Surgery Update

So I was wrong... way wrong. Now I have to have nasal reconstructive surgery that includes a Septoplasty (straightening a deviated septum by removing cartilage and bone)and Turbinate Surgery (bone and mucus membrane being removed). So that dreadful, miserable packing I was trying to avoid will be definite along with a splint. This by itself could cause throat dryness and irritation... but add that with the tonsilectomy I'm going to have and we're screaming for the morphine drip. I think I'm going to request to be put under for say, 4 days until the packing and splint can be removed. I had my nose packed almost 10 years ago, and I can remember it vividly. I would rather birth 4 children consecutively than have my nose packed for days on end. I guess the good thing is I probably won't notice that my throat is killing me since I'll be so distraught about my nose. I need some anxiety medicine... Badly. I'm already freaking out about this and I don't even know what day it will be yet. Not to mention that I've thrown up every single time I've had surgery and throwing up while having a packed nose is unbearable. I think I would rather not be able to breathe.

Airport Excursion

So I'm leaving soon to pick Shaun up from the airport... I tell you. That guy travels more than anyone I know. He is in DC for some ANS conference and is staying with Charity and Steve. He is about to tell his advising Prof. that he doesn't want to work with her anymore. He is really upset about the whole situation. She has been working him to death and never ceases to ask for more. It's absolutely ridiculous. But I can't wait to see him. I just want to leave now so I can get there already. Course I doubt his plane as landed yet. I need to print off the latest version of The Program for him to see and critique. I'm hoping that we will untable the discussion on the red velvet cake with white icing... that would be great.

Surgery

So I've been sick now for what feels likes months, but has been about 3 weeks. I've been the doctor's twice and have been put on weeks of psycho antibiotics. I'm finally feeling a little better. But the last time I was in I was told I have to have surgery and meet with a surgeon. Not major surgery really, tonsilectomy, tubes put in ears and possible adneiodectomy. But surgery none the less, which I hate. Hopefully I won't have to spend any time in the hospital for it. So, wish me luck.

Wedding Progress

I have made much progress on the Wedding front since my last post. I have picked the music... we're having a brass quintet. I'm walking down the isle to "Trumpet Voluntary" by Clarke (notice the name). I have scheldued our taste testing which will take place in a couple of weeks. I have made the first draft of the program. I have almost all of the addresses for the guestlist, and have contacted everyone that I don't have one for so I can get it. I have blocked the hotel rooms. We have a photographer, 2 actually. So really the only big thing left is my dress... oh I really don't like shopping. Crystal has offered to take me to the outlet malls in hopes of finding a great deal.

Something UnWedding Related

So, since the wedding is practically running my life now, I've decided to try and blog about something else. Well, sorta. I spoke with Sr. Rose today trying to figure out with the Schafer-Lehnen Reunion is so I don't have it the same weekend as the bridal shower that Aunt Mary and Aunt Becky are throwing for me. She mentioned that her convent is having a Bizarre. So, hopefully Bob and I can go down and see her and go to the Bizarre. Talking to mom now about the house.

The Name Change

So I've been battling the whole name change debate. Shaun is very much for me taking his name, to the point that he won't even discuss the subject or give me any reasons as to why this is so important to him. He thinks that I'm holding on the some random feminist ideal, and that I should just let it go. Beth and I took a poll at work to how people felt about the issue. Needless to say, that only made me feel worse. I mean I don't want to take it just because he wants me to and then regret it later. In fact, I would rather want to take it especially since he feels so strongly about it. I talked to Stef and she didn't really help either. So, I called my sister. She was by far the most helpful person on the topic so far. She brought up some very good points. Her thoughts were that he is giving me the gift of his name because poeple leave together and he refuses to marry her and not even give her the option of taking his name. Also, she liked the instant unity that is implied by having the same last name. If you have a different last name that you have to say that you are married, it's not implied. So, alas, I'm feeling better about the decision already.

I'm sorry, is this your wedding??

I didn't realize how rude people could become at the near mention of someone they know having a wedding. I'm mean really... do you care that much. So much that I can't even get what I want? Apparently so. It appears that although I may be getting married on Aug. 27th, I'm not the one whose wedding it is. I've had more complaints in the last month from random family members than I get at work six months. (And that's saying A LOT). People are making such random demands from who HAS to be in the wedding, from what we are giving as favors to what time it is and to who is sitting next to who. WHO CARES?? If you don't like it, then DON'T COME! I won't even be offended. In fact, I will be overjoyed that you voluntary elimated yourself off the guest list, and I don't have to pay $21 for you to eat. I'm so sick of this stupid wedding planning that I've decided that is will be done by Thanksgiving. Because there is no way I'm going to family functions and getting bombarded with tips and ideas. Instead, I can say, "I'm sorry you have an opinion about that, but it's already DONE! Have a nice life." Needless to say, I'm a little bitter.

