I just read the blog posts. How funny. I do not look like Robo-Babe, whomever she may be, but I must say the brace mixed with penguin flannels is a sight. I am well cared for and walking around, doing light PT. Today was full with two nurse visits, other visits and PT. I am pooped and like last night may go to bed at 8 pm if that late. Restless night and trying to get the systems down but all in all it's a good life. Trying to pump up blood and get lots of iron. A fine mix. Doug made a steak on the grill in zero degrees temps. But it was so good !!!! Dad brought Be Bim Bob for lunch which is one of my favorite Vietnamese dishes !!! Got some chocolates and an orchid to my surprise. Felling very opulent. Will keep you posted but still not doing too hot on the phone. Have to carry everything on my walker and it gets lost in the shuffle.
Counting blessings, great to be home !!! Love
A
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Robobabe get's to come home!!!
Although her blood levels have dropped, they're letting her come home. In-home nursing will monitor, worse case...transfusion. In the mean time...red meat.
She sends her love and will be in contact with her loyal fans once she gets settled...
She sends her love and will be in contact with her loyal fans once she gets settled...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Grace:
Angela makes every person who comes in her room feel good. No matter if they are cleaning, poking, prodding or causing pain, they leave with something more than a blood sample. She's radiant, glowing and in control. Her determination to live a quality of life regardless of circumstance is beyond remarkable.
Doing great...getting out Wed or Thur.
"Amazing"...so the therapists and nurses say. Angela is up, went for a few slow walks (with brace, walker and therapist). It's surprising how well she is recovering after surgery. Granted, the pain block is still working to some degree but for the most part she's been up and about without it. She looks very sexy-robo-copish with the brace, hospital gown and knee socks.
I don't see any bruising at all, unlike past surgeries.
We'll keep on with the up swing....what a trooper!
Monday, February 2, 2009
out of surgery update.2
I just spoke with the doc, Angela is in recovery now. Surgery took a bit longer.
They found 'metal debris' and bone fragments in and around the joint. They were unable to remove it all but felt that what was left would remain encased in the scar tissue. The surgeon said that she will require a brace for a few months to insure her hip will not come out of the new socket. There was some bone they had to remove which makes her hip a bit more unstable, but, she will be able to walk with full weight in 3 months.
He was very concerned about her right hip saying that the hardware there is rapidly failing and that there could be some serious issues if she does not have it replaced soon (next winter - knees first). Something to do with how bone reacts to plastic, the plastic being the padding that goes between the socket and ball, it is failing. The bone, where plastic is touching it, decays. It is possible the joint could separate from the bone with little forewarning.
Good news is that he used the most advanced matrix (joint material) which should not fail as the others have.
He said she was awake most the time, he had to ask her to quit asking so many questions while he was operating, something about him not being a very good multi-tasker.
We'll be here for a few days, 3-4. She'll be able to get around via walker but she'll need help for a few months. I'll be seeing her shortly and will give another update soon.
Love All,
dỠỠg
They found 'metal debris' and bone fragments in and around the joint. They were unable to remove it all but felt that what was left would remain encased in the scar tissue. The surgeon said that she will require a brace for a few months to insure her hip will not come out of the new socket. There was some bone they had to remove which makes her hip a bit more unstable, but, she will be able to walk with full weight in 3 months.
He was very concerned about her right hip saying that the hardware there is rapidly failing and that there could be some serious issues if she does not have it replaced soon (next winter - knees first). Something to do with how bone reacts to plastic, the plastic being the padding that goes between the socket and ball, it is failing. The bone, where plastic is touching it, decays. It is possible the joint could separate from the bone with little forewarning.
Good news is that he used the most advanced matrix (joint material) which should not fail as the others have.
He said she was awake most the time, he had to ask her to quit asking so many questions while he was operating, something about him not being a very good multi-tasker.
We'll be here for a few days, 3-4. She'll be able to get around via walker but she'll need help for a few months. I'll be seeing her shortly and will give another update soon.
Love All,
dỠỠg
Hospital Update.1
Howdy Ya'll,
Angela is in good spirits. She went into surgery about an hour ago and will be in there for about 4hrs. They're not sure what they will find but they have all the parts required for her retread... er, hip revision. The doc said they'll be able to add a 1/4" to her leg, the first replacement left her about 1/2" short thus all the lower back issues.
More later...
Angela is in good spirits. She went into surgery about an hour ago and will be in there for about 4hrs. They're not sure what they will find but they have all the parts required for her retread... er, hip revision. The doc said they'll be able to add a 1/4" to her leg, the first replacement left her about 1/2" short thus all the lower back issues.
More later...
