We had a super early appointment yesterday morning. Like, get up at 5:00 a.m. to get to our appointment. Here’s the kicker. We couldn’t enter the same Mayo Clinic main entrance as we did the previous day because the hour of our appointment. Luckily as we got to Mayo, there were a couple of cabbies who pointed us in the right direction. But here is the kicker. Our appointment was at 6:15 a.m. and as we were getting to the doors that got us to the location – they were locked. Apparently they don’t let patients go through some doors before 6:00 a.m. But, we lucked out and a worker let us through the doors. It was weird that we got there before the employees! But, Tony is one to get there 20 minutes early rather than 20 seconds late.
It all worked out – and it was the longest MRI that Tony ever had – 40 minutes long! We were both tired by the time we got back to the hotel, and I really didn’t do anything! I picked up a cup of coffee and a muffin from the Grab and Go at our hotel. Yes, I am one of those people that can actually drink coffee and take a nap soon after.
I slept for another hour and a half. We had some laundry to do – we didn’t expect it to be so chilly here, so Tony only brought a couple pairs of sweat pants, so I needed to stop by and get a roll of quarters at a local bank and then had every intention of hitting up a local Laundromat. Um, it’s been a really long time since I’ve been to a Laundromat. Like a really long time. I get the quarters, and go to the first place according to our GPS, and well, I didn’t like the look of it. So I went to the next place, and well, I had the same uneasy feeling. So I chickened out. I am sure I would have been fine near our house, but not knowing the city I thought it was a good idea not to freak out and I came back and did the laundry at the hotel.
Another reason I skipped out on doing laundry out – I was hungry. And the thought of eating at the Laundromat kind of grossed me out, so I picked up some Chinese food and brought it back to the hotel. I ended up getting Szechwan chicken, an egg roll and had some rice on the side. I picked up some sizzling chicken rice soup for Tony.
Tony stayed back at the hotel – he’s been through so many tests, and I think he was sick of me asking “do you want anything? water, something to eat?!” So I ended up going out and hit up some shops. Shopko. Huh. I wasn’t exactly sure what it was because on the outside it only said “pharmacy/optical center.” Um, it was basically just like a discount K-Mart for lack of better words. So many different areas – pharmacy/clothes/furniture/magazines/shoes/furniture – so much! Is it a chain?
I hit up the Goodwill too – I didn’t end up getting anything, but it was very clean and friendly!
I brought stuff to make tacos for dinner. I brought hard corn tortillas and picked up some ground beef, lettuce and tomatoes at the store. The only thing I didn’t bring with me?? HOT SAUCE! WTF?! So when I stopped by Walmart to pick up some ice, I found two new to me hot sauces that are pretty amazeballs. And each one was only .84 cents!
Normally I heat up the crunchy corn tortillas in the toaster oven. Rats, no toaster oven here and I didn’t think the toaster oven would work. So I ended up just reheating them up on the coils of the stove – that might ick some of you out, but it worked! Toasty and crunchy!
Sorry the photos are kind of crappy – the lighting in here is pretty bad and all the pics are from my iPhone. But, again, it was another simple dinner to make in a tiny hotel kitchen.
So this morning we meet with another doctor – not sure what we’ll find out, or what the next step is. All I know is that we are at the right place to find the answers. Thanks again for your continued support and prayers! It means more to us than you’ll ever know.
Yup, we have Shopko here in WI too. I was confused at first as well. It’s like a little bit of Kohl’s and a little bit of Kmart (only cleaner!).
Not sure if the one you went to had this, but ours has a Payless shoes in there as well as an urgent care clinic! We’re happy it’s right around the corner because my daughter has cronic ear infections and we can just walk right in.
Now I’m craving tacos!
Shopko is a chain….I have one in my hometown:)
I hate laundromats!!! I would have just used the hotel washer and dryer, too!
Glad that you are able to eat in the hotel – nice to be able to stay in and relax in the evenings!!
It was nice – only one tiny problem. We have two double beds, which would preclude that two people are staying there. Only one “comfy” chair if you can call it that – a rather small recliner, which Tony enjoyed. I either had to eat on the bed or sit in a chair near the kitchen. Seems weird they wouldn’t have two chairs!
You don’t have Shopko in Chicagoland?! Really?! Wow. There are 3 in Omaha for sure and I know there are some in Lincoln, too. Must be a regional thing?! Hmm…
They even started in Wisconsin, which is right above Illinois – but nope, never heard of it before!
