h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

After such a difficult year, it was so nice to be able to get together with my family for the holidays! We won't be getting to Ohio until July, so we didn't get to visit with TJ's family.

TJ and I had a lovely 4 day weekend. We were finished with all of our Christmas preparations, so we got to take it easy. On the 23rd, we stayed in, and I finally got to prepare a pork meal I've been meaning to cook for TJ for some time. He loved it, I hated it, but that's not unusual, since I don't really like pork. We watched a Doctor Who video that TJ taped for me, but I ended up with another migraine. I'm getting very tired of getting a migraine every time I watch a video! TJ seems to think it's a combination of the Christmas tree lights, and not having any other lights on in the room. We watched "It's a Wonderful Life" last night with the tree lights off, and a light on in the corner, and I didn't get a headache. I hope he's right!

TJ's back has been bothering him lately, so I gave him one of his presents early. He started going to a new barber, and the barber has a massager that straps to the hand. After he finishes with the haircut, he puts a warm towel over your head, and massages your shoulders, upper back and head with this massager. TJ thought it was wonderful. A little background: he was in a terrible auto accident when he was 19 (they gave him Last Rites, so it was a biggie). He spent a week in the intensive care unit, and although he was saved, he's suffered from the whiplash ever since. He always has a headache, and his neck on the right side always hurts. He also gets a sore shoulder when he's eaten too much, but that's another story. Anyway, this is a big reason that TJ enjoyed that massager so much. I decided to get him one for Christmas. It took a bit of work, but I finally found it online. As you can imagine, I got some interesting results when I Googled "hand massager." This device is from Oster, and it makes your whole hand vibrate. Actually, it's called the "Stim-U-Lax Massager", which causes endless giggles with us ( http://www.allaboutmassagers.com/app/product/Oster-Stim-U-Lax-Massager ). It does such a good job of vibrating my hand that I couldn't use my right hand because it made it hurt, but I'm able to use my left hand with it. TJ declared it the best present he's ever received. I know he felt better going to the chiropractor, so maybe if I can do the kneading massage on his neck every day, it'll help the pain. I hope so!

Christmas Eve we were going to go to "midnight" Mass, but dinner didn't sit well with me, and we didn't make it. We decided to exchange gifts instead. TJ had already gotten his video iPod, a pair of Ohio State slippers, the Charlie Brown Christmas CD and the Stim-U-Lax from me. I had a good year picking out gifts for him! He also got an Ohio State book, an Ohio State Christmas ornament, an Ohio State DVD (can you sense the pattern here?), a handheld Battleship game (I try to get him a toy every year), a new card game, and lots of . I already knew about the necklace and earrings he got for me (http://www.kay.com/images/products/4008/400855401_MV_PD.jpg and http://www.kay.com/images/products/3917/391799703_MV_PD.jpg) ... they were on sale one day when we were shopping, and he got them for me then. I tried to act surprised. He also got me the Oprah 20th Anniversary DVD set, a terrific book on NYC (http://www.amazon.com/New-York-Then-Marcia-Reiss/dp/1592237290) which I really love, a cheesey Gamera DVD, mini M&M Christmas ornaments with a Star Wars Theme, mini Rudolph ornaments, and of course, lots of ! It's nice to finally be at a place financially where we can get each other cool stuff. I'm sure that'll change once we get the new house! We'd better enjoy it while we can.

Moving right along: luckily, whatever was bothering me on Christmas Eve seemed to be better by Christmas morning, so we went to church then (it's one of two times during the year that I can get TJ to go with me!). We left from there to drive to my parent's house out on the Island. All of my siblings, and my 2 nieces from my side of the family were going to be there. My sister battled cancer, my brother got a new hip and my Dad had eye surgery this year, so it was a real blessing to all be able to get together! It was such a nice day! Dinner turned into a "bash Ohio" session, but it was all done in good fun, and TJ was laughing as hard as everyone else (AW, please imagine my brother "re-enacting" the people of Hinckley sacrificing a baby to the buzzards to appease them during the Buzzard Sunday celebration ... for others: A2430244). My sister-in-law and niece were sick with colds, so I just hope they didn't spread it! My folks are flying to Bequia this weekend, and my sister and her hubby are going on a trip then as well.

