It's morning somewhere

Wednesday, I decided I had a UTI, brought about by mixing medications. Since I have a doctor's appointment already set for next month, I didn't want to bother his office. I bought an over-the-counter medicine and started taking it. I didn't read that you should drink a full glass of water along with the dose. Thursday evening, I took the recommended amount and drank it down with cranberry juice, then I did about 20 minutes of exercise. Right before bedtime, I found myself itching in all sorts of places. Friday, I woke up with a very itchy scalp and nape of the neck. I scratched...and scratched...and scratched. Soon, ugly red wheals showed up. I realized that it was hives (or urticaria), but I'd already taken the dose that morning. All through work, I itched. I finally stopped at a drugstore and bought some Diphenhydramine. It temporarily relieves some of the torment, but not for long.

I had to work today, so I took Diphenhydramine dose in the morning, but didn't remember to bring it along. As the Diphenhydramine wore off, the itching became intense. You don't know how difficult it is to try to answer the phone while scratching! I itched where the pants rubbed on my waist. I itched under my arms, the nape of my neck, my hands and fingers. I itched below the crotch between my thighs, under my breasts, on my butt, on the top of my ears where my glasses handles sit, and on one of my eyelids. It was so bad, I considered going to urgent care. Since I don't know where the place is, I'll wait until tomorrow to see how I feel.

My phlebotomist friend stopped by and I showed her the huge ugly wheals on my beltline. She told me, "dummy, you're not supposed to take the cranberry juice if you have a UTI, you drink it to keep them away." Apparently, the juice and the medication don't mix well. She also said that yogurt helps. I love yogurt, but haven't purchased any for about a month.

By only taking the Diphenhydramine (no other meds), I think I'm getting over the worst. My fingernails no longer hurt as much, and the joint pain in the fingers has subsided. Right now, my butt, upper arms, ears, and eyelid itch the most. The wheals are still there, but not as red. I don't think I'm a very good self doctor, sometimes. As one of my close friends said, "It sucks to be you (meaning me)." Yeah girl, you don't know how much!

Well, it's been such a crazy and busy week, I totally forgot it was Friday Cat Blogging time. So,.... today, we have a guest cat. This is Alfonse. He came to visit at the part-time job. People were calling him a "frog", can you believe? Of course, I had to set them straight.

As always, check out the wonderful animal pictures linked for Friday Ark at The Modulator.

As we walked around the park, we watched the geese swim in the lake. This one liked having its picture taken. It swam up to the bank and clambered out. Majestically, it flapped its wings, then, got back in the lake and swam some more. I think it wanted to give the opportunity for a cool photo shot.

My friends decided we needed to go see a movie. Since one had already seen Wild Hogs (I still haven't) we decided to see Blades of Glory. It was a story of two male skaters (who detested each other) kicked out of the Olympics, never to compete again, because of a horrible fight. A couple years later, a loophole was discovered that allowed them to compete as a couple. Of course, there was the childish bickering while they learned to live and skate together. There was a brother sister skating couple who didn't want them to win, and did their best to stop them. The chase scene was definitely a plus. As far as amusing movies go, this one was pretty good. It certainly kept my attention focused, and kept my own selfish personal pity thoughts at bay. I think we all agreed that the movie was pretty darned entertaining.

Lady Fortuna found out that today is National Weed Day. Since she doesn't imbibe toke, she wouldn't have to worry about going to jail for using. However, she does feel sorry for the people who have been stopped for some traffic violation, only to find themselves in the slammer because of that joint they forgot was in the ashtray (this actually did happen to a cousin, many years ago). To show her sympathy, she decided to stay in the carrier for a minute.

As always, check out the wonderful animal pictures linked for Friday Ark at The Modulator.

There's a whole lot of healing needing to be done, in this world. Too often, we're seeing gunmen take up their weapons and spray their victims with lead. The Virginia Tech shooting rampage is one more horrible instance. The Iraq war is another, though, they use car bombs and other devices to kill as many victims as possible.

By using the search tool, and looking for "recent shooting rampages," I found that in the past several years, there have been quite a few rampages. It's getting so it's not safe to walk out the door. Sometimes, we have to take our chances, I guess.

I have no answers, just sadness for the many lives lost.

Happy Birthday, you old bat. I hope you get what you want, but I wouldn't count on it. If wishes came true, we'd all be rich, peaceful, and have at least one pony. As it is, we get sagging, wrinkles, gray hair, and fat. No cake for you!

