All about Wow and the things I put off doing.

My name is Candace, and I am an alt-oholic.
Before my run in with the terrible colon monster, I was leveling a Undead Rogue, Duckface with a friend from work. To make a long story short, I lost interest in the game in general for a couple months and decided to reroll a Priest when I finally got back into playing. Cue Kaywinnit. I thought I was clever with that name, but apparently there is more than one Kaywinnit across the game, more than 20 actually! (It's from the epic television show "Firefly", in case you're wondering.) Should I mention that I came back from my 3 month vacation into patch 4.0.1?
The great thing about leveling a healing class now-a-days is the ability to level through random dungeons versus questing. I've tried playing a Priest more than once, have never gotten past level 30-ish, but with being able to just heal and not have to specialize into dps'ing to quest, I've found it much more enjoyable. I love healing. I love being able to hang out in Orgrimmar waiting for the random queue to pop.
 However, I do not love the over abundance of players at these low levels that have little to no experience with their class. Granted it's a given, you're level 20, you're not expected to know everything about your class yet. But you are expected to not send your pet half way across the dungeon and aggro 3/4ths of the whole place. Or Soulstone yourself.

 And this guy just knew too much for his own good.

Tanks:
Paladins - I've found are either slow & stupid or Fast & mana consuming. I have yet, even at level 43, master the art of mana conservation. It works on both ends of the table: nothing irritates me more than a tank who pulls too slow, and nothing irritates me more than a tank who pulls too fast. It's the rare, once in a week random that moves as fluid as rain water from a gutter. I know they nerfed practically every class, but watching a Prot Paladin pull 5 non-elite mobs and drop to 50% hp in 2 seconds had me saying "WTF?".
Gear was ok, usually in Randoms you have full Heirloom or Blues. It's just too easy not to have the best gear now-adays. Which makes these gear choices hard to explain..'specially for a level 43 Mage.

So when the tank takes more damage than he/she should, due to bad gear, bad talent points, bad playing in general, I obviously have to use more mana to keep him/her alive, and that means that I have more downtime in between pulls. And it's the tanks that pause for more than 15 seconds in between each pull that irritate the ever-loving Moonberry Juice out of me.

Druids...suck. My feelings towards Bear tanks is the same as Paladin tanks. I haven't had one memorable Druid tank, from level 12-50, unless it was a bad memory. Nuff said.

Warriors - I am loving them. Although I tend to not use my PwS as much on them, I'm so afraid of one of them yelling "I NEED MAH RAGE!", they, believe it or not, have less downtime than Druids but pull less than Paladins. That can be a good thing.

A lot has changed with the game in the past month. Most of it was long over due, but the rest of it just seems to make the game too easy. More of that later, much later, as this is the second to the last day off work before my return to the hospital. Here's praying for a fast recovery, atleast fast enough to get me out of the hospital and home in my bed..near my computer ;)
<3

Tomorrow I return to work. I was in no way expecting to be going back so quickly, I thought at least one day would pass between today and the next shift, but I was so wrong. And I think I'm ok with that. There are a few things I need to do before tomorrow morning.

One of which is fixing a lunch. My shifts are 9 hours, 1 hr for lunch and with the medication I'm on, with the constant need to munch, I am thinking it a smart idea to pack some snacks too.

I found out that eating gluten free - Rice Chex with lactose free milk does not hurt my belly one small bit. It's not something I can live off of, but it's good to know theres something out there that can ride through my digestive system without creating too huge of a havoc.

I'm thinking something chickeny and warm for lunch tomorrow, though. Then trying on tights with skirt/shoe combinations, finishing the laundry and most likely the rest of the evening spent knitting neck warmers.