Skippy Mom made me laugh. I had a vision of the two of you walking in the laundry with her swinging sweats in both hands ( old west style) I may have even pictured you wearing spurs. I have always used a hotel laundry if the need arose. I’ve never had a problem (silly me, I even left it unattended). I am one of the people who would be “icked” out a little using the burner but hey whatever works. I’m sure the high heat kills whatever may be lurking around. The MRI is one of my least favorites (not that you can have a favorite test machine) all that loud thumping and banging. I want to strangle something by the time it is over. Way to go Tony for hanging in there with it.
Yep, I am sure my daughter wouldn’t have touched those tacos knowing that they sat on the coil like that, but I think – its hot enough to kill any germs. And in case you are wondering, I didn’t give any crunchy tacos to Tony!
I’ve never had an MRI, but this is probably the fifth or sixth I’ve seen Tony do and just by the look of his face when they are done, I know they are not fun. 🙁
Sending good thoughts your way.
Thanks Gretchen! 😀
I can totally understand how tiring all these hospital appointments are. And since I’ve had my first MRI this Spring I know what it’s like for Tony, I was in about 30 minutes and that’s a darn long time, 40 minutes feels like forever.
Hang in there girl, keep my fingers crossed the doctor had already some good news to share with the both of you.
Thanks Fran – luckily the second scan was a bigger machine, so he could have his arms to the side, his hands just kind of fell asleep, but other than that, it was much better than the first!
Biz, my Bizzy. I just don’t know what to say anymore. I hear, as I read, everything you are saying and it hits so close to home from the other side of the “plate” so to speak.
I think of you both constantly. I don’t think …well it doesn’t matter what I think.
Just know, as with every single thing you do in your life you are the biggest inspiration and gift to so many of us, Tony included – [which we all know, he knows] You are breathtaking in your can do attitude and smiles.
When I grow up Biz, can be you? Because I don’t know a better person to want to be.
Love and hugs from all of us at Chez’ Skippy. I wish I was there – just to eat too moist muffins and day old coffee. And I fearz NO dang laundry mat….giggle….I would’ve grabbed those sweats and swung ’em in like a gun slinger. Just for your man.
I love ya’ girlie. Gosh, do I love you.
I love this comment Janine! Yep, you see it from both sides, don’t you?! I know your vacation this week didn’t work out the way you planned, and I know you’ll pay for it later, but hope you can find something good in every day.
Feeling the love from Chez’ Skippy! And you can be my bodyguard at the Laundromat anytime! 😀
I drink a Diet Mountain Dew before bed and it doesn’t affect me at all. You cook and prepare meals in a hotel better than I do at home. True, I don’t cook so maybe it was easy to one up me, but still the meals you are coming up with at at a hotel amazes me.
I shopped at Shopko for years while growing up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Haven’t see one in Washington State though.
A 40-minute MRI is 39 minutes too long for me. I wouldn’t be able to lay still for that long. Hang in there Tony 🙂
Aw, you are too kind! I actually had more interesting meals planned, but it just didn’t work out. I need you to promise me you’ll try a dish made all by yourself just once a week! Think of all the $$ you’d save over takeout. 😀 Hugs!
Biz, you both are in my thought and prayers. I find that you can cook anywhere you want and make foods that are awesome is amazing. I know that when Tony gets to feeling better he’ll be wanting more of your goodness – minus the hot sauces that is. 🙂
Take care Biz and try to rest well. Blessing my friend!
Thanks Julie! We appreciate it – hugs!
Yep, Shopko is present in eastern Iowa too 🙂
Woop! As soon as I knew it was a Wisconsin store I thought of you!
Of course you found new hot sauce!!!! Some laundromats are sooo bad looking, good thing you didn’t go in, you never know!
Sending hugs and prayers to you, glad you are in the #1 hospital! 🙂
Thanks M.J. – yep we are in a good place! 😀
I think the toasting of the tacos was very resourceful!!!! Continued virtual hugs are being sent to you and Tony!!!!!!
I can feel them Roz – thanks! 😀
Hey Biz! Thinking of you guys!
~ Me, too – drink coffee and take a nap!
~ It’s been unseasonably cold this week. Of course, it’s supposed to heat up nicely in time for my 5k race on Saturday! DOH!
~ Shopko is a Wisconsin chain. In fact, in Green Bay, we didn’t have Target growing up. (They have one now.) We don’t see them in the Twin Cities, here, but they are often found in smaller towns. They bought out Pamida, so we see them in Michigan, now, too! My husband laughs at me because I always sing the old, old jingle, “Say hello to a Good Buy at Shopko!” Tee hee. My fave part of the store is that you can get pretty good deals on licensed team gear.
Best wishes for you!
You know I always love your bullet point comments Carrie! Good luck on your 5k tomorrow!
Leave it to you to find a “New hot sauce” It’s always fun to go different places and find new stores.
Shopko….that’s where I shop all the time….good store. Guess I did not realize they were not in the Chicago area. Glad you found one to shop at.
