Shut up and turn your phone off!!

Here is a great follow up to the last blog. I complained about ticket prices for the movies. Now its time to complain about those who pay those prices and then ruin the experience for everyone else!

Wait, I am that person! I am guilty of being a chatty cathy during a movie. I try soooo hard to keep it between me and my companion, but when I laugh, its loud!!! Going forth, I will try to be far more quiet as I don't want to be that jerkface that ruins YOUR experience.  In fact, I will just shut up!

Here are the etiquettes for movie going:

Get there on time. This leads to many areas.  Getting there on time means, ample time to go to the washroom,  get snacks, and find a seat.  When you are late, for whatever the reasons, please decide on a different movie or time slot to ensure you won't be disruptive to those who did ensure a timely arrival.

It continues to amaze me how people show up when the previews are on, and then head up to the prime seats looking for them to be available!  First come, first serve. You were last, go sit in the rubber necker seats. Enjoy your movie!

Once you have obtained a seat, it would be great if you had already gone to the washroom and got your snacks.  Now, if the lights haven't dimmed yet, then it doesn't matter. But once those lights have dimmed, please don't get up 3 times.  You block the view and annoy everyone you go past as we have settled in and put our bags on the floor, bags of popcorn sit there so we don't eat it all at once.

What happens during previews is a grey area to me.  I personally, enjoy the previews and hate to be disrupted during them.  I love that my introduction to a new movie coming out is seen at its best, on a big screen with optimal sound.  However, I can't really get mad if you use this time to jump up to get snacks or go to the washroom if that means you won't during the movie.

Once the movie has started, I am in a new state of mind. I am being taken away to a fantasy world, where I can escape.  I don't repeatedly pull out my cell phone, lighting up my area. I know this can ruin this for the people behind or beside me when suddenly a white light appears.  Now imagine that several times!  People actually talk and text on their phones during a movie. I can't even imagine doing that. Turn your phone off!

The talking. I have stated I am guilty of this. I promise to make an effort to not talk during the film.  As is, I try to keep it low, movie related and not that frequent.  But just because I do this, doesn't mean you should! If I was ever to be shushed, I would respect that!

Please do not bring your kids to a 9pm show that isn't a family movie. What are you thinking? It drives me nuts when I see parents bring their 2 yr old to a very inappropriate movie.  If it isn't rated G, why is any kid under 10 yrs old at that movie? Theaters really need to enforce their Ratings and who they let in.

I know I shouldn't have high standards for a public event. Having expectations opens you up for disappointment, but I can't just give up on society.

See you at the movies.

Here is my first born, so I can afford a concert ticket!

This blog is about concerts and their outrageous ticket prices.

This was brought on when a user on my forum linked this article:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/12/26/cheap-concert-seats-cruel-summer/#

Essentially, talking about the high price of tickets, and the high amount of people who opted to spend their money elsewhere and stay home.

This instantly reminded me of the Steven Page concert I wanted to go to.  After his split from BNL, he came out with a fun new album.  After seeing BNL 3 times last year, I started to seriously miss Steven's voice. Then he announced a tour that was coming to Calgary.  This was awesome news!  It was in a church..uhm ok..it was general admission seating..uhm...ok...and the tickets came to $70.00 and change after all the fees.  Uhm ok, forget that!!! So here was a concert I was so excited for, but couldn't justify that much money for that show.  So, I regrettably passed on it. In the end, I won tickets from a radio station, but then Page cancelled the show anyways.

The other concert I desperately wanted to see was NKOTBSB. This currently is a limited tour. Only hitting a couple of Canadian cities.  I was prepared to fly to Vancouver to see them. I wanted to take Hilary my 14 yr old and have the time of our lives. For two of us in the second balcony its $171.50 with $30 of that being fees.   I didn't have that kind of dough when the tickets went on sale.

If its BNL,  my fav band, I am dropping whatever it takes also the same with Great Big Sea.  But that is it for me.  I don't want to spend $70 for each show I see. Its killing me now that I have to spend $15.00 to see a movie!!

