Friday 09.30.2011

I had a good day today, starting with a good night's sleep. Finally. I woke just a few times during the night and slept well inbetween. Thank you God.

I had a slow morning. It was blowing, and occasionally raining. I wanted to go for a jog, and just when I thought I wouldn't be able to, the rain stopped. I checked the weather.com site which showed the rain had moved by, so I got ready and went out.

I'm glad I did.

Breakfast, shower, finished packing my things for the weekend. By the time I got the car loaded it was almost 4. And I realized I needed a refill on the Femara--Hmm--I thought that was on automatic refill.....

I checked the pharmacy website--I had gotten a new prescription, and as such, it has to be selected and such. So I ordered the refill, changed the online refill/reminder setting, and waited another half hour to leave.

And then waited another 15 minutes at the store.

So it was just 5 pm when I got on the expressway to go to Flint to visit my uncle, who has fallen, bumped his head, and is hospitalized.

Moving right along, I was making good time, and then--brake lights. Lots and lots of them. With no exit for miles. After going only 2 miles in 45 minutes or so, I asked God if He would authorize me to use the "authorized use only" turnaround thing, and went back the other direction, taking the nearest exit. I got to the hospital about 7 pm.

The room was empty, and the bed was stripped. Oh No! I thought.....

When I interrupted the nurses they informed me that the patient was over for a MRI. Whew!! And he'd be back in about an hour.

Oh. I can't wait that long.

And just after I had left a note, in comes EM, and sons R and F. They were surprised and happy to see me, as I was happy to see them. We visited a bit before Uncle was returned to his room.

As it turned out, I was able to answer a lot of questions for the family. The night nurse was very nice; he saw that I could "interpret" and explain, and he took the opportunity to communicate a little more with the family. I think that both sides have a little more understanding of what is happening, at least for the moment. I was surprised that the family didn't really seem to grasp the enormity of the situation. Maybe they do, at least a little more, now. I am happy that I had the opportunity to speak to my uncle, even though there seemed to be no response.

We finally left the hospital about 9:30. I got my sandwich out of the cooler so I could eat. Yay me, thinking ahead...

Still a light rain, I had a safe drive to T&KS', thanks again.

We visited a while before turning in. Tomorrow we're going to Traverse City then going up the Leelanau peninsula. The weather is predicted to be sunny. I sure hope so.

I have a little naggy headache. I'll try the tylenol and motrin, and hopefully sleep some.

Please keep your prayers coming for God's grace for this family.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.29.2011

Another workday today. Busy. But enough wonderful staff. It makes all the difference.

I have to say I was watching the clock, more than once today. Sometimes I couldn't believe we had done so much, and it was only 10:00?? Ugh. And another time I was hungry--I guess so, it's 11:30. Better eat something. And I did have a nice quiet period when I was able to eat. And enjoyed a visit from my Frank.

The rest of the day continued to be busy, and we were finally able to leave after 7pm.

A safe drive home, thank you God. It was starting to rain. Again.

Dan has gone back to to the trailer; I've had a quiet night.

Continued prayers for those who are struggling with disease and illness, and their families and friends. May God keep His arms around us.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.28.2011

Whew--what a workday. Busy, and at times, chaotic busy. A good group of co-workers, and finally able to leave. Unfortunately, I had to miss dance class tonight.

Dan didn't go, either.

Tomorrow is another workday for me.

Please pray for those who have or are dealing with disease processes/illnesses. (Is that all of us?)

God keep us in Your arms.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.27.2011

I had a better night last night; I had a couple of intervals that were longer than 2 hours, and felt rested when I woke about 8:30.

I putzed around a bit, breakfasted, then went for my massaahhge. Leah worked on areas along my spine that needed attention. Thank you, Leah.

It was between raindrops when I got back home. The pavement wasn't wet, and I went out for a jog.

Shower, snack, and Dan was home.

Dinner, laundry, and he's in bed.

Tomorrow is a workday for me; Dan will probably rest, and golf if it's not raining.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.26.2011

I slept about 4 hours without waking; that's a long time for me. The rest of the night/morning was the 1-2 hour stuff, with the hot flashes interrupting. Ugh.