 



Like all best laid plans, todays plan of cleaning out my cobweb room went up in flames. It's a job that I've been wanting to finish for the past month, but have been able to convince myself throughout the day that I don't have the energy for such a large project yet. And believe me, it is a large project. The room has become a catch all, mostly for furniture, craft supplies and books. I know where everything should be and where it should go, I just can't bring myself to start, because I know once I move one thing, I have to move another to make room for that thing. So, once I start, I can't stop. And really, getting my sewing machine working sounded like a much better idea at the time. I have about a dozen more birds to make for my tree, and if I could get my old White's machine back to working, it would make the job that much easier. Unfortunately, I lack the skill to bring the machine back to working order.
I've tried everything, from oiling, de-linting, adjusting tensions all over the place, using high quality strong thread, rethreading, using different bobbins, adjusting bobbin tension, using new needles, etc.

Thank goodness I have such a generous mom who is willing to lend me her machine..again. She will lend it to me for 6 months, I'll *reluctantly* give it back to her for a week, then ask for it again. It's a vicious cycle. I love adding things to my ever growing wish list.
So, the day went to me unpacking all of my Christmas stuffs & decorations, and putting up my tree. The very first grown up tree I've ever owned. 6.5 feet of pre-lit artificial holiday happiness!
I refuse to post or even take a photo of the tree until it is finished.






Yesterday, had a thrifting date with Samaree. We broke a record and managed to go to two shops in one day! Usually, we can spend 1-2 hrs in one store, scouring every nook and cranny, flipping through every hardback, magazine, coin purse and Cosby sweater.
My favorite shops to hit are St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store & the Granger Goodwill.

And I consider myself lucky to have a friend like Samaree to thrift along side. That's not a fluff compliment either, she understands the fundamentals to thrifting and does not complain when I'm concentrating on looking through old frames instead of holding a conversation with her, because she's too busy concentrating on looking for treasures as well. Speaking of treasures..




$1 ice tub,  matches my tea pitcher!

I can imagine this sitting on a large formica desk, someone in a wool power suit sipping from it while screaming for more Caramel deLites.

The skirt. The beige, khaki, tan whatever, its the right color! skirt. In the right size. In the right length. With some pleats. And it's more than a just a simple skirt or something over flashy. I love it. I'm happy I found it. Enough gushing, it's a work skirt.

Definitely had to get for all of my "no-reason parties" in the future.

Breaking out the Holiday Cheer.

Ok, I will admit sitting in front of the computer singing along to random carols and Christmas songs really isn't filling the world outside of my own with "Holiday Cheer", which is why I decided to spam my facebook page with links to the most wonderful Christmas songs.

On the intestinal front, things are far from wintery. I'm living my days feeling as if there were a giant red hot sitting on my belly. This is something I'm beginning to learn to deal with, as I'm running out of pain relief and have very little faith in my doctor of prescribing me anything stronger than OTC Tylenol. My biggest problem though with this is pants! I'm "ok" with the pain, if I can wear a dress or pj pants, something with a soft elastic waist or none at all. But neither of those will fly at work. So here's hoping something works, because I really would like to return to work.
I'm currently at 30mg of Prednisone, down from the original 60. *celebrate* It seems though, at about 40-50 my "Moon face" started getting worse, and I noticed changes in my neck and my chin..fatty changes. I've read that all of the symptoms go away within a week of ending Prednisone.
Now if I can just get my meals in check and my sewing machine fixed, I'll be a happier moon face this weekend.

There is just something beautiful about peanut butter cookie dough.

Peanut butter cookies themselves are such simple, yet delicious treats that it's hard not to give them some sort of respect. Unfortunately, after baking half a dozen and then eating half, I found out that I can't eat chunky peanut butter. I have never made PBC's without chunky peanut butter, and I'm not sure if I want to try.
I'm curious about working with ginger, it's a stomach calmer and I may eventually find a nomulicious gingersnap recipe just in time before Winter!

I'm sure Pizza Hut has wondered if I died, as I have not eaten out all month. Which is kind of a lie, I've had a couple meals brought in to me by the kindness of friends, and today I actually went out and ate at a restaurant, first time in over a month too! But other than that, I've been cooking up a storm at home.
The last biggest thing I tackled was a tweaked potato soup with turkey sausage recipe I found online. First was calf brains...hah..no, turkey sausage.

