I'm sorry

Forgive my recent obsessing over my health issues. I am sorry if I have brought anyone down or said something wrong and I certainly never wanted anyone to feel as though I thought they didn't care. I will try to keep things light and keep other things to myself. If you truly want to know please feel free to ask.

Just Thinking...

I'm sitting here puttering around looking at various things on the net from scrapbook supplies to different terms I've read in the brain scan report. There's a reason they tell you not to look up medical stuff on the net. It can be some scary shit. But I did it. I've wavered between this is MS to a type of stroke back to MS and back to stroke again. At one point I've even thought it's both. This is the bad thing when you have too much time on your hands. My conclusion? Try to be patient and above all relax. Take some deep breaths and find something else on which to focus. All things I know but putting it into practice is a different thing.

And the scrapbook supplies. Suddenly I'm seeing all sorts of things for mother's day. Afterall, it's just around the corner. And then I think of all I'm dealing with at the moment and I wish mom were here. Just to feel some comfort. So I try to focus on all she dealt with and went through and how she did it with such grace and positive attitude. I can vividly remember her saying she was gonna live till she died.

If she ever felt sorry for herself she never showed it. And I can only recall a handful of times when she uttered that she was scared. And truthfully it was never when she was totally lucid. Only in times of distress. The one that comes to mind was just before the hospitalization that culminated in her deciding to stop chemo. She was really having a hard time breathing because her lungs were so filled with fluid. It took days for her to agree to go to the doctor and by that time I think she may have been a little delirious. It was early on a Wednesday morning and I was to take her in to see her lung doctors. It was the end of February and it was damp, grey and dreary. In the early morning the electricity went out and the house was suddenly very silent--something it hadn't been in some time--because the oxygen concentrator was off. Which also meant her already difficult breathing was growing worse with each minute. The total silence and her call for help is what woke me. It was pitch black and she couldn't breathe so I was fumbling in the dark to get her hooked up to the portable oxygen tank. Thankfully that happened fairly quick but not quick enough to keep her from being frightened. I still remember her asking why it was so dark and that she was scared. Fortunately the lights were only off a few moments but it was long enough. I threw on some clothes, loaded her up and off we went. She was admitted and stayed till that Friday but there several low periods during that stay. She did not want me to leave her side and I seldom did--not even to shower (I was real ripe by Friday). But she got through it, we both did. I wish she were here now.

But I know I will get through this. I just hope I can do it with a fraction of the same grace she had.

I miss you mom....

The Girl Who Cried Wolf...

That's a pretty good description of how I've felt most of the day. It's because I was so worked up and had everyone else worked up about the lumbar puncture that had been scheduled today and subsequently cancelled. Several people had rearranged their schedules to be here for me. And I am so thankful for each of them and their unselfishness to care for me. I guess I'm just not used to relying on anyone and having to do so has been hard for me. Thus feeling as though I cried wolf when individuals rearranged their lives for me. I am forever greatful to each of them.

So now my waiting game for answers truly begins. The good news is the specialist visit is scheduled for next Wednesday. The cardiac monitor on the 9th and the dobbler and echo on the 12th with follow up and hopefully (good) answers and treatment on the 20th if not sooner. The nurse told me yesterday the doctor has opened up her schedule so maybe I can get in sooner if they have test results. It seems so far and yet it doesn't. In the meantime I just continue to try to take it one-day-at-a-time.

SO Frustrating...

Perhaps I overdid it over the weekend because I feel so stiff. Add to that a sore back from compensating while trying to do things. Getting dressed was quite a chore.

Hopefully by this time tomorrow the worst will be over. It will still be a while before I get answers but I think the worst of the testing will be behind me and hopefully that's the worst it will be. And every day I continue to hold out hope things will improve.

And to all my buddies dealing with TAKS--I'll trade ya! Seriously, good luck to you and your kids.

Hummph...

Well looks like this turning into a tale of my medical misadventures. Seems that's about all I have to blog about and pretty much all I can think about. So far today has not been one I care to repeat. Of course when I got up I was almost unbelievably stiff so I've spent the better part of the day trying to loosen up. Perhaps this is a sign that I really did overdo it yesterday. Had a little drama--those of you who got the emails know what I'm talking about. And I'm doing my best to do some cleaning around here. So far I've managed to change sheets on the bed and clean the tub and toilet. Still have to get to the rest of the bathroom and the litter box-yuck. Get all the mail off the dining table and vacuum the floor at least. And I'm taking my sweet time doing it all!

