The Unofficial Chatterbox Thread! Everyone is Welcome!

[MotoXPrincess99]

Hi all, happy Friday!

Here are some pictures from when DBF and I went to Catalina:

DBF and I at Luau Larry's on Catalina Island

Jager Bombs

How we got there

Catalina

Here are some from Disneyland on Tuesday:

The "new" Sunwheel

The nice kitty at Hungry Bear. He liked the turkey from my club sandwich.

Still working on Wonderful World of Color

I beat DBF!

 

[sameyeyam]

Nice pic's Sarah! Looks like you are having a busy summer and lots of fun.

I went to work this morning and blew chunks. It was so bad I had to lay down on the couch in our reception area with a garbage can nearby. Finally around 10:30 I called the friend I carpool with, drove over to her office and then crawled in the back while she drove us home. Thank goodness I was in the Excursion and not the little car! Plenty of room to stretch out.

Came home, got sick a bit more and then spent the day sleeping. Woke up about an hour ago and feel much better. Just ate some rice, so we'll see how that sets on my tummy.

 

[XTinabell]

Great pics Sarah. I didn't know they were putting a giant mickey head on the sunwheel, I think I like it.

Was the helicopter ride ridiculously expensive or was it the only way to get there?

 

[funnygarcia]

Awesome pics!

Bummer on the blowing chunks hope the rice stayed down.

I got all set for two major shopping runs.. the phone ring.. E's boss now what?

"There was a cancellation. Can you go to San Diego on Sunday for training?"

uhhhhh ummmmmmmm .. thinking.. thinking .. thinking...

Meanwhile, I frantically call his dialysis nurse and ask if he can have supplies shipped in time.

NO

Can he go to another center and pick up bagged fluid?

NO
what the?? grrrrrrrrrrrr!
Can ya connect with the social worker and get in-center scheduled?


Talk to her.. "We need 10 day notice but I will see what I can find"
E tells boss: I will figure it out, I will go.
Low man on the totem pole.. do not screw up job!

Social worker promises to call.. she never did.

Here's the plan: E is going to run before he leaves, pack 3 days of supplies (including the bagged fluid, 3 boxes per run) and hope the airline doesn't freak. This is actually less days than he is suppose to have but it's not like his center tried to help.

I know it's a billing issue, but I don't see why the company can't set up some type of concierge service for last minute travel.

His center is owned by Davita, they are a large corporation and have centers all over the US.. they own part of Nx Stage too ( the company that makes the machine and supplies) .

In high travel areas, why couldn't they have a center with extra supplies for Nx Stage patients to pick up bagged fluid .. 3 day notice is all that is needed to Fed Ex emergency supplies to a patient (broken machine swap outs, new PAKS if they fail) , couldn't they do the same for a center????

It's sad that here we are 40 plus years after the invention of chronic care dialysis .. and still patients are limited in options.

Anyway, he's going to San Diego.

I don't have enough air miles for a ticket yet. wahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Darn it, I could have taken the metrolink and gone to Disneyland


Time to go pout....

 

[sameyeyam]

Rice stayed down and so did the Chinese food I just had.

 

[sameyeyam]

Awesome pics!

Bummer on the blowing chunks hope the rice stayed down.

I got all set for two major shopping runs.. the phone ring.. E's boss now what?

"There was a cancellation. Can you go to San Diego on Sunday for training?"

uhhhhh ummmmmmmm .. thinking.. thinking .. thinking...

Meanwhile, I frantically call his dialysis nurse and ask if he can have supplies shipped in time.

NO

Can he go to another center and pick up bagged fluid?

NO
what the?? grrrrrrrrrrrr!
Can ya connect with the social worker and get in-center scheduled?


Talk to her.. "We need 10 day notice but I will see what I can find"
E tells boss: I will figure it out, I will go.
Low man on the totem pole.. do not screw up job!

Social worker promises to call.. she never did.

Here's the plan: E is going to run before he leaves, pack 3 days of supplies (including the bagged fluid, 3 boxes per run) and hope the airline doesn't freak. This is actually less days than he is suppose to have but it's not like his center tried to help.

