Friday, December 9, 2011


Happy stuff:


  • no lights on but the Christmas tree

  • glitter

  • goofy grins

  • long hugs

  • phone calls

  • cards

  • carols @ the hospital

  • silly songs

  • sparkly socks!

  • laughter

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Isn't this the cutest thing ever? My fabulous co-worker Maggin made it just for me! I am so blessed to have crafty friends!


Monday, October 17, 2011

Friday Fun - (you may want to read Thursday's post first!)

Lindsey came to the house and off we went to the appointment - to be there at 7:30 AM - no earlier. I went to the window to 'register' and provide duplicate information of what was given 2-weeks ago to the gal at the other window, then asked to have a seat, that they would call me back soon. The waiting room was freezing cold! An hour later, I am called back - and nurse Jill escorts me past a curtained hallway - lots of 'recovery' areas I assume - most of which are empty. Now, on with the 'prep' "a la Jill".

Basic questions, she wrote answers, as I sat on the edge of the 'bed' - a gurney really with a thin mattress. One particular question led to another pre-op test: a pregnancy test - I kid you not - heck she wasn't kidding me either! Good news! I was NOT pregnant and the procedure could continue.

I was given the ultra-fashionable 'gown' that opens in the back - ooh la la! A front pocket and everything! I was told to take everything off, but could keep on my bra if I wanted - hah! Fooled her - I didn't even wear one! Glad I brought some socks and thanks to a nice warmed blanket, I could sit back and wait for my IV.

Jill connected the IV - even numbed the back of my hand - and told me it would just a be about 15 minutes. Patients - who I assumed just finished their procedure - were wheeled past me to their curtained area. Jill dimmed the lights in my area and apologized for the wait. Every once in a while I heard a radio station - my 'usual' morning show - but it never lasted too long. Another patient was brought to the curtained area next to mine - so I got to hear the same type of questions - including one "where do you work?" I was surprised to hear that my curtain buddy also worked at my place, although we probably wouldn't share stories.

Another 15 minutes and a promise of a short wait - and off I went to the operating room - ah - that's where the music was coming from! They had it quite cranked up! I met my doctor for about 5 seconds and answered a couple of questions, then came the lady who would help me take a nap. She asked that I put on my c-pap - which was a little comical considering all the other various and sundry wires to which I was connected - and I managed to get my hand stuck in the contraption on top of my head.

She assured me that they did this (the c-pap) all the time - and then - she fixed my pillow just perfectly!! Relaxation set in when she had me take a couple of deep breaths - and I was OUT!

I woke up quite alert - which I didn't think would happen given my normal reaction to medication that could even possibly make me sleepy. I was rolled back to a different 'recovery curtained area' and told that it was my job to "bear down and release the air that inflated the colon during the procedure". I was told it would be "music to their ears" - if you can imagine that. I had no problem following her direction and the next thing I knew, I was sitting up and drinking some grape juice.

No light-headedness, no sleepiness, grogginess or anything else that resembled a drunken stupor. I actually felt pretty good. No pain, no headache, I was joking with the nurse (not Jill) and Lindsey came back. Little did she know she would be in on the 'consult' with Dr. A - and get to see my pretty (?) pictures and a brief explanation of the lower extremities that is my colon! Lucky girl!

She promised not to post my pics on facebook or otherwise share them - then signed the release papers so she could take me home about 11 am. She pulled up outside the door and the CNA helped me to the car, although I did not feel dizzy or goofy at all. We even stopped for Mexican food (brunch-o?) on the way home. I was SO hungry and it tasted SO good!

I stretched out on the couch (my normal MO) and Lindsey took the chair. I thought I would just drift off to a comfortable sleep - but much to my surprise - I was wide awake! I got up and insisted that Lindsey take the couch - where she promptly took a nap. I made a couple of calls and let folks know I was "done" - then played on the computer. No laundry or other house work is allowed, ya know!

Dad stopped by to see how I was doing - and had to look at my pictures where he proclaimed that I was "clean" - heck, I should be!! The procedure included removing a couple of polyps, but rather routine I was told.

