It is very gray and rainy today. It makes me want to curl up on the couch with a good book, a cup of hot chocolate or hot tea, and Kimchi.
I've noticed the past couple of mornings that it is lighter out when I get up than it was a couple weeks ago. I know this happens, that the amount of daylight increases from the winter solstice to the summer solstice, but it's pretty cool to notice it. After the switch to daylight savings time, it was pitch black at 6am. Now, it's not bright by any means, but the sky is definitely less dark. That makes it a little easier to get out of bed and exercise. And once the temps are above 40 in the morning, I'll head outside to jog. Hooray!!
I have a box of Betacam tapes sitting on the corner of my desk, ready to be shipped. I had to use a Sharpie to cross out some of the pre-printed writing on the box. The air smells of Sharpie. For some reason, though, my nose is interpreting that smell as pepperoni. Weird.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Give life.
Yesterday I tried to give blood. For the past several years, I've donated blood on a somewhat regular basis. And for the past year, I've been getting even better about it, marking my calendar for when I am eligible after donating.
I was supposed to give blood on Feb. 17, but my iron count was too low (it needs to be 12.5, and mine was 12.1). I was disappointed, but determined to add more iron-rich foods to my diet and try again. So, I went back 10 days later and tried again. I had the same problem: low iron. The nurse and I talked (again) about some strategies to get my iron higher, and I decided to wait 4 weeks before trying again.
Yesterday was the day. I've been eating more spinach, dried apricots, raisins, peas, and meat (mostly chicken). I was optimistic that my iron count would be high enough to make a donation. I had also been given the tip that if you shake your hands for a while before they do the finger prick, you'll get the blood flowing to the finger tips and have a better chance of the iron being okay. So, I walked over to the check-in area shaking my hands back and forth. Luckily, the first thing they do is check your iron. Mine was 12.6! Hooray!! I would be able to donate blood.
After going through the health history questionnaire, I went over to the blood collection area. I told them to use my right arm, as that's the one that's been used before. Daphne (the Red Cross employee) proceed to check my arm. She said that the veins in my right arm were quite small - a comment I've heard almost every time I've given blood. She asked if she could check the left. She checked it and had the same response but thought the right arm was better. She decided to call over a more experienced person. She checked my left arm, commenting on how small the veins were. Daphne agreed and told her to check the right arm. My right arm was examined and she noted that the veins were small there, too. They decided to call over the most veteran employee - a woman who has been an RN for 33 years. I thought, she'll be able to get it no problem. She checked both arms and decided to go with the right arm. As always, when the time came for the needle, I turned my head away and closed my eyes. I could feel her moving the needle around, taking it out, trying another spot. She asked, "Where did that vein go? I just felt it!" I was wiggling my feet, and I started to sweat. She finally gave up, telling me that I would have a nice bruise there. She got me an ice pack.
Would you like to try the other arm? I asked. I could hardly believe I was suggesting it. But, I was there, and I really wanted to give successfully this time. She tried the left. She got the needle into the vein, but said it was coming really slowly. I suggested she pull the needle out a tiny bit. She did, but that didn't help. Then she said that blood was leaking out of the site. Not good. We'd have to stop. And again, I'd have another nice bruise. And she got me another ice pack.
She thought that I might have better luck in the summer when the weather is warmer. We'll see. I also think donating after exercise would help.
My arms were quite sore last night, and I do have bruises. The left feels much worse than the right. Perhaps my body is telling me I'm not meant to donate blood anymore.
I was supposed to give blood on Feb. 17, but my iron count was too low (it needs to be 12.5, and mine was 12.1). I was disappointed, but determined to add more iron-rich foods to my diet and try again. So, I went back 10 days later and tried again. I had the same problem: low iron. The nurse and I talked (again) about some strategies to get my iron higher, and I decided to wait 4 weeks before trying again.
Yesterday was the day. I've been eating more spinach, dried apricots, raisins, peas, and meat (mostly chicken). I was optimistic that my iron count would be high enough to make a donation. I had also been given the tip that if you shake your hands for a while before they do the finger prick, you'll get the blood flowing to the finger tips and have a better chance of the iron being okay. So, I walked over to the check-in area shaking my hands back and forth. Luckily, the first thing they do is check your iron. Mine was 12.6! Hooray!! I would be able to donate blood.
After going through the health history questionnaire, I went over to the blood collection area. I told them to use my right arm, as that's the one that's been used before. Daphne (the Red Cross employee) proceed to check my arm. She said that the veins in my right arm were quite small - a comment I've heard almost every time I've given blood. She asked if she could check the left. She checked it and had the same response but thought the right arm was better. She decided to call over a more experienced person. She checked my left arm, commenting on how small the veins were. Daphne agreed and told her to check the right arm. My right arm was examined and she noted that the veins were small there, too. They decided to call over the most veteran employee - a woman who has been an RN for 33 years. I thought, she'll be able to get it no problem. She checked both arms and decided to go with the right arm. As always, when the time came for the needle, I turned my head away and closed my eyes. I could feel her moving the needle around, taking it out, trying another spot. She asked, "Where did that vein go? I just felt it!" I was wiggling my feet, and I started to sweat. She finally gave up, telling me that I would have a nice bruise there. She got me an ice pack.