I know it's a billing issue, but I don't see why the company can't set up some type of concierge service for last minute travel.

His center is owned by Davita, they are a large corporation and have centers all over the US.. they own part of Nx Stage too ( the company that makes the machine and supplies) .

In high travel areas, why couldn't they have a center with extra supplies for Nx Stage patients to pick up bagged fluid .. 3 day notice is all that is needed to Fed Ex emergency supplies to a patient (broken machine swap outs, new PAKS if they fail) , couldn't they do the same for a center????

It's sad that here we are 40 plus years after the invention of chronic care dialysis .. and still patients are limited in options.

Anyway, he's going to San Diego.

I don't have enough air miles for a ticket yet. wahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Darn it, I could have taken the metrolink and gone to Disneyland


Time to go pout....

Bummer about the complexity of going. But hey, quick thinking and hopefully understanding airline employees and he gets to go. Too bad you couldn't go with him also.

 

[funnygarcia]

Rice stayed down and so did the Chinese food I just had.

Because the rice was lonely?

Good, glad you are feeling better.

 

[staley7580]

Awesome pics!

Bummer on the blowing chunks hope the rice stayed down.

I got all set for two major shopping runs.. the phone ring.. E's boss now what?

"There was a cancellation. Can you go to San Diego on Sunday for training?"

uhhhhh ummmmmmmm .. thinking.. thinking .. thinking...

Meanwhile, I frantically call his dialysis nurse and ask if he can have supplies shipped in time.

NO

Can he go to another center and pick up bagged fluid?

NO
what the?? grrrrrrrrrrrr!
Can ya connect with the social worker and get in-center scheduled?


Talk to her.. "We need 10 day notice but I will see what I can find"
E tells boss: I will figure it out, I will go.
Low man on the totem pole.. do not screw up job!

Social worker promises to call.. she never did.

Here's the plan: E is going to run before he leaves, pack 3 days of supplies (including the bagged fluid, 3 boxes per run) and hope the airline doesn't freak. This is actually less days than he is suppose to have but it's not like his center tried to help.

I know it's a billing issue, but I don't see why the company can't set up some type of concierge service for last minute travel.

His center is owned by Davita, they are a large corporation and have centers all over the US.. they own part of Nx Stage too ( the company that makes the machine and supplies) .

In high travel areas, why couldn't they have a center with extra supplies for Nx Stage patients to pick up bagged fluid .. 3 day notice is all that is needed to Fed Ex emergency supplies to a patient (broken machine swap outs, new PAKS if they fail) , couldn't they do the same for a center????

It's sad that here we are 40 plus years after the invention of chronic care dialysis .. and still patients are limited in options.

Anyway, he's going to San Diego.

I don't have enough air miles for a ticket yet. wahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Darn it, I could have taken the metrolink and gone to Disneyland


Time to go pout....

San Diego is so purty.

 

[staley7580]

IM going to the farmers market tomorrow.... without the kids. any of them. KIDLESS. As in... NO CHILDREN. I dont know what I am going to do. I ALWAYS have at least one of them with me. AND... I am going with a FRIEND!!! I know. I am beside myself. Really. I dont know if I can get across how much I need this. I have gone to the grocery store MAYBE twice with out any kids since the twins were born. I LOVE my kids, but sometimes... just sometimes.. mama needs to get away before she causes some damage. I hope I dont yell at Heather to shut up or something. oh well. She has four kids... she will understand.

 

[staley7580]

Soooo.... my babies are almost 5 months old. It just bums me out. Especially now that all dh's friends are starting to have kids. They are all starting, and we are done having babies. I have been PUSHING the big V. But maybe we should wait?????

 

[sameyeyam]

Soooo.... my babies are almost 5 months old. It just bums me out. Especially now that all dh's friends are starting to have kids. They are all starting, and we are done having babies. I have been PUSHING the big V. But maybe we should wait?????

I was pretty sure after we had DS that we were done. For a couple of years we talked about DH getting a V. But then when DS was about 3-4 we started thinking maybe we might want another. But then as he reached about 5yo and DD was 11yo, we started thinking it was kind of nice to have older kids. You know, the age where they can pour their own bowl of cereal, tie their own shoes, etc...So when DS was 5 I sent DH to get the big V. He was a bit freaked out to do it, he spent a weekend in the recliner with a bag of peas, had lifting restrictions for a week or so. But it really didn't hurt as bad as he thought it would.

