HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2011

I'm pretty proud of the fact that I've been actively blogging since 2005! It's 2011, I still have things to say & from the looks of my google stats, people still read what I'm saying (or look at the wacky things I find online). Though you don't all comment much, I see you out there stalking my blog. It's OK. Not everyone wants to have a voice online.

I enjoy posting things about my life & the interesting & useless stuff I find online. Even if no one was reading my blog, I'd still have it & I'd still maintain it. So if you were hoping I'd move on, try to find something to do with my life, other than ramble here - we'll sorry bout ya! I'm gonna keep this bad boy going!

In fact, I'm going to try to keep this baby more up to date in the new year. Enjoy your New Year's Eve & here's to a GREAT new year!!

Hysterectomy Update

So here we are, Wednesday evening, 2 days after my surgery. I have to say, this surgery wasn't nearly as bad as my gallbladder. I was so sore after that surgery, I was expecting the same or worse with this hysterectomy. Fortunately, I went to the BEST doctor (Sara Murphy - Women's Health Alliance @ Clarian North Hospital) and she proved herself to be just that.

So I went in at 8am to get registered & complete some paperwork. They called me back to my "pre-op" room around 9:00 where they had me strip down, put on a beautiful hospital gown, and some compression hose (which are used to prevent blood clots) and an IV. I laid in there until around 10. Just before they wheeled me off for surgery, Jill & Mom thought it would be funny to snap a couple of pics of me. Aren't they thoughtful! hahahahahaha!!!!



Just before 10 am, Mom & Jill came up. I was glad to see them before surgery. Of course Monday was one of the worst travel days of the year so far. We had a bunch of snow the night before and strong winds, so I wasn't sure Mom would be able to make it down south. Aunt Jill drove down separately but at the same time as Mom. That made us all feel better.

So they wheel me back into the surgery area, which was at least 20 degrees colder than the rest of the hospital. The anesthesiologist was there waiting for me. He talked to me for a minute, then Dr Murphy came in. She practically laid on top of me while they put me to sleep. She was talking to me and holding my hand, but laying across my chest. Not sure what that was all about but I was only awake about 5 minutes from the time they put me in that room so who cares what she did.

Next thing I know, I'm trying to wake up in the recovery room. I could NOT get awake. They kept talking to me and I kept asking, "do I have to wake up?" They would say no but then talk to me some more. I remember trying to open my eyes and I just couldn't do it. Finally they wheeled me up to my room.

Once in my room, they asked me if I could move from the bed I rode up on to my hospital room bed. I told them I thought I could and hurled myself into that other bed. I think I surprised them that I could do it without any help. The man who brought me up to my room said, "Wow! OK I guess you can!" hahaha!! Hey they had me on some goooood drugs, that's all I can say!

I don't know what time it was but I woke up sometime in the afternoon. Long enough to tell Mom to go home.

I slept most of the day Monday. The nurse came in around 2 and asked me to get up and go pee. They didn't bother me too much in the night, about every 2 hours they were in to do vitals and check on me. Around 6 they had me get up and walk the halls. I didn't have any trouble doing that at all. I took a few laps, talked to some of the nurses and then went back to bed.

My doc came in around 8 and said I was good to go home that day! YAY!!!!!

So I'm at home, enjoying my drug induced haze and sleep. I've felt pretty good though, I have to say. This wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. AND to top it off, my stomach is WAY smaller than it was a couple of days ago. Little Uma had to come out - we couldn't be together anymore, it was her time to go. I'll miss her (not!) and I'm sure gonna miss having periods every month (NOT!).

I'm happy to report all is well and I'm on the mend!

Hysterectomy

Well the verdict is in: the uterus must come out! Finally got the call today. December 13th. That's the day. Leading up to this I've been through a very, *cough cough*, very thorough physical exam and a even more thorough ultrasound, not only of the gut but also the left breast.

In the above mentioned physical exam, my doctor found "something" in my left breast. I was over due for a mammogram anyway, so of course, off I went to the mammogram place. They squished and squeezed both girls nice and flat, and of course as expected, did an ultrasound on the left breast to see what the Doc felt. Only a couple of little cysts which are are microscopic, I'm not even sure how the Doc felt them, but she did. The ultrasound tech said, "those doctors have magic fingers." So the mammo turned out all clear - a relief.

Now onto the stomach. When I had my gallbladder out, the doc took pics of my uterus and showed me some fibroids that were hiding in there. She said, then - 2 years ago - that I would need a hysterectomy. To me it sounded like, "would you like fries with that gallbladder removal?" but hey I'm sure she was telling the truth.

