Wow. What a place. I'm not sure what to think. It's very small and definitely historic. I checked in to the hotel like 1.5 hours before the check-in time and while the guy didn't kick me out, I don't think he was thrilled. I have a map of this place and plan to go shopping later. There's a Target like a half hour from here which I'm sure will be my new best friend.
I drove through a TON of snow today. Never driven in snow so I can't say I was very enthusiastic. Need to check into the whole snow tire thing.
Due to the fact that it's such a small place, I'm not really sure where to start with housing. I did notice some apartment like structures in one area, so I guess tomorrow I'll drive around and see if I can spot phone numbers or doors to pound on. It's cold though! I might want to buy some shoes first. There is skiing nearby for those interested in visiting here. Rafting too I believe. Oh, and get this - as I was checking in at the super 8 motel here, the guy read my note about moving to the area and said they need a front person. He's interested in hiring me! Holy cow that was fast. I said I'd have to get back to him though because honestly I should make sure I can actually get housing first. The good news is that with a motel job, maybe my hours wouldn't have to be the normal 9-5 and then I could work a night or something which would allow me to go to the doctor during the day.
Speaking of doctors- I have an appointment Nov 20.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
I'm In A Hurry...
I'm in a hurry and don't know why...
Anyone know that song? It's country. I use to listen to it while I drove Krys around and yelled at slow cars. Catchy.
Well, yesterday I got caught.
Anyone remember my telling a story of a particular drive down to see Shelly in Santa Barbara? It was about midnight and I was trying to stay awake. I had the windows down and the music blaring (the COPS theme song of all things) and I sang along at the top of my lungs as I passed an officer at about 100mph. Fortunately he was on the phone or something and didn't notice me although it gave me a scare.
Now let's go back to yesterday. Horrible migraine day, but I drag myself out of bed at 11:30. Check out time is noon. I shower quickly and manage to get on the road only a few minutes after 12pm, but the migraine plagues me. I finally manage to get into my book on CD which is a Nicholas Sparks book called "The Guardian." It's about a lady who dates a guy who seems to be Mr. Perfect until she breaks up with him and he turns into a stalker. It's done wonders for my comfort level.
I'm mentally counting down the hours until I'll feel like it's a decent time to stop for the night. I'm thinking that it'll have to be a 3 hour day and I'll end this torture early. When it comes to the exit that I'd chosen for the end, I debate - and finally decide that I think I can make it another hour to Battle Mountain after all. I zip past the exit and continue on my way calculating that I should make it there in just under an hour. As the miles flew by, I realized that I would make it much earlier and began to feel excited that my misery would soon be over. FINALLY, I see the exit - in RECORD TIME! I look in the review mirror as I signal and begin down the ramp and see lights flashing in the distance. 'Ambulance' is my first thought as this is the exit for the hospital also. I debate if I should stay in the left lane or move to the right lane where it would have more room to pass... except that the closer the lights get, the more I realize it's not an ambulance. Oh CRAP. Hopes are dashed when the vehicle does NOT move around me, but stays behind. This is awkward. I've never been pulled over before and I don't know where to go. Brilliantly I hover both lanes in indecision before making a right without my blinker. I slowly continue on with my new buddy behind while noticing that there isn't really room to pull over, but would he accept my continuing on a little farther? A look in my side mirror shows him calling me in over the radio. I pull over in what little room there is while frantically looking for the off button on the radio. Yeah, it took me a few seconds to figure it out, but fortunately I got the Christian music (the only station willing to come in) off before he strolled up the passenger side. License and registration. I hand him my license as he looks over the very packed vehicle and asks if I'm moving. Better that he said that then 'where's the place you just robbed?' I stated that I am moving and that my registration is buried in my glove compartment - I'd have to come around and unload the front seat to get to it. I'm sure that's something every officer wants to here. He asks if the car is registered under my name and since it is - he said he could look it up. I was told that I was clocked at 92mph where the zone is 75mph. I was a bit relieved that it was only 92... he handed me a ticket for $107.00 and said I can either come back for court (ha!) or mail it in. Then he wished me luck on my trip and left. Here is where I sit unsure if I should pull out first. Figuring I'd better try or risk him coming up to see what's wrong, I cautiously signal and pull out. Now I'm heading the wrong way, for the hotel is on the other side of I-80. So I make a right and head down a residential street as I see him make a U. I, in turn, make a U and come back to make a left and go over to my motel. Only as I'm making the left do I see him sitting there on the other side. Whether he's either still filling out a report or he's got his radar up again, I don't know. To my horror I look down and discover that I'm going 30mph while a quick look shows the speed limit at 25mph. I'd smack my head, but I have a migraine. Fortunately if he noticed he must've had pity and I slowly inch my way over to the motel.
