Happy 1 Year of Freedom to ME!

For those of you who know me, you also know that I have had a digestive tract that pretty much hates me and caused me pain for years. I could eat something, and be just dandy. However, the next time I ate the exact same thing - I could have been doubled over in pain. It's really dumb... but through the years, I have found a method of kicking this pain before it really starts OR I just stay completely away from anything that I know was going to hurt me. No one had really figured out what is wrong with me... so I learned to cope. I had every test known to man, and every single test comes back "normal." (Becca? Normal? Come on!) I've heard that it might be my Gall Bladder, or it might be an ulcer, blah blah blah. But, again - all tests would come back just fine. I spent some nights/mornings in the ER in the midst of an episode - and they could still not figure out what was going on.

Okay - so, let's fast forward a little bit. Two years, I was spending a weekend working. (For all of my friends at Cardinal Health Staffing, you would know this weekend as CAH2 Migration... and this is single handily the busiest day in the world). I was getting things prepared for this migration, working like a fool all weekend... all of a sudden, the pain starts. CRAP! I have too much to do to have an episode - so I just keep on working. Eventually, the pain took over and I had to stop. Long story short: This was the WORST ATTACK EVER! (So I thought!) I am sure that at this point, my sister is really sorry for signing up to live with me. She was a trooper... she went to Walmart for me for some Maalox. Gotta love that girl! But, the pain continually got worse... Here comes a trip to the ER. Ugh. (I fought, and fought, and fought - but the family forced me to go. The ER dr. tells me that oh - once again, my tests are NORMAL. Shocking, huh? But she does think that my Gall Bladder just doesn't function well and no test will ever pick it up. Fantastic. Thank you, for once again stating that my gall bladder sucks and there is no point in having it!

Alright - at this point, I realize it is time to see another Specialist. I saw one numerous years ago - but he wasn't helpful. Since then... I had just dealt with what it is and just let it go. I call a new Specialist and make an appt. I have to run all over Ohio to pick up my records from all of my other drs for my upcoming appt. Looking at my records I realize that I have been dealing with this since March 2003! Okay, that is over 7 years ago!

The summer of 2008, I met with yet another Gastro Specialist. All of my records in hand, I drive to meet this new guy who I am hoping is going to be my best friend! The nurses had to have been the most unfriendly people in the world, so I knew that this wasn't going to go well.

In walks Mr. Doctor... looks over my records, asks me questions, asks me more questions, pushes his hands into my rib cage and asks if it hurts. Hi, if YOU had a mans weight pushing into your lung - would it hurt? DUH! He asks me what I do for my job, what I did for the job when these pains started - blah blah blah. (Background: remember, I was the Lead Teacher in the Infant Room at a Preschool when this started...) Tells me to do some random stomach crunch and sits me up. His response "this is something that is absolutely not digestive related." (Is this guy serious?) My response: "Huh?" His theory: I have an injury to my stomach wall muscle. How did this happen in his opinion? Bending over wrong and picking up an infant while at Goddard. Uhhh... what the hell? How do I make the pain go away? His response: "Advil." Okay -- this dude is a quack! I was hooked up to 2 narcotics while in the ER through IVs for the pain and he thinks that Advil is going to take my pain away? I am not that much of a pansy that would go to the ER for a tad bit of pain that Advil couldn't handle. Why in the heck would I want to pay that Hospital bill?!Needless to say, he is not my new best friend.

We're going to fast forward once again to June 2009: Mary's Birthday Weekend! Courtney and I decided it would be a blast to to take Mary camping at Old Man's Cave for her birthday. Our plan was to leave bright and early on Saturday morning, come home Sunday afternoon. Friday night, I go to bed - all packed and ready to roll! At midnight, I started to feel the pain which I had dreaded... the pain of the mystery digestive tract. NOOO!! Long story short: this pain lasted from midnight all the way until 8am the next morning. Non-stop! Again, so bad that at 6am I called my Mom crying from being in pain for the past 6 hours. The lovely Mother that she is, she jumps in her car to drive 30 minutes to my place. (I love her!) 8am, the pain stops - just in time to pack the car and head onto our way to camping. I wasn't going to give this up if I didn't have to! I knew I just needed to be very careful and I was still a walking time bomb to attack at anytime. God loved me that day, and I had no pain at all the rest of the day... UNTIL... Sunday after I arrived back home. I was at my Mom's house (thankfully, already there) when the pain starts up again. This attack lasted from roughly 2pm to midnight. Again, crying, sobbing and doubled over. One would think that 7 yrs of this, I'd be used to it. I'm here to say, it is a pain that you will never get used to. Ever.

