Life lately in the Lawmaster household has been anything but fun as of recent. We all came down with forms of the same sickness. Fortunately we have all recovered.
Originally I thought it was a new recipe that Rachel had tried, Baked chicken thighs with brown sugar. I think it really might have been part of a larger sickness going around our area.
Little Amelia saw the effects first. She spit up ( or should I say threw up) almost half of a couple of her bottles, was warm and somewhat fussy for a day. Some children’s Tylenol made her much better.
Rachel saw her effects span over a two day period. It started with nausea and diahhrea on the first day and ended with body aches, fever and a general not feeling well on the second day. She felt much better after a day of rest.
My case became overly complex and is becoming a nightmare in process. I woke up on the same day that Rachel’s symptoms started feeling the same nausea and diahhrea, but with the addition of severe body aches.
I didn’t have to be at work until noon, so I thought I would sleep in the Kelley School of Business changing rooms – a place I often nap in during lunch. The 3 hour nap helped me tremendously, but didn’t get rid of the severe body aches that made even walking a nightmare.
Due to the strict attendance policies in place at my job, I thought I would give working a go. The lab that I work in on that day requires some physical stamina, as I have to cover this lab, this lab, this lab and this lab. I tried my hardest to fulfill my duties, but was unable and thought it would be best for me to leave and see a doctor.
I went to my doctor’s walk-in clinic. Where I was almost immediately seen. They took my vital signs, asked me what I was having problems with and then had me give a urine specimen which I thought was quite odd. Then the waiting began. I waited an hour before I was seen by a nurse practitioner, who for some strange reason thinks my appendix was (and still is) about to burst.
I was then directed to take some blood tests and immediately go to the hospital for a CT scan. I’ll never forget what the nurse told me, “you cannot pass go, you cannot collect $200 – go straight to the hospital.”
I get to the hospital, where I then went to pickup a contrast agent that I had to drink with Gatorade. Thank god for the Gatorade. I learned later that particular contrast is used to be able to see the digestive tract. Then more waiting. I waited for two and a half hours before I even got the scan! I then had to wait almost two more hours to get the results, which I got from that same nurse practitioner via phone call!
She said that I had a large amount of lymph nodes that were swollen and my white blood cell count was up significantly but there were no signs that my appendix was in trouble. In layman’s terms, my body is fighting a infection of some sort. She then prescribed me 4 antibiotics, which I’m not taking. I believe I have MRSA and I have read that antibiotics actually perpetuate the spreading of these potentially killer infections.
After finally getting home at almost 9pm, I drank a couple shots of my cure all, Nyquil and went to bed. I woke up the next morning feeling like a brand new man!
Today I got a call from the walk-in clinic. They want me to do another CT scan in 3 months to make sure I’m okay. WTF? This sounds like either a very inexperienced health care provider, or an organization that is trying to generate some revenue through services that are not needed. I don’t think I’m going to go to that particular walk-in clinic again.
It’s a new year and a new decade (for those who believe).
I’m still taking classes at Ivy Tech and this semester will make me or break me. I’m taking MATH-111, Intermediate Algebra and CINS-102, Information Systems Fundamentals.
I took the math course years ago, and failed miserably. I don’t know why exactly, but I do know that I have much more desire and drive to succeed than I did back then. My instructor seems like a really nice guy who is good at explaining concepts and ensuring everyone understands. Something lacking in instructors at that school.
My CINS course seems to be another story however. While I believe the content of the course shouldn’t be too hard, the instructor’s attitude clashes with me in a big way. I won’t go into specifics, but I would change courses if I could. This course focuses on XHTML, HTML and CSS. The main focus of this class is to create a web site and to learn how to manage it on a Unix server. Ivy Tech has one for student use, it’s name is Bob.
Little Amelia is growing and changing like never before. At her last checkup, Dr. Laughlin said this would be a period of “social explosion.” Boy was he right. She loves using her voice, and discovering what new sounds she can make. She also likes to support her own weight by “standing” with support from someone.
She has also learned how to grasp and hold objects. Her rattle and yellow duck are her favorites at this point. She tracks objects with her eyes, which are beautifully deep.
