SF GIANTS!

MadBum does it again!

Congrats, SF GIANTS!

You had me biting my nails

I was dancing around like I had ants in my pants

but I never lost my faith

in how you pull together as a team!

A job well done!!

Well Done, SF!

what a week this has been !!!!!

I have been at home with my folks for a week, stuck here until I was able to fly again because of my emergency gall bladder surgery.  But that meant that I was here to watch the GIANTS play in the world series on big screen high def TV ---- and they pulled out all the stops tonight in a beautifully pitched shutout game by #40 Madison Bumgarner.   We're all SO happy!  Congrats @SFGiants on a great win tonight!


Tomorrow is Monday, and I go home.  I am sad about leaving, but anxious to be home again, too.  It's a lot of fun being here with my folks, being able to share in the little things, the memories that we remember and just being able to be here to give a helping hand at this time in their life when they need it.   How I wish there was a way to move here, but .... that just isn't possible at this point in time.

I'm ready to be home and see my Sadie..... I'm sure she's bugged Brian enough, and has done her share of moping around.  I'll be home tomorrow to take her for a walk, and watch some TV.  She likes Frasier (I think she has a crush on Eddie!) and she's willing to watch football too.  lol  silly dog

I got to spend some time with my BFF Melanie.  We've known each other since we were 12.  That was a VERY long time ago!  good stuff :)

I'm also anxious to get moving around and prepare myself physically for the task of getting back to work.  Seems that things aren't going so well there.  Folks are on vacation, others are calling off sick and it seems my stuff is getting all backed up.   They called me today and asked if I would be in tomorrow.  I just laughed.   :D   OK, maybe I shouldn't but gee whiz, plan your eggs into a few different baskets, eh?  Sometimes I wonder about the time management skills, and the skills to think far enough outside the box to ACT rather than only REACTing to a situation.   Enough said, I don't want to start a rant.  LOL

Been doing some thinking on blended families today as well, because of a phone call from my daughter.   Will be putting down some thoughts, because I've been through two blended families of my own -- and they aren't always easy!  But with laughter, you can get through most things :)

Miss My Sadie

I slept with the window open last night.  And woke up in the early morning hours to the sound of rain falling.  So I snuggled deeper into the covers all cozy and warm, and listened to the rain fall for an hour or so before drifting back to sleep.  There's nothing like the sound of rain to lull a person back to sleep!

It was a damp chilly day overall, and I was tired today.   I didn't make an effort to walk, since it was sprinkling off and on all morning.  After lunch, I just felt more tired than anything else, so I rested and napped.  A shower helped me feel better, and changed the dressing on my major incision.  My muscles are a little stiff, but it was SO nice to be able to sleep on my side last night!

Watching the World Series with my folks, and rooting for the Giants!  However.  They are not doing so well again tonight.   *sigh*  While I may not understand the bigger picture when it comes to making logical decisions .... why do they leave a pitcher in when he's not doing so very well?????  UGH it seems obvious to me:  a pitcher who gives up hits and runs, pull him before he does too much damage!   Seems obvious to me :p

I feel like there should be something important for me to say.
I guess "wise words" would be :  enjoy any family time you get, no matter what.
Am loving my time with my family, but am ready to be home as well.
I miss my Sadie!!!

Alma Mater

One week ago today was my emergency surgery.  Time has gone both slow and fast at the same time.  Nothing is over extended, but we keep it moving.  I'm having trouble with my eating.  Things seem to go right through, and research tells me this is normal.  I don't eat to much in the way of fats or caffeine.  Foods are typically bland for me and that works.  I ate a chicken burrito that was made with plenty of vegetables and rice, so that worked.  Probably shouldn't have had the avocado in it, but I did.  :)  and paid for that later with bloating and such.  BUT... the burrito tasted SO good :)

Today was my high school alma mater homecoming parade.  So I went and took pictures.  Didn't know any of the kids, but it brought up a lot of memories.  I was class of 77, this was 2014 so 37 years later......  What these kids don't realize is that by participating, they are creating some wonderful memories.  While creating memories, they also need to realize that this moment, these friends, even the ones who intimidate in some way are NOT always a part of your future.  Don't let some single moments define the way you live the rest of your lives!  But cherish the memories :)

Bill of Health

Here I am, post op 7 days, had my followup with my surgeon.  He was concerned with my liver, and had taken a biopsy.  It came back fine, normal, and I'm released back to work after another week of rest.

Am very happy with my progress,
and with those results as well. :)

Its nice getting a clean bill of health!