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The last stand on soapbox
So tonight is my last post for a while and I thought it appropriate to mention the economy, or lack of it. Hey people what about a Novel idea called "putting your collective money where your collective mouth is?". The politicians want all these earmarks for special interests and bail out funds for corporate big wigs who have blown their top at tax payers expense. I am all about capitalism as long as it is tempered with humanity and a sense of spreading the wealth. The trickle down theory works great when the very rich, who make millions for large failing corporations, actually invest and spend in America while paying their taxes. I am not saying we should not trade but lets get real. Spending money keeps the economy afloat but it does not do anything for our betterment when we only shop in the big box stores who buy cheap cheap from other countries with little or no oversight. Does tainted milk ring a bell?
I have a great idea. Remember the company store? Many years ago when companies actually took care of their employees they had a company store for workers like a military commissary. They kept the prices down by providing a service and employed people to run the shop. Granted it allowed the boss to keep people on the job site for longer hours and they profited a little but the point is we can use that same theory for our own communities. Have you recently shopped at a locally owned family business? Bought eggs from the farmer down the road? Hired a small neighborhood contractor? Taken your old clothes in need of repair to a local seamstress? Patronized a small independent drug store? When we put money into our local-small businesses we put money into our community. Small business owners actually pay taxes, high taxes by the way. They hire our neighbors, donate to local charities, are involved in community events, provide benefits/workers compensation and they keep the wheels in motion and cogs greased right here at home with out huge salaries or golden parachutes. If we wisely spend our money after we pay our bills, chip away at debt and feed our family we should spend it where we say we want it to go. Same goes for businesses with ethical and green practices. They need support. Local farmers have eggs, milk, honey, produce and meat which is not shipped in from Mexico or New Zealand and it costs the environment less while supporting local economy. It all makes sense to me. In addition to these benefits we also save fuel by not shipping or flying products from distant lands. The best part of all is that you are supporting your neighbors, friends and family.
I am guilty of leasing a Honda and I struggle with this. There are those items which we have to bend on. I also understand people needing to cut back on costs by shopping at the big chains where they can save more. But !! what if we all decided we could live on less "stuff" and spend more wisely? Would putting our money where our mouth is make a statement and an impact? I think so. I am not an economist but I saw this train wreck ten years ago with all the ARM home loans being shelled out. I knew we were heading for disaster. I also saw it when big box stores started forcing small, independent and local businesses to shut their doors while buying disposable-tainted items from China. It is true that small-local costs more but it also gives more. You also build a rapport with the business owners. This is all about community. When we support local we can also afford to go global on the few items on which we splurge.
I guess all this bail out crap and corruption is really forcing me to look at how I spend and how I make choices about where my money goes. It is a process. I do not need much and live simply and it works for me. If I had young kids or a larger family it might be different. I do not judge others decisions I merely pose the questions of local or global? Box store or small independent shop? Spend or pay bills? Support neighbor or big corporate-corrupt big wigs? These are questions with which we all must struggle if we desire to survive this troubled economy and hold accountable the people who got us here while taking full responsibility for our own bad choices and overspending habits. What a great time to become aware. As I analyze my shopping behaviors and choices I see a better way. It may take time for me to adjust but it is a choice I am willing to make.
I have a great idea. Remember the company store? Many years ago when companies actually took care of their employees they had a company store for workers like a military commissary. They kept the prices down by providing a service and employed people to run the shop. Granted it allowed the boss to keep people on the job site for longer hours and they profited a little but the point is we can use that same theory for our own communities. Have you recently shopped at a locally owned family business? Bought eggs from the farmer down the road? Hired a small neighborhood contractor? Taken your old clothes in need of repair to a local seamstress? Patronized a small independent drug store? When we put money into our local-small businesses we put money into our community. Small business owners actually pay taxes, high taxes by the way. They hire our neighbors, donate to local charities, are involved in community events, provide benefits/workers compensation and they keep the wheels in motion and cogs greased right here at home with out huge salaries or golden parachutes. If we wisely spend our money after we pay our bills, chip away at debt and feed our family we should spend it where we say we want it to go. Same goes for businesses with ethical and green practices. They need support. Local farmers have eggs, milk, honey, produce and meat which is not shipped in from Mexico or New Zealand and it costs the environment less while supporting local economy. It all makes sense to me. In addition to these benefits we also save fuel by not shipping or flying products from distant lands. The best part of all is that you are supporting your neighbors, friends and family.
I am guilty of leasing a Honda and I struggle with this. There are those items which we have to bend on. I also understand people needing to cut back on costs by shopping at the big chains where they can save more. But !! what if we all decided we could live on less "stuff" and spend more wisely? Would putting our money where our mouth is make a statement and an impact? I think so. I am not an economist but I saw this train wreck ten years ago with all the ARM home loans being shelled out. I knew we were heading for disaster. I also saw it when big box stores started forcing small, independent and local businesses to shut their doors while buying disposable-tainted items from China. It is true that small-local costs more but it also gives more. You also build a rapport with the business owners. This is all about community. When we support local we can also afford to go global on the few items on which we splurge.
