Filling the Hole

 I had a Paracentesis yesterday morning. One thing I really like about being the first appointment at 9am, is sometimes, they start early. So yesterday They had me back there and on the bed by 8:30am. I guessed that it would be less than 10L drained - thinking more like 6-7. Ended up draining 9.4 L. Received three bags of albumin, and was out the door by 10:30. I had lunch plans running through my mind, and had already decided what I wanted, so I went to JT's Gyro's and got my usual. By this time RM had texted worried about me, and asking if I was okay. I got home and let her know I just got home and would post an update soon. Turns out, the Life360 app we use did not record me leaving or going to my appointment, etc. so she had no idea if I made it, or overslept and was concerned. After checking my phone, I realized it was because Mobile data was turned off.

I weighed in prior to going to the hospital in the morning. Came in at 296 lbs. Ugh! Well after draining, and I got home, I weighed in at 276 lbs. Better, but not my actual weight just yet. The Edema in my legs and such is probably another 20 lbs. and that would drop me to near 250, which I can deal with. Nothing exciting happened at the appointment or with lunch. I ate it, and it was good.

This morning I have done my bio readings, took my meds, drank my vanilla protein shake, and am ready to get things started. I think I am going to skip the AA meeting today (maybe) and just go to the Transplant one. Depends on how I feel. Last evening, my head started hurting like I had slipped on ice and cracked the back of my head. I hadn't fallen or bumped my head in anyway, so was confused about it. I even probed with my fingers, expecting to feel a bump. Nope. Just a headache that is sitting in the back of the head. Generally I cannot take anything for situations like this. Acetaminophen is not good for the liver, and neither is Ibuprofen, but it is the better of the two. I do have a bottle here that I save for extreme pain, regardless what the doctors say. I had 2 pills last night, and this morning I still feel some residual pain. Muscle related? Too Tense? I did some stretches of the upper back and shoulders this morning, so let's see if that helps.

The first half of  the year property taxes are due starting today. I see it has gone up 3.7% (about $40) from last year. Since the house has been free and clear for many years, we have to pay it, as we don't have an escrow account. I could pay to set one up, but I don't think it is worth it. Also have the Wife's registration due. Two years for her car is more than 1.2 year's taxes, for now.

I think that is all I got to say about that.

PeacE

Nothing Major

 Today I go in again for a paracentesis at 9am. There probably won't be any follow up post today, as I am usually worn out afterwards.

The edema in my legs seems to be slowly to lessen. It's hard to tell. I weighed in this morning at 292 lbs. and even if they get 10L drained, that is only 20 lbs. plus I would still have the weight from the fluid in my legs. I still estimate myself to be a true weight of around 250, which means my eating habits are holding pretty good, and I am not putting on a bunch of unneeded weight.

RM, not sure if there will be a tidbit today. May have to wait until closer to noon or tomorrow.

PeacE

Getting Back Into the Groove

 I wonder how many times that was said by deep-voiced men being the DJ on late-night radio back when they played LPs.

My prayer time went 'over' this morning. Not sure why, or how. Figured God needed my attention longer, and held me there. I ain't complaining. There an HR for God? Anyway, I had several things pop up on my mind today that I felt compelled to talk to God about, not necessarily me, but some stuff. I know he heard me, as I felt a bit lighter in step afterwards. I had also started my prayer journal this last week, and I am surprised by how it has grown in just a short while. But I go through it every morning.

I have been feeling a bit better health-wise. I'm giving nods of thanks to all those involved, but I wonder if it the milk. As a kid, I loved milk, but it had to be Vitamin D. None of that skim, 2% or at times, straight from the cow. As I reached adulthood, the amounts of it I drank decreased. Moreso when I started drinking alcohol. Don't mix those two up! Needless to say, over this last year I have tried to drink more milk. I just cannot seem to get into the habit of having a glass a day. My last doctor visit at Mayo he had mentioned it would be good for me to get a on protein shake daily routine, with high protein. I've looked (online) at several products from Amazon, Wal-Fart, Walgreens, etc. but either it was rather expensive, or bad reviews saying it tasted terrible, or just had a low protein amount in it. Last Friday, RM had sent me home with a partial bag (resealable) of vanilla protein shake mix from a certain brand their doctor recommended for them. I started drinking it using milk instead of water (yuck) mixed in, and it is great tasting! Also a way for me to drink some milk daily! I still need to price this brand out, but it is looking good!

I said I felt my health was better, and it is somewhat. Today, my legs weren't as swollen this morning with Edema. My abdomen area looks more like it used to when all I did was paras (no Edema on the sides). My joints aren't as painful today (at this time). I am still going to the para tomorrow. The doctor is the next week, then soon after I hear about making the list or not.

I've debated about telling people what is going on with my medical and all. I have kept updated some family members (uncles, etc.) a couple really close friends, and of course, more immediate family. There are several people that know I am going through the process for the transplant, but it doesn't necessarily mean anything to them (AA group, etc.). When I make the List (positive thinking) I thought about just letting everyone know that I am on a List waiting. I know some that would like to know, and others that wouldn't care. At the same time I don't want to be a drama queen.

I think I just decided on that. No sharing. If someone asks, share. Don't ask, don't share.

And with that life-saving decision, I am moving on into the day.

PeacE

Catching Up On My Boring Life ...

 Welp, it looks like I left off on Friday. Nothing was on the calendar that day, so I presume I just played games and attended my AA meeting. Oh! Wait! Now I remember! I went out to RM's to visit that morning, even though PT was going to be home. I also was to pick up an older computer, and a new camera that they had never used (USB for the computer). It was a decent morning. I did get asked by PT about why he and I don't get together for breakfast/lunch like we used to (several years ago). I reminded him it was when I asked him to give up his keys and quit driving (which he still hasn't). I would not ride with him, and I started not doing the meals because I did not want him driving and possibly hurting others. Then a job came, and I didn't have the time. He seemed pacified with the answer, and that is all he will get from me.

RM (as usual) ended up sending me home with a big bag of things: Vanilla Milkshake flavored protein shake mix (which is quite good), some no-bake breakfast bars with White chocolate Macadamian nut, some brown ones too - for Del -, 2 bags of regular colored peppers, a single use protein drink, and I know there was more, but can't remember it all. RM loves to give! We really liked the breakfast bars, and I started taking the protein drink each morning and it tastes good. I'll have to buy this brand, too. A bag of apples, too!

One of the reasons I had went out to the Westside was to go see to one of our Riders. He'd been in the hospital/rehab for several weeks, and I had a signed card for him. After personal debate, and ideas from RM, I decided to just mail the card (which I did). The walking and all would have been brutal for me, let alone having to visit. 

Near lunch I decided it was time to go. I headed to Peoria Discount by myself and hungry. I usually just buy a few snackies for myself and Youngest, and maybe the Wife if I find something I know she likes. Found a couple nice meat specials, and some drink stuff: Ginger Ale and Cranberry (I like it) Tropical Sprite, Lymonade Sprite and several different mixes of Ocean Spray Cranberry juice mixes. My favorite is the blueberry. Spent about $75 more than I meant to, but it will get used.

Home and unloaded, separated snacks out, and the rest of the evening was a normal one. Sunday I didn't do much of anything. We had a late lunch of El Pollo Loco and that burrito I like filled me up so much, I skipped dinner. This week is pretty skimpy, too. Today is the Daughter's birthday. I have a business meeting at 1pm for my AA group (member vote). Property taxes are due 10/1 and I have until 10/15 to pay the Wife's registration) no emissions required). That's all on the calendar.

So, knowing you ain't going to have any quality this week... I'll let you go... Here's a song I like.

PeacE

This is A Long Drain ....

 I left the house yesterday around 10:30a. I figured I would not be back home until about 3:30p-4p. I had been thinking about getting a haircut, but even with "check-in" at the walk-in places made guessing a time frame difficult. I needed to be at the hospital by noon. Well, I have my account with Great Clips, and I signed in, my location showed a wait time of 0 minutes. So I checked-in, and headed that way. I know my haircut will only take about 20-30 minutes, so I rolled the dice. When I got there, there were three names on the list now, though mine was first, and no one waiting. I got called back before I could sit down. So goal one accomplished.

It's about 11a, I still have an hour until I need to be at the hospital, but I don't feel like going all the way home and back when I am halfway to the next location. So I headed to the hospital early. When I got to the radiology waiting area where they usually check me in, the gal was surprised to see me. But it worked out. I guess there was a cancellation, so they could take me earlier, which they did by about 40 minutes. I ended up draining 11.8L (about 22 lbs.) and felt much better on one front. The edema along the sides of the abdomen had the tech using a same diameter catheter, but longer. The abdomen wall is swollen to at least 5cm from what he told me. Mostly from the edema.

