Sandy

Well, Frankenstorm has come and gone, leaving its path of destruction along the way. 

Fortunately, here in Pittsburgh, we only got a ton of rain but not everyone was so lucky.  I feel so bad for the people in NYC, NJ and MD. It will take years to re-build what has been destroyed.

Thanks to everyone who texted or emailed making sure we were all OK here.

Up to the mountains and into West Virginia, they got tons of snow. Snowshoe is considering opening early for skiers.  We are going to head up the mountains to check on everything.  It's always exciting to see the first snow.

So what does everyone think about Halloween festivities being cancelled until the weekend? Personally, I could see in the hard hit areas. But around here, so what if it is raining or snowing? As kids, we went trick-or-treating in all kinds of weather.  My mom would always make sure that whatever our costume, we could wear a winter coat or rain jacket under it.  I also remember the Halloween of 1991 and the big snow fall that we had because it was Nash's first Halloween that we were going to take him around to the neighbors. Sure, its wonderful when the weather cooperates and you can stop and visit with neighbors along the way.

But are we, as overprotective parents who want everything perfect, ruining these children holidays?  Aren't these part of the memories, that trudging through snow up neighbors sidewalks to get candy or your candy bag being soaked from rain?

Happy Halloween to all!!

 

 

 

 

Until next time, when I continue the rantings and ravings of a mom of an

American Dream Family.....

Pink Ribbon Month

We all know that it's Breast Cancer Awareness month so I'm going to put my two-cents worth in and tell everyone to schedule their mammograms. (OK guys- you can stop reading here!!)

The doctors say that you should schedule your first mammogram by age 40, if there is no family history to do so earlier.  I waited until I was 45 to have my first and shouldn't have waited so long.  Long story short,  after multiple mammograms, sonograms, biopsies and surgery, everything was benign, but it was a long 3-4 months to get those results.  Every year, when I schedule my appointment, I always have the "what if" thoughts. Yes, I've had further biopsies over the years, but they say early diagnosis is the best, so call today!!

Until next time, when I continue the rantings and ravings of a mom of an

American Dream Family.....

Bike Week

Joe and I were down the beach last weekend for Fall bike week.  Joe sure knows how to treat a girl right. We went to the Rat Hole, Spokes and Bones, and the Beaver Bar. We ate dinner at the Dead Dog Saloon.  Actually we had a good time.  This bike week is different than spring. It's mostly "older" couples (like our age), basically professionals living the biker life. And no, I don't do leather chaps or halters.

Chad (aka Kenny) and Crystal, our beach neighbors, were out and about with us. I felt better having another female with me at these places.  The bars weren't that bad.  I was only uncomfortable at Spokes and Bones. It seemed to be more of a hard core biker bar.  I was having thoughts of the "Wild Hogs" movie.

Of course the weather is warm and sunny.  Anything to be away from Pittsburgh's 40's and rainy.

My idea of bike week.....

Just kidding. Here's a pic of Joe's Harley

Have a fun and safe day

Until next time, when I continue the rantings and ravings of a mom of an

American Dream Family.....



Doctors

I know- I've been quiet for a few weeks. Really nothing has inspired me to write until now.

Some of you know that Cody's back has been bothering him. He finally got an appointment with a back specialist at UPMC and he's on his way to feeling better (hopefully), but I digress. I'll keep you posted on his back progress.

Since his back's been hurt, he hasn't been able to physically practice with the lacrosse team but he goes to practice every day.  Last Sunday, he was heading to the locker room and he got hit in the face with a stray lacrosse ball.  He came home and I took him to a Med Express. They said they weren't sure whether or not his nose was broken but to go see a Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor. 

We went to a ENT in Greensburg on Friday and was told it was broken. He had three options- do nothing (which the doctor said wasn't the answer), have an inter office procedure done where they will straighten the broken bones, or third, have surgery, what was to best option according to the doctor.  This ENT, a Dr Klingensmith, was the most socially awkward person I've ever met. He spoke with his eyes closed. He never answered our questions and acted like we were wasting his time asking questions.  Cody and I left the appointment totally confused, knowing that we had no confidence in this man.  So we decided on a second opinion. 

We realized that we had a limited time period to make a decision since the bones were healing, making any procedures more difficult.

So before the second doctor appointment, we told Cody not to eat or drink anything for several hours before in case they would do the surgery that  day.

Our second doctor, sat down, made eye contact with us and asked questions.  He asked if Cody's nose bled when it was hit, if it turned black and blue and if it looks crooked.  Cody answered no to 2 of the 3 questions.  Before reviewing the xrays, he said that he didn;t think it was broke.  After looking at the xrays, he said that it was definitely not broke.  We were shocked.  He showed us the xrays to confirm his opinion.

So here we were, anticipating the worse and that Cody would be having some sort of procedure done. If we had not gone for a second opinion, Cody would have been having surgery with a 4 week recovery.  What would the fist doctor had said when the surgery team was supposed to be repairing a nose, and it was perfectly fine!!!

  We asked the second doctor and he said, (very PC), that he couldn't second guess another doctors opinion.

So as a consumer, what do you do???   Joe thought we should contact the first doctor's office manager and complain.  Someone told me we should contact our insurance company and complain about him.

Not sure what we are doing to do  --- I'm just glad Cody didn't have to suffer through an unnecessary surgery.

Until next time, when I continue the rantings and ravings of a (now happily, overprotective, asks lots of questions)  mom of an

American Dream Family.....