When we were all together, I told my two nieces that I had decided that for their birthdays (one in January, and the other in February) they could pick something that they'd like to do (within reason), and I'd take them to do it. I said to make it in the Metropolitan area, and not a windsurfing trip to Hawaii! I was worried about the older one coming up with something elaborate, but I should have been worried about the younger one! My older niece (nearly 14) just said that she wanted to visit Madame Tussauds in Times Square. The younger one (nearly 10) started with a flight to Cooperstown to go to the Baseball Hall of Fame. I told her it was easily within driving distance, so she then decided that we could rent a limo for it! Then she said she'd like to go to a Mets game. But she doesn't want nose-bleed seats, she wants the really good seats right behind home plate. You can't get those seats ... and then next "cheapest" seats are $82 each. She's got good taste! Then she got back on the limo ride kick, and said she'd like to rent a limo for a day and tour NYC. Think I can talk her into taking the train to see the Statue of Liberty or something?

It was wonderful having the day after Christmas off! TJ took it easy, and I got a chance to clean the house before Mom and Dad get there at the end of the week. They usually stay with us the night before they fly out, because they have their house closed up, getting the pipes drained and turning off the electric. We then drive them to the airport ... usually hours and hours before their flight. Dad gets anxious, and doesn't sleep anyway. He likes getting there 6 hours before a flight. I made a vat of West Indian chicken pilau (TJ won't let me make it with pidgeon peas ), and we watched "It's a Wonderful Life." It really is.

That West Indian chicken pilau sounds good .

I don't think pork is the most flavorful meat. It needs pungent or spicy things to set it off: apples, or raisin sauce, or chili spices.

Well, this was a honey pork, with white wine in it, too. Just tasted like nasty old pork ... but slightly sweet ... to me.

The chicken pilau is wonderful! My folks always bring me back some green seasoning from Bequia ... here's an example: http://www.everythingtrini.com/trinifood/detail.aspx?ID=60 ... and this time I used some homemade stuff from my friend Dacci. Every island has a different "recipe" but the one we've adopted calls for chicken wings. TJ and I have found that chicken thighs work much better, and you don't have to worry about a bone. You rub the chicken with curry, then marinade it all day in the green seasoning (I like to do it overnight). While you brown the chicken in a skillet, get a big pot and put in enough water for cooking 2 cups of long-cook rice. Add chicken bouillion, browning ( http://www.everythingtrini.com/trinifood/detail.aspx?ID=157 ), and sprinkle some curry in the water. When the chicken has browned for about 25 minutes, put it and the rice into the pot of boiling "water" ... I like to add the green seasoning that's left in the skillet also. Boil for about 15 minutes. Add onion and carrots and turn the heat down. Cook for 30 minutes, then add pidgeon peas with the liquid ( http://www.everythingtrini.com/trinifood/detail.aspx?ID=81 ... but TJ likes regular peas) and cook for another 15 minutes. Stir while it's cooking. It makes a lot, and it's absolutely delicious!




Last night when I got home from w*rk, my mother-in-law was sitting in the recliner! Surprise. Her and my brother-in-law drove 9 hours to visit! It would have been absolutely lovely, except he brought his big, drooling boxer, even though we tell people they're welcome, but they have to leave dogs home because of my asthma. I had a terrible night. My chest still hurts here at w*rk, and I've been using my inhaler. They're leaving tomorrow morning, just before my folks arrive to stay with us, so I won't have time to clean the way I'd want to. Especially since tomorrow morning is the middle of our night! It was nice to see them, but I don't look forward to having to steam-clean the carpets. *sigh* I don't understand why people don't take things like asthma seriously. It's like I cough violently just to give them a hard time or something. TJ feels guilty because he said he should have told him to stay in a hotel, but was afraid there'd be a big fight ... which I can guarantee you there would have been ... and his brother would have acted all hurt and saying we hate him. *double sigh*

I have my own axe to grind about s which I won't go into here. Poor you. And TJ's hurt feelings are *much* better than the risk of your having an asthma attack!!! I suggest you BOTH write the mother-in-law a nice letter in the New Year thanking them for the visit and how much you enjoyed the visit but since then you have been so poorly with your chest. You'd _hate_ to blame the lovely but can't think of anything else which you're allergic to, which you came into contact with.

Shea - I have a son-in-law and an almost-son-in-law and an almost-daughter-in-law. If anything *I* did caused them pain or suffering, I'd want to know, I wouldn't take offence. I know I'm probably different to them but for bob's sake, this is your health we're talking about, and there's no more precious thing in this world.

