k a t e’s blog

It's time for another update in the internet world.

This time, I do have some fabulous news to share -- I am officially an Aunt :)

My sister had her baby last Saturday (May 31st) and we welcomed little Joseph William in to the world. My family is ecstatic, of course. He is the first nephew & grandchild on both sides of his family. Little dude is going to be spoiled!

I was there when he was born, and then again this past friday since I didn't get to see him much at the hospital. I went photo crazy, but they will thank me when he's older :)

I took over 100, but here are a couple of my favorites. He's so freaking cute!

Other than that, not a whole lot to report. Oh! I did get a new car. A 2008 Ford Focus, and I love it. It has the SYNC system, which allows me to bluetooth people on the phone, or call up tracks on my iPod. It's quite awesome :) It also came with a free 6 months subscription to Sirius radio, which I've been using religiously. I enjoy it.

It's been 90 degrees here the past week, and its quite ridiculous. I hate the heat. Thank God I work a lot in air conditioned facilities and my car has AC. My apartment is SUPPOSED to have it, but the unit doesn't blow cold, cold air like it should. Hopefully, they'll check it out tomorrow like they are supposed to.

I am really getting irritated at the idiots that keep calling the assignment desk and complaining to ME that the hockey game isn't on NBC. As if I have anything to do with that.

These people keep claiming that the newspaper and the TV both said the game would be on our channel.

I looked. No, it doesn't.

I then kindly inform them that the game will indeed be on our station -- on Wednesday. It's really getting hard to keep my composure.

Some old man, older than Jesus just called and this is how the conversation went.

me: newsroom?

him: hello?! is this a human?!

me: uh..yes.

him: WHY ISN'T THE GAME ON? IT WAS SUPPOSED TO START AT 8!

me: it is. it is on versus, sir.

him: WHAT?! I HAVE TWO HEARING AIDS. I CAN'T HEAR YOU!

me: (louder) it's on versus.

him: IS THAT CHANNEL 60?

me: i'm not sure. for us, its channel 47. but the station is versus.

him: I JUST THINK YOU DON'T WANT TO TELL ME!! (click)

sigh. I don't need this shit.

All of my life, it always seems like out of my two siblings and I, I was always the one who got the weird diseases and illnesses. Sure, they've had their share of things, but I'm pretty sure I win in that category.

Well, this week was no exception.

I went home to Erie for a couple days for some R&R, Stephen's birthday, and to see my parents. It ended up being a vacation with a plethora of medical visits. First, I went to the dentist to get a cracked filling fixed -- and I do not like going to the dentist -- so you can imagine what a treat that was.

Then yesterday, I went to the ER for a few hours. Turns out, I have Bell's Palsy. Basically, it's a condition that causes the facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed. It's caused by trauma to the 7th cranial nerve, and is not permanent. What causes it? No idea.

I got a CAT scan, and thankfully, I didn't have a stroke, no brain tumors and no blood clots. Got tested for Lyme's Disease, haven't gotten the results on that yet, but it could explain why I have BP.

I pretty much self diagnosed myself through internet research, but I can't prescribe myself meds, obviously. But I'm now on a 2-week dose of steroids to help bring down the inflammation to the nerve in my face. I got a "less serious" case..so far, anyway. Several people experience really bad facial drooping, paralysis, etc. I just have weakened muscles and its really only noticeable when I talk (and point it out, before hand)

So, now its just a waiting period for it to go away. Could be anywhere from weeks to months. I really hope its not the latter. I'll be devasted.

That's about all I've got right now. My life is so interesting.

I tend to go months without updating this thing. That needs to stop. Although, I'm not even sure who actually reads this blog, but nevertheless, I shall continue to write in it.

I've been working all the time. I hardly have free time on my plate anymore. I picked up a second job as a server at the Olive Garden for extra money due to my hours being cut back, but there were some changes at WPXI, and now I am back to about 40 hours a week there. I do not want to drop my serving job because its decent money, and its extra money for frivolous things that I always seem to buy. Plus, who knows how my hours will be in a few months. My focus right now is to pay off credit cards, then start saving whatever else I can.

I'm going to be an Aunt in less than two months here. I am super, super excited about that. The little guy should be making his debut in the beginning of June, if not sooner!!