Would you like to try the other arm? I asked. I could hardly believe I was suggesting it. But, I was there, and I really wanted to give successfully this time. She tried the left. She got the needle into the vein, but said it was coming really slowly. I suggested she pull the needle out a tiny bit. She did, but that didn't help. Then she said that blood was leaking out of the site. Not good. We'd have to stop. And again, I'd have another nice bruise. And she got me another ice pack.
She thought that I might have better luck in the summer when the weather is warmer. We'll see. I also think donating after exercise would help.
My arms were quite sore last night, and I do have bruises. The left feels much worse than the right. Perhaps my body is telling me I'm not meant to donate blood anymore.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
March 21
March 21 was a big day: Disa turned 12, and Hannah and Noble both competed in their regional History Day competition and will advance to the state competition at the end of April. Hooray for the nieces and nephew!
It seems like this is a busy week, but I don't think it's any busier than normal. I worked at the restaurant on Monday night, and Einar had band rehearsal. Last night we met some friends for dinner and then played a trivia game on their PlayStation3 (super fun!). Tonight, I work at the restaurant again, and Einar has band rehearsal. They usually only practice once a week, but they have a gig on Friday and want to be ready. I might work tomorrow night - if Bryce needs me to cover his shift. Then, Friday night I have off so I can go see Einar's band perform. Club Tavern in Middleton, 10pm. I've never seen them play, so I'm really looking forward to it.
It seems like this is a busy week, but I don't think it's any busier than normal. I worked at the restaurant on Monday night, and Einar had band rehearsal. Last night we met some friends for dinner and then played a trivia game on their PlayStation3 (super fun!). Tonight, I work at the restaurant again, and Einar has band rehearsal. They usually only practice once a week, but they have a gig on Friday and want to be ready. I might work tomorrow night - if Bryce needs me to cover his shift. Then, Friday night I have off so I can go see Einar's band perform. Club Tavern in Middleton, 10pm. I've never seen them play, so I'm really looking forward to it.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Beer Tasting
The beer tasting Einar and I attended last night at Johnny Delmonico's in downtown Madison was really fun! They paired 5 beers from Capital Brewery with 5 small courses.
U.S. Pale Ale with Spanish Trio (almonds, olives, and paprika oil-soaked giant white beans)
Island Wheat with Sea Bass, Peas, and Ham
Wisconsin Amber with Chorizo Stuffed Chicken on Paella
- passionfruit sorbet to cleanse the palette
Maibock with Lamb Tenderloin and Sauteed Cabbage
Munich Dark with Cheese and Fruit
The chef came in before each course and described the food. No one described the beers. It would've been really cool if the sommelier had gotten some descriptions of the beers from the brewmaster to help us discern the different notes and flavors of the beers. Oh, well. It was fun, nonetheless, and a really good deal ($30/person plus tax and tip). Johnny Delmonico's offers similar wine tasting events (Wine 101) on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. If you're in the area and like wine, check them out!
U.S. Pale Ale with Spanish Trio (almonds, olives, and paprika oil-soaked giant white beans)
Island Wheat with Sea Bass, Peas, and Ham
Wisconsin Amber with Chorizo Stuffed Chicken on Paella
- passionfruit sorbet to cleanse the palette
Maibock with Lamb Tenderloin and Sauteed Cabbage
Munich Dark with Cheese and Fruit
The chef came in before each course and described the food. No one described the beers. It would've been really cool if the sommelier had gotten some descriptions of the beers from the brewmaster to help us discern the different notes and flavors of the beers. Oh, well. It was fun, nonetheless, and a really good deal ($30/person plus tax and tip). Johnny Delmonico's offers similar wine tasting events (Wine 101) on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. If you're in the area and like wine, check them out!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Saint Patrick's Day
In the summer of 2004, I spent a month in Ireland. Growing up, I was told I was half Norwegian, and the other half was German, English, Scottish, and Swedish. My dad has been telling me for the past few years, however, that there's also some Irish in there. I'm not generally one to disbelieve my dad, but I learned during my time in Ireland that Irish heritage is the most over-reported ancestry in the U.S. That month is Ireland was fantastic, so regardless of my ethnic heritage, I'm celebrating St. Patrick's Day today by wearing a green shirt and by going to Beer 101 at Johnny Delmonico's downtown. I know beer isn't Irish, but Guiness is, and that's beer. Plus, a lot of people drink green beer on St. Patrick's Day. I hope that's not part of Beer 101. . .
If you're wondering, Beer 101 is the beer version of a wine tasting. We'll go to the restaurant and get to taste and learn about several beers. We'll also get some small sample food pairings. That's about all I know. Tonight's Beer 101 is featuring beers from Capital Brewery in Middleton. It should be fun.
