St. Patrick's School

I saw my Aunt Ellen several years ago over Thanksgiving  and she asked me if I went to St. Patrick's school. I hadn't seen her for many years. I think it had been 25 years, but in any case, it had been a long time.

I had totally forgotten about it until she asked. I was enrolled in a Catholic school for first grade. I think it was located on the campus of Kent State University. I don't remember very much about school. I think I was a good student.

I do remember how much I hated recess. At recess, I would choose a spot near the building or at the outside edge of the play area. I would stand on that spot, trying not to make eye contact with anyone. I didn't want to get into trouble and I didn't want to make anyone mad at me - not even another first grader.

I had an older cousin or aunt who came up to me at least one time. She was probably high school age. She was kind to me and I think she tried to get me to play with other children. There was NO WAY I would take a risk like that. I wish I could remember who it was.   I have been thinking about this since I first wrote this post, and I really think it may have been my Aunt Agnes!

You may wonder, "how hard could it be to figure out?". Well, I have a very large family on my mother's side. Here is a list of my mother's siblings:

Margaret, Robert, Catherine, Anna, Ellen, Josephine, Frank, Hugh, Pat, Dick, Agnes, Judy, Joe (died when I was about 5) and another Agnes (died as an infant- possibly a twin)

I think my mother was between Anna and Ellen. My mother had 6 of us and with all of the aunts and uncles listed above, you can see that I had lots of cousins. My aunt Judy was only a year or so older than me. She lived with us when she was small because my grandmother had died. Judy always seemed more like a cousin than an aunt.

I have so many good memories of growing up with my cousins. I'll write about that another time.

Back to Catholic school - I may have attended part of 2nd grade at St Matthew's Catholic school. I can't remember for sure.

I do remember going to catechism classes and making my first communion. That would have been 2nd grade and catechism classes were held after school (I think that's right)

The only times I remember going to church on Sundays were the weekend's at Grandpa Joe's or the times I walked from my own house. I remember being at church with different aunts, uncles, and cousins but I don't ever remember seeing my mother. This struck me so odd that I asked my sister - she doesn't ever remember seeing our mother at church either. Strange.

Rebound - Part 2

I recently learned about rebound headaches.   I had heard of them before but I'd never really understood the process.

I'd been having daily migraine headaches for about two months and had nearly used all of the prescription medication that typically stops my migraines before they hit full force.  I discussed this with my neurologist in late January and he emphasized to me that I could not take this medication more than twice a week because it could cause a stroke!! 

He then explained that I had been most likely been having rebound migraines which occur when the body becomes accustomed to the prescription treatment and then responds to the diminishing amount of medication in the body by triggering a new migraine. 

That particular medication is an "abortive" type and I could not take it for the next two weeks.  That meant  I had to miss the next two weeks of work to stay in bed and deal with daily headaches.  My doctor also started me on a daily "preventative" medicaiton that should reduce the number of migraines I get.  I sure hope so.

I have learned my lesson and I will not take the "abortive" medication more than twice a week! 

Rebound - Part 1

I started this as one post but decided that it should actually be two separate ones.

I grew up loving Buckeye football and basketball.  When I left Ohio for college, I lost interest in Ohio sports.  I went to all of the Harding basketball games while I was there.   Then came marriage, moving back to Arkansas, and children.   All sports became a faint memory.

Dan remained a steadfast Buckeye football and basketball fan.  As I recall, the Hogs and Buckeyes never played each other so he also became a Hog basketball fan and I vicariously became a Hog fan!  I really didn't have time to watch games (or maybe I didn't want to - I'm still not sure)  One year the Hogs were in the final four and I did watch them and cheer them on with everyone else.

Several years ago, I started watching Buckeye football with Dan and found that I really enjoy it.  Gradually, I learned the names of the players and their positions.  Some of them left and new ones replaced them.

Sugar Bowl - Yes, this year the Buckeyes and Hogs both went to the Sugar Bowl!  All of my friends cheered for the Hogs but I'm a Buckeye at heart!!

Now this is where "rebound" comes in.  This year I started watching Buckeye basketball with Dan.  I was surprised as basketball terms and rules flooded into my memory.  It felt so cool to be able to understand a game I had never played!! 

Ohio State is currently undefeated and the announcers are already talking "final four" 

I sure hope so!!

Next post "Rebound Part 2"