I then went over to CARS and got my four bottles of albumin IV'ed into me. I was hungry, since I usually fast until after the procedure. Even though I got done early, I was ravenous. I ended up at JT's Gyro's (35th Ave 7 Greenway) and got a meal of the beef pita shwarma. Comes with fries, drink, and like most of their meals this little cup of soup. I have not been able to figure out what type of soup it is (Greek chicken and noodles?) but it is sooooo tasty! Went on home and weighed my "dry" weight (295 lbs.) and ate that meal!

I noticed about then, the bandage they had used had leaked (again) just like last week. So I had the wetness down one side of my crotch about 4 inches wide. Last time, this slow drip from the catheter hole had stopped in the evening, and I figured this time would be the same. Nope. It is still going this morning. We decided to let it leak, get some of the extra fluid out, as long as no signs of infection or anything. I have no way of calculating how much is drained, but I'll take relief in very small doses if I have to do so. 

As usual I a tired from the procedure, and I see a nap in my future. Two meetings today, then a nap... could be a good day after all.

PeacE

Oh, Thankful That Today Is the Day!

 Paracentesis. One would think that having this done close to once a week since January that I would be used to it; numb to the needles. It sure doesn't work that way. Today I have one at 1pm (thankfully). Between the edema and the ascites build up, I am really distended (the Wife says I am having triplets) and though it is not 'painful' the discomfort level is pretty high. My breathing has been short pants for the past few days as well, making the Wife worry. I believe it to be from all the pressure pushing up against my diaphragm, and will go away once I am drained. She's worried there is fluid in my chest cavity and I will need to get a thoracentesis. As if she were the one getting it... those hurt so much, and I always pass out.

So I have a few hours until I need to be there. I'll go through my morning routine, then I am thinking about getting a haircut. Afterwards, I may head to the hospital just a little early, and play games on the tablet. I like being early with them, just in case they are ready early. It has happened!

I started 'The Circle Maker' yesterday morning, and it may not have gotten me as excited as RM just in the first chapter, but I am still working on it. I think today I stopped at chapter 3. I'm hoping it gets to the 'nitty-gritty' soon, else I may have to  put it aside until a later date to re-read and then it will impact better. But for now, i still read several pages a day.

I finished Job today. I did learn a bit about God while reading it. Learned about how some friends don't have your interests at heart when talking to you seriously about said things. Of course this book had a happy ending...read it to find out what it was. So now I need to figure where I am reading next. Psalms is the next book, and I am looking forward to reading it at some time, so I may go ahead and start it. I feel this may a book a read over many times.

I heard from Data Doctors yesterday. I don't think they can figure out what I did either. I had two options (technically three, but I didn't really want to buy a brand new hard drive). Well, I took one option, and not because it was the cheapest. They are going to backup what is salvageable from the drive, wipe it, reload Win 11, and then the recovered files. It will take another 2-3 days, so I'm still without that computer until the weekend. I started to make a list last night about possibly what other programs I had on there that I will need to reload. The games I am not so worried about, as through the Steam set-up, I am able to re-install any in my library. I am more worried about my Calibre folder (holds all my ebooks) and the Torrents file (holds d/ls and u/ls for books). I am sure there are two or three others as well, I just cannot remember them. So until Friday, I am not worrying about it.

And with that, I'll mosey on down the road this morning....

PeacE

Let's Give Them Something To Talk About....

 Have you been the grape on the vine that people talk about? The rumors don't come to you, you are the rumor. Personally, I try to avoid the gossip mill, and where possible, change the direction of conversation, or walk away. I've kind of been a 'straight from the horse's mouth' when it comes to people spreading their stories. Lately, I have become that fat grape hanging on the vine, that people are talking about. Not everyone, but enough anyways.

Last night was the VFW Riders meeting. But I was there early (as usual) to "get into the mindset" and have a tea. I'm sitting at the bar in the Canteen, playing some game on my tablet to pass the time. There are about 5-6 others in there that I have good relationships with. Anyways, I dropped the stylus to my tablet. It landed on the footwell in front of me. Before I could even get my butt off the chair, Four of the guys are walking over saying 'I got ya Ralph' or 'Need help getting that?' or just coming over to help. I got angry. There wasn't time to cool this one down. I basically raised my voice and hollared 'I ain't dead yet, ya dumbasses. I can pick up a pen that is right in front of me. It's not like I'm so invalid I cannot do anything for myself'.' I bent over and picked it up. I continued, 'It's a damn transplant, not a march to my death!' Now these guys are Vets, and of course this outburst doesn't faze them. One guy did respond back something along the lines of 'but we want you around here longer.' Boy, if he only knew what he'd be asking for!

As the evening wore on, I felt bad, then stupid, then knowing I was wrong to have snapped at them like that, I went to apologize. I caught two of them that hadn't left, and they were like "pfft, wasn't nothing'. But I made amends, pretty quickly, after knowing I was wrong in my actions. I'm sure by next Tuesday there will be something going around about how I bit the heads off everyone for no reason, or some wrong answer. Sigh. Rumor mills.

RM's favorite phrase from me: I am bored. There's nothing to do. That's how I have been feeling since Saturday. Without my main desktop, I cannot play video games, picture is smaller, I don't mistype as much, as well as having the externals hooked up (speakers, camera, etc.) that using this laptop is frustrating. I did get it up to Data Doctors yesterday morning, but I know they won't even look at it until today. So I am hoping for a phone call that says it is fixed, and didn't cost more than what I already paid. Yes, I admit, it is one of my prayer items this morning. 

But I am happy that I do have a laptop available. I managed to hook the sound system to it, the camera, a working external drive (tried to play s games from it, but it reads too slow). I am able to do things easier than just from the phone. And I can stream movies/shows. So I have been catching up on some series, as the next season will be dropping soon, or just to see if I like them. My movie list has gone down quite a number as well, though it seems most of these movie are not to my liking, and I don't finish them. Trailers do a good job of making a movie look really good sometimes.

And with that, I am out of here.

PeacE

I Broked It

 Saturday, I got back to trying to get these new external drives to cooperate with my computer. Late in the morning, I did something, I have no idea what, that now my computer will boot up to BIOS, and no matter any changes, when restarted, back to BIOS. I walked into the bedroom wiping my heads like a was done - and I was. I told the Wife I am going to take it in to Data Doctors on Monday. Let's see them hopefully get my regular computer back to working, and maybe format a couple of these external drives. Need the second one for my laptop to back-up my VFW stuff.

A couple days without the computer. Easy Peasey. I whipped out the laptop, so I do have limited access. Finished up the meeting agenda for tonight's Riders meeting. I was able to take care of a few other needed things as well. I don't know if I will have time, but going to try to get the camera (from the regular computer) on the laptop, as it gives a better picture. I have a Zoom call with the Psych Doc today. I also skipped my meetings this weekend. I don't know what it is, but I just do not like the camera on the laptop. I did take the sound system from the regular computer and got it on the Laptop, so at least I could watch a movie and hear things.

So, here's to hoping they are able to fix it all today. I am getting a little antsy to play my video game. In fact, tried to put it on the laptop, but not enough space - go figure. Posting will lbe skimpy, but know I am okay.

PeacE

Caveat Emptor

 Wow! Who knew that I could know Latin - or even spell it! Today's title reads "Buyer Beware" and I have heard this a lot over the years, especially when working real estate. It makes sense. Buyers should verify their purchase is up to their standards, whether they make any compromises or not. And once again, I have dove headfirst into this rabbit hole...

Several years ago I had purchased an external hard drive for my computer. It was only 1Tb, but to the common man (read noon-geek/nerd) this was a lot of space! Additionally, I got it for sale at CostCo. It is still working today, and has lasted through two other computers. Well, it has reached it's capacity (I won't say anything but, who wants to save 500 million pictures of sunsets and flowers? I know someone...). Being the day and age we are in, I started looking for like a 2Tb, maybe 4Tb external drive, This would be used 'in addition to' the one I have hooked up already.

Computer sites were very pricey. Amazon was not much cheaper. So let's go to the cheapest ... Temu. I found a nice 4Tb for a very low price, and bought it. After a couple weeks it finally showed up and I hooked it up to the computer. Plug 'n play seemed to work as the computer found the drive. I started transferring over the next few days some files of the main drive, that I had been holding for more space. After a couple weeks, I happened to check the folder of somethings I had moved. The folder was empty. All the folders were empty. And now, I couldn't move/copy anything to that drive. I need that space from somewhere to make room. At Temu I found another 4Tb. Cha-Ching! The next day, I found another 4Tb for a few dollars even lower ...yes, I bought it. I had purchased a few other smaller things as well.

