Evidently I have unknowingly AND unwillingly been transported to the middle of Siberia. It’s freakin’ cold out there folks.
The high today? 1º.
The low tonight? -13º.
Don’t even get me started on what the temps are supposed to be once you factor in the wind chill.
I spent TWO HOURS shoveling our driveway and walkway yesterday. I was absolutely numb by the time I came back inside. Evidently I was so numb that my brain wasn’t working quite right because, what did I do the moment I came in? I got into a hot shower. My skin was so cold that the hot water burned me.
I came very close to crying.
Today I got up and braved the weather, yet again, in order to take Arle to a doctor’s appointment. Nothing serious, don’t worry, but she had to have a urine analysis to rule out some things.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to take a urine sample from a two-year-old. Uh, not fun.
Who knew it would take such talent and coordination?
Not I.
Seems to me that it’s really something the nurses should get paid for.
As I was going in for the sample, I suddenly realized the end of my scarf was submerged in the toilet. Fabulous.
Of course, retrieving the scarf immediately became priority numero uno but then, just as Arle’s stream began tapering off, I remembered I was supposed to be getting a urine sample. I seriously got approximately one to two itty bitty drops of pee out of the deal.
We exited the restroom with failure on my face and dirty toilet water on my scarf. Just the way I like to start my day.
I handed the nurse the cup and told her that’s all I could get. Luckily one to two drops was all she needed.
We left the doctor’s office with a clean bill of health for the Miss.
I then dropped her off to play with some friends while I had to go get some lab work done myself.
While the nurse was drawing my blood, she was trying to distract me from the fact that she had a sharp piece of metal inserted into one of my veins.
She asked how my Christmas was.
I mentioned that we spent the holiday in New Mexico with family.
“New Mexico?” She asked. “Is that different from regular Mexico?”
I can’t even begin to describe the comfort I was feeling as i realized the woman who was inserting the sharp piece of metal into my vein doesn’t know about that state called NEW Mexico.
She finished her job and I got the heck out of Dodge.
Now I’m home. I’m still freezing. I’m pretty cranky, too. I think I’m going to follow Arle’s lead and take a nap.
At least I’ll be warm.
Kristin Fulghum said,
January 8, 2010 @ 4:24 pm
oh my goodness about so many things! the scarf? the shoveling? the fact that people do not know that new mexico is a state totally kills me. geez! go take a nap.
Suzanne said,
January 8, 2010 @ 5:45 pm
Oh, totally terrible day! You had me cringing at shoveling snow for 2 hours! If it makes you feel any better I can raise my hand….I’ve had to get urine sample from a one-year-old daughter and my two-year-old son. Most definitely easier with boys for obvious reasons, i.e. the ability to aim! Props to you for doing it while wearing a scarf! Toilet water? YUCK! Not knowing NEW Mexico??? It never ceases to amaze me. Nap time fo’ sho!!
Yansci said,
January 8, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
You need to send that story to the New Mexico Magazine for their One of Our 50 is Missing page. It’s amazing that people in the U.S. don’t know about our fine state. Maybe more will know about us since the 2010 HGTV dream home is in Santa Fe.
Jocelyn said,
January 9, 2010 @ 5:30 am
I totally understand the not knowing New Mexico issue. Since I have started teaching elementary none of my students ever know it is a state. I have even had parents ask me if I speak Spanish since I am from Mexico. So each year one of the first things we learn (even though they are not tested over Social Studies in 2nd grade) is that NEW MEXICO is a state. I take my frustrations out on them! They just think I am very passionate about the states. It is right next door for goodness sake! I agree enjoy your nap!
bethany said,
January 9, 2010 @ 7:29 am
Wow. That’s pretty much all I have to say. Sorry about the peed-on scarf and the less than intelligent nurse. It can only get better, right? Maybe if we are lucky the snow will finally be gone by june…
jami nato said,
January 9, 2010 @ 9:29 am
dude, do you enjoying shoveling your driveway? that is crazy. trav…where are you? busted.
i faint when i have bloodwork done, so at least you were coherent enough to hear your nurse talking. even if it was not the smartest comment. ha. looking at the brightside for you?
Maeghan said,
January 9, 2010 @ 10:41 am
try getting one on a 15mos old little boy. Ummm impossible. They had me tape basically a baggie on him, but everytime he moved it came off.