I'm Just Done ...

 This whole up at 5:30am stuff is just nuts. Here we are again today. This 'smart' ring says I slept for 4 hours last night, supposedly in a deeper sleep through the night than the usual waking a few times. I don't feel tired, but there is something to be said about that half-sleep where you are 'just right' comfortable, and the sun ain't over the mountain. Sigh. I give. I just accept it now. If I feel like I need a nap, I'll take one (as appointments allow) and just go by what the body tells me it needs.

Nothing major on the calendar for this week. Good! I see the only thing I have marked is a "business meeting" following our AA meeting this morning for my Home Group, and a paracentesis scheduled for 9am Wednesday - which I will be attending. My hope this week is that they are able to 'drain me dry'. Just short of two weeks ago, 10L were drained, and another 10L five days later. I don't feel as bloated as then, so am hoping to get the fluid down to regular levels. I also hope to here by Wednesday if my case was reviewed. And to add to the excitement, I need to get a colonoscopy done. Over the weekend I picked up five prescriptions. One was my statin pill, another my anxiety pill, and the rest were "aids" for the clean-out. Only, it hasn't been scheduled yet, so not sure when to start these. Most start like 6-7 days prior to the procedure. I guess I should send a message inquiring about it.

Giving up your stresses and problems to a Higher Power. I am still working on this step for AA - well, acceptance and the actual giving it up. The Riders Convention has had me stressed now for two weeks, even though I "gave up" and just waited to find out what is going on, instead of actively seeking the information. It paid off, somewhat. I received a message from our previous Director (why is he STILL getting our official info and not us?) that last minute, the Convention was going to be a Zoom meeting on Sunday afternoon starting at 1:30pm. There were only about 10-12 people that showed up for the meeting. They asked if there was anything in the proposed bylaws we needed to discuss to bring before National, and there wasn't really anything from this small selection of Riders. The main purpose of this meeting was to elect Officers for State, prior to the Convention in Reno late July. Which we did. And that was pretty much it. I was off by 2:20 (about 40 minute meeting) and ... yeah. Kind of felt like I was left hanging in the wind, but in truth, it is that we just do not have the information at this time. There is so much that needs to be on our National level, then trickle down through State, and finally Chapter. At least we are knocking "District" out of the loop now. I need to get an email sent out to our group just giving them the highlights of what we went over, and who the new officers will be for State.

Sigh. Worrying about things that do not need it. Seems to be a trait of mine sometimes.

Sister and BIL headed back to NM yesterday. It was a short turn-around, so I didn't get a chance to visit. Besides they were busy with their family stuff. RM must be tired today, as she had a drive up North (with PT) yesterday for a 'graduation'. I checked on her at one point through that Life360 thing. They were headed north, and were about Anthem (just north of Phoenix) so just starting the trip. Later in the evening I checked again, as she said they may find a hotel, as PT was voicing worries that they should not go, and is worried about her driving at night, etc. I only hear this stuff, and it is frustrating - imagine RM having to deal with it. Well, it was late when I checked, but they were home, and had been since about 8pm. So glad she did make it home with no major issues.

Well, that's about all I got to say about that. I'm off to message Mayo about scheduling the ol' poop-chute picture taking session.

PeacE

A Late Post on a Sunday

 *yawn* what a good night! I ended up going to the Post last night. I left the house about 2:45, took the car through the wash, picked up some sodas and chips at Fry's (yes, I did order them that morning for pick-up) then headed to the Post. My friend Stacey showed up not long after I Got there, and we had some time to sit and 'catch-up' on the past couple weeks. I stayed through until the drawing for the Queen (didn't win anything) then headed home. After not having really gone out to the Post much lately, excluding meetings, it was sort of nice to have a nice night out with a good friend. I'd say the same for some other friends, but they drink, which doesn't bother me, but I just don't feel like sitting in a bar all the time to hang out. I do still get together with them for a lunch every now and then - in fact, I'm hoping to have lunch this week and be able to share some good news.

Yesterday morning I received an email from the Riders previous Director. Seems the AZ State Convention is going to be today, at 1:30, via Zoom. So I sent the information out, and 'strongly suggest that all attend'. I got a fresh notepad here at the desk, and I have been racking my brain for questions to maybe ask if not covered in the meeting. I still did not receive this through 'official' lines of communication, and that really irritates me, especially after formally telling them the our previous director is just that - previous. All official communication needs to go to the current officers, plus gave them contact info. I'm hoping it is just they are scrambling (like all of us) in getting things done prior to the big vote at the end of July. Sigh. I know my duties as Secretary are going to increase ...

