8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC #3

[PBader]

Thank you all so much! I really hate to brag, but in this case I couldn't resist! We are so darn proud of her! This isn't the first time she's won an essay contest. Last time we all got to ride the trolley in the local Santa Claus Parade. That one could've been a fluke, but apparently the girl's got a knack for writing. Who knew?

Brag away!!!!!!

 

[PBader]

WHOOO HOOOO !!! I can come out of the closet now!!

Thanks Crash!!! The first one will be PERFECT for the rehearsal dinner and the second one will be great for the wedding!!


Gee.....I hope MEGAN approves!!!

You will be the hottest mother of the bride!!!

 

[DiaLady]

I know! It is similar to my High School!
Both Bill and I grew up in completely different environment than our kids are. We are both small town rural kids.
The good news is the 3 schools they would go to are all Exemplary and within walking distance so that is nice.

So funny . . . my DH and I were talking about this today. Our DS13 and DS11 are both in Royal Rangers (similar to Boy Scouts). We've seen fewer and fewer kids have any interest in camping or camping skills. Most don't even like to be outdoors unless it involves basketball or a video game. Our kids are the exception to the rule. Even though they've been raised in the city, they love the outdoors. Both my DH and I also grew up on farms (or around them). Things sure are different. The biggest difference is that they fly in airplanes all the time and get to go on Disney Cruises. Gotta say they have a good life. . . LOL.

 

[PBader]

Well Well Well..........seems you all are having lots of "drama' today.............. Sorry bout that !!

Its been a laid back day here as the ST's are still at camp....will be home in bout an hour or so................then its back to the norm routine...........

I love my kids...........But really Like it when they leave for Camp !!!!

I can relate to that

 

[PBader]

Crash (Tom) you probably remember us talking about school closures last year some time, well the school district has made its final (maybe) selection. DD7 elementary school will be one of the two schools to be closed in fall of 2009. All of the parents have started a massive campaign to change their minds but it will be a long shot. There is a lot of politics involved and we will have to wait and see what happens. If they do close our elementary school DD will have to either take a bus or car pool to a new undisclosed location no where near our house. We are really disturbed about the emotional effect on DD let alone the fact that there will no elementary school within 5 miles of us and what that might do to property values.

Roger I hope you all can keep your DD school open. I was speaking with my sister today about the school districts we have. Adam has been lucky for all his schools to be within 5 minutes of our house. (Middle school I did hardship transfer him to keep him close) Julie told me that our district is the exception--that most kids in our county don't have that luxury. And I will say it again--I am so glad Adam graduates this May.

 

[PBader]

Don't believe a word of it! She's just as much fun, if not more, in person!

I can tell that from the year I have been blessed to know her.

 

[PBader]

One morning when I was in the hospital I spiked a bit of a temp and my Maternal Specialist (forgot what they were called) was worried that the baby was getting sick in utero so after 3 1/2 weeks of trying to keep the baby in, they broke my water. It was a very fast process from there. They were running down the hall toward L&D. By the time we got there an entire team from the NICU was already there setting up for Megan.
It surely helped that I was in a level III hospital in a major metropolitan area.
Anyway afterwards they put me in a shared room w/ a very happy woman who had just given birth and was sharing her baby with her whole family. I LOST it!!! I just burst out crying convinced that I had been unable to keep my baby safe and because of my body- she was going to die. My mom threw a HUGE fit insisting they find me a private room. I guess they felt sorry for me because I was taken to the Presidential Suite. Posh!
I am sure it is not always possible but I would think they would try to keep traumatized parents away from the elated ones.
I was so glad with Miranda that even though she was 5 weeks early she came out 8 lbs 13 ozs and I had the "normal birth experience".

Coral, I totally relate to your feelings of guilt. I also think the hospitals should seperate patients, it can add to an already difficult circumstance.

 

[PBader]

I found this picture. You can tell Bill's mustache is completely crooked. That sweet man with us is the Judge. Doesn't he look like Judge Wapiner?
Although we are rather traditional people we decided to have some fun with our wedding.

Looks like a really fun day

 

[goofyforlife]

No, I am afraid it was our actual wedding. There was no way I was going to spend a ton of $ or have my Mom pay either so we did fun.

wow that look way more fun than my wedding.....and i wouldn't have been so traumatized for life....

 

[justmestace]

I took the records to my dr. --he got defensive with me (I never understood why he did because he wasn't there at the hospital) To me 38 minutes was a long time--that was all I questioned. I have never gone back to him. I never contemplated suing--I couldn't have spent a dime of any money---I just wanted to hear it wasn't my fault.