(Now I just get to PAY for services!!  lol)

Wonderful Weds

Here it is, Weds afternoon.  I've been in Calif a week now, and it's been .... eventful!  lol

Yesterday, my friend Melanie came over and we went for a walk at Ulistac Nature Area, it was a beautiful day!  Weirdly, this place is across the street from where she lives -- and she hadn't been there!   Not looking my best here, but OK for 4 days post op!

After being busy the past few days, I was feeling exhausted and just not quite ... normal.  So we rested up and got caught up on recorded shows like The Voice.

Tonight's my turn to cook, so I'm making some Tortellini Soup -- smells delish already.
 
Anticipating the World Series game #2 .... Let's go boys!!

My side is sore just under the ribs... as if I had fallen on it.  But after a few deep breaths, it eases up and things feel better.  I see the surgeon tomorrow for a follow up, get released to fly home on Monday, and then follow up with my own doctor.  Boy how things change in an instant!

It's very odd not being at home, not being in my usual routine, not being in my own comfort zone.  But I'm adapting and what better place than with my parents.  It's nice to be able to spend a lot of time with them :)

Orange N Black

Monarchs in

Orange 'n Black !!!

Perfect to cheer on

the SF Giants in the

World Series!!

and they WIN

the first game!

Well Played, boys!

Sleeping Well

the end of another post-op day and it was a little on the eventful side.  I'm finding that eating after gall bladder surgery has its issues.  Things that never bothered me - chocolate, cheese - will bother me for a time.  I'm hoping its not for all time, because those are two favs!

I took a walk around the block.  The weather turned, became cooler and a misty rain fell for half an hour.  My BFF came and took me to the park, that was nice to get out and walk around.  However, I got chilled.  So much so that I put on another shirt. I laid down under covers for a short nap. Even by dinner time I didn't feel up to eating.  But I'm finding that eating helps my metabolism speed up, and could feel the deep recesses heating up.  I felt a lot better after eating something.  Chicken breast, mashed potatoes and carrots.  Kinda sux, because don't you feel like calories don't count when you're on vacation, and all your favs outta be on the menu????  lol

I am trying something different tonight.  Borrowed Mom's heating pad, gonna see if that helps me get any additional sleep.  Maybe being just a little on the cold side -- which is how I prefer to sleep -- is keeping me from getting a good night's rest.   We shall see.

Know Thy Limits

Here it is, Monday again.  3 days post op.  And I'm doing ok -- when I am upright.  Laying down presents a few issues.  Mostly because I cannot sleep while lying on my back for any length of time.  And laying on my side isn't an option at the moment because it pulls on the incisions.  So naps and walks and doing things come in short spurts.  I managed to walk around my block 4 times yesterday, and feel as if I can do twice that today, but will settle for a realistic 6.   I rest when I'm tired, even if I don't truly sleep.  And that's ok too.  Any rest is best.

In the middle of the night, I didn't feel really well.  I've found that laying on my back presents issues with one small spot just below my shoulder blade that aches like crazy.  I'm wondering if one of my incisions hit a nerve that is connected to this one in my back.  This is the thing that keeps me from sleeping most of all.  I happened to get up in the middle of the night for some Tylenol, and decided that since I couldn't sleep, I'd grab a dark chocolate hershey kiss to nibble on as I watched  movie on my netbook. Little did I realize that chocolate is NOT a good thing for me post-op.  Without a gallbladder patients have trouble digesting fats, especially the first month, according to websites.  Should have read that before I nibbled on a chocolate!  But chocolate has always been my "go to" for feeling better!!   Guess we'll have to table that for a while.  :)

I've taken to listening to Tom Ameen, an instrumentalist who has songs like "Tranquility Bay" .... piano tune with ocean background, its very soothing.  I can close my eyes, and nearly smell the beach.  Maybe with my extended stay, I will get to the beach!  I should make that my goal.... sunset would be awesome :)

For now, one day at a time, one hurdle at a time.  I rescheduled my well-woman checkup for 2 weeks out, I scheduled a post op with my surgeon for Thursday, and made my calls to work.  I should be ok and up to date on everything -  hope I'm not leaving anything out!

36 Hours

What a 36 hours it has been!  UGH

Friday, I woke up and took my morning two mile walk, got snaps of sunrise, CalTrain, etc.  I came home and helped Mom put clean sheets on the beds, then mowed the lawns.  I came in to sit down and thought I needed to use the restroom, but it quickly turned to very severe abdominal cramps. They didn't subside, then my skin turned clammy, I got short of breath and then panic set in because I couldn't catch my breath.  I tried laying down, sitting hunched over.  Standing didn't work at all.  