Oh and the speech thing is still with me which not only pisses me off but makes my mind work overtime considering things like stroke. But stroke doesn't move and this did start on the left. Amazing how no matter how I try to throw myself into whatever that my mind keeps wandering back to all the bad stuff. I usually try not to wish for time to pass quickly because I want to enjoy the here and now and get the most out of everything but right now I am wishing for time to pass quickly, for all the tests to be over and for there to be answers and treatments and to finally be back to normal (at least normal for me).

Off to finish chores. I think once I'm done I'll shower and maybe take myself out to dinner and do something to take my mind off it all.

Too much...

I think I may have overdone it today. I am exhausted. I finally got up and going and out about elevenish. Off to Richmond/Rosenberg and Lane Bryant in search of a shirt. Lucky me, everything was 40% off so I picked up a new night shirt as well. Next stop, Target for things like cat litter and kleenex. After that I felt brave and ventured to Missouri City and the Village to pick up my book club kit and found my speech issue was still with me. Traffic was a bit much and there really wasn't much else to keep me on that side of the river so back to Richmond/Rosenberg and Texas Roadhouse for some lunch. The chicken fried steak was wonderful. I decided to head for Kohls but found the new Bath and Body Works was open and the timing was just right as I needed to pick up soap for both the bathroom and kitchen. I did finally make it to Kohls and by the time I got through there I was wiped out so I headed home. After a bit of a rest I ran to Walmart to pick up a few more things and now here I am. There are still a few things in the car that I just couldn't handle with everuthing else and they'll just have to wait till tomorrow. I'll have to take out some trash so I'll retrieve it then.

I had really hoped to get a few things done around here today/tonight but I'm too tired. It's just a little after 9a and the thought of jumping in the shower and then bed holds the most appeal for me. I don't think I could do much of anything at this point. One thing for certain, this is really kicking my tail!

Things that suck...

...my right side not being in harmony with my left
...the ever-present feeling that my right hand is asleep
...my right leg wanting to just give out
...having my words come out slurred making me sound like a drunk or stroke victim (or a drunk stoke victim...)
...having to have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
...not being able to get up and down the stairs with whatever with ease
...getting tired just from walking around
...gas prices

Have a laugh...I am.

more adventures later...

When one door closes....

Well last night it appeared as if the tingling and pressure at least in my fingers was subsiding and that made me happy. On top of that, I am feeling a little more steady on my feet and feel I can walk better. Then of course I slept and stiffened up and now my hand is back to the intense pressure and tingling--I hold out hope it will ease up again and possibly disappear. I can still walk a little better...but now my speech is a little off.

Oh, I can talk. And I can find my words with no problem-I just have a hard time saying them at times! SO frustrating. And that has freaked a few people out--call the doctor, call the doctor... Well I still don't have any other classic stroke signs-thankfully. I don't want to be told go to the ER. So I can sit...and wait....and spend more money? I know this could just be another symptom of MS. And it's not every word. And it's only when I try to talk too much--more than a few words. And again, there are no other signs/symptoms. (I know the doc was out today--and I did try to call but couldn't get anyone.) And the chiro didn't sound any alarm over it and honestly, he's one of the first to mention checking for MS.

The lumbar puncture is scheduled for Tuesday. One of the girls at the office has everything lined up for three of them to have everything covered. And apparently both brothers will be here too. Looks like there will be plenty of people to take care of me. Wonder if I can have them wait on me hand and foot??

The latest....for what it's worth...

Still lots of unanswered questions. Here's what I know and don't know. Unfortunately, the brain scan wasn't 'clear'--something did show up. The unanswered question is whether not it is stroke or MS. Other than the diminished mobility on one side I have no classic indicators for stroke and the doc once again emphasized that I do not have the risk factors for stroke (shocking I know). In fact she says despite this I am healthy! The other possibility is MS and I'm at the age where it does present. The only way to rule it out for certain is with a lumbar puncture which I am waiting to be scheduled since it has to be done through the hospital-but as an outpatient. She had also ordered several cardiac test to make sure there are no hidden stroke factors. Those will take place on May 9 and May 12. Unfortunately she will not be able to see me again till May 20 so it looks as though I'll have another month without answers.

