Ian, here. We're in the Air France lounge in Dulles, awaiting our boarding call. We've got about an hour, so I'm having a beer (part of a plan to help me sleep on the overnight flight) and the kids are playing cards. Other than the pain in my shoulder from carrying my backpack and the laptop, we're all good. I've already met two other foreign service officers from my French classes, both going to their posts in Cote D'Ivoire and Mauritius. Looks like US diplomats will dominate business class.
We'll see when we get a connection again. I'm going to flip through the French-language edition of "Premiere" magazine and see if I still have any French skills. Hmmm, they love "Charlie et la Chocolaterie"...
Monday, August 29, 2005
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Thanks
Thanks go out this week to Jerry and Julie for having us over for dinner on Wednesday. When we get back, perhaps you'll have a bambino for us to play with. And thanks to Jeff for coming over on Thursday to go bowling and eat at the Rainforest Cafe. I promise, next time we see you, no mall.
Last minute
Yesterday we took our first malaria prophylaxsis which actually went very well, considering getting the stuff was such a trial.
Since we returned from the beach last Saturday there were a few odds and ends to finish up. These weren't exactly inconsequential, for without getting our passports or tickets we couldn't even depart our homeland. But having the car picked up and starting our meds were important as well.
Everything was completed on schedule, but when Ian spoke with a specific FSI nurse... well, she's never been our favorite person. We'd decided long ago to choose Malarone as our prophylaxsis of choice. After looking it up in my drug book, reading the literature from the clinic and talking to those who have taken the various options, Malarone seemed the best choice for our family. While it's a daily pill, it has the least number of side effects. Our other options were Larium/Mefloquine and Doxycycline. The former is weekly and can have neuropsyhiatric side effects (depression, sleep disturbances, nightmares, hallucinations, and occasionally, convulsions). The latter is daily, causes sun sensitivity and is contraindicated for humans under the age of 12.
For obvious reasons, we didn't choose Mefloquine. For obvious reasons, we couldn't choose Doxy.
On Wednesday, Ian learned the clinic doesn't actually dispense Malarone, even though the clinic gives out information about it and lets the Officer decide. The nurse pushed Mefloquine but that was the last drug we wanted. Ian came home with adult dosage Doxy in unsplittable capsules... for the whole family.
We argued about whether taking it once would hurt anyone with the intent of switching to Malarone at post, we argued about pulling the capsules apart and guessing at children's dosages (though they're on the paper, we don't have a way to measure mg at home), we even considered relying on Off insect repellent until landing in Lome' and getting meds direct from the Peace Corps clinic.
On Thursday, after some sleep, we considered other options.
With a call, we knew SA-1 didn't carry Malarone either. My dad encouraged me to call his physician for a prescription, but they wanted to make appointments and register the entire family as new patients. No time for that, the office gave the number for Smart Travel (703-379-8645) on King Street, a spot for travelers to obtain travel meds. They're closed on Thursdays. Time was running out, so we bit the bullet and went back to FSI to exchange the Doxy for Mefloquine, with the understanding that if we all did OK with it (side effects usually appear within the first 3 dosages; there's a 5%-50% chance of having some form of negative reaction, so with a family of 6... you do the math) in three weeks we'll know whether to switch completely or stick with it. The clinic was closed when we arrived.
*sigh*
Friday, after the car drove off to Baltimore to get on a slow boat to Togo, Ian returned once again to FSI, spoke with the nice nurse on shift and aquired our meds. Finally.
You're supposed to begin taking Mefloquine 1-2 weeks before departure, but since we were so late already, another day wouldn't matter. The drug is effective within 20 minutes of entering the bloodstream. Dehydration exacerbates potential side effects and the nurse had anecdotal evidence that taking it in the morning lessens the chance of reacting badly, so our game plan:
Saturday morning
Big breakfast
Lots to drink
Pray
Think it'll work? I'm not certain. Last night Nicholas had a nightmare, tonight he's already woken screaming. It could be nerves, he's been anxious about this move for a while. I really hope it's nerves.
Oh, Rebecca and Nicholas get kudos for taking their pills yesterday. Down the hatch, no problem. Katherine had flashbacks to her INH days and gagged on them. Jonathon spit his out into his drink and just let it dissolve... then unwillingly drank the slurry.
Ew.
P.S. My thoughts are with those in Katrina's path. Maybe building a city below sea level wasn't a good idea? I hope all stay safe.
Since we returned from the beach last Saturday there were a few odds and ends to finish up. These weren't exactly inconsequential, for without getting our passports or tickets we couldn't even depart our homeland. But having the car picked up and starting our meds were important as well.
Everything was completed on schedule, but when Ian spoke with a specific FSI nurse... well, she's never been our favorite person. We'd decided long ago to choose Malarone as our prophylaxsis of choice. After looking it up in my drug book, reading the literature from the clinic and talking to those who have taken the various options, Malarone seemed the best choice for our family. While it's a daily pill, it has the least number of side effects. Our other options were Larium/Mefloquine and Doxycycline. The former is weekly and can have neuropsyhiatric side effects (depression, sleep disturbances, nightmares, hallucinations, and occasionally, convulsions). The latter is daily, causes sun sensitivity and is contraindicated for humans under the age of 12.
