Sunday, August 31, 2008

Reading is Sexy

I have been reading a lot lately. Since I don't have to read text books for now I can do so for pleasure. I have been an avid reader most of my life once I learned how. I had a lot of trouble learning to read in grade school. I was in the easy reader - slow group well into my fourth grade year. When I finally got it I went crazy reading. My first book series I read was by Laura Ingalls Wilder. She wrote the "Little House" books. I still have the scholastic books I got in fourth grade! I read them with my boys. Wil really enjoyed the book "Farmer Boy". We even tried some of the recipes in the book. He did a book report on this book in the fourth grade.

A couple months ago I went to Powells for a specific book. After I found what I was after I browsed a bit. I started by cruising some authors I like to see if there was new books I would be interested in. After that I looked around to see what caught my eye. Titles, covers or blurbs written by staff. I found some new reads that way. I picked what I wanted to buy and otherwise I wrote down information for future reading adventures. I even looked up some of my finds on the library site. I'm pleased to say I found some new authors I'll be watching.



Karen Templeton writes romance novels like I used to read in eighth grade. I don't read those anymore but she also wrote a couple books using a different publishing house. One that I really liked is called "Loose Screws". Sounds like it was written by me! She has a great style that reminds me of Janet Evanovich (she writes the Stephine Plum books I love) mixed with Carrie Bradshaw (SitC) and genuine characters and story you enjoy. Unfortunately it is a stand alone book instead of a series. When I got near the end of the book I slowed way down. I didn't want it to end knowing there would not be another book.


I have read a few books by Gail Tsukiyama that I really liked. "The Samuria's Garden" was the first one as recommended by my then Sister-in Law. She was in a book club and passed some books on to me. When I read this book I completely forgot this was written by a woman. It is so wonderfully written it "is" from a man's prospective. I really loved this book. I had a cute paperback size hardback of this book. I lent it to someone and never got it back. ; (


Some other books written by Gail Tsukiyama I really liked are called "Dreaming Water" and "Women of the Silk". She writes in such a way that really draws you in. She has a couple more books I would like to read. They are on my list of "reads". What I like about her books is "seeing" the characters and feeling the pain and triumph they feel. Books are a wonderful way to get entertainment and see the perspective of another.



A book I read several years ago I love is called The Red Tent. The author is Anita Diamant.

"The Red Tent retells the story of Dinah, which is found in the Biblical book of Genesis, Chapter 34. This episode, usually known as the "Rape of Dinah" has been a difficult passage for bible readers for centuries because of the murderous behavior of Jacob's sons. In Genesis, Dinah does not say a single word; what happens to her is recounted and characterized as rape by her brothers. In my retelling of the story, Dinah finds her voice. The Red Tent is told entirely from her perspective and the point of view of the women around her." I find this story very powerful. It is a historical fiction but very well written. I re-read this every couple of years. It gives me the same "Girl Power" feeling that Buffy does.



A more recent find from my trip to Powells is two books by Jane Porter called "Odd Mom Out" and "Mrs. Perfect". It is two stories written about the affluent (snobby) side of Seattle suburbs. My ex Sis-in-Law was in that crowd. I would not be able to stand it! The thing I really liked about "Odd Mom Out" is the main character. Her name Marta. She is a zany gal that does things her way. (hum, sounds familiar) There are really two main characters in these books. The first one is Marta and this is the story from her perspective and the second is the story of Taylor Young. The neat twist is it the same story to start in both books. The story is from the main characters perspective. "Odd Mom Out" is Marta's story while "Mrs. Perfect" is Taylor's then it goes beyond the first story of Marta. I really enjoyed that.



Got some favorite books you want to recommend let me know. Always looking for a good read.

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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

A Great Day for the Books

Wanted to say I had a good day. Got things done, walked to the market to get some supplies and did some organizing. The best part of my day? It happened after Deeg and Susu left and I was finishing cleaning the kitchen I felt the Summer evening. The late sun streaming in the window, the background noises of the neighborhood combined with the nice after entertaining feeling I realized something. I haven't missed Summer at all. I just needed to live it. Enjoy the days.

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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Scattered Thoughts


I cant believe I missed another summer! Working, learning and health issues have let another Summer slip by. I told myself after I missed the whole Summer last year with the Ikea opening I would not let that happen again. Summer is the time I see folks more. I've only hung out with Leet once, Susu twice and the Beatcha's a few times. Deeg has been hit and miss with our different work schedules. I'm also used to being active outdoors.