I had a good day today. I had wanted to go for a jog, but it was raining on and off until about 2:30, when the clouds moved out of the blue sky. I went out to Meijer for the fresh food I wanted, as well as some staples. I had a 20% off groceries and health & beauty coupon to make use of.

I ended up saving over $46!!! That's total of sale stuff plus the 20%. Pretty good!

My supper was a yummy meatloaf, fresh steamed cauliflower and broccoli, and a baked potato. I was hungry....

The rest of the night was quiet.

Tomorrow I finally get a massaaahhge. I've been waiting for it.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.25.2011

I worked again today, and it was a pretty good day. Busy, but with enough wonderful co-workers, and a potluck, it went well.

Our facility, Allegiance Health, has remodeled/reconstructed/reconfigured/created what is being called a "Cancer Center". Today was an Open House for both staff and public viewing.

One of the girls working with me is also a breast cancer survivor. She is now just a year after her treatment of surgery/radiation (and doing well). We went over together to see the new digs.

Very lovely. We have one of only four robotic machines/computers in the United States that mixes the chemotherapeutic agents inside a closed chamber. Safer for the staff, that they don't come in contact with the stuff, and safer for the patients, that it can be mixed so precisely. The pharmacy area is in the center; around the periphery are the (so many--20 maybe?) exam rooms, consultation areas, physician work stations, nurse work stations, and along the window, there were 16 recliners, each with a curtain dividing them (which were open). Next to the recliners are side chairs, and an island between each set of 2 recliners with flat screen television monitors on them.

When we were approaching the area, my brain recognized this as the IV chemo place. My feet stopped walking, and I was surprised as I recognized the hesitation within myself. Wow. I took a couple of breaths--Kris looked over at me quizzically and asked if I was ok. "Yes," I answered. "I'm surprised at the feelings this is bringing up." She said out loud what we both pray--we hope we never have to use these facilities. Me, again; her ever. She was patient as I regrouped, and we went through the area, looking around with humbleness.

I must say, I was glad to get out of there.

The rest of the day was a slow, steady pace. We were able to clock out and leave at the end of our shift.

I went over to Lauretta's for a haircut before driving home in the rain. And the dark.

After a shower, I looked at the computer a bit, and went to bed.

Thank you God, for keeping each of us who have been affected by disease and illness in your arms.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.24.2011

Not much rest during the night, up at 0430 for the J.O.B.

A safe drive to Jackson, thank you God, and a good workday, thanks again.

We were busy, but had enough staff. It helps that we all like each other...

Back home, I got my things turned around for the morning, and took tylenol and motrin to get rid of the naggy headache. It's starting to help.

And, I'm tired.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.23.2011

Another day. Overcast with small patches of blue on rare occasions, maybe 60 degrees, and a light breeze.

I went out for a jog, had a shower and breakfast.

Swept out the garage, walked the trash over to the compactor.

A lovely salad for supper, and a quiet evening.

I don't mind a not-very-busy day.

The hot flashes are still pretty intense--I'll be happy when those go away.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.22.2011

Another good day, though I didn't sleep as well as I thought I might.

Breakfast, and a safe drive to Jackson, thank you God.

A couple of meetings, a stop at the credit union, and I was back home about 6 pm.

I fixed supper and ate, then tried to make sense of some "computerized learning" stuff. Ugh.

There's a whole list of things I could do tomorrow; not sure what I'll end up with.

Exercise, for one. I'm still surprised at how sore my left shoulder is from the "hold" for dance.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.21.2011

I had a good day today.

An easy jog, breakfast, phone calls, shower, and a dinner and dance class date with my husband. Mmm.

He's gone back to the trailer, and I enjoyed a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is back to Jackson for two meetings at Big Medicine.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.20.2011

Another workday; it turned out to be a good one. Although it "blew up" the last couple of hours.

I had someone come in to cover me for a meeting this afternoon, and I could have left when we were done. I went back to the unit--it was just starting to get "hairy". I stayed around to see if all was well, and ended up staying the rest of the shift.

A safe drive home, thank you God.

Tomorrow is dance before Dan goes back to the trailer.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.19.2011

Whoa, I was sleeping when the radio came on this morning. If I hadn't have made myself get up, I could have slept good this morning. Ah, well, the J.O.B. is what allows me to have the life I do. Thank you God, for life.