When breathing grew more difficult with my slight panic attack and my fingers turned numb, I knew it was time to call my sis and head to an Urgent Care.  They didn't take my insurance, and didn't think they could treat me.  They gave me a shot of something for pain and sent me to ER.  We headed over and they checked me over, did an ultrasound, and decided that I had a gall stone.  Bad enough that they didn't think I would make it through Sunday and a flight home, and said surgery right now was imperative.  So.  From 10am when the pains started to 3pm when surgery started.  What a day!

I wheeled into a room and got a pain killer shot and slept until 1.  Then I needed the restroom, and decided to cruise the halls, one lap. then back into bed and slept until 4.  Which is my normal wake up time, so up for the restroom and three laps around the halls.  Ditto at 7am.  Mom and Sis came in while we waited for the doctor. 

When he came in he told us my gall stone - just one - was 4.5cm.  And commented that I have a very high pain threshold (I do!)  and that he was releasing me home.  I go back to see him on Friday to be cleared to fly home.   I have a tentative flight home on Monday, 10/27. 

I'm feeling a little ... sore, I have 5 laparascopic scars, but I'm on real foods, and so glad that it happened here, and not somewhere else.

Congrats!

Bottom of the ninth
Score is tied 3-3
Two men on
Ishikawa at bat

and.....
it's......
out of here!
A Home Run and the
Giants win!

and it's off to the
World Series!

"We own the Pennant!"                         

CONGRATULATIONS!

iChing-ing

Every once in a while I like to check it out, and see what the iChing has to say.  Today, it was "Family Members".    Which was totally interesting, considering I'm here with my family for the weekend!

37. Family Members

Line 5:

The king grants there to be a house.
Do not worry.
Good fortune.

Finding one's place. There is no need to worry, things go well.  

Wind Over Fire formed by the Trigrams.  Open and respectful communication is the key to making a team work successfully.

Changing to Mountain over Fire.  Valuing beauty will enable you to cultivate your taste for harmony in all aspects of your life.

Things go well.

I am going to hold on to this thought

and be happy with my time here

with lots of talking and sharing, too.

Doing Healthy

Because of my flight and all the woes of work,
my 66 day challenge begins today.  

I started the day with a long walk, 1.5 miles!  Breakfast of PB toast, and downed a bottle of water.  Then Mom announced "I saved the vacuuming......."  so that was next.  Moved all the furniture, etc. and got that chore done.

Spent some time in the backyard, soaking up a few rays.  It's a gorgeous day.  Roxy sat with me me in the sun :)  and in my silly way, I snapped a photo of her, and sent my sister a photo text with the caption "Hi Mom!"  lol

Imma Kid Again

Who says you can't go home??  I just did!

Ok, so I'm one of those lucky folks whose parents are still in the house they bought almost 50 years ago.  Sometimes I can't imagine never being able to come here, to be "home", but one day, it will happen..

In the meantime, I am here, sleeping in a twin bed in my sister's old bedroom.  Because my old bedroom has 'the big bed' and my aunt and uncle will be here for the weekend as well.

Coming home is a very odd feeling.  Here I am, 55 years old, and yet I walk in these doors and its like time hasn't moved, I'm still in my 20s or 30s.  Things don't change here very often.  Doors, walls and rooms of course stay the same.  And nothing much has changed either.  Altho there's a very fine new flat screen tv ... and some of the knick knacks and doo-dads change.  But I walk in the door, greet Mom, who then inquires if I need something to eat.   *laughs*  That part will never change, I'm sure!!  

And on the good side, my dad had another echocardiogram, and its much better than the last one.  so quite the reprieve from past reports.  Isn't it funny how just the absence of a little bit of that extra layered on stress can make a person feel 100% better!??!??!    I am anticipating a good weekend :)

Its a balmy 64 degrees here at 11pm, and I'm sliding the window open..... I love to sleep with covers and cool air!


And OH YEAH BABY.......

The SF GIANTS won again in game #4

WOOO HOOOOOO
*stands and does the wave*

Totally Tuesday

Tuesday, it's 5pm, and I'm just ready to totally wind it down.  I had to give myself a shake and get up to get packed for my trip tomorrow!  Yay, I get to see my folks, and another bonus my uncle from Oregon will be there as well. :)  Should be a totally fun weekend!

It gets hard to enjoy it, knowing that my helper at work has been out sick and won't return until Friday.  Which means I'll be a little anxious to what I walk into on Monday.  Yick.  But, I can take it in my stride, I'm good about that.

Whenever I drag out my blue suitcase, Sadie begins to get a little anxious.  I've traveled often this year, and she knows when I'm going to go, so she hangs around me even more.  Hehehe who knew, separation anxiety in my dog!  Crazy.   Thank goodness she'll be in her own home, Brian will be here, so it will be fine.

