it's that time of year and I want to bake lots and lots of really unhealthy, sweet things! I've been thinking about all of the things that I need to make and all of the things that I want to make for this holiday season. I know I have to make my caramel corn because people at work are demanding it. I also have to make sugar cookies because it just wouldn't be Christmas without sugar cookies. I've been searching for fun new recipes and I think I've come up with some good ideas. I have these no bake peanut butter bars and salty peanut brittle bars that I want to make. Also, nobody in Michigan knows what almond bark is so I'm definitely going to have to make some covered pretzels. It's a good thing I've been practicing being good the last few months :)
Anyway, I don't really know anything else. If any of my new recipes turn out well I'll share them with you! Have a great day!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Update #186
Ok, it's probably the 3rd or 4th update I've shared lately but it does feel like I've sent over a hundred to people via email, text, phone call, or through this blog. Today was a good day though and Jon is doing well. Here's a play-by-play of what happened the past few days and why I was stressing so much.
Wednesday 1:15pm: I walk back with Jon in the prep area before his surgery so he can change into one of those lovely gowns and get an IV started. His surgeon stops by (surgeons are not very personable by the way) and his anesthesiologist comes by to discuss his part in the surgery
Wednesday 2:50pm: Jon is taken back into surgery
Wednesday 4:45pm: The surgeon comes out and lets us know that the surgery went well. They were able to use Jon's actual tendon and not donor tissue from a cadaver. Jon's patella tendon actually ruptured in the middle and the surgeon was able to layer the top layer onto the bottom layer and weave them together again. He has two anchor points on the bottom of his knee that are holding the tendon onto his knee cap. They also did work with the tendons on both side his knee since they were damaged and they are also anchored onto the knee cap. They created a 6 inch incision down his knee and it's being held together with about 25 staples. I saw it today when I changed his dressing for the first time and it looks good (no infection).
Wednesday 6pm: We are called back to the recovery area because Jon is not feeling well. His surgery was designed to be same day....they wanted him discharged after an hour in recovery and taken home immediately. Jon had issues with anesthesia in the past too (feeling ill and nauseated afterwards). The nurses could not get his nausea under control and he was too light-headed and dizzy to get dressed or use crutches. After 7pm they decide it's best to admit him to Mercy Hospital (across the street) for a 23 hour observation. He's taken over by ambulance and I move the Jeep to the hospital parking lot.
Wednesday 7:45pm: Jon is admitted onto the Ortho floor and they keep giving him IV meds to try and make him feel less ill. Due to his nausea he's not given any pain meds. Fortunately he didn't feel hardly any pain that night because the anesthesiologist gave him a fermoral block (nerve block) after the surgery that's supposed to numb his leg for 18 hours.
The nurses are in continuously during the night for vitals and med administrations.
Thursday 8am: Jon is in horrible pain because the femoral block wore off quicker than anticipated. Since he wasn't given any pain meds the day before or during the night, he's not ahead of the pain and his really strong narcotics aren't working. Fortunately a doctor does allow for some morphine to be given and that cuts through the edge a little bit. Unfortunately right when it starts working, physical therapy shows up and makes him walk on his crutches since that's protocol that day after knee surgery. All the movement and handling of his leg cause the pain to sky-rocket again and he's even worse. Sadly they can't give him anything else for pain for hours since he's had a lot of narcotics already. He's a very miserable man. I understand the nurses cannot disobey doctor's orders but they were rather rude and not sympathetic at all. It was extremely disappointing.
Thursday early afternoon: A different doctor comes to check on his nausea from the night before and decides to order more morphine for him. That morphine was a godsend because it helped him calm down and get some sleep. He started making headway with his pain after that and in my opinion was "caught up" with his pain management. They did decide to keep him one more night though just to make sure he was in better shape for a discharge home. He did well overnight.
Friday morning: Physical therapy comes again and works with him on stairs to ensure he's using his crutches correctly. The walking and stair practice goes very well. They decide that he's more than ready to go home and he's discharged around noon. They change his pain meds again becuase they found something different that works better.