Rachel has been on maternity leave since the birth of our daughter. However, all good things must come to an end. She went back to work on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Next week she goes back full time. I’ve noticed it’s difficult on her, but it’s good for her to have time away and get a greater appreciation of our little miracle. We found a stay at home mom who will be watching Amelia. She has a 4 year old daughter, named Madison who adores Snow White.
Today I officially sent in my resignation to the CSR or what I would like to call “the window to hell.” I wasn’t scheduled at all for last semester, which was really hard on our checkbook. I looked and looked and in the end a co-worker at TS, Kasey became the connection to my new 2nd job, TCC or Technology Center Consulting. It is a division of UITS which is Indiana University’s information technology department. TCC’s primary objective is to staff the numerous computing labs around campus. We also help students in the dorms with networking issues. I have worked one week with them and it’s been interesting to say the least!
On Monday I went under the knife. I had the battery in my VNS device replaced. This device is very important, as it’s the only treatment that has ever kept me seizure free.
The original plan was to replace my existing model 102 with the newer and smaller model 103. With the main advantages of it being smaller with the same battery life and it having a count down timer. The count down timer feature is great because it enables my neurologist to plan the right time to schedule replacement surgery.
As it turned out, I received the model 102, not a huge deal. My surgery went well – it only lasted 30 minutes! We arrived at the hospital at 9am and were out by 1pm. After leaving the hospital we immediately went to my neurologist’s office so he could turn my new implant on.
I went back to work today and am feeling okay. I feel like I over worked my right shoulder with a touch of a burning sensation. With the help of some pain medication, it’s not that bad. I do have a lifting restriction for two weeks. At 5-10 pounds, it eliminates me picking up Amelia. I want to so bad, but don’t want to tear anything and make my healing progress.
I’ve noticed a sore throat for the last two nights starting about 7 o’clock and lasting through the night. Rachel said that I had the same complaint when I had my first surgery, but I don’t remember that.
Hopefully I can have 5 more years of seizure free living.
Tuesday, October 13th 2009 at 8:30am. An angel was sent to us via mommy’s tummy. Her name: Amelia Josephine!
After Rachel’s last OB appointment, it was decided that she was rather large and it would be best for her to come here via C-section. Weighing 9 pounds, 9.8 ounces, she was rather large. It seems that isn’t a bad thing as I haven’t heard anything otherwise from either the OB or her pediatrician, Dr. Laughlin.
There were minimal issues with her birth, she had some extra fluids in her lungs due to not being “squeezed” out of the birth canal. Rachel was sutured, but a slight mishap occured with them and it created a small hole where one spot did not fuse together. I have been treating it with Neosporin and it is healing greatly.
We spent 4 days in the hospital to ensure Rachel properly healed before venturing forth and becoming an active mom. Then the real fun began. The safety and security of the hospital created a fear of being on our own with this little one.
Since then we have been adjusting to fill her every need. It’s been tiring, yet satisfying at the same time. I wasn’t as involved in this crucial stage of my first daughter’s life, so I’ve learned a lot.
Now we spend most of our day eating, sleeping or changing diapers.
Big sister Taylor just loves her new sister to death. She bought her a Minnie Mouse, which Amelia adores. Minnie sits on her changing table and Amelia stares at Minnie as if she’s in deep thought about what she is exactly.
The kitties are still getting adjusted to the change. They have both noticed the lack of attention they are receiving, and sometimes force their way into receiving some by jumping on us while we’re sitting. I’d like to think they love her, but I’ll let time be the judge on that one.
My time thus far has been taken up significantly by her care and needs. Mommy does need a break! Today I started back at work full-time. I hope Rachel is doing fine today, I really do.
Five years ago tomorrow, I became a husband. While I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into back then, I actually appreciate it now. Five years really doesn’t sound like much, but it’s an accomplishment in today’s world.
Throughout these years, Rachel and I have accomplished many things together. We bought a house, she got her master’s degree, I lost my job and now our newest adventure, our first child.
Our lives before each other were as different as night and day, but our beliefs have kept us close in many ways. I think it’s the core reason why our bond has lasted. It’s a case of opposites attracting. Our bond has done nothing but grow closer over time, something I hope doesn’t end anytime soon.