I guess all this bail out crap and corruption is really forcing me to look at how I spend and how I make choices about where my money goes. It is a process. I do not need much and live simply and it works for me. If I had young kids or a larger family it might be different. I do not judge others decisions I merely pose the questions of local or global? Box store or small independent shop? Spend or pay bills? Support neighbor or big corporate-corrupt big wigs? These are questions with which we all must struggle if we desire to survive this troubled economy and hold accountable the people who got us here while taking full responsibility for our own bad choices and overspending habits. What a great time to become aware. As I analyze my shopping behaviors and choices I see a better way. It may take time for me to adjust but it is a choice I am willing to make.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Surgery Count Down
I am counting down the days to surgery. All pre-op appointments are done. Everything looks good and we are moving forward with surgery date February 2nd. I ask you to hold me in your thoughts and prayers for this day and the weeks following. This is the third hip replacement on the left side. Hopefully the last!! Luckily lupus is not active!! Yippie.
I want people to understand lupus can go into remission but the ramifications of side effects from medications and treatments, in addition to the damage created by the disease itself, can be a life long challenge. The importance of funding research is so very important. Lupus is on the rise, as are other auto immune diseases, even with our troops coming home from Iraq. The causes need to be found. The "new" University of Michigan Lupus Program is a big step in this direction and a dream come true for my family. I am blessed to be involved as a patient and as an advocate. This is an exciting time as we get closer to understanding all auto immune disorders. My hat is off to all the devoted researchers and clinicians who give so much of their time and knowledge.
The snow keeps coming! Some say this is the most snow in our area ever during this particular time period. The snow covered Frasier Fur branches are stunning in the sunlight. The little kid in me just loves the snow. I think winter is one of the most peaceful of times. It is a time to go inward and cozy up. It brings families together and opens opportunities to look deep within and quietly reflect . For me this is not a social time but the quiet after the holiday storm. I come out in spring feeling renewed and refreshed for gardening, swimming,kayaking and spending long hours outside in the fresh air. I love how the seasons truly reflect our internal clocks. May your clocks be renewed and your winter be blessed. I will write after surgery and Douglas will be writing updates.
I want people to understand lupus can go into remission but the ramifications of side effects from medications and treatments, in addition to the damage created by the disease itself, can be a life long challenge. The importance of funding research is so very important. Lupus is on the rise, as are other auto immune diseases, even with our troops coming home from Iraq. The causes need to be found. The "new" University of Michigan Lupus Program is a big step in this direction and a dream come true for my family. I am blessed to be involved as a patient and as an advocate. This is an exciting time as we get closer to understanding all auto immune disorders. My hat is off to all the devoted researchers and clinicians who give so much of their time and knowledge.
The snow keeps coming! Some say this is the most snow in our area ever during this particular time period. The snow covered Frasier Fur branches are stunning in the sunlight. The little kid in me just loves the snow. I think winter is one of the most peaceful of times. It is a time to go inward and cozy up. It brings families together and opens opportunities to look deep within and quietly reflect . For me this is not a social time but the quiet after the holiday storm. I come out in spring feeling renewed and refreshed for gardening, swimming,kayaking and spending long hours outside in the fresh air. I love how the seasons truly reflect our internal clocks. May your clocks be renewed and your winter be blessed. I will write after surgery and Douglas will be writing updates.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
"Super profundo on the eve of your new year"
This is my version of a quote from one of my favorite Indy movies called "The waking life". This movie spoke to a time in my own life when I was obsessed with contemplation, prayer and meditation. The movie was a meditation on contemplative thought in a big way. Douglas and I watched it several times, mostly while I was in the hospital and the lap top movies were my only form of entertainment beyond friends, family and the occasional hospital escapades, which never cease to create a laugh or two. The quote was about how profound can be our "New day" or "New year", as it is, and how we can separate ourselves from our own "pain" or realities and surf the waves of existential philosophy and "ponderings" of ancient wisdom crossed with pop culture. Yeah it is mouth full. It is a way of telling ourselves to accept the unknown future with a sense of profound understanding and insight. This year especially is one in which to look back with a sense of contemplation, while at the same time looking forward with the wisdom we gained from our mistakes or misgivings.
I would like to think of this new year's eve as the beginning of a whole new way of thinking and acting in a society gone crazy. I do not use that word lightly by the way. I turn on the TV or internet and feel disturbed by the craziness I see before me. It is a whole weird life indeed, waking or dreaming. Even listening to my NPR jazz station can bring in sounds of mental illness from all over the globe right into my own living room. It is one filled with hunger, poverty, pain, war, greed, jealousy, corruption, lawlessness, suffering, unnecessary disease, childhood ills, aging sickness, bombings, global warming or cooling, bad vibes, racism, sexism, narcissism, oppression, religious wars, philosophical challenges, moral corruption, nudity, inflation, recession, profanity, political infighting and a whole bag of negative crap. What I need is to see a new year filled with hope and inspiration. I need to feel the sense of sisterly-brotherly love, peace, goodwill towards all, uplifting spirit, prosperity of the soul and all the goodness we know to be contained within the human soul. It is always amazing to me how we each find a way to drift into celebration on the new year instead of drifting inward to our own contemplation of humankind and kindness. hey...........I am all about" The Party" but it shall be tempered with peace, love and kindness. We can all use a little of this right? Is it not what the great masters and prophets teach? Jesus was not kidding about this !!! Compassion and loving thy neighbor goes hand in hand with turning the other cheek. Have we become so myopic we forgot the original lessons? Did Buddha not see the pain in order to over come and change suffering to gratitude? Yes I believe in this. I do know when I forgive and feel kindness in sight of ugliness I feel a better person for the action. It is with this spirit I move forward while gazing back. I offer up a plateful and champagne glass semi full of peace and goodwill towards all human kind-animal kind and planet.