You will never get one doctor to admit/agree that another doctor did something wrong.
Two examples from me are ...one with Megan's birth...we could have lost her, but no subsequent doctors would ever agree with that. And, I no longer have a bone in one of my toes thanks to a really bad doctor years ago. I've had several doctors ask me about it, but when I start to tell the story, they cut me off...every time.

When I had my recent surgery, that doctor offered to place an implant in there, but Jay & I both said "no thanks"...after 24 years, I'm used to it.

 

[justmestace]

I can tell that from the year I have been blessed to know her.

Awwww..... thank you!! Right back at ya!





Did anyone notice, by the way, that they moved our smilies around? I hate it when they do that!!

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Even after Adam was born, that night just kept running through my head. I didn't have the nerve to request my medical records for almost 2 years. The hospital was getting ready to disconnect the monitor and send me home--false labor then Christopher's heartbeat was lost--it took them 38 minutes to even start prepping me for an emergency c-sect (there was no dr there and it was 3 am) I sure didn't know any better--I'd never had a baby before. But you do expect when you go to a hospital that they are prepared for things---it just isn't always the case. I took the records to my dr. --he got defensive with me (I never understood why he did because he wasn't there at the hospital) To me 38 minutes was a long time--that was all I questioned. I have never gone back to him. I never contemplated suing--I couldn't have spent a dime of any money---I just wanted to hear it wasn't my fault.

Paula - I hesitated to say anything because I didn't want to stir up any more memories but thank you for sharing your pain you've gone through and the fact that your sharing is bound to be an inspiration to someone who has gone through this and opens a window of insight to those of use that have not gone through this.

and and for your pain.

 

[eeyorelvr10]

Did anyone notice, by the way, that they moved our smilies around? I hate it when they do that!!

I noticed that yesterday and it frustrated me - they hide some the ones I really use.

 

[paulasillars]

Here everything is generally OK, I have now lost two stones in weight, and pulled my BP down, we have all had the flu over the past week, and the steroids caused my right eye to go bloodshot and blurred last Monday so I couldn't focus to well, ( maybe I can blame doggy posts on that) but its getting better now.

Wow what an incredible achievement! I know how hard it can be to loose weight and 2 stones is a heck of a lot. You must be very proud of yourself and rightly so particularly seeing it has also decreased your BP which is excellent.

YAY you!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

HI everyone!
Look at me- posting 2 days in a row.

Thanks for all your posts- no way I can respond to them all, even though I am still the queen of multi-quotes right? right?

We just have a lot of things to consider. Although we do still want to go if we can. Even just sitting the kids down to tell them we MIGHT NOT be able to go was met with much tears and hang wringing of even our 7yr old!~ I can understand their disappointment if we can't go- after waiting so long. So we're going to try our best.
The thing about putting it on credit card is if his overtime "drought" is really over-it would be paid off quickly. No problem. But it's a "gamble" after this last year. Any other time I wouldn't worry about it becasue in all the years before if he they said no overtime it never lasted more than a week or two AT MOST and it only happened very rarely. But then last year they said no overtime and meant it for almost the entire year! But like I said- recently the overtime is back... it would just be a gamble whether that continued or not. and if it didn't- it might take a long time (and I loathe the though to paying finance charges again1) to get it paid off.
Then we have the issue of if our oldest even gets to go. Band isn't really an issue- already talked to them about her missing the summer band practices and basically she could miss it- she'd just be a "reserve" and unable to march with the band until she challenged someone to get in. Which SHOULDN'T be a problem for her unless all the other clarinet players are in higher grades than her with more experience. She is 1st chair of symphonic band and always gets a 1 (the best) on her UIL solo competitions AND made the highest chair in all region band out of all both our middle schools/etc. So basically she's been the best out of middle schools here for 2yrs now but if she goes to highschool and it's all clarinets in higher grades with more experience she "might" have trouble challenging someone out of their spot on the marching band. Which would stink if she ended up on the sidelines throughout her first marching season with HS band.
Then we have the issue of cheerleading- not sure if we're going to even let her try out but if we do decide to let her try out again (she's cheerleader this year) then that would be extra cost for that plus don't know when cheer camp is, if it would be an issue for her to miss stuff to go on this cruise, etc. but mostly we're thinking we won't let her try out- it's caused some issues this year with her grades slipping more and more throughout the year and cheering takes a LOT of her time (it's a school class now for grades, plus practices and sign paintings, plus at all the games ofcourse- including even girls basketball.. they cheer for practically everything nowadays) and add that to band obligations it's a tight schedule for her to do both of those- and will be even more next year! So that might not even be an issue cause we probably won't let her even try out...