As I have stated before, I do not feel bad just more annoyed at the feeling of the right side of my body being asleep. As you can imagine that is beyond annoying as it makes everything an effort which in turn not only frustrates me but is tiring. She made certain to point out that either way it is managable and I got the impression she wouild rather it be stoke because it would be easier on life than MS and might never occur again. But either way it can be dealt with (and that's what I have to cling to).

I've taken today off and am just trying to take it day-by-day. She did offer to send me for physical therapy but since I have no dimished strength and have been using that side of my body I did not see the point as I don't think it will do anything in regard to the current 'symptoms'. Since it initially stated less severe and on my left side I hold out hope that I will bounce back with each day.

Progress??

So far things have been falling in line in a positive way despite my current dilemma and it appears that continues to be the case. I decided to check on the status of the MRI results and was told it has been read but the report is not yet done. However, the doctor's office said they will make certain they have the results by me appointment in the morning. Hopefully this means I will finally get some answers and get some sort of treatment going.

Keep a good thought that it does provide (easily) treatable answers!

Another day of fun....yeah, right....

What more fun way to start the day is there other than a brain scan? Specifically being trapped in a machine for twenty minutes with your head in a cage and told to keep your head still. Thus my comment below about how it sucked and I never want to have to do that again!

Next stop, forty minutes at the doctor's office for a nerve conduction study that took all of about three minutes-if that. I swear it took longer to take off my knee highs and shoes and then put them back on than it did for the test. Oh and that was a barrel of laughs. In case you've never had it done here's what happens. The guy puts an eletrode on one foot or ankle and after a second or two you feel an electric impulse--which on my right foot seemed rather strong. In fact I told him do it again and I'd kick the snot out of him. Now the other foot. Next one hand and finally the other. Somewhat like a doctor checking your reflexes with that little rubber hammer only stronger with electricity. Then he tells me I have carpal tunnel.....DUH, ya think?!?!? Hell, who doesn't these days. Not the initial reason for seeing a neurologist so it makes me think of mom and her comments about doctors ordering test just to split some fees.

Okay that done so I'm off to work. What an adventure that's been since trying to write is damn near an exercise in futility and today so is typing because I keep hitting wrong keys. The perils of one hand being asleep. And my right side really doesn't want to play along today which means even more fun. I just want to scream: ENOUGH ALREADY!! Oh and let's not forget the fun of my right toes wanting to curl up to the point I can't keep my shoe on when I walk. Climbing the stairs to get inside was fun--I lost my shoe about four steps up and had to start over.

I keep hoping the worst is behind me and that things will start to ease. That walking will become easier instead of an increasing challenge. This is another reason I opted to not go to Austin. I hope the MRI results will be negative for anything major and be available to the doctor on Thusday morning (since I got the appointment moved up). I hope by the weekend I'm starting to bounce back to normal for me.

The blessings are that I do have friends who will help me. I do have people that care about me. The copay-at least for the MRI-was managable (the radiologist may be another story).

And on a fun note: I listen to a radio station out of Branson on the net at work. Today during the lunch hour requests I emailed the dj and he played Ozark Mountain Jubilee and sent it out special to me in Texas.

Done

Survived the MRI. But I HOPE I never have to do that shit again! That SUCKED.

Oh and surprise, surprise....I have carpal tunnel. Who doesn't these days?.......

Damnit, damnit, damnit...

I am still agonizing over decreased muscle control. The tightness in my back has eased some but my overall muscle control still sucks. And if I try to do too much the tightness increases. I'm sure a part of that is anxiety over the entire situation.

I have that damn MRI in the morning and I am not looking forward to it since I am somewhat clausterphobic. And to add insult to injury I can't wear my ipod. At least the copay on it is much less than I inticipated so that actually alleviates some of the stress. After that it's the nerve test to find out what's going on with my hands. None of the follow up visits are scheduled until next week. I however have decided that is unacceptable and will be pushing to get it changed to this week....like just as soon as the results from the MRI are available. I need answers sooner rather than later and need to get something going this week because I do not want to have to spend another weekend useless if at all avoidable.

On top of all that, I've decided to stay home instead of going to Austin tomorrow as planned. It would be different if I were functioning better but given my current state I think it's best for all if I stay home.

So send up a few prayers that it's something minor that can be found and dealt with quickly and easily.

If only....

