Mamarati

I’ve been scraped.

What a great time that was.

The pain started to get so bad on Friday that I decided I needed to go see the doctor. He decided to do the scraping thing so that the good cells could spread over the part where the bad cells didn’t seem to be able to take hold of my eye.

So, he got all his nifty tools out and numbed my eye with some drops. I didn’t feel a thing. However, I KNEW a thing. I knew that I could see exactly what he was doing which was scraping filets of my eyeball off with a fancy exacto knife and then placing the filets on a piece of gauze right next to me.

I then had what he called a “vasovagal response” which is to say that I passed clean out. I fainted.

While I was in my fainting stage, I was in my house, talking to people about how a thermometer device was screwed so far into the wall that you could hear the screw bumping up against the siding outside the house. I yelled at my boyfriend through the wall, “Do you hear it?”

And then I opened my eyes up and this strange man was above me telling me, “It’s OK, you fainted.”

What? Disorientation. Where the hell am I? What’s going on? Who are you?

Then I realized I was in the doctor’s office and that an exacto knife had just been coming at my eyeball repeatedly. And that I could see it. And I felt like fainting again.

He put a contact lens over it to serve as a bandage of sorts. We stopped by the liquor store on the way home and got some mojito mix, vodka from Dripping Springs, Texas, (just one more way I’m doing local food, haha) and some Irish Cream that was definitely not from Ireland. I’m a pretty squeamish person, so I knew I was going to need something to keep me from repeating the eyeball scraping scenario over and over and over in my head until I vomited.

It seemed to work. I drank mudslides all night and boyfriend rotated between mojitos and kamikazees. My eye hurt pretty bad all night and I didn’t get much sleep. At about 5am I woke up and took a long bath, hoping the moisture level in the bathroom would help ease some of the scratchy discomfort I was having… Not too much, but a little relief was better than none.

Went back to the doctor this morning for a follow-up and he said that the epithelial cells are already moving in the right direction and said everything looked good. He gave me some samples for preservative free eye lube since I was using the other about every 30 minutes yesterday… said to use the antibiotic drops 3x a day and he’ll see me on Tuesday to very gently remove the contact lens so that no damage occurs to the new layer of goodness. Then he said I’ve got a 2 week period where the cells need to strengthen and get firmly established so that this won’t happen again.

That’s the part I’m worried about.

Right now, I have almost no vision out of the eye that was scraped. It’s completely annoying. My depth perception is completely gone and it hurts to try and focus. For that reason, I just want to lay around with my eyes closed. I wish I could just turn that eye off so I could see. Now I really know how Jacob feels all the time… although truthfully, he probably shut his affected eye off years ago… but the depth perception thing is always gone for him. He’s completely adapted… I see it when he’s tired, it’s like he’s not trying to make up for it at all.

(Sigh)

I don’t know how I just sat here and wrote this whole thing out. Even the cursor looks like it is in a different spot than it really is. Weird. But no more. I’m going to get away from this computer for a few days and heal…

Hopefully I’ll be back on Wednesday…

Yes, that’s right. They could contain plastic.

Wait a minute… Have you ever eaten one of those things? Of course they contain plastic… at least that’s what they taste like. Also cardboard and lard.

Mmmmm….

No. Really more like a maze. I think I want to make a labyrinth in the back yard. I also am thinking… orchard even though I know I won’t get to see it to fruition. Ha. Pun. This orchard thing may be because I’m all cracked out on Botany of Desire right now. Next thing you know I’ll start growing weed and tulips. Also could be because I’m touched by the rebuilding of Dr. Weil’s labyrinth…

Freeze the omega 3 things for my eye and take them with food, says those who wish to avoid fish burps. The balance should be OK since I get beaucoup 6s in other places.

I have forgotten to take the drops all day long. No bueno since I should have done that 3 times by now. iCal? Figure out a way to remember… w/ meals, maybe?

Have to get forum stuff taken care of soon… it’s already the 1st.

I need to get a central location for research going. I’ve got bits and pieces of systems going because I’m addicted to trying new programs. Hate to say it, but I miss OneNote… not enough to switch back to that environment, but still… it was nice. I wish Scrivener was a little more… something. Easy. Intuitive.

Am trying to make Google Notebook work but can’t get in the habit despite having every single shortcut installed… Think I might just need to do it the old fashioned way like I used to… right here, in the blog. Remember when blogs were just lists of the sites and things that people were researching? No, you probably do not, come to think of it, unless you are who I think you are. And you’re not. You’re probably someone who got here later. Not that there’s anything wrong with that… But still.

Twitter reminds me of what blogs used to be. Sort of. Except more chatty / conspicuous depending on who you are following. Sometimes it’s like going to the bathroom at a dinner party with a bunch of people you don’t really know. Sometimes it’s like high school. Sometimes it’s like that point at a sleepover where the lights go out and yet nobody can fall asleep so people just start blurting out what’s on their mind. It’s a lot of things depending on the moment. And I like it. So, I hope they get that shit fixed.

Bath time.