I figured it out last night as I was falling asleep planning my day. I feel disconnected from my neighborhood and the outdoors that makes it feel like I have missed Summer. First because of my feet hurting especially after a day at work then having to limit my activity level away from work because of my DVT I am not out and about. I drive to work and home. I plan trips to the store before or after work so I save gas. The most I see of my neighborhood is where I walk from the car to the building. I seriously hope that changes soon. My connection to my neighborhood and cycling is a big part of who I am.


Deeg and I have not been hiking/photographing for well over a year if not longer! I really enjoy our time meandering through the woods. We take photo's, enjoy the beauty and act extremely silly. We will do silly walks and goofy characters and do a whole show as we hike! Fall is my favorite time of year so maybe (with Doc's okay) we can get out there! Some of my favorite photographs I have taken have been in the fall. I have a favorite that I would like to blow up huge. It shows the change of the leaves up a street and the hill behind. One of these days.
(Check out Sept. 30th 2004 to see fave photo)


Deeg and I let (demand) Wil cook for us every couple weeks. We watch a movie, enjoy good food and have some (a lot) wine. It's nice to hang out a have some laughs. That is always part of the mix with DJ and Wil. That and the last bout have been the majority of my socializing. I did have a movie phase earlier this summer. I think I need to cut myself some slack here. I have had some weird (usual in Marta's World) month.



Wil is cooking us a new recipe tomorrow. He found a chili recipe on the internet that has three different beans and three or four meats. Cocoa powder is in as one of the spices along with three kinds of peppers and two kinds of onions. Deeg didn't know what we should drink with it so he will bring a variety. Wil is really excited to try this recipe out. The guys name is Dave and the show is called "Pro at Cooking". He is pretty funny and knows his stuff.


While Wil cooks and does other Wil-type things I got some chores to do before settling down for the afternoon of fun. Laundry, food shopping, light cleaning and some paperwork. I'm looking forward to a day off from work! I hope to find a moment to look for a permanent position. It would make things more relaxed for me. If I didn't have to pay so much for health insurance monthly and the extra expenses that Blue Cross has after visits to the doctor I could be saving for my house!


I e-mailed one of my teachers from the Pharm Tech program to seek some advice on my next move. He was excited to hear that not only had I passed the National but I had procured a coveted hospital position! He was truly thrilled for me. I asked about getting mixing experience. He said that would be super to get but right now I was a hot commodity. When I think about it most of my classmates went retail. Two gals had hospital jobs already but needed to pass the National. Me with no experience got the hospital position. I need to keep that in mind as I peddle myself around town. It was nice to get a different positive perspective.

I truly is the Year of Marta. Don't you wish you could be me? Too bad, the (coveted) position is permanently filled. ;)

post note: The chili was awesome! Wil took the basic recipe and ran with it. It is a new family favorite. Way to go Wil!

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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Catching up and Tying up Loose Ends

People like to e-mail me or tell me in person their questions or comments about different posts. I will attempt to cover some of those comments. I have been too busy until now. I can get access at work to Blogger (but not gmail) so can post during lunch or in the evening when I am working the window. It can get slow especially at night on the weekends. :)

More than one person has asked me if this is a medical blog? My answer to that is no. However, whatever is happening to me is what I write about. Recently going through perimenopause I do talk about it. I have had a lot of trouble finding information on menopause. This is something that happens to all women to varying degrees yet it is not talked about openly. I find that ridiculous in these medical times! I hope by writing about my experience and sharing any information I get that it will help others. I'm also trying to help men understand the difficulty that relationships can go through as a result of menopause. The physical changes can be subtle on the outside but can be very difficult on the inside. From my experience (before YAZ but on the wrong birth control pills) I would even say it's more difficult to go through than the onset of adolencence. Mood swings, sheer exhaustion, swinging from ridiculously horny or no emotion (zombie like) just to name a few. I spent several months too tired to do anything. Not only is the woman to the point of not caring for lack of real rest but the man may see it as "she does not care for me". That is not the case but you feel like there is a war going on in your body! You just hope you survive.