I had a good day--meeting the first part of the day, then working the unit after 12:30. A great group of co-workers and we had a good afternoon. I was even able to clock out on time!!

A safe drive home; Dan was home when I got here.

Tomorrow I work, he golfs.

I'm feeling pretty good, overall.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.18.2011

I slept well last night, even though I woke at intervals with "the hots". I would return easily to sleep, and I felt rested this morning when I woke a little after 9. Because it was cool, though, I didn't have the window open, and didn't hear if the loons were calling. The fog was thick at daybreak and neat to watch the sunrise.

I didn't see any today, either. Just ducks.

I only did a few things--picked up lots of sticks and branches, straightened a couple things in the garage. I walked down to the GC--no one there, but I went next door to visit Anne. She's only there a few more weeks before she leaves for the winter. I visited with a couple of the other neighbors along the way.

By the time I got back to the JC, I needed to finish the "going home chores" and get going, finally on the road about 4:45. By then it was 67 degrees and mostly cloudy.

Sunday southbound traffic--and construction--I ended up exiting after getting into a backup. I got into Holt, refueled the vehicle, picked up groceries, and home about 9 o'clock.

Tomorrow is a workday, with a meeting in the morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.17.2011

Woo Hoo!!

I made it to The Lake!

After arriving about 1 pm, (with an uneventful drive, thank you God) the temp was 61 degrees, blue skies with fluffy white clouds. A light, cool, wind was blowing off the lake, making it too uncomfortable for me to be out front. I putzed around--walked around the house, looking for, and finding, several more rodent holes. Some bigger, some smaller. It took about a half hour to "decompress". I could feel the stress leaving.

All is well here. I put the heat-shrink plastic over the screen on the front door, and repaired the hole in in the plastic on the back door. Simple way to break that cold winter wind.

The new furnace fired up and kicked it out. Nice to be warm in 30 minutes...

Not sure what I'm going to do tomorrow before leaving for home.

Sure glad I made the drive.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.16.2011

I was sleeping good when the radio came on.....

A busy workday, a very busy afternoon. A great group of co-workers dealt with a diverse group of patients. Each unit had their own variety. We were all glad to leave this evening.

I strongly considered going to the lake tonight. But, I haven't slept well in several nights, and being up early, and driving a long drive in the dark--I decided to go tomorrow.

It won't take much packing to go for an overnight. The weather is predicted to be sunny and high 60's. I can't wait.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.15.2011

50 degrees on the way to Jackson this morning, fluffy clouds in a blue sky.

Dr. Hess repaired a "chipped filling"--it wasn't very deep and I chose to not have the Novocaine, or whatever local anesthesia he uses. I would rather have a moment of "whoa!" than 4-6 hours of numb mouth/face. As it turned out there were only a few seconds of minor discomfort from the vibration of the drill traveling through the tooth.

I went over to Sandy's apartment and visited with her for a bit. She seems to be doing well, and Allison is happy in school.

I had other errands to do while in Jackson, and did those on the way home, along with stopping at the library in Holt. By the time I got home, I was hungry again, and fixed myself something to eat.

A little rest, a little light housekeeping, a quiet evening.

Workday tomorrow.

I'm really missing the JC; thinking about going up for an overnight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.14.2011

Neither Dan nor I slept very well last night. He was both restless and snoring, and of course I was awake at the frequent hot flash intervals as well as when Daniel was moving around. He finally got up and went out in "his chair" about 7am, which allowed me to settle in and sleep the last couple hours.

It was nine thirty when he came in and got dressed. As he was dozing/half awake, he remembered he had a 10 o'clock tee time.

I got up, too, and decided to go for a jog. It was cool and overcast, mid 50's.

Breakfast, shower, the exterminator guy came and sprayed the inside and outside of the garage for ants that are getting under the foundation, and I was off to Leah's.

She does such a good job--Reflexology today. There were several areas that elicited a nausea response. I always say "it's hooey", but I do think it helps. I'll see her in a couple weeks for a massage. Then I'll REALLY be feeling better.

I fixed supper for us before going to Dance Class. We learned another few steps for the waltz. You sure wouldn't think 1-2-3 can get so confusing....