Friday early afternoon: I drove him home and his friend Dave met us here with his parents to help get him inside since he gets weak easily with his crutches. We got him into the house through the front door and got him settled. I took off for awhile to get Gavin and do some things in Ames. I returned later and spent the night with him since he has to get up every 3 hours for a dose of pain meds. I'm staying tonight too (Saturday) and tomorrow night (Sunday). I'll stay a few nights during the work week too but will take nights off of course since I don't need my parenting to suffer or work performance. I just hope the weather continues to hold out since the commmute could really become a pain if the roads are icy.
That's the low down. It was stressful and unpredictable but he's home now and settled. He goes back to the doc on Friday the 3rd. The main recovery is 6 months but I can tell he's going to succeed and make great progress.
I didn't really have a Thanksgiving. I did bop down to the hospital cafeteria Thursday night and got a couple scoops of stuffing since they were still serving Thanksgiving foods. Jon's mom brought leftovers from their meal so we have turkey, mashed potatoes, and other goodies to eat. I already ate the stuffing and some of the green bean casserole.
I hope you all had a good holiday and thanks for the support. It was actually lonely at times when he was sleeping or occupied so I appreciated the texts and phone calls.
I did a lot of thinking so I will have some profound lifestyle-based blog entries soon. It's amazing how much a person thinks about their health when they are staying at a hospital ha ha.
FYI...Mercy Hospital has a McDonald's in their facility! Sadly I did eat there Friday night since the cafeteria was closed but it shocks me that a fastfood joint is promoted at a hospital.
Wednesday 1:15pm: I walk back with Jon in the prep area before his surgery so he can change into one of those lovely gowns and get an IV started. His surgeon stops by (surgeons are not very personable by the way) and his anesthesiologist comes by to discuss his part in the surgery
Wednesday 2:50pm: Jon is taken back into surgery
Wednesday 4:45pm: The surgeon comes out and lets us know that the surgery went well. They were able to use Jon's actual tendon and not donor tissue from a cadaver. Jon's patella tendon actually ruptured in the middle and the surgeon was able to layer the top layer onto the bottom layer and weave them together again. He has two anchor points on the bottom of his knee that are holding the tendon onto his knee cap. They also did work with the tendons on both side his knee since they were damaged and they are also anchored onto the knee cap. They created a 6 inch incision down his knee and it's being held together with about 25 staples. I saw it today when I changed his dressing for the first time and it looks good (no infection).
Wednesday 6pm: We are called back to the recovery area because Jon is not feeling well. His surgery was designed to be same day....they wanted him discharged after an hour in recovery and taken home immediately. Jon had issues with anesthesia in the past too (feeling ill and nauseated afterwards). The nurses could not get his nausea under control and he was too light-headed and dizzy to get dressed or use crutches. After 7pm they decide it's best to admit him to Mercy Hospital (across the street) for a 23 hour observation. He's taken over by ambulance and I move the Jeep to the hospital parking lot.
Wednesday 7:45pm: Jon is admitted onto the Ortho floor and they keep giving him IV meds to try and make him feel less ill. Due to his nausea he's not given any pain meds. Fortunately he didn't feel hardly any pain that night because the anesthesiologist gave him a fermoral block (nerve block) after the surgery that's supposed to numb his leg for 18 hours.
The nurses are in continuously during the night for vitals and med administrations.
Thursday 8am: Jon is in horrible pain because the femoral block wore off quicker than anticipated. Since he wasn't given any pain meds the day before or during the night, he's not ahead of the pain and his really strong narcotics aren't working. Fortunately a doctor does allow for some morphine to be given and that cuts through the edge a little bit. Unfortunately right when it starts working, physical therapy shows up and makes him walk on his crutches since that's protocol that day after knee surgery. All the movement and handling of his leg cause the pain to sky-rocket again and he's even worse. Sadly they can't give him anything else for pain for hours since he's had a lot of narcotics already. He's a very miserable man. I understand the nurses cannot disobey doctor's orders but they were rather rude and not sympathetic at all. It was extremely disappointing.
