Where else?

Found this at Kwizgiver's, of course. But,if you'd like to play along, click here.

1. What is the first thing you notice about a person (that you are attracted to) when you meet them? Hair. I find myself wanting to touch his hair sooooo bad. Lips are nice, too. Remember that old Whitney Houston song? "When you talk, I just watch your mouth."

2. What has been your worst illness or injury? Depends on how you define "serious." I had fibroids that were probably a greater health hazard, but my heel spurs HURT SO BAD and were such a drag!

3. Have you ever had a secret crush and then told the person? If yes, how did it go? Yes. At first he said it wouldn't/couldn't be reciprocated and that hurt. But we soon had a relationship, and it was one of the best love affairs I've ever had. I hope I can be that brave again if the situation ever arises.

4. What was the last drink that you ordered at a pub or a bar? Cosmo

5. What car have you owned that was your favorite? I've only owned one car -- it was an old Chevy Impala.

6. What is your favorite holiday? My birthday (if it's not a holiday, it should be)

7. Have you ever had sex with someone that in retrospect was (and stayed) a stranger? I hate to sound Clintonian, but it depends on how you define "sex." If we mean intercourse, the answer is "no."

8. Who is your favorite female singer? Barbra Streisand

9. How often do you read the newspaper? Monday through Friday

Now it's time for kidney tests

I spent all day at my mom's house because I wanted to be there to welcome her when she finally came home. We were going to celebrate Mother's Day early.*

Between 9:00 and 6:30 I busied myself by watching the Cub game, sorting her mail for her, cleaning out her refrigerator and running to the corner store to replace the yogurt, milk and cottage cheese I had to dispose of.

Then I got the call: the results of her most recent bloodwork lead her doctors to believe she has kidney trouble. Because of the meds she's been taking and other reasons I don't quite follow, she can't have the kidney tests until Monday. So it's in her hospital room she's stuck until Monday. Maybe … unless …

Her doctors keep reassuring us it isn't so much that the kidney infection is dangerous, per se, it's that the pneumonia weakened her system. They want to know exactly what is wrong before she leaves the hospital.

I finally it comforting, though, that instead of worrying about her breathing or obsessing about her infection, my mom is desperately unhappy that she can't wash her hair. I firmly believe that caring about her appearance is a healthy sign.

*I got her a handcrafted birdhouse (or rather, a bird trailer, complete with little wheels) and a gift card to The Olive Garden. My mom's best friend, Shirley, has a birthday coming up and I wanted her to be able to celebrate with her gal pal at a restaurant by the mall.

OW! Who knew jalapeno peppers were DANGEROUS?

Look closely at these little bastards. Remember, they are EVIL! I just dropped a can on my right big toe and OH! It hurts! It hurts! It hurts!