Happy new year !!!!
I would like to think of this new year's eve as the beginning of a whole new way of thinking and acting in a society gone crazy. I do not use that word lightly by the way. I turn on the TV or internet and feel disturbed by the craziness I see before me. It is a whole weird life indeed, waking or dreaming. Even listening to my NPR jazz station can bring in sounds of mental illness from all over the globe right into my own living room. It is one filled with hunger, poverty, pain, war, greed, jealousy, corruption, lawlessness, suffering, unnecessary disease, childhood ills, aging sickness, bombings, global warming or cooling, bad vibes, racism, sexism, narcissism, oppression, religious wars, philosophical challenges, moral corruption, nudity, inflation, recession, profanity, political infighting and a whole bag of negative crap. What I need is to see a new year filled with hope and inspiration. I need to feel the sense of sisterly-brotherly love, peace, goodwill towards all, uplifting spirit, prosperity of the soul and all the goodness we know to be contained within the human soul. It is always amazing to me how we each find a way to drift into celebration on the new year instead of drifting inward to our own contemplation of humankind and kindness. hey...........I am all about" The Party" but it shall be tempered with peace, love and kindness. We can all use a little of this right? Is it not what the great masters and prophets teach? Jesus was not kidding about this !!! Compassion and loving thy neighbor goes hand in hand with turning the other cheek. Have we become so myopic we forgot the original lessons? Did Buddha not see the pain in order to over come and change suffering to gratitude? Yes I believe in this. I do know when I forgive and feel kindness in sight of ugliness I feel a better person for the action. It is with this spirit I move forward while gazing back. I offer up a plateful and champagne glass semi full of peace and goodwill towards all human kind-animal kind and planet.
Happy new year !!!!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
"Good Job Hubband"
Well my husband did surely surprise me for my 42nd birthday. It was actually for both our birthday and Christmas presents to each other but he arranged it and kept it a secret which was great !! We started out stopping off at a lovely midtown Detroit Historic Inn on Ferry Street, which in the day was the tops, where we could see all the major museums and Center for Creative Design. We then headed over to the Detroit Institute of Art for the Monet to Dali exhibit plus most of permanent exhibitions. Wonderful to see it after they added the renovation. I had not been in years and he wheeled me around in a chair or I wheeled myself. It was wonderful. We ate lunch in their cafeteria and had a glass of wine before retiring to our room for a short nap and classical music. Very cozy. The driver took us to MGM Grand where we spent the night gambling and people watching, had dinner and were picked up before we turned into pumpkins. They served us breakfast the next morning, which was really good, then we toured around a bit and had one final spin at roulette. What fun !!! Detroit might make it after all. If the weather was nicer we would have stayed for the Eastern Market and Greek Town, but the snow was melting, raining, windy and foggy so we headed home in afternoon and it was 58 degrees. Amazing. last night we were kept awake by power outages, high winds and lots of noise. Dad and Mary still do not have power.
I am pooped from the holidays !! Today is rest day and maybe tomorrow as well. Busy week ahead and it is a perfect rainy day to sleep and read.
Happy New Year to You All!!
I am pooped from the holidays !! Today is rest day and maybe tomorrow as well. Busy week ahead and it is a perfect rainy day to sleep and read.
Happy New Year to You All!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
"The snow it keeps "a comin"
The snow is not coming down at an inch an hour but it is coming down pretty darn fast. We love it. I just spoke to my grandma in Detroit to tell her we would not be driving to visit until after the storm because there are too many wrecks and she made a comment about how horrible the weather was and I said "Oh but it is so beautiful." Her reply.."I am over it". I guess after 86 years I would be too. I cleared off our cement Buddha and put a wreath at his belly, which is covered by snow. The birds like to sit on his head and poop. Have to keep him clean and in the Christmas spirit and the birdies happy. There are two red headed wood peckers now which are lovely !
I visited with a few girlfriends last night and had a wonderful time. It is so sweet to have small get togethers with gals pals and enjoy a few laughs,good food and conversation. I feel the holiday spirit more so now. I was feeling like a bad cold was moving into my head but I think it is just the wood stove and dryness. It has been cranking out the heat. Our humidifier tank needs replacing and they do not make the part anymore so we just put a pot of water on the wood stove and let it boil. Poor Doogie has to sit right by it because it is in his office. I go down there and sweat my butt off and come into my office-studio and freeze. Oiu!