Yesterday was payday at my front door. Both external drives showed up. Went to plug it in - no plug n play. I pulled out the 28 page booklet that had 1 page of English, stating it needed to be formatted before use. Okay, I have done that before...on like 286's, with an internal drive, shouldn't be hard. I even looked up instructions for Win 11 to be sure I did it right. I can get the computer to recognize that there is a drive there, but it won't format or partition it. Keeps popping up some Windows error. I try looking up the error, and it circles me back around to the beginning again. I found a free program that will do all this for you, so I d/l'ed it and it started to work, but again, could not format/partition. I'm getting frustrated. I unhook that one, hook the other new one up. Same exact problem. After three hours of messing with it all, I knew I needed to step back, calm down, and go surfing the web for maybe some other information that could help.

I did go to lunch with my AA Home Group at Chili's. There ended up being about 10 of us, three whom I had not met yet in person. I had 2 side salads (the regular ones looked yucky) and though I shouldn't I did get a piece of the peanut butter pie. It was good! We had a good time laughing and joking around, plus sharing some details we may not want to share in actual group. I was asked quite a bit about my whole liver thing, which I downplayed and said I am just waiting for the week after 10/8 to see if I made the list (which is true). It was after lunch I did the computer thing.

I finished out the evening playing my video game, and putting off the agenda I need to write up for Monday's meeting. It will get done sometime this weekend. It's for the Riders, so I am thinking there is not much to put on there, as we are almost in limbo for now.

And to that, I bid Adieu (Wow! I do French, too!) to you all. I am sure I will be frustrated today as I try to work on this computer issue. The things to look forward to doing...

PeacE

Some Conversation at Last!

 I gave up and took one of my sleeping pills the other night. Needless to say, they work well. I was out until about 11:30a yesterday, woke feeling well-rested. I also woke feeling sort of groggy (side effect of the pill). Thinking I'm good and at the 'full' line for rest, went to bed last night at a decent hour. Then it was like being on the sea - I tossed and turned it seemed most of the night. It didn't help that inher sleep, the Wife kneed my in the stomach a couple times - that hurt! I know it isn't her fault (maybe?) but it is what it is. And now I am up at 5am.

Mayo contacted me yesterday? Maybe the afternoon before, via message in the portal. The nurse said they had gotten my labs in, and based on those results the doctor (which one?) did not want to change any of my medications at this time. She did ask how the swelling from the edema was, so I wrote back that it has barely receded, I'm distended. I do not have a paracentesis scheduled until next week, but at this time, I am not in pain from the pressure, just uncomfortable - but that could be the edema on the sides of my abdomen area, too. The nurse did apologize (in words) about the state of the edema, and how I was feeling, following up with see you in a few weeks (10/8 appointment). Sigh. It gets closer day by day. Monday I have a Zoom appointment with the team psychologist, which usually lasts about 15 minutes. Then it is sitting on my hands until the 8th.

In the past year, I know I have made the comment, or at least thought it, that my life is like Job's. He was the one that God allowed Satan to do whatever to, except touch him, to show Job's unwavering devotion to God. Job last everything: I think it was 7 sons, and 3 daughters; extensive herds of goats and livestock, hi home, his financial standing, and my comparison, his health. I picked this book to read daily because I felt that comparison, which with just the above information, doesn't really match at all. I'm only on chapter 10, where Job is very ill and is speaking with his two friends that came to him, so I am sure I will know more of " the rest of the story" over the next few weeks.

I'm working on a book titled 'Drop the Rock' which is an AA aid for steps 6 & 7. I am just short of halfway, and already have picked up some usual information. I have then next book as well, that helps with Step 10, but before I get to that one, I will start "The Circle Maker" that RM gave me for my birthday. I am anxious to start it, but trying to keep the discipline of finishing a book before I start another. My reading has decreased astronomically compared to last year, that if I pick a book up, I will now finish it before starting another, because it takes me longer to get through them. I have one last journal book I like that I saving for that book.

Had a nice visit with the Middle and GSon the other morning. Doc, the GSon, is getting better about being around bearded people I guess, as he did give smiles to me, let me pat his back and even got a high-five, but there is still no way he was letting me hold him. Soon Papaw, soon.

Today I actually have plans! With Adults! My AA Homegroup is meeting for lunch. This is the group's designated quarterly lunch they get together for through the year. I went to a non-sanctioned one (special invite) and met several of the regulars a few short months ago, and had a great time. Today, we are meeting at the Chili's about a mile from my house - talk about convenient!! So, yeah, I'm there. I'll have to look at the menu before I go to figure out what I'll have, since eating and me are in the ring again. Hopefully they will have a salad I like. Plus, I get conversation! I spend most of my days at home when I have no appointments or errands. Mainly because was asked by Mayo to not drive due to the encephalopathy. So I have slowly relinquished my keys. Youngest takes me, or on off days, and special appointments, the Wife does. Big change from me being the one driving all the time (which the Wife prefers). But being home all day doesn't allow for a lot of conversation. Sure we talk a little before and after group meetings, but that is like 20 minutes at most. So no conversation per se. I admit, I could probably find and meet people on Discord, but not sure if I really want to - it's a whole catch-22. But I'll get an hour plus of adult conversation today. 

And I suppose I should tie this up and get it posted.

PeacE

Early to bed, Early to rise ... oh, Snap!

 Having not slept so good the past few nights, I decided I was going to go to bed early last night versus popping a pill to force myself out. I think it was about 9:30-10 when I shut my eyes. And opened them at 6am. Ugh. I did get a couple extra hours sleep, and I do feel more rested this morning. I just would like things to get back on a more even keel. I blame the whole liver thing for this, and other problems.

I feel okay today. Aside from the edema related effects/pains, I am not noticing anything else wrong. They could be covering up something, but I don't want to start playing the guessing game. I just need to get this edema down.

Yesterday in my regular AA group, we found out one of the regular members had passed away on Sunday. She wasn't local, and Zoom called in from Eastern Oregon. I have seen her many times at different meetings, and she had several years of sobriety, knowledge, and faith in God. I did not know her well, as we didn't talk one on one. There was about half the women in the group that had been sponsored through this lady, or reached out to her for help, so they were extremely upset. And even some of the older guys that have been around for years were crying some. Whatever topic we had was not happening, and the hour was spent remembering this lady. Near the end, Dave (who was hosting) called on me. He said he was interested in how we, as a group and individually, handle the grief of this situation, as he too, knew her a long while and was having issues.

I immediately said I was not a counselor nor a therapist, or even qualified to give "medical" advice on the subject, but here are my thoughts. And as I took my allotted 3 minutes, there was some head nodding, so I was getting through to some people. As the timer went off, and I muted myself, Dave spoke up saying to the group that this was actually some good advice, and if anyone wanted to follow it, feel free. Then there was the usual "reach out" if you need to especially if you feel like drinking. As the day went on, this kept popping back in my mind was did I give good advice? I kind of just blanked my mind and let words come out my mouth. They sure sounded right for a was to deal with grief. And we know everyone deals with it differently.

I've been snacking well since Saturday! The several pickle-flavored snacks RM gave me for my birthday have been being tested and enjoyed! The spicy Chex mix was soooo good, I need to find more of it. It's gone. The Dill Slim Jims are still here and are really good. Trail mix....I couldn't taste and dill/pickle to it, but it is trail mix so always good. I think I still have half a container. I can't eat the suspenders...and I can't remember off the top of my head if there was one other food item. But I do like all of them. Restraint has been difficult. Thanks RM!

And with that, I am closing out. Middle Son just got here with Doc (the token grandson) and I wan to visit a little before he heads home.

PeacE

Should Have Taken The Pill

 Another tired morning. I didn't get my nap in yesterday, so thought I would sleep well last night. But I ended up awake at 1:30a still, and knew it was too late to take a sleeping pill, as I would be groggy all of today if I did. So slept in until just after 8am. Of course, that messes with my "routine" and I am just winging it this morning.

... and I still have nothing of mind to write about today. So, until tomorrow...

PeacE

Short and ... *snore*

 I'm tired this morning. Due to a family matter, I woke multiple times during the night, in which I prayed regarding the matter. All said, I was in bed for about 4 hours. Deep sleep? Not even close. And as I look now, I see I let my smart ring go dead, so no sleep chart it puts out. Sigh.

The Wife is off work today. She has a medical video call this morning, then has to fast until early afternoon when she goes in for an MRI, and a mammogram. I asked if she would like me along and though she hmm-hawed, she said no. All I would do is sit in the waiting room. But I brought up the possible need for a driver, and she said it shouldn't be required.

I'll be piddling around my computer I guess today.

... and taking a nap.