I cant tell you how many had suggestions on dating I got. As much as I would like to have someone to spend time with I'm not in a hurry to find "my perfect match". Really this is how lazy I am on the whole thing. I'm waiting for someone to magically appear. We would just know each other and hang out. Between work, job hunting and current health issues I wont be on "the prowl" anytime soon. I don't see how I would be able to make time to meet and get to know someone anyway.

Why did you pick Pharmacy Tech as a career? Are you enjoying the work? The picking of this career was a long process. I have written about it a lot so cruise older postings. The short of it is I wanted a career instead of a job to archive the permanence and financial security I have wanted for so long. Plus I get to say I am a Professional Drug Pusher! I can say for the most part I am liking the work but would like to learn more. What I have learned in school and on the the job is really interesting. I want to learn mixing and be in an environment where I use my drug knowledge more. Most of my job doesn't use all I learned and it is slipping away.

If your apartment manager is so bad why not report her or move! If it were only that simple. We did report her and it got me nowhere. The property management company didn't even respond to me. They talked to Her and took her side as fact. Others in the building are feed up (finally) and are rallying for the hanging. One can only hope. ;) As for moving I'm not set up to buy a home yet and I hate moving! I know I have done it a lot in the seven years but cut me some slack. I have been in my current place for three years this month!


Do you really expect to make out with all your girl friends? The answer to that is no. I joke a lot about waiting to make out with the ladies. I do not expect that to happen but straight gals on occasion do like to walk on the wild side. I just let them know I'm available. ;)

My shift is done so more later!

YoM

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Saturday, August 23, 2008

Another Day at the Office (in Marta's World)

Things have been a little crazy the last couple of days. My mom was getting out of the shower yesterday morning and her hip replacement popped out of joint! She couldn't walk or move. She was in immense pain so my dad called an ambulance. Thank goodness he was home! My dad was pretty freaked by the whole thing so after the ambulance left he called me. I headed out to the hospital to be supportive. My mom is like a stoic golden retriever. She can tolerate a lot but when she is in bad pain it shows. She was bad. She didn't go to "my hospital" but the one in my 'hood. I dressed for work and stayed there for a long time. I ended up calling work to say I would be a bit late and why.

I will spare you the gruesome details but they fixed her up and sent her home. It is the hip on the side that she got the knee replaced last year. She was supposed to have her other knee done six months later but she has not done it yet. I'm wondering if one side is too strong and took too much burden and popped. That is something she will discuss with her doc next week. For now she is in one piece and back home.

As for me I am working with my doc (Hematologist) making a life plan for my blood. We will know more after next weeks ultra sound. We are hoping things have thinned out and moved on but I am still at Critical Level on my DVT for a PE. Wil has stayed close to home to keep an eye on me. He checks if I'm still breathing/alive if I sleep in.

Oh, I get some new bling! I get to order a lovely new bracelet declaring my bloods spastic clotting practices. I have a blood condition called Factor V Lieden Mutation. I am in a "hypercoaguable state".(sounds so comic book) The protein in my blood is off and makes my clotting off so kind of I'm the opposite of a Hemophiliac. Cool huh.

Doc is really worried about keeping me around (as in not dying) so no roller derby period. Another clot would be bad (and probably result in a PE) but a head trauma would result in my brain cavity filling up with blood (and clot) then poof no more Marta. Geepers, sounds like our Hero is a goner! Nah!

I will say things are going better on the hormone front. I thought things were going to be near disaster like they were before YAZ but that does not seem to be the case (so far). I'm on a very small dose of a (half the normal dose) mild anti depressant given for perimenopause to help with the mood swings. I'm sure there will be tough days but as usual the glass is half full and filling up!

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Thursday, August 21, 2008

In the Closet?

Things are going well in My World. I started a “seven on” shift at work. I’ll get one day off and do “five on” then another day off and one puts us to the end of the month (I think?!?) or more. At the end of this month I will have completed my three month training. I don’t seem any closer to getting a permanent position but I’m not sure I want one where I’m at. There are some strange vibes, major gossiping and back stabbing. It almost reminds me of high school and makes derby look like a tea party. There are too many people that knew each other outside of work be it 4-H, having another relative or best friend working there. It really makes it a strange dynamic. I’m one of the few outsiders there and one of the last “on-call” folks (Still Standing) that are still there. One of the weirdest parts of this position for me personally is being “in the closet”. It is sooo not Me to not be me! There is a story behind this statement I will get to.


