Things for Thursday

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Tasty Food

I recently heard a story on NPR about Aurora, Colorado, and how it's one of the most diverse cities in the country. One of the things the city government is doing to try and leverage that fact is to advertise how many locally owned ethnic restaurants there are in the city limits. So last night the Smart Man and I went decided to try a German restaurant on the list called Helga's The food was delicious, the beer list extensive, the prices very reasonable, the service impeccable. And they offer HALF PORTIONS, which is a nice feature for people like me who really aren't interested in eating 2,000+ calories in a single meal. Plus they have amazing, amazing desserts. Yum.

In Lieu of the Debate

So we didn't watch the debate. Because really, let's be honest here - ever since the League of Woman Voters stopped hosting the Presidential debates they've become nothing but infotainment. No one's feet are held to the fire, no policy announcements are made, and oftentimes candidates never even answer the question that's asked, which the moderators totally let them get away with. It's play theater, and the candidates performance isn't indicative of what kind of President they'll be regardless. So instead of getting apoplectic with rage over the joke that is now the debate, we ate fried meat, drank good beer, and ate Bavarian Creme Torte. I'm pretty sure we got the better end of that deal.

From Hell's Heart I Stab at Thee

At certification exams, I mean. I'm back into study mode for the many, many certification exams I need to pass for my new gig. Each exam takes between 40 and 60 hours of prep (in addition to any required classes), and in the meantime I still need to do the production work for which I'm paid.* I suspect the rest of the year will be a bit hectic and overscheduled. Whee?

Better Living Through Chemicals

So Boogie the Giant Schnauzer had his visit with his vet regarding his mobility, and we decided on a twice daily dose of Neurontin and injections of Adequan, a glucosamene based osteoarthritis therapy for dogs. The injections schedule will be biweekly for one month, with maintenance injections thereafter.

So far Boogs seems a bit more spry in terms being stiff during movement, and I believe his hip discomfort is being mitigated by the Neurontin. He's still a bit unsteady, though, and it's too early to tell if the Adequan will have really positive results (he's only had two injections so far). We're very hopeful that this regimen will result in significant improvement in his quality of life once his muscular strength is rebuilt. Our goal is make sure he's as happy and healthy as possible, right up until the end. I'll keep everyone apprised of his progress. 

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*Yes, I totally realize that this is a good problem to have. Yes, I totally realize there are many, many engineers who would love to have this particular first world problem. But I'm still going to whine about it, while simultaneously recognizing how lucky I am. Cognitive dissonance FTW!

5 comments:

Stacey said...

I'm glad to hear Boogie is more spry and hope that the injections will be beneficial as well. ((hugs)) to Boogs.

Good Luck with the Exams.

Anne C. said...

Glad to hear Helga's was a hit! I'm looking forward to trying it out.

And I hope Boogie's injections continue to improve his quality of life.

<3

- CGL - said...

I heard that piece on NPR! I was thinking of you ('cause, well, I don't know any other CO residents, even tangentially).

Exams blow (says the returning student); I am confident you will triumphantly kick much ass, however, which will be deeply satisfying to you. Huh. I think I am going to make that a fortune cookie. Good luck, in any case.

Gentle pat-pats and tummy rubs to Boogie; we are currently providing canine hospice for Mona, the perfectly divine, 15-year-old Border Collie mix. This gig is equal parts gratitude for having had such an awesome dog in our lives at ALL and prolonged fear of grief over her impending departure from our lives. I will keep hope for your gentle giant's health, happiness, and mobility in my heart.

-Carolyn

Janiece said...

Carolyn, I'm very sorry to hear about the Divine Mona. It's never easy, is it?

- CGL - said...

*sigh* No, no it's not.

A friend of mine posted something on FB a while back (which I shamelessly stole); it read, "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."

This concept pleases me greatly. Plus, it keeps me from dissolving in sniffles when Mo loses her balance and keels over sideways. (She's like the drunken senile dementia patient at The Home, these days. It's hard to watch.)