This morning I slept through until 7am and the alarm. Seems if I stay up really late, that happens. Well, I ain't doing that regularly (staying up real late) so will deal with whatever comes. I picked up some prescriptions at Walgreens yesterday. Five to be exact. One is the statin pill the cardio doc wants me to start taking again. three were prep stuff for a colonoscopy I have to have done soon, and then one of my regular meds. This next week I have many of the others that will be filled. I need to remember to get to CVS for one of them as well. They called last week and said they were sending it to the store.

So today will be a day. I think I am able to squeeze in my AA group this morning, and then the Riders thing this afternoon - will probably be 2-3 hours. Then it is game time! Hope you have a relaxing day, even though I know RM and PT will be on the road north for a graduation ceremony. Be careful out the RM!

PeacE

Another Free Weekend

 I only had one thing on the calendar for this weekend and that was the alleged AZ State Riders Convention, to be held at my Post. This whole thing is turning into a fiasco that makes me leery about all the changes coming down the line, and are we actually ready for it. It seems to me to be a bit of a rush job over the past few months to scramble around putting together bylaws that do not supersede the National VFW, etc. When I stopped by the Post yesterday for the first time in awhile, I was talking to the Adjutant (also a Rider) and the information he had was a date had not been picked for the convention, but still needs to be done before the end of June so we can elect State officers. So I am just going to sit on it and wait for official communication at this point.

Yesterday was a relax day basically. I was over the tiredness the sedation left me from the day before. I did my home group meeting, then went for a haircut, then down to the Post. I was back home by about 4:30, and spent the evening at home. My friend Stacey checked in on my yesterday via text as she had not heard/seen me since the about the Riders dinner earlier this month. I caught her up on my medical stuff. She and some others will be up at the Post tonight and asked if I was coming up. I said it depends on how I feel. Right now, I am not sure.

I need to get a new office chair for here at home. The kids bought me this one several years ago, and it has gotten to where the hydraulics on the seat won't keep it raised. Also the wheels are slowly breaking off. I am sure at my way heavier weight, it started the damage. Only about half the wheels are still on it. I've checked a couple Goodwills, but nothing there. I might need to shop Staples online or something.

Another 5:30 morning. I might as well just set my alarm for that time, so I can sleep through the alarm. I dunno. I wake feeling rested. That smart ring says I didn't sleep good last night, but I think I did - for what of it I did sleep. Checking my numbers this morning I see my BP is a bit low (95/56) so going to be taking things slow.

My Sister and BIL have driven in from New Mexico. Guess one of their granddaughters has a dance recital today, and they came back for that. I doubt that they, or I, will have time to get together as they are returning Sunday. I think it is about a 12-14 hour trek for them. Maybe next time...

Welp, guess that is about it for now. Just waiting on Wednesday and hoping they review my medical case. I really want to get on the List and start the real waiting.

PeacE

Slow Week of Posting

 ... and I don't apologize, so, sorry - not sorry!

Actually I have been fairly busy, and still have some more to complete that I have been putting off. Wednesday was a almost a full day at Mayo. Starting at 6:45am I had bloodwork, urine sample, consult w/Nurse, consult with Dr C, and finally, consult with the cardiologist. An angiogram was scheduled for Thursday already, for them to look at any possible calcium deposits in my veins. Then, if needed, provide measures that need to be done. Here's to hoping it can be done while I am on the Waiting List. Well, yesterday was the angiogram, starting at 5:45am. First time I have had one of these. The Wife took off work to be there, I think just in case something did go wrong. She has better medical understanding than my Son, and she had mentioned that if it came down to it, she'd prefer to be the one to make the decisions medically, rather than forcing it on my Son.

It was just fine and nothing seemed to go wrong from what I know. I came to in recovery, the Wife was already seated next to me. They held me there for a good hour or more as they released the bandage on my wrist where they inserted the catheter. I guess it is some kind of 'air bandage' that uses air pressure to keep the site from opening up and bleeding. They could only let a couple psi out about every 10 minutes. It wasn't so tight it hurt, in fact, right then I didn't even feel it. I was in and out of it most of that time. The Wife got the after-care speech and printouts. Then home we went, reaching there just before noon.

I missed my AA home group, but was able to get in on the transplant support meeting at noon. Afterwards, I played video games for a bit. I still need to get minutes out. I NEED to do it today, even if I have received no information about a State Riders Convention this Saturday, at our Post. Sigh.