How is my teenage daughter suppose to be able to afford fun?  I grew up going to concerts, and it was awesome. She however is not.  She, nor I, can afford a $70.00 ticket per month to see her fav singers.   No wonder kids download everything illegally these days!

Entertainment these days is costing too much!!  A movie night out for our family is a $100 expense.  With it costing almost $60.00 for 4 of us to get in, nevermind snacks!

Entertainment such as theatre, movies, concerts shouldn't just be for the wealthy, but it sure seems that way.

My Halloween Pumpkins are for Christmas.

As I sit here at my laptop thinking about what I want to blog, I glance out my kitchen window. It has a view of our deck.  On that deck is a patio table with my Halloween pumpkins on it covered in snow.  They're frozen.  I mean to get rid of them before we went on our trip to LA but I didn't.  It snowed while we were away and hasn't stopped since.  There are days it doesn't snow, but at this point,  they are there until the thaw.

I glance to my left and see my Christmas tree. Its pretty and has presents underneath.  Its a tight Christmas around our household, but our children faired well.  Only 5 days until Santa arrives.  My son is 10, almost 11 yrs old.  He has Aspergers and is more like a 8 or 9 yr old inside.  He still believes in Santa.  He doesn't like crowds and loud noises, neither do I, so him riding the technological wave of communication really works for me.  He does not desire a picture with Santa or really to talk to him in person.  He prefers to email Santa.  With so many websites, that is a definite possibility.   We emailed Santa the other day and he already has a very nice email back.  Thank you technology!

Counting down days for many things.  We have the obvious, Christmas.  Then New Years, I am actually off for it for the first time in 3 yrs! WOO!  Then its a trip to Montreal with friends for a birthday trip.  Its then Quinn's 11th birthday.  Following that, the Ships and Dip Cruise with Barenaked Ladies. Then Hilary's birthday, followed by my birthday.

I need money for all of that. YIKES!

I sent out my Christmas stuff very late this year. I had partaken on the role of a Team Captain for our team at work as we adopted a family in need. I organized most of it alone. I rallied to get donations of money, gift cards or presents.  Our group was very successful, but it was stressful.  Knowing it was up to you to ensure those kids had a good Christmas, when your's was barely happening.  I got very distracted by that project but  it was very rewarding.

I am looking forward to Christmas Dinner with family and friends. For me, its not about the presents under the tree but who I get to be with.

Merry Christmas :)

Christmas Cards all over my table

Its true. I have Christmas cards all over my table in categories.  I am not anal.


I write down the list of people I will send to, then go thru my cards and create categories. Families, singles, silly, not so silly and then assign names.


You have to know that if you get a card from me. I have taken it seriously, if you don't like it, I don't like you. Sorry, but we had a good run.


Tomorrow night is my company Christmas party and the stars have aligned just right that my best-friend Michelle and Matt are going. I also get to hang with my other buddies Sarah, Shayne, Stacey and of course fresh on the party tour, Terra and her hubby!  Sooooo excited! Andrew and I have a hotel room for the night and I am looking forward to date night...until the liquor sets in and I am on the dance floor. I will not leave that floor, unless I have to pee or am thirsty.


You know how when you drink, you don't want to break the pee seal? I will go as long as I can tomorrow night for I will be wearing spanx.  I call those reversed birth trying to get into those things.  In case you haven't seen what they can do, I Googled this image for our viewing pleasure.  Personally, my flab will be bigger. It goes from under my boobs too my knee. Lord help me when I have to break that seal.


I got a new bra for the occasion!  I went to Cream up in Airdrie and got a fantastic bra for just $69.99.  Insane!!  Such a great price. I suggest that store, and as a Westjetter I get a discount! Booyah!


I was so far ahead for the holidays. I shop year round to alleviate some stress.  But today I realize, I am very behind. I should have stuff bought and ready to be shipped by tomorrow for my family back east.  SORRY FAMILY BACK EAST.  Maybe it will be a gift card Christmas.   I am just doing up my cards now to send out.  ACK!