My friend Sarah and I did the Shamrock Shuffle again this year. We did the 5K, which was a much better choice than the 10K we attempted last year. It is a fun event! People dress up in costumes, and there are a lot of families either watching or participating. Einar came to cheer us on. He had such a good time, he's considering running or walking or volunteering next year. After the run, we went to State Street Brats where they were offering runners and their families a good deal: burger or brat and fries for $5! So, Sarah, Einar, and I had some lunch before returning home. It was a great morning for a jog - sunny and mild. If you don't have plans for March 14, 2010, please join us. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. And my co-worker Steve Donovan is one of the organizers.
Oh! I know I haven't mentioned this, but last week, Einar and I bought tickets to go visit our brothers and brother-in-law in Seattle/Vancouver. We'll leave on August 11 and return on August 21. Hooray! We couldn't be more excited!!
If you're wondering, Beer 101 is the beer version of a wine tasting. We'll go to the restaurant and get to taste and learn about several beers. We'll also get some small sample food pairings. That's about all I know. Tonight's Beer 101 is featuring beers from Capital Brewery in Middleton. It should be fun.
My friend Sarah and I did the Shamrock Shuffle again this year. We did the 5K, which was a much better choice than the 10K we attempted last year. It is a fun event! People dress up in costumes, and there are a lot of families either watching or participating. Einar came to cheer us on. He had such a good time, he's considering running or walking or volunteering next year. After the run, we went to State Street Brats where they were offering runners and their families a good deal: burger or brat and fries for $5! So, Sarah, Einar, and I had some lunch before returning home. It was a great morning for a jog - sunny and mild. If you don't have plans for March 14, 2010, please join us. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. And my co-worker Steve Donovan is one of the organizers.
Oh! I know I haven't mentioned this, but last week, Einar and I bought tickets to go visit our brothers and brother-in-law in Seattle/Vancouver. We'll leave on August 11 and return on August 21. Hooray! We couldn't be more excited!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Grandma Carlson
Today would've been my Grandma Carlson's 96th birthday. It's hard for me to believe that she died 4 and 1/2 years ago already!
In unrelated news, my sister-in-law starts a new job today. I hope it is a better work environment than the last dental office she worked in. Er, in which she worked.
In unrelated news, my sister-in-law starts a new job today. I hope it is a better work environment than the last dental office she worked in. Er, in which she worked.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Exercise
One of the added benefits of Einar's new job is that he now gets up at 6:00am. Well, his alarm goes off at 6; he actually gets up around 6:15. Anyway, 6am just happens to coincide with the time I need to wake up if I am going to exercise before work. Knowing that he'll be getting up to get ready for work provides me the little push I need to drag my tired body out of bed in the dark and get in a great workout before starting my workday. I've been doing Nordic Track Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Wii Fit strength training Tuesday, Thursday. And I also do some sort of workout on either Saturday or Sunday. It feels really good to be back to a regular, daily exercise regime. I am really looking forward to the weather warming up and drying out so I can start jogging outside again. Hooray, 6am! Hooray, employment! Hooray, hooray!!
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Real Unemployment Number
As I've mentioned in a previous post, I really like NPR's Planet Money podcast and blog for explaining the economy. Today, when new unemployment numbers were released, they posted this on their blog. If you don't want to click on that link, the final sentence of their post is: "For now, the broadest measure of unemployment stands at 14.8 percent." 14.8% A staggering number. Almost 3 people out of 20 either unemployed or underemployed.
I am extremely grateful to have a full-time job AND a part-time job. And I am also grateful that Einar has gotten full-time work. But I cannot stop thinking about those people who are affected by this economic crisis. It is hitting close to home. And economists are predicting it'll be 2010 before we see real change.
I am extremely grateful to have a full-time job AND a part-time job. And I am also grateful that Einar has gotten full-time work. But I cannot stop thinking about those people who are affected by this economic crisis. It is hitting close to home. And economists are predicting it'll be 2010 before we see real change.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Bowlin' for Colons
Yesterday afternoon, Einar and I joined two of our friends for the 8th Annual Bowlin' for Colons fundraiser. The proceeds benefit the U.W. Cardone Comprehensive Cancer Center and specifically go toward colon cancer research. It was fun! We each paid $30, which included a t-shirt, shoe rental and 3 games of bowling plus a $15 donation. Some local business had donated prizes, so there were raffle drawings every half hour with 8 prizes given away. And we got to bowl!! It was a great way to support a good cause.
We had a great time, and we're already planning to do it next year. If you are interested in participating with us next year, let me know! (You can leave a comment below.) It is the first Sunday in March, so it should be March 7, 2010. And if you can come up with any funny/clever team names, we'd love to hear them!
We had a great time, and we're already planning to do it next year. If you are interested in participating with us next year, let me know! (You can leave a comment below.) It is the first Sunday in March, so it should be March 7, 2010. And if you can come up with any funny/clever team names, we'd love to hear them!
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