Not Throwing Away My Shot

Every time I get some sort of vaccination I always hear the Hamilton soundtrack in my head with its "I'm not throwing away my shot" song. It doesn't make it painless or anything. But it's a cool song!

I forgot to mention that yesterday during all the carnival fun at work, I got my second shingles shot. Not part of the fun, that's for sure. When I got my first one a few months ago, I remember them saying the second one might cause more of a reaction. 

I mean, I remembered that after I had a sleepless night with body aches and hot and cold flashes. 

Got to work this morning and was like, oh yeah, this icky feeling and nausea might be from the shot yesterday. I promptly hit up "the Google" and sure enough, reaction side effects include: 

• Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
• Muscle pain
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Shivering
• Fever
• Upset stomach

Somehow, knowing what was causing my discontent helped me get through it. You know how that is, it's different when you're not indefinitely sick and not contagious! Just a somewhat normal day at work. 

And, as long as those vaccinations prevent me from going through what my dad went through a dozen years ago, I can handle anything!

What also helped? Well, it's still our "carnival" celebration week so I got some tasty cake and cotton candy. Sugar overload! I am obviously a great financial supporter of my local dentist and chiropractor – depending on the day. They may or may not drive fancy SUVs thanks to me. But, what are YOU doing to support the same?

Definitely worth it in the end, right?

And at the end of the day, I hope the next day ignores all of this and just says: Carry on!

Out-Takes

Just a few out-takes from the day...

Football Fever: It's the State High School Football Playoffs in Madison today and tomorrow. Carter's longtime "summer friend" Harry and his team from Amherst got to go... and they won! How exciting for him and the teeny community we drive through every day on our commute. I'm sure even though Harry and the other freshman were on the sidelines, they were thrilled to be at Camp Randall and, of course, thrilled to bring home the first state football championship for their community. Very cool.

More Football Fever: Speaking of football and Camp Randall... Jim and Carter get to go to the Badgers game on Saturday. They are excited for that and I am excited I get to drop them off and spend the afternoon with my BFF from high school, Julie, who lives down there. Win-win for everyone... and hopefully for the Badgers, too!

Persistent Pain: Called my parents tonight and was sad to hear my dad is suffering from Shingles pain again. Dang. And double dang! He had two really good months where the medication was working and he was on top of the world. Now it's back to more meds for Shingles and for pain. Grrr. I welcome any prayers for some relief for him. Thanks!

Attitude of Gratitude: I am still posting an "I am thankful for..." item on Facebook every day this month. When I hear about my parents or friends who are sick or suffering, I am doubly thankful I have my health. Despite some challenges this year, I came out on the good end. So far. And maybe just for today. But I'll take it. Thanks!

Seeing is Believing

The Austins road tripped Up North yesterday to check in on my folks and, naturally, buy a Powerball ticket in Luck. (I have a feeling you know how the second part turned out! Dang.)

The first part (the visit) didn't make me feel much better either.

What we wanted to know and see is how bad my dad is really doing health wise. I guess a small part of me couldn't grasp that he is still suffering from Shingles pain 10 months after onset. I had to see it to believe it.

And it wasn't pretty.

In a nutshell, Dad still gets sudden sharp pains in his back and he cries out in pain. It is so startling, it never failed to take me by surprise. I can see that my mom has her hands full trying to take care of him and ease his pain -- with ice packs, medication, massage, lotions, anything and everything. So we tried to let her relax and play some cards with Carter and we did some stuff around the house she hasn't had time or energy to do.

It was good we had Carter with us. He does wonders for making my parents feel good. I really appreciate that about him. Unfortunately, Grandpa wasn't up to playing cards with them but, you know my dad, he definitely "coached" from his chair and kept the table talk going!

One task I wanted to accomplish was cutting Dad's hair. But that proved too difficult. You don't want someone making sudden movements when you have a scissors in your hand. Either he gets hurt -- or he finds himself missing a huge chunk of hair. I had to work fast. So he got a slight trim and that was good enough.

The whole thing was just tough to absorb. I am glad we went but pretty disheartened about it. I am relieved we stayed at my sister Romey's house so we got some levity added to the weekend.

After supper last night, we said farewells to Mom and Dad and drove up to Romey's. My twin sister and her daughter were there, too. Had a nice visit and just relaxed and talked and enjoyed some time around the campfire, too. It was much needed!

This morning, we had a "redneck demonstration" from my nephew Eric, who has a hobby of blowing up things. Oh my gosh, did Carter get a kick out of that! He was videoing on his iPod and couldn't get over it. He has a new hero as far as live entertainment goes, that's for sure. I just hope Eric told him: "Do not try this at home!"

We got home around 4 p.m. and Carter went to the last baseball game of the season for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. I did laundry and worked out and caught a little of the Olympics Closing Ceremony. That's a bummer those are over already. It was a nice distraction from reality.

And after this weekend, I could use that. Sigh...

Words to Live By

Even though I make my living off the power of my words, I just can't find the write, er right, statement that appropriately labels a current challenge in my life.