Dan has gone back to the trailer, and I've had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow I get a tooth repaired.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.13.2011

Work again today. And I'm very happy to say that we had a great day today. Of course, the co-workers are always the best, but our patient load was fair, and the patients were..."nice". Our computer charting system was down for what is projected to be 20 hours, so we were without most of our computer support. What a treat for us "old gals" to be able to use "paper charting". And the newer staff, like within the last 3 years or so, have never used paper. We were enjoying the deja vu and ease of having the papers, while the others were freaking out about not having a computer. Ha!

It was also surprising to me to see how much we really do rely on the computers. The physicians were lost. The "seasoned staff" did pretty good assisting everyone, including those in other departments. Team work makes it happen.

A safe drive home, thank you God.

Dan was home; we've had a quiet night.

Tomorrow I see Leah. Oh Yeah.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.12.2011

I had that little naggy headache yesterday, thinking it was just the "change of weather", and chose to not take anything for it. I hardly slept last night, even though I felt tired. Ugh.

This morning, the right side of my neck was tight and sore, and I'm thinking--when do I see Leah again--

By the time I got to work, I had talked myself into tylenol and motrin, and just a little of a tylenol #3, for the codeine. And, wonder of wonders, I realize about a half hour later, that the neck discomfort was easing, and the pain process in the headache was interrupted. But the brain still felt sore. One of these days I'm going to realize that the little naggy headaches with the stiff neck is a migraine.

We had a busy day; having great co-workers makes all the difference. It was a good day, overall.

A safe drive home, thank you God.

I work tomorrow; Dan is golfing.

That headache is a shadow that I'm wondering about. Guess I'll take just the tylenol and motrin before going to bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.11.2011

The day started out cloudy with pokes of blue. I had rested well, thank you God, and decided to go out for a jog first thing.

I was surprised that I got dripped on--just a very light sprinkle, enough that it smelled like wet pavement. Not enough that I got wet, and it stopped about halfway around.

Breakfast, shower...

I had a quiet day, read some, went out to Meijer for sale items.

Tomorrow is a workday, and Dan will be back in the evening.

I've felt pretty good, until this evening, when a sinus headache seems to be building. Ick.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.10.2011

I love dates like this...09-10-11. Silly me.

I had a good day today; rested, grocered, fixed food and ate, and now a full moon (Harvest Moon in September). Reminds me of the Wheatland Festivals I attended years back. I can almost hear the music trinkling in the air...

Thank you God for this life.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.09.2011

After not sleeping much last night, I got up and went to work. It was surprisingly, pleasantly, nice. That doesn't happen very often.

We had to staff down in the afternoon; after discussion, those who wanted to stay, stayed, and those who wanted to go, left. I left the floor to work with a couple of others on an education module. As it turned out, the other two were busily absorbed in what they were doing. They stopped to set me up on a computer, and with a little occasional input, I created the document.

I must say, it looks good. And I'm pleased with myself. (I know, pride goeth before a fall)

And after the others finished what they were doing, they left for the day. I went back out on the floor and ended up helping in the nursery for a short time, and then it was almost time to leave. So I stayed, and clocked out at the end of the shift.

A safe drive home, thank you God. (not like this morning, where I watched one small creature (possum?) scurry across the highway, and another one come right out in front of me. I held my breath and gripped the wheel and..... straddled the creature. I'm not sure what it was. Maybe another possum, maybe a small hedgehog. I don't know. But I didn't hit it.

Whew.

A quiet evening, feeling my heart flopping around in my chest. I frequently hear the cardiologist asking "how much does it bother you?" Not enough to take a daily pill. It is disconcerting, though.

Tomorrow is groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.08.2011

I had a restful day today, which included a jog in the occasional misty, light drizzle, then no precipitation, overcast, gloomy day.

I went out to refuel the car, so I wouldn't have to do that tomorrow morning on the way to Jackson. And the price of gas went up again. $3.89 here. Cost over $51.00 to fill. Geesh.

My shoulders are a bit sore yet this evening. I would never have thought that the "hold" for the waltz would cause discomfort.

Back to work tomorrow; gotta earn that gas money.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.07.2011

It was a good day today!

