"sismas time" written by Lilho on estrip.org

12/13/10 01:41 - 13.ºF - ID#53260

sismas time

i was basically done typing a blog entry, and then i closed the page and here i am for the third time. anyway, third time is a charm right?

i am mostly done xmas shopping, being able to complete my shopping entirely online and i must say i am pretty proud of myself. i managed to only buy myself a few gifts which are items that i actually need, sorta. i have all of these awesome shopping tips:

1. shop sale first- you can often find exactly what you want at a fraction of the price

2. shop from sites that offer free shipping, or google "free shipping codes"- and then the store name, and you can find codes that will give you free shipping! it's super important to me to get the free shipping because you really save then. everything here is such a long drive, and gas is tres cher... so i factor in my gas savings... woot!

3. do not buy random crap because it is cheap. then you just have a pile of useless crap. one of my fav things to do is look in magazines for gift ideas. lots of the holidays versions have gift guides and often give great ideas for gifts under $50. even if you don't buy what they show, it can give you ideas for people. some of the gifts im giving this year came from these guides, and im acutally most excited about these ones!

4. think practical..... lots of people are struggling right now financially so give gifts that your family and friends actually need. also, it is a good idea to just give cash, but do it in a cute way. put money of different increments in red chinese new year envelopes, or give a credit gift card.

5. have fun! i think giving gifts is way more fun that receiving. i love to see the look on peoples' faces when they receive something they were wishing for!

now, here's a pic update!

some didn't load and the captions are out of order, but you get the idea.

my friend meghan and i in the lobby of the planet hollywood towers, sweet hotel crappy service.

terry, ready to cross it up, vegas style in our sweet suite.

terry again.

the hot tub that took 3hrs to fill that no one ever came to fix. it looks nice.

chihuly glass ceiling at the bellagio.

pretty holiday flower display at crystals shopping center in the city center.

yummy chocolate fountain at jean louis patisserie at the bellagio

we came home from the club one night, and i created a fridge masterpiece!

candy statue of liberty at new york new york

chillin on the monorail

le bebe, who wasn't in vegas and won't go til 21. i just threw her in, cuz she cute.

Permalink: sismas_time.html
Words: 489
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 12/13/10 01:43

11/21/10 10:49 - 53.ºF - ID#53151

party all night, sleep all day

this may well be my new slogan because i believe i am going to be working the night shift soon.

i really don't want to, i am kinda an old lady now and i value my early bed times and my 8 hrs of sleep... but i will need to take at least 15 credit hrs next semester.

also, the night shift differential is about 5 grand a year which is around which i make p/t with working extra hrs.... now i can cut back on work.

i have been doing some black friday research, and it appears people get super crazy. i am planning on waking up at 4am friday to shop for a bit then come home and sleep and then pack for vegas....

i just really can't resist a bargain.

Permalink: party_all_night_sleep_all_day.html
Words: 131
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 11/21/10 10:49

11/08/10 06:21 - 42.ºF - ID#53081

mostly boring update

it feels like i never blog anymore, but it's so hard to keep up with my new work schedule. wake up at 5am, work from 630am-7pm, and then by the time i get home it's almost bedtime!

i think all the travel has made me pretty fatigued and the mono isn't quite gone...boo.

i decided to chop off quite a bit off my hair, it was so long and getting on my nerves and i just needed a change! i really love it! yay for haircuts, and thanks to (e:hodown) for convincing me to do it! asymmetrical style, it's so healthy now and doesn't need gobs of conditioner. woohoo! the super tangle is finally gone.

i'm really excited for xmas and i'm trying to plan a spa day with my sister and mother... i was my bother and niece and sis in law would be here, but i think it will be just us ladies.

do you know what that means??? i will have to return to the coldness maybe for new years????!!! anyway, sometime soon, i miss that little girl, she is so presh.

sorry i was a weirdo at the halloween party, i didn't know many people there and i never stay up that late or drink anymore because all i do is work.

ok, i decided to stay at home with the moms and she doesn't seem happy about it, but i am. i have started my savings plan, and i am sooooo excited to finally be making decent money and be able to save a ton from each check. super exciting and empowering.

i miss my boys. hi boys. see you soon. (e:terry), what's up with vegas????????