As for your original journal: <>



Thank you for the merry journal!

I agree with GB <GB> - your health is more important.

I hope you had a nice time with your folks and that you thoroughly enjoy your New Year Dream Date. It sounds great.
s and es to you both,
From Elly, Mike and the kiddies.

I had a word with my mother this morning (she is the wisest person I know) - and she is quite adamant that turning up with a with your health problems is disrespecting you. It's YOUR home, YOUR health at stake. Mum said "Don't let them in again" - if they fall out with you, it's their loss.

Damn straight!

" I don't understand why people don't take things like asthma seriously. It's like I cough violently just to give them a hard time or something." [Shea]

Last Spring, I had such a nasty respiratory infection that I began having asthma symptoms, for which I had to use an inhaler for several weeks. Thank Heavens it passed, and I didn't need the inhaler, but I finally understood what asthmatics have to go through.

Asthma is very, very serious. It can kill people. Some elementary schools in Massachusetts have a 20% asthma incidence. As the air quality degrades with pollution, more and more of us have to learn to live with asthma. I wonder if asthma is the canary in the mine, warning people when dangerous air quality has arrived.

But for you, it's the that's the canary. I hope your symptoms will fade quickly, dear Shea.

Thanks for the advice, everybody. TJ feels terrible about what happened. I think the problem was that they took him by surprise. We've only ever had 3 visits from anyone in his family in the 4 1/2 years since we've been married (and twice was the same person), so we hardly expected any of them to be knocking on the door. He heard a car door slam at about 10:30 at night, and looked out to see his Mom and brother getting out. He was very happy until he saw the . My mother-in-law didn't bring her dog, she knows about my allergies. I guess TJ just didn't know what to say, and I think the whole "You're my big brother, I'm the little brother" thing came into play, and his brain seized up . I also think that TJ thought if he said anything, his brother would get right back into the car and take off ... they drove 8 hours to see us. His mom said that she thought he was going to drop the off somewhere when he was in the car when she was picked up. I take it she didn't appreciate the 8 hours in the car with a huge drooling over her shoulder! And he drools as only a boxer can! She's got a little Yorkie, and I'm sure that she's not used to the sheer size of him (although her Yorkie is much more vicious than the boxer ever would be!). It wasn't his Mom, it was his stupid brother. He said that I was just fine at his house last New Year's. TJ let him know that he didn't see me cough for 3 hours afterwards. Maybe I hide it too well. I don't want to make a fuss, so if I start coughing, I leave and go outside to clear my lungs. Maybe I should hack up a hunk of lung on him one day.

We've let him know that he's never to bring the again, and if he does, they're both staying at a pet-friendly hotel. He said he'd go to a hotel last night, but it wouldn't have made much of a difference at that point.

He's a very sweet , and I hate to make such a fuss, but quite frankly, our house just reeks of right now. Even my Dad mentioned it when he came in, and said his throat was scratchy (he has emphysema). TJ was frantically trying to clean as much as he could between when the in-laws left and he had to start work (he wouldn't let me help, maybe he's serving his penance with this ). We felt terrible because we promised my parents a year ago that they could stay with us tonight before we drive them to the airport, and we practically had to fumigate upstairs just so they could sleep.

We're going to rent a carpet steam-cleaner tomorrow and clean the carpets. Hopefully that will do the trick. So much for our day of leisure! My symptoms are better today. I've only had to use the albuterol once, and my chest doesn't hurt right now (of course, I'm at work, and away from home). I tend to have more of a problem with coughing and chest tightness more than gasping for air, so it's not as bad as it could be.

They're gone now, and if we can clean up tomorrow, it'll be done. It's really too bad, I had such a nice visit with his Mom ... and TJ didn't punch his brother! A success! I told her to please come back another time, but let us know she's coming! We can take time off and really visit. She said she might come in May. She promised no s! His family loves surprises, but it's one thing if you're just a short drive away, another if it's 8 hours! What if we weren't home? Silly in-laws.

My inlaws are the same way, as far as dropping in whenever (reason # whatever)(though they've gotten better) I remember a couple years ago, they were supposed to arrive at our place in Sacramento the day before Easter, or maybe late Good Friday night *twitch* We had plans pretty much all of that Good Friday, which involved Faith and I needing to go to w*rk with Tom to make the timings come out right, as the last bit was a dinner party. Well, out the door we came at 8am, to see Thomas' and Patty's camper I took the key off my keyring, left it in the usual place, and was thankful that they *had* brought the camper instead of the car, so at least they had somewhere to sleep. At the time, they were living in Crescent City, which is roughly 375 miles away...

