I had been waiting and hoping for a day with no plans. The day arrived yesterday but it was a little boring. I think it is rather funny how you wish for time to get all of these great things done. However, given the time, I could find much more fun things to do than my long list. I spent the afternoon baking cookies after my darling daughter reminded me how I had promised to help her make them. She checked the butter over and over to see if it was soft yet. She also helped my husband clean the garage which I didn't think was fun at all but they both seemed to like it.
We were a little sad to bring my two youngest nieces back to their parents on Saturday. I didn't know it was actually possible to play Barbies for that length of time. I think it is fair to say that the investment in our new Barbie House paid for itself. Thanks to my friend who found it at a garage sale and was kind enough to deliver it for us!
I also spent part of yesterday working on the elusive menu plan and catching up with my college roommate. She suggested allrecipes.com which I don't typically use and I also found onceamonthmom.com which is just fun to read. The week ahead includes potato soup with ham, lasagna, and meatloaf. We have a busy week with two trips to the U, two days of school, swimming lessons, speech, and company. We are also about to kick off racing season with our first trip to Brainerd this weekend.
The IV schedule is 8, 4, and 12 right now so if I look a little tired, I attribute it to getting up at 1 a.m. to shut off the last IV. Today marks one week down and hopefully just two more to go...
Blessings,
Cindy
Monday, May 23, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Perseverance
I spent Monday afternoon in the procedure room at the U watching Curious George and reading library books. I was fortunate to get approved for a supply of the antibiotic that is on shortage across the country. Apparently, an appeal to the powers that be resulted in a six week supply. We are only planning to use a three week supply but time will tell. When the nurse hooked up my IV for the test dose, my daughter said, "Mom, do we have to stay overnight?" I am not sure if she was relieved or disappointed that we couldn't order jello by room service.
Yesterday, we went to pick up my two youngest nieces who are visiting this week. Our first adventure was a stop for soup and pie. I got the strangest looks with three cute kids and the waitress eventually just said, "So, which one is yours?" We have been having a lot of fun with the exception of a few potty problems that I will leave out for you. I do fully understand why my sister is always cooking and cleaning when you call her house.
We are hoping to take in the zoo tomorrow afternoon if the weather cooperates. I am a little discouraged by still having this line in my arm but if kills the pseudomonas, it will be worth the effort. I think nap time is over.
Blessings,
Cindy
Yesterday, we went to pick up my two youngest nieces who are visiting this week. Our first adventure was a stop for soup and pie. I got the strangest looks with three cute kids and the waitress eventually just said, "So, which one is yours?" We have been having a lot of fun with the exception of a few potty problems that I will leave out for you. I do fully understand why my sister is always cooking and cleaning when you call her house.
We are hoping to take in the zoo tomorrow afternoon if the weather cooperates. I am a little discouraged by still having this line in my arm but if kills the pseudomonas, it will be worth the effort. I think nap time is over.
Blessings,
Cindy
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Garden Day
Earlier this week, we celebrated 8 years of married life! The whole family ended up at PF Chang's which was as delicious as ever. My daughter wanted to know if I was going to wear my wedding dress for dinner. She has a lot of big ideas. I spent part of our anniversary at the garden center. After church today, we were able to get most of my good ideas in the ground. I like to plan it, plant it, and then pray over it. I don't always keep up with the watering which tends to help.
The list included green beans (growing up the swing posts), a lonely tomato plant, and a new rose bush. I wasn't able to lift the magnolia that I hoped to buy so it will have to wait a little bit. Our strawberries are starting to flower and the raspberries continue to spread. I was very excited to see the lily of the valley starting to spread too. We moved them from the farm where I grew up.
Next week, we are hoping to get our garden at school growing again. We share it with another family which makes it a little bit more social and an extension of our preschool education. My daughter and her friend both like to help water and pick crops. We are also meeting this week with some of our friends about the driving schedule for our new CSA. It is quite a few miles south so we will go about every fourth week to pick up our share of farm veggies and deliver them. It is a lot of fun and forces you to eat more veggies and try things you might not pick up at the farmer's market.
I am especially thankful today that other people have the gift of music even if I don't reallly have it. I am also thankful for my husband who agrees to try my latest gardening idea and my daughter who digs with such enthusiasm. I am thankful to the librarian who helped me load our new encyclopedias in the car and to my sister who reassured me that they really are a good idea. I am also thankful to my friends who share their coupons and the great Diet Coke sale this week. (Did I mention it doesn't take much to make me happy?)
Blessings,
Cindy
The list included green beans (growing up the swing posts), a lonely tomato plant, and a new rose bush. I wasn't able to lift the magnolia that I hoped to buy so it will have to wait a little bit. Our strawberries are starting to flower and the raspberries continue to spread. I was very excited to see the lily of the valley starting to spread too. We moved them from the farm where I grew up.
Next week, we are hoping to get our garden at school growing again. We share it with another family which makes it a little bit more social and an extension of our preschool education. My daughter and her friend both like to help water and pick crops. We are also meeting this week with some of our friends about the driving schedule for our new CSA. It is quite a few miles south so we will go about every fourth week to pick up our share of farm veggies and deliver them. It is a lot of fun and forces you to eat more veggies and try things you might not pick up at the farmer's market.