After he left, Lindsey and I sat around some more - she made sure I was ok to be by myself - reminding me not to bend over without support - and then she headed home. I watched some TV, checked the mail, then took a nice nap.

So, all in all, my fears for future procedures were quelled. I was well taken care of at the facility and of course by Lindsey. The prep from Thursday was definitely worse than the procedure on Friday - but not bad at all. I'll do it all again in three years!



Saturday, October 8, 2011

Thursday prep for Friday Fun....




I heard about it...but never actually been formally introduced. I have listened to stories from those who survived and advice on the 'best practices' insure an easy 'go'. Dreaded it, somewhat, but the prep would be worse that the procedure....or so I was told.

My last visit to the doctor resulted in a referral to a local office of gastric inspection - for my first ever colonoscopy. Gee, I am not that far beyond 50...but, recommendations are recommendations. Given a family history of gastric pathway roadblocks and such, I knew it was just a matter of time.

Armed with my list of 'special stuff', off I went to WalMart. The consulting nurse was kind enough to point out her recommended flavor of Gatorade with which to make my very own colon-cleansing solution with Miralax - lemon-lime! Of course you can't have the 'good' color drink or jello: Red or purple. Why make it tasty? It's just going to run right through!!

The day prior to the procedure, I took off at 1pm to start my prep. 2pm: 4 times the usual amount of itty-bitty pills to start...followed by a large glass of water. 4 times the usual amount = a quick turn around! I make quick trip to the bathroom before taking a little nap - and low and behold - no running water! Nada! Zilch! Zip! No water = no flushy! I called the water department and am told there is a leak 'in the area' and 'no, they cannot estimate when it will be repaired'. Ok, a little panic, but hey, I had time before I had to start the solution intake...scheduled to start @ 5PM. So, not too worried at this point, I took a nap.

I woke up at 4:45 with a little rumbling in the tummy - and headed for the second bathroom, still no water. Rats! (or something like that) - Now what! I had to stay on schedule - so off to the fridge for my perfectly pitchered portion, which I poured into a pretty stemmed glass - and drank it down - similar to someone on a drunken binge: chug a lug! Recommended to drink quickly - ya think? I mean who wouldn't want to linger over a glass of lemon-lime flavored liquid, thickened ever so slightly? The first taste wasn't so bad - 1 8-oz glass down, many more to follow - in 15 minute increments. Now the question was how much more ..... could be added ... in the toilet bowl?!?!?

I quick check told me all I needed to know....I had water again! Yes! Flushing commenced and the pipes chimed in with some loud gurgles. Whew! I survived that hurdle!

After a full day of 'clear liquids' - with the exception of my cafe Vienna which isn't exactly clear - but coffee was on the 'can have' list - I craved something more substantive. That craving quickly subsided with each beep of my kitchen alarm, followed by repeated trips to the bathroom.


I stayed up a little later, anticipating 'sleeping in' until at least 6:30 - having to report @ 7:30 on Friday.



Tuesday, October 4, 2011

HBSL!!

It's time to say Happy Birthday to Sophia Louisa who is FIVE today!!! Hugs coming your way, Sophia! Stay sweet and I hope to see you soon! XOXOX

Saturday, August 27, 2011

26 years ago today.....

About 7:30 a.m. ....I became a Mommy. My sweet baby girl, Lindsey Kathryn, was born! Lindsey was almost a "Hillary"....but thank goodness she looked like a Lindsey Kathryn! She was named after another little girl I had the pleasure of baby-sitting for many years, and my best friend, Kathy. The labor was short...the delivery easy...and no pain medicine I might add...and the recovery room couldn't hold the happiness that filled my heart...even though there were plenty of others who groaned!

Just the day before I was in my OBGYN's office where he said, "See you in a week!"...well, Lindsey had other plans! Her Dad was determined to give her a different name, but after delivery, he went down the hall proclaiming: "It's a Lindsey Kathryn!". Our lives were never the same, as were the lives of her doting grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins to come!