Since then I changed job, my insurance changed 3 times and I've been packing away moolah in my health savings account. Thankfully so, because here we are today....staring a hysterectomy in the face.

As mentioned already, my doc did a quite thorough exam on me and determined my uterus is currently the equivalent of a woman 5 months pregnant. No wonder my pants aren't fitting so great! And good news, the doc said I will see a significant difference in the size of my stomach! I knew I wasn't this fat!!!! Rock on! So I'm anxious to get this whole thing over with and only have to wait a couple of weeks - or few days - depends on how you wanna look at it. I'm ready to "feel good again" even though I didn't realize I felt bad. I bet I do feel different with this thing out.

Please keep me in your prayers on the 13th - that all can come out laproscopically and that I'll be a new woman and back to work in no time flat.

Thanks in advance!!

Prettymaps by Aaron Straup Cope

Wow, check out the maps that Aaron Straup Cope turned into Prettymaps! Awesome!

Peanut Butter Bacon Cups

OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG!

These really need no explanation! Peanut Butter Bacon Cups. Get me some.

Free November Desktop Wallpaper

Who wants some free desktop wallpaper....YOU DO, YOU DO! On the first day of every month (rabbit, rabbit, rabbit), Smashing Magazine publishes user submitted desktop wallpaper, free for your personal use! Get you some & freshen up that desktop!

While You Were Away

Refillable Air Horn

Well, it's something I've thought of a million times.....yeah, no.

Air horns damage the environment!!!! Dang it!!!!!! C'mon jump on this bandwagon with me! I'm ticked OFF about it. ;-)

I have to honestly say, the two thoughts have never intersected in my mind. Well obviously, I shoulda thought of this! What's wrong with me???? Of course air horns are environmentally unfriendly. Duh!

Well...GOOD NEWS!!!! Now they aren't! Here's a refillable air horn! Yep, fill it up with air (does that mean you simply remove the cap? Heck I don't know!), pump the pumper and blow the horn. Wanna do it again? Rinse & Repeat (hahahaha)!!

Click on the pic below to learn more....

Nobody Says it Quite Like Shakespeare

Your Favorite....

Gimme a Hug

Chocolate Covered Bacon

Well. I can die now. Or, maybe this stuff'll kill me, either way I'm ok with it.

Finally someone has combined my 2 loves: chocolate & bacon. My address is (ahhhh, you know it) I'll be waiting for the package!

If They Don't Chase You.....

Edible Bling Spray for your Food

Ever spray paint food, then realize, "ah crap! Now I can't eat that!" (ala Turkey Day .... just sayin)

Well now you can! Spray paint anything you want: bananas, hamburgers, a donut, cheese. Hey you name it. If you don't like the look of your food as it is naturally presented, change it up. Spray it gold or spray it silver!

G'head, just do it, cause you can!

Taking Nerd to a Whole New Level

Here it is! The hottest gift for the 2010 Holiday Season. I can see you now, fighting some old lady for the last iArm in Best Buy, camping out in front of Target on Black Friday eve, hoping to race the crowd to the iArm display.

How quick are you going to run out and get your iArm forearm mount? Yeah, me either.

Can you imagine needing all 3 of your remote controls so bad that you have to attach them to your arm? How about your ipad or Kindle? Can't live without it? Well just mount up, baby, and strap it to your arm!

Ohhhhh heck no, you won't look completely ridiculous and stupid. Everyone wants one of these things! (keep telling yourself that)

Ah now, don't get your pocket protectors in a wad, my dear geeks, this is just a prank!!! It's a fake. It doesn't really exist. It's just a gift box, nothing inside - just a joke box to fool your family & friends. For that split second, make your gift recipient think they've received the "gift of the season!!"

I know, I know, you really did want one, didn't you? I'm sorry.

Here's a kleenix to wipe your tears.

Eat Here & Get Gas

This joint is legendary where I come from.....

Eyelashes for your Car

Whadda think? I think these Carlashes would look rock awesome on my Honda!

The World's Most Annoying Alarm Clock

So this alarm clock would last O.N.E. day on my nightstand. BUT, if you have trouble getting up in the morning, this little annoyance might be just what you're looking for.

The Tocky Alarm Clock will literally JUMP off of your nightstand and roll away when it's time for you to get up. Or. Record your own sounds to wake you up, like um, your mom's voice or the dog barking, whatever is a sure fire sound that'll wake your lazy butt up.