Here comes the great news: Mid-June 2009 - I found a specialist who believed me, ran an x-ray and found that I, Rebecca C. Warren had a gall bladder full of stones! WOOOO HOOOO!

June 29th, 2009:

I divorced my gall bladder! I was rolled into surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital, I had the best nap of my life, and that pesky organ was removed once and for all! I was so happy, I cried. (I like to cry...)

It has been one year yesterday since my organ was removed. I have never felt better! I'm not scared to eat. I can go enjoy Chipotle, Vaqueros, Chile Verde and always know that I will be okay! Thanks you, Dr. Raymond Fuller for providing me with peace in knowing that Mexican food will never hurt me again! May there be a very special place in life for you for making me one happy girl! This has been the best year of my life. I hate you, Mr. Gall Bladder. I hope that you're having a very miserable life where ever you are...

**Sidenote: I learned yesterday from a dear friend that they actually have a pill now that dissolves gall stones... where was this drug when I needed it?! It could have saved me from 7 yrs of pain. Eh. Coulda, woulda, should!

Adverse Reaction to Music

Music is suppose to be something that is relaxing that brings nothing but good memories, right?! I was driving down the road the other day on one of my various trips up to northeast Ohio and a song came on the radio that I had not heard in YEARS and as I listened to it, I couldn't handle listening to and had to skip over it on the radio. Then as I continued to drive, I was bothered by the fact that I couldn't listen to the song anymore. A song that I really used to enjoy but now, I just can't do it. Songs then were starting to run through my mind on songs that fell into this bucket of doom.

The first one that came to mind was a Rascal Flatts song. It's on the Me and My Gang album. I LOVED this album. Seriously... when it first came out, I could sing (not well) almost every word. One day while talking to one of my friends at the time, she says to me that there is a song on the album that reminds her of me. (Huh?) It's called, Stand.

Lyrics:
Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you’re made of
You might bend ‘til you break
‘Cause it’s all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you’ve had enough
You get mad, you get strong
Wipe your hands, shake it off

Hmm... I ask her what she means and how this relates to me. She says it reminds her of me because of how long it had taken me up to that point to graduate from Ohio State because I was on the 7-yr plan and taking too long. I'll admit it, I was offended. Did I want to stay in school for 7 yrs and pay for 7 yrs worth of education? No. However, because of some credits not transferring, my working to help finance my education (so my parents wouldn't have full responsibility since they have another kid who will be in school and so I wouldn't have a million years of loans to pay), and my inability to pass math classes, yes - it took me a little longer than anticipated. It happens.

Second song: Lose Yourself - Popular during the movie 8 Mile with Eminem. I love Eminem, I can't help it. I know he's a bad influence and isn't the nicest guy - but I think that we can all say that I turned out okay regardless of the fact that I listened to him on a regular basis. Right?? I will never forget driving down the road with my boyfriend at the time and Lose Yourself came on the radio. I was singing (cough, cough - rapping) along with Eminem when he busts out laughing. (WTF?) He says I was saying all the words wrong and wasn't even close. This resulted into a fight. Then into silence. Then just flat out annoyance. I know I got the words right and still this day - I am convinced he was wrong and I was right. However, it always turns my memory to the fight. Annoying.

Lastly, Alanis Morrisette. So 90s, and yet so amazing! I BEGGED my Mom to let me buy this cd. Her response was the typical "over my dead body" that I typically received. She thought Alanis was depressing. Well, she is... I give her that! Though, I loved her and loved her cd. I never went against my Mom's wishes and never bought it. Though, one trip up to Alaska for a family vacation - my aunt had the cd and let my sister and I listen to it in her car. (Though, I am now wondering if it was on cassette?? Eh, oh well - you get the point!) My sister thought that we were so AWESOME for listening to it in her car, and my Mom not knowing. Sneaky! Fast forward 10 yrs, through some family dynamics which leaves room for a whole new blog (aka: novel), my Aunt isn't the most welcome of family members to my sister and myself. So listening to Alanis wail and depress me, it truly depresses me that life has taken such a turn that I have a hard time even talking about my Aunt. Alanis always makes me think of the fun we had, but also gives me a heavy heart to the outcome of some other instances.
I didn't write this blog for you to feel sorry for me or any reason, and I know that this is truly one of my most depressing blogs and I am sorry for that! I just had some thoughts I wanted to jot down about music and how certainly situations can change a song that you used to LOVE into something that makes you want to drive hot pokers into your ear canal when it comes on the radio.

