This was my first online course and I truly enjoyed taking it, got over some of the fear that I've had with online courses, and truly enjoyed having Mr. Goldfine for an instructor. He always gave me positive criticism; as well as a lot of self-confidence with my writing material.
I learned how to write an effective essay using appropriate paragraph structure and key elements that should be incorporated with each paragraph.
This class definitely was worth the time and money!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Comparison Redo
Mothers and Trees
There are storms that will strike throughout the years that will produce damage to trees….some damages will be massive while others will be minimal. There will be numerous hot days that will produce damages to the trees; as well. The ideal goal is to keep the weather calm, sunny, and uneventful in order to ensure strength for the trees. A mother that provides shelter, strength and flexibility for her children will be able to look at and understand the comparisons between herself and the trees.
Trees provide shelter for birds and other forest animals. When winter winds blow and sleet is falling to the ground the tree will sway and crystallize and will do it’s best not to break. This is similar to the way that I care for my children; as any good parent would care for their child. I make sure they dress warmly when it’s cold outside, or the way that I used to swaddle my children as newborns to keep them cozy and warm.
Tree branches sway in the breeze and occasionally a branch will break off and fall to the ground. We see this happen a lot in the fall of the year. As a parent of two busy athletic children who play soccer, football, basketball, softball and baseball our schedules are pretty hectic. I find myself being the solo transporter rushing around—trying to make sure the kids have a decent meal, that the laundry is caught up, and try to keep the house clean. At times I feel like that tree that is swaying in the wind with branches breaking off of it from all of the stress that I’m under with all of the above domestic duties. However, the most important duty for me is making sure that I’m at my kids functions and am their biggest fan!
A much bigger storm comes and a huge limb crashes to the ground and part of the tree is split down the center. That tree was me when my children were two and three years old. I endured chemotherapy for six months. The kids still needed to be cleaned, fed, played with, and nurtured. There were moments when I had decided to quit the treatment but I gained strength and finished the regime for my kids. I had to stand tall and finish the treatments so that I could be around to see my children grow.
Trees are strong, protective, are able to sway and sometimes will break. A good mother will always protect her children, keep them warm and fed and provide a nurturing environment for them to live. They will also go with the flow as their children face small obstacles in their lives whether it be happy or sad. Mothers are a lot like trees—they may bend a little but they never break
There are storms that will strike throughout the years that will produce damage to trees….some damages will be massive while others will be minimal. There will be numerous hot days that will produce damages to the trees; as well. The ideal goal is to keep the weather calm, sunny, and uneventful in order to ensure strength for the trees. A mother that provides shelter, strength and flexibility for her children will be able to look at and understand the comparisons between herself and the trees.
Trees provide shelter for birds and other forest animals. When winter winds blow and sleet is falling to the ground the tree will sway and crystallize and will do it’s best not to break. This is similar to the way that I care for my children; as any good parent would care for their child. I make sure they dress warmly when it’s cold outside, or the way that I used to swaddle my children as newborns to keep them cozy and warm.
Tree branches sway in the breeze and occasionally a branch will break off and fall to the ground. We see this happen a lot in the fall of the year. As a parent of two busy athletic children who play soccer, football, basketball, softball and baseball our schedules are pretty hectic. I find myself being the solo transporter rushing around—trying to make sure the kids have a decent meal, that the laundry is caught up, and try to keep the house clean. At times I feel like that tree that is swaying in the wind with branches breaking off of it from all of the stress that I’m under with all of the above domestic duties. However, the most important duty for me is making sure that I’m at my kids functions and am their biggest fan!
A much bigger storm comes and a huge limb crashes to the ground and part of the tree is split down the center. That tree was me when my children were two and three years old. I endured chemotherapy for six months. The kids still needed to be cleaned, fed, played with, and nurtured. There were moments when I had decided to quit the treatment but I gained strength and finished the regime for my kids. I had to stand tall and finish the treatments so that I could be around to see my children grow.