Pharmacy of all the medical areas seems to be the most conservative. (HELP!!!!!) Anyone who remotely knows me knows that does not describe me. To be PC is hard for me. Geez, I'm an open book not hiding in a dark closet! I know understand what Gay's having been going through for years. (Sorry Ava!) It feels like Big Brother is on your tail!


I was working about 2 weeks ago as a delivery Tech. (days) A co-worker was off for vacation. He has worked there for awhile. Someone else was "him" for the week. They cleaned the inventory area in his lazy absence. In doing so the "found him out." He had several pictures of semi-naked male stars taped in an untraveled corner wall. Most folks freaked out when it was discovered! One gal that I I thought would be a friend announced to the pharmacy loudly (while picking drugs near the end of her shift) "I don't care if you are Gay I just don't want to know about it - it's wrong and disturbing!" Gee, I feel comfy now.


I still don't know what to do with this!?! Honestly I have always worked in a much different open environment so I am clueless! Would telling my story make things worse for me but better for all after me? Geez!!!!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

You Can Run But You Can't Hide

I have been buffered from my own active hormones for the last year thanks to my now gone YAZ. Now that my hormone leveler is gone I fear for the general population. I'm guessing that I'm at level with a teenage boy in my constant thinking about sex. Now a teenage boy can find some relief as half the population does not appeal to him. For me, I like everything so I am on lust overload. I got nowhere to hide! I feel like I'm stuck in a Woody Allen movie. If you see me walking down the street run - save yourself!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Calling all Artists!

Hi Rose City Rollers fans!
The league is looking to create fresh ideas
for our merchandise to offer you new, hot apparel come this fall.

Do you or someone you know have great, creative ideas? We are looking for illustrators and designers who are interested in contributing to our t-shirt and hoodie line and getting national exposure for your work. $100 compensation for all executed ideas. Artwork may include, but not
limited to, skates, skaters, catchy derby-related phrases, type treatment of league's name outside of standard logo.

Ideas must support our mission statement: The Rose City Rollers are women of attitude, athleticism, and passion, playing a hard-hitting sport of speed and skill. They hope to grow, elevate, and improve the game of roller derby at every level. Their goals are to serve the community by empowering women, providing entertainment for their fans, and supporting charitable causes. Rose City Rollers: A game of brutal beauty

Please supply clear sketch/comp AND portfolio sample(s) to indicate final production style. OR supply final sample without portfolio reference.

All artwork becomes property of Rose City Rollers. Artist may display work for portfolio or self-promotion reasons only. Rose City Rollers reserves the right to use artwork in any way it sees fit. Artists must supply all files, including press-ready files, source files, linked
imagery, and fonts in order to make adjustments due to content changes or printing purposes.

Monetary compensation will be rewarded after all files are supplied. Product compensation will be delivered when production is complete. If he artist does not give access to everything needed to make all final products, compensation may not be rewarded.

For questions or submissions, please contact the Rose City Rollers Art
Director, Draggin Lady (mindgearprocesses@yahoo.com).

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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

I'm Still Here!

My doc was right when she said I was in for a tough month. DVT, my first period in five months, a six day migraine headache along with the stress of it all I'm tired. I have to get my blood checked every couple of days to regulate the blood thinner. I'm working full time (duh) through all of this so on my off time I take care of me. Wil has been great helping me more than usual.

I have only missed one day of work from the DVT only because I was in the ER until 10:30pm. I had an adrenaline headache that wore me out. I slept most of Saturday and struggled through my shift Sunday. The migraines that I get are hormone triggered. I have had five in the last three years. The YAZ helped regulate the hormones so I didn't get the migraines. Now that I cant take birth control I will get the migraines. I have been prescribed a migraine medicine and an anti nausea to help get me through. Mine aren't super bad but the nausea gets me. Light isn't as hard for me but lots of chaotic noise I cant handle. That describes my work environment in the summer. We have several Pharmacy Interns getting training from Pharm Tech's and Pharmacists. We go from 13 people to 30 in the small Pharmacy. I had to go home two hours into my shift because of the nausea and noise.

The last unexpected twist is the results from the blood test my doc did. I am predisposed to blood clots 50-100 times more than the averege person. I have been referred to a Hematologist to continue my treatment. It will most likely be a life long treatment.

I have more adjusting to do but I will get it figured out. After all I am Still Standing.