Anyone want to guess what it costs to replace a split PVC Boot and suspension rod/kit in a 1995 Ford Windstar?

Time’s up.

$889.89

Dammit. Add the extra four hours I had to take off work to rescue a stranded Sweet Hubby then collect Hurricane Owen, as we are now down to one car for the weekend. It stings a bit.

I shouldn’t bitch. We have something very few people have.

We have a fairy godmother with impeccable timing, and deep pockets. T’was her bought us the van in the first place when the last car died while I was on sick leave and had been largely sans income for three months.

Because of her, things like this suck huge, but aren’t devastating.

Oddly the broke van has me more occupied with counting my blessings than cursing my luck.

That may change when I get back to work on Monday and get fired for having to leave early after just having missed an entire week (with no pay) again, due to an auto-immune flare that resulted in a painful case of pleuresy, and rather frightening heart palpitations. (fluid in the lining of one’s heart can do that, apparently)

For now though, I’m a bit bummed that that’s $889.89 that we won’t be getting ahead, (At this rate, we’ll never own a house, or be able to afford a second child) however, I’m actually more grateful that the rent will still clear, the freezer’s full, and the house, though rented, is cozy and happy.

If you haven’t heard from us in a while, it’s just that we’ve been busy. We’re still ok. If you’re reading this, you’re likely one of the blessings we’ve counted in the last hour or so.

Thanks.

I’d almost forgotten how nice it is to simply spend time with adults I like, share a bottle of wine, some fine grillables, and be in no particular hurry to do anything.

Thanks guys (you know who you are!)

We should do it again soon!

With the aid of prednisone and pain killers, as well as another course of antibiotics, I’m on the mend again, and should be back in the saddle at work by Monday. I’m still sore, and there’s still fallout. There’s an MRI to be scheduled and cortisone shots to be scheduled to go into my hip joints and in between vertabrae again. The X-Rays show osteoarthritis affecting hips, lumbar and cervical spine, as well as knees. The MRI is to determine soft tissue inflamation and other effects of auto immune weirdness on the bits of me that don’t show up on an x-ray. We’ve yet to determine exactly why I still feel as though I have a large pitchfork lodged between my shoulder blades, extending through to my chest.

(I did have hubby check the obvious possible cause)

I’m ok with upping the pain meds and heading back to work. I actually DO like my job. I just hope they’re ready.

Prednisone does some great things in terms of making pain bearable, and restoring movement. It also makes it easier to write, strangely enough. Though it makes sleeping soundly pretty near impossible.

It also makes me a complete spaz.

Seriously. When on prednisone I’m easily distracted, prone to brutal hot flashes (and unsightly, nerdtastic cold sweats) and a complete klutz, of the sort that drops her keys down the little space between the elevator and the floor I’m trying to exit to, gets her hair stuck in the door while trying to retrieve them, spills her purse all over the elevator trying to free her hair…well, you get the idea. My hands shake, my arms are week and I’m just…addled. Hopefully, as this is a short course, I will be feeling more like myself again sooner, rather than later, but if you have the misfortune of sitting near me, be warned.

It’s not my fault. It’s the drugs I’m on.