Trees are strong, protective, are able to sway and sometimes will break. A good mother will always protect her children, keep them warm and fed and provide a nurturing environment for them to live. They will also go with the flow as their children face small obstacles in their lives whether it be happy or sad. Mothers are a lot like trees—they may bend a little but they never break
Monday, May 2, 2011
Comparison Essay:
Mothers and Trees
There are storms that will strike throughout the years that will produce damage to trees….some damages will be massive while others will be minimal. There will be numerous hot days that will produce damages to the trees; as well. The goal is to keep the weather calm, sunny, uneventful in order to ensure strength for the trees so that they can remain strong. A good mother will understand the comparisons between herself and the significance of a tree.
Trees provide shelter for birds and other forest animals. When winter winds blow and sleet is falling to the ground the tree will sway and crystallize and will do it’s best not to break. This is similar to a mother caring for her children. She will do whatever it takes to protect her children and provide a safe and caring environment for them to live.
Tree branches sway in the breeze and occasionally a branch breaks off and falls to the ground. We see this happen a lot in the fall of the year. This reminds me of small incidents that occur in children’s lives—whether it be a broken bone or breaking up with your first boyfriend. A mothers branch may break off of the tree when she sees her children upset but her tree does not falter. She is still there to listen and give support and continues to be flexible and sway in the wind.
A much bigger storm comes and a huge limb crashes to the ground and part of the tree is split down the center. This reminds me of the devastation that mothers may have to potentially face with their children regarding divorce, death, and life threatening injuries or illnesses. Her heart is breaking for her children—people wonder how she will ever stay strong enough to withstand the damages…..but she does.
Trees are strong, protective, are able to sway and sometimes will break. A good mother will always protect her children, keep them warm and fed and provide a nurturing environment for them to live. They will also go with the flow as their children face small obstacles in their lives whether it be happy or sad. Mothers are a lot like trees—they may bend a little but they never break
Mothers and Trees
There are storms that will strike throughout the years that will produce damage to trees….some damages will be massive while others will be minimal. There will be numerous hot days that will produce damages to the trees; as well. The goal is to keep the weather calm, sunny, uneventful in order to ensure strength for the trees so that they can remain strong. A good mother will understand the comparisons between herself and the significance of a tree.
Trees provide shelter for birds and other forest animals. When winter winds blow and sleet is falling to the ground the tree will sway and crystallize and will do it’s best not to break. This is similar to a mother caring for her children. She will do whatever it takes to protect her children and provide a safe and caring environment for them to live.
Tree branches sway in the breeze and occasionally a branch breaks off and falls to the ground. We see this happen a lot in the fall of the year. This reminds me of small incidents that occur in children’s lives—whether it be a broken bone or breaking up with your first boyfriend. A mothers branch may break off of the tree when she sees her children upset but her tree does not falter. She is still there to listen and give support and continues to be flexible and sway in the wind.
A much bigger storm comes and a huge limb crashes to the ground and part of the tree is split down the center. This reminds me of the devastation that mothers may have to potentially face with their children regarding divorce, death, and life threatening injuries or illnesses. Her heart is breaking for her children—people wonder how she will ever stay strong enough to withstand the damages…..but she does.
Trees are strong, protective, are able to sway and sometimes will break. A good mother will always protect her children, keep them warm and fed and provide a nurturing environment for them to live. They will also go with the flow as their children face small obstacles in their lives whether it be happy or sad. Mothers are a lot like trees—they may bend a little but they never break
Monday, April 25, 2011
Example Graf
I grew up in a small country town in Maine where everybody knows everybody and it was always common practice to leave your house unlocked if you went downtown to buy a loaf of bread. I didn’t feel the need to give our sense of security a second thought when my husband and I built our home on a quiet side street….until our home got broken into three times.
The first occasion seemed like a quick “hit”. I came home from work and noticed that the huge green trash bags full of returnables that had been sitting in the garage were gone. I also noticed a jar of change that my husband had was missing. It obviously seemed like something that teenagers would do; and at that moment in time my husband and I weren’t overly concerned about the incident.