Lindsey is the first grand-daughter born on her Dad's side...so a little spoiling set in...but I didn't mind. I was a first grand-daughter myself. Mom was out of town with my sister Laura when Lindsey came, but she got home as fast as she could and whizzed past the nurses station outside of visiting hours to see us. Grammy and Stephanie brought a paper to read while waiting for the arrival, but they didn't have time to read at all - but then the shopping commenced for all things pink!

Once my Mom brought us home from the hospital (Dad was at work), it was a whirlwind of diapers and formula. Memories were made and remembered now...the colic, the messy diapers, the sweet smell of a just-bathed baby, and snuggle time..just to name a few.

Lindsey is all grown up and married, but still my 'baby girl'...and now the Mommy of another sweet one who calls me YaYa. Lindsey is also the big sister to 'baby boy', aka "Bubba", Ryan. Lindsey is one-in-a-million...and she's mine!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Long Post - from a Long Hot-Sweaty Weekend of Fun...NOT!

The Texas heat wave of 2011 continues....and not without its 'moments'.....like this one:

On a hot Saturday afternoon, I was puppy-sitting with sweet Bella, and dozing on the couch after Lindsey & Kylie headed home. When I woke up, it seemed a little warm and I thought, oh, that sunlight hitting the sofa must be making it really warm in here. Off to the thermostat where I see it "set" for 77, yet the "temperature" shows 82. Yipes! No adjustment will help and I start to panic...not to mention sweat! The house tends to warm a little quickly with 103+ temps!

With Bella on leash, I check the outside unit - nothing! No visible signs of ants that might have interfered with the contacts...a noted problem in Texas. That was the end of my professional observation...so I got on the phone to try to locate my favorite repair guy. No luck and a phone call to Lindsey who invited me over to her house - Bella and all - until it could be repaired. Most likely I'd spend the night, since Sunday was Kylie & YaYa day at church.

I threw basics in a bag - underwear, meds, pjs...then packed up Bella - food, snacks, leash, & kennel & headed to the car. A/C relief and Bella in the front seat! Another call to Lindsey determined I needed to meet them at the parking garage where they were running the ramps for exercise, Kylie in tow in the stroller. (I couldn't believe they were doing that in the HEAT!!) I would get their house keys and garage door opener and settle in before they returned home, but not before a quick trip to McD's for a large diet coke to quench my thirst.

I got to the house & unloaded Bella & stuff...dropped my stuff on the kitchen table...and decided I'd better take her outside to potty. I put her on the leash and headed out the front door, being careful to note that the dead bolt was unlocked. Just on the outside of the door, click! The door locked shut with the door knob's lock! No phone, no keys, no luck. I was stuck outside in the heat w/Bella, praying that Lindsey & all would arrive soon.

Bella did her thing as the sun was going down...and we walked down the street a ways...then I thought, I'll get a key from the neighbor across the street! No such luck, not home. Ok, I thought, I can handle this...the sun is going down, there is a slight breeze...and I found the garden hose! I got a drink for Bella and myself, hosed off my feet...and continued to sweat profusely. I watched vehicle after vehicle go up and down the street...the moon started to peek out and the street light came on. The sweat was stinging my eyes and salting my upper lip.

I lowered the tailgate on Joe's truck, thinking I'd sit for a bit...but it was too high off the driveway. More pacing back and forth with Bella and then back to the hose. This time I watered the grass a little bit and sprayed straight up in the air, hoping for some misty relief. Thank God it was after dusk and I prayed that I would not pass out before Lindsey got home. I held the hose above my head and soaked myself. The water was warm, not cool, but it did help a little. Bella was not nearly as interested in cooling off as she was chasing the cat next door. I was enjoying my wet clothes a bit when here came the familiar truck down the road.

I walked up to the truck window and grinned at Lindsey, my curly hair in tight curls, flat against my head. She asked "what are you doing? I called and got no answer so I thought you were asleep". I told her I locked myself out and had been there about an hour and a half. She frantically gave me her water bottle, but I refused....water I had!