My dad had another unplanned visit to the doctor today. Despite a brief hospital stay last week and some new magical "pain patches," the pain from his 10-month bout of Shingles has pushed him over the edge again. The sad part... the hard part... the one we kids aren't prepared to see or hear... is that he is THIS close to just giving up. And I mean giving up for good.

Do we sit back and say "It is what it is"? I hate that phrase. I think it's supposed to mean, "That's how things are and you can't do anything about it. Just accept it." But then you might as well say nothing. Because it doesn't change anything.

Probably like I shouldn't blog about this because it will not change anything -- but the venting will make ME feel better. Ha.

Us kids are in a tough spot. Our parents need help but don't want it. I think they see it as a sign of weakness, like they can't handle independence any more. Sure 8 kids aren't going to necessarily agree on what's the next best step for them, but the bottom line is we all want the same thing. We want Mom and Dad to be healthy and safe in their environment. They, however, aren't going to budge.

Remember Forrest Gump saying "Stupid is as Stupid does"? His momma sure had lots of inspiring words that didn't always make sense. Not sure what the "Stupid" one meant exactly. But I can guess my family's motto could be "Stubborn is as Stubborn does." It definitely is what it is.

My siblings and I are in a role reversal situation where the children will become the caregivers to our parents just as they nurtured us from childhood to adulthood. I shouldn't say we ARE in that role yet. We are somewhat willing and prepared to be, but our "children" aren't listening. Can we give them a time out?

I guess our best words to live by come from a prayer I already say every day anyway...

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things -- people, circumstances and attitudes -- I cannot change...

Or shortened to: SERENITY NOW!

Yup, that works. Now onto that life of eating a box of chocolates...

Aging Process

Came across this photo today and found it quite fitting. I don't think I'm the only one guilty of this. We become so busy with our own lives -- centered around our children and our own family unit, that it sometimes takes a special effort to think of those outside it.

I worry about Carter growing up so fast, forgetting sometimes that simultaneously, my parents have become elderly. Some days even old and frail.

I pray for them every day but that's not the same as calling them as often as I should. Or getting in the car and driving those 4 hours to see them. We spend 2 hours in the car every day as it is, so it's not that much of a stretch really.

It's unfortunate that we are reminded of their age and declining health when they become sick again or discover some new pain or ailment.

My 84-year-old dad has been suffering from Shingles since last fall. They say it strikes the elderly worse than any other demographic -- and my dad is proof of that. It's 9 months now (with a heart attack in that time period, too) that he has dealt with the crippling pain only those who have suffered with Shingles would understand. My 80-year-old mother has become his caretaker and done everything she can to alleviate the pain and help him. Unfortunately, they still have found themselves in the ER a half-dozen times this year because the pain was just "too much" for Dad to handle. And my mother was out of options.

One of the things that has helped temporarily is pain medication, but that makes Dad drowsy and "out of it" and that's not good. He's not the same anymore. He's lost his spunk and maybe even some of his stubbornness. Maybe.

Of course, all of us kids are worried naturally -- for both Dad and Mom. There comes a time when it's too much for an elderly woman with osteoporosis to take care of an elderly man with Shingles, diabetes, high blood pressure and Lord knows what else.

They have tried to convince us they can handle this so I guess I'll just keep praying God will give them the strength.

And throw some our way, too... along with patience, acceptance and understanding. Just to name a few.

Love your parents!

Up on the House Top...

I sneaked a listen to my Glee Christmas CD at work today so it got me in the mood for holiday tunes. I was thinking I should make my blog title a Christmas Carol every day during the holidays. I realize it's much too early to start that now... but there is a chance for snow the next 2 days.

I know. Don't get me started.

The main reason I chose "Up on the House Top" is I was thinking about Shingles. Not the kind you put on your roof, though. I'm thinking the evil, dreadfully painful, grown-up Chicken Pox version of Shingles that is bringing my poor 84-year-old dad to his knees.

Ouch.

I recall when hubby went through this a year or two ago that it is painful even for big tough guys like Jim. So I can only imagine what my Old Man is going through. I've heard tales of people who have been hospitalized over this, so we do count ourselves lucky that Dad does not have an extreme case. Though I bet he wouldn't turn down a hospital bed and a morphine drip about now.

I suppose if he would have seen a doctor a week earlier, he could have avoided some of this. But who am I to talk? Two weeks into this hip mess and LeRoy Jr. has not made a doctor's appointment either. I did have 4 chiropractor appointments and 2 massages during that time, though. then today, I actually looked up the phone number to call and suddenly realized nothing was hurting.

Seriously? Serious.

I hope that means the advice to "just rest it" holds true. Though I can't give it too much longer. Unlike my ailing father, I still have an appetite and, last time I checked, singing Christmas carols does not burn many calories!

It doesn't hurt to try though.

"Up on the house top, reindeer pause. Out jumps good ol' Santa Claus..."

