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Showing posts from January, 2010

The Signpost Ahead: Middle Age

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Yesterday I had some minor surgery for a condition that women often encounter (I won't get into details, it's not that exciting, and I'm sure there are male readers who would be happily spared the clinical diagnosis), and in preparation for the surgery I had to have a shot of estrogen, I think it was, 30 days before the scheduled surgery date. At the age of 46, I've not yet encountered all those things women who are closing in on menopause seem to suffer. Most prominently: hot flashes. Until the last month, that is. The shot (which amazingly, cost $600) has given me the most extraordinary understanding of hot flashes that I'll be glad to say goodbye to them for a while when the effect of the shot finally wears off (which my doctor said should be in another two weeks or so). How strange it is to heat up from the inside! To wake up in the middle of the night soaking wet and shivering a the minute you throw off the covers to cool down. To be talking to someone and be s

Random Thoughts for a Sunday

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I'm sorry to say there have not been any great events or inspirational thoughts to write about in the Baker Blog lately. Just a couple of nuggets to ponder: I'm not so sure it's a good idea for late 40-somethings to play ice-broomball against a bunch of teenagers. Nevertheless, we won 10-9! Woo-hoo! (But not without a couple of sore muscles and black and blue spots from some spectacular wipe-outs.) It was as satisfying as the time we adults kicked the teens' butts in Pictionary! We still don't have the Pilot back from the body shop. We are hoping to get it back this Friday after which time Mark is determined to turn around and trade it in for a Honda CRV. Whatever. Our Civic's bumper was scraped at a New Year's Eve party so yesterday's carwash reminded me that we need to get an estimate for that as well. The lady who scraped us promised to pay without having to go through our insurance companies (I believe her - she's a lawyer). Obviously, 2009 was n

Baker Blog Stats - Did You Know?

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I accidentally deleted the Google Analytics gadget that tracks The Fabulous B@ker Blog 's readership, and have re-added it...which reminded me that I haven't really checked the stats on the blog in a while. Did you know: The Fabulous B@ker Blog is almost 3 years old - I started the blog on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - a seemingly random date. I had originally started writing the blog - an idea that had been spinning in my brain for a while by then - on Saturday, April 14, 2007. I remember the date because it was my parent's anniversary date, but more heartbreakingly, the date our first Golden Retriever, Casey, tragically died after eating two packages of chocolate chips. After that happened, I couldn't think about the blog for a while because of the sad association of that day. Visits to the FBB is 10,000 strong to date - Actually, it's probably more like 15,000 strong as my counter pooped out a couple of times and restarted itself. A confession: probably 500 of thos

It's a Dog's Life

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Sometimes I wish I could switch places with Jasper, even if just for a day. Think about it: someone would feed me, tell me when to pee/poop, scratch my belly, ears, butt, arms and legs, and I would spend most of the day sleeping on a comfortable bed. Just what the heck does he do all day? We like to say he's "busy sleeping." The minute we leave for work, up the stairs he goes, and sometimes he doesn't even come down to greet the kids when they get home from school. They need to call his name and shake the treat jar. How lame is that? I often wonder if Jasper would protect us if someone tried to break into the house (or if he would protect the house if no one was home). Hmmm ...that's a tough one to predict. He sure sounds ferocious enough when another dog walks by. Sometimes, the gentle breed of Golden Retriever can surprise you. Like that story in the news a couple of weeks ago where the Golden Retriever saved an 11-year-old boy from a cougar attack . They thoug

Happy Birthday, Carol Ann!

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Happy birthday today to my sister, Carol. Just remember, Carol: no matter how old I get, you'll always be OLDER than me. Have a great one!!

He Came from a Land Down Under

When I was in high school I went out with a really cute guy, Andy Vine, who was from Perth, Australia. His family was in Massena for his Dad's job at Alcoa, and I honed in on him right away. He was tall with dark hair and, of course, so exotic - being from Australia and all. Unfortunately, for him, I suppose, it turned out he was really just a transitional guy for me: someone to hang out with between the one who broke my heart and the cad who followed. A couple of years down the line I really regretted the shabby way I treated Andy, and what my life may have been like if things got serious between us (of course, that was never a real possibility, but you know how a teenage girl's imagination runs wild). ESPECIALLY NOW, since it's summer in Australia. This is the fantasy that will get me through the rest of this hellish winter.

New Years Resolutions

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Welcome to 2010! From what I've heard from others - and some things I've experienced myself - GOOD RIDDANCE to 2009 and the past decade. Unemployment, fear, and uncertainty seemed like overriding themes of the past several years. With aging relatives (and friends), also comes sadness and loss, and I suppose that will most likely only get worse in the years to come. But, we Americans are borne of eternal optimism, and march willingly forward into 2010! My New Year's resolutions are probably the same as many people's, and have a familiar echo from previous years: Lose at least 5 lbs, although 10 would be better Get our finances in shape so we don't have to live paycheck-to-paycheck. Come on, people! This is absurd; we're on the far side of 40 and should have some money in our savings. Get with it Bakers! Blog more As always, try to be a kinder, more understanding, more patient person. Work on those listening skills and don't make snap judgements about people o