Thursday early afternoon: A different doctor comes to check on his nausea from the night before and decides to order more morphine for him. That morphine was a godsend because it helped him calm down and get some sleep. He started making headway with his pain after that and in my opinion was "caught up" with his pain management. They did decide to keep him one more night though just to make sure he was in better shape for a discharge home. He did well overnight.
Friday morning: Physical therapy comes again and works with him on stairs to ensure he's using his crutches correctly. The walking and stair practice goes very well. They decide that he's more than ready to go home and he's discharged around noon. They change his pain meds again becuase they found something different that works better.
Friday early afternoon: I drove him home and his friend Dave met us here with his parents to help get him inside since he gets weak easily with his crutches. We got him into the house through the front door and got him settled. I took off for awhile to get Gavin and do some things in Ames. I returned later and spent the night with him since he has to get up every 3 hours for a dose of pain meds. I'm staying tonight too (Saturday) and tomorrow night (Sunday). I'll stay a few nights during the work week too but will take nights off of course since I don't need my parenting to suffer or work performance. I just hope the weather continues to hold out since the commmute could really become a pain if the roads are icy.
That's the low down. It was stressful and unpredictable but he's home now and settled. He goes back to the doc on Friday the 3rd. The main recovery is 6 months but I can tell he's going to succeed and make great progress.
I didn't really have a Thanksgiving. I did bop down to the hospital cafeteria Thursday night and got a couple scoops of stuffing since they were still serving Thanksgiving foods. Jon's mom brought leftovers from their meal so we have turkey, mashed potatoes, and other goodies to eat. I already ate the stuffing and some of the green bean casserole.
I hope you all had a good holiday and thanks for the support. It was actually lonely at times when he was sleeping or occupied so I appreciated the texts and phone calls.
I did a lot of thinking so I will have some profound lifestyle-based blog entries soon. It's amazing how much a person thinks about their health when they are staying at a hospital ha ha.
FYI...Mercy Hospital has a McDonald's in their facility! Sadly I did eat there Friday night since the cafeteria was closed but it shocks me that a fastfood joint is promoted at a hospital.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
More Updates!
Hey everyone:
I'm taking a break from my disorganized night. I've been cleaning primarily since my apartment is driving me nuts. Fortunately we have Gavin's winter wardrobe out and ready for use. His winter coat from last year still fits! So do his snow boots!! Happy Day! We also spent some time on his closet so he's now a boy with hanging shirts that are less wrinkled. I've also been sorting through things on my desk. Next I need to sort through the Christmas gifts I've purchased since they've been haphazardly put in my closet over the past months. I'm scared I'll forget to wrap something and I'll find it in July next year.
After I deliver Gavin to school tomorrow morning, I'm going to head to Ankeny and help Jon prepare for his surgery. It's supposed to be a same day surgery (which still surprises me). I think I'd feel better if he spent at least one night in the hospital. I'm nervous about bringing him home because I have no idea how mobile (or conscious) he'll be. Both entries into his home have stairs so I'm sure it will be a challenge. Fortunately his boss is willing to come over and help if we need more manpower.
Jon's patella tendon ruptured in the middle instead of the insertion point so he's getting a new one...well technically it's a used one from a donor that has passed away. They anticipate a six month recovery and it will actually take a year to get him closer to "normal" function. I just hope his pain will be managed appropriately. I will be less available starting Monday because ISU will be back in session (as well as DMACC) but I should be able to go down many evenings and spend nights.
It's very frustrating that I can't help further. My personality is severely kicking in and causing frustration. In most parts of my life, I strive for perfection and to do my best. I feel like I'm not being the best girlfriend right now because I'm getting frustrated at times and my schedule and other responsiblities are not allowing me to give 100%. I'm just worried that I'll continue to feel frustrated during the next 6 months and that certainly won't help Jon's frame of mind. Sigh.
I just needed to vent. I'm also scared about invading Jon's parent's turf. I don't want the situation to cause any tension. Anywho....every day is a new day. Thanks for listening.
