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 |   Nadanother blog...sheesh, I guess I DO blog. Completed. |
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I've had a rich past, yet am making a new one with plenty of life's experiences to draw from! I invite you to come along and see what trouble I get into. I'll blog about my life, present, past... whatever comes to mind at the time. I'll try not to be too serious most of the time, heck we get enough of that just living. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** Happy New Year! For the mirroring blog series we do on Saturdays:
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We say, “Eh-h-no-no-no”. It’s funny, we never thought that Amy Winehouse’s grammy award winning song would ever be relevant to our lives. It isn’t really, because hers refers to alcohol or drug rehab, but in the interest of literary license. For Hubby they mean an intensive five-day physical therapy course. Talking about three hours a day of one-on-one rehab....in the hospital.  Well, he’s not going to do it, as nobody around here seems to have a clue about his previous ability prior to the surgery.The torture team comes in every day, and tries to make him do things he never has done. Finally, today (oh yeah, we are still in the hospital) one of the rotating teams came in and they actually listened to Hubby. I nearly fainted...of course that is after I was laughing out loud when they said they were going to have him stand up and assorted other Missions Impossible. AAAAAARRRGGGGGG! As the Animals sang, “We gotta get out of this place....” All this hospital, medical stuff is starting to get to me. I can only imagine how Hubby feels...but now this whole mess is starting to bug me, and I can just imagine you reading this and rolling your eyes, “Oh here she goes again.” Okay, so yesterday Hubby gave me an hour-and-a-half off so I could go visit my antique jewelry mall. It was really nice to go visit with the suppliers I have from here, however it really drove home to me just how much of recession we’re in...it was dead in there, I was the one customer in the entire building. I didn’t go to buy anything for my shop, but I went because I knew it would be where I could find the absolutely perfect 25th Wedding Anniversary gift for him. After I chatted up my contacts I strode over to a stall called “The Second Time Around”. Cute name...they sell antique and used watches. I knew Hubby had been looking for a platinum or white gold watch for awhile. He’s not a very material guy, but he does like watches. I peered into the well-displayed cases, aware that I was looking for a medium to small sized watch...Hubby just weighs 125. I saw a nice square faced watch, and asked to see it. The owner pulled it out and told me about it. It was a Tiffany platinum watch, all original from the 1930’s. When he flipped it over I saw where a master jeweler had inlaid in 18kg three initials, incredibly beautiful, intricate craftsmanship. I laid it across my wrist...if it was a good size for me, it would be for him. The black crocodile band was a perfect fit, and the watch, in its simplicity, was all at once elegant and functional. Yes, it would be perfect, so I got it. You know, the difficult part will be waiting to give it to him until mid June...but I think I won’t be waiting that long, I want to give it to him when we get home. Sometimes it’s just the “right time”...this would be one of them. We hope to go home tomorrow, but really, we are trying not to get our expectations up. We’ll just take it a day at a time.  |
| Tra-la-la. Well, I was going to blog last night and tell you how we were going home today, but I thought, “Why jinx it?” Well, hubby called me first thing this morning to tell me that something looked funny on his monitor and the doctor said NOT so fast buddy! So they have changed his medicine and will watch him, but in the hospital. Groan. What that leaves you with is two disappointed people, but better safe than sorry I suppose. I was able to get his favorite private nurse here today, so Hubby is a little more happy than earlier. This guy, Gerry, is a very conscience man, as well as being OCD, so he appeals to Hubby’s OCD tendencies. I’d like to bottle him and bring him back with us.  Oh, and did I mention that while trying to reach an electrical outlet to plug in Hubby’s electric razor and cellphone, I managed to pull some dang muscle in my back. Gawd. It wraps around my chest so I can see it is going to be fun driving.  Okay, so last night I was pretty much all packed, and decided not to have room service again, and to go downstairs. I figured it being Sunday the hotel would be quiet. Well, it wasn’t exactly quiet, as you will never guess who I sat in front of....he was an American Gladiator...