I still do not know what Doug's surprise birthday "get away" is and I am shocked I have not figured it out yet. The big give away will be when he goes to pack for me. It is only a night or two away so it can not be too far from home. I hope we are able to drive. If not we will be snug at home. Either way is fine by me. dad is making Christmas dinner and he can pick us up in the big truck if it's too icy.
The hospital is having a pre-walk fund raising and Lupus Program meeting January 5th for our committee to start off the new year on the right foot. It will be nice to get a head start for the walk this year. I will be here and will be able to do more too. I was very bad about getting out all my invitations due to our being in Asheville until two weeks before the walk. It was still great. The research is exciting and I should have an update after January 5th when we meet. I hope it involves better treatment options and that we are getting closer to a cure. I am still so pissed that steroids are the main option considering all the bone loss I and others have experienced and continue to experience. At least I am able so far to move about. I know others who can not. We are trying to plan a spring event too in Ann Arbor. With funds tight we have to do smaller events and more regular to keep it affordable and in the news. Many businesses are doing more to help charities now too. One local shoe store has a girl's night out party. You can invite your friends-family to the store where they provide bubbly and appetizers donated by local restaurants and a percentage a shoe sales go to the charity while raising awareness and having fun. It helps us support local business too ! Another restaurant has Thursday Night Chef Wine Tastings and donates $5.00 a head to your charity. Both are no brainer events to plan. Consider doing something for your favorite charity in your town.
Well I have rambled enough today. No new news just a short chat before the big day. If I do not speak to you directly please know we send our love and blessings for a very happy holiday and new year. may peace, prosperity and good health fill your home and heart....and don't forget those who have less..
I visited with a few girlfriends last night and had a wonderful time. It is so sweet to have small get togethers with gals pals and enjoy a few laughs,good food and conversation. I feel the holiday spirit more so now. I was feeling like a bad cold was moving into my head but I think it is just the wood stove and dryness. It has been cranking out the heat. Our humidifier tank needs replacing and they do not make the part anymore so we just put a pot of water on the wood stove and let it boil. Poor Doogie has to sit right by it because it is in his office. I go down there and sweat my butt off and come into my office-studio and freeze. Oiu!
I still do not know what Doug's surprise birthday "get away" is and I am shocked I have not figured it out yet. The big give away will be when he goes to pack for me. It is only a night or two away so it can not be too far from home. I hope we are able to drive. If not we will be snug at home. Either way is fine by me. dad is making Christmas dinner and he can pick us up in the big truck if it's too icy.
The hospital is having a pre-walk fund raising and Lupus Program meeting January 5th for our committee to start off the new year on the right foot. It will be nice to get a head start for the walk this year. I will be here and will be able to do more too. I was very bad about getting out all my invitations due to our being in Asheville until two weeks before the walk. It was still great. The research is exciting and I should have an update after January 5th when we meet. I hope it involves better treatment options and that we are getting closer to a cure. I am still so pissed that steroids are the main option considering all the bone loss I and others have experienced and continue to experience. At least I am able so far to move about. I know others who can not. We are trying to plan a spring event too in Ann Arbor. With funds tight we have to do smaller events and more regular to keep it affordable and in the news. Many businesses are doing more to help charities now too. One local shoe store has a girl's night out party. You can invite your friends-family to the store where they provide bubbly and appetizers donated by local restaurants and a percentage a shoe sales go to the charity while raising awareness and having fun. It helps us support local business too ! Another restaurant has Thursday Night Chef Wine Tastings and donates $5.00 a head to your charity. Both are no brainer events to plan. Consider doing something for your favorite charity in your town.
Well I have rambled enough today. No new news just a short chat before the big day. If I do not speak to you directly please know we send our love and blessings for a very happy holiday and new year. may peace, prosperity and good health fill your home and heart....and don't forget those who have less..
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Big 10 Snow
It is so lovely here today. We woke up to sun after days of clouds and flurries plus a snow storm yesterday which was long and deep. I think we have about 10 inches total from last weeks snow and yesterdays. Not sure? It looks very deep. Last night around 9 pm the snow plows came by and cleared the drive with enough room now to park a few school buses, but hey, at least I can drive to the store for.........well what else? wine. It is a snowed-in/fire place kind of weekend. Tonight a second blast of a couple more inches will really tuck us in nicely. We missed a Christmas party last night and may miss one tonight in Detroit. I really do not want to miss it but the drive home could be strange and dangerous. Tomorrow I am supposed to go to my friend Gary's to smoke two ducks and a chicken. It should be fun. They are soaking in brine.
My grandfather is doing great after his first week post knee replacement. He is actually able to come home for the day from the rehab. I am so glad he is doing extremely well. This is hopeful. My other grandfather is doing better too after months of thinking he was leaving us. He still sleeps all day and does not eat much but my grandmother is happy she has her man.