My opinion, if you think you're done now, you are! Boy does it sure make birth control much easier. Plus I think you can enjoy yourself more, because you're not worrying about getting pregnant all the time.

Babies are nice, but kids are nice too. I think after DH had his, we could concentrate more on just enjoying watching the kids grow and being content that our family was complete. Besides, we figured if we REALLY ever changed our mind we could always adopt. But that hasn't happened. Not to mention as you get older, you get more tired and the thought of having a baby full time to take care of seems a little less appealing than it does when you're younger.

 

[funnygarcia]

we started thinking it was kind of nice to have older kids. You know, the age where they can pour their own bowl of cereal, tie their own shoes, etc...

Babies are nice, but kids are nice too. Not to mention as you get older, you get more tired and the thought of having a baby full time to take care of seems a little less appealing than it does when you're younger.

Hubby had his just months after N was born, it might have been a little rushed at the time .. but in hindsight it was likely the best choice as he was diagnosed with kidney failure just a month after the procedure. Another baby in the mix would have made life even more stressed when we were struggling financially and then adapting to E's illness.

And yes, there is a certain satisfaction in raising "kids". Enjoying watching them grow, becoming more independent and have a bit of pride knowing you did a good job parenting.


Now that my boys are older, my relationship with E has changed. Instead of the teamwork, take care of the kids relationship.. the romance and loving couple together relationship has bloomed. I hope that makes sense...

 

[funnygarcia]

I'm going to the farmers market tomorrow.... without the kids. any of them. KIDLESS. As in... NO CHILDREN. I don't know what I am going to do. I ALWAYS have at least one of them with me. AND... I am going with a FRIEND!!! I know. I am beside myself.

woohoo!
Hope you enjoyed your mama break!

I'm sure it felt very odd to be kidless, moms need breaks to stay sane!

 

[sameyeyam]

Hubby had his just months after N was born, it might have been a little rushed at the time .. but in hindsight it was likely the best choice as he was diagnosed with kidney failure just a month after the procedure. Another baby in the mix would have made life even more stressed when we were struggling financially and then adapting to E's illness.

And yes, there is a certain satisfaction in raising "kids". Enjoying watching them grow, becoming more independent and have a bit of pride knowing you did a good job parenting.


Now that my boys are older, my relationship with E has changed. Instead of the teamwork, take care of the kids relationship.. the romance and loving couple together relationship has bloomed. I hope that makes sense...

In retrospect we should have had Bruce's done right after Cooper was born. I think we knew then that our family was complete. But I guess it was just hard to make that final decision. Honestly, I think when most people start discussing it, they've pretty much decided, they just don't maybe realize it yet.

And yes I do understand exactly what you are talking about watching them grow. It's a very satisfying feeling seeing the kids grow up. I agree too about the couple relationship starting to come back into the equation. When the kids are little it seems like most of your energy is focused on them. It's kinda nice to have a nice dinner now and not just talk about kids.

 

[sameyeyam]

So I went car shopping for DD today. She doesn't know anything about this. I started looking at entry level new cars. Then I finally came to the conclusion that I prefer she is in something a little bit bigger and nicer.

SO.....I asked myself if I were 17 years old and my parent's surprised me with a new car, what would I want (that is within reason of course). And the answer is a Mustang!!!! Smaller, yet not to small, sporty and fits within our budget.

Unfortunately most of the car dealerships have suspended the Cash for Clunkers program this weekend. However, Monday when the Senate hopefully votes yes on the additional $2,000,000,000 we will be the proud owners of a brand spankin' new Mustang for DD. Out of pocket cost will be about $10-$12,000.

So I have put our order in for a V-6 Mustang(gotta keep the insurance low), color choice in this order (Blue, Red, Black, Silver, White...no green, no yellow). We prefer an automatic, but will go with a 5 speed if no automatic's available in our price range.