I went in the house with them and into the bathroom - thank goodness THAT was not a problem while outside! Bella went to her kennel and bedded down for the night. I asked for a towel and sat on the couch and Lindsey set a fan in front of me while Kylie played with her toys. Joe showered while Lindsey de-baby-proofed the bathtub for me to shower later. I sipped on what was left of my diet coke, crunched on ice and cooled down. I had spoken to Stephanie and was told John Ed would go by the house after church the next day.

Lindsey took a shower next - heck, I didn't need hot water FOR SURE! I had the experience of no hot water a couple of weeks prior when a control on the water heater went out, so I was no stranger to cold showers. I anxiously awaited my turn and hoped that I wasn't stinking up the place too badly.

With Kylie in bed, Joe watching TV and Lindsey lounging, it was time for my shower. It felt so nice. Then I realized I didn't bring all of my pajamas....just a tank top. How special. Joe had gone to bed so I schlepped off to the computer room where my twin size bed was ready for me. I relaxed, but still couldn't get cooled down. There was no ceiling fan and I was just restless. I got up about 1:30 and logged in to the computer for a bit. I had not planned to go to church after this evening's events, it would be just me and Kylie as Joe & Lindsey headed off to work @ 6. My phone was dead - and I didn't bring my charger! Rats.

I did manage to sleep some, then got up and got Kylie to start our day. We just hung out, played, walked Bella (with the garage door OPEN) and watched TV. Kylie was an angel all day - she took a nap after lunch and I dozed on the couch - even got cool enough for a little cover! After Joe & Lindsey got home around 3, I used Lindsey's phone to call John Ed and he said he had fixed it - or so he thought he had anyway! He said if it was cool when I got home, it was fixed. He also shared that a wire had come loose in the outside unit, so thank you God it was nothing worse!

Happily I loaded everything back into the car and headed home about 6. I had work the next day and was looking forward to a good night's sleep. Lindsey had mentioned to me at some point that the a/c vent in the computer room had been closed - thus my experience with failing to get cooled off. It was 82 in the house once I got home...but no problem....that was cooler than I had been in a while!! Bella was enjoying running around the living room and I grabbed a big cold bottle of water to relax.

I had just logged in to my computer...when BOOM! What sounded like a gunshot was another sound I was too familiar with...a transformer on the power poll next to the neighbor's house had blown! The neighborhood was 'dark' as the sun was going down. I could not believe it...really??? Heating up again in no time, at least I had the forethought to charge my phone. I called Lindsey & told her what was going on and shared with another friend how comical the weekend had been, now being the icing on the cake. I called Encor & actually talked to a human who told me the 'trucks should be out there by 10PM". Great! It was 7!! One more call to Lindsey & she said they were heading over and I could come to their house.

Now, why were they coming over? My garage door opener wouldn't work - and while I could back out, the door had to be closed so I could go to their house. I loaded Bella back in the car - thank God I had not unloaded her stuff yet - and waited in the A/C for Lindsey & Joe. The plan was for Joe to lower my garage door, then have Ryan come by the next day to reconnect the opener when the power was back on. After just a little while, here they came. I was laughing and joking about it. Lindsey handed Kylie to me and we sat in the car with Bella while they went in the house to get the door lowered.

Success! The door was lowered and they returned to their truck to head home. At that point, Lindsey was looking at me and pointing in my direction. I didn't understand what she was saying, so she got out of the truck and told me to look - Encor was on the next street! Hallelujah! I didn't know what quite to expect - how long it would take - or if I should go ahead to Lindsey's house for the night. I decided to wait a little bit and they headed out.

About 3 minutes later...I had powerr!! Yahoo!! Back on the phone to Lindsey - who had just rounded the corner out of the neighborhood - and back they came!! Joe reconnected the door and I decided to go for a little drive to allow the A/C to cool off the house a little. I told Joe he was my "hero" - and promised to make a breakfast casserole for him sometime soon. I drove to Sonic and ordered a diet coke float - yes diet coke with regular-fully-sugared ice cream - not too shabby! Lindsey & Joe were two stalls down ordering a drink as well! Finally back home, I took Bella out once more, then off to bed! I was exhausted! The heat wave continues...we've broken a few records...and I've never been more ready for FALL!! It cannot get here fast enough!