But much more importantly, I'm glad you're feeling better, Shea

<< I also think that TJ thought if he said anything, his brother would get right back into the car and take off ... >>

and your point is?

Sorry Shea, it must be one of those British/American things. Nobody I know would drive 8 hours to see someone (and invite themselves to stay, with living luggage) on the off-chance that they'll be in!

There's no dog-friendly hotels that I know of either. He'd have been sleeping in his car if he'd come to visit me!

Why don't you send him the bill for steam-cleaning your carpets?

I promise to leave Fluffy Pink Rabbit behind when I visit you, Shea.

Mr B has asthma as well, Shea. Fortunately the animals don't bother him much - he had his own dog when we met and he seemed to do well enough with my cat that he eventually wanted to get a second one. We now have the dog and three cats, none of which bother him - but when we go to my sister's (2 dogs, 3 cats) or my parents' (1 cat, 1 smoker) he has problems after a few hours. He doesn't have trouble at his mother's house either (1 cat, 2 smokers).

On a happier note, I have that same book only for St Louis. I've had it for a few years and I love it. Everybody enjoys looking through it when they see it sitting on the shelf. I've seen the New York one and one for Chicago, but I haven't looked at them.

GB, the only reason TJ didn't send him packing is because his mother was with him. Her health isn't very good, and an 8 hour drive was bad enough, he didn't want to risk his brother taking off and keeping her in the car another 8 hours.

TJ was able to clean up the place well enough that it doesn't bother me any more, so no steam cleaning of the carpets was needed (thank goodness). Everything's back to "normal" and we've made it clearer than clear that people are welcome at our house any time, but animals aren't. TJ's letting everybody know that if they come with "living luggage" (I like that!) they're staying at a pet-friendly hotel.

broe, I'm glad that your husband doesn't have problems with your pets! I was worried about that, what with just about everybody in TJ's family having dogs. He didn't have one, and says he doesn't have a problem with not getting one in the future. He loves dogs, but says they're a lot of work, and he likes being able to take off for a weekend on a whim (like we did this weekend) without having to worry about a pet. He'll have plenty of time to walk his Mom's dog when we move!

I don't think I'd have a problem with Fluffy Pink Rabbit, Paul. I'm with faux fur!

FPR is asleep now, but I'll tell him the good news when he awakes.

By all means ... don't wake him on my account!

He's not easy to wake even in the best of circumstances.
Besides, this is hibernating season.

Dearest Shea and TJ. I have just gone to your home page again. And found that you have another name. Is that the reason why I have not been able to talk to you.

I have just had something rather unpleasant happen and I am really distressed. It is the first time on this web site that this has happened.

I wish I could talk to you about it.

Your Christmas sounded grand. Mine of course was blighted by the death of my darling brother. I am sure that I asked you at one stage if you were going to visit that island with your parents, I remember you writing about it ages aago.

So glad that TJ liked his Christmas pressie. You rally are a fan of baseball. I was amused at your eldest neice, take her on a bus and see how she enjoys it. she will probably love it!!

Well I am glad that I hav e caught up with ytou. You are a very special friend. and so is TJ

With very much affection

Christiane Also Ran1

Also Ran



Dearest Christiane,

Don't be upset.... it seems that you and Matt have merely had a misunderstanding. I'm not surprised that a class-act, Grand Dame such as yourself is offended by the unrefined (sometimes unintentionally rude) humor of our boorish generation.

I stand in awe of your wonderful etiquette and genteel ways, Christiane. You shine like a diamond in a world of rough stone. Sometimes, I've been terrified to speak with you because I'm afraid my barbarian ways will show through and offend you.... as I'm sure has probably happened in the situation you're talking about.

Forgive my interference in the matter, but I hoped to provide some comfort.



Avenging Washcloth

PS:

Matt the Hoople's journal messages had a heading that personalized to anyone who happened to view it. When you saw your own name in that message, you thought his message was directed towards you personally. However, if I had been the one looking at it, I would have seen my name in his "personal message" about being nosey. This is a neat little computer trick in the h2g2 software that is meant to startle and surprise anyone reading it -- because they will see their own name in the headline at the top of the page.

I hope this explanation helps.