PeacE

Mom's Are the Best

 Yes, even though I am a Father, Mom's are still better. Especially my Mom. Yesterday she had texted and asked about swinging by to drop off some presents she had gotten for my birthday. I was just playing video games so said sure, and shortly she arrived. The Wife and Youngest greeted her as well. I got a nice bag of little snackies: Chex mix extra spicy dill flavored (I opened this one, and it is good), some dill pickle flavored smaller Slim Jims, a nice sized cannister of dill pickle trail mix (haven't tried it yet) and a new set of suspenders that are black with the American Flag on each strap. I had been thinking recently of getting a second pair of suspenders, so this came at a good time. Lastly, and as I waited for her to arrive I wondered if she would, there was book. This one is "The Circle Maker" and is one of her best reading  recommendations. I'm a bit excited to start it, but would like to finish the one I am on, so I don't get mixed up in my head. I used to able to multi-task reading several books, but cannot at this time with the encephalopathy.

Mom has always enjoyed the fact that I am a big reader, I believe. I recall a few of my school-age years where she had bought books at Christmas for me, and that went on into my early twenties. Then I told her to stop. She was doing the best she could in a genre that is predictable and in my mind, overly repetitive of morals and ethics and Christian philosophy. In short, I was not enjoying them, and I was tired of the whole churchy-vibe I got when reading them. I asked for gift cards or money so that I could pick out what I wanted to read. But she did introduce me to C.S. Lewis ("Narnia Chronicles" and a space trilogy I can't remember the name of right this second).

RM has blogged about some indecision with a want and desire to lead a group. She wants to teach what she knows to others. I know with PT's particulars, it makes it difficult (another story). But she has been teaching me for the past few weeks. As I've re-committed my Life, I get to spots where I am not sure what to do. It doesn't have to be like a cult rite, but some guidance (aside from prayer) or suggestion that truly has helped me. When it came to prayer, all I knew was you thank God, You praise God, you ask of God (healing/prayer lists) and that was it. All she gave me was a, I think she said yesterday, 40-year old prayer wheel chart. Believe it or not, it was not a list of orders of structure, but a circle chart. You could start anywhere, but it covered things prayer covers (if that makes sense). It helped me determine how I want to pray. I think I even told her yesterday it helped so much.

Let's not get started yet on the 'just because' things she does, or being willing to drop everything and come help if I ever needed and asked. Our lunches. Our visits together (with or without PT being there). The cookies and home-made pickles...mmmmm. Christmas is coming!

I find little things about me that are similarities of Mom's (keep guessing) and I know it is because she has been a wonderful example of a person these past many years. She's always been there for advice, experience lessons (if she has info to share) and teaching the Bible. I know I fall back on her quite a bit lately, to help me get that first step onto a path that I am not sure what to do. Just that little guidance is beyond words to me (dang it ... allergies are back).

And that is just some of the reasons my Mom is the best.

Go call your Mom (if you can) and tell them you love her.

This message is not paid by Hallmark nor any other Mother's Day card makers.

PeacE

No New Content Here

 I really don't have hardly anything to write about today. I went to the Post for the flag raising, got there like 9:05a and everyone was walking in. Seems I missed it. I had even checked my notes in the morning to be sure of the time, and I had 10a. So I missed it.

Hung out there for a while before heading to get my labs done. Then down the road to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. I was hungry, and it was noonish, I was limited on my choices of food places without having to drive further, so settled for Julioberto's and got a carne asada burrito (and a Patron for Youngest). It was a good choice! When the Wife got home, I still wasn't hungry, so we did a "create your own adventure", and I skipped supper entirely. 

And just like that I am out of anything to write about.

PeacE

Feeling Better Again

 Yesterday, I woke early and felt it. I was extremely tired still, though I had had enough sleep the night before. I could feel the minute changes from having been drained the day before (10.2L) and though it had only been one day, the affect of the medication change from Tuesday. But I just felt 'Blech' as Charlie Brown would say. I held a board meeting of my my sleepy body, and the consensus was to sleep more. So I did. I ended up grabbing a couple more hours of sleep before rising for the day, felling just a smidgen better.

Today is a day of Remembrance for the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers. I got out my VFW Aux shirt several of us had bought months ago for this occasion. There is a flag raising ceremony at the Post this morning at 10a I am going to try to make it to. Afterwards, I need to head up to Banner Hosp. area to SQL to have some labs drawn (per Mayo's orders). There is a pot luck back at the Post this evening about 6p, but am unsure if I will make it back for that.

I was just checking my calendar. After labs today, I have no medical appointments (as of right now) until 9/21 with a Zoom call. Nice. Of course, life still moves on and I have my VFW stuff, my AA meetings, etc. 

... and it seems even I can run out of things to talk about ...

PeacE

Day at the Mayo

 Sounds artsy-fartsy, huh? Like, 'A Day at the Louvre', except it wasn't. Got through my appointments yesterday and had some positive changes and news. My MELD score went to 18 (worsening). They did increase my diuretics back up a little to fight this edema. They also stated that my case will be reviewed in one month, after a similar of appointments!!! We are close!

Today I have a draining at 1pm. Due to my size with all the fluid retention, I have no clue how much they will drain. I am thinking10L and some ... but really can't guess. Just get some of this pressure off!!!

I am totally distracted by my medical stuff right now, this will be short today....

PeacE

It Was A Day ...

 Turning 55 years of age is not a huge mile marker like 30, or 50, and so on. I truly was not expecting any big shin-dig, or some major surprise party (thankfully! I hate those). I pretty much did nothing all day. The birthday posts on social media started coming in. a few family/friends via text. One call from the Daughter and the Granddaughters to sing Happy Birthday to me. One call from my best friend back in Michigan - though I didn't answer it. I was in the process of going to bed (8:30pm? Yeah, I'm over 50). Think about then there was probably around 60-70 posts from HS friends, to current friends, and so many others! I did reply personally to many of them yesterday, but will be doing the final ones this morning. I heard from the Middle Son via text. Never heard from the Oldest Son, and the Youngest, though living at home, never said anything either. Oh well.

Today is Labor Day, and I have nothing planned. The Wife has to work. The Youngest has a friend in town from out of state, so no idea what their plans may be. I'll probably do my Homegroup meeting, then play games the rest of the day - no I won't. I didn't do the minutes yesterday...oops! I just pulled out the laptop so I can start on them next.

The Wife and I were discussing my medical last night. I need to be sure to bring up the edema in my legs. It is worse than when I started a year ago. My legs are so sensitive to touch, yet itch all the time. The swelling is bad, too. Look like two large lumps of meat. Compression socks seem to help a little, but I don't see much difference. I think they should increase my diuretics, but I am not a doctor.

Welp, got other things to get done (minutes) so will end this today.

PeacE

Well, That Didn't Go As Planned ...

 I wasn't planning on making the obligatory post that it is my 55th birthday, and that I was pretty much going to try to NOT do anything productive today ... but 4:38am had a whole 'nother story. When did did get so much control over me? When I began losing track of it, or because I gripe about needing more of it? Either way, though there are several choices of things I could do at this insane hour, I figured I would put a shortie up.

Yesterday was a good day. Tiring, but good. I met up with one of my besties, Jeff, just up the road at a pub we used to go to occasionally. He had invited several mutual friends, his Dad, me ... not sure who else ... to come up and watch opening day for College Football. One of the first games on was Baylor Univ. and Auburn. His nephew plays for Baylor now, and got plenty of play time, as well as his name mentioned on television a few times, just that I saw. That kids is a Hoss!! Huge Defensive End! Well, Baylor lost by one, but I didn't see it. I made it to halftime, and let him know I was taking off. It had been a couple hours already, and I had previously let him know that was my limit before I start getting fatigued. Well, it's part true. That and being the only sober one there at halftime was not much fun. We made tentative plans for lunch soon.

I had mentioned mutual friends ... I personally had not told any of them except my buddy my medical stuff (he's my bestie, c'mon!) but I guess he had mentioned it to some of the guys. As I was telling Jeff bye, they kinda gathered round and would shake my hand, give me a hug, and say something like 'Hope everything goes well'. All of them. It was kind of a weird feeling having these guess that I know, but are more his old HS buddies, take an interest in me because of a liver transplant. It was touching, don't get me wrong. Just felt weird.

I was tired. I had nodded off for a few seconds a couple times near the half, but that could have been boredom as well. I sat there in the car (waiting on the a/c to get it cool - it was like 104 out) and decided to get moving. I had told the Wife my tentative plans for the day, and if they were to get done, I needed to get going. I went and got some hairs cut. I feel so much better now. Though, I had not seen this stylist at my location before, and if I do, I'm not going to use her. She took seemingly forever to just do a "0" on the sides and back. I am usually in and out in about 10 minutes ... this dragged into a half hour. They aren't paid for the time, but for the customer ... so no idea why she was so slow about such an easy trim. From there I headed to the VFW. Tuesday I had been told they were doing an impromptu birthday thing for one of the ladies that helps out a lot. I was told about 5pm. So I am there early (my normal) and playing games on my tablet. The Post had their dinner starting at 5pm (pulled pork sandwich, Slaw, ranch beans, dessert - $10) and I was famished. I bought and ate, all while still waiting for this shindig to happen. By 6:30p I told my friend Stacey (who was doing it) that I had to head home. I was beat. The gal's husband hadn't even left to get his Wife yet, and knew it was going to be even longer. So I was home say ...6:30'ish? Maybe 7pm at latest.