I think today I will do the minutes this morning, attend my home group at 11am, and then head out to get my hair-cut and then off to the Post. Sounds good anyways. I need a break from my game I am playing. Results from angiogram should show up today. Hopefully all will be ready to go for review next Wednesday.

Fingers Crossed

PeacE

Happy Father's Day

 It's that day again, but this year I got my present early. Yesterday the Wife, Youngest and I went over to the Middle Son's to celebrate my grandson's 1st birthday. It was a small affair. Some of them went swimming for a bit, then did the cake and presents show. RM came, but she had to go once she saw PT was home - and he called her asking when she was going to be home. I swear, I am not going to let him upset me with this control he constantly tries to exert over everyone. Anyway, The Daughter and family came up from Tucson, and Even the Oldest Son swung by for a bit, with his girlfriend. I was able to have a few alone minutes with each of the kids, which was nice. Overall, the party was successful (Doc, the grandson) got a cake to smash, and new toys and shirts. Afterwards we headed home and I played video games the rest of the evening.

Never heard anything about this Riders Convention supposedly happening at my Post. It was on the calendar for yesterday. I heard verbally second-hand it is the 27th, but that Saturday, our Post has the hall rented out to someone else. I *still* have not received any official notification about the convention, or anything to do with it, except second-hand. We will see what happens this week. I do need to get the minutes done - been waiting all week to see if any information was incoming about the convention.

Wednesday and Thursday I will be spending some time at Mayo. Bloodwork, nurse visit, doctor visit, and cardiologist on Wednesday, followed by an angiogram on Thursday (at 5:45 am) ugh!

Not sure what I am going to do today. Maybe just mess around the house.

PeacE

A Decent Ending ...

 to yesterday. I had the paracentesis done. They removed the maximum amount the doctor's orders allowed (10L) and I received 3 doses of Albumin. Oh, the relief from all that pressure is gone! But, the tech said that there was still at least 2-3 liters left in there, and they will have to0 be that way until my next appointment (July 1st). But I feel so much better for now.

Cardiologist Nurse called yesterday. Scheduled an Angiogram for Thursday. Which means it will be yet another week before they can take to review for the Waiting List. I dislike all this waiting, just to wait more, but I understand the why of it. 

Today is the Grandson's birthday, and regardless of the Riders Convention issue, I am going to his party. I was last given the info that it was to be next week, so let it be next week. I need to stop and get a veggie/fruit tray when we head over. The Wife did some shopping for gifts the other day, so I am just rolling with that.

Up early again. I might as well change the alarm clock to this new time.

And that is all I got today.

PeacE

TGIF!

 I am really happy it is Friday. With the "error" in scheduling this week, and having to push my paracentesis to Friday ... Let's just say I am ready to be popped and drained. I would not be surprised if they take 10L (max allowed to drain per Dr. orders) and there is still a couple left in there. Well, it will have to sit another couple weeks, and I couldn't get an appointment set up before that. My abdomen is just so distended, and the muscles around it are getting sore from all the extra weight and proportions. I cannot wait for 1pm to get here.

Slept good last night again. The smart ring says I only woke twice (bathrooms calls) and I slept just under 7 hours. I woke when the alarm went off, and the Youngest was just outside the bedroom door. Seems he picked today to do the battery thing. HE already had it out, so we went up and of course it is dead. So they couldn't test it. Well, I said we'd be back about 9am and see where it tests. I have a feeling I am buying a battery this morning. I priced them, for his car. I remember back when I was paying around $100 for a battery. Now, the cheapest they carry is $260. Not happy, but what am I to do?

Still no word regarding the Riders Convention, that my Post is hosting supposedly. What a mess up. I admit, I am stressing a little about it. That, and when details do come around, I have so many questions. At least I finally will be able to network a little with some of the chapters, and contacts for their Secretaries, to ask questions of. 

Tomorrow is the 1 year birthday of my grandson, Doc. They are doing a little pool party for him, and we plan on going for a little bit. Their apartment is sorta small, so having a large group of people is cramping it up. I think RM even said she would stop by for a bit. I hope so. RM offered up some shorts she had gotten that may fit me, PLUS she bought some Pickle Crack hot sauce, and a thing of pickle salsa just for me. The hot sauce I have had before but not the pickle salsa. I love pickle de gallo, but sometimes it is hard to find in the valley. I think my regular grocery does not carry that type, but do have that brand of pickles. Maybe it was Sprout's I saw it at ...

Aside from the car battery stuff, and my paracentesis ... I ain't doing nothing today. I know I will be wanting to be still after the draining. 

And that's all I got this morning ...

PeacE