I am especially thankful today that other people have the gift of music even if I don't reallly have it. I am also thankful for my husband who agrees to try my latest gardening idea and my daughter who digs with such enthusiasm. I am thankful to the librarian who helped me load our new encyclopedias in the car and to my sister who reassured me that they really are a good idea. I am also thankful to my friends who share their coupons and the great Diet Coke sale this week. (Did I mention it doesn't take much to make me happy?)
Blessings,
Cindy
Friday, May 13, 2011
Change the subject
I took a few days off due to company and the bloggeer system was being updated yesterday. A while ago, I promised to write about the thing that makes me the most crazy. Are you ready? This is the big reveal. Any guesses? I know at least a few readers will come up with the right answer.
My red hair goes right into action when people start talking about me. I mean we are really old now and there must be something else to talk about that might be more productive. I have heard a lot of speculation lately about what I am capable of or actually not able to do. I have to wonder if any of these folks have ever met me or can hear themselves talking. The thing is that it always comes full circle and reaches me. It is one of the reasons that I agreed to start a blog and end the "dicussions" and speculation. I am very capable of making my own decisions and handling the things that I agree to or otherwise I wouldn't agree. I really wish that people wouldn't underestimate me. I hope that when people do underestimate me, someone will speak up on my behalf and change the subject.
This brings us to Doctor Day again. I arrived without my daughter today and the lady at the front desk didn't recognize me. Everyone asked where she was from the front desk to the PFT lab to the nurses in training. We didn't have any big revelations today although there might be one drug that we try based on the culture results. We are still waiting to see if the drug is available as there is a shortage of it right now. I expect to visit the swimming pool in June especially since I finally bought a new suit!
We are still looking for your favorite recipes. Since I gave up chocolate, my weight could use some more calories. I did also start exercise again which helps my lungs but not my weight. It is a never ending battle.
Blessings,
Cindy
My red hair goes right into action when people start talking about me. I mean we are really old now and there must be something else to talk about that might be more productive. I have heard a lot of speculation lately about what I am capable of or actually not able to do. I have to wonder if any of these folks have ever met me or can hear themselves talking. The thing is that it always comes full circle and reaches me. It is one of the reasons that I agreed to start a blog and end the "dicussions" and speculation. I am very capable of making my own decisions and handling the things that I agree to or otherwise I wouldn't agree. I really wish that people wouldn't underestimate me. I hope that when people do underestimate me, someone will speak up on my behalf and change the subject.
This brings us to Doctor Day again. I arrived without my daughter today and the lady at the front desk didn't recognize me. Everyone asked where she was from the front desk to the PFT lab to the nurses in training. We didn't have any big revelations today although there might be one drug that we try based on the culture results. We are still waiting to see if the drug is available as there is a shortage of it right now. I expect to visit the swimming pool in June especially since I finally bought a new suit!
We are still looking for your favorite recipes. Since I gave up chocolate, my weight could use some more calories. I did also start exercise again which helps my lungs but not my weight. It is a never ending battle.
Blessings,
Cindy
Monday, May 9, 2011
Doctor Day
My friend saw me in church for Mother's Day wearing normal clothes. I am afraid that the plan didn't work as we hoped and my picc line is still in my arm. We did manage to get a dressing change so we are free of nurse visits until we try again later this week.
I increased my Prednisone in hopes that we could get my lungs to cooperate. It is a little disappointing as I had almost finished getting off Prednisone. You have to reduce your dose gradually so it takes awhile.
The good news around here is that my daughter's first dance recital went better than could have been expected. She is now reconsidering her previously declared retirement.
We are looking forward to some seed shopping this week and beginning to work on our garden both at home and at school. The other good news is that our new shed has walls making more room for plants outside and around the shed. We also have acquired a new bike trailer from our friends so we are going to add that in the mix for our rehab plans. Swimming and yoga will still have to wait.
Blessings,
Cindy
I increased my Prednisone in hopes that we could get my lungs to cooperate. It is a little disappointing as I had almost finished getting off Prednisone. You have to reduce your dose gradually so it takes awhile.
The good news around here is that my daughter's first dance recital went better than could have been expected. She is now reconsidering her previously declared retirement.
We are looking forward to some seed shopping this week and beginning to work on our garden both at home and at school. The other good news is that our new shed has walls making more room for plants outside and around the shed. We also have acquired a new bike trailer from our friends so we are going to add that in the mix for our rehab plans. Swimming and yoga will still have to wait.
Blessings,
Cindy
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Something More
When I first moved back to Minnesota, I rode to work with my husband. It was a good arrangement and included a lot of stopping for dinner on our way home. As my position changed, I drove a lot more often. Later, my office moved across the river which ended the car pool. On my way home, I would often turn up my music really loud as the traffic was terrible. One of my favorites was the country song, Something More.