(I know, I only watched it once, but I knew of him, lol) Give up? It was the man known as, ....”Mayhem”. Hah, I’m sure it was Murphy in his latest disguise. I hear him speaking to the two “lasses” he was sitting with, and he said he is from Huston. He spoke quite reverently about his grandmother, who greatly influenced his life. Actually I was pretty impressed. I had noticed a guy earlier in the week, a rock and roller type...which I gathered, by the group of guys he was with...they were roadies or band members. Anyway, he is short, with long blonde hair, a mustache and beard. His attitude was what made him stand out. Anyway, last night he was with some gal, on a couch in a nook of the bar. I couldn’t see her, just the fact that there were two wine glasses. That is, until they got up to leave. OMG....she was a cartoon character of a gal...in the tightest royal blue satin shorts, yes her butt cheeks showed, high platform shoes, and her fake humongous boobs led the way out of the room...followed by her blonde locks. Not a person in the room could help but stifle a laugh. Gawd. I gotta find out who that guy is, lol. Well friends, it’s lunchtime for Hubby, I’m smelling spaghetti and meatballs, lol. What, no corned beef and cabbage? Hope you all have a wonderful Saint Patrick’s Day! Tip a green one for me and Hubby! |
| I guess I should start with last night...but hell, she's a friend who might read this and take it wrong...then again I doubt it, she hasn't bothered to read my blog, except once when she googled something and I happen to have written about it. You know, those flukes that happen. As usual my time means nothing to her, so she was at least an hour late. I tolerate it because in spite of the things that irritate me about her, we have a history together, a damn good one too. We've had an interesting few decades, one I hope to write about someday. Anyway....we had a lovely dinner together here in the hotel, and i really tried to relax, as much as one can around a very hyper gal who was battling jet-lag from her flight back from London this week. Oh well, it spirited me away for a few hours. I got to bed about midnight, totally exhausted and feeling a little bit of nausea. Too much stress I think, cause I only had two beers and a steak dinner over the course of 3 hours. So I'm sleeping away when I am jolted awake by the alarm (which I didn't purposely set, but obviously hit the button removing my iPod in the dark,) You have any idea what time that was? Five-freaking thirty in the morning! You think I could go back to sleep? No, of course not. So I ordered some coffee, orange juice and toast and read ya'll blogs. I was supposed to bring some stuff to Hubby, he wanted his wheelchair to sit in. Okay, he may not be able to walk, but I could take him down to another floor, a lobby with a view, and maybe even a couple of minutes of fresh air if I got permission. Hey, gotta do something besides sit at the foot of the bed and stare at each other glassy eyed and realizing this whole thing sucks. Oh yeah, and do it with some guy nurse hovering for 12 hours. Wahooo...at least he didn't speak English or believe in doing anything that remotely resembled work. I guess $16.50 an hour just isn't quite enough to ....oh don't get me started. Anyhow, this day was going to be slightly different in another way too. Hubby said his mom could come visit. I also had advised him that I was thinking of taking 1:00 - 4:00 off, for some "me time" and coming back for the evening of being with him. You know, hospital romance tv viewing. His mom shows up around noon. They had a lovely visit really. You know the kind, like only a deaf-ish mother and her half-deafish, weak hospitalized son can shout at each other from across the room. I could feel the love. Yeah, between the heart monitor beeping, the action in the hallway, the in-and-out constant barrage of no sense of humor test givers, therapists, pill deliveries, lunch trays...it was palpable. One o'clock came and I was chomping at the bit to get out...when MIL insists on taking me to lunch. Sigh. Ok, I can go eat, that will leave me a little time to myself, and I get to eat, not all bad. We walk over to a hip restaurant in the area, where a Tyson (the gorgeous male model) look-alike served us lunch. It took longer than I'd planned, but hey....so we walked back to the hospital. Actually, we would have walked back, except my mother in law took a header on the sidewalk, face down. Yep, a goose egg on the head, cracked rib, dislocated finger, bloody knee...the real deal. HELLO EMERGENCY ROOM! I guess you know I didn't get any time to myself. She's home, thankfully. I'm just eating a room service bowl of macaroni and cheese and a beer. Oh life is so good. Love ya'll...I'm off to sleep before I pass out. |
| actually, a night. I managed to get out of the hospital around 7 last night after begging for some time off. Actually since he knew he now has private nurses round the clock, and the fact he is feeling better every day that passes, he sprang me early! I got back to the hotel, then went down to the bar for a couple of beers. It was a hopping place midweek, full of models, musicians and loads of agents and other show biz types. I put on my most hip shirt, a $200 camouflage and crystal Maltese cross with air- holes all over the back number, jeans and tall mary-jane style heels. HAH, I probably didn't look a day over 50 trying to look 30. Nobody looked at me twice, talk about feeling invisible. Oh well, beats being thought of as a call girl trolling for a trick! There were enough of those I could see.I had a pizza while I was downstairs, and ate the entire thing. Gawd, Hubby has lost three pounds and I think I put that on last night alone! At one point I went to the