But if her grades don't come up we may just leave her here if we can work out the logistics of her staying here with her granny but she's quadraplegic so she'd need a way to/from band camp during that time... and then I think do i really want to leave her out of the cruise? I mean we've been waiting 2yrs and it's unlikely we'll be doing another cruise of this length/etc. in the few years we have left with her as a kid/not adult- yanno?
Lots of decisions. and I haven't even done our taxes yet to see what we'll be getting back either. I usually do this in Jan and already have it back by now! I'm so behind and yeah- I haven't even filed for our passports! I know I need to do that pronto- right? but it's hard to spend all that money and go to all the trouble it will be for us to get our passports (especially mine) when we may not even be able to go on the cruise. yanno?
DH says I can go without him but I don't think that's fair!
I even thought of going alone since some of y'all are going ladies only.. but I just can't bring myself to go on a 2wk cruise and leave my family here! If we cruised often it wouldn't be an issue probably but after waiting 2yrs then say see ya and leave them all at home? I don't think I can bring myself to do that! I wouldn't enjoy myself I don't think.

Did I miss anything like ordering shirts? joining for the bus from DL to port? I signed up for the kids gift exchange though right? I hope so cause I've been buying stuff! LOL let's see- have i missed joining any brunches/etc. that are limited to how many can do it? Anything else? I Hope I haven't misssed anything!

I bet you won't believe me, but we hadn't seen you in so long, I was just going to e-mail you and see if you were okay!

I really, really hope that it works out for you to come. I was looking forward to our little "meetings" on the ship. I miss you!!

Ofcourse I believe you! why wouldn't I? thanks hon

And you know how much I HATE wire hangers!!


You know, these guys are going to be so disappointed to meet me in person and find out that I am really a very shy, boring person.

You may be shy- I don't know you well enough to speak about that but BORING? puhlease..... I'm boring, you are so not boring!

 

[radioclash2]

LG, I had an answer for this and lost it. I realize that medicine keeps evolving and there are new and wonderous developments. My grandmother and Alan's mom both had infants stillborn or never the leave the hospital. I honestly blamed myself for the downturn Alan's mom took after Christopher died--she died several months afterwards. She was dealing with colon and lung cancer and she gave up when Christopher died.

Yes, I believe that hospitals staffs are very overworked. I don't see how they can be thorough in what they do when they put in so many hours. I think that has a lot to do with insurance co. dictating so much about medical care and also with a lot of workers relying on their overtime pay to make ends meet at home. I do think that it is irresponsible of a hospital or supervisor to have someone do a job they are not trained to do.

I never gave a thought until Julie was naming her friend's children and them all boys. And you to mention that they hope for girls when they face problems. Really makes you wonder why? I have been thinking all day about preemies I know and I have to say they have been all girls--only 1 boy. I was 42 weeks pregnant with Christopher--my dr. sent me for 2 stress tests, but I didn't know that over 40 weeks was harder on the baby. Adam was a scheduled c-sect. at 38 weeks.

I think it is a hard hurdle to get over for a young married couple. Probably a reason for divorce in a lot of the couples. It would be probably one of their biggest life's challenges. As the mother, we have so much guilt and feel that we failed in something that so many women do so easily.

Even after Adam was born, that night just kept running through my head. I didn't have the nerve to request my medical records for almost 2 years. The hospital was getting ready to disconnect the monitor and send me home--false labor then Christopher's heartbeat was lost--it took them 38 minutes to even start prepping me for an emergency c-sect (there was no dr there and it was 3 am) I sure didn't know any better--I'd never had a baby before. But you do expect when you go to a hospital that they are prepared for things---it just isn't always the case. I took the records to my dr. --he got defensive with me (I never understood why he did because he wasn't there at the hospital) To me 38 minutes was a long time--that was all I questioned. I have never gone back to him. I never contemplated suing--I couldn't have spent a dime of any money---I just wanted to hear it wasn't my fault.

I am so happy for you and Coral that you both had happy outcomes and have sweet princesses.

Paula, what a heart wrenching story. I am becoming increasingly disappointed with our healthcare system in this country. And, it's becoming increasingly difficult to work in healthcare.

I think you hit the nail on the head. We as healthcare workers need to step up & take responsibility when things are our fault, or let patients know that a bad outcome wasn't their fault.

I posted a story before about my brother dying in the OR when he was 9. When I was having a surgery some 20 years later the anestheologist and I were talking about my brother. She told me his case became a landmark case & changed the way children with his type cancer were anesthetized. The doctor who anesthetized him was so distraught over his enexpected death he spent years researching why. I know hearing this story had a great impact on my mother, but I don't think I realized fully until I read your post. Thank-you.

 

[bellelinus]

Did I miss anything like ordering shirts? joining for the bus from DL to port? I signed up for the kids gift exchange though right? I hope so cause I've been buying stuff! LOL let's see- have i missed joining any brunches/etc. that are limited to how many can do it? Anything else? I Hope I haven't misssed anything!