Crud. I just remembered I need to do the Minutes from Tuesday's meeting today. Guess I will work on that at some point. Needs to be done and emailed in today.

I played a video game I have been working on for awhile. In bed by 10p, and up too early. Refilled my pill boxes for the week. I had confirmed yesterday the 5 appointments I have on Tuesday. And now? I am off to check the mail, etc. before playing some more games.

Thanks in advance for the birthday wishes.

PeacE

Holiday Weekends and Posting

 In the past several years, around mid-August I would throw out the "big invite" for my Birthday celebration. Always on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, usually 12p-4p (which led into later times as well). Come by, have a drink with me, catch-up, share memories, or just say hi. How long have I been doing this? Five years? Six? And before that it was by word of mouth. Either way, my Birthday coinciding with Labor Day weekend was nothing more than another excuse to drink, get wasted, do stupid things (like drive home). That Era has ended and falls to memories and recounting of experiences to share.

So no 'shin-dig' for my Birthday. This year, I am fine with that. I'm not really in the mood for any crowd (more than 8-10 people) anyways. My medical stuff would turn into the main topic that everyone one wants to know about, as so many people do NOT know. I've kept that circle down to close family and friends, and I don't post anything publicly on social media about it. Here? Ha! All two of you running to the News station yet to get a reporter here? Thought not.

Today I am doing two meetings (AA/Live support) and my Home Group. In both I get to announce that tomorrow (my birthday) is also my 1 year of sobriety. And yes, I am going to ask for a coin! A year ...wow. That's the start of all this liver stuff. The start of making new friends. The start of learning how to take better care of myself through diet, exercise, and mental exercise. The start of learning to fall in love with God again, and improve relationships. So many good things in just one year. 

No post tomorrow. I am enjoying the Day!

PeacE

Grading Complete!

 Welp, only one person physically replied to taking the test, but I am sure the hordes all read it and made the same decision. It wasn't that hard. I skipped posting yesterday. I woke feeling sort of blah, and decided that a nap was in order, so back to bed it was! Last night I didn't sleep well, and I feel like am lagging a bit this morning, but I will get through the day - with maybe an afternoon nap.

I've been wearing a pair of compression socks I had lurking in a drawer, for the past three days ( I know, they need to be washed). The fluid in my legs has decreased a bit (maybe almost half?) though it feels like there is fluid still built up in my thighs, and I have pitting up and down the whole leg. Side effect of the TIPS, I'm told. My abdomen is still distended as well. After draining the 12.5L this week, it didn't go down like before. The Wife says it feels like there is fluid between the skin and all that, but I don't know. I'll hopefully have someone look at it Tuesday.

The Youngest came home the other day and said his check engine light had come on. I thought about giving him a dead-pan look and saying "So?" but I didn't. We are headed to Autozone here in a bit to see what they find on the OED device (codes) and hoping it only a maintenance type issue, or need new air filter. Youngest said he thought he felt a small decrease in power, but otherwise didn't notice anything. Maybe the O2 sensor needs a good 'blow out' on the freeway.

Other than that, I gotta go. Busy morning for me today.

PeacE

Pop Quiz!

 Didn't think there would be a test today, huh? Well ... SURPRISE! I will make it a bit easier for you and make it a multiple choice question. There is only one right answer. Write in answers may get extra attention if it is really good. If you are correct, you don't get anything except the satisfaction of being right.

This morning, about 6:45am, an incident occurred in my home. The bedroom, and narrowing that down, my bedroom. Whilst in the stage of blissful sleep (took a pill last night) I ended up doing a nosedive off the bed. Why?

A. I just rolled off the bed.

B. I was dreaming of sky-diving, and adjusting my angle of descent prior to pulling the cord.

C. The chow bell was ringing and I didn't want to be last, but lost my balance.

D. I had to use the bathroom desperately and hurried from the bed, only to slip and fall.

E. I wanted to show my Wife how I've fallen for her.

F. Other (Write-in answers welcome.

I'll answer at the end of the Post, and tomorrow post the scores. Might have to grade these on a curve...

Finished my quiet time this morning. I feel fresh and renewed with the Spirit! I think my regular AA group has a Big Book study today, so that will be good. Nothing else planned for the rest of the week, just the medical appointments on Monday. I need to write Mayo this morning about the two diuretics that they slashed down once I had the TIPS. Also, the PA at AZ Liver won't renew either of them, so need Mayo to take that over as well. I found and wore one of the pairs of compression socks yesterday. Allegedly you are to sleep with them on as well, but sleeping with socks on has never been my thing, so by 10pm they were off. I noticed this morning (as I was checking for any cuts) that the swelling has gone down a good bit in both legs - Magically overnight it seems. Now yesterday, the draining  was 12.5L and they said they got it all. But my weight, after only one small pitcher of tea, was 281lbs. Now last dry weight was a couple weeks ago and was 251lbs. Where is this 30lbs at? Fluid in my legs? So I checked my weight this morning, and I am up to 284lbs. But I know for sure the fluid in my legs went somewhere overnight, well, a portion of it did. I might wait a day or two and see what happens before reporting it to the doctors.

Yesterday's paracentesis was late enough (1pm) that I didn't finish the 4 bags of albumin until about 3:30pm. I debated getting something to eat, but wanted a dry weight check when I got home. Also I had the House Comm. meeting at 5:30pm about 4 miles from the hospital. So I just went to the Post. We finished up the meeting early, and I booked it out of there. RM had texted at one point (I had the phone on quiet) asking if I was ok and didn't I have the para that day. I told her yes, and would get the regular family update out when I got home. Which I did do. Before I left the VFW, I checked in with the Secretary of the AUX (I'm Asst.) and asked if she needed anything from me. She said not then, but would be cc'ing me probably this week sharing information and other records for me to hang on to or help with. Joy. I also need to do the minutes ASAP as they need them prior to Tuesday. And my Youngest attends his first meeting on Tuesday! I'm excited.

Today is National VJ (Victory over Japan) Day from WWII. Also coming up is on 9/11 the 25th Anniversary of the event, and 9/18 is POW/MIA Day. The Auxiliary has a birthday later this month as well, but I don't have the day in front of me.

Welp, I'm shared out this morning. Talk at ya next time!

Oh, and the answer was "A"

PeacE

Count Down!

 I am literally counting down the hours to my paracentesis today. It is at 1pm. So, it is only practical I wake at 4:30am, to be sure I am awake in plenty of time. No, but that's what happened. Which is fine with me. I feel rested, and I get to extend my quiet time a little longer. I did get in two books yesterday that I had ordered. "Drop the Rock, which concentrates on the fundamentals and reasons for Steps 6 & 7 in AA. The other is "Drop the Rock ... A Ripple Effect" which is sort of a second book that tells how to use Step 10 to use Steps 6 & 7 everyday. I am not that far along yet, but I can read ahead and prepare for it.

I should have a third book coming soon "The Overthinkers Guide to Making Decisions: How to Make Decisions Without Losing Your Mind". Sounds like a spoof, eh? Well, it is a real book and I ordered it. 

Ugh! The pressure in my abdomen is terrible. The swelling in my legs is terrible. And as I ordered, or made sure was on auto-refill, my prescriptions with Walgreens, the two they are having issues renewing are the two diuretics. I see they are still listed in the Dr. at AZ Liver, and he is probably not happy with me. They had called about a month-two months ago, trying to schedule me to come in for some lab work (they do it in-office). I said no. I get enough done at Mayo, and they can contact them for that info versus me doing it again, and paying it (my insurance anyways) again and overall wasting my time driving there, etc. Besides, he was the one that referred me to Mayo! HE even said he was stepping back and letting Mayo have full control over my treatment and care. Now they pull this crap. Anyways, they won't renew it (probably without an appointment - not happening. I'll just add that on to my message to Mayo today, that since these two prescriptions are what the Radiologist changed (and I think need changed back) and I need some anyways, Mayo can take it over.