ladies room where some young thing was standing in front of the mirror trying to do something or other with her long, lush dark hair, tossing it from side to side and trying to twist it...but laughing and finally looking at me and saying, "Hi, I'm Sonja and this whole scene is s-o-o-o funny. What's your name? Giggle." "I'm Sheila." "Giggle. Nice meeting you." More giggling. I just rolled my eyes and said goodbye. Gawd, to be young, gorgeous and high, what fun. Oh right, once I was...and it wasn't that much fun. In fact, I thought about the fact she had no idea how ridiculous she looked and sounded, but I also knew she would not remember this night. I just hope she wasn't driving. I never did see her again. So, I spoke with Lance this morning about 7:30...he sounded good and I was just having my first cup of coffee, having only awaken fifteen minutes earlier. I cannot remember the last time I slept past seven, and honestly I still felt pretty exhausted. I guess the emotional aspects take a toll too. He said I could take my time getting to the hospital, so I sort of did, not getting here until nine! He got a really good night's sleep, and he was back to smiling again! That did my heart good...as well as his too I would imagine. It's been a flurry of activity here today and I can see that major progression takes place each day. He's right on schedule, and his so-called setbacks were not real...but more about his attitude and fear. I was here when the doctors (about 6 of them) have come in and said he is right on schedule, all things considered. If they don't quit saying he's going to be walking soon I think we may strangle them...because he wasn't walking when he came in...but a minor irritation really. Tonight one of my girlfriends in LA is meeting me so we'll go have dinner out. It'll be very nice to have some non-medical conversation! Well, I'll pop in and read some blogs, and probably write again tomorrow. Hope you guys are doing as well as we are. Thanks again for everything, you have helped me immensely! |
| Okay that’s what it feels like, but it is only day 2 ½ after his surgery. This being the strong one sometimes has it’s downsides. For one thing, sitting in the hospital room (nice as it is...sort of) for about 12-13 hours a day is a real effort. When you have nothing to do but listen to the moans, the wants, the needs of someone who says he’s seeing things through a “curtain” and is disabled before the surgery...well, it’s tough. I feel great, yet I am as much a prisoner as he is. Oh sure, I get to come back to my luxury hotel room, but for what? I’ll tell you; a comfy bed, and room service to bring me dinner and a pot of coffee in the morning. I have yet to turn on the television, the silence is worth it’s weight in gold. I have my iPod, but can't even bring myself to pull it out of my purse and push the button...and suffer the inconvenience of the earphones. Oh wait, the radio has an iPod docking station with Bose speakers. Hmmmm, maybe I sold it a tad short. Tonight when I got back here, the hotel had sent me the most amazing vase of white Tulips along with a heartfelt card from the hotel staff that usually takes care of him on Wed. nights. Interesting to me that I have been here since Sunday and only today,, Wednesday night (the night Hubby spends here nearly every week). is the one I get sent the flowers. They really do take care of the regulars. I truly appreciate the show of affection and respect for him, and me. He truly is a big hearted guy! *See, I’m not just biased. It’s a very lonely time for me. I’m not a big “lean on friends” kinda gal, and I know some of you realize this. I love to give, but hate to admit when I could use a shoulder to lean on once and awhile. I’m trying, but if I let down my guard...I’m afraid it would be like removing the bottom brick of a wall and I’d come crumbling down. I suppose I am more like my husband than I would have admitted. My blog allows to do this. Hell, you people allow me to spill my guts sometimes. Thank you...if I didn’t have you, who knows? Might I smoke a cigarette? Might I strip naked on the 8th floor balcony of my room? Or...might I crawl in bed and say my thanks and fall asleep? I think you know my choice. Really.  So... now an update on Hubby. He shaved, got his hair washed, exercised, ate three squares (well hospital’s equivalent, lol) and then had a tiny setback or two. His heart has gone out of rhythm again, and he’s got some pretty scary pains and drainage happening. The doctors will assess it tomorrow morning...so obviously not hugely serious.  I just spoke with him and tonight he will accept a sleeping pill....so GREAT...I can rest easier. (Ahhhhhh.....as I exhale.}Goodnight my friends. |
| I was going to blog, but I'm so exhausted and hungry and tired, I'll do it from the hospital tomorrow, we have wireless in the room! Thanks and love to you all. You know this is one of the most difficult things I have had to do...he's so scared. I'm not, but he is. |