One of the things that no one tells you about working in the field of philanthropy is that many of your donors will be older. You will learn all about them and visit their homes. You might even meet their extended family. Eventually, some of them will die on you. You will become a regular with the florist for funeral bouquets. The reverse is also true. Some of them wil be young. I made a visit for a memorial fund after a family buried their son. I will not likely ever forget that visit. I have helped a member of the U faculty set up a fund in her memory shortly before cancer won the battle. I even took my daughter to a memorial service of one of my most dedicated volunteers. On those days, the song always stuck with me.
I had one of those days today. I took my daughter to get her teeth cleaned before swimming lessons. She does a pretty good job brushing but she likes candy and she still doesn't drink white milk. By default, she drinks juice or chocolate milk. I heard the dreaded word cavity and I could feel my lip shake. It got worse when the dentist reassured me that they could do one side right now and I could schedule a visit to come back. I like going to the dentist on the same level that I like to go get a new picc line. I will do just about anything to avoid doing both. The sound of the drill on my darling daughter was enough to make me want to throw up on my shoes. When it was done, my daughter reached in the prize box and found me a sparkle blue ring to match hers. On our way to school later, we heard the song again. I don't think it applies to me anymore.
Blessings,
Cindy
One of the things that no one tells you about working in the field of philanthropy is that many of your donors will be older. You will learn all about them and visit their homes. You might even meet their extended family. Eventually, some of them will die on you. You will become a regular with the florist for funeral bouquets. The reverse is also true. Some of them wil be young. I made a visit for a memorial fund after a family buried their son. I will not likely ever forget that visit. I have helped a member of the U faculty set up a fund in her memory shortly before cancer won the battle. I even took my daughter to a memorial service of one of my most dedicated volunteers. On those days, the song always stuck with me.
I had one of those days today. I took my daughter to get her teeth cleaned before swimming lessons. She does a pretty good job brushing but she likes candy and she still doesn't drink white milk. By default, she drinks juice or chocolate milk. I heard the dreaded word cavity and I could feel my lip shake. It got worse when the dentist reassured me that they could do one side right now and I could schedule a visit to come back. I like going to the dentist on the same level that I like to go get a new picc line. I will do just about anything to avoid doing both. The sound of the drill on my darling daughter was enough to make me want to throw up on my shoes. When it was done, my daughter reached in the prize box and found me a sparkle blue ring to match hers. On our way to school later, we heard the song again. I don't think it applies to me anymore.
Blessings,
Cindy
Friday, April 29, 2011
Doctor Day
As I write today, I am running the last IV of this round. It marks the end of 9 1/2 weeks. I went to do PFTs yesterday and the graph looks so much better that they printed a copy to hang on my fridge. Of course, now the challenge is to keep the graph looking good. One thing about lung function is that it does not always cooperate. It likes to turn on a dime and it is not static. So, we are going to hold our breath around here until next week when the big test comes and we will do PFTs again. If the numbers still look better, we will make a decision about whether or not to pull my picc line.
What does all of this mean? Well, it means that the swimming pool might just be in my future. It also means that I will have a lot of dates at the yoga studio. My hope is to get rehab started on my own. The other challenge is to manage expectations. I will not be agreeing to everything fun under the sun as the three vests/day will continue and the inhaled antibiotics will start again. I like to think staying healthy is within my control but it doesn't really work that way. I can do everything that I am told but a lot of luck and divine intervention are also needed.
Earlier this week, a relative thought that I must not be that bad if I wasn't in the hospital. I think that is a common misconception. Of course, the big house is never good. However, my doctor will do what he can to avoid the big house due to the other germs and my own sanity. It is one of the reasons that prayers in action are so important. When I can say that I have plenty of help, it gives me a little bit more wiggle room to treat myself at home.
I am especially thankful to my friend who watched my daughter yesterday and sent her home with a yummy pan of lemon bars. I am also grateful for my husband who was pretending to be a prince last night and riding his horse to kiss our Sleeping Beauty. It was really very amusing. I am hoping the sun shines today for the kind men at the valet station who were very concerned about my car being a little stubborn yesterday. I am looking forward to a fun Friday.
Blessings,
Cindy
What does all of this mean? Well, it means that the swimming pool might just be in my future. It also means that I will have a lot of dates at the yoga studio. My hope is to get rehab started on my own. The other challenge is to manage expectations. I will not be agreeing to everything fun under the sun as the three vests/day will continue and the inhaled antibiotics will start again. I like to think staying healthy is within my control but it doesn't really work that way. I can do everything that I am told but a lot of luck and divine intervention are also needed.
Earlier this week, a relative thought that I must not be that bad if I wasn't in the hospital. I think that is a common misconception. Of course, the big house is never good. However, my doctor will do what he can to avoid the big house due to the other germs and my own sanity. It is one of the reasons that prayers in action are so important. When I can say that I have plenty of help, it gives me a little bit more wiggle room to treat myself at home.
I am especially thankful to my friend who watched my daughter yesterday and sent her home with a yummy pan of lemon bars. I am also grateful for my husband who was pretending to be a prince last night and riding his horse to kiss our Sleeping Beauty. It was really very amusing. I am hoping the sun shines today for the kind men at the valet station who were very concerned about my car being a little stubborn yesterday. I am looking forward to a fun Friday.
Blessings,
Cindy
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