Hey if you don't bounce, then I feel sorry for you, but hey, there is an option and it's called Tocky. Getcha one!

Oreo Cake Pan

O.M.G. So everyone loves Oreo's. Am I right about it? Yep.

I know, while you've been munchin' on Oreo's you thought to yourself, "man, I'd love to have a pan that makes a cake that looks like a giant oreo." Don't deny it. You know you have. Well today is you're lucky day!!!!!!

Crapity crap crap crap! I am iiiiiiiin love! Click here so you can buy yours (or mine). :)

The Inkless Pen

Oh SNAP! I thought the liquid lead pencil from Sharpie was cool. Well this is equally as cool, or dare I say, cooler.

Crap-a-zoid! An INKLESS pen!!!


The Inkless Metal Pen features a special metal alloy tip. As you write, tiny amounts of the metal tip are deposited onto the page. The silvery markings may resemble pencil, but they are permanent and completely smudge-proof.

WHAT? You be quiet!!!

I. Want. It.

Bacon Moon Pie

OMG!!!! A Bacon Moon Pie, are you serious???

Color Lenses & Flash Filters

Well crap. I found more stuff I want. Yep. These cute little color lenses & flash filters could sure make taking pictures soooo much more fun. Someone better come up off of $15 lousy bucks and get me these for Christmas!

Cause check out the awesome effect I could do with them. YO!

How Much More

Jordan Sparks Plays Nina in "The Heights" on Broadway

Ohhhhh I just looooove this song!!!!

Wristlet from Bags by Colette

Gosh I love Etsy. You ever visit that site? Well you better! It's nothing less than awesome. I love looking at all the creations people come up with and make money on. And I'm secretly jealous, usually, that I have no crafting ability - or - maybe I should say, my A.D.D. prevents me from doing anything crafty. :)

Well this is officially on my Christmas list. I want it. This one is from Bags by Colette

Someone better get it for me or there's gonna be something to pay...and it ain't gonna be good.

Thermometer Hoodie from Threadless

This thermometer hoodie is cute and it would be even more awesome if it actually registered the temp too!

Vibram FiveFinger Shoes -aka - The Ugliest Shoes on the Planet

Um yeah. You won't see me wearing these stupid shoes!!! I don't care how comfortable they are, they are just plain ugly. Oh, and weird.

Sharpie Liquid Pencil

Gasp! Double Gasp!

Have you seen the latest & greatest from Sharpie? WHAT? You need to start paying attention to what's important, people!

Stop what you're doing, go get your car keys and head to your local office supply store. That's where you'll find the new Sharpie Liquid Pencil!!!

Leave it to Sharpie to turn a pen into a pencil and back into a pen! The Liquid Pencil writes as smooth as a pen, but is fully erasable like a pencil for up to 72 hours. Then magically, the "lead", which is actually liquid graphite, morphs into ink!

Say what??? So let's say you're getting married on Saturday. Then on Monday he does something stupid and you decide, this ain't your guy afterall. Well heck, just erase your signature right off that marriage license!! Woot! (probably not really legal, so this should not be interpreted as legal advice. Just sayin')

Go get yours today, but don't try to beat me to it, cause girl, I will.....

Flat. Knock. You. Down.

Cuisipro Scoop & Stack

I love ice cream, but I've been thinking for a while now, it's time to update the "scoop!" Don't you agree? Aren't you sick of boring, old round scoops of ice cream? I want something creative, imaginative & unique when I scoop ice cream. I want my ice cream to look gourmet, like it's being served in some fancy restaurant.

Well, in my never ending quest to find unique things online (and dream up new crap that I can't live without), I found it!!! The Cuisipro Scoop & Stack!!! It's plain awesome.

Flat top, flat bottom, nice straight sided ice cream scooper! It's 2010 people, why did this take so stinkin' long?

It's. About. Time.

I want one. And I want a pink one. Officially on my Christmas list.

Great Big Canvas

Check out the images at Great Big Canvas!! I could spend some serious dough on this site. For example, here's an awesome 45 minute time exposure image blown up to monster size that I could certainly put on my wall!

Do you have an image that is "canvas worthy"? This company will put your images on canvas too! Just go to: www.canvasondemand.com

Aunt Hannah's Banana Bread

My Grandma's Sister, Hannah, made some fabulous banana bread.

And I made it tonight.

Hannah Pryor's Banana Bread

Cream together:
1 stick butter
1 & 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs

Mix together:
2 & 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt (skimpy)

Mix flour and butter mixtures together and add
1/2 cup milk
3 large bananas
Add nuts, if desired

Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 60 minutes
test with a toothpick but don't overbake

New Nike "My Butt is Big" Ad

Check this new Nike ad out, taking a stand against models that are skin and bones and celebrating the shape of real women!

