I've got it bad

MAN!!! I have never, ever had poison ivy and apparently my body is pretty upset with me for getting it! First, it was just what looked like nasty bug bites all along my forearm... and some on my ankles. Now, it has taken over my body! It's all over my front side, part of my back, some on my legs, even my hands and feet. But the worst is my arm-- it is the most disgusting thing I have EVER seen on me. I have SEVERAL oozing, swelling, scabby whelps, as well as dry, rashy, stiff skin. But my side, my waistband area... it's taking all I have to not itch it off right now. I had to even sleep in gloves last night so I wouldn't do it in my sleep. I have done a really good job at not itching myself throughout the day (I'm practicing my free will), but I've woken up this week busting myself itching in my sleep. So I can't trust myself. I am not going to just whine and suffer; I am going to the doctor tomorrow morning! I hope he has a miracle drug!! One of the worst parts about this all is that I am having my bachelorette party this weekend, as well as a bridal/girls luncheon and also a bridal shower. So, I guess I'm fortunate the weather's cold and I can get away with wearing long-sleeves and boots to cover up the massive areas. Good news is Ja had it all last week (he was outta town, so I didn't see what his looked like, but he says mine is really bad), but he looks pretty much normal again, so I'm hopeful I will be back to normal in no time-- or at least by the wedding day (1 month, 1 day to go... and counting). –em

Here doggie, doggie, doggie

It will be sad-looking, and pathetic, but with pride I announce to you the coming birth of the new tree- a pink dogwood! Once it's planted in the front yard Saturday, I will post before and after pics of the front yard. We have BIG landscaping plans (money ever permitting) and so we took a long time deciding where to put the flag (denotes where they are to plant the tree). I think we'll be pleased with our decision. But like I said, don't laugh at our little tree-- it will be a measure of Ja's and my love-- planted roughly one month prior to the wedding- we will be able to drive by our old home and see how much the tree's grown- and know that's how long we've been married and in love. Now isn't that a tree worth being proud of? -em

Yes, There is actually a Ja

I've been off of work for the past couple of days due to parent-teacher conferences at the school, so I thought this would be a good time to get caught up here. First off, I love where I work. I really feel like I'm making a difference and doing what I'm meant to be doing. Em and I were a little nervous at first since the job was originally only supposed to last through April 1st, but they have extended it out until at least the end of May right now, so we're resting a little easier.

I've been engrossed for the last week in Podcasts. They are independently produced radio programs you can download over the web. (John January was in on the ground floor of this a few months back) I've gone so far as to completely abandon public radio lately in favor of listening to these. If you want to know more about them, try going to Podcast Alley.

Other than that we are finalizing wedding plans (Well, to tell the truth, Emily and her Mom are doing most of it. I just agree and try to help a little without getting in the way), and trying to find out what to do with all of the gifts we've gotten from the bridal showers. Right now they are all in two Present Pyramids in the living room and office until we can rearrange our small house and find somwhere to store this stuff. Not a bad problem to have though.

Okay, I'm off. I'll try to add more later, but as a parting gift from me I would like to present you with what currently keeps me awake at night, Peak Oil

Later,
-Ja