Permalink: mostly_boring_update.html
Words: 287
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 11/08/10 06:21

10/25/10 11:45 - 60.ºF - ID#53012

what would you do?

i live with my mom, and let's not kid ourselves... it kinda makes me look like a loser. however, i have a plan and want ya'll to hear me out.

i work, way too much and have finally started to make enough to support myself. i can move out now and get a roommate and a decent place...

OR i can stay with the senior citizen and save at least 20 grand over the next few years. i realize in the US it looks very bad for adult children to stay living at home, but when i am out of school, i want to have money saved and zero debt.

so, what would you do?

i work or have school 12+ hrs a day and don't always sleep at home. i'm basically never here.

i worry about finances, because teachers don't make much for the first five years, and i will need a masters to further my career.

do i move out because people will think i'm weird to stay or do i just not care and focus on my future and what is best for me financially???

an finally, can't wait to see all ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!!! there's a fancy bird coming to town!!!

libertad writes at 09:20:06 10/27/10 - Comment #59057: I think as long as you are willing to live with your mom and she is willing to let you live with her than why not? It makes a lot of sense. You would have nothing to show for living on your own and throwing all your money away on rent and expenses. Suz-sÃ approves.

theecarey writes at 09:30:14 10/26/10 - Comment #59048: Does it truly matter what anyone thinks? Do you think you are loser for living with mom? I moved out when I was 19, and it has never been easy regardless of how much money I had, especially when I was in school full time and going to work full time. It was insane. I think kids are pushed (or jump) out of the nest way too soon.

To have a place to live and not to have to worry about excess expenses and other responsibilities by living on your own (with or without a roommate)is likely the single best thing you could do for yourself now and for your future. Your number one concern is getting that education.

Now if you were self-UNemployed, directionless and living in mommys basement at 35, then we can all reevaluate whether you are a loser or not. ;)

heidi writes at 02:18:38 10/26/10 - Comment #59045: I think it makes you look smart and very committed to your goals. As a bonus, you get to have a higher standard of living with glamorous Buffalo vacations and the resources of your mom's house. Being debt-free is a great situation - you'll be able to be a little pickier about what jobs you take.

However, I'd also encourage you to not push yourself so hard. Routinely doing 12+ hr days isn't good for you and you seem to get sick a lot. Is the extra money worth it? Your school district will probably pay for your masters, so you shouldn't be trying to save up for that. Try to have 3-6 months of living expense money in savings, and then start working on other financial goals, like saving for a car, building a retirement acct, donating to charities, saving for a house downpayment, or starting a college fund for that cute baby you're always cooing about. :-) Be specific about your goals so you know when you've achieved them or are able to add another goal the the mix.

james writes at 01:14:05 10/26/10 - Comment #59044: People who don't understand that it is tough for you because you are in school and work are dicks and you are well rid of them.

Besides, with all that extra income if you want to get your lady bits up into shenanigans you will save so much money living with your mom that you can afford a hotel room when you need it.

tinypliny writes at 12:14:54 10/26/10 - Comment #59043: I think people who dig themselves into debt, especially in this day and age of financial uncertainty, are the biggest losers with the letters L.O.S.E.R stenciled all over their foreheads in neon red.

Anyone who tells you otherwise is probably in debt and secretly wants everyone else to be just as miserable.

Permalink: what_would_you_do_.html
Words: 202
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 10/25/10 11:45

10/22/10 05:34 - 48.ºF - ID#52998

buffa-halloween

i shall be arriving next friday am!!!!

super excited, it's crazy how much i miss my brother and niece and my dearest friends..

had an amazing bday in vegas, and came back to a work 80hr work week. switched positions, got another raise, and quit an extra job.

i'm moving out of the nest soon. it's time.

things are good, just moving a million miles and hour, and i'm trying to slow it all down.

bought the most amazing eyeshadows in vegas... and if that new file drop would work i could show you a photo.

ps. (e:hodown) forgot my bday for the second year in a row. i know her heart is broken, but this is selfish still. i'm not going to start some huge argument, mostly i'm just hurt.