I am feeling a little nervous about surgery and trying to decide if I have made the right decision. I am supposed to have left hip revised in February but I wonder if I should do my knees first??? I can decide for myself but I feel I need guidance. Unfortunately I have to decide for myself. Dr's can not offer their opinion in this case only offer the facts and let me make the decision. Then sometimes I wonder if I should just not do anything yet since Douglas will be in NC post surgery and i will have to depend on others. If you know me well you will know I do not do the dependent thing very well. I can see me walking up and down the stairs on crutches with a backpack of laundry. Or shoveling the last snow of the season from my wheelchair. I guess part of me wants all joint-bone replacements to be over and the other part of me wants to bury my head in a pillow of denial and hold off until I am forced. It should be an easy decision, but doing it alone makes it tough. Asking for help worse. I never said I was good in that area only better than I used to be. The decision will be made by February 2nd.
Well back to listening to "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" on NPR. If you never listen to it try it a couple times. It is great for humor and news information of the week.11:00 am Saturday mornings.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tiz the season for giving to those who need it most
http://www.strength.org/
You can go to Share Our Strength web site and donate $35.00 to feed one child 3 meals a day for a month. Or donate more to feed more or volunteer. Organize a dining-out event or bake sale. Every little bit helps.
Another one of my favorite organizations is the Hiefer Foundation My family has been donating chickens and other livestock to this wonderful organization instead of giving each other gifts. Not only do they give the animals they also teach the families, especially women, how to make money from say goats milk or eggs. Then the receiving family must donate or gift some of their animals to a needy neighbor or family member and teach them. The animals feed the families and help them earn an income in impoverished areas.
"Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach him to fish and he eats for life".
You can go to Share Our Strength web site and donate $35.00 to feed one child 3 meals a day for a month. Or donate more to feed more or volunteer. Organize a dining-out event or bake sale. Every little bit helps.
Another one of my favorite organizations is the Hiefer Foundation My family has been donating chickens and other livestock to this wonderful organization instead of giving each other gifts. Not only do they give the animals they also teach the families, especially women, how to make money from say goats milk or eggs. Then the receiving family must donate or gift some of their animals to a needy neighbor or family member and teach them. The animals feed the families and help them earn an income in impoverished areas.
"Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach him to fish and he eats for life".
Sunday, December 14, 2008
What is a life well lived?
What is a life well lived? This question has plagued me for my entire life. I wonder what whomever first ppondered this question actually meant and what was their answer. I also consider all the people in the world who have a unique view with which to answer this timeless question. You read people's epitaph and it says "They led a life well lived" or you see a movie titled " A life well lived". But what exactly is the measurement for this? It is subjective, of course, but there must be some tools with which to measure whether or not someone had a life which was wasted or one which seemed to be a total success? I ponder this only in the sense I do not want to let time pass with no sense of accomplishment. I certainly do not mean that by a measurement of regular ways and means. I want to say I feel successful in a well lived life if I made someone happy, touched people or inspired them in some way, acknowledged those who inspired and taught me, spent my time somewhat useful, helped my fellow human kind, was good to animals and the planet, lived a life with little foot prints, helped make aware certain issues which needed to be made light filled, "helped many someones in need and accepted help when I was in need, educated myself well, experimented with everything and did everything I wanted to do which caused no harm, traveled as much as possible to learn other cultures and ways, saw beauty in all of life, expressed my feelings in positive ways to those whom I love, loved and cared for my self and this body which is such an amazing gift, spent time with those I love and even strangers and tried to be the best possible person I could be in light of all challenges, speak the truth no matter how hard it may be while knowing when to stay silent, taken time to stop and watch the sunset-moon rise-plant blossom etc., read well, listened well, shared, expanded my sense of comfort, took chances and dared to be myself. There is so much more. The most important of all is that I know for sure I have had a life filled with joy and have spent my life offering compassion and joy. How great and wondrous is that? While many of my cohorts were trying to gain professional success, riches, rewards, fame and fortune I passed it up for experience and other seemingly less important tasks. I guess I never saw the joy in driving an expensive car, wear a fur coat or have my name flashed on the pages of Who's Who". Not that I would turn away from the idea but it was not a marker for me to which to move toward.
Some say it is a blessing and a gift to have a chronic-life threatening illness. I agree !! It really forces one to examine a life which in the past was less examined. It saved my life to be quite frank. I was not moving in a direction I would consider to be successful or fulfilling in the ways which are of importance now. What a process though. This to be continued !!!!!