Dan left for golf, and I went to Jackson for a very productive meeting. From there I went to check on Sandy and Allison, who are doing fine; stopped at the consignment shop and found out we have $$ coming and left them a couple pair of men's shoes, and stopped to check on Jacob, who seemed to be doing well. Love the bright orange cast, Jake!

A safe drive home, thank you God.

Dan was home--he needed to rest before going to dinner and our first dance class.

Dinner was good, and dance was good, too. We learned basic waltz stuff. Both Dan and I are surprised at how the proper "frame" or "hold" with arms and elbows and such are not only difficult to maintain, but made our shoulders ache. Hmm.

Back at home, he used the restroom and went on his way to the trailer.

I've had a quiet night.

Tomorrow I hope to be able to jog again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.06.2011

I surprised myself by going to bed at 9:00 last night. And though I woke every couple of hours with the predicted hot flashes, I went back to sleep. I heard the school bus go through at 0620 (way too early to be getting up), slept again until almost 9. Wow. I must have been tired.

Dan was up, doing something with the computer server/router. I went out for a jog. When I got back, he was gone for his day of golf.

Shower, breakfast, and off to the new massage lady.

She did a good job--my left arm and shoulder feel a lot better, having moved some of that lymph fluid around.

Back home, I showered again. Dan wasn't going to be back for a while yet, and I had supper.

And a quiet evening to myself.

Tomorrow is a meeting in Jackson, and Dan and I start a 5 week Ballroom Dance class. Something to do, together.

I've received updates that 12 year old Jacob is now structurally realigned with supporting hardware and a bright orange outer casing. (open reduction and pinning of the left radius; no additional hardware for the fractured ulna) That prayer hotline works; Thank you God.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.05.2011 Labor Day

I worked again today, eight hours. It was another nice day, with good co-workers.

I'm really tired, though, this being the third morning getting up at 0430. My face and eyes feel very fatigued, as well as the rest of the body. My heart also feels like it's bounding and doing the irregular beats most of the time. I had a hard time staying awake while driving home, too. Geesh.

I rested about an hour or so before getting up and making something for supper. It ended up being chicken and dumplings, which was surprisingly good. Dan and I both liked it real well. Every once in a while I surprise myself....

I'm hoping to sleep tonight.

Tomorrow I have a massage with a new person. (there was a "groupon" that came in the email, for less than half price. So I'm going to use it)

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.04.2011

I made it through another workday, today working on my home unit until after lunch, then going up to pediatrics for the remainder of the shift. I really don't like floating off my unit, but today was the first time in many many years that it was mostly ok.

Just as I was leaving the locker room, I got a call saying that a great-nephew was in the emergency room with a probable broken arm. As I passed the area on the way to the car, I saw Carianne walking in the lobby. Seems her youngest, Jacob, had a fall and broke his lower left arm, near the wrist. We visited for a short bit while he was getting x-rayed.

It was good to see her. Speedy recovery to Jacob.

A safe drive home, thank you God.

Tomorrow is "my holiday" to work, and it's an eight hour shift. So I'll be getting up early, again. Ugh.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.03.2011

Workday.

Which turned out to be very nice. Thank you, God.

A severe thunderstorm moved through just at 7 pm--by the time I got to the car (which was in the parking ramp) the rain had let up. I had a safe drive home, where we had no rain at all, and was still 81 degrees. Jackson had dropped to 71 degrees.

A quiet evening for me. I'll be going to bed soon, as I'll be getting up again about 0430.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.02.2011

I finally feel rested today.

This morning I was able to go out for a jog, even though the temp was 80 degrees. There was a hot, dry wind, which helped. And I had an "easy" run. I smiled as I was remembering waterskiing. That was pretty "easy" too. *smile*

Shower, Breakfast, etc.

Continuing with the housekeeping chores of yesterday, I found that the furnace filter needed changed. I was happy to say "Gotta go to Lowe's". I made a short list and went out.

Convertible top down, A/C on. Oh yeah.

A successful shopping trip, then home to supper, which was yummy, and a quiet night.

Tomorrow it's back to the "real" world of w.o.r.k.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.01.2011

Hot.

Too hot to do much outdoors.

So I stayed in; couple loads of laundry, vacuuming, etc. Catching up on housekeeping that wasn't done during vacation time.

When I sat down to write the blog, no internet. Ugh.

So I went to bed.