Other than that, nothing else is new, really. Things with Ryan and I are going great. Our 7 months will be here in a little over two weeks. Crazy how times flies.

Also around that time will be one year since I graduated college, and FIVE years since high school. I've been wondering if there will be a reunion, but I'm thinking thats a negative. I'm not even sure what happened to our class president, or where she disappeared to.

Anyway. This post took a lot longer than anticipated -- although that included making my dinner for work, talking on the phone and cleaning the bathroom. ha. At any rate, I've got to go get ready for work and make a quick Starbuck's run.

Unfortunately, my caffeine addiction is still as strong as ever.

I've been a bad kid and haven't been getting my eight to ten glasses of water everyday. I decided I had to do something about this, so while I was out tonight I picked up a handy little water bottle. It holds 32 oz of liquid at one time, so I figure I just need to chug two of those puppies down a day and voila -- I'm at my recommended 64 oz a day!

In fact, I just finished off my first 32 ounces -- and now my bladder hates me. But, my kidneys are probably throwing a little party. Poor things have to filter so much caffeine all the time. What a nice little break.

Water is good for a healthy complexion, and trust me, I finally believe this little myth. My skin is in some major need of hydration. I've been breaking out like a pre-pubescent teen, which for me is highly unusual.

I also bought a harness and a leash for Owen. I'm turning into quite the crazy cat lady. The weather is getting nicer, and I'd like to take him outside once in awhile to enjoy it. I tried it out on him when I got home, and the silly cat wouldn't move. He kept trying to chew the leash. I even opened my apartment door since he normally bolts out and goes running..but he just stood there like a creep. So, I attempted to throw a toy and he went flying after it. The leash is 'bungee' style, so he came flying back at me. It was quite humorous. He looked at me, dumbfounded and couldn't understand why he was just airborne. hehe.

On an entirely different note..I'd just like to say how over the Decision 2008 coverage I am. I work in the media, so its impossible to avoid it, not to mention I'm surrounded by it constantly. It just makes me hate it even more, to be honest. I have no idea who I'm voting for. Nothing ever changes. As the months creep by, its just going to get worse. Who am I kidding.

Anyway. Lipstick Jungle is about to come on. I'm addicted.

I'm so tired. I worked until 11:30 last night, and then whole heartedly agreed to come back in at 3:30 this morning for severe weather coverage. I figured it would be no biggie -- but I'm exhausted. I can't lose any hours though. On the bright side, I'm out at 12:30p, as opposed to 6 o'clock. Not too shabby for a friday night.

I start my Olive Garden training next week. Thank God for that. I need to ease some of my financial stress. I'm not to keen on the idea of having a 2nd job (much less at a restaurant) but you've gotta do what you've gotta do.

Who would have thought that my first job out of college would be at a Top 25 market -- but I'd also be working as a waitress to survive. yeesh.

I rented and watched "The Jane Austen Book Club" yesterday -- and it was quite good! My cousin and I joked around when it was in theatres, but I honestly wanted to see it. Kind of a shame that I didn't because I thought it was good. But maybe thats just me though.

Girl Scout cookies got delivered at work today, and I'm a little peeved I didn't order any. Not that I need them, but I mean't to order a box or two and I didn't. Now I get to stare at the mocking boxes sitting on people's desks around the newsroom. boo and double boo.

I have the coolest cat ever. Everyday, he amuses me more and more.

My favorite trick? He plays fetch. Sure, a lot of cats chase things when you throw them, but Owen not only chases things -- he brings them back, again and again. I swear he thinks he's a dog. He'll play fetch for hours if you let him. If you aren't paying attention to him, he'll drop the toy near your hand and meow or put his face in yours. It's seriously the cutest thing.

This morning I woke up for my God awful 3:30am shift and flipped on the bathroom light -- only to discover Owen sleeping in the sink. That was a new one. It made me laugh. He just looked up at me like 'WTF? Way to disturb my sleep"

Here is my little dude this morning.

mr. owen

Isn't he precious?

I need to start writing in here more often. I have a regular journal over at LJ, but unfortunately, its not free for the public to read. But needless to say, I try and update that on a regular basis -- and I usually succeed.

But anyway.