Rock on Nike!!

Invisible Treehouse

Those crazy Swedes have done it again! An almost invisible treehouse!!!!

Vacation anyone?

It's Time to Take a Risk, Sweetheart

My New Place in Switzerland!

Well, that's it. I'm moving to Switzerland. Buh bye.

Check out this ultra cool apartment building, designed and built by
Halle 58 Architects in Liebefeld, Switzerland.

Candwich - The Sandwich in a Can!

Need lunch on the go? Don't want to drag an annoying lunch bag with you where ever you go. Well, you don't have to!!! Just carry the Candwich - a sandwich in a can! Not only is this product convenient, it also protects your sandwich while you camp, backpack, hike or whatever!

Which one will you choose?

A Guide to Happiness

Light Up Stools & Walls

I don't know if this style fits into my current midwestern, Westfield home, however, when I get my ultra cool, uber modern home, I'm totally going to get light up stools and light up walls!!!!

Of course, Giancarlo Zema, from my beloved Italy created this. Click here to see more of his work.

Capture Your Dreams

It's Time to Start and Time to Stop

I dare someone to tell me they don't like the way Playdoh smells. C'mon, I dare ya.

Well, even if you don't, I love it!! Always have loved it. I've wished forever there was a playdoh scented candle. GOOD NEWS!! No it's not a candle, it's even better than that!

Playdoh scented cologne!!!!

Get you some!!

Really Cute Dishes

So I'm a sucker. I admit it. I want to buy anything that is super cute, in a cute package, decorated cute, cute, cute, cute, cute. I want it.

And, I'm addicted to Gilt.com, if you haven't been there, let me know and I'll send you an invite! Anywho, they sell designer stuff at discount prices. Very cool site, I've bought a few things. So I check in there usually once a day to see what's new and today, Rosanna, Inc., is one of the sales listed.Holy cow! What cute stuff! No, I mean really cute!

IF (and that's a big IF) I entertained, I would totally invest in the whole Artist Loft's set. But since I'm completely antisocial, I think I should at least get myself the teacup! What do you guys think? Too cute or too much? Roam around the site, there's something for everyone!

The World's Most Evil Cookie

Well, that's it. I found the most evil cookie ever baked. How's this grab ya? The "normally good folks" over at Bakerella.com posted a recipe for Pillow Cookies.

This cookie isn't your average cookie.....it's EVIL. Pure Evil. Why? It's a cookie/brownie combo! Yeah. You heard me. Make some cookie dough. Make some brownies and cool them off. Combine the brownie into the cookie dough, bake it, and well, there you have it. Bakeralla calls them Pillow Cookies. I call them the death of a perfectly good diet. Check out the recipe and make some. Do it for me, cause I'm wiping this from my memory. I never saw this. Nope. It doesn't exist.

(image below courtesy of Bakerella.com)

The Coolest Lighted Wall

Garduño Architects transformed an underground plaza for a parking lot, underneath a 40-story building in Mexico City, into the O2 Restaurant. I love the lighted wall! I'm trying to decide which wall in my house gets this treatment!! Hmmmmm.....

On the Anniversary of Michael Jackson's Death...

.... I still miss you.

Attention Indy Cyclists

Indy Nite Ride, Saturday June 26th.
Come one, Come all!!

This is your chance to ride your bike through downtown Indianapolis & the near northside at 11PM. Streets will be blocked off, 3,000 riders expected! When will you ever be able to do this again? Other than next summer? :) C'mon, get on your bike and ride!!

I found a map of the route, it's a 2005 map but, from what I understand, the route hasn't changed.

See you there?

What Does YOUR Email Address Say About YOU?

Hope you don't still use AOL, sucka!

Delish Grilled Chicken Club

My dinner tonight, grilled chicken club on Pepperidge Farms Deli Flats. Look girls, if you don't own a grill pan, don't go in the kitchen, ok? Now that we have that settled. This may have been the best thing I've made in a while. I took the Bethenny Frankel recipe, removed the avacodo and cleverly replaced that with lite Miracle Whip. Delish, deee-lish, D.Lish!

Amazing Paper Art

Yes, this is made entirely of paper!

Check it out at:
http://tokyobling.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/a-paper-craft-castle-on-the-ocean/

Another great site examining paper art:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/05/29/the-beauty-of-paper-art/