Time away is always a good thing.  And I'm hoping for some real time with my daughter's Nikon, a new longer lens, and some filters.  Lots of experimenting should be fun!  Will make posts of anything that works out!

Manic! Monday!

Just another Manic Monday  UGH  I thought the day would never end... and it nearly didn't!  I woke up this morning with a feeling that something wouldn't be right at work today, so I headed in an hour early.  And it's a good thing.  Turns out my weekend helper didn't show up all weekend.  So I had about two and a half days worth of work to do in 8 hours.  or more

Sheesh.  I ended up working ten and a half hours.  I got most of it caught up enough so that it doesn't look as if a hurricane zipped through the back room.

But I have to admit that I really like very busy days where I can see my accomplishments.  It feels good in my own personal being to see that much getting done in a timely manner.  That's just how I'm put together.  The accomplishments didn't stop there.  Once I got home, I scrambled up some ham and eggs, vacuumed the house, cleaned the kitchen, started the dishwasher, even took time to do my hair, shower, water the cactus.

And here we are, rolling up on 7pm.  With all these accomplishments, I should sleep really well!

Accomplishments feel good, results change your life – Dave Buck. 

"You should feel good about yourself because of your accomplishments. 

Not because somebody yelled at you to feel good about yourself." 

- Adam Carolla

I have to admit to myself that sometimes work accomplishments don't really count, because it doesn't directly affect my well being.  but then again, money helps with a lot of things :)

Ok. I am off to watch Antiques Roadshow ... that's my Monday go-to for relaxing.  I love to watch the stories behind all these old pieces.  :)





And here we are, rolling up on 7pm and I. Am. Exhausted!  but only in the best of ways.

Sunshine and Whiskey

Country Music.  There's nothing like it, great lyrics that put you in a mood, put a scene in your head, or just lift your spirits.   I downloaded a few new tunes tonight, my local library has something called Freegal and you're allowed 5 songs per week.  Granted, not every song is on there, but a good portion of them are!

My current fav tune is by Frankie Ballard:  

Sunshine and Whiskey

You hit me like fire, shot me like a bullet.

Burned me up and down, no way to cool it.

But every time you kiss me it's like sunshine and whiskey.

It's like a bottle of Jack straight to the head.

One shot, two shot, copper tone red.

Every time you kiss me it's like sunshine and whiskey.

sunshine and whiskey..... what a heady combination!
brings to mind summer days, hot nights,
and hanging out with the guy who's your best friend
who suddenly kisses you out of the blue
and you realize.... mmmm... sunshine and whiskey!

66 Days

There’s no denying that we are, indeed, creatures of habit. Our minds and bodies are dependent on stimulants, actions and patterns that come to define who we are. Our habits are our security blankets, enveloping us in their consistent presence and comfort of familiarity.  

Habits are not born, but created. Every bad, good or insignificant habit starts with a psychological pattern called a “habit loop.”  We become slaves to our habits. They become inhibitors and some have the power to control our lives. 

Though some substances we use have addictive qualities that make the habits almost impossible to break, there are ways to replace those bad habits with good ones… and all it takes is 66 days.  

So if you have a bad habit you want to change, scientists break it down into these four things:

First, shout about it.  Tell your friends.  Enlist their help to nudge you when you get off track.  It's easy to disappoint ourselves, but we hardly ever want to disappoint our friends and family.  This is the first 22 days -- they will be hard, but you can do this! 

Days 22-44 are for self analysis.  You've gotten over the hurdle and made it this far.  Now take some time to think about why you're doing this:  to get healthier?  to reach a goal?  to make your life better?   You can keep your reasons to yourself or share them, it's up to you.

Days 44-66 is the final push.  You've come this far, no WAY do you want to give up now!  If you're exercising, if you're eating better, if you stopped smoking or drinking, whatever habit you're in the process of changing, like the old ads say:  "You've come a long way, baby!"  There's light at the end of the tunnel now! 

When you reach that 66th day, you should celebrate!  Your friends who know about your changes would be more than willing to celebrate with you, I'm sure!  Throw a party, have some champagne, have a dinner out...  and then see if any of them are willing to make or break a habit!  And you'll be celebrating with them as well! 

Found this pic on the web... and that is going to be my 66 day challenge:  to stop eating sugary foods.  They say breaking the sugar habit is the hardest thing to do .... but I can do this!! 

I'm taping a big note to my fridge right now:

JUST   SAY   NO ! ! ! 

66 Day Challenge

starts NOW!

Anyone else want to join in????
I dare you!