The tightness in my back seems to have migrated to the point where it is across my shoulders--which is good and bad. Good because at least my mid-section no longer feels as though it's being squeezed which means a bit less discomfort. Bad because I am right-handed and it seems to really be hitting my right arm (moreso than the left which is feeling the impact as well) and thus my hand. But I press on. I will not let this get the better of me. I am determined to do something today. Laundry, pick up around here, vacuum, clean the litter box (yuck). I know it may take a while and definitely effort but I sat around enough yesterday. The only way I see to beat this thing right now is to be active. And just one more time I have taken a muscle relaxer in hopes it will help. So, wish me luck!!

Useless...

I don't think I've ever felt so utter and totally useless as I currently do. I have a ton of things I need to get done around here but just can't make any progress. Granted I've not even tried to do much more than sit on the couch or nap today. Just walking is an effort as it feels as though my entire body-but especially my right side-is in a vise. Even sitting is a chore at times. I did manage to dress and go get something to eat but even that took quite a bit of effort. I keep hoping and praying that the tight feeling will ease up...

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR...

No answers, no change. And where I've had days where I wanted to stay home and do nothing I'm suddenly feeling stir crazy and wanting to get out...except the thought of having to go up and down the stairs and not being sure about driving too far.....thus grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Still No Answers....

So I dragged myself out of bed and to the office today and it was quite an effort. But I did it. I wasn't there long when I made the decision about seeing a neurologist so I called about that. Naturally they couldn't see me till next week but I got them to agree to work me in. I was told it could take up the two hours but thankfully it didn't.

The neurologist is a woman who seems very nice and was patient and took time to really listen. After a few questions I went through the whole battery of in office tests (again) to check for stroke----and she even seemed a bit surprised they turned out positive. She looked at my blood work and told me I'm healthy, only in my 40s with no risk factors so it shouldn't be stroke but the only way to rule it out for certain is with a brain scan. Thus, she's ordered a brain scan to rule out stroke, tumor and MS. And I'm freaking out cause the soonest it can be done is Tuesday. She's also ordered a nerve test on my hands. So now I wait and pray that there is some break in all the things I've been experiencing.

I had an eye appointment scheduled for today so I kept it and Keith (the doc) was glad I did. He was genuienly concerned about finding something when he looked in my eyes after I told him my dilemma. I think he was relieved as I was--maybe more--that he didn't see anything. Granted it's only good at that moment in time but still considering I was experiencing all the symptoms when I was with him and my eyes were clear has to be a good sign. I'm really touched that he does care...he even hugged me before I left. And of course as I knew, my prescription has changed but he wants me to wait till after the brain scan before I get new glasses--makes sense to me.

So that's my week thus far....too many doctors, too many copays, too many symptoms, too much worry, too little answers....

Things that make me smile....

Power of positive thoughts...

I'm trying to will myself well. So c'mon now...send me good thoughts that this feeling or whatever it is will pass sooner rather than later...

Results...

All the numbers on my blood work came back good...even things I thought might not be so good are. It does however appear I could be anemic so more blood to test for that...and I go back in two weeks. In the meantime, I still feel like one big muscle spasm so I got some muscle relaxers and a note to take the afternoon off. I'm so hoping the drugs in conjunction with sleeping (which I am about to do) will at the very least alleviate this so I can function somewhat if not totally normal tomorrow. On a positive note, I have lost four pounds since last week...

time to GO...

Enough now. It's time for whatever this is TO GO. I've had enough. Here at the end of the day I still feel like one big nerve ending. I feel shaky. Walking seems to be a chore and both arms feel as though they weigh a couple hundred pounds each--not to mention both hands now feeling tingly.

The chiro did a couple different things and I felt better (not 100%) right then but now I'm back to feeling off kilter (no comments). At least though I do not feel as though I'm in some strange fog...but still if only I could get my body to feel normal. I'm starting to wonder/worry if I'll ever feel that way again. I do feel some panic. Afterall, can you imagine the things running through my mind? Just imagine what would run through your mind if you were experiencing this.

The chiro knows there is some sort of breakdown somewhere in my system. He even mentioned this could be something viral which could take 7 to 14 days to run its course. WTF?? He along with some others have suggested some vitamin B which is somewhat ironic as just recently I was thinking I needed to start taking some sort of vitamin since I know my diet is crap. Wonder if I can get the doc to give me B12 shot?? Yeah, the doc. I go back to him tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to it. My mind is already working overtime on that one just knowing he's going to tell me all these things that are wrong with me.