We will be celebrating our 5th anniversary with a trip down to French Lick. We’re going to spend a night at the French Lick Springs Hotel and perhaps do a little gambling. The traditional gift of the 5 year anniversary is wood. While the trip is our gift to each other, I have to break the rules and buy a present. While I can’t say what it is yet, I know she will be pleasantly surprised.
I hope to get a chance to relax, as I haven’t had much time to do that in a while. School starts back up in 11 days, and I’m back to work at TS full time right now, but that will be scaled back to 24 hours a week at the end of the month.
Today is my father’s 58th birthday as well, I called and left him a message this morning. I hope he got it. I love you dad.
August is a very busy month for us. My father’s birthday on the 13th, our anniversary on the 14th and Taylor’s birthday on the 26th.
We officially finished the remodeling portion of our basement area over the weekend. Rachel, Taylor and I applied the epoxy basement floor coating on Friday night. It required 24 hours to fully cure, so by the time her family arrived on Sunday we were able to give the first full tour of our proud accomplishment.
Here is what the space looked like when we purchased this place. It was dark, dingy and uninviting.
Until now, we mainly used the space as a place to “put stuff.” We didn’t use or utilize it for any meaningful purpose. We knew the time would come when we would have to use it, and that time came quickly.
One issue that we weren’t sure about was if we had any structural issues. The downstairs would get water when it rained heavily. The first step was to take out all the old paneling and carpet and get the space down to its bones. To our luck, there were no visible issues. We corrected a majority of the water issues with a repair to the gutters.
We had many decisions to make, all of which were extremely difficult. We needed to decide what to cover the walls and floor with, whether or not to install new cable and phone lines. Many of these decisions brought on major arguments-in which we were able to bring to the surface any issues we had with each option.
In the end we decided to go with new paneling, an epoxy basement floor coating, and to add some electrical outlets and completely rewire our homes phone and cable lines. We decided to add a wired LAN as well.
The only step left is to connect all the new phone, cable and LAN wires, which I plan on doing this week. I will then officially move my office to a space we have dedicated for that purpose.
The other area, which I am calling the “Den” we have purchased and placed 2 futons and added an area rug. We needed a space for guests to stay, and this space is perfect.
We did not remodel our fireplace, as all aspects of fireplaces are very expensive. The things I want to do are not major, but are expensive. I hope to have that complete within a couple of years. There’s nothing more comfortable and calming to me than laying by a fire listening to music or reading.
I now have a bedroom to remodel for our growing arrival, baby girl Lawmaster!
Much time and effort has been spent recently on finishing the basement. My dad came over 2 days this week and helped me, and Rachel has helped me when possible.
I finished installing the new paneling on Friday and we starting installing trim today. To help save money, we have went with a “rustic” look. Instead of using “regular” trim, we are using 1×4 standard boards for baseboards and ceiling trim. We are going to leave them unfinished to help with the effect. We are then using pre-finished trim for inside and outside corners and filler strips. These pre-finished pieces are interesting, as the finish isn’t a stain or wax, but like a sticker.
My plans for tomorrow are to work on the trim some more, and get as far as I can. I start summer classes on Monday, so I will need to rest up as my first class is at 8am. We are also going to look at 3 futons for possible purchase.
Our plans were pushed way up due to an unforeseen email I received from my aunt Beth. She’s coming out! They should be here July 3rd. We always stay with her when we go to see them in Oklahoma, so we need to return the favor and show her some Hoosier hospitality. We have currently planned taking a tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as they’re big racing fans, fireworks at Memorial Stadium and a tour of Monroe Reservoir.
We’ve decided to purchase 2 futons for our sitting area downstairs, to make it cozy and a good sleeping area. We are also bumping up our plans to install a shower downstairs for my aunts arrival. This way any guests we have will have their own full bathroom.
We will soon get to finally utilitize all of the space in our home, and not just half of it!
I’ve been too busy lately with all of my on-going projects to post any lately. Since I’ve got some free time, let me update you about the ongoings happening in my life.