It was a hot August day and my fingers tended to swell in the heat; so I took my diamond rings off and left them on my bureau—as I had done for most of that summer due to the heat wave. My husband and I went to work. When I got home that evening I noticed that my pillowcase was missing from my bed, my portable radio was gone, and my diamond rings. I also had an armoire full of jewelry and most of the silver pieces that I had were gone. My husband had a gun cabinet full of guns but none of that had been touched. I was devastated as one of the diamond rings was a diamond wedding band that my grandmother had given to me. The police were notified, came and took down a report of the incident and nothing ever became of it. However, from this point on I locked the doors to the house whenever I went anywhere—even if it was just downtown to the store.
The third episode happened five years later when my kids were ages four and five. I had left the house to go visit my mother around 4pm. I came home around 6pm as my husband went directly to a meeting from work and we ate supper at my moms. I had been busy giving the kids their baths and settling them into bed. I went into my office around 8pm and noticed that the locked door to my desk drawer had been bent. I couldn’t imagine what had happened but after a minute or two I became acutely aware that something was not right. I went into the living room and the corner of the gun cabinet had been pried open and the casing to the front door had been damaged. Three guns had been stolen along with another jar of change. The State Police came with their dogs and searched the perimeter of the house but found nothing. However, one of the officers was fairly certain that he knew who had done the crime. Apparently, there had been an inmate that had just been released who resided in Medway (fifteen minutes from my house)—who had been on a “tangent” and broke into several homes that week. He was caught, admitted to the break in at my house, told the detectives that my house was situated in an ideal location with woods surrounding it, a turn around across the road from my house where they sat watching for vehicles, ran to my front door and knocked, noone answered so they ran around to the front door and pried the door open. He stated that if I had answered the door that he was going to ask for directions. He admitted that he got rid of the guns that night for money to support his heroine addiction. This break in seemed like a well orchestrated plan. Needless, to say, he ended up going back to prison for ten years on the firearm theft……and turned my sense of security upside down.
In closing, it would be an understatement to say that I’m not a trustworthy person after the burglaries that have happened at my residence. As you can see from the above grafs, crime starts out with small things but over time leads to stealing bigger and better things.
I worry about keeping our home safe for our two children. I always watch my neighborhood and jot down license plate numbers of strange vehicles. It frustrates me to think that my husband and I go to work every day to make a living, and in one split second your personal space can be invaded and your families safety could be jeapordized.
Crime obviously can strike any person at any time….I’m certainly hoping that it does not strike our family ever again.
The first occasion seemed like a quick “hit”. I came home from work and noticed that the huge green trash bags full of returnables that had been sitting in the garage were gone. I also noticed a jar of change that my husband had was missing. It obviously seemed like something that teenagers would do; and at that moment in time my husband and I weren’t overly concerned about the incident.
It was a hot August day and my fingers tended to swell in the heat; so I took my diamond rings off and left them on my bureau—as I had done for most of that summer due to the heat wave. My husband and I went to work. When I got home that evening I noticed that my pillowcase was missing from my bed, my portable radio was gone, and my diamond rings. I also had an armoire full of jewelry and most of the silver pieces that I had were gone. My husband had a gun cabinet full of guns but none of that had been touched. I was devastated as one of the diamond rings was a diamond wedding band that my grandmother had given to me. The police were notified, came and took down a report of the incident and nothing ever became of it. However, from this point on I locked the doors to the house whenever I went anywhere—even if it was just downtown to the store.
The third episode happened five years later when my kids were ages four and five. I had left the house to go visit my mother around 4pm. I came home around 6pm as my husband went directly to a meeting from work and we ate supper at my moms. I had been busy giving the kids their baths and settling them into bed. I went into my office around 8pm and noticed that the locked door to my desk drawer had been bent. I couldn’t imagine what had happened but after a minute or two I became acutely aware that something was not right. I went into the living room and the corner of the gun cabinet had been pried open and the casing to the front door had been damaged. Three guns had been stolen along with another jar of change. The State Police came with their dogs and searched the perimeter of the house but found nothing. However, one of the officers was fairly certain that he knew who had done the crime. Apparently, there had been an inmate that had just been released who resided in Medway (fifteen minutes from my house)—who had been on a “tangent” and broke into several homes that week. He was caught, admitted to the break in at my house, told the detectives that my house was situated in an ideal location with woods surrounding it, a turn around across the road from my house where they sat watching for vehicles, ran to my front door and knocked, noone answered so they ran around to the front door and pried the door open. He stated that if I had answered the door that he was going to ask for directions. He admitted that he got rid of the guns that night for money to support his heroine addiction. This break in seemed like a well orchestrated plan. Needless, to say, he ended up going back to prison for ten years on the firearm theft……and turned my sense of security upside down.