I'm taking a break from my disorganized night. I've been cleaning primarily since my apartment is driving me nuts. Fortunately we have Gavin's winter wardrobe out and ready for use. His winter coat from last year still fits! So do his snow boots!! Happy Day! We also spent some time on his closet so he's now a boy with hanging shirts that are less wrinkled. I've also been sorting through things on my desk. Next I need to sort through the Christmas gifts I've purchased since they've been haphazardly put in my closet over the past months. I'm scared I'll forget to wrap something and I'll find it in July next year.
After I deliver Gavin to school tomorrow morning, I'm going to head to Ankeny and help Jon prepare for his surgery. It's supposed to be a same day surgery (which still surprises me). I think I'd feel better if he spent at least one night in the hospital. I'm nervous about bringing him home because I have no idea how mobile (or conscious) he'll be. Both entries into his home have stairs so I'm sure it will be a challenge. Fortunately his boss is willing to come over and help if we need more manpower.
Jon's patella tendon ruptured in the middle instead of the insertion point so he's getting a new one...well technically it's a used one from a donor that has passed away. They anticipate a six month recovery and it will actually take a year to get him closer to "normal" function. I just hope his pain will be managed appropriately. I will be less available starting Monday because ISU will be back in session (as well as DMACC) but I should be able to go down many evenings and spend nights.
It's very frustrating that I can't help further. My personality is severely kicking in and causing frustration. In most parts of my life, I strive for perfection and to do my best. I feel like I'm not being the best girlfriend right now because I'm getting frustrated at times and my schedule and other responsiblities are not allowing me to give 100%. I'm just worried that I'll continue to feel frustrated during the next 6 months and that certainly won't help Jon's frame of mind. Sigh.
I just needed to vent. I'm also scared about invading Jon's parent's turf. I don't want the situation to cause any tension. Anywho....every day is a new day. Thanks for listening.
30...what a lovely number!
Hey ladies I just wanted to share a major milestone with you. I stepped on the scale this morning to get a pre-thanksgiving weight and was shocked to see that I had dropped 30.6 pounds!!! I am so freaking excited. I never quite made it to the 30 pound milestone the last time I was losing weight and I am thrilled. Sadly, I gained more weight back than I lost last time so I'm still not at the lightest I've been in the last 2 years but I'm getting close.
Anyway, I need to go. Have a great thanksgiving!!!
Anyway, I need to go. Have a great thanksgiving!!!
Monday, November 22, 2010
More knee updates
Jon had his first appointment today in Des Moines. His parents took him since I had a meeting this morning and needed to be in Ames. The tendon that connects his patella is ruptured. They are planning on a surgery on Wednesday. I'm trying to make arrangements for Gavin so I'm available in the morning...Murphy's Law tells me the surgery would be bright and early in the morning. The back of his knee is quite black and blue but his pain has been better. I'll be heading there later tonight so I'm sure he'll have more information me then.
Thanks for thinking of him (and me) during this tough time. Yes, I'm stressed but it's been rather exhilarating knowing that I can accomplish all these tasks lately. Yesterday and today were very productive. I got a nice treat yesterday and since Gregg & Tiffany stopped by and visited.
Thanks for thinking of him (and me) during this tough time. Yes, I'm stressed but it's been rather exhilarating knowing that I can accomplish all these tasks lately. Yesterday and today were very productive. I got a nice treat yesterday and since Gregg & Tiffany stopped by and visited.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
It's so easy to be bad...
when it tastes SO GOOD! Ladies I am in trouble. I LOVE dark chocolate and I love mint. I love them even better when they are combined. Well, the fine chocolatiers at Lindt and Ghirardelli have decided to come up with festive, dark chocolate-mint candies for the holiday season. A few years ago I found Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares. They were excellent but they were milk chocolate so I could resist. This year they are also making them in dark chocolate. Sheer bliss! I bought a bag a while ago and I'm doing very well at rationing them...I'm actually kind of proud of myself. However, today when I went to the store to pick up a few items that I forgot yesterday I had to walk by the Christmas candy display to get to the pecans. As I walked by I happened to notice that Lindt now has a dark peppermint truffle. I had to get them. I ate one after my lunch today and they are divine! The worst part is that the truffles distracted me and I still didn't get my damn pecans for my sweet potato casserole that I'm making for Thanksgiving so I have to go back to the store again!! GAHH!!