It’s a Girl: We found out last Wednesday that we’re expecting a baby girl. While Rachel is happy she’s having her first child, I’m a bit indifferent. I’m not saying that I’m disappointed, I was just hoping for a boy – merely because I already have a daughter. She was acting up during the ultrasound and wouldn’t let the technician get a good look at her heart, so Rachel is going to have another ultrasound during her next appointment, just to make sure she’s developing normally. We have had a boy’s name picked out for over a year now, but have been having trouble with a girl one. We’ve finally decided on 2 – which we are keeping secret until she’s born.
Remodeling Blues: I’ve been over-occupied lately with remodeling. While I have made a lot of progress, there is still much to do. Last week I finished the next to last set of wires I need to pull. It was a complete nightmare, but this will give us some flexibility in the layout of our living room in the future. My next job is to cover up our duct run and post downstairs. We have decided to use some decorator panels downstairs instead of paneling or drywall. These panels are relatively inexpensive and will eliminate the majority of painting we would need to do with our original plan. I hope to get the downstairs almost complete by the time I go back to school in June.
No Flash: Friday while in the midst of “wire pulling hell” I wanted to take some pictures. I discovered our camera, a Nikon Coolpix 7600 has a problem. The flash isn’t cooperating, you can’t turn it on in most of it’s modes – and even in the modes it does “function” it doesn’t work. We’re working on finding a solution and have found a nice one with the Nikon Coolpix S210. Now it’s just a matter of purchasing it.
Demon’s Are Gone: The spring semester has officially ended. The last few weeks were quite the nail biter, as I did horrible on 2 chapter tests in my Math-050 course. I’m pleased to say that after 10 years of taking this course off and on, I have passed it with an 86%. This summer I am taking 5 courses, this will enable me to finish my degree in 7 semesters. With a baby coming, the sooner the better. The next course I am dreading is Math-111, I took it once and failed. I hope with 050 off my back, and a little help from Rachel I can conquer this as well. I’ve decided to change my degree and concentration. I originally was seeking an Associates of Science in Computer Information Technology with a PC Support & Administration concentration, after reviewing the coursework I know a little about everything. I don’t feel like I’ll be challenged or forced to use my brain to it’s full extent for that matter. I’ve decided to get an Associates of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems with a Programmer / Analyst concentration.
Free Tix: Being a smoker, I get mailings from time to time with coupons, offers, etc. from tobacco companies. I was pleasantly surprised when I received a voucher for free tickets to the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. My mother has received this same offer, but for Kentucky Speedway (as she lives in Louisville). I’ve decided to bring my mother, as I don’t think Rachel will be comfortable in the heat all day. We get free parking and free rental of headset radios to listen in on the teams. I’ve never been to the 500 before, and being free makes it that much better.
It was an amazing trip. Rachel and I have both came to the conclusions that the stigmas regarding New York from the “old days” are still around, at least where we live. We felt safe at all times, and only saw a handful of homeless. I saw many people out trying to help the homeless. They seem to have people on every block asking for donations.
The first day we arrived late in the day due to plane delays, so we just walked around a little bit and ate dinner. Our hotel, the Marriott Marquis is located right in the heart of Times Square. We could see a sliver of the new years ball from our hotel room.
Enjoy the slideshow containing all of our pictures from the trip!
I am currently in NYC with my wife who has a conference with NAGAP. While she’s busy, I’m at play exploring Manhattan. I’m taking many pictures and will write a blog explaining my adventures.
Last night Rachel and I had a computer meltdown. My main hard drive was not responding, so I rebooted to get a “disk read error.” I removed the computer and cleaned it out, switched some power cables – which lead to a rant about all of our computing issues.
I’m purchased a new 160 gig hard drive to replace the failing one. I was surprised at the price for a small hard drive these days, for $40 you can buy a 160 gig!
This is mainly a band-aid on a bigger problem, but I’ll remain optomistic.
So far I have mostly completed the office area of the basement, it just needs new paneling, paint and the floor coating.
I have begun on the other side of the basement, beginning with the removal of the hideous ceiling fan. It worked, but did not fit the look or atmosphere we want in our home. I had a fun time trying to wire the replacement light fixture we put in it’s place, as it had a remote switch wiring scheme.