In closing, it would be an understatement to say that I’m not a trustworthy person after the burglaries that have happened at my residence. As you can see from the above grafs, crime starts out with small things but over time leads to stealing bigger and better things.
I worry about keeping our home safe for our two children. I always watch my neighborhood and jot down license plate numbers of strange vehicles. It frustrates me to think that my husband and I go to work every day to make a living, and in one split second your personal space can be invaded and your families safety could be jeapordized.
Crime obviously can strike any person at any time….I’m certainly hoping that it does not strike our family ever again.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
I Search First Draft
How To Open A Gas Station/Convenience Store
By
Lisa Tolman
ENG-101, College Composition
April 15, 2011
John Goldfine
Introduction:
I chose the topic of how to open a gas station/convenience store because my husband and
I own a piece of property in our small country town that is situated at the only intersection
in town. We have thought about starting a commercial business with this property and
the thought of opening a gas station/store has come to mind a few times over the past few
years. I thought that it would be fitting for me to research what is involved with starting a
gas station/convenience store in my local community.
Purpose:
There is something reassuring to travelers when they stop at a friendly convenience
store/gas station--whether it be to ask for directions or grab a snack.. It’s an opportunity
for locals to grab last minute items that they forgot when they left Hannaford--and a gas
pump for those wishing to get out of town in a hurry or for those who are passing through
town while venturing their way onto something bigger and better.
My town used to be prosperous when I was young. We had Forster Manufacturing; a
Mill that employed over two hundred people and ran three shifts. We had three general
stores and one gas station. The Mill shut down twenty years ago, we are currently down
to one small store and CN Brown gas station is currently up for sale. The price tag on
the store is too high, the store is filthy and sits too close to the main road and it needs a lot
of renovations--so due to the dire condition of this building it would not be profitable to
purchase this existing gas station.
I’m proud of my town--remembering when it was once prosperous and acutely aware that
it needs revitalization. We have not had any new businesses come to town for over
twenty years. It currently serves as a place to drive through while on your way to bigger
places. The purpose of the store/gas station is to offer convenience, to bring something
fresh back to our town, yet while making a profit during these tough economic times.
The issues that need to be researched before my husband fires up his D3 bulldozer are:
Is the property zoned for commercial use?--need to speak to the Planning Board
Is the lot big enough to accommodate for the gas station/parking/gas pumps
Contact Department of Environmental Protection to see is there are property line setbacks, neighboring wells, neighboring drinking water, septic tank placement, and if there are any rules against using our property commercially while located close to the river.
Gas pumps that accommodate credit/debit card system 24 hours a day.
ITS 81 snowsled trail/ATV trail having accessibility to the property
State of Maine website to get employer tax ID application…what other applications/permits do I need in terms of business licenses?
IRS website to download tax booklets for payroll
Accountant
Vendors: need vendor for foods, canned goods, soda, beer
Equipment: shelving, coolers, coffee machines, pizza oven, lunch counter
Baseline Data:
I know that running a business is a lot of work and that in order to run a business the owner needs to put a lot of time and effort into the business.
I know that there are rules to follow when installing underground gas tanks and that there are property boundaries advising how close you can be to neighboring water supplies--but I don’t know what the guidelines are. I do believe that the D.E.P. can advise me on this issue.
There used to be a former Video store and Take Out on the property that we currently own . I’m sure that the former owners were able to get permits to serve food; so I’m not worried about this portion of the business. The building that is currently on the property where the Take Out was is in shambles; so my plan would be to level this building and build from the ground up. I am also assuming that this property is zoned for commercial use if a former business was operating at this location.