Your situation is complicated . . . it might help to make a list with reasons to go on one side and reasons not to on the other and then look at it -- sometimes making things concrete like that makes it clear what you should do . . . and other times it shows you what you "should" do but your emotional reaction shows what you need to do! Good luck with the decision -- you know we all want you on the cruise.

Don't worry -- nothing has been planned to the point that you aren't able to jump in . . . everything is still in planning stage and will be finalized closer to the cruise . . .

 

[LITTLEKID58]

Presently 62 going up to 79 here in Sunny Central Florida.. we are suppose to have a cold front coming in ...

and prayers to everyone who is going to need it today

Happy Birthday and Anniversary to all we have missed

aboard to all the newbies

Have a great Monday.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Your situation is complicated . . . it might help to make a list with reasons to go on one side and reasons not to on the other and then look at it -- sometimes making things concrete like that makes it clear what you should do . . . and other times it shows you what you "should" do but your emotional reaction shows what you need to do! Good luck with the decision -- you know we all want you on the cruise.

Don't worry -- nothing has been planned to the point that you aren't able to jump in . . . everything is still in planning stage and will be finalized closer to the cruise . . .

Well that is good to know! I figured I'd already missed out on some stuff! good to know I haven't yet!
And signs so far are good.... just FYI
1) Just realized DH gets his annual raise starting on the next check he gets next Thursday- it's not a ton more but it helps!
2) I was digging around for tax papers in order to file my taxes tonight (and you'll be happy to know I'm done. Yes I'm that good. LOL years of practice of doing my own taxes!) and came across important documents I will need in order to get my passport! Stuff I thought I'd have to send off for before being able to file for my passport... it's complicated but basically since DH and I remarried- I thought all I had was my last marriage license which obviously shows our last names the SAME on that marriage license- but couldn't find our divorce papers or previous marriage license- but I found the divorce papers so that's one less thing to worry about.
3) tax refund is pretty good... not fantastic because I'm usually pretty good about doing it as close as possible but it was better than I thought it would be.

I should take those things as a sign, atleast so far- right?
Tuesday night is the highschool orientation for middle school students- let's see how things go then to find out if it's going to be a BIG HUGE ISSUE with her missing possibly a few days of school (it's still up in the air if she'll miss any. if the rumors are true she may miss only one day, if not true she may miss up to an entire week of school) -- we'll see how that goes and whatever the news is I'll take it either as a good sign or a bad sign of whether or not we should go. yanno?

(oh and I forgot to mention-we just paid one vehicle off so if we end up having to put a lot of it on a credit card "technically" we can just pretend we're still making that car pymt but put it on the credit card... so like even if he still doesn't get overtime we're no worse off than we were before just putting the same pymt on cc instead of car pymt- right? see how I "do things" in my mind? LOL)

 

[bellelinus]

Well that is good to know! I figured I'd already missed out on some stuff! good to know I haven't yet!
And signs so far are good.... just FYI
1) Just realized DH gets his annual raise starting on the next check he gets next Thursday- it's not a ton more but it helps!
2) I was digging around for tax papers in order to file my taxes tonight (and you'll be happy to know I'm done. Yes I'm that good. LOL years of practice of doing my own taxes!) and came across important documents I will need in order to get my passport! Stuff I thought I'd have to send off for before being able to file for my passport... it's complicated but basically since DH and I remarried- I thought all I had was my last marriage license which obviously shows our last names the SAME on that marriage license- but couldn't find our divorce papers or previous marriage license- but I found the divorce papers so that's one less thing to worry about.
3) tax refund is pretty good... not fantastic because I'm usually pretty good about doing it as close as possible but it was better than I thought it would be.

I should take those things as a sign, atleast so far- right?
Tuesday night is the highschool orientation for middle school students- let's see how things go then to find out if it's going to be a BIG HUGE ISSUE with her missing possibly a few days of school (it's still up in the air if she'll miss any. if the rumors are true she may miss only one day, if not true she may miss up to an entire week of school) -- we'll see how that goes and whatever the news is I'll take it either as a good sign or a bad sign of whether or not we should go. yanno?

(oh and I forgot to mention-we just paid one vehicle off so if we end up having to put a lot of it on a credit card "technically" we can just pretend we're still making that car pymt but put it on the credit card... so like even if he still doesn't get overtime we're no worse off than we were before just putting the same pymt on cc instead of car pymt- right? see how I "do things" in my mind? LOL)

Well, as I alluded to before, sometimes when you start listing things you realize that you would do anything to make it happen, and then you know what you have to do . . . fingers crossed that everything works out!