For obvious reasons, we didn't choose Mefloquine. For obvious reasons, we couldn't choose Doxy.
On Wednesday, Ian learned the clinic doesn't actually dispense Malarone, even though the clinic gives out information about it and lets the Officer decide. The nurse pushed Mefloquine but that was the last drug we wanted. Ian came home with adult dosage Doxy in unsplittable capsules... for the whole family.
We argued about whether taking it once would hurt anyone with the intent of switching to Malarone at post, we argued about pulling the capsules apart and guessing at children's dosages (though they're on the paper, we don't have a way to measure mg at home), we even considered relying on Off insect repellent until landing in Lome' and getting meds direct from the Peace Corps clinic.
On Thursday, after some sleep, we considered other options.
With a call, we knew SA-1 didn't carry Malarone either. My dad encouraged me to call his physician for a prescription, but they wanted to make appointments and register the entire family as new patients. No time for that, the office gave the number for Smart Travel (703-379-8645) on King Street, a spot for travelers to obtain travel meds. They're closed on Thursdays. Time was running out, so we bit the bullet and went back to FSI to exchange the Doxy for Mefloquine, with the understanding that if we all did OK with it (side effects usually appear within the first 3 dosages; there's a 5%-50% chance of having some form of negative reaction, so with a family of 6... you do the math) in three weeks we'll know whether to switch completely or stick with it. The clinic was closed when we arrived.
*sigh*
Friday, after the car drove off to Baltimore to get on a slow boat to Togo, Ian returned once again to FSI, spoke with the nice nurse on shift and aquired our meds. Finally.
You're supposed to begin taking Mefloquine 1-2 weeks before departure, but since we were so late already, another day wouldn't matter. The drug is effective within 20 minutes of entering the bloodstream. Dehydration exacerbates potential side effects and the nurse had anecdotal evidence that taking it in the morning lessens the chance of reacting badly, so our game plan:
Saturday morning
Big breakfast
Lots to drink
Pray
Think it'll work? I'm not certain. Last night Nicholas had a nightmare, tonight he's already woken screaming. It could be nerves, he's been anxious about this move for a while. I really hope it's nerves.
Oh, Rebecca and Nicholas get kudos for taking their pills yesterday. Down the hatch, no problem. Katherine had flashbacks to her INH days and gagged on them. Jonathon spit his out into his drink and just let it dissolve... then unwillingly drank the slurry.
Ew.
P.S. My thoughts are with those in Katrina's path. Maybe building a city below sea level wasn't a good idea? I hope all stay safe.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Mmmm, ice chips
I finally got it done. My two upper wisdom teeth were removed today. In, no kidding, 20 seconds I was free of what has hopefully been causing mild by regular headaches the past few years. I opted for local anaesthetic (the referral was for general... why? Because I said I wasn't keen on losing my teeth?) and declined filling the prescription for Vicodin. A couple Motrin before the procedure and a couple more in the late afternoon and I'm pretty good to go. In fact, the left side doesn't hurt at all. The right side is swollen and achey, probably as a result of a rougher pull which broke the tooth, requiring fragment removal.
I may be sore, but hey... the assistant thought she called the wrong person. I look closer to 17 or 18, not 31 according to her.
Hee.
I may be sore, but hey... the assistant thought she called the wrong person. I look closer to 17 or 18, not 31 according to her.
Hee.
Beachy Keen Day 6... yeah yeah, my days are off
Friday, the last day at the beach. It was nice in the morning, I came down with a cold in the afternoon and it rained while the rest of the clan was getting their PM sand and I packed suitcases. We cleaned out snacks as best we could, ate leftovers and did luandry.
The week ended and what a week it was. Perhaps we can do it again in a couple years time.
The week ended and what a week it was. Perhaps we can do it again in a couple years time.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Beachy Keen Day 4
18 August 2005: Happy Birthday Jonathon!
At nearly 10 a.m., Jonathon was the only kid awake, so he went to the beach for one-on-one birthday time with dad.
He loves to spend hours in the sand, digging holes and creating pools to fill with bucket after bucket of ocean water. Over the course of the week, he must have carried 100 bucketfuls of water to various sand pits.
Seagulls and sandpipers successfully evaded him.
He's the only one of the kids who wears his hat the entire time at the beach.
After the morning spent seaside, we deposited the younger kids with grandpa and movies for the hot part of the day, while Ian, my mom, Katherine and I went out to pick up a birthday cake and some last minute gifts. We found an awesome cake with fighter planes on it; fitting for being so near Oceana and watching the F-18s fly over the water. The planes are diecast, so very playable long after the cake is done.
After dinner we shared cake and chocolate pudding, and Jonathon showed everyone his presents.
Now, he's 4. He's ready to take on learning to swim and tying his shoes.
At nearly 10 a.m., Jonathon was the only kid awake, so he went to the beach for one-on-one birthday time with dad.