| He's doing really well! It has been a very long day. Though his surgery was scheduled for this morning, due to TWO heart transplants, he didn't go into surgery until 2 pm. They had wheeled him into the operating room when the word came about the transplants, so.....we were disappointed, but happy for the two recipients and their families. He came through surgery very well (considering all things, lol) and they removed some growth from his heart that the doctor had never seen before! Leave it to my one-of-a-kind Hubby to have something unique, lol. The doctor said he didn't think it is anything malignant...we'll know for sure in a couple of days. I'm not worried about it. I saw him right after surgery, along with his brother and Christine. Scott actually made him laugh, which with a breathing tube down his throat I'm surprised he did it. But, that is my guy, always the big brother, showing everyone how it's done. I just called the hospital and spoke with his nurse, he is fully awake now, took some pain medicine (thank goodness...I was beginning to think he wasn't human) and they were going to remove the respirator in about an hour. The nurse told me they were waiting extra time to make sure he was strong enough because of his normal problem. Whew! I'll be going with his family in the morning, but right now, I need to get some rest. Thank you all for the *hearts* , prayers, good wishes and love. Trust me, I could feel the caring and you have to know I believe you all helped him to get through this. You have touched me deeply. I'll be back tomorrow hopefully with continued improvement! |
| Checked in at 5:30 this morning, he had his angiogram. It was perfect so we're set for 7:45n tomorrow morning for the BIG surgery. We feel confident. I'll let you all know ASAP. Family will be with me/ Thank you ALL for your thoughts, wishes, and prayers...much appreciated. Now I need some sleep! Love to you all. |
| Good morning! It is another glorious day here in California, so I thought I might share with you some photos taken yesterday on the ranch. The Lupines and California Poppies are in bloom, with many more just about to bloom. Since we will be gone for at least a week I wanted to make sure I didn't miss some of the spectacular views. Lance and I thank you for your many thoughts and prayers. I'll leave word here on how things go. I'm not sure what time I'll be back at the hotel each night, but one way or another I will let you all know how he is doing. Please enjoy the wildflowers...just click on the picture here to be taken away for a while.   |
| When Hubby and I were on our last cruise I mentioned that one of our dinner companions had been Ambassadors for the United States, but are now retired. They also live in the same area code as we do, so we’ve been keeping in touch. Gloria and Larry have a great sense of humor, but what I found out last week, is going to test it I’m sure. Here is a copy of what the press release said: "The Department of State is pleased to announce the appointment of Ambassador Lawrence Benedict as the new Coordinator for Anti-Corruption Initiatives at U.S. Embassy Baghdad. Corruption remains a serious impediment to development and political reconciliation efforts in Iraq. The Department of State recognizes the importance of helping the Government of Iraq curb corruption. In order to meet this requirement, Ambassador Crocker has requested the assistance of a senior diplomat to coordinate U.S. efforts to combat corruption in Iraq. In addition to coordinating U.S. assistance for anti-corruption and good governance programs, Ambassador Benedict will serve as the Embassy’s primary interlocutor with senior Government of Iraq officials and international partners on anti-corruption issues. The fight against corruption in Iraq is one that must be led by Iraqis themselves, starting with strong leadership by Iraq’s elected officials. The appointment of Ambassador Benedict will ensure coordination of U.S. Government anti-corruption efforts and will support and assist the Government of Iraq as it identifies needs and priorities in the continuing fight against corruption. Ambassador Benedict is a retired senior career diplomat who has agreed to return to service for this important assignment. He brings tested diplomatic skills to his new role as the Anti-Corruption Coordinator at Embassy Baghdad, including extensive experience in economic and commercial affairs. Ambassador Benedict’s most recent assignment with the Department of State was as Ambassador to Cape Verde. He has also served in Khartoum, Islamabad, Ankara, Rio de Janeiro, and Dhaka." This is a very important job, but as we know from news reports also a dangerous job. I’m told he will be there for nine months. That is a long time to be away, voluntarily. This man could have opted to stay retired, but he did not. To be quite honest, I don’t think they could have chosen a better man, as I have come to know them as very reliable, honest and representative of all good things we want associated with America. I’m so happy we got the privilege to make their acquaintance. So the next time you think of Iraq and bringing home our men, think of Larry and how he too is helping them to become self sufficient in their own government. (I was going to put their photo in, but upon second thought maybe it is best I don’t for his security. One doesn’t know anymore.) Have a great Saturday, I’m off to shoot some photos, and get packed for LA. |
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I just reminded myself of the time you did jury duty!