You so amaze me with your talent of cooking a meal on the fly. You guys should find a grill to cook on at a park, and sit and enjoy smoking a cigar and having a drink, eating out…now that would make your day while away from home. You and Tony know how to make the best of every situation. Have you found a place to work out yet???
Nope, never even heard of Shopko before! Sadly our hotel was off the expressway, so there was nothing but concrete all around us – and the two benches in front of the hotel were constantly filled with people smoking.
I did a lot of walking around the hospital – that was about it though! I may bring some of the T-25 DVDs next time though.
Hump Day! Hopefully getting closer to receiving answers to Tony’s health concerns. Biz, you are so creative!
Does your hotel have a workout room/area?
Thanks Jan! And no, no workout facility. I was going to walk around the hotel, but it was off the expressway, so I chickened out!
Sending you and Tony strong healing vibes from over here on the west coast. Love your hot sauce purchases, never seen them before but I admire your willingness to try new stuff. You rock Biz!!!!!!!!! We did a lot of laundry at extended stay America, my husband would go to the laundry room there late at night so he would not have to socialize : )
Thanks Jan! Luckily I realized that you had to use your key card to get in, but I didn’t see anyone at all. And when it comes to hot sauces, I’ll try just about any of them! 😀
You are so resourceful! I would NEVER think to heat my taco shells up like that – genius!
Continuing to think of you both………. 🙂
When there is a will there’s a way Heather! 😀
We had the same Laundromat experience in FL after our cruise. Thankfully, I had Julie with me so I didn’t feel too bad. I thought about you yesterday, I was at Sprouts and was looking on the clearance rack. They had Rick Bayless hot sauce for 99 cents and Tabasco Habanero. I bought the Bayless sauce for my uncle because he likes spicy shit like you!! I admire your fortitude in putting together dinner in a hotel. I always look at staying in hotels like vacation and as an excuse to eat out. Since my surgery though, we’ve been eating breakfast/lunch in room and dinner out( when we travel).
How much longer are you there?
Even when we vacation, we almost always rent a house/condo, etc. so we can prepare meals at home – we usually pick just one meal out for the day, otherwise it adds up!
I am not a fan of habanero Randi believe it or not! It’s just too hot and overpowers everything – I bet I’d like the Rick Bayless on though!
Laundromats are kind of sketchy. Your hotel doesn’t have laundry facilities? I had to travel for weeks at a time for work at one point…I always ended up using the hotel laundry facilities. Very creative use to the burner!! And I can totally drink coffee and go to bed too
They did but I was going to see if the Laundromat was cheaper – it was $2 to wash and $2 to dry, so not sure if that’s good or bad, but ended up doing it at the hotel – unattended and it was fine. 😀
Sending you both positive thoughts all week! I’m sure it will be good to get some answers. Take care!
Thanks Christine – we appreciate it! 😀
Shopko is a chain, headquartered in Green Bay, WI. A smaller version of Target/Kmart/Walmart
Thanks Molly – definitely had more of a K-mart feel to me!
I don’t blame you for not wanting to go into a sketchy laundromat. Even the one near our house is kind of sketchy. I always get that vibe from them in general! LOL
Glad to hear things are going well so far. Weird you had SUCH an early appt and were there before they even opened the doors.
The only good thing about getting in that early is that you don’t have to wait too long Courtney. And it wasn’t hard for me to get up for work today – almost felt like I was sleeping in!
Yep good ol’ Shopko is a chain in MN and I have seen some in WI. A little of everything
So weird I’ve never heard of it before!
Biz, You are the Macgyver of food preparation for sure!! Necessity..the mother of invention, indeed. I am continuing to pray that Tony and you get some good news soon…or at least know the whole picture and can work towards health. Sometimes, I think it’s the “not knowing” that’s the most stressful thing.
Thanks Lisa – I love the term MacGyver analogy!
You are one brave woman and what a wife! Three cheers for the way you are handling everything. My Hubby had a heart attack and some surgery summer before last and he too was in a good hospital here in Buffalo, a new one called Gates. At the time I was very sick and was having some liver problems though did not have a clue that’s what it was. So it was the hardest time for me, but I sucked it up and pushed through and the Hubby never knew. Today that cholesterol level is perfect and he is better than ever. And thank God, so am I. So our hearts are with you and lots of love and prayers coming your way!
I guess the saving grace is that I am healthy (sans the diabetes!) to step in and take care of Tony – I couldn’t imagine if we were both sick how that would work out. Hugs!
Continuing to keep you guys in prayer.
I’m with you on the laundromat thing…our washing machine went kaput about a month ago and that was my fear, but luckily hubby bought a new one same day.
I am sure it would have been fine – I was just being a wuss about it!