He loves to spend hours in the sand, digging holes and creating pools to fill with bucket after bucket of ocean water. Over the course of the week, he must have carried 100 bucketfuls of water to various sand pits.
Seagulls and sandpipers successfully evaded him.
He's the only one of the kids who wears his hat the entire time at the beach.
After the morning spent seaside, we deposited the younger kids with grandpa and movies for the hot part of the day, while Ian, my mom, Katherine and I went out to pick up a birthday cake and some last minute gifts. We found an awesome cake with fighter planes on it; fitting for being so near Oceana and watching the F-18s fly over the water. The planes are diecast, so very playable long after the cake is done.
After dinner we shared cake and chocolate pudding, and Jonathon showed everyone his presents.
Now, he's 4. He's ready to take on learning to swim and tying his shoes.
Beachy Keen Days 2 & 3
The beach, continued.
16 August: Today is the kids' first day of school in Togo and we're at the beach in Virginia. What's wrong with this picture? Mandated vacation, that's what's "wrong."
The whole family hit the surf and tried out the new boards. Our eyes sting and we have more sand in our suits than any human should. And I've discovered that two piece swimsuits don't belong -in- the water.
17 August: No beach today. It stormed last night and this morning was overcast and drippy. A red flag day. The kids spent the morning watching cartoons while mom and I made cream puffs. Nothing like the ones at the State Fair, but yummy nonetheless. We cleared out leftovers for lunch then had everyone play a rousing game of Cranium. it's labeled teen and up, but with 4 players to a team, the kids acted out Cameo cards and did some Sculptorades and Cloodles. I think even grandpa had fun. My favorite act was my dad and Jonathon acting out a snake charmer. Guess who was the snake. My favorite act was trying to be a lava lamp. After the first few minutes of trying to be a blob of goo rising up, popping and sinking down, I should have resorted to regular charades... 2 words, 1st word... *act like lava* Think Ian would have gotten it then? Me neither.
The sun came out and we were ready to drive to the VA Beach strip. It's beacoming familiar haunting grounds for us over the years with the haunted houses, shops and olde tyme photo shops. We did go through a 3D funhouse which really was pretty neat, and I found new clip-on sunglasses for both Katherine and me. The ones I've had for a few years are all scratched up.
We had dinner oceanside at Simply Italian (skip it, it's not good, the best part was the pizza crust) then had a fun 18-hole pirate minigolf game. As usual, Nicholas won. The kid has a knack for minigolf. Jonathon does not. Not sure if it's his handedness, but he can't get a good whack in. He had a similar problem with skeeball at Flipper McCoys. While the other kids were playing a little of everything, Jonathon was taking 6 shots with a ball and not getting it over the rim.
After Nicholas's not-surprising win, we strolled the streets listening to the performers. They're out every night during the summer, paid for by the city. We stopped to listen to The Stick People, a la STOMP.
We gorged on Dairy Queen blizzards before finding a great spot for fireworks. By that time it was after 10 and the kids were collapsing. Oh, OK, so were the adults.
16 August: Today is the kids' first day of school in Togo and we're at the beach in Virginia. What's wrong with this picture? Mandated vacation, that's what's "wrong."
The whole family hit the surf and tried out the new boards. Our eyes sting and we have more sand in our suits than any human should. And I've discovered that two piece swimsuits don't belong -in- the water.
17 August: No beach today. It stormed last night and this morning was overcast and drippy. A red flag day. The kids spent the morning watching cartoons while mom and I made cream puffs. Nothing like the ones at the State Fair, but yummy nonetheless. We cleared out leftovers for lunch then had everyone play a rousing game of Cranium. it's labeled teen and up, but with 4 players to a team, the kids acted out Cameo cards and did some Sculptorades and Cloodles. I think even grandpa had fun. My favorite act was my dad and Jonathon acting out a snake charmer. Guess who was the snake. My favorite act was trying to be a lava lamp. After the first few minutes of trying to be a blob of goo rising up, popping and sinking down, I should have resorted to regular charades... 2 words, 1st word... *act like lava* Think Ian would have gotten it then? Me neither.
The sun came out and we were ready to drive to the VA Beach strip. It's beacoming familiar haunting grounds for us over the years with the haunted houses, shops and olde tyme photo shops. We did go through a 3D funhouse which really was pretty neat, and I found new clip-on sunglasses for both Katherine and me. The ones I've had for a few years are all scratched up.
We had dinner oceanside at Simply Italian (skip it, it's not good, the best part was the pizza crust) then had a fun 18-hole pirate minigolf game. As usual, Nicholas won. The kid has a knack for minigolf. Jonathon does not. Not sure if it's his handedness, but he can't get a good whack in. He had a similar problem with skeeball at Flipper McCoys. While the other kids were playing a little of everything, Jonathon was taking 6 shots with a ball and not getting it over the rim.
After Nicholas's not-surprising win, we strolled the streets listening to the performers. They're out every night during the summer, paid for by the city. We stopped to listen to The Stick People, a la STOMP.
We gorged on Dairy Queen blizzards before finding a great spot for fireworks. By that time it was after 10 and the kids were collapsing. Oh, OK, so were the adults.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)