So I sit here with my mind working overtime thinking up nothing but gloom and doom. Say a little prayer for me to get through all of this and to conquer whatever this is and soon in the easiest way possible (read: some sort of oral supplement...).

Imagine....

...imagine the worst muscle cramp you've ever had then imagine that it's happening to your entire body. That would be the best way I could describe how I feel today.

And in case you've missed my dilemma, scroll down and read my Tired entry from this past Friday, 4/11....

Stress, stress, stress.....

...while still no official word on my physical dilemma a lot of signs are pointing to stress and honestly I do hope that's what it is because I think that can be coped with. So for now I will try to focus on alleviating the stress to overcome this issue. So, who wants to send me on a stress free trip??

FYI...

...all photography by me....

If only...

they always got along this well...

Just because....

...I haven't posted any pics in a while and thought the blog needed something to break up all the words...

Reality

While I had wanted to do something fun today I can't say that I did much of anything. Thus the reality is that I pretty much took it easy. I slept in till just before 9a and actually cooked and ate breakfast. After that I pretty much lounged till about noon when the idea of a nap appealed to me--moreso than getting out to do something. So I napped from noon till just after 2p. After being up for a bit I went out for mediocre Mexican food and then a trip to WalMart. Since then I've not done much of anything. But that is okay. Some days you just have to take it easy...

Today

I want to do something fun today. I feel I need to do something fun today. Life gets too damn serious and just drains you. Gas prices are up again (or as usual) and most likely will not be coming down which in turn raises the cost of everything. Day-to-day life can be draining. And whatever the hell this is that I'm experiencing is annoying and a bit frightening, So I want to do something fun today for me and the hell with the cost (gas, whatever). I guess it's my momma in me. But now the question of just what will that be??

...and why the hell was I having dreams of hanging with coworkers and having them create whatever their heart desired with all my scrapbook goodies??...I don't mind them using all the papers and embellies and such it was just amusing to me how in the dream they were at a loss as to how to even begin to create and so I was showing them how to glue down paper and such...(no I wasn't drinking last night...)

SO tired...

I 's only 8:30p but I swear I think if I lay down I could go to sleep. I'm yawning and my body is telling me to rest. But I'm afraid if I go to bed this early I'll be awake in the middle of the night. Maybe, maybe not. It's been a hell of a day and my body is telling me it's time to rest. It's been a weird day.

I actually woke up a little earlier than I have been. But I woke up feeling as though my left arm, hand and left leg were asleep. You know, the feeling that a body part has gone to sleep and as it begins to awaken it's all tingly. Well imagine that in your arm and leg at the same time. And it wasn't going away. Yes, that was alarming. So I got ready and went to work and then called for a doctor's appointment. Surprisingly they told me they could fit me in right then. Perhaps it was because they feared stroke. Whatever. I didn't have time to think about it and panic so I went.

Long story short. No stroke--I knew that. Not sure what the doctor is thinking either but he doesn't seemed too concerned. I guess that could be good and bad. I'm taking it as good otherwise I'll make myself crazy. So I left some blood and got some drugs and go back next week. In the meantime I'm still experiencing the tingly sensation and trying not to dwell on it all. In fact, I'm telling myself it will all be fine.

So maybe that is why I'm so tired and ready to call it a night before 9p.

So, so glad it's Friday.

It's been a roller coaster of a day for me and so I'm glad I can just chill after the work day is over. A day or two ago I didn't feel anything about the fact the weekend was almost here. But that has changed. Cropping with the girls tomorrow night and that's a good thing.

Hey Timmy...recognize this place???

...downtown Ft. Worth a couple weekends ago...(not sure just exactly how I got this shot--something the camera did--but doesn't it look cool?)

YAHOOOOOO

and I'm not talking the internet kind. Just when I was ready throw in the towel and give up I tried one more time and finally my printer isworking!!! I am beyond excited. Now to just get Office and get it installed and to eventually get my stuff off the old pc and I'll really be a happy camper.


...now if I can just get the cat out of my chair so I sit at the computer and work...or play...

Still no printer love...

Printer still isn't working. And it makes me sad. I'm at a loss of what to do. I need an expert and so far that's not happening either. Other than the printer glitch, I'm starting to get used to the new computer.