Some say it is a blessing and a gift to have a chronic-life threatening illness. I agree !! It really forces one to examine a life which in the past was less examined. It saved my life to be quite frank. I was not moving in a direction I would consider to be successful or fulfilling in the ways which are of importance now. What a process though. This to be continued !!!!!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
What a week...photo taken only a month ago
This week carried with it many landmarks and other activities. First off my Sister turned 50 years young. She went kicking and screaming into a new era but her wonderful husband managed to pull off a seamless surprise party. She was completely shocked that he and 75 others were able to keep this a top secret event. When she opened her front door Saturday, after hearing a knock and expecting some immediate family members, she was greeted by 73 friends and family from near and far standing in her yard-drive like the Verizon network. People flew, drove and walked from all over who represented many periods in her life from early child hood to college to present times. I only wish Douglas and I had been there to see her face. The biggest surprise of all was when our eldest brother showed up from England and no one knew. How cool is that?
Second event was that my grandfather, who I also call dad, got his knee replaced on Thursday. He is doing fabulously and is very happy to have this done. He is such an inspiration in so many ways, but especially his youthfulness in his 80's and his rock solid mental capacity. Good genes for sure.
My father turned 61 years old on Wednesday and we planned a dinner at our house which he was unfortunately unable to make. The dinner was an amazing foodie event of gastronomical proportions, which went on for hours. We ate freshly plucked smoked pheasant and duck, fish pate',homemade Hartak (Finnish crackers),fresh baked bread,beef tips with horseradish sauce, lamb-pork-spinach lasagna, Caesar Salad, a beautiful fish-veggie-olive-salami antipasto platter and a triple layer chocolate cream filled cake with sour cream frosting. I am still stuffed and gained at least a pound. It was fun to spend time with my dads old pals who are more like family.
Also, Douglas' sister Paula had a birthday in Tennessee. Happy birthday to her !!!
Doug went to Texas for a project meeting on which he will be working through may in Asheville. The owner and architect live in Dallas. This project will be another fun and creative one. I will let you know more later. We are happy for the work!!! He does not leave for NC until late February after my hip replacement revision.
Yes yet another one. This makes 3 on left side. The socket is loose and causing pain and mechanical issues. I will be thrilled to get it done and then on to replacing both knees. I may need left shoulder replaced eventually. Bionic does not even come close.But lupus is under control and I am full of myself and feeling pretty good with much rest and relaxation as I am trying to stay off legs. I have regular PT still... forever probably,which is great for me. Claudia is my PT from Germany and is excellent at her job and I really like her as a friend. It is rare to truly feel a friendship-kinship with a therapist or health care worker. There is a professional distance they usually keep. Claudia is not this type of person. Again I am blessed.
I had a mole removed and biopsied which looked suspicious but was just irritated and no skin cancer for me thank goodness. I am happy to have good test results.
I also have the good fortune of having a friends horse boarded across the street who needs a little attention and loving. I am able to go over, with Doug, and spend time with the horses. Bart is her guys name and he is a 17 hand chestnut with two left white socks and a star. He reminds me of my first horse Huckleberry Finn. Huck was 16 hands...still big. Bart and I are in the "getting to know one another" stage. I have not been around horses in a while. What a treat !! Thank you Dale for this opportunity. It's nice to have him so close and to meet another neighbor too.
All in all with the economy,snowy-cold-icy holiday weather and political challenges, both here and abroad,it has been a hopeful week. I see a slight change for the positive happening in peoples attitudes and in social responsibility coming from people and corporations who finally understand the need for the world to come together to do good things for the planet and it's inhabitants. What tends to come with challenging times is a group mentality for a common good. Sure we see greed with a vibrant clarity as it is uncovered and hedged out of the crevices of those minds who need to be put to task and held responsible. Philanthropy and volunteer-ism becomes more important and prolific as funds are decreasing. Families spend more time together at home talking, playing games, being creative, watching movies with pop corn and simply being together for meals. Instead of buying expensive gifts and sending tons of paper cards we see a trend of email cards, web cam greetings, phone calls and Skype calls with the ability to talk to family-friends out of country or in the armed services for free. Home made gifts made with love are so much more important than a cheap "made in China" plastic throw away toy. I love to receive and to give food made with love, fresh wreaths, flowers, home made candles and soaps etc.
Mary, my step mom, and I went to whole foods last week to shop for her families food basket and stocking stuffers for the holidays. This is the second Whole Foods in A2 and is right down the street! They have a wine bar and sushi bar with all kinds of other food stations. You can actually drink wine while shopping or take a load off, munch on good food and sip flights of wine and Michigan cheese after your shopping adventure. It was a wonderful way to shop. If you are in A2 check it out.