A NEW DATE (and place)

So we have a new date, a real date! August 27th, 2005 at the Purdue Memorial Union in the South Ballroom. We don't have a time yet, but probably around 5:30pm. So, needless to say, I've been caught up in more wedding plans; all of which are making me nutty. I think we will have some nice sentimental things in the wedding though. We are having my old trumpet teacher play at the ceremony. Charity is making all the bouquets and boutineers. I'm using the bouquet that Charity tossed, and Shaun proposed with as my bouquet. I'm hoping to wear my Aunt Marie's dress. And other things. So, hopefully, all will go well. I'm trying not to stress.

Wedding Blog

So Beth has pointed out that this has become, at least in part, A Wedding Blog. So, to stay with the theme, I will get you updated on the details. I think we found a place to live, which is always good. I went dress shopping and found one I really liked. I think I could make my aunt's dress look like that, I just need to lose about 80 lbs. Which brings me to my next point. I joined Bally's and am meeting with a Personal Trainer on Monday who is going to attempt to whip me into shape, but will probably just end up whipping me.

We have a date!

So, clear your scheldues because on August 20th, 2005 I am offically going to be Mrs. Adrianne Clarke. I'm off to look at wedding dresses today, and am still trying to get all my bridesmaids to come look with me. Feel free to visit our wedding webpage to get all the details. I can't wait!

Bridezilla vs. Momzilla

So, the last week of my engagement has been interesting to say the least. A side of me has emerged that I think I would've rather not have seen and am trying to bury once more. Basically since I've gotten engaged I'm thinking of all these things I've been supressing for the last 6 years. I have been on a mad dash to get as much planned in this wedding this week as humanly possible. Unfortanely, the groom is not feeling my urgency. I guess I wanted to hurry up and plan it before he changed his mind. Obviously all these thoughts are ridiculous, but have occured none the less. Shaun asked if I could just be happy for a few days, and he's right, I should be. Meanwhile, I'm telling my mother some of the things I would like at MY wedding and she had an anuresim. I said I wanted to wear flip flops because that is all I wear, even in the snow, and she said that was absurb. I said I wanted a hog roast, just something casual... she said there is no way that her only daughter is having a hog roast at her wedding. But, perhaps the biggest confusion yet is she is begging me to elope, but then if we don't then I'm supposed to have this big tradional wedding. Baffaling.

You Won't Believe It!!!

I GOT ENGAGED! I know, I can't believe it either; I had practically given up on the fact that he would ever ask, and here it is... I'm staring at this 1.3 carat ring on my finger that's absolutely gorgeous! So... here how it happened...

We're at Charity and Steve's Wedding. Mind you, everyone knew about this except for me. I mean EVERYONE: her family, his family, our friends, the photographer. So, her Aunt Vicky ties the ring to inside the toss bouquet. Everyone is making sure I get the bouquet. I think this is kind of odd, but then I'm thinking, well it is about time. It's only been 6 1/2 years. So, she throws it, I catch it and stand there smiling for the picture, not noticing this huge rock sticking out of the bouquet (that Shaun picked out and Charity's mom made). So, he takes it from me and gets down on one knee. I stand there in complete and utter shock. I didn't move for a minute straight when Charity said, "take your other ring off." I couldn't believe it. I couldn't cry or speak or anything. Shaun can't get the ring out because Vicky had tied it in there so tight (they had lost the ring earlier in the day and sent the whole wedding party looking for it). So finally he just says, "Will you marry me?" holding the rind in the bouquet. I say "YES" and a swarm of screaming girls come at me to hug and congratulate me. Shaun is still on the ground trying to get the ring. I give Charity this look like, You knew all about this and didn't even give me any clues!" I give her the biggest hug ever and she is saying stuff to me I can't remember because I'm in a daze. I look back at Shaun who is now holding the ring sans bouquet and puts it on my finger... a perfect fit. We start hugging and then Charity and Steve join us for a group hug. The DJ is playing "Going to the Chapel" everyone is smiling. I still can't believe I'm engaged. We are looking at an August 2005 Wedding but will keep you posted. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect proposal, a more perfect finacee or a more perfect occasion! Thank you Shaun!

What kind of Tree are you?

I read an email this morning that looked at when I was born and told me what kind of tree I am... here are the results.

Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) -- of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined! life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.


I thought this was interesting, so I looked up Shaun's. His results are as follows

Maple Tree (Independence of Mind) -- no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.


Oddly, I think these describe us pretty well. I kept the email if you want I can send it to you.

Labor Day Weekend

I started off my weekend by attending Bob's showing. Then we went back to his aunt and uncle's house where we ate pizza and I received a two hour billiards lesson by Uncle Jeff... drunk Uncle Jeff at that. Saturday I wake up early, get ready, but am still late getting to Shaun's house (had to stop and get Burger King). Go to traditional after funeral lunch, and then met my dad at Par View for quite possibly my worst round of golf to date. If was horrific. So, we go home, shower, and head to Don Pablos where they call our name out loud, but not over the speaker, so we don't hear it (because we're outside) and are consequently rushed to a table. I enjoy a new and tasty quesadilla - bacon and chicken something another. Don't remember, but really good. Then we head back to Indy where I can finally enjoy being in my own apt. for once. Sunday we wake up and meet Kathleen, Chetan, Raoul and some other people for lunch at Max and Erma's. Course it took us an hour to decide to eat there, but it was good none the less. Next we headed to Dick's where I found a really great golf club set for only $179. It made me swing even further. Then we drove downtown to Circle Center where we met up with Stef and Josh (a.k.a. Mr. Nelson) and then went to Hollywood Bar and Filmworks where we saw the Manchurian Candidate. Quite Odd, but the nachos were really good. Monday we get up and head to Smokey Bones... which I love, and had the BBQ pulled pork. Then we went to Target and bought the new Chris Rock stand-up and then went to JoAnn's to buy more yarn for more scarves. Come home, watched the movie- hilarious, he leaves. I go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner with Stef and Josh - he leaves, and then she comes over for a chat. All-in-all, a productive, yet relaxing weekend.