ITS81 snowmobile trail currently runs across our property. I know that the closest place for sledders to get gas/snacks would be at the gas station that is located at the other end of town; however, you have to leave ITS81 and sled about three miles to get to CN Brown to get gas. Our station would be better accessible for a great number of sledders that go through our town in wintertime. The closest gas station for sledders heading north on ITS81 would be either in Medway which is fifteen miles from my store.
I know how to apply for a Tax ID number, how to do payroll, and how to do 941 Federal and State quarterly payroll records. However, am smart enough to recognize that we would need an accountant to perform year end duties such as W2’s and year end taxes.
Methodology:
The vast majority of my research was done via the internet. I have had experience using
the State of Maine.gov and the IRS.gov website for information regarding how to obtain
a business taxpayer identification number; as well as information regarding how to start a
business and to download the appropriate tax forms for payroll records.
My husband is a contractor as well as one of the selectmen for our town. Therefore, he
gave me advice on contacting our Planning Board to see about zoning for our property.
I also used the internet to find contact information for the Department of Environmental
Protection for the State of Maine as a resource for gas tank rules; as well as legality of
having gas tanks placed by neighboring wells and major river.
COLLECTED DATA:
Collected Data:
Zoning: I did speak to our Planning Board and found out that our property was zoned for
commercial use back when the former Take Out/Billeen’s Video Store was operating
from this location. I also found out through the Small Business Association SBA.gov
website that I would need to contact our local Planning Board to apply for a building
permit, business license, and alarm permit.
Lot size: I researched this issue via internet and found a helpful website entitled
lawyers.com which instructed for me to consult with my local Planning/Zoning board to
see if the size of my property is big enough to accommodate a gas station/store/parking
space--and if there are property line setbacks.
Neighboring Wells/River: As stated earlier, my husband is an earthwork contractor and
advised me that the Department of Environmental Protection can provide me with the
answers as to whether or not our property is located too close to the River or to
neighboring wells. I located their website and found contact name and phone number for
an agent located in Bangor.
Gas Pumps:
Independent operators can choose whichever gas company that they want to go with
whether it be Dysarts, Shell, Sunoco, etc. 4
By
Lisa Tolman
ENG-101, College Composition
April 15, 2011
John Goldfine
Introduction:
I chose the topic of how to open a gas station/convenience store because my husband and
I own a piece of property in our small country town that is situated at the only intersection
in town. We have thought about starting a commercial business with this property and
the thought of opening a gas station/store has come to mind a few times over the past few
years. I thought that it would be fitting for me to research what is involved with starting a
gas station/convenience store in my local community.
Purpose:
There is something reassuring to travelers when they stop at a friendly convenience
store/gas station--whether it be to ask for directions or grab a snack.. It’s an opportunity
for locals to grab last minute items that they forgot when they left Hannaford--and a gas
pump for those wishing to get out of town in a hurry or for those who are passing through
town while venturing their way onto something bigger and better.
My town used to be prosperous when I was young. We had Forster Manufacturing; a
Mill that employed over two hundred people and ran three shifts. We had three general
stores and one gas station. The Mill shut down twenty years ago, we are currently down
to one small store and CN Brown gas station is currently up for sale. The price tag on
the store is too high, the store is filthy and sits too close to the main road and it needs a lot
of renovations--so due to the dire condition of this building it would not be profitable to
purchase this existing gas station.
I’m proud of my town--remembering when it was once prosperous and acutely aware that
it needs revitalization. We have not had any new businesses come to town for over
twenty years. It currently serves as a place to drive through while on your way to bigger
places. The purpose of the store/gas station is to offer convenience, to bring something
fresh back to our town, yet while making a profit during these tough economic times.
The issues that need to be researched before my husband fires up his D3 bulldozer are:
Is the property zoned for commercial use?--need to speak to the Planning Board
Is the lot big enough to accommodate for the gas station/parking/gas pumps
Contact Department of Environmental Protection to see is there are property line setbacks, neighboring wells, neighboring drinking water, septic tank placement, and if there are any rules against using our property commercially while located close to the river.
Gas pumps that accommodate credit/debit card system 24 hours a day.