Onions with Worcestershire sauce - I would buy a candle if they could capture this scent.

All this while the peeled and diced potatoes were boiling. Notice, there is no accurate measurements, I just added as I thought needed. Rosemary & a lot of ground black pepper went into the pot of potatoes as well.

Once the potatoes were soft enough, I noticed I had too much water in the pot, so I drained it and added the onions and sausage.

Now the recipe I was following loosely online said to add mashed potatoes, and since I'm lazy and had the pre-made junk, that's what I added. *sssh* In the future, if I ever make it again, I promise to save a few potatoes for mashing. That an half a cup of milk, stir, keep on the heat until you want to eat.
It received raves from both Samaree & my sister. I too enjoyed it, but was only able to eat a bowl due to the spicy nature. So sad. Also to note for future making of this dish, I would add a full cup of milk and/or not drain as much water out. Yesterday, as I was packing up the remaining leftovers for my parents, I noticed the consistency was more mashed potato-y than potato stew-y.
And seasoned turkey sausage potato stew is much more exciting than seasoned mashed potatoes with bits of turkey sausage, I think.


Before going to get my bloodwork done yesterday I was on the hunt for a new craft project, something very simple that I could do at Michiana Hematology Oncology center. I like the idea of going there when my mom has to go there for her chemotherapy, that way I can keep company for a couple hours, and it's not really taking anything from, since I don't have much of a life at the moment.

I ran across these adorable bird ornaments, which were perfect because I actually have a 6 foot tall tree for this year. My first "grown up tree". However, I have very very very few ornaments. And I'm not really the type of person that is happy with throwing every ornament regardless of what it is up onto the tree. I like..themes.
Which is apparent in the 2ft tall Star Wars themed tree I have waiting in my closet.

I'm in a daze these days.

No seriously, if you see me out in public, try having a conversation with me. I feel like I'm in a constant drug induced stupor and talking only makes it worse.
Today I went out to grab a few groceries, and managed to do the whole shopping trip without a wheelchair. There were times when I felt stubborn and lightheaded and second guessed myself, and I pray to God I won't wake up tomorrow regretting doing so much today. It's a learning game, learning how much I can get away with that won't set me back. My biggest concern these days is just getting back in the groove. Apparently the whole ordeal took a lot out of me, my arms are currently aching from folding blankets today. I am the epitome of "out of shape", after 2-3 weeks of doing nothing but flipping the remote, I'm sure you can't expect any more.

But enough about me, let's talk about you for a minute. You should be listening to these girls.

They remind me of Patsy Cline mixed with the Softies.

And now I'm wanting to pump up my music collection, with some old stuff. Red House Painters and Beth Orton kind of stuff. I heard a song by Radiohead yesterday that I hadn't heard in 10 years and I want to hear it again.

In trying to recover..

I've learned a couple things:

•  Boiled chicken is awesome. There is just something about it, maybe I'm low on protein, but I am so happy that I invested $7 in 2 whole birds and that my parents gifted me a large stock pot in which to boil said birds. My meat intake is limited - no heavy, breaded, fatty, spicey, nothings! so I'm glad to be able to enjoy. 
• This is one of the few times in my life where I can let the house go and not be blamed for it. Sick people don't have to do dishes on a daily basis. Not to mention other things that while they do make me feel more human and better in a way, I now have a great excuse to not do them - not shaving my legs, wearing a pony tail for more than 2 days in a row *faux pas!* and becoming more familiar with the feeling of the couch and my buttox meeting while enjoying an all day Alfred Hitchcock film festival. 
•  I really am blessed with the parents that I have. No matter what my siblings think, and I am aware of how spoiled I am, even at 28 years old. I am so blessed, and even more so appreciative of their help through this time in my life. Not to mention all of my friends and my family. The cards, balloons, flowers, magazines, books, assistance around the house and home, coming over to mow my lawn for me, picking up my mail, dropping off juices, sneaking over milkshakes, making sure I have everything I need. I could very well bring myself to tears just thinking about the caring people I have in my life right now. Thank you guys <3  And I'm pretty sure that's not the medications talking. 
• And last but not least, even if I feel fantastic, does not mean I can go out on a shopping excursion!