Anywho, if you're looking for a really tasty treat and you like dark chocolate I would recommend either of the sweets mentioned above. The Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares are a little less sharp and are sweeter so if you don't like really dark chocolate I would go with those, however, if you're like me and think the darker the better I would go with the Lindt truffles. Either way you won't be sorry!
Anywho, if you're looking for a really tasty treat and you like dark chocolate I would recommend either of the sweets mentioned above. The Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares are a little less sharp and are sweeter so if you don't like really dark chocolate I would go with those, however, if you're like me and think the darker the better I would go with the Lindt truffles. Either way you won't be sorry!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
It's time for an update....
Well both you have made the commment that you've looked at this blog but not written entries often and I am in the same boat. I'm currently sitting at Jon's watching the last ISU football game of the season. Sadly we are losing so our bowl eligibility is going out the window.
The big news was Jon's major injury on Tuesday. He's still laid up and homebound. Sadly they weren't able to get him in for an MRI until Monday so we're still not exactly sure what is wrong with his knee, we just know it's bad. Surgery is expected but it's hard to say if they'll get him in for surgery before the holiday. My schedule is more flexible since ISU is closed next week for Thanksgiving Break so I'm able to come down here and help. Gavin and I have started spending the night here so I can help in the night and give his Mom and Dad a break too.
Work is going decently. My classes are on schedule and finals week will be here in 4 weeks. I still have one more meeting to plan for the teaching assistants (grad students) for the end of the semester. I'm also designing a structured meeting for them right before the next semester starts too. I signed up for extra Red Cross work in December that I know regret if I'm needed at Jon's. DMACC is DMACC. Student performance is disappointing but they are on the same schedule as ISU. I won't see those students again after 4 weeks. I teach the same class again in January but not in Ames. I'll have to commute to Ankeny.
My apartment is an absolute disster since I've been busy with work and Jon's new injury. I'm not where I want to be with Christmas shopping or decorating. I'm considering putting my tree up at Jon's house instead of my apartment.
Eating has been not under control or very healthy. My exercise levels are still below par too. I'll keep this one short since I need to leave soon Gavin will be done at the IMAX Theater. He went there with friends (who's mother was willing to get him in Ankeny on their way to Des Moines) so they are meeting me again at Culver's to drop him off with me.
Since I will be hanging around a lot indoors, I hope to post more entries next week!
The big news was Jon's major injury on Tuesday. He's still laid up and homebound. Sadly they weren't able to get him in for an MRI until Monday so we're still not exactly sure what is wrong with his knee, we just know it's bad. Surgery is expected but it's hard to say if they'll get him in for surgery before the holiday. My schedule is more flexible since ISU is closed next week for Thanksgiving Break so I'm able to come down here and help. Gavin and I have started spending the night here so I can help in the night and give his Mom and Dad a break too.
Work is going decently. My classes are on schedule and finals week will be here in 4 weeks. I still have one more meeting to plan for the teaching assistants (grad students) for the end of the semester. I'm also designing a structured meeting for them right before the next semester starts too. I signed up for extra Red Cross work in December that I know regret if I'm needed at Jon's. DMACC is DMACC. Student performance is disappointing but they are on the same schedule as ISU. I won't see those students again after 4 weeks. I teach the same class again in January but not in Ames. I'll have to commute to Ankeny.
My apartment is an absolute disster since I've been busy with work and Jon's new injury. I'm not where I want to be with Christmas shopping or decorating. I'm considering putting my tree up at Jon's house instead of my apartment.
Eating has been not under control or very healthy. My exercise levels are still below par too. I'll keep this one short since I need to leave soon Gavin will be done at the IMAX Theater. He went there with friends (who's mother was willing to get him in Ankeny on their way to Des Moines) so they are meeting me again at Culver's to drop him off with me.
Since I will be hanging around a lot indoors, I hope to post more entries next week!
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