ITS 81 snowsled trail/ATV trail having accessibility to the property
State of Maine website to get employer tax ID application…what other applications/permits do I need in terms of business licenses?
IRS website to download tax booklets for payroll
Accountant
Vendors: need vendor for foods, canned goods, soda, beer
Equipment: shelving, coolers, coffee machines, pizza oven, lunch counter
Baseline Data:
I know that running a business is a lot of work and that in order to run a business the owner needs to put a lot of time and effort into the business.
I know that there are rules to follow when installing underground gas tanks and that there are property boundaries advising how close you can be to neighboring water supplies--but I don’t know what the guidelines are. I do believe that the D.E.P. can advise me on this issue.
There used to be a former Video store and Take Out on the property that we currently own . I’m sure that the former owners were able to get permits to serve food; so I’m not worried about this portion of the business. The building that is currently on the property where the Take Out was is in shambles; so my plan would be to level this building and build from the ground up. I am also assuming that this property is zoned for commercial use if a former business was operating at this location.
ITS81 snowmobile trail currently runs across our property. I know that the closest place for sledders to get gas/snacks would be at the gas station that is located at the other end of town; however, you have to leave ITS81 and sled about three miles to get to CN Brown to get gas. Our station would be better accessible for a great number of sledders that go through our town in wintertime. The closest gas station for sledders heading north on ITS81 would be either in Medway which is fifteen miles from my store.
I know how to apply for a Tax ID number, how to do payroll, and how to do 941 Federal and State quarterly payroll records. However, am smart enough to recognize that we would need an accountant to perform year end duties such as W2’s and year end taxes.
Methodology:
The vast majority of my research was done via the internet. I have had experience using
the State of Maine.gov and the IRS.gov website for information regarding how to obtain
a business taxpayer identification number; as well as information regarding how to start a
business and to download the appropriate tax forms for payroll records.
My husband is a contractor as well as one of the selectmen for our town. Therefore, he
gave me advice on contacting our Planning Board to see about zoning for our property.
I also used the internet to find contact information for the Department of Environmental
Protection for the State of Maine as a resource for gas tank rules; as well as legality of
having gas tanks placed by neighboring wells and major river.
COLLECTED DATA:
Collected Data:
Zoning: I did speak to our Planning Board and found out that our property was zoned for
commercial use back when the former Take Out/Billeen’s Video Store was operating
from this location. I also found out through the Small Business Association SBA.gov
website that I would need to contact our local Planning Board to apply for a building
permit, business license, and alarm permit.
Lot size: I researched this issue via internet and found a helpful website entitled
lawyers.com which instructed for me to consult with my local Planning/Zoning board to
see if the size of my property is big enough to accommodate a gas station/store/parking
space--and if there are property line setbacks.
Neighboring Wells/River: As stated earlier, my husband is an earthwork contractor and
advised me that the Department of Environmental Protection can provide me with the
answers as to whether or not our property is located too close to the River or to
neighboring wells. I located their website and found contact name and phone number for
an agent located in Bangor.
Gas Pumps:
Independent operators can choose whichever gas company that they want to go with
whether it be Dysarts, Shell, Sunoco, etc. 4
Monday, April 11, 2011
Effect Essay
“I’m pregnant!” This was one of the happiest statements that I’ve ever made in my entire lifetime. Growing up-- I had always known that I would become a mom someday but the thought of becoming a parent never crossed my mind until I was married. I rushed out and got the book “What To Expect When You’re Expecting”. This was my sacred bible. I would read every chapter faithfully and would go over all of the symptoms and bodily changes that were expected to occur during this wonderful time. The following paragraphs will touch upon a few effects that my body went through during my pregnancies. I will admit that you will probably find some humor in my experiences.
I was walking across the parking lot when suddenly I developed a cramp that brought me to my knees. I literally could not walk until the cramp subsided--which was only a few seconds but enough to make me look like a fool. The cramp was high up on the inner aspect of my thigh. My physician stated that it was from the baby sitting “low” in my pelvis and that there was really no remedy. One evening, I had experienced quite a few cramps and finally decided to give some Ben-Gay a try. I put some cream on the area that was bothering me and sat down on the couch. Of course, as one could imagine, both legs rubbed together and within seconds it felt like my crotch was on fire! I stood up and danced around the living room only to see my husband laughing hysterically at what I had done.