I'm so excited, even though it won't be my car. I just can't imagine how she's going to feel when she see's it...I bet she starts screaming and crying. I think this is my dream come true (if I were 17 again).

 

[Albort]

So I went car shopping for DD today. She doesn't know anything about this. I started looking at entry level new cars. Then I finally came to the conclusion that I prefer she is in something a little bit bigger and nicer.

SO.....I asked myself if I were 17 years old and my parent's surprised me with a new car, what would I want (that is within reason of course). And the answer is a Mustang!!!! Smaller, yet not to small, sporty and fits within our budget.

Unfortunately most of the car dealerships have suspended the Cash for Clunkers program this weekend. However, Monday when the Senate hopefully votes yes on the additional $2,000,000,000 we will be the proud owners of a brand spankin' new Mustang for DD. Out of pocket cost will be about $10-$12,000.

So I have put our order in for a V-6 Mustang(gotta keep the insurance low), color choice in this order (Blue, Red, Black, Silver, White...no green, no yellow). We prefer an automatic, but will go with a 5 speed if no automatic's available in our price range.

I'm so excited, even though it won't be my car. I just can't imagine how she's going to feel when she see's it...I bet she starts screaming and crying. I think this is my dream come true (if I were 17 again).

hey, when buying a car, never go to a dealership... ask them via internet...
the past few cars that i help ppl buy(like 4 cars), i got maybe 3k-4k off the MSRP Price. I had a dealership that offered soo low, the other dealership was like, okay, thanks for your time but we cant beat that price...

 

[funnygarcia]

Haven't heard from E yet if everything got there in one piece.. but we did have success at the check in counter.. no charges and just a few moments of angst.
It was hilarious to watch the reactions as we walked up to the airline check in.. I noticed the TSA agent leaning way over the counter , scrutinizing the cart overloaded with boxes. Pulled up to an available Sun Country airlines agent, she is already raising eyebrows and wrinkling her nose. Stopped her right away "life sustaining medical supplies".

E was tired, he had dialyzed that morning and also late the night before.. I think he took off too much fluid and felt a little washed out.

I took over and decided to be the "B" to politely and firmly tell the agents that :

1. Yes it was all for one person "oh, uhh let me check with..."

2. It didn't matter how much it weighs, no weight limit for medical devices.

"uhh I will have to check with someone..." (weighed in at 100.5, they let the matter drop)

3. Asked him to sign something.. DH stopped and asked.. "what is it?"
Teeny tiny print "waiver of liability" ... we both said "NO".
Pulled out an article that cites the disability FAA code that states liability limits do not apply for medical devices.

"uhh, I have to check with someone... "




Success! Six boxes of fluid , one 100 pound machine, one box of supplies and an IV pole later... Just one charge for his bag of clothing ($15).

This time he was flying out of the smaller terminal, they only have three budget airlines (Sun Country, Southwest, Airtran) and charter flights . I'm sure they have never come across anything like a dialysis machine before.

His last flight was thru Frontier in the main terminal, it's always busy and security/TSA is super efficient.. thousands of people per hour through the 3 checkpoints. Agents there had no concerns and told him "we're going to believe that you need all of this.. why would someone lie about needing dialysis? " Very true, why would someone lie and go through the hassle of packing that many bags and boxes? And admit they had a life limiting disease

I feel smug and satisfied... petty of me I know.

His principal siddled up next to me during the process.. "How's it going? Need any help?" and gave an eye roll nudge nudge Naw... we got it under control. I like her! I knew she would be the type to politely, firmly and throw a little extra "I'm boss here" attitude if needed.


E is in good hands

 

[stitch1986]

so this weekend I got all my tickets for disneyland,six flags and knotts berry farm super excited!!!! cant wait only 21 days left!!!! hope everyone had a good weekend

 

[dizzyami]

I was pretty sure after we had DS that we were done. For a couple of years we talked about DH getting a V. But then when DS was about 3-4 we started thinking maybe we might want another. But then as he reached about 5yo and DD was 11yo, we started thinking it was kind of nice to have older kids. You know, the age where they can pour their own bowl of cereal, tie their own shoes, etc...So when DS was 5 I sent DH to get the big V. He was a bit freaked out to do it, he spent a weekend in the recliner with a bag of peas, had lifting restrictions for a week or so. But it really didn't hurt as bad as he thought it would.