Now I have to figure out how the heck I'm going to get a cashiers check to mail. I assume I have to find a bank for that. I also assume that I need to complete some kind of traffic school to get the point off my record. He only ticketed me for going 5 over, so I think I'm eligible. I just don't know about the whole CA license in NV thing. Shelly says 'call my boyfriend!' I'm chicken, so P - if you have this link, I'm myspacing you!
For those tracking my progress. I spent last night in Battle Mountain, NV. Now my newly acquired ticket and I have moved on, but that I'll save for tomorrow's post.
Anyone know that song? It's country. I use to listen to it while I drove Krys around and yelled at slow cars. Catchy.
Well, yesterday I got caught.
Anyone remember my telling a story of a particular drive down to see Shelly in Santa Barbara? It was about midnight and I was trying to stay awake. I had the windows down and the music blaring (the COPS theme song of all things) and I sang along at the top of my lungs as I passed an officer at about 100mph. Fortunately he was on the phone or something and didn't notice me although it gave me a scare.
Now let's go back to yesterday. Horrible migraine day, but I drag myself out of bed at 11:30. Check out time is noon. I shower quickly and manage to get on the road only a few minutes after 12pm, but the migraine plagues me. I finally manage to get into my book on CD which is a Nicholas Sparks book called "The Guardian." It's about a lady who dates a guy who seems to be Mr. Perfect until she breaks up with him and he turns into a stalker. It's done wonders for my comfort level.
I'm mentally counting down the hours until I'll feel like it's a decent time to stop for the night. I'm thinking that it'll have to be a 3 hour day and I'll end this torture early. When it comes to the exit that I'd chosen for the end, I debate - and finally decide that I think I can make it another hour to Battle Mountain after all. I zip past the exit and continue on my way calculating that I should make it there in just under an hour. As the miles flew by, I realized that I would make it much earlier and began to feel excited that my misery would soon be over. FINALLY, I see the exit - in RECORD TIME! I look in the review mirror as I signal and begin down the ramp and see lights flashing in the distance. 'Ambulance' is my first thought as this is the exit for the hospital also. I debate if I should stay in the left lane or move to the right lane where it would have more room to pass... except that the closer the lights get, the more I realize it's not an ambulance. Oh CRAP. Hopes are dashed when the vehicle does NOT move around me, but stays behind. This is awkward. I've never been pulled over before and I don't know where to go. Brilliantly I hover both lanes in indecision before making a right without my blinker. I slowly continue on with my new buddy behind while noticing that there isn't really room to pull over, but would he accept my continuing on a little farther? A look in my side mirror shows him calling me in over the radio. I pull over in what little room there is while frantically looking for the off button on the radio. Yeah, it took me a few seconds to figure it out, but fortunately I got the Christian music (the only station willing to come in) off before he strolled up the passenger side. License and registration. I hand him my license as he looks over the very packed vehicle and asks if I'm moving. Better that he said that then 'where's the place you just robbed?' I stated that I am moving and that my registration is buried in my glove compartment - I'd have to come around and unload the front seat to get to it. I'm sure that's something every officer wants to here. He asks if the car is registered under my name and since it is - he said he could look it up. I was told that I was clocked at 92mph where the zone is 75mph. I was a bit relieved that it was only 92... he handed me a ticket for $107.00 and said I can either come back for court (ha!) or mail it in. Then he wished me luck on my trip and left. Here is where I sit unsure if I should pull out first. Figuring I'd better try or risk him coming up to see what's wrong, I cautiously signal and pull out. Now I'm heading the wrong way, for the hotel is on the other side of I-80. So I make a right and head down a residential street as I see him make a U. I, in turn, make a U and come back to make a left and go over to my motel. Only as I'm making the left do I see him sitting there on the other side. Whether he's either still filling out a report or he's got his radar up again, I don't know. To my horror I look down and discover that I'm going 30mph while a quick look shows the speed limit at 25mph. I'd smack my head, but I have a migraine. Fortunately if he noticed he must've had pity and I slowly inch my way over to the motel.