Tim Russert has died of a heart attack. I’m just completely floored. I mean, he’s come to feel like a friend. Especially when there’s an election going on. The more I’ve grown to care about politics, the more present he has been in that process. I’m seriously a little worried about what this will mean for us out here. He was like the guy who did the tough critical thinking that my mind just couldn’t do with all the information that’s out there. He was so on top of things. I’m sure many Americans feel the same way… I mean, it’s nice to know that someone out there has that job and does it so well.

I’m watching the coverage and I’m really happy to hear that he’s remembered by those around him as not just a great journalist but as a dedicated father. Over and over they keep talking about how involved he was with his son. I hope all those dads out there tempted to give in to the pressures of overworking see that and say “No, I’m going to spend some time with my kids.”

Sad. Sad, sad day.

Olbermann is choked up. Don’t see that often.

So, we’ve been to the allergist, pulmonologist and otolaryngologist this week and none of those appointments went well, really.

He’s reacting to the allergy shots. The rotation was becoming impossible with everything that’s going on and I think there’s more that he’s allergic to that the diet isn’t revealing but that he may be having problems with. He’s so reactive to everything in general, however, so it’s hard to tell what symptoms are related to what. He got blood taken so they can do a more comprehensive blood test and we’ll go from there. He might be a candidate for something called Xolair… but of course I know nothing about it so that’s something that I will have to spend an assload of time researching and even after all that, it’s unlikely that insurance will cover it. One of the nurses said if they don’t cover it, it ends up costing something like $1,000 a month.

Ouch. Can you say ouch?

He’s got a cold that has moved into his lungs and is causing problems with his breathing (160 on the peak flow meter today and he should be blowing 240).

The fungus is filling up his sinuses, still. He said we need to have another surgery (will be the third in a year) in a month or so after some time on steroids to help get the inflammation under control.

MRSA has spread to his little sister (over at his dad’s house) now, so he’s back at my house 24 / 7 until they have the “all clear” over there. His step-mom is engaged in insane house bleaching and whatnot and ended up having to quit her job this week to handle all the health issues that are going on there.

He can’t go back to school until his lungs are better so he’s home.

He’s hopped up on decongestant, steroids, antihistamines, breathing treatments, expectorant, acid controller, sinus rinses… on and on. So, it’s not like he’s his normal self. He’s more like a Tasmanian devil that goes and goes and goes until he collapses from exhaustion.

I’m tired. I can’t believe the way this year is going. It’s like a replay of last year, with one thing after another going wrong. I can’t believe the semester is almost over and I still have so much to do. I can’t believe everything is going to work out OK. But it has to. Because…

Because I said so, dammit. It’s all going to be fine and work out OK and none of this is going to kill us. Make us stronger, right? Yeah. Make us stronger.

In good news, today, the FedEx guy showed up with a happy new MacBook and that should greatly increase my productivity at work and with school.

I’m so tired, though… I opened the box, plugged it in to charge the battery and walked away. I can’t even deal with all that with the current state of affairs. I’m typing this out on the devil I know… and that’s a sad statement. Sad.

More later, maybe.

On second thought, maybe just a hot bath would be in order here.

Maybe it is this house, but I just cannot focus. I was find when I was away. Focused as all get out.

Hmmmm….

Our cat always wants to get on your chest or your back or your legs (front or back) as long as you are laying flat.

But only if you’re clothed. If you’re not wearing clothes, she is not having it. She won’t lay on a bare back or chest.

Yesterday, I laid some clothes out on the bed and she was immediately on top of them.

Later, I moved the pants while she was on top of them and she immediately went back to lay on the shirt.

Today, I wanted to see if she would do the same thing and sure enough, as soon as I laid the shirt out, she was right on top of it.

So I’ve concluded that she doesn’t love laying on top of us as much as she likes laying on top of what it is that we happen to be wearing at the moment.

SO, I Can’t use my left arm and I have gotten a wacom graphire tablet and I am Using the Inkwell program that comes loaded On the Mac. SO far it is working out Pretty good. But it is going to take some getting used to.

I think that there are some tweaks that I need to put in the preferences and all that.

One Of the odd things it does is put capital 1etters where I don’t want them.

Also Since I don’t Use the typical 1etter I but instead just make a Single Straight line, it always makes my I a number 1.

and it makes my double t an H. Like le Her instead Of letter.

All in all,though, 1 am loving it and it is Much better than by trying to type with One hand.

OK, this is the most convoluted, insane press release EVER.

It’s a PR firm who is bringing a lawsuit against Cesar Millan. I mean, it’s so obvious that they are just doing this as a PR stunt for THEMSELVES.

My take is… they couldn’t get him a show and their pilot sucked, so he took matters into his own hands. Get over it. Should have been doing your job. I mean, the pilot dates back to ? 2001 did it say?

(sigh)

The whole press release is just rich. It’s like… drama. drama. drama.