Tiz the season to share with those who have less. I see a world in which we can live in peace and harmony with simple needs and humble hearts. Perhaps we should head that lesson all the time as opposed to filling out our own wish lists and checking it twice. I feel very grateful!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Food Nation
We have entered a Foodie Revolution. I love it !! I always have felt food was at the heart of the family and now I see it finally playing out in most homes all over the US. I think it has been this way around the world but we here in the states have been in fast food heaven or hell for way too long. Families forgot how to eat after the invention and popularization of frozen TV dinners, "drive-up windows", take outs and microwaves. Computers sit on dining tables instead of plates and people are usually watching their TV while eating prepared and over processed foods. recently I have seen this change. Maybe it is still the same for most families struggling with schedules and finances but I hear more conversations about food and the meals people will prepare. I see the Food Channel as a huge gift into the hearts and hearths of America. It is teaching us how to begin a foodie lifestyle which encompasses more than just filling our bellies. It is a holistic approach to food. We think about what we are making and where the food came from. We carefully plan our meals, find recipes, clip coupons, shop, consider local-organic options and we even read labels. Then we bring our hunting-gathering gifts home to be unwrapped and prepared with a sense of love and gratitude. We may even pretend we are a food star. I can see this revolution being a spiritual journey as well as gastronomic.
I can remember how my family would get dressed up for dinner when I was young and our mouths would begin to salivate the closer the hour came. Everyone would share in conversation about their days adventures and we would pass food and feel a sense of unity. It was a time to connect to our own selves as well as the family as a whole. It was then i knew I had a higher purpose in the kitchen. I am one of those people who thinks about gardening, harvesting, preparing and eating food all the time. I should weigh 300 pounds but I also consider the art of eating slowly and chewing each morsel as if it were the last meal. I read about food and the environment and seek local farmers and growers. I love to attend the farmers market with my cotton totes and lists in hand. I stop by the farm near our home for the best fresh eggs in town and all this for simple survival? No, it is an art form and a way of life. I see this as a conscious way of living and being with our environment and community. It also nurtures our spirits in a deeper way than we realize.
The greatest pleasure I get is seeing people smile after a meal I have lovingly prepared. I remember cooking at restaurants and seeing the folks in the dining room or deli counter smiling ear to ear and rubbing their Buddha Bellies with sheer bliss and the memories of donating freshly baked bread to the homeless shelter and the looks on the faces of people who were being served hot home cooked meals come flooding back into my brain. What a joy !!! and what a wonderful time to contemplate these small acts of giving. Thanksgiving is the beginning of a month long food fest and I will enjoy every tiny bite !!!
I can remember how my family would get dressed up for dinner when I was young and our mouths would begin to salivate the closer the hour came. Everyone would share in conversation about their days adventures and we would pass food and feel a sense of unity. It was a time to connect to our own selves as well as the family as a whole. It was then i knew I had a higher purpose in the kitchen. I am one of those people who thinks about gardening, harvesting, preparing and eating food all the time. I should weigh 300 pounds but I also consider the art of eating slowly and chewing each morsel as if it were the last meal. I read about food and the environment and seek local farmers and growers. I love to attend the farmers market with my cotton totes and lists in hand. I stop by the farm near our home for the best fresh eggs in town and all this for simple survival? No, it is an art form and a way of life. I see this as a conscious way of living and being with our environment and community. It also nurtures our spirits in a deeper way than we realize.
The greatest pleasure I get is seeing people smile after a meal I have lovingly prepared. I remember cooking at restaurants and seeing the folks in the dining room or deli counter smiling ear to ear and rubbing their Buddha Bellies with sheer bliss and the memories of donating freshly baked bread to the homeless shelter and the looks on the faces of people who were being served hot home cooked meals come flooding back into my brain. What a joy !!! and what a wonderful time to contemplate these small acts of giving. Thanksgiving is the beginning of a month long food fest and I will enjoy every tiny bite !!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
My sweet man and I at an outdoor sculpture garden in Asheville
I want to share a little about the man who has been walking next to me for 15 years. He is my handsome and wonderful husband with too many good attributes to mention. I want to share this because I see so many married couples get lost in a sea of apathy and "non-relations". As we approach Thanksgiving, which everyone who knows me knows this is my very favorite holiday. I consider all the years we have celebrated and opened our home to friends, family and strangers who did not have family with which to celebrate, or could not go home for the weekend. The past two years we have been unable to do this. I feel a great loss because I am a "giver", but I feel blessed to be with my loved one no matter where we eat. We spent a fabulous Thanksgiving last yea, and will spend this year with our great friends Kitty and Steven at their home. They, like us, have been a family hub for those during this wonderful holiday. They have friends over who share food, laughs, libations and great conversation mixed with a bit of football. It is something we treasure as this has started a new tradition after we visit a few family members in Detroit area earlier in the day. I look forward to a time when we are able to extend ourselves, home and food to others like we did in years past, but I also feel very lucky to be treated by my dear friends-family with my fabulous and much loved husband. Did I mention he is handsome? Pictures tell all. Truth being: "The heart is more real and stronger than the outside visual; and I am a lucky gal in so many ways". I never take advantage of this reality. If I have not told you how blessed I feel. now you know. I am most thankful.
May your upcoming holiday be filled with love and blessings realized. Then share it on the following Friday for the first "National day of listening". Listen to a loved a one, friend or stranger. Let them tell you how they feel or their story. It might fill you with a greater sense of gratefulness. I will be glad to bedn your ear...hahaha.
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