Permalink: buffa_halloween.html
Words: 132
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 10/22/10 05:35

10/04/10 09:35 - 46.ºF - ID#52901

mmmmk

i have pink eye????

third trip to the doc in as many weeks. what the heck is going onnnnn????

i am not allowed to go back to work until it is cleared up. gahhhhhh.

starting to feel much better from last week. i think me mono might be gone soon. i will probably just be more tired that usual for a while.

pink eyes be gone!

Permalink: mmmmk.html
Words: 66
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 10/04/10 09:35

10/02/10 04:45 - 52.ºF - ID#52881

my mono-log

still feel like crap. going back to working 11 hr days is too much. i'm not sure what to do...

now i woke up today and my right eye is all red. not utchy, just completely red and i look crazy.

i'm so tired, and my legs hurt and i feel weak, and all i want to do is sleep.

i think i might have to tell my boss or something about this next week, because i'm not sure i can work the full 50 hrs next week, plus another 10 at my other job, plus school. i just feel like crying.

i hate mono, and if one more person tells me how "tired" they are, i swear i will scream...

libertad writes at 06:43:08 10/04/10 - Comment #58748: Whoa, that was way over my head, (e:tiny)! Haha! Really, I get what you were saying, chances are it is mono and that she probably wouldn't have anything else with it. I'm glad to hear that the mono test is pretty accurate. That is a problem with Lyme tests, as I know that you already know.

Get better soon (e:lilho)! You need a cute little plush Mono, I think that would make you feel better.

tinypliny writes at 12:29:57 10/04/10 - Comment #58746: (e:libertad), it's interesting you are asking about the screening validity of the mono-test. I was looking it up recently because of a cross-interest in CMV (Cytomegalovirus) - a relative of the EBV (Epstein Barr Virus), that causes mononucleosis.

Found this study that compared specificity and sensitivity of a variety of EBV tests in the market: :::link:::

The study found that:
"The sensitivities and specificities of the individual tests ranged from 81 to 95% and 98 to 100%, respectively"

To clarify some jargon:
A sensitivity of 100% means that test recognizes all the
actual positives - everyone affected with EBV. The EBV test recognizes that a person is infected 81 to 95% of the time. That's decent. But there is a maximum 19% possibility that it might MISS the fact that you are EBV positive.

A specificity of 100% means that the test recognizes all actual negatives - the healthy people. The specificities of EBV tests are 98 to 100% - that's VERY impressive. It means that if the test turns up positive, it's 98 to 100% likely that you are NOT healthy.

The second question about the EBV test is, can it be positive if there are other underlying diseases, for eg. Lyme disease or what is cross-reactivity of the EBV test?

To answer this question, I found 2 relevant studies:
1. :::link:::
This study found that an EBV test might be positive if there is an underlying CMV infection. This is because the antibodies that are induced by the EBV virus are of a similar class as the antibodies that are induced by the CMV virus. This is not a very surprising finding as the viruses come from the same family. What this means is that anyone who is diagnosed as EBV positive might well be CMV positive. From (e:lilho)'s point of view, this doesn't change things too much. Both these viruses have similar symptoms as well as similar clinical/conservative management and (unfortunately) no specific vaccines or treatment.

2. The other study looks at whether EBV and CMV could be confused for Lyme Disease. :::link:::
EBV and CMV could be confused and interpreted as Lyme Disease. But not the other way round. So if you are positive for EBV/CMV, and have been told that you have mono, you probably have mono. But if you have been told that you have Lyme Disease, you should go in for a second more specific test to check the Lyme diagnosis. In this case, (e:lilho) has been told that she has mono and it is a correct diagnosis with 98 to 100% probability.

I guess there is another possibility that she has BOTH EBV/CMV and Lyme. But that is a very unlikely event... It might be wise to wait and watch to see if the symptoms improve. I tried to search for prevalence of coinfection with Lyme and EBV, but this data seems to be pretty scarce. There was a study looking at evidence of co-infection in the Cerebrospinal fluids of patients who tested positive for the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). :::link::: (PDF link) Though they found other herpes-virus family coinfections, they didn't find any evidence of Lyme co-infection in this study.