More Test Results

I took this Myers-Briggs- Jung Test. Apparently I am an:

ENFP - "Journalist". Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population.

Extroverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiver. That's what it says I am. What do you think?

Personality Tests

So this morning I'm looking for personality tests online and found this great site. SimilarMinds.com. I took the Brain Lateralization Test. My results are as follows:

Right Brain |||||||||||| 48%
Left Brain |||||||||||| 46%

Why doesn't this surprise me. My mom is all right brain and my dad is all left brain. Well, if you take one of the tests, let me know what you're results are. More of my results are to follow.

Work Sucks

So let's find the most complicated, worst way to do something and implement that policy. GREAT IDEA. This is what the ladies do at my work. Part of my job is to run labels for a weekly mailing. Fine. So we could set up one big database that recognizes changes made and have that compatible to say, I don't know, Word or Excel so you can do a mail merge and print those people directly onto envelopes saving both time and money. Instead we have 3 databases we use that aren't compatible to each other and try to bring in another database to make them all talk to each other creating 40 additional steps, not mentioning the hassle and confusion. Then when we're all done we have labels that we have to stick on envelopes instead of them printing directly onto the envelope. This process has only been made worse as we enter a new fiscal year and try to pitch the old people while installing the new ones. Did I mention that I work in an office with 21 women and 2 old men where except for three of these women they are all at least 34 years old, most in their fifties and sixties. "NEW" is not a word in their vocabulary. Of course neither is "common sense." Any job leads out there??

Funny way to start the Morning

I wake up at 6:00 this morning and refuse to get up 20 minutes before I normally would. I decide that I'm too comfortable and that I'm just going to lay there for 20 minutes. OK, so 20 minutes turned into 90 and I wake up 30 minutes after I'm supposed to be at work. I rush to get ready and leave in time to make it to work by eight. So, I'm locking my apt. door and there is a guy walking down the stairs dressed in a yellow polo and khakis and wearing a name badge, like he works at Lilly or some place. He says Hi, and I grunt something close to Hi back. Then he smiles, turns around and runs right into the door. Good thing I was still half asleep or I would've burst into laughter as opposed to smiling like I did. So, I said, "too early in the morning still" trying to make him not feel stupid. Then he "follows" me to work until I turn on 10th St. So, maybe he does work at Lilly.

Goodbye to Bob

Shaun's Uncle Bob died Tuesday night. It seems like just last month that his mom died. This is a lot of death for a family I've know for six and half years and had never had anyone die during that time until recently. I feel really badly for his aunt who has lost two people very close to her in a matter of two years. And their son is only five and just started kindergarten this year. I can't imagine. Please pray for their family in this hard time of remembering those who've passed on. It's times like these that make me thankful for those around me and for having my final arrangements made and a means to pay for them.

Lessons Learned

So I just realized why they warn you about eating around/ over your keyboard. I was eating a doughnut that Marty brought in for the pitch-in at work today and unbeknownst to me, icing was dripping out the other end. It landed in between the keys and down in the bottom of the keyboard where no Quiznos napkin could reach. Now letters T, Y, K, I, and J are a little gooey on top. Hmmm.... what cleaning agent would be safe to use?

Speaking of messes, my car was a disaster. I got done working out yesterday and went to put my sneakers in the trunk and confirmed what Shaun had told me... my trunk was quite stinky. I don't know what was in there, and have been trying to avoid finding out. But yesterday I was certain the smell was leaching into the car and something had to be done about it. (I was turning into Ryan and Wes with have eaten dinners and old laundry in my car). So... I got out my new Dirt Devil Hand Vac and headed to the car... full steam ahead. I took an empty trash bag that had been living in my glove compartment and began filling it with gum wrappers and napkins, old tennis balls and melted deodorant. (That was just the car). Then I opened the feared trunk. I found papers as old as Jan 2003. I had put on my spare tire in I don't know.... March, and had never bothered to piece the jack and tired back together and secure it down - now finished. Tons of dirty laundry including some of Ryan's dirty underwear and socks. I took this bait and tackle box I won and comprised a "car kit" consisting of a wrench, some tie down strappy things and various other items. I took my jumper cables that I had used sometime this winter and neatly put them back in the bag they came it. So now all that is in my trunk is 2 tennis rackets, my golf clubs and cart, my car kit, jumper cables, and my gas can... you just never know.