Headaches, Golf Carts, and Girlfriends

Daughter had her appointment with the neurologist this week to see what we can do about her headaches.  Thankfully, he does not think there is anything terribly wrong.  After asking a lot of questions and examining her, he believes she is having atypical migraines. He prescribed a gradually increasing dose of Topamax to hopefully get them under control, and Imitrex for aborting them if they become really bad. The side effects of both these medicines are scary, but hopefully when we return for a follow-up appointment in 6 weeks, the headaches will be under control and we can start weaning her off the meds. Dr. told her she is a perfectionist and a worry wart (she is), and also prescribed "homework" - he suggested she read "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Steven Covey. I hope it will help her learn to cope with life. 

We dealt with another kind of headache, too.  After speaking with the local cops, my mother-in-law sold my father-in-law's golf cart. The village was not going to renew his permit (I didn't know you had to have one to drive a golf cart in town) because the golf cart did not have headlights, taillights, or turn signals.  My mother-in-law apparently didn't think it was worth putting the money into adding those things, so she sold it. Didn't mention it to any of us - just sold it.  Now my father-in-law has a three-wheel bike with a basket between the back wheels. I'm not sure it will change his habits much - he still takes off and rides around town. The difference is he has to provide the power!  The bike doesn't have lights either, so we are concerned that he will continue to take off at 3 AM and ride around town. At least there was more to the golf cart than there is to the bike. Now he will be harder to see.  I'm praying for his safety.

My brother recently designated me a member of the GFATF. I told him I had no earthly idea of what he was talking about!  Turns out he is dating a new lady, and he has decided that I am to head up the Girl Friend Approval Task Force. Why, I don't know!  I live three hours from him and I'm not likely to be around to see how well they get along. But for some reason, he trusts my opinions. Which makes me feel good, but at the same time, I don't want that responsibility!  

So part of the family got to meet the new lady. My first reaction was Hooray!  Finally a normal woman!  She  was friendly and personable, and seemed perfectly able to hold her own.  He usually goes after women who are blonde and too skinny, with no personality. This one is blonde, slender but curvy, and she has personality. She seemed very at ease with all of the family who paraded through my mom's house - she had to feel as if she were on trial. But she had a smile on her face, and appeared perfectly at ease. She has two little girls and she got definite brownie points with me when I asked what her girls thought of my brother. She said they haven't met yet - that tells me family comes first with her and that she is not risking her kids for her relationship. I have to respect that. Plus it will hopefully slow my brother down, as he has a habit of falling hard and jumping in too fast.  The GFATF review was submitted shortly after they left: all family present approved! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this relationship might have a future!

Between all the family things and Son's soccer games, the Referee's life is not her own.  But I'm still managing to fit in some reading, and of course my daily dose of chocolate!

Summer is Officially Over

Summer is officially over for Son. He started back to school yesterday, although it was a short day. Only two more years of high school to go - I'm sure they will fly by but he's equally sure they will drag. There are many things I will not miss, but I fear there are many more that I will!

My father-in-law had his golf cart taken away. Apparently you have to have a special permit to drive one in town - I didn't know that. And your cart has to have working headlights, turn signals, and taillights. His had none of the above. The police had received complaints about him being out and about before dawn, and we agree driving around with no lights is a hazard. So my mother-in-law sold the golf cart (she's not sharing any information on to who or when), and now my father-in-law has what amounts to a tricycle: a three-wheel bicycle. The problem didn't go away - he could still take off at 3 AM and ride around town - the vehicle just changed.

My mom is still going to physical therapy for the shoulder surgery she had this spring, but is doing well. She's been fighting some respiratory problems though.  Dad is having more episodes where he is really out of it, doesn't know where he is or what is going on around him. He doesn't want to admit it's happening and doesn't want any of us kids to know. I feel the need to check on them more often knowing this is happening.

We're also throwing a new dimension of worry into our immediate family picture. Daughter has been having really bad headaches off and on all summer. Getting in to see the neurologist was a challenge, but our day is almost here. We see him this week. I sure hope he can help us figure out what is causing the headaches, and that it's nothing major. She's been keeping a log of dates and headaches, how long they last and their intensity. She's eating healthier, too. But nothing seems to be helping relieve the headaches once they start. I try not to let her know how much I worry that something might be really wrong, but I know it has crossed her mind, too.  I pray that nothing is seriously wrong and that the neurologist can find the cause and treat them.

Back to school means my life is once again not my own! Between family and soccer games, we'll be on the road almost as much as we are at home. That doesn't bode well for healthy eating, or getting enough rest.  But each year we manage to get through it. I keep reminding myself it's only two more years, and then what will I do?  I'm sure I'll find plenty of things to keep me busy, but it won't be the same. So while I may vent, I wouldn't trade it for the world!  

I Could Get Used to Being on Vacation...

I wish vacation could last longer. But I won't complain - at least I was able to take one!

We got off to a rough start. Son was not happy about our choice of vacation - or rather stay-cation - for this year.  He wanted to go on a REAL vacation. For several reasons, we had chosen not to go too far away from home.  He said some things that hurt because they were truthful, but it didn't change the fact that we had our reasons for not doing something different. Luckily, once we got it all out in the open, things improved. 

We went hiking at Shades State Park, where we were able to hike up the creek beds because the area has seen so little rain. We really enjoyed our day there.  A couple days later, we went hiking at Turkey Run State Park. The 70 steps down to the start of the trails was not my idea of a good start for the day. That meant I had to go back up those 70 stairs! And since hubby has a knack for picking the best trails, we ended up on a trail that had way too many steps and 2 ladders - the ladders were way easier than the steps. By the end of the day, I didn't care if I ever saw another step in my life!  But both days were good days - good exercise, beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to clear my head. 

Another day we went bowling, and much to Son's dismay, I beat him the first game. I had to revel in the win while I could, because the next two games were lost causes. But we had fun!  

We wrapped up our vacation with a day at Kings Island. Son and a friend took off on their own, so hubby and I had a leisurely day. I think we went on at least five roller coasters, which I used to love.  This old body doesn't like them so much anymore. But it was still fun! 

Even though I've been back to work for the past few days, we spent today at the State Fair - it was our last hurrah for vacation.  Daughter and her boyfriend went with us, but I think they were pretty bored with us. We don't get in a hurry there.  We rode the sky lift thing, which turns my stomach.  I'm always glad when we reach the other end!  We ate fair food, and listened to a band in the beer tent. Then we wandered through the barns. I could spend hours there, especially with the horses.

So now my vacation is over, but I'm relaxed and my mind is clear. I think I could get used to being on vacation! 

The Referee is on a much needed vacation this week.  Please check back next week!