Now I have to figure out how the heck I'm going to get a cashiers check to mail. I assume I have to find a bank for that. I also assume that I need to complete some kind of traffic school to get the point off my record. He only ticketed me for going 5 over, so I think I'm eligible. I just don't know about the whole CA license in NV thing. Shelly says 'call my boyfriend!' I'm chicken, so P - if you have this link, I'm myspacing you!
For those tracking my progress. I spent last night in Battle Mountain, NV. Now my newly acquired ticket and I have moved on, but that I'll save for tomorrow's post.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The first night
Here I am, on the road. I got a really late start due to a back up on my refills (medications). Didn't leave the house until 2:30pm. I only got 4 hours of sleep last night and as a result, my migraines returned. So it was a miserable time on the road (although now I've got my vicodin). So I didn't push the driving and I am now in Truckee, CA for my first night. Of course this won't be posted until tomorrow, so you'll be reading this a day late.
Little bit of traffic, but otherwise and uneventful drive. The toll guy looked in my car and commented on how packed it was. I just smiled and said 'yep!' The hotel lady looked at my drivers license and went 'whoa! when did you get rid of all the hair?' which kinda made me laugh because I am so use to the short hair now that I forget it use to be long.
I don't plan push myself with the driving. I will most likely roll into Georgetown Tuesday/Wednesday. I brought some food with me so the only meals I plan to eat out is lunch... and that's mainly for use of a restroom. No snow in sight although this is obviously a ski area that I'm in. Signs everywhere announcing spots to pull over and put on chains. I ordered chains before I left, but they didn't make it in time. Probably Monday they'll show up at the house. That's okay. They were just back up as I have 4 wheel drive already.
Okay, time to catch up on sleep so that I can actually get some good driving in tomorrow!
Little bit of traffic, but otherwise and uneventful drive. The toll guy looked in my car and commented on how packed it was. I just smiled and said 'yep!' The hotel lady looked at my drivers license and went 'whoa! when did you get rid of all the hair?' which kinda made me laugh because I am so use to the short hair now that I forget it use to be long.
I don't plan push myself with the driving. I will most likely roll into Georgetown Tuesday/Wednesday. I brought some food with me so the only meals I plan to eat out is lunch... and that's mainly for use of a restroom. No snow in sight although this is obviously a ski area that I'm in. Signs everywhere announcing spots to pull over and put on chains. I ordered chains before I left, but they didn't make it in time. Probably Monday they'll show up at the house. That's okay. They were just back up as I have 4 wheel drive already.
Okay, time to catch up on sleep so that I can actually get some good driving in tomorrow!
Friday, October 26, 2007
E-mail Notification
My Kotter.com e-mail is down! My parents are switching from dial-up to wireless (welcome to current times!) and so there is a new kotter.com host. Not fully operational yet. I have received e-mails from a couple of you (and even started replying) but I am unable to send anything during the next couple of days, but replies will be on the way! Until then, if something bounces back - just resend in a couple of days and I will continue to blog on here. You can also comment on here although I've heard it requires you to sign up.
Colorado a go!
I was sooo nervous today walking into my doctor appointment. The nurse laughed and said 'your blood pressure is a lot higher than usual - are you excited?' Truth be told, it's been high all week. My doctor, much to my surprise, was prepared for this to be my last visit with him. He was great and gave me advice about being cautious and said I could call him any time. Seeing as he is the emergency contact on my bracelet - it could happen. He asked me if I have a shovel or an overcoat. I told him I plan to shop along the way. Have I mapped out my route? Well, I bought a GPS that I'm learning to use and I have an atlas that I can't read...
I couldn't stop smiling after I left the office. I am FINALLY beginning my journey! My clothes are washed and just need to be packed tonight. Medication is all called in to the pharmacy, so I'll drop by and pick it up tomorrow. The next time you see a post, it'll be from a motel room... hopefully not in California.
I couldn't stop smiling after I left the office. I am FINALLY beginning my journey! My clothes are washed and just need to be packed tonight. Medication is all called in to the pharmacy, so I'll drop by and pick it up tomorrow. The next time you see a post, it'll be from a motel room... hopefully not in California.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Contact made in Denver!