Seven hours. I decided not to do my regular AA group this morning. It ends at Noon, and I want to be already on my way to the hospital. I am almost always early to things, and this is no exception. It'd be nice if they are running a little ahead of schedule as well. I did try a new group the past week at 8am, strictly a book study/discussion, and turns out I knew about 3/4 of the people there from other groups! It was like walking in on the same meeting! But their book study is pretty good, and there isn't a "tag" session to have people discuss whatever the topic is. I don't mind sharing, if I have something. Seems lately quite a bit of discussions are geared more around the later Steps, and I don't know anything about them aside of what they are. So I usually pass with the "I'm still new in the program enough I have not made it that far".

Welp, I would love to waste more time here this morning, but have pretty much ran out of things for now.

PeacE

Popping Balloons

 That's kinda along the lines of how I feel this morning. Tomorrow ... para tomorrow and get drained. Ugh! Then I will message Mayo and let them know how much was drained, then explain about the swelling in my legs/feet. Going to try to get a decent picture as well to send. They are worse than when I started with Mayo. I feel it is because the adjustment in meds, but I could be wrong.

Today's meditation/reflection was on criticism and judgement, how we should refrain from both. I believe these are two of my more major faults I have going on. I am always quick to judge, stereotype, decide where you would fit in my "pecking order". I also like to comment on how badly someone has done something, or how they could have done it better. One of the things I shared with RM, and she smiled and was shaking her head in agreement, was about learning as a parent to let go of your children and let them make their own decisions when they are an adult. I have been working on it with the Youngest the most, not playing '20 questions' if he takes off and goes somewhere. The other two boys, well, sometimes I just want to give them my say so about some issue they are going through, but I shut my mouth and tell them if they want my opinion or experience to ask for it. After instructing the directing them for 18 years, it's a hard habit to break.

God and I spent some time going over those two defects, plus some others, that I asked to be removed from me. So I got some work cut out for me.

I really don't have much today. I'll do my AA Home Group at 11am, followed by their monthly business meeting, which doesn't last long. Then I guess it is computer surfing and video games.

PeacE

Givin' A Holla Out to ....

 Meditation for the Day

One secret of abundant living is the art of giving. The paradox of life is that the more you give, the more you have. If you lose your life in the service of others, you will save it. You can give abundantly and so live abundantly. You are rich in one respect — you have a spirit that is inexhaustible. Let no mean or selfish thought keep you from sharing this spirit. Of love, of help, of understanding and of sympathy, give and keep giving. Give your personal ease and comfort, your time, your money and most of all, yourself. And you will be living abundantly.

This was in my "Twenty Four Hours a Day" book for today. As soon as I read it, I realized, this is RM. Now Mom has been this way for several years, though I honestly can't say how long ago I noticed it. But she is the Giver. She even admits to her love of giving things. She bakes, especially around holidays, and gives it away. She takes time (and a some food) to a couple ladies she knows from her neighborhood. She has made room in her schedule to help me at times (though I try not to ask too often). Even I am presented with gifts she 'inadvertently picked up', or because she just saw it and thought of me. I know she does that for others as well. It really makes me proud of her, and makes me want to give as well.

You're the best, Mom!

I think I have talked about giving before in an older post. The nudges I have had and acted on, the feeling of elation inside because you helped someone in someway. I believe this is truly God giving those nudges. To teach us to share? To help the other person in some way? No idea, only He knows His Plan. But I have found out, it is getting easier to give as I grow in my spirituality. I think the "want" to do it is just inherently part of the package. Even AA supports the giving, as Step 12 is to help other alcoholics find the program and help them on their path of recovery (actually spoken about before the meditation on today's reading). Have I helped any alcoholics? I don't know. Maybe something I said clicked with them and they went off to do it. I am too young in the program to be any type of Sponsor for anyone, so my giving is in experiences and sometimes, that is all someone needs without it being crammed down their throats.

Yesterday I did go down to the Post. I saw a couple guys I hadn't seen in awhile. I did get the minutes and agendas done that needed to be done, emailed them out. I'm caught up on that until after Tuesday's meeting. I was back home after about three hours. Then I played video games most of the evening. The Wife did a store run, and ended up making (maybe just re-heating) Salisbury steaks and mashed potatoes. It hit just the spot last night!

No major plans today. Tuesday is my paracentesis, and I am ready to drain. I haven't been since the 19th due to scheduling conflicts. I know after the TIPS procedure that there could be some side effects. One is random drain amounts for a few weeks, as the body adjusts to the "bypass". Some slight swelling in the feet and legs from fluid build-up (not ascites). My legs are well loaded now. So much that it feels like the skin is just going to split open. Yesterday, I could barely get my slip-on shoes onto my feet. The 'pitting' and edema goes to nearly halfway up my thigh. The Wife says I need to let the Dr. know, and I will, on Tuesday, that way I can let them know how much was drained as well. I think the Radiology doctor changed my diuretics too much after the TIPS. She cut one from 400mg to 100mg, and the other from 80mg to 40mg. I think if we put the one back up to 80, and do about 200 on the other, it would help ... but what do I know? I'll mention this as well when I message the doctor. The edema is worse than when all this started a year ago.

And with that I will close out and get on with my day.

PeacE

Relocation is Important Today

 I have 'blown off' the duties of my VFW positions for the past week or two. Why? No reason, just that I am being distracted at home. Trying to work from my desk, the temptation to just 'do another meeting' or play video games. Or even the worst - facebook scroll of death. I'm just too distracted. So this morning I mentioned to the Wife that I was going to do my two regular Saturday meetings, then head up to the VFW so I should be able to focus better and get the work done. The last few months I have only been up there for meetings, so maybe it isn't bad that I spend time there.

Well, I got an answer to my nice inquiry about my medical case and care plan. They scheduled in a CT-Abdomen  on the morning of 9/8, as well as the already scheduled bloodwork, nurse and doctor consults. They need to get the updated figures from the bloodwork and the CT to bring my case to the review panel. So, I am on hold until 9/8 for sure right now.

Had a great lunch with RM yesterday. We both had salads, and spent a couple hours talking about different things. I regretted somewhat that we had to end when we did, but she was on the clock. As always though, too little time spent together. I'm looking forward to the next one, though have not even set a date as of yet.

Welp, I am in a meeting, so I am out of here....

PeacE

Is Your Day Going To Be Better Than Mine?

 Welcome to another Friday edition of my ramblings. I truly think that is all I am giving you today, because not much else has happened the last couple days.

This morning I have my yearly diabetic eye exam. That has gone fine the past 2-3 years, and I see no changes to that happening this year. Afterwards, I am headed further West to the City of the Sun to spend part of the day with RM. I know she was see-sawing about just taking today off work, and I don't know what she decided, but I will be out there mid-morning to visit while she works. Then it is off to Red Robin for lunch. I have been waiting all week for salad! Then we have another stop that needs to take care of something before returning back to her place. From there I will probably head towards home.

I might stop and get my haircut on the way home. I haven't decided. 

After I finish writing here, I will be writing a message to Mayo Clinic. I have not heard anything for a few days, and want to find out what is going on. I waited this long, so when I write the message, it isn't aggressive and demanding. I just want to know the status of things, because as far as I know, I met all deferments, thus should be up for case review, and make the list. Sigh.

I just finished up a small water. Now I am craving cold water to drink with no stopping. I hate when I feel that way, because nothing makes it go away, and I have to force myself NOT to drink so much water. Especially right now as I am pretty full-up on ascites that won't be drained until 9/1.

The Wife stopped last night on her way home and picked up Church's Chicken. I normally am okay with them, but am not a chicken dinner kinda guy anymore. I don't mind chicken sandwiches, but the whole leg, thigh, breast thing I could just do without. It's messy. Well, last night, getting a family order, they were 4 pieces short of the regular, and it would be 20 minutes until it was ready, so instead she got 4 pieces of their 'hot and spicy'. I had 2 pieces and Youngest Son took two. I was not impressed. Wasn't spicy. Was really greasy - more than chicken usually is. And even now still sort of sits on my stomach not sure if it should be processed or thrown up. I've been trying to stay away from greasy stuff since my bile duct, gall bladder and all that is somewhat compromised as they work with my liver. Don't need to cause extra problems.

Welp, I should get dressed, get that message off to Mayo, and then get stuff together for my eye exam and going to RM's. I make it sound like a long trip ... but when you are older, there are certain things you need to take with you everywhere you go...

PeacE

Car Dreams

 I think many of today's men (in my age range and more) and their childhoods, with memories of playing with Matchbox, or Hot Wheels, cars. We all had our favorites, too! I could not begin to guess the percentages of men that went on to become car fanatics: restoring, showing, driving - you name it. I ring this up because I had a car dream last night.