Are there songs that had a negative impact in your life, or do I need to go see a therapist? :)

Teamwork & Team Tiger!

Over the past year, work has been very interesting. We have been involved in a major transition from moving from being a contracting company supporting another company in Staffing efforts. Three and a half years of supporting the client, made for a very interesting relationship. For years, things were very divided. Us contractors would watch the client groups run out and have fun during Spring/Summer/Fall days - while we would sit back and watch them leave for the day. It was a tough pill to swallow considering our own company wouldn't provide us with fun things, rather they were more interested in giving us pay decreases. Fun. Aren't you jealous?!

Last August, we were transitioned to full-time employees of the client. Many of us had mixed feelings on how this transitioned would run, where as others were either doing cartwheels down the hallway or running down the hall crying scared of the unknown. I was one of those people with mixed feelings - only wondering how the new teams would be. But, at the same token was THRILLED to move full-time to a company who wants the best for their employees and pay for performance. Rather than work your tail off, to get no merit increase one year, to a decrease the next year. More importantly, I was SO excited for the team events that would we be able to participate in now! I did not have to sit back in my cubicle and watch the great divide of people getting to leave work early to go have fun, while we sat back working the afternoon away.

Since August, we've volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House as a HR Team. We've gone to a Columbus Blue Jackets game as a HR Team. Today, we had the 1st Annual Staffing Golf Tournament. When I say golf, I mean putt-putt golf. Imagine my surprise when my team was drawn and I was put onto Team Tiger Woods. I know, I know - he is a horrible and gross man, but I still think he's hot. Don't take that away from me!

To keep with the theme of the event, in normal Becca Fashion, I had to go buy some new threads! This started as a joke at work - that I was going to buy some new plaid pants, but my lovely co workers convinced me to really do it. I wanted to look the best I could for the tournament. Let's be honest - I am there to make Tiger (...and my Dad...) proud. Additionally, I just love watching golf. Playing, no way - I suck. Watching, I enjoy it. I wish I could have made it to the Memorial this year! Darn moving!

Anywho: back to the topic at hand. My new threads. While in Florida, I bought (as a joke) some bright pink Keds. I saw them, I thought - I'm in Clearwater Beach, I want to get some Keds like the 80 yr olds. So - I did.


But, when thinking about it I thought that these would be great for my golf game today! So, I needed to find some golf shorts to go with my shoes...

I head to Golf Galaxy after work to look for some carpis/shorts/something! Anything!

I found a few great pairs of shorts, but really - it all came down to these:
How cute are these!? Now, I was very worried about the length. They aren't capris, they aren't shorts - so what are they? I dunno. All I know is that my skinny ankles are going to look ridiculous in them! I try them on... and to my surprise I didn't look as horrid as I thought I would look!

End of the day: Did I make Tiger or my Dad with my mad golf skills? No. Did my ankles make me look ridiculous? No. Did I look dumb? Debatable. Will I wear my golf shorts again? Heck yes. I want to get back out of the golf course and MAYBE learn to golf. But to be honest - I'd rather driving the golf cart and watch YOU golf in my cute clothes.

Becca hates the Ohio State Highway Patrol

According to history, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. It originally started with our own American Civil War, but then through time and losses, it honors all who fought for the freedom of our country. Civil War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and the mess we have going on now in the Middle East. It is an important day, and one that I do believe is a very special event for all of those individuals who deserve that recognition.


Memorial Day Weekend, 2010. I was looking forward to my 3-day weekend. I didn't have huge plans other than to get the current apartment ready for the big move the following weekend, and to have a Girl's Night Out with some dear friends. In order to start the weekend off with a bang, I left work around 2:30pm to head up north to pick up my dear friend Courtney to come home for the weekend so she wasn't trapped in her apartment alone for the 3-day weekend. Besides a Girl's Night without her is just NOT an option. That simple.