And it's Wednesday evening which means that much closer to the weekend. Granted, I have no real plans to speak of but that could change between now and then.

In response to questions...

I am a loser...I have not backed up stuff on the old pc....mostly because the thing was limping along so badly I couldn't even begin to back up stuff....live and learn.....

..and why can I not get out of WalMart for under $35????

Slow Progress...

I managed to get my speakers working so I now have sound! Now to download i-tunes. And I guess i-pod stuff so I can add to my i-pod? And does this mean I've basically lost everything I had on i-tunes on the other computer? Of course it's really not that big of a deal if it does because all the music was from my personal collection so I can just reload my cds. Obviously I am technology impaired where all of this is concerned. Maybe if I get the printer working I'll start liking the new computer more!!

No Computer Love...

I'm not feeling it. Still having a hard time adjusting to the new computer ( I know, it's not even been a full week but still...). Still no sound and no printing capabilities. The drivers are there--at least the messages tell me they are--and the computer seems to recognize the printer but alas it won't print. And it appears there are no drivers for speakers?--at least that's the message a friend got today when poking around looking for solutions. Hopefully the computer guy will have solutions or maybe I can get someone from work to help me. I'm just hoping it doesn't mean I have to get a new monitor. This one is fine and I don't want to have to drop another $200. But I know a new monitor won't solve the printing issue. Could a new printer be on the horizon? Granted I've really been wanting one of those new Kodak printers that tout cheap ink-like $10 a cartridge-and direct printing from media cards but I am not quite at the point of laying out the cash for one. I'm just trying to take it one day at time. It's not that big of deal, really it isn't. But isn't it funny how you don't miss something till you don't have access.

Spent the day scrapping with a friend--that was fun. I should be cleaning up from that (since my dining table is covered--again) but instead I'm still playing. But, I need to wind it up so I can get to bed soon. Bossman is off tomorrow which means I have got to make it in on time-if not early. Why do Mondays have to be such a pain? But then if it wasn't Monday, whatever day it was would be a pain because it's not the day itself but having to return to the work routine. Oh well I have decided to approach it in the frame of mind that it is going to be a good day.

New Computer Blues (?)

I had no idea trying to set up a new computer was going to be such a challenge. Granted I knew it would probably take a bit to get use to a different environment but I didn't realize how different things were going to be. There's a small part of me that wants to go back to the old machine! I switched over connections and got the new one fired up on Monday. It took until Thursday evening to finally get back on Yahoo Messenger. I discovered Monday there was no printer port which meant the need to purchase a cable that makes my printer connect by USB. The cable arrived two days ago but I didn't attempt connect it until tonight. It's all plugged in but it won't print. :( Not sure when I'll be able to get that resolved (waiting to hear from my computer guy--hopefully he can help long distance). Next issue...sound. How do I achieve it? I have an old monitor but it works fine so no reason for the added expense of a new one. However it does not have built in speakers and I do not see any place to connect auxillary speakers. (Once again, waiting to hear from the computer guy.) I'm sure by now he's thinking I'm a real pain in the ass because I keep emailing about all these issues.

Hopefully there will be easy, inexpensive fixes for my problems. It's not that I need any of these resolved tonight but suddenly I'm feeling a bit indifferent about not being able to get sound or to print--things that weren't that big a deal a week ago. Why isn't we don't miss what have (or had) until we no longer have access to it??

Tired, tired, tired....

That pretty much sums things up at the moment. I still need to get the new computer fully up and running--maybe/hopefully over the weekend. Then of course there's always laundry and a million other things to do...

Calgon, take me away...

Granted I just returned from a weekend trip but I am sooo ready to take an extended one. Specifically I am ready for a Branson get-away. It is the one place I can go where I truly leave everything else behind. I have no worries, no responsibilities. And I want to be there--now. To top it off, the Oaks are opening their new theatre up there today (all week really) and I can't be there. That itself isn't so bad. But the only other run before Memorial Day is the same time I'm scheduled to be in Austin. Bottom line, that means no spring trip to the Ozarks for me. I make it a point to go just out of season because the costs area a bit lower, the traffic is lighter and the crowds are fewer which all translates into more relaxation. But the timing this spring basically just stinks. I suppose I could have planned better and been up there this week but I didn't think being out right after spring break would go over very well. And I don't want to be up there Memorial Day. So for now I just have to dream about being up there and hope that I am able to plan a trip in the fall.