I had just woke up from a late night of carousing, so it was around mid-day. I was getting dressed and throwing clothes into the trash (they were worn, ripped holey jeans) until I found something appropriate to wear (shorts and tee). I grabbed my keys and hollared to the house (and the Wife I presume) 'Taking off! Taking my dream today!'. I walk out into the 5-bay garage (oh my goodness, am I rich?) and stride over to a gold colored Saturn. Yes, like the one I drove years ago. She shined in my eyes, and I felt my heart racing  knowing how her motor would feel as I cruised.

Now why a Saturn, no idea. But important in the dream is that it had a door lock system consisting of three electronic buttons. Well, different combinations would have the car do different things, like auto-start. Well, as I reach through the open window, and hit the switches, the car starts, then dies. I do this several times. I check the gas gauge - empty. No gas cans around the garage. I get in, and pressing the start thing on the electronic panel, I finally get it running and coaxing to stay running. I'm  off to the gas station. I get there, pay, hook up the pump, go inside. As I come out someone next to my car says he don't like the look of it and points. The driver front tire is held on by only one lug and is tilted to undrivable, but I get in, start it up and lean to the left. The car shifts up on that wheel so it is straight up, and I drive off.

That was it. Is there some deep-seated mental story behind it? I don't recall thinking about the Saturn yesterday at all. Some more of the dream is coming to mind now, but not enough to put it into words. Maybe it is just some random mind release whilst sleeping. Just weird.

AS of right now this morning I have not heard from Mayo Clinic. I do not know if they just did not have the time to put my case together to present yesterday, or they found more that 'needs to be done'. They have always called me in the past. Maybe I will just have to wait another week. Sigh. God is teaching patience with this.

I only have a couple zoom meetings on my agenda today. Tomorrow is the eye appt. then lunch with RM.

PeacE

When You Feel It Working

 This morning I am feeling pretty good. I believe my body got a caught up quite a bit and I don't feel as tired. I also feel God working in me today. I did my quiet time, and as I prayed, I just 'felt it' on the mental inside. It gives me more hope that I am not a lost cause, and I still have a purpose in God's Plan. Now to apply in life and keep the positive changes in practice.

Today is Wednesday, which means that Mayo Clinic does a review of cases that are up for the Waiting List. Mine has been there twice, both with the vote that there were some deferments (things to complete) to do prior to being on the list. This last round was only a Negative test result on the tox screen for Nicotine, which the outside lab gave results on Monday. I sent a message through the patient portal, to let Mayo be aware the results were in, and it cleared my last deferment. Tuesday morning I got a generic reply that they will review the results on they are final, and they turned off the availability to respond at all to the message thread. That in itself made me very angry. Either way, all I have heard from Mayo is a couple emails yesterday that test results were in, and I would look. It had to do with the colonoscopy bloodwork, or the report for the procedure. Nothing on the tox screen. So as of this moment, I have not heard anything about it going to review today (this week). Perhaps I will get a call this evening informing me otherwise. They usually do call when a decision has been made after a case review.

This last week I have had some of the side effects of the TIPS start to show up. My feet and lower legs have swollen a bit due to fluid retention. "Liver Spotting" on my arms is happening more. That's the red markings like when you bump your arm too hard, or I get them from needle sites from the IVs. Sometimes I get them from just scratching an itch. Also am getting some bruising that I know not from where it comes. Right now it is fading fast, but who knows if it will come back. I haven't noticed any increase/decrease in the encephalopathy factors - I probably wouldn't remember anyways.

My schedule is clear of appointments until Friday morning when I go do my yearly diabetic eye exam. The past 2-3 years have been fine, and I expect no change this year. Then with my eyes dilated I am heading on out to RM's to visit, have lunch, stop at the bank, before heading back home for the day.

All my candies are in! I have hard candies, jelly beans, and spiced gum drops! The "twenty four hours a day" book arrived yesterday as well. I need to learn to read descriptions better. This little hardback is literally smaller than my phone, but each page does contain a prayer, an AA Though of the day, and a meditational thought. I will add it to my quiet time reads and see how things go. I finished "Restore", and although it wasn't overall really what I was looking for, it did have some good information. I am just not sure what to do with the book now. I have very limited space to keep it. Maybe I will hang on to it a bit and see if I come across anyone that could possibly benefit from it and just give it to them. I am flipping back to the other book I had started, "Demolishing Doubt" and see where it goes.

I think that is all I have today.

PeacE

Results Of Our Actions

 I am tired this morning. I should clarify, I am sleepy-tired this morning. I do not know if it is maybe some residual effect from anesthesia, or just the body needing more rest (or both). Either way, there is a nap somewhere on my clear schedule today, be it this morning, or afternoon. Probably afternoon, as I would like to make my AA group this morning.

I also feel pretty fat in the tummy. It's not pressure related like the ascites build-up (though I do have that going on) but I think from eating yesterday. Being allowed to eat less restricted than I was for the cleansing, I might have ate too much throughout the day. I know I do not feel hungry at all currently, and I usually have to eat something with my meds or get nausea. Not today. So I'm just sipping on a beer (c'mon, it's root beer).

More for Papaw's stash should be arriving today. The package today is spiced gumdrops. Also a devotional specifically geared towards alcoholics called simply "Twenty Fours A Day" I bought it in hardback (thrift books only had paperback). I'm hoping it fits my needs I feel I need at this time in my quiet time with God.

I finally did decide to do a Prayer journal, listing specific people and their needs, except those that if someone were to read, would be sharing with people I shouldn't. Those I'll keep in another place. This way I will remember better what I am praying for for that person. With my memory issues, that is important.

I had a message reply this morning from Mayo regarding the lab tox screen results. I instantly got angry and prepared to type out a scathing reply, then stopped. Their reply was basically "Thank you for letting us know you completed the appointment. We will review results when they become official". Generic. My name wasn't mentioned, nor any particular of my case. I think this is the first time since I started with Mayo, that I feel they have let me down. This reply felt like someone that did not read through the last part of the email chain, that the appointment was done and they were contacted LAST week to watch for results; I was letting them know the results were ready and they needed to get them to try to get my case to the review this week as this was a final issue; and though it sounds bad, I really felt this was someone that was lazy and was just throwing out generic replies to maybe a large amount of incoming messages to "be caught up" in their work. Sigh. I sighed. I did not reply anything, but I prayed for patience. This is moving at God's speed, and it will happen when he wants it to happen.

With that said, I think I am out of topic today.

PeacE

Papaw Has The Goods

 A few short nights ago, I was awakened early, and like most times when I am wakened that early, I was pretty wide awake. I did the usual ... go to the office and to get on the computer - to try to find something that makes me sleepy. I noticed the Daughter was still online in Discord, and in voice chat, so I decided to pop on and say hi. I guess she is up late/early with her youngest (my Widget) as she was awake. So as we both played a game on our own, we talked a little bit. I mentioned that I thought I was out of hard candy, which I could have whilst not eating for the colon cleanse. I mean, c'mon! Papaw always has candy on him!

I think the last time RM "ran something" up to the Wife's work it was a box of beef jerky strips. I think it was that same time she sent a cannister of the hard candies like I remember having sitting in a bowl at Grandma's house. I called it Granny Candy, and loved it because it was a hard candy that sometimes had a sweet filling in the middle of the piece. It was a brand name that had been around awhile. I think RM picked it up because of some discussion we had, or my monologue about it. 

So, long story longer ... I was looking to see if I could buy this candy in bulk, at least larger than the cannister RM had bought (which was gone and empty already). After a brief skim through Google, it looked like Amazon had some of the better deals, so then I searched there. I found a 5 lb. bulk bag of hard candy - a mixture of Jolly Rancher brand fruit candies, starlite mints (red & green) and the little individual wrapped fruit ones. All for about $20. Into the cart it went.

Now I was looking at candy, and knowing I was "out" at home, I started craving more. I looked up spiced gumdrops. Mmmm, little pricey for 5lb. and could not guarantee freshness (so they aren't dried/aged hard as a rock). Uh oh. Jelly beans. Just regular mix of jelly beans - none of the Jelly Belly flavored, or 'gourmet blend' bags. But got a 5lb. bag of regular ones of the standard flavor variety. They are smaller than regular jelly beans, but it'll work. Haven't tried them yet, as it isn't a hard candy approved for the cleanse. BTW - first two cups of the drink is down this morning, two to go.

Hmmm, guess I was wrong. I did order the spiced gumdrops and have a 5lb. bag being delivered tomorrow. As well as a devotional book called "Twenty-Four Hours A Day" and  it is a meditation book for those in recovery offers daily thoughts, meditations, and prayers for living a clean and sober life. We have used it before for discussion topics for my AA meetings, so I went ahead and got it (hardback). I did check the thrift books site RM uses, but they only had it in paperback.