I have not completed much work on the other side besides the removal of the paneling and replacing the one fixture. From what I can tell, our walls are sound. We did have a slight worry since we have a pine tree about 10 feet away from that corner of the house.
We recently had the corners of our gutters repaired, which I think may have been the root of our water leakage issues.
There is one issue that I’m still trying to wrap my brain around, and that’s how I’m going to run new cable, phone and LAN lines to the exterior wall in the living room. I had believed that there was a line directly going to the corner of this room, as the label on it said “attic.” I was wrong. Access to this particular spot is difficult due to the placement of our fireplace. This particular spot is almost just above the fireplace. I’ve always wanted a fireplace, but for this particular instance I do not.
My concrete repair work started out slow, but is going much better now.
When I attempted this method of repairing, I came into many issues. When my sander would contact the patch, the patch would fly out of the hole. So I changed my game plan, and just filled the hole and not the surrounding areas as well. This method has went so well that I would like to do the whole basement, but Rachel will have none of that. She just wants the rooms done.
Our next few weeks are booked, so the time I have to dedicate to working on this is little at the moment. I have basically the same things to do on this side as I did in the office. The key difference is there is less wall area to renovate. I guesstimate that with only 2 or 3 more weekends, I will be ready to put new paneling up.
We officially began remodeling our basement on Saturday. Rachel and I removed the trim to all the paneling. Sunday I got ancy and removed the paneling and installed a new light fixture. What was waiting for us was shocking and interesting at the same time.
First surprise: Ants!
What you are seeing is not dirt, it’s ants. They must have been living behind the paneling for years. When I removed the corner pieces they just came flying out. We hosed them down with some mean stuff that we have. It was very surprising to me that they could live behind there without coming out. There isn’t much behind the wall except for wood, insulation and concrete blocks.
Second Surprise: Pepsi Bottle!
Behind the hollow wall that our utility room shares was this bottle. We’ve traced it down to being made between 1960 and 1967. The puzzling thing is that our house was built in 1974. Not being alive during this time, I’m not sure how long glass bottles stayed in circulation. My dad told me that it’s possible that this bottle was still in use during the construction of our home. We cleaned it up and will give it to my father-in-law the next time we see him. My dad collects these things, but I think it would be more special to Joe.
This is where my progress has ended as of now. I haven’t removed the insulation on the walls yet, but from what I can tell thus far it is in good shape. If there is no mold on it I will reuse it and add a vapor barrier.
We have split the downstairs into 2 seperate areas for remodeling purposes. This makes for 2 smaller jobs versus 1 bigger one, thus making it more manageable. I have some re-wiring work to do as our home was constructed “pre-cable.” It has plenty of flat antenna cable, but not RG6 (what is used for cable and satellite TV). I am also re-wiring all of our phone outlets, as right now they are shoddy at best. I had to re-wire them to make our DSL connection work.
Once all the backend work is done, I’m going to put the paneling back up. I’m hoping to save as much of this as possible, but much of it is rotted or has big holes in it from 30+ years of living. I’m going to call my “daughter’s mother’s step-dad” to put the trim back up. He’s a master carpenter – someone needed for some of the complex angles this has.
After that’s done twice, we will paint the paneling to lighten up the area. There is only 1 window for the entire downstairs and it can be a little creepy down there. Then onto the floor. The first step is repairing the surface. There was carpet in there originally, and after removal of the tack strips it has caused little chips to be removed. Shouldn’t be a hard problem to solve. Then onto the finish, we have been discussing 2 viable options, concrete stain or epoxy coating. I’m a fan of concrete stain, as it gives a very nice appearance. Rachel is a fan of epoxy coating as it’s a bit cheaper.
After all this is over I then have a bedroom to re-do. This bedroom is where I’m writing this right now. It has a shelving unit that was crudely attached which I’m removing. After repairing the drywall there isn’t much work to do except paint and a new closet door.
Those are the plans, but I’m sure there will be some bumps in the road. I’ll be writing as often as I can to document the first “real” remodel of our home. I can’t wait to see my Home Office / Man Cave become a reality!