My latest Dr. appointment left me with yet another prescription and a small shopping list of items to help relieve what I believe to be steroid related side-effects. One of which is itchy palms, and currently the most annoying, although small annoyance it is. I'm hoping in a couple weeks to say "Ah! Relief! And all I had to deal with was indigestion, mushrooms, and itchy palms!" Apparently having itchy palms is a sign of money coming my way.
The old wives tale is told "Left to leave. Right to recieve. Scratch it on wood to make it come good." Which really makes sense, because with all the doctors bills coming in, I am and will be having money given and taken away from me on an almost daily basis for the next couple months, I'm sure!

Movin' to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches..

That would be something I didn't incorporate into my shopping list today. Peach cobbler is something I'd like to make within the week, as I've got a fish fry dinner date with Samaree! soon, and my desire is to bring the cobbler. But that's in the near future, and making homemade mayonnaise is in the nearer future.

Hoping to be able to do it tomorrow, and I'll be following Julia Child's recipe. Also hoping looks aren't deceiving, because it "looks" like a very simple and manageable recipe. I ran into a problem this evening trying to complete my grocery shopping. There are items which my system cannot digest fully now, there are items which irritate my system, and then there are items that have been proven to cure my colon.
Tonight, I found that shopping for the simplest items, like bread for instance, isn't so simple anymore. Anything high fiber, I must stay away from, so going towards the whiter breads would seem safe, yes? Well, then I was raised that white bread was incredibly bad for you. Even though one of my favorite lunches at my Mawmaw's house was colby cheese on white bread with Hellman's mayo. There are just so many extra ingredients that I'm afraid to eat now, so I grab a loaf of Italian and a random bag of non-seedy dinner rolls. Later, mentally adding a bread maker along with a crock pot to my kitchen small appliances wish list.
And now I'm craving a cheese sammich.


I also harvested some mint from my back yard to overmintify my mug of mint tea, which feels smexcellent on my frequently upset stomach. I should go out tomorrow and pick some more for the freezer. Not to mention really get to wash my hair and do my nails. Hospital stays really chip away at your girly-ness.

I am loving ItzFitz's handmade yarn wreaths,
making plans for an -almost- consumerism free Christmas,

The 2 Volume set Mastering the Art of French Cooking

and these incredibly overpriced measuring spoons.

Another day of sitting around waiting. Despite the small food baby in my belly and the fatigue, I'm feeling quite a bit better. I told a friend last night (one who so nicely dropped by for a visit and gifted me a 2011 World of Warcraft trivia desk calendar) that my biggest worry right now is that the medicine fails to work any further and there is no sign of remission in the future, near or far. If that happens, I will have to have the surgery, twhich if I'm put into the situation where I know theres no other option, I'm ok with it, but theres the more time off work that I'll be missing, which creates an even bigger problem.

*breathe...* One step at a time...

Now I can spend this remaining free time day dreaming about finishing my kitchen, getting my online business back to running again, and the upcoming Holidays! I think maybe I will even change the red berry wreath that's been in my front door for almost a year now.

I'm laying here in bed, which is something that I've been doing all day, all week, all month it feels like. My goal tonight is to chill out until they take my last vitals for the evening and then drift to sleep with the help of Ambien.
I'm not a huge fan of the pill, this will be my third night taking it. First night I had a whole 5mg pill, second night - cut in half to make a 2.5 mg and tonight I think I'll go back to the 5mg. I just kept waking up too often last night and the woozy effects the day after remained the same, no matter what dosage amount.