Not a whole lot new with me, really. I started writing at my job, which means in addition to working the assignment desk, I also do a couple shifts a week where I'm actually writing the news. Exciting, yes. It's what I originally interviewed for. However, my hours got cut waaay back, as did everyone else working PT, but its not financially possible for me to continue on those hours, so I have to figure something out, pronto.

Katie talked me in to going to her aerobics class with her last night, and today I am feeling it! It's bad. I haven't been physically active since, oh, October. My apartment complex has a "fitness center" -- and I use those words loosely because frankly, its less than stellar. But, I actually enjoyed the class last night, even though Katie and I were a good 10 years younger than the youngest woman there. haha. Ah well. I can only make the Tuesday night class, but its better than nothing.

Valentine's Day is coming up here. It's a thursday, and I work, so I'll be spending it alone. I've never been in a relationship on Valentine's Day, so I'm not expecting anything fabulous. I guess I won't be so bitter though this year. haha. My routine motto has always been "Happy Single's Awareness Day" -- haha.

My brother got me a coffee machine for Christmas, and for that, I am grateful. I'm quite addicted to hazelnut coffee these days and I love buying and trying new flavors of creamer. Honestly, how lame can one be. But, a hot cup of joe can make my day, sometimes.

Did anyone see American Idol, last night? Oh boy, do I love that show. It makes me all nostalgic because last year, it was our tradition in Clarion to go over to Elisa's and watch it. I miss that. And I just miss college life in general. I adore being "responsible" but at times, I wish I could just go back to the days where all I had to worry about was making myself present in class and spitting out some papers and projects.

Anyway. This kid that was on AI last night. Well, I just want to hug him. He's so cute!

Another Christmas has come and gone. It's kind of surprising how fast it came this year. Probably because I've been working, living away from home..it just kinda snuck up on me.

That's not to say I didn't have a good holiday, because I did, it was just too short. Basically, I worked until 7:30a Christmas Eve morning, made my trek back to Erie, almost falling asleep at the wheel one too many times. I arrived home, promptly took a brief snooze and then continued on with the family festivities. My family so kindly rearranged their usual 'traditions' for me, which I am extremely grateful. Unfortunately I had to head back to Pittsburgh that same evening and be at work by 4am. Needless to say, I was a walking zombie.

I spent much of Christmas day sleeping, which was fine all the same since I spent it alone. But since I got to "celebrate" the night before, I was okay.

I've been working like a fiend these past few weeks. Last week I clocked in at 59 hours, this week is 56. The paycheck is going to be awesome, until I have to pay my bills. ugh. But, after my overnight tomorrow, they were gracious enough to give me a few days off, to which I am using to go home for a few days to see my friends and be able to see my family for more than a day.

I plan on doing nothing but seeing people, catching up on new movies and just enjoying the few days off that I have. I've learned that they don't come 'round often in these parts!

It's incredible that its almost 2008. I've done so much growing up this past year, and a year ago, I would have never guessed that I would be where I am right now. It's rather crazy, if I so say so myself.

Since when did December creep up on us so quickly? It's already midway through the month! I only just started my Christmas shopping the past couple of days. Partly because I wasn't sure I'd even be able to make it home for the holiday, but mainly because I've been broke. But, I got all of my bills paid and then had enough to start my shopping. Hooray! I'm almost done now, save for the few people on my list who are the hardest ones to buy for. Funny how its the same exact people every year.

But at any rate, I'm pumped to be able to go home for Christmas Eve, even if its just for the day/evening. I get to spend at least some of it with my family, which is most important. I haven't been home in almost 2 months. That's just crazy because even during college, I was never away for that stretch of time. I really am a grown up!

Work is going okay. I started working overnights now so that I can cover our normal overnighter during the holidays when she gets a two week break. Not gonna lie, I'm not really a fan of them. You'd think they would go fast, but they really don't. 5am - 8am is the worst. Thats when time seems to creep on. It's only temporary though, so I can't really complain.

Oprah is on Jay Leno right now. It's definitely weird watching a talk show host being interviewed by..a talk show host.

I have a babysitting gig tomorrow. It's only for 4 hours, but its extra money that I need. Ideally, I'd like to pick up some babysitting shifts every week so that I don't have to get a second job. Watching rich people's munchkins sounds way more appealing than folding clothes or serving cheeseburgers.

At any rate, its getting late and I need to be up early tomorrow. More to come later!