I’ve got some mighty big news to share. I’m going to be a father for the second time in my life.
We found this out several weeks ago, but wanted to wait until the first appointment. We didn’t want to tell the world, just to tell them that there are problems and so on.
The news has been both shocking and exciting. It means I have many things to do around the house in preparation for the new child.
I have to remodel our downstairs to move my office down there. I then have to remodel the new nursery to make it hospitable for a child.
There’s much to be done, and the clock is now officially ticking. The due date is October 6th – I believe.
There have been many things going on lately. With the holiday season and new years over, I’m reflecting on all the activities we’ve been pre-occupied with.
Christmas, as always is a very complicated time for us. We went to 3 family events, my grandma Lawmaster’s on the 23rd, my in-law’s on the 24th and my memma’s on Christmas day. We then had “after” Christmas get togethers for my daughter, who spent her Christmas with her mother.
Rachel and I finally stopped schmoozing off of my mother for our cell phone service and got our own plan. We decided to switch back to AT&T, due to a 12% IU discount, and cheaper plan. I finally got a smart-phone, a Samsung Blackjack II while Rachel decided she liked a red LG Shine. It was very interesting to go through this process again. We haven’t been officially on a cell phone plan for 4 years. While researching how much this would cost us upfront, the difference in how much and where was astounding.
On the AT&T Premier website (dedicated to business & enterprise): For the mentioned phones, we were looking at about $325.00 in up front costs. We would receive a $50 mail in rebate in the form of a debit card.
For the same phones at Best Buy, $50! I’m not kidding. I was blown away. The only difference is that we had to set up our IU discount separately, which just took a phone call.
We painted our bedroom finally, it’s a nice yellow hue. When mentioning it to people I tell them that the color is what you would get if you mixed yellow and brown mustard. It looks real nice, now onto the curtains. Hopefully they will be nice.
I will be starting school next week. I am entering the CIT (computer information technology) program at Ivy Tech. Within a few years, I should have a degree in a field I love, which can hopefully help me attain some real employment.
Sunday as Rachel, Taylor and I were heading to my grandma’s for some delicious vegetable soup, my truck died. I was able to get it re-started to get it turned around and on the way back to our home. It stopped about 50 feet shy of our driveway, and in the middle of our road. We tried to push, but it wouldn’t budge.
An argument ensued, and I decided we leave it there for the moment and enjoy some soup to warm our souls. We would return to move the truck soon enough.
When we returned, we couldn’t get the truck out of Park. It just wouldn’t budge. I don’t believe it’s my ignition switch again, cause we can crank the truck and the steering wheel isn’t locked up.
All in all, there are 2 problems affecting my truck that if taken to a shop will cost around $1,000 to fix. My fuel pump has bit the dust, and some safety device which prevents the transmission from coming out of Park.
With the help of my neighbor Bill, I removed the drive shaft and we pulled my truck with Rachel’s Kia.
I can save myself about $600 by installing the fuel pump myself. There are many “ifs” in this situation though. I’ve never replaced one before, the weather is not conducive to working in the cold, did I mention it’s cold?
Rachel wants to just get rid of the truck, but it’s imperitive that we have a second mode of transportation. Should I get a job somewhere not on the IU campus, I will need a way to get there.
With the trucks’ current condition, we would have to give it away. Something I’m not willing to do.
I hope the truck isn’t still broken down by the time we need it, such as 6+ inches of snow.
On a weird statistical note, this is my 200th post to this blog. I really thought I had written more than that, but not.
The troubling part is the reason why I’m writing this entry. Rachel and I have been trying to be closer, as we’ve been going through a spell where we are more like roomies than spouses. It’s really bugged me, and I think it has bugged her too. We have made some strides in our relationship, but as my dad famously says “almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.”
I’ve been having some serious problems in the intimate department of our relationship. It’s not that I don’t desire my wife anymore, I just can’t perform. Basically at all. It makes it hard to be close (in that way) when you know you don’t even have a chance to perform the duties you were designed to do.
I had my yearly appointment with my neurologist this week and I asked him several questions about possible side effects of the two anti-convulsant medications I take, Keppra and Carbatrol. He told me that those two medications do indeed have sexual side effects and almost instantly offered to prescribe me my pick of something for “ED.”