I finally talked to someone in Denver who seems to be in charge. Apparently the paperwork that was sent over had the wrong contact info for my doctor as well as myself. So that's why we never heard from them. They also couldn't read the insurance card. So I gave the insurance information over the phone just now and the lady registered me. I am now ready to be reviewed, which should happen on Tuesday. They will then call me by Friday at the latest and depending on how the review goes, that will determine how soon I get in to see someone. Maybe my doctor will call and urge them to get me in sooner rather than later because I still plan to leave on Saturday. I can use the wait time to get out there and find a place to live so that way I'll at least be settled.
Weather is cold in Colorado. According to the Weatherbug on my phone - 40s during the day, 20s @ night. I put Georgetown into my GPS earlier and was told that if I left then, I could arrive at 4am.
Tomorrow I spend the day packing (today is laundry day) my clothes, preparing the cats kennels, & having a last dinner out with Krys. Oh yeah, and the doctor visit in the morning where I tell my doctor of 3 years (every week for 3 years) that it is my final visit.
Weather is cold in Colorado. According to the Weatherbug on my phone - 40s during the day, 20s @ night. I put Georgetown into my GPS earlier and was told that if I left then, I could arrive at 4am.
Tomorrow I spend the day packing (today is laundry day) my clothes, preparing the cats kennels, & having a last dinner out with Krys. Oh yeah, and the doctor visit in the morning where I tell my doctor of 3 years (every week for 3 years) that it is my final visit.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Insurance - my life saver & the pain in my side
Last week I contacted Denver to get an update on the status of my review. I was told that reviews take place by doctors on Tues & Wed of every week. They were missing some paperwork on me and they were trying to contact my doctor. If the missing paperwork was submitted, my case would be reviewed in a week. I called my doctor on Monday to make sure they had gotten a hold of him. He didn't know anything about missing paperwork, but said he would call and ask. Today is Wednesday. I plan to call Denver tomorrow to see if my case was reviewed. I see my doctor Friday morning and then I plan to leave Saturday.
Not a good hint: The nurse from my doctor's office called today and said that I need to bring my health insurance card with me Friday so that she can send a clear copy to Denver as they were unable to read the other one. Is this the missing paperwork? Does this mean that they're still waiting and won't review my case until NEXT week?
Insurance pays a lot... seriously. Without it, I would've had to give up treatment within the first year. But now my patience is definitely being tried. If I can get away with it, I'll leave and set up the appointment while on the road. After all, isn't that what cell phones are for?
Not a good hint: The nurse from my doctor's office called today and said that I need to bring my health insurance card with me Friday so that she can send a clear copy to Denver as they were unable to read the other one. Is this the missing paperwork? Does this mean that they're still waiting and won't review my case until NEXT week?
Insurance pays a lot... seriously. Without it, I would've had to give up treatment within the first year. But now my patience is definitely being tried. If I can get away with it, I'll leave and set up the appointment while on the road. After all, isn't that what cell phones are for?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Delayed - just a bit
The papers that my doctor sent to Denver are apparently incomplete. Therefore they have not processed my referral and blah blah blah. Right now I have an appointment with my doctor on Oct 26th, but I'm hoping to take off straight from there or the next day.
My vehicle is already packed. I just need to get some chains. According to the weatherbug on my phone, it snowed over the weekend. My doctor asked me today if I have a shovel...
As for the cats. I just want them by Thanksgiving.
My vehicle is already packed. I just need to get some chains. According to the weatherbug on my phone, it snowed over the weekend. My doctor asked me today if I have a shovel...
As for the cats. I just want them by Thanksgiving.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The Beginning
To Introduce myself - I am Colorado Bound! (Almost)
Plans are in motion, and while they are about 4-5 months delayed -I am on the final countdown. I have selected a departure date... again... (Oct 23rd, 2007) that is too late in my mind, but medical wise it is too early. So we'll call it a compromise and hope it works out eh?
I have returned all foster kittens. I have quit my job (a 2nd time). This weekend I plan to repack/organize my boxes in the backyard and load them into my four wheel drive vehicle (which was recently inspected). I am in communication with Pet Transporter setting up a flight date of November 9th for my 3 cats. I am officially resting myself for the next week in preparation for this journey.