As I begin my journey up 71 North from Columbus, I realize that it is going to be a very traffic filled ride as everyone else has plans to head out of town as well. I don't mind - I have no problems sitting in the car in the sunshine with the iPod blasting my speakers. I actually find it quite relaxing. As I continue up the highway, I notice that the Ohio State Highway Patrol is out in full force and ready to hand out tickets to any deserving people who cross their path breaking the law. Being that I don't trust my foot on the gas in these circumstances, I put my car on cruise control. No way am I going to receive a ticket on this Holiday. I've had a ticket on the 4th of July years back, and I learned my lesson on Holiday driving!

I get to Courtney's, we load of the car, we stop for a bite to eat and some Power Ball lotto tickets and then we are on our way for the oh-so- familiar drive that I could probably drive in my sleep. I've got the cruise control on, the navigation system on in case we need to hit a back road for traffic and we're cruising the open road with Ron & Ginny (my Godkitties, Courtney's cats) in the back enjoying the ride as well. According to my speedometer, I am doing 70 mph. According to my navigation system, I am doing 70 mph. Glad to see that they are the same, and I am likely going exactly 70 mph.

Heading down 71 South, a little past our 1/2 way point to be back in Delaware - almost to Mt. Gilead in Morrow County.


When all of a sudden.......... I see this.......


A Ohio State Highway Patrol standing in the middle of the right lane of the road motioning me to pull over. Courtney says, "Is he waving you over?" My reply, "I think so." What the hell?? I look at my speedometer, still doing 70 and still on cruise control. Seriously?? Like the good law abiding citizen I am, I pull to the side. He comes to the window and, quite confused ask the skinny and tall officer if I was speeding.

"Yes, Ma'am. I clocked you going at 80 mph coming down the hill, and then again at 76 mph."

WHHAAATTTT??!?!?!?!?!?

At this point, in my head, I am giving myself a pep talk to be polite and not to get an attitude in hopes if I am nice, he lets me off the hook. I tell him that it is impossible as I had it on cruise control, and I have been driving on 71 for the past 3 hrs knowing full and well that it was crawling with cops and I wouldn't speed knowing this on a Holiday weekend.

He doesn't care, clearly. Asks for my license, registration and insurance card. Great.

I locate the license. I locate the registration. Where is my most current insurance card you ask? On my bedside table at home in an envelope. @$*@)(%(@$(@$!!! Thankfully, I did have an expired one from 2007 with the same info that I was able to use. Whew.

He goes to his little car, he does his little job of making me sweat wondering if I'll get a warning or a ticket. Courtney and I discussing how in the hell I could possibly get a ticket when I wasn't speeding and I was on cruise control.

He gets out of his car, comes to my car with...........

A FLIPPING TICKET OF DOING 80 MPH IN A 65 ZONE!

Is this guy serious?? Now my attitude is starting to spark. I was nice in the beginning, but now this is just flat out ridiculous. He lets me know that my ticket is $119. It's due June 10th. My court date is June 10th in Morrow County if I want to go dispute it. Oh, and if I don't pay it - they'll issue a warrant for my arrest. Do I look that dumb to not pay my ticket? Granted, this gift he is providing me is falling on the exact same paycheck of rent in my new place, rent in my current place, car payment and cell phone. Thanks, Officer String Bean. I appreciate it.

With every ounce of energy in my body, I bite my tongue as he hands me the clipboard to sign...
Of course, I do it.

@(*$)(@*$)(@*)(@@($!!!

Come to find out, yesterday I hear of a new law passed by the Ohio Supreme Court. Law Enforcement is now able to pull drivers over if they "look" like they are speeding. Radars are no longer required, and "trained cops" can just guess what your speed is and issue a ticket.

Thank you, Ohio Supreme Court. I am pretty sure it's your fault that Officer String Bean pulled me over guessing my speed since there was no radar in his hands and he was standing in the middle of a 3 lane highway.

Memorial Day 2010: I honor all military and public service individuals WITH THE EXCEPTION OF: the Ohio State Highway Patrol. May you enjoy the ability to pull people over with the guess that they "might" be breaking the law. May I find someone to provide me with an FOP card that I can abuse the privilege like other law breaking, cop related family members, people out there who are able to get away with speeding and other traffic violations.