It was almost like a knee-jerk reaction, and it kind of scared me. I guess his adrenaline levels finally got in check and he ordered some labs for me. Mainly my testosterone and thyroid levels.
I found out today that my testosterone levels are, “extremely low for a person of my age” according to my neurologist. This has put me into a tailspin of feelings and emotions regarding my health.
Should a otherwise healthy 28 year old be taking Viagra? It’s excluded by my insurance, which makes it almost non reachable financially. I called the pharmacy to see what the cost of this would be, $144 for 12 pills. With all of lifes’ expenses, this is one we can do without.
I then called to make an appointment with my General Physician, Dr. Bannec. He’s a great guy, and I’ve seen him since I was 17. Hopefully he knows of or can find a better financially suited treatment for me than these $12 a shot “happy pills.”
I’m not complaining about my neurologist as this isn’t really his field. I’m actually happy he ordered the lab work so we could find the root of the problem.
I just hope life, especially my intimate life can get back to normal as soon as possible.
This weekend Rachel and I cleaned our vehicles. The weather was beautiful, and the vehicles were begging for it.
As a teenager I detailed various automobiles professionally for Royal on the Eastside. The highlight of my career was when I detailed Bobby Knight’s car. The exciting part was delivering the keys to him. I had to interrupt an IU basketball practice session.
Back to the point. Neither of us had waxed our vehicles for at least 3 years, and it was really showing. I used to be very anal about the amount of wax (minimum of 2 coats). I would spend a few hours every weekend maintaining the appearance of my ride.
As you can see, my truck has a big problem on the hood. It’s a common problem with GM vehicles actually. All in all I think it still shines pretty good for an 11 year old vehicle.
Rachel’s little Rio is clean and happy. This car takes the brunt of our transportation needs. Since we carpool, we take her car. It gets great gas mileage, and you can put that car just about anywhere! We’ve been talking recently about trading the Rio in on something more suited for our needs.
I plan on keeping my truck until it’s wheels fall off. It’s good to have “the old standby” around, just in case you need a second vehicle. Plus it helps with some of the hauling tasks required of a homeowner.
While my truck isn’t the most eco-friendly vehicle, it is only driven an average of 8k miles a year. It also helps with getting around in the sometimes treacherous winters.
Today the RCA Dome, better known to all as the Hoosier Dome was deflated.
This was done to assist in demolition, as it has been replaced by Lucas Oil Stadium (In the background). The space occupied by the RCA dome will become yet another expansion of the Indiana Convention Center.
Many memories were made in the dome, but no more will be made there. Rachel and I purchased a piece of that roof as a keepsake. I highly recommend to buy one yourself if you have any fond memories of the dome.
I took this panorama picture the last time we visited the dome during ISSMA marching band finals. We were there to see my niece Sabrina play the clarinet for Forest Park.
To get a better grasp of the scale, look at the 1/2 size version here. I had to make the picture that much smaller just to fit within flickr’s size limitation.
Back in the day, J&B on the ROX did an episode based on the changing of the dome’s name. It’s called “The RCA State” and definitely good viewing.
These are the changes I don’t really like to see. I still miss Market Square Arena.
Living, learning and searching for where I belong in life. This blog chronicles the ups and downs of my life. From home improvement, my never ending job search, parenthood, education to running a small business. I'm a student of all, but a master of none. If you have a question, I might have an answer for you, or know where you can find it. Magic is my middle name, Btown is my home, and knowledge is what I'm always seeking.
Recent Comments
Editor B: Your evident sincerity shames me, Magic Man. Since you are confessedly not interested in the Big Sports...
Dustin Rice: I am Ben’s grandson. I’ve always known he was an amazing artist but this was the first time...
Jon Johanson: I recently inherited an original painting titled “mother and child”. It is a beautiful...
George John Warren: I have 3 pieces of Ben Adair Shoemaker art Evening Moon circa 1996. Original Painting Buffalo...
Editor B: Wow. I know we’ve compared epilepsy notes before but I didn’t realize you had this device...
