Saturday, September 15, 2012

Good Ol' Rocky Top!

I love this City and I love UT Football. When I was young, my Uncle Lynn brought me to a game and that was the beginning of my love affair. People in orange were everywhere. Folks were friendly and it was such a cool atmosphere. We played Vandy that day and Andy Kelly was quarterback. We won. I left Knoxville thinking to myself that I would be back.

In 1994, I made my way here for college and have stayed with little thought of leaving. I have a good history with this town. I have great memories and plan to make more. One of my favorite things in the world is the "T." I have been to one game where it was cancelled because of weather but if we have tickets, we make it in time for the "T."

College was fun. Very fun. I was blessed to have a great job for most of my time in college at the Copper Cellar on campus. As I ran this morning, I recounted some of the crazy memories. Waiting tables and bartending were hard - especially on game days - but we had so much fun.

I have been a UT Fan for as long as I can remember. The good, the bad, and the very ugly. I watched the Goal Post run down Cumberland Avenue in 1998. That was cool.

After college, I met Altman and if you've met him, then you know he likes a little college football. Over the years, we have had pre and post game parties at the house on White Avenue, we have held tailgate parties at our home, we've "owned" a spot on campus for tailgating, we've spent time back at Copper Cellar, and we've gone to a number of games through the years. We have great memories of friends from Knoxville and friends from out of town visiting and sharing the excitement.

When Jackson was born, he went to a few tailgate parties with us. We didn't stay long and always came home to watch the game. We were hesitant to take him down for a game last year but I think he might be ready this year. He's been signing Good Ol' Rocky Top all week. I drove him through campus today and he kept asking me to park so he could "play Tennessee." I love that he gets to grow up in such a fun environment.

I have a tradition of running through campus in the fall. Generally, I hit the road for the first home game but was sick last week and just couldn't do it. I almost didn't go today as I was teetering with the idea of trail running instead. I am glad I chose the road. I am glad that I chose the route that we ran and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead - with my life, work, and football.

Life isn't just about football but I am reminded today that football brought me to Knoxville where I got an education, met my husband, had the coolest kid, and have made many, many friends. GO BIG ORANGE!

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Sometimes I get stopped in my tracks

A few weeks ago, I got really sick. Started with a cough a little runny nose and ended up knocking me out of commission for a bit. As usual, after one day of rest, I was back at life full-time.

The cough has lingered a bit but overall, I felt better. Not great but better. Both Jason and I had traveled separately a couple weekends ago and I've had an unending to-do list that isn't get smaller. We haven't been able to get into a groove but was expecting that we would this past week.

Wrong. So wrong.

I don't get headaches. I get a "face" headache whenever a sinus infection hits. Otherwise, I am lucky not to be burdened with them.

On Tuesday, I thought I was dying. We had a party to go to and a babysitter lined up so we were going by golly. By the time we got to the marina to meet friends, my head hurt so bad that I was nauseous. I had some food and a cocktail and felt better. I thought that I must not have had enough to eat that day.

Wednesday, I didn't feel great so I took the day off from running. Wednesday night, Jackson didn't sleep and I was up all night with him. Literally. It had been a long time since I have been up all night so I chalked Thursday's misery to no sleep.

I got up yesterday ready to do a long run and get back to normal. I got a mile into the run and thought my head would explode. It was so painful that I stopped for minute thinking that I was really going to vomit (and by the way, I don't throw up - ever).

I spent all day trying to get into a walk-in clinic (which was just a comedy of errors) and finally saw a nurse practitioner last night. She did a pretty good review of everything and drew blood to make sure I am not anemic. I am not. And in case you were wondering, nope, I am not pregnant either. We tested for that too.

She said it is a viral infection and gave me some crazy medicine that was supposed to be for nausea. I woke up feeling like I had been hit over and over with a 2x4. After debating another doctor visit, I called on a friend who is in the medical field. I told him everything and he said that the "z-pac" that I took previously probably didn't clear up the infection. It probably stopped it for a minute but now it is back with a vengeance. He said he'd seen several cases of sinus issues lately because of pressure changes, etc. He also said that I didn't really need the meds that the n.p. had prescribed. That medicine is for vertigo and not for nausea. Thankfully, he called in a prescription for me and I am now on medications that will hopefully knock this out.

I have spent the day napping. Seriously. I never nap. I was in my pajamas until almost 6 pm when I finally showered and put on another pair of pajamas. I ate dinner and am back on the sofa. I am looking forward to ice cream and bed by 8 pm.

I missed my annual "run through campus on the first home game day" run this morning. I never miss that run.  We had planned to go downtown for a bit and maybe take Jackson to the game. Missed that too.  I am going to miss a KTC race tomorrow. I never do that unless I absolutely have no choice. In this case, I need the rest and the race is small and will be fine without me. I have to get well because we have a busy, busy end to 2012.

I am literally stopped in my tracks. My brain says to move but my body says no thank you. Tomorrow is a new day and hopefully I will feel better. If not tomorrow, then maybe Monday. I hate being sick and I hate missing out on life. There is a lot to do and I am ready to get rolling again.

A Weight Lifted

I started this blog when Jackson was a baby with the intent to write about everyday life with kiddos. There are tons of books out there on r...