because I hadn't been feeling well. They took a blood draw, a pee sample, and x-ray = no diagnosis but something was wrong because my white blood cell count was up, meaning my body was fighting something. They sent me to the ER - not because it was serious, but because sometimes it's faster (another of those famous last statements).

Here's my final IV. This was after I had already been skewered about 8 times - I'm not exaggerating. In the ER I let a nursing student practice inserting the IV, it didn't go so well. I let her try again - hey, I'm a nice person, I work at the University, all in the name of learning. Well, the second time didn't go so well, tears were streaming down my cheeks, but I didn't scream. Third time, the ER nurse put it on the side of my left arm as shown above. 

I had also gotten needles in the hand. They kept complaining that my veins were small. I hadn't eaten or drank ALL day so I was also dehydrated which did NOT help. I asked for water, but they refused. Okay, work with me people, you can't complain about my veins if you don't hydrate me. They said they couldn't give me food or water because of the tests that needed to be done. 

Here's my right arm, evidence of two more needle pokes.  Of course I didn't bring anything with me, didn't think I'd end up in the hospital.  I had driven myself to urgent care, then drove myself to the ER, who would have thunk?

At least I had a nice view from my hospital window. After 3 docs, they finally concluded I had a pelvic infection, my bacteria decide to go wild for reasons unknown. That's the frustrating part, I didn't do anything and there's nothing I can do to prevent it again. The doc told me she was admitting me to the hospital to pump me with antibiotics and wanted to watch me for 24 hrs because these things can go really bad, really fast. Oh my, really? Hmmmmm, I had been feeling ill for 4 days, guess it's a good thing I went in when I did.

I Think......I'm Back

 Early in the morning, driving east to drop the pups off at doggy day care and a gorgeous sunrise.

This was probably right around 7 am. Love waking up and getting to work early, it's quiet and I can really get some work done. These were taken Oct. 11, before we set our clocks back for daylight savings time.

What's Going On?

Sorry I haven't posted for the last couple of days; life is just too busy. This about sums up how I feel, though the picture is missing a large cup of coffee and I look frazzled and tired. Hopefully some sanity will return to my life after this weekend.

 



Fish Tales

Northern Pike, freshly caught  by Todd in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), northern Minnesota.

And to go along with the fish, some potato from the farmer's market.

Fuzzies!

I went to do some grlling outside and found this fuzzy friend hiding on the leaves beneath the grill.

 Love the color - matches the fall weather.

Not sure what the proper name for catepillar feet are, but they are certainly cute little things.

My feet are ready for fall and winter - got these warm fuzzies on sale and I just love wearing them.  Wish I could wear them to work, not just at home.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee skyline from the river front.

There was a cute duck statue that I couldn't resist taking a picture of. Don't know why, but it makes me smile. Wish I had this for my back yard - though Pancho would probably use it as his pee post.



Another angle of the duck, this one looks like she's leaning in to tell you a secret. What can I say, I'm a sucker for animal stuff.



Conferencing

 Brewing Up Success was the theme of this year's state advising conference; fitting since we were in Milwuakee and their team is the Brewers.

 Found a picturesque place to have dinner, right along the river front. This is my co-worker, Trudy.

...... and Erik.

Signe and I.

Celebrate!

Feeling loved last week on my b-day. Though Todd was not home, he had ordered a beautiful vase of roses w/ chocolate, then the international students I host brought some gifts (something special from China and a chocolate chip muffin).

 At the end of the day it was off to happy hour for some sushi.

 Thanks to Signe (& her hubby Steve) for sitting on the deck, in the afternoon sun, for a few laughs. Here's Signe with our delicious Pink Panther beverage.



Fall Picnic

Each year, the International Education Office hosts a fall picnic for international students and their host families. Only Aleksandra could attend, but we had a nice time catching up.

 The event was held at Lake Altoona beach park; it was a beautiful evening.

 Not at all like the beaches back home, but hey, its something.