I love the holidays and on Sunday, we are decorating! Matt and Michelle's apartment does not have room for a tree so I have invited them over to help trim our tree and add on their own decorations. I intend on making them take it down as well.  You know, give them the whole experience!


So, for the first time in 3 years, I have New Years Day off. This is a big deal! It means I can finally ring in the new year with flare!! WOO!  So excited.  So who is throwing he party I am going to?


Well, off to finish those Christmas cards!

I have a canker sore.

Its been awhile. Im doing ok. How are you?

Since its been so long. I have a list of things I have had on my mind, and here they are in no particular order:

Winter Tires.  OMG.  These should be mandatory. Seriously.  I have them. You should too. Enough said.

NKOTB and BSB unite to become NKOTBSB and I want to see them.

I had a great time in LA. I haven't put up an album on facebook yet. I should do that.  I ate like a disgusting pig in LA and now feel gross and guilty over it.  I want to do a cleanse. Any suggestions?

I did score new shoes and a dress.  I did not have sex. Oh wait, I did. Once. When I travel, I never want sex.   Is that normal? Its stressful and I never sleep right and its go go go..all day long and generally lots of fresh air. Plus the pressure of knowing I should cos were on vacay crushes me.  Anyone else like that?

Spending time with friends in LA was great, I miss my other friends :(

I need a new bra to go with my dress for the WJ Christmas Party.  I am beyond excited for that!!  Gonna dance with my friends all night long...all night, yeah, alll night, all night long..all night...*thinking of Lionel Ritchie"

Up next is Christmas.  I still have a lot to buy. I should get on that.  After that I am off to Montreal for a weekend of uber fun for my friend Michele's 25th birthday!  I am so excited!  Crystal, Sam, Bari and I are headed to Montreal to celebrate since Michele is not coming on our BNL cruise :(  Should be an awesome time!

After that is my cruise.  If you know me, you know how excited I am. If you're going its only 76 days from today!!! I can't wait for the preparty weekend in South Beach!

I need to finish dinner. In closing, I have a canker sore. It totally sucks.

Update on my medical drama

Today, I saw the Dr who sent me for my ultrasound.  I love her. That might be a bit strong. But she deserves it.


So, first I had a pap with a lady from Switzerland. She was great.  That went well. Glad they opened a pap clinic at my Medicenter.


Then I waited for Dr. Kotkas.  She came in and was like "Hi! How can I help you today?" then it went like this:


me: remember me? you sent me for an ultrasound to see if I had fibroids, and if they were the cause to my heavy periods.
Dr: Oh yes, we're trying to see what is going on to control your iron!
me: yes, I came in on Monday and met a mean Dr.  She started my time with her off with "what's wrong with you?"
(Dr. Kotkas gasps) then I told her I was called in for my results...etc...I told her what the conversation of which was in my  last blog.  The whole time Dr. Kotkas is gasping, rolling her eyes, etc...


me: She also gave me this prescription to help with my periods.  But I didn't feel good about that appt at all so , here it is (passed it to her)
Dr: Are you serious? This is hardcore, this will stop your periods completely. I really don't feel like this is the solution at all. In fact, I haven't had a chance to look at your results, can you give me a minute to read this?
me: of course...and I don't want that prescription.


Dr Kotkas smiles and rips it up and puts it in the garbage.  She reads my file and then says


Dr: Ok, so you have a fibroid but its fairly small and most likely not the cause of your periods, but lets talk about that first. Do you know what a fibroid is?
me: not really, well sort of.
Dr: (she goes on to explain it all) This is important...


Estrogen makes it grow and shrink, being overweight, fat stores the estrogen meaning you have a lot. Of course that makes you look young! Sometimes thin girls will look older cos they have less estrogen, so we need to get you to the right amount of estrogen.  Which brings us back to your CRP test, and how we discussed you changing your lifestyle.  If you lose weight, you will lose some estrogen making that fibroid shrink, which will in turn lighten those periods.  See how we came full circle? Take care of you and you will be ok.  