Monday Musings

Bite Your Tongue: The Austin men can always appreciate a trip to the dentist for Momma when dental work is required. My mouth is so numb when I get home that they are blessed with relative silence for hours! I didn't even go running because I was worried my numb tongue (that's what it felt like) would block my airway or something. I finally just ate supper now after accidentally biting my tongue earlier while I was reading. Who knew it was so dangerous?

Dental Assistance: On a recent episode of GLEE, the "kids" each had a Britney Spears singing and/or dancing hallucination while at the dentist. Apparently a good dose of "laughing gas" or Novocaine can assist a person with this process. So I prepped myself for today's visit by listening to some Brit on the iTunes. But once I got there and found out my dental assistant had never even heard of GLEE, I just could not get into the zone. Dang. Maybe next time. (Though I'd prefer not to have any work done for awhile.)

Best Analogy: Once in awhile I try to get creative with things I say or write, but I have to give props to Carter this week for an awesome analogy. Hubby and I were going to play cards and Carter pulls up a chair. "Oh, you're playing, too?" we ask. "Yes, I'm just like corn in your teeth. You're stuck with me!" Pretty good since we haven't had corn on the cob lately. I wonder if dental floss will get rid of him? Not that we'd try.

What Happens in Vegas: Speaking of getting rid of someone... Jim has decided he feels OK enough to leave for Vegas in the morning. Work trips are always a lot more hours than "normal" work so I hope he gets enough opportunities to rest. I'm sure he will. There's nothing ever happening in Vegas so I'm guessing he'll be in bed by 10 each night, falling asleep to Sports Center. (If not, I don't want to hear about it.)

And Now a Word from our Sponsor: Two words: BUTTER BRAIDS! Carter is selling this delicious pastry treat as a fundraiser for school. If you are unfamiliar with this yummy product, just visit www.butterbraid.com. You just thaw 'em, let 'em rise, bake 'em and eat 'em. They are $11 each and allegedly serve 11 people (except in our house). I know I can't resist Apple, Bavarian Creme, Blueberry, Caramel, Cherry, Cinnamon, Cream Cheese or Raspberry. Can you? (He's taking orders until Thursday night.)

That's all for now!

Rash Behavior

I'll be the first to admit I am a total wimp when it comes to pain. Sure I tolerate a certain level daily (practically) in my back but I cannot imagine what my husband is going through with this Shingles stuff.

Not only is the rash itchy (but thankfully not widespread yet), but he is in pain. Pain that has been compared to exposed nerve endings or getting constantly beat or poked with a brush. Either way, I know I would have stayed home today to cope with it and cry or knock myself out.

But hubby, who is more of a man that I could ever hope to be (and that's a good thing), went to work today. I know he wasn't on top of is game but he plodded through and we both had productive days.

Tonight, though, he found his own way to deal with the annoying pain. Bud Light. Well that and Dorito's and laughs with the neighbors around the campfire. My sister-in-law stopped by, too, so it was a nice time.

It just felt good to be relaxing after a hectic week. I know we're all pretty tired, too, after several late nights. But, of course, I'm the first one to wimp out and come inside. Hey, I had to be sure my blanket was turned on! It's chilly out there -- though we hardly noticed by the fire.

I will say this. It is such a treat to sit around and talk about everything and nothing at the same time... and not think about the stressors in life. Even if just for a few hours. There's nothing like a circle of friends around a ring of fire... listening to a "Ring of Fire" too!

I figure if Jim's "horse pills" don't cure him, some good ol' quality time around the ring is bound to help at least a little!

Indoor Amusement

When you're in Wisconsin, it doesn't matter if the temps dip into the 30s during the night. You can still enjoy a water park the next day.

Thank god someone invented indoor ones!

I think this is about the fifth year my sister Renell has had a trade show at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells. It's always in the fall and, since the Dells are only 56 miles away, Carter and I always manage to "visit" her during her stay (read: use her free passes to the indoor water park). Last year, my niece and her son Anthony (same age as Carter) came with. This year, just Anthony did.

During the past few years we've doing this, there have been many changes at the Kalahari, including the addition of a huge (of course) indoor amusement park, complete with bowling, go-karts, laser tag and a Ferris wheel.

I picked Carter up from his final soccer practice this afternoon and we were down there by 6 p.m. At first the guys did the water park thing while Renell and I watched and visited. Then it was amusement park time. The boys went off and did their own things -- laser tag and video arcade games (what a surprise) -- so us girls did what we wanted, too. We rode the Ferris wheel and raced go karts. I must not have been very fast because I never had to use the brake! It was quite jarring on my back, too, so now I know why I usually stand on the "sidelines" and take pictures rather than drive!

While we were having fun, hubby went to the doctor to see about that "annoying itchy, teeny rash" on his back that I mentioned the other night. The rash is still about the same size but now had morphed from annoying to painful. Not good. Turns out he has Shingles. At least they caught it early so he has drugs and it hopefully will clear up soon -- especially before his 4-day business trip to Vegas next week.

I don't know much about Shingles but from what I heard they can be painful. Poor hubby.

I just thought it was ironic that the editor of a metal roofing magazine has shingles! I don't think he thinks that's funny.

Yet.