And you know, PR firms… I deal with them every day. They’re about the most annoying people. Pushy and… it’s not like they are really paying attention to their clients needs. I have had so many who didn’t even really know the product or book they were pushing, who couldn’t spell client names correctly, who gave misinformation and facts to me… it goes on and on. I have to imagine that’s what was going on here. I mean, why wouldn’t they just be happy for his success if things were really how the portray? Who knows.

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Makeda Smith, of Jazzmyne Public Relations and her partner, Foster Corder, of Daughters 2 Feed Films, have filed a lawsuit (Case No. CV 06-2611 RSWL (RcX)) against Cesar Millan, requesting compensation for damages in excess of five million dollars for alleged copyright infringement, breach of contract and breach of confidential relationship. The National Geographic Channel, MPH Entertainment, Inc and Emery/Sumner Productions, LLC are also defendants named in the complaint.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 1, 2006 — World renowned Mexican dog psychologist, Cesar Millan, may utilize “whispering” as a technique when handling canines, but his original publicist, Makeda Smith, of Jazzmyne Public Relations and her partner, Foster Corder, of Daughters 2 Feed Films, are screaming right about now. The two have filed a lawsuit against Millan (Case No. CV 06-2611 RSWL (RcX)), requesting compensation for damages in excess of five million dollars for alleged copyright infringement, breach of contract and breach of confidential relationship. The National Geographic Channel, MPH Entertainment, Inc and Emery/Sumner Productions, LLC are also defendants named in the complaint.

Smith originally met Millan in1999 when she was introduced to him via her personal assistant, Love Barnett, at the time. A well respected industry veteran, she took Millan under her wing, imaging and branding him as the “Dog Whisperer” up until 2004. Within a month of introduction to Millan, she recruited business associate, Foster Corder, who conceived, produced and directed the original pilot for a show they named, “The Dog Whisperer.” Actress and NAACP Image Award winner, Tichina Arnold, (“Everybody Hates Chris”) starred in the pilot, which dates back to 2001.

A photography and film pioneer since 1977, Corder’s credits include being recognized as the first African American animal photographer, and he also served as the first Black director of film and video production in the record industry for Capital Records, overseeing videos for MC Hammer, Bonnie Raitt, Paul McCartney and Great White. Corder’s Blackbird Films was the first African American owned commercial production company creating television commercials for McDonald’s starring Sinbad and B.B. King, and some of the first California Lotto spots, and many others. In addition, Corder served as media advisor to Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain for 17 years.

Smith’s agency, Jazzmyne Public Relations (http://www.jazzmynepr.com/) is recognized as a specialty firm in the field of urban entertainment, with clients that have included Kevin Eubanks ( “The Tonight Show”), actor/comedian/singer Jamie Foxx, comedian Rudy Ray Moore, aka Dolemite, actor Dorien Wilson (“The Parkers”), J. Anthony Brown (“The Tom Joyner Morning Show”), and gangsta’ rap music industry pioneer, Jerry Heller.

Smith and Corder, both natives of Chicago, now seek a jury trial claiming Millan abandoned them and negotiated the terms of the show without them. Defendants proceeded to produce their own television series entitled, “The Dog Whisperer”, which is alleged to be substantially similar to and in violation of the copyright owned by Corder and Smith in the pilot. “The Dog Whisperer” now in its second season, has become the flagship for the National Geographic Channel, having been extended from a one-half hour show to a full one hour show, airing in prime time.

Furthermore, Millan has increased his celebrity status, and is now heralded as “Oprah’s Own” after appearing on her show. He is also the subject of merchandising and sponsor deals, publishing contracts, lecture tours, etc. Smith also alleges that Millan has completely forsaken her after several years of utilizing her expertise to introduce and position him within industry, professional and media circles, nationally and internationally, without any compensation.

“As a single mother of two, my company, Jazzmyne Public Relations is known for making inroads within the media for personalities that would never have access to such outlets. Millan endeared himself to me. He snuck across the Mexican border with nothing but a dream. Corder and I invested our time and resources to mold him into the personality he is today. We have the files and the footage to prove it. As an African American woman, I took him under my wing, and embraced his dream, making ‘The American Dream” a reality for him and his family. I now feel as if I have been spit on and left in the dog house!” cites Smith. “I’m simply in shock and awe,” adds Corder.

Smith and Corder are represented by Glen Kulik of Kulik, Gottesman, Mouton & Seigel, LLP in Sherman Oaks, CA in Foster Corder and Makeda Smith v. National Geographic Channel; Cesar Millan, an individual, MPH Entertainment, Inc, a California corporations; and Emery, Sumner Productions, LLC; a California limited liability company, Case No. CV 06-2611 RSWL (RcX).

NOTE TO MEDIA: Glen Kulik, Makeda Smith, Foster Corder and are available for interview. Topics for possible discussion include:

-the unheralded teams behind Hollywood’s stars;
-the industry’s real image makers;
-the importance of branding and imaging for success;
-protecting your rights in Hollywood, i.e. copyright infringement, breach of contract, etc.

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In other drama-related news, remind me to write about my theory about blogging and drama. (girl names)

David… I know you will see this eventually. Don’t you just love that? Hahahaha.