There are plenty of forums around the web with random people claiming they have everything under the sun but I would be rather hesitant about accepting these claims on face-value.

libertad writes at 06:01:40 10/03/10 - Comment #58740: That's right, (e:lilho), kill it with the constant whining. I would be complaining up a storm so I'm sure it would be gone in just a few days if I got it.

Is a mono test definitive? It just seems like the symptoms could go with a lot of different things, like Lyme. I wouldn't want you to go untreated for something like that. I suppose it would be hard to get in AZ? Maybe not after looking on google.

tinypliny writes at 04:52:49 10/02/10 - Comment #58733: You know chronic fatigue syndrome is now attributed to viral infections. The virus is probably tapping all the resources that your immune system needs to maintain an energetic homeostatic metabolic state.

Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink a ton of fluids. Go back to sleep. The virus will get tired of all this constant whining in a few days.

Sending you good wishes for a speedy speedy recovery!

Permalink: my_mono_log.html
Words: 120
Last Modified: 10/02/10 04:45

09/29/10 09:58 - 58.ºF - ID#52858

the mono chronicles

so, no one wants to be around me....

truth is most people have been exposed to mono without even knowing.

has anyone had it, how long does it last???? at this point fever and aches are gone, im just tired....

ant to go to vegas in two weeks.... not sure if i should????? help!!!!

tinypliny writes at 06:12:18 09/30/10 - Comment #58691: I think it never really goes away. EBV, CMV and some other members of the herpes virus family just linger on waiting to strike when you are at your most vulnerable.

mike writes at 05:34:04 09/30/10 - Comment #58688: my friend Yosepha said she had it for like 10 years she would claim it as an excuse whenver she was tired

jbeatty writes at 02:56:35 09/30/10 - Comment #58687: I've had it twice. The first time it was basically a bad sore throat and fever that went away after a week. The second time I couldn't eat for nearly 10 days and slept for the entire summer of 1997. Go for it if you feel ok.

carolinian writes at 11:18:04 09/30/10 - Comment #58686: As long as you don't have sex, drink, or stay up too late I wouldn't see any medical reason why still couldn't have mono and still go to vegas.

lilho writes at 11:11:36 09/30/10 - Comment #58685: bed rest?! I have been sleeping about 12 hrs a night, and stayed home for a week from work. i think i'm out of the bed rest stage. i'll take it easy for a few more weeks. i'm done telling people i have it, they think they will get sick too, but most people my age have already been exposed to it.

libertad writes at 06:50:19 09/30/10 - Comment #58683: I gave (e:mike) mono but it is a cute plush toy not the real thing. Sorry, hope you get better fast so you can go to Vegas.

paul writes at 12:59:09 09/30/10 - Comment #58677: Get well soon.

tinypliny writes at 11:50:59 09/29/10 - Comment #58675: It's self containing and there is no particular cure because it's a virus (the Epstein Barr Virus). I would say complete bed rest, plenty of hydration, excellent nutrition with lots of vitamin C, iron and plant-based proteins should quell it in 2-3 weeks. But recovery completely depends on what your immune status has been in the recent past. Considering, you have been posting a ton of sick reports lately, I suspect your immune system is not up to snuff. Could be wise to reconsider that vegas trip and any undue exertion if you want to get rid of it completely.

Permalink: the_mono_chronicles.html
Words: 54
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 09/29/10 09:58

09/28/10 07:54 - 62.ºF - ID#52849

survey says

I have mono and strep. Double whammy.

This sucks. I can't date for a month and I was going to have two dates this week....

Must stay in self-contained bubble of sickness...

Wahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Permalink: survey_says.html
Words: 33
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 09/28/10 07:54

09/25/10 11:16 - 53.ºF - ID#52832

my love

i'm totally obsessed with this baby. she actually makes me want a baby, and i really don't see myself having le child.

a week of baby was total bliss, but now im paranoid i maybe got her sick i'm waiting for labs to come back to see if i have mono. i have been sick for two weeks been on multiple meds and keep getting more sick of different kinds of sick.

i've had a bedtime of 8 or 9 for two plus weeks, this is pathetic. walking up a flight of stairs could send me into cardiac arrest... i mean not really i'm just that sluggish.

anyway, this is my baby love and me wanting to smush her because she's so completely presh.