The 'in the air' issues right now is that I still await to hear from the clinic in Denver where I am trying to set up an appointment. Of course, knowing me, I lost the number and now must ask my doctor if he saved the number. I have an appointment with a 2nd opinion guy at Stanford on the 17th and then I plan to see my doctor one last time on the 23rd as I head out. All signs currently point to RELAPSE approaching, but I have hope that this can be turned around. I must beat the Colorado snow!
The Plan: I will begin driving on Oct 23rd. Destination: Georgetown, Colorado. Once there, I plan to rest. Then I will decide where I want to settle. Do I stay in Georgetown? Do I circle around some of the outside towns? Do I continue on toward Kansas? Whatever my decision, I will need to be in Denver around Nov 9 to pick up my cats from the airport and for that appointment that I will have awaiting me.
This blog is to keep everyone updated. Relatives, coworkers, friends (whom I never even keep in touch with - except Whitney), etc. My goodbyes - which at one point seemed huge in my life - no longer seem to matter seeing as a) I'm in a huge rush to beat the snow, and b) no one's really bothered to keep in touch with me either. So to my coworkers, I'll see you when I say goodbye to my babies. You all, I will truly miss. To old church friends - I most likely won't see you again. I do have a long overdue baby present which I will most likely mail or have Krys bring to church. To my relatives in Texas/Arkansas - I will soon be closer. California people, I will most likely see you when I visit in Dec '08 for the holidays. Medical persons - I most likely won't get the guts to give you all this link - but I will miss the regular visits. Now I have to go to a new lab, doctor's office, hospital, pharmacy ...where I will be completely unknown. What an odd feeling.
I will most likely not blog much before I leave, but while on the road I will blog from motels. Locations to be announced after I have departed for safety reasons. Assuming I find the charger for my camera- I may even take the time to post a few pictures (what a first).
I am off to begin my new life. New friends. New church. New job. New place. New medical route. My New Life.
Plans are in motion, and while they are about 4-5 months delayed -I am on the final countdown. I have selected a departure date... again... (Oct 23rd, 2007) that is too late in my mind, but medical wise it is too early. So we'll call it a compromise and hope it works out eh?
I have returned all foster kittens. I have quit my job (a 2nd time). This weekend I plan to repack/organize my boxes in the backyard and load them into my four wheel drive vehicle (which was recently inspected). I am in communication with Pet Transporter setting up a flight date of November 9th for my 3 cats. I am officially resting myself for the next week in preparation for this journey.
The 'in the air' issues right now is that I still await to hear from the clinic in Denver where I am trying to set up an appointment. Of course, knowing me, I lost the number and now must ask my doctor if he saved the number. I have an appointment with a 2nd opinion guy at Stanford on the 17th and then I plan to see my doctor one last time on the 23rd as I head out. All signs currently point to RELAPSE approaching, but I have hope that this can be turned around. I must beat the Colorado snow!
The Plan: I will begin driving on Oct 23rd. Destination: Georgetown, Colorado. Once there, I plan to rest. Then I will decide where I want to settle. Do I stay in Georgetown? Do I circle around some of the outside towns? Do I continue on toward Kansas? Whatever my decision, I will need to be in Denver around Nov 9 to pick up my cats from the airport and for that appointment that I will have awaiting me.
This blog is to keep everyone updated. Relatives, coworkers, friends (whom I never even keep in touch with - except Whitney), etc. My goodbyes - which at one point seemed huge in my life - no longer seem to matter seeing as a) I'm in a huge rush to beat the snow, and b) no one's really bothered to keep in touch with me either. So to my coworkers, I'll see you when I say goodbye to my babies. You all, I will truly miss. To old church friends - I most likely won't see you again. I do have a long overdue baby present which I will most likely mail or have Krys bring to church. To my relatives in Texas/Arkansas - I will soon be closer. California people, I will most likely see you when I visit in Dec '08 for the holidays. Medical persons - I most likely won't get the guts to give you all this link - but I will miss the regular visits. Now I have to go to a new lab, doctor's office, hospital, pharmacy ...where I will be completely unknown. What an odd feeling.
I will most likely not blog much before I leave, but while on the road I will blog from motels. Locations to be announced after I have departed for safety reasons. Assuming I find the charger for my camera- I may even take the time to post a few pictures (what a first).
I am off to begin my new life. New friends. New church. New job. New place. New medical route. My New Life.
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