Great news though, Dr. P did in fact show up today! I am willing to bet that he really isnt happy with how I'm coming along and wishes my bleeding would stop, well I agree with him, I wish it would stop completely. Forever. But there is only one 100% sure way of that, and that would be surgery, something that I'm not 100% sure I'm ready for. I want to exhaust all avenues of putting this disease into remission and being able to live my life. I'm really worried about what the future is going to bring, whether its more flareups, more hospital visits, not being able to travel, etc. But I really have to learn to put my faith in God and take one step at a time.
My first step: Dr. P decided to forgo the 5 days left of my wait time and go ahead with an early Remicade infusion, my second. Then put me on a "Soft" diet. I imagined mounds of mashed potatoes and applesauce - still a nummy change from the chicken broth and countless bowls of sugary jello. And is going to send me home most likely on Friday!

Right as soon as he left my room, my mom went down to the cafe and brought up some toast for me, (pizza for her and dad too, but I tried not to pay too much attention to that. Must remember, cheese = worse for me now than normal.)
I felt like I was breaking some rule, toasted white bread really wasn't considered part of the "Soft diet" was it? And not to mention, how well was it going to play with my damaged colon? I have a feeling I'm going to be googling a lot of foods for a while, to see how well other people have reacted.  And I still find it funny that a cup of broth and 2 slices of toast can fill me up.

Then came dinner! I was overjoyed to hear the little knock on the door and the announcement of "Nutrition!", watch them bring in this tray with an unknown meal - they keep the main course covered with those weird heavy plastic domes. But I could smell the vegetable soup, and it pleased me. Unfortunately, I did not finish my green beans, as they were just steamed and too rough for me to digest, the soup was very salty, but I drank all of the broth, and after making sure the tomatoes were sans seeds, ate a few of them. Also the mug in the right hand corner, it's coffee. I kind of laughed at the thought of me drinking coffee again. Everything else was really good, my critic was probably biased, since it has been 12 days since I've had a meal that required cutting, and chewing. They left me a little menu to plan out my meals for tomorrow. I opted for cottage cheese, more bland soups (chick. noodle & mushroom soups), herbal tea, pudding, turkey sammiches and something I'm probably going to regret - baked salmon. My choices were: Cheeseburger, Lasagna, Baked Salmon. Of course to me, the fish is the least dangerous. We'll find out tomorrow ;)

Is this the last night of my hospital stay? Who knows!

The doctor that was going to talk to about that subject never showed up today, so it's another night in the hospital for me.
Yesterday, one of the nurses aquired a prescription, through one of my doctors, for Ambien, to help me achieve a much deeper sleep. Any slight noise or twinge in my stomach wakes me up these days and I'm only catching little catnaps throughout the evening on into the day. Tonight, I'm taking a 5mg Ambien cut in half.

In hopes that I would be sent home either tonight or tomorrow night, my mom smuggled me some mashed potatoes from the eatery downstairs. I was smart enough to not eat them straight, nor eat all of them. I took two scoops and mixed them into my chicken broth, making a sort of potatoey chickeny soup, which was very delicious (after 3 days of nothing but straight broth, heck yeah it was delicious!). There haven't had any repercussions from eating it...so far, so good. 
I've also stopped eating my Italian Ice and most of my jello that they're giving me for each meal, which makes Breakfast incredibly bare because thats all they give me for breakfast: Jello, Italian Ice, and tea.

I am still bummed about all of those lost entries, I'm not sure if I have it in me to re-write them, which makes it even worse because I had written down coming to the hospital and discovering that I had Ulcerative Colitis.

Well, this can't be good.

Today we learned that all of the posts on the "Edit Posts" page are live, and not old saved shells of past entries
i.e. - I deleted all of my past entries and am now stuck at page 1, which -really- sucks because of all of the writing I've done in the past few days here at the hospital.