I worked for a family physician during both of my pregnancies and it was common for me to have to take our books down to the accountants office monthly to go over payroll/taxes, etc. I was about seven months along with my first pregnancy and had maternity scrub pants on that snapped on both sides of the waist. If both sides were unsnapped the pants would fall down to my ankles. I went into the accountant office and got ready to sit down to talk to our elderly male accountant and “snap, snap, snap, snap”. He certain had no idea what had happened-- I sure was glad to see him get up and leave the office for a moment so that I could resnap my pants.
“Sure…I want the intrathecal for pain!” I signed on the dotted line. Life was good when I had my second child, Katelyn. I was not going to be a hero this time around! I felt absolutely no pain until it was time to push. Katelyn arrived about twenty minutes later and so did the excruciating headache. Nurses kept coming in giving me “Jolt” and “Mountain Dew” to drink as they had read that caffeine drinks would take the headache away from the anesthesia. This made things worse. Two days later I started vomiting and could not lift my head off of the hospital pillow. Finally, on day three my physician stated that the spot in my spine where the injection was given for the pain had not sealed over and that he could try to have an anesthesiologist do a blood patch. In frustration, I agreed to the procedure. The nurse withdrew blood from my hand and put it in my spinal column. In less than thirty minutes I was dressed and ready to head home with my beautiful baby daughter.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience and, aside from the above mentioned issues, mine were pretty enjoyable. I did learn some life altering lessons with my pregnancies….never use Ben Gay on inner aspect of your legs, don’t wear snap waist pants, and be sure to tell the anesthesiologist that I’m prone to headaches when receiving future anesthesia.
I was walking across the parking lot when suddenly I developed a cramp that brought me to my knees. I literally could not walk until the cramp subsided--which was only a few seconds but enough to make me look like a fool. The cramp was high up on the inner aspect of my thigh. My physician stated that it was from the baby sitting “low” in my pelvis and that there was really no remedy. One evening, I had experienced quite a few cramps and finally decided to give some Ben-Gay a try. I put some cream on the area that was bothering me and sat down on the couch. Of course, as one could imagine, both legs rubbed together and within seconds it felt like my crotch was on fire! I stood up and danced around the living room only to see my husband laughing hysterically at what I had done.
I worked for a family physician during both of my pregnancies and it was common for me to have to take our books down to the accountants office monthly to go over payroll/taxes, etc. I was about seven months along with my first pregnancy and had maternity scrub pants on that snapped on both sides of the waist. If both sides were unsnapped the pants would fall down to my ankles. I went into the accountant office and got ready to sit down to talk to our elderly male accountant and “snap, snap, snap, snap”. He certain had no idea what had happened-- I sure was glad to see him get up and leave the office for a moment so that I could resnap my pants.
“Sure…I want the intrathecal for pain!” I signed on the dotted line. Life was good when I had my second child, Katelyn. I was not going to be a hero this time around! I felt absolutely no pain until it was time to push. Katelyn arrived about twenty minutes later and so did the excruciating headache. Nurses kept coming in giving me “Jolt” and “Mountain Dew” to drink as they had read that caffeine drinks would take the headache away from the anesthesia. This made things worse. Two days later I started vomiting and could not lift my head off of the hospital pillow. Finally, on day three my physician stated that the spot in my spine where the injection was given for the pain had not sealed over and that he could try to have an anesthesiologist do a blood patch. In frustration, I agreed to the procedure. The nurse withdrew blood from my hand and put it in my spinal column. In less than thirty minutes I was dressed and ready to head home with my beautiful baby daughter.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience and, aside from the above mentioned issues, mine were pretty enjoyable. I did learn some life altering lessons with my pregnancies….never use Ben Gay on inner aspect of your legs, don’t wear snap waist pants, and be sure to tell the anesthesiologist that I’m prone to headaches when receiving future anesthesia.
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