I love her.


me: absolutely! I have changed my diet already, have only had 2 pcs of halloween candy, been going to the gym and my dear friend at work created a Biggest Loser comp so I have like 16 people helping me lose weight! (I love you Jesse)


Dr: fantastic news! You are taking this seriously and I am so glad you have a great support system.  Now, if you do all that and take your iron pills we won't need to go to drastic measures. I don't want to stop your periods, that has complications on its own. I don't want to put you on birth control as that will raise your blood pressure and increase your chances for a stroke, we can't have that. I just want to make sure you take care of you. Eat right, exercise and take all your supplements.


me: absolutely.


Dr: Lets try this for 3 months, then come back in for a test on your iron, of course you can come in anytime if you need me.


me: Is it ok, if I only come in when you are here?


Dr: of course.


She told me what she takes every single day because its so hard for a person to get this much from their diet:


In the morning:
Multi vitamin
Vitamin D - 2000 mg/day
Calcium/Magnesium
Omega 3


At bed:
Vitamin C with my Iron Supplement.


Oh and she gave me new iron pills cos my other ones made me soooo sick.


So, I am gonna follow her advice. Eat right, exercise and take all those vitamins.  Lets where that will take me in the next 3 months :)


Suddenly, things don't seem so bad. 

Well then....

Many of you knew that today I was going back to the Medicenter to get the results of my ultrasound.  


Quick recap:
Iron was low as was my hemoglobin.  My C Reactive Protein test indicated inflammation in my body.  I have very heavy periods, and this likely the culprit for my inflammation and low iron.  So an ultrasound was ordered to see if I have any fibroids (benign tumors) which could cause my heavy periods.


So, on all hallows eve, I get a phone call at like 8:15pm from the Medicenter saying "We have the results of your ultrasound and we would like you to come in tomorrow" 


Today at work, I started to experience some flu like symptoms, sore throat, stuffed sinus', chills and a little cough.  But, despite a chaotic day at work, feeling like crap, I headed over to the Medicenter. I called ahead asking if there was any long waits.  I was assured that there was barely anyone there, so I headed over. I got there and it was quite busy.  I put my name in and waited.


and waited.


and waited.


Many times I passed out sitting upright, startling myself awake, almost dropping my phone a couple of times.


2 hours go by and I finally got called in and placed in an exam room.  


This is how it went down when the doctor who I have never met before came in:


Dr: What's wrong with you today?
me: I was asked to come in to review my ultrasound results
- she takes a minute to read a letter in my file
Dr: Ok, so your ultrasound came back somewhat inconclusive.  You have a fibroid but they don't feel this is what is causing your heavy period. 
me: oh, ok
Dr: So what meds are you on? 
me: for my iron?
Dr; for your period
me: Nothing
Dr: why not?
me: Well, this result is a step to a path to figuring out whats wrong with me
Dr: Ok, do you want meds? For your period? Do you want to go on birth control? I can get you something else.
me: blank stare.....uhm I guess
Dr: You know what, I am going to send you to a gynocologist.
me: blank stare...uhm ok. 
Dr: Well, do you want to do something about your period?
me: Well, of course, I just want to sure that's the next step for what is going on
Dr: Well what is going on is that you have heavy periods and I am trying to fix that so here is a prescription and you can try that, and I will call you with an appt with a gyno.
me: I have a pap on Wed
Dr: so?
me: Well does that play into this at all?
Dr: a pap is a pap it has nothing to do with this


She started to leave


me: uhm, wait, you said I have a fibroid?
Dr: yes, but its of no concern.
me: so I just ignore yet?
Dr: Yes


She left.


I wasted 2.5 hrs to get no further ahead and to be treated like garbage.  Because its a Medicenter, I can get a different doctor each time who will only read the first page of my thick file. My last visit was fantastic so on my way out I shoved the prescription in my pocket and asked when the doctor I liked would be in. Wednesday. I will talk to her on Wednesday.