My opinion, if you think you're done now, you are! Boy does it sure make birth control much easier. Plus I think you can enjoy yourself more, because you're not worrying about getting pregnant all the time.

Babies are nice, but kids are nice too. I think after DH had his, we could concentrate more on just enjoying watching the kids grow and being content that our family was complete. Besides, we figured if we REALLY ever changed our mind we could always adopt. But that hasn't happened. Not to mention as you get older, you get more tired and the thought of having a baby full time to take care of seems a little less appealing than it does when you're younger.

DH is very anti the big "V". It was in our "marriage clause" (yeah, not like this was official or anything . My clause was to not have to clean up puke. I am quite happy though with my 5 year plan renewal - I really really really like the side effects

So I went car shopping for DD today. She doesn't know anything about this. I started looking at entry level new cars. Then I finally came to the conclusion that I prefer she is in something a little bit bigger and nicer.

SO.....I asked myself if I were 17 years old and my parent's surprised me with a new car, what would I want (that is within reason of course). And the answer is a Mustang!!!! Smaller, yet not to small, sporty and fits within our budget.

Unfortunately most of the car dealerships have suspended the Cash for Clunkers program this weekend. However, Monday when the Senate hopefully votes yes on the additional $2,000,000,000 we will be the proud owners of a brand spankin' new Mustang for DD. Out of pocket cost will be about $10-$12,000.

So I have put our order in for a V-6 Mustang(gotta keep the insurance low), color choice in this order (Blue, Red, Black, Silver, White...no green, no yellow). We prefer an automatic, but will go with a 5 speed if no automatic's available in our price range.

I'm so excited, even though it won't be my car. I just can't imagine how she's going to feel when she see's it...I bet she starts screaming and crying. I think this is my dream come true (if I were 17 again).

Haven't heard from E yet if everything got there in one piece.. but we did have success at the check in counter.. no charges and just a few moments of angst.
It was hilarious to watch the reactions as we walked up to the airline check in.. I noticed the TSA agent leaning way over the counter , scrutinizing the cart overloaded with boxes. Pulled up to an available Sun Country airlines agent, she is already raising eyebrows and wrinkling her nose. Stopped her right away "life sustaining medical supplies".

E was tired, he had dialyzed that morning and also late the night before.. I think he took off too much fluid and felt a little washed out.

I took over and decided to be the "B" to politely and firmly tell the agents that :

1. Yes it was all for one person "oh, uhh let me check with..."

2. It didn't matter how much it weighs, no weight limit for medical devices.

"uhh I will have to check with someone..." (weighed in at 100.5, they let the matter drop)

3. Asked him to sign something.. DH stopped and asked.. "what is it?"
Teeny tiny print "waiver of liability" ... we both said "NO".
Pulled out an article that cites the disability FAA code that states liability limits do not apply for medical devices.

"uhh, I have to check with someone... "




Success! Six boxes of fluid , one 100 pound machine, one box of supplies and an IV pole later... Just one charge for his bag of clothing ($15).

This time he was flying out of the smaller terminal, they only have three budget airlines (Sun Country, Southwest, Airtran) and charter flights . I'm sure they have never come across anything like a dialysis machine before.

His last flight was thru Frontier in the main terminal, it's always busy and security/TSA is super efficient.. thousands of people per hour through the 3 checkpoints. Agents there had no concerns and told him "we're going to believe that you need all of this.. why would someone lie about needing dialysis? " Very true, why would someone lie and go through the hassle of packing that many bags and boxes? And admit they had a life limiting disease

I feel smug and satisfied... petty of me I know.

His principal siddled up next to me during the process.. "How's it going? Need any help?" and gave an eye roll nudge nudge Naw... we got it under control. I like her! I knew she would be the type to politely, firmly and throw a little extra "I'm boss here" attitude if needed.


E is in good hands

Glad you got it all worked out with the airline!! Hope all goes well for him!!!

 

[dizzyami]

M O V I N G D A Y ! ! ! ! ! ! !