Damn! I'd do great in the greeting card industry, wouldn't I? :)

Well, well, well. I guess it's tax day, today. Since it's Sunday, we don't have to worry about getting the taxes in until tomorrow, but... tomorrow is a holiday, Emancipation Day, in District of Columbia, so... that means we really don't have to have them in until midnight, Tuesday, April 17th! Whew! Thank goodness for that! Actually, I usually have them filed before the deadline, even when I have to pay. This time, after having the full-time job (to make up for the part-time job's lack) increase the withholding, again..., I can finally expect a refund... because of that phone tax break. Yeah, buddy! I will actually get almost $30. back this year. Woo hoo! I realize it's not much, but lately, I have to take the good news where ever I can get it.

Crossposted at The Fat Lady Sings

Rocky Girl is up to her old tricks! I heard her tell Grey Feather, "...jump right in, lots of good treats in there." As she got ready to jump down and shove the door closed, I asked her what she was doing.She answered, "who, me? Nothing. Nothing at all. It was all Grey Feather's idea!"

As always, check out the wonderful animal pictures linked for Friday Ark at The Modulator.

I got home from work and gave all the cats treats. Once Rocky Girl finished hers, and started to move in on Grey Feather's treats, I picked her up, pet her, and calmly told her that we were going to see her doctor. I took her front paws in one hand, back paws in the other, and lowered her into the cat carrier. I pulled my hands out and closed it. She was so surprised, she didn't start meowing for a minute or two. Once we arrived, the doc said to bring her back to the examining room, and he let her out of the carrier. I cautioned that she was a bit wild. He gave her the three shots, and helped her back into the carrier. Whew! All that worrying for nothing... I told the doc that I had been losing sleep at night because of fears that she would get loose and tear up the place.

The doc said that the worst thing he could remember was the time that a woman set up an appointment for her cat, but didn't use a carrier. She put the cat, loose, into the car and drove to the doc's practice. When she opened the car door, the cat flew out. He didn't think she ever did find her cat. That would totally suck!

(Title copied from The Practical Press post by Kenneth Quinnell.)

I don't know if anyone remembers, but last year I didn't win any of the awards for my short stories. This year, I would like to win something! Can you believe?!?! Kenneth Quinnell says, Practical Press members cannot vote for themselves. Drat! There goes Plan A. So, on to Plan B. I'm going to wish upon a star in hopes I get a vote or two...
And, just to be on the safe side, Plan C will be implemented. I'll use threats to get votes. If you don't vote for me, I'm going to send this vampire bat over to persuade you to vote for me. Vampire bats are very good in the arts of persuasion! Okay, okay, so it doesn't look that vampirish... and it's really not that scary... and I guess you don't have to vote for my stories if you don't want to. However, it would be nice if you'd go over and vote. These wonderful authors, and I, worked hard on our stories. Really, IMHO, we all deserve to win! Let the voting begin!

Is there some special notice, for microwaves, that you should stop it before it dings, and not turn off the timer? I've noticed it on three different microwaves, in the past couple of days. I walk into a work kitchen, glance at the microwave (they normally tell the time) and see that someone has neglected to reset the timer button. Is that a special electricity saving thing?

And what about those chairs in front of desks and work stations? I've noticed that they are seldom placed in a neat manner, sitting in front of the work station. Instead, they're turned around, or even backed into walking areas.

What about water faucets at a work place. Shouldn't they always be turned off, when not in use? Or is that one of those ideas to keep the pipes from freezing, that I wasn't told about? I realize I'm not paying the bill, but it bothers me to walk into a bathroom, or kitchen, and find water running from the faucet. If that was happening at home, someone would be in trouble!
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I'm glad the Iranians freed the British sailors. I've read several articles about the torture they were put through. I realize it was pretty frightful, but I'm glad it wasn't on the same level of torture as many Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo detainees received.

Three of my cats had appointments with their family physician. Cotton, Grey Feather, and Rocky Girl. Only two managed to get there. After Rocky Girl's persuasive argument, scratches to both wrists and chin, I allowed her to reject her appointment. We'll try again, next week. At least, then, we'll only have one cat to force into a cat carrier.

After Cotton and Grey Feather got back home, they both jumped out of their carriers, and I set the carriers aside. Grey Feather is showing the carrier that she's really not afraid.

As always, check out the wonderful animal pictures linked for Friday Ark at The Modulator.

I got up this morning, but didn't run out and check the trap. I got ready for work, and then heard "meow". I ran outside, hoping, could it be? Yes!!! It was Rocky Girl, trapped. I brought the trap inside, and released her. She ran around yelling, "meow meow meow meow meow meow meow meow". I couldn't understand what she was saying, but she did let me pick her up. I pet her for a few seconds, then dashed off to work. When I got home, I found I have several pissed off kitties. Lots of hissing going on, but Rocky Girl was happy to see me. The other cats, not so pleased. I'm sure they will get over it. They did, before.