So Papaw is once again stocked with candy (I don't eat it much at home because of watching my glucose being near diabetic). Plus some daily reading to go with my quiet time. I have had several questions pop up in my mind that I wanted to ring to discussion at lunch on Friday with RM, but I was no where near a notebook to write it down (sacrilegious!). I need to get better at jotting down my notes - I had gotten out of practice with not going out much. Well, worse case is I remember it later and just email ask her. I know she would love to be able to answer some questions with her experiences/interpretations.

Well, it is 4:30am, and I officially am done with the colon-cleanse drink. Nothing to eat or drink now until after the procedure. I am not expecting them to find anything that would hold me up from the transplant list. I am still waiting the results of the tox screen I did last Wednesday. Would love to get a call later this week letting me know I finally made the list.

Have the day you deserve....

PeacE

The Squirrels Got Me

 I forgot to call last week and start setting up some appointments for paracenteses. I guess when I reach out tomorrow (when I can) I'll have to see how far out they are right now. I do have ascites build-up already, but not nearly as much as usual at this time (that make sense?). I figure I set one for each week for now, I can cancel if needed. Like I did before basically.

I got sidetracked with all the prep for the colonoscopy tomorrow morning. I have not had much in solid foods. I have gone through some broth though! I heat up a 2-cup mug in the microwave, then add a packet (about a ketchup packet size) of siracha, and just a touch of a multi-spice I like ... and voila! So good! I'll be having more today! The Wife had went to the store yesterday, and I actually gave her a mini-list of some items I wanted/needed. Broth was at the top (we were out at home) and I git some other things for lunches this week, or snacks. Almost wish I hadn't because last night I kept wanting to get into some of the stuff, but no solid foods!

Today I have taken the pills they said to take. I need to mix the 64-oz jug solution (for drinking this afternoon/evening) and had at least a couple trips to the bathroom just while trying to write here. Maybe TMI ... I don't care. I need to weigh myself just before leaving for Mayo tomorrow morning, and compare to what they get, and that will be my weight.

Still waiting to see results from the tox screen this last week. Fingers are crossed.

Friday this week I get to meet up with RM for lunch!! Friday I have my yearly diabetic eye screening, and their offices are about 1/2 way between RM and I. There will be eye dilation, so the plan is for me to continue out to her place, and visit a bit before heading to lunch. Then back to my car (eyes should have adjusted back by then) for the drive home. I think we decided on Red Robin, for salads, but don't remember for sure.

Youngest should be back from his 'California Adventure' sometime this evening. I hope so. He is the one to drive me tomorrow morning to my colonoscopy. I should double-check with my Brother, as I asked him to back-up if needed. I need to be sure he is available still, and then let him know by tonight if I need him. 

Okay, I need to get out of here. I still have meeting minutes to do, and agenda, as well as play my video games and void the system all day.

PeacE

A Day With the Wife ... Sorta

 Today I have a pretty easy schedule. Both are at Mayo in Scottsdale: a blood draw for some tests, and an ultra-sound to take a look at the stent from the TIPS. This is just a routine follow-up to be sure nothing has "come loose" or gone wrong. Both are in the 9 o'clock hour time frame, so I am thinking lunch somewhere with the Wife. She took today off work to drive me since the Youngest is out of town for a couple more days. After that, I see myself playing video games.

I think I am doing pretty good with my time I set aside each morning to do my praying, etc. It's the evenings I don't make time for review of the day and did I do anyone wrong, etc. I just do those in the morning. RM has mentioned she keeps a prayer journal, of those she is praying for (and if they are sick, or whatever) as long as it is something that isn't overly personal. I have thought about doing one as well, just to remember daily who to pray for, since my memory is still not the greatest. I might go to Dollar Tree and get a cheap notebook to try it out for awhile. IF it works for me, then I could upgrade the notebook. Or not.

I am probably about three chapters from finishing the book "Restore" that I have been trying to read a chapter per day in. I think it is an okay read. There are a few sections that actually seem to have some idea(s) that I was looking for. But I think most of it should be directed to an alcoholic, like in the AA program. There is quite a bit I wish I knew about (re)starting my relationship with God in AA than I did. This would be a good fill in for explanations of addictions with some stories as well. I think it will be a book I pass along to like my Home group when we meet in person sometimes.

Speaking of that, I guess we are doing a "private party" event Saturday. There is a speaker sharing their story this Saturday about noon at a church not too far from my house, about 35th Ave and Northern. I think it is someone the ones in my group know from over the years. Then afterwards going to lunch together at Wildflower at 7th St and Bethany Home. I don't know if I want to really go to Wildflower, it's not my kind of restaurant, but I will take a look at the menu before deciding. Then I need to decide if I want to drive that much. But I was invited to the grouping ... which was nice.

No true idea on how I feel today. With the recent TIPS, and doing the prep clean-out for the colonoscopy, I am not quite sure where I sit with just my regular meds and all. I'm not feeling bad, just not 100% myself.

And with that, I am out of here. I need to wake the Wife and we will head out in about 45 minutes.

PeacE

Talk About Not Wanting To Drink

 I am on Day 5 of the week countdown before the colonoscopy. You know what that means ... things are about to get really busy here soon. I have been drinking the Miralax stuff the past couple of days (stool softener) and yesterday when I had my regular BM, I thought I was done, but a whole 'nother round came out of equal amount. Surely the tubes are clean! I know they are not, completely. But here I am am whining to you, and drinking this morning's cocktail. At least it is unflavored - even if two years ago I liked the lightly flavored orange (I think it was) version.

Met the new PCP yesterday. I think I like this guy. I gave them an update medication and dosage spreadsheet I have, so they could update their file. I explained Mayo is pretty much in charge right now. He agreed to step back and let them go. He took a lot of notes while asking me questions. After about 10 minutes, he looked me in the eye, says you are more informed about your situation and what is going to happen than any patient I have seen in quite awhile. How about we go 6 months and touch base then? I was like Sure! And I was done. I do go back 10/19 for the last two vaccine shots still though.

After that it was finding something for breakfast low-fiber, and soft. I opted for a couple burritos from a 'Berto Bros. - what? Chorizo, egg, potatoes, and cheese is soft! I barely ate one. I have the other to eat half of for breakfast (more like lunch) today. Have my drug screening labs to do today. Hoping for test results by end of week, to see if that Nicotine is Negative... Followed with a paracentesis next door at 9am. I think they'll drain 5-7 L today. New doc's orders to be turned in as well.

Okay, I have to do my quiet time and then leave. Y'all have a good 'un, ya hear?

PeacE

... and So I Beat Them Up.

 I really did. I beat both the Youngest and the Wife up from bed this morning. Not hard when one seems to sleep most of the day, and the other doesn't need to be up for work this early. I woke at 4:30am, right on the money. I laid there, trying to go back to sleep, to no avail. Got to thinking about what appointments I have this week, etc. and decided I might as well get up and shower, then get the day started.

Only have an early PCP visit today. Some new doctor that NOAH has assigned to me. Evidently they think I need to update them on what's going on. I'm taking in a list of my current medications and dosages, then telling them if they want lab results, to contact Mayo. I made it so my PCP has access to my file. I don't want to do lab/blood/urine workups twice a month for the same things. Plus, there isn't much my PCP is able to do at this point. I do have an appointment in October to get the third and final vaccine shots for Hep A & B. I think I should go to Walgreens here soon and get the flu shot as well.

The VFW Riders. Sigh. I was told last month that there were to be elections this month. And that was it. No clue-in, nothing. So we started out with that last night. Our President needs to step down due to online schooling he has going on until December, and possibly next semester as well. Okay - so the Vice moves up, and we elect a new Vice Pres. No, because someone holding a position now, may want a position we elect. So our Sargent-At-Arms became our President, the Pres. leaving office moved to Vice, and we had a new Rider join up that got the Treasurer position. With the new bylaws and procedures, we also needed to elect an Auditor, that quarterly goes over the accounts with the Treasure, plus will travel to another Chapter to check their records. Similar to a Trustee. Well, no one jumped at it, so they wanted to leave it blank with a future election to come when we have someone that wants it. No, I said. I'll do. I'm a Trustee for the Aux, so am learning how to do all this anyways. Plus, it prevents problems later, and if nothing else, has me as a place-holder until someone takes it over. The Treasurer and I are going to learn the Treasurer position together, as National gets things going...or when they do. So I now have yet another title. Sigh.

I received a message yesterday about some lab work being needed for Mayo. This is the monthly drug screening basically. I looked at the Doctor orders and see that the usual one for alcohol is on there. Then, written in gold filigree, was the word, NICOTINE. So we finally get a test of it, and hopefully it will come back Negative so we are able to move on. The lab is tomorrow, so will be end of week before I see results.

And that's all I got today.

PeacE

There Was A Time ...

 ... when all that is going on in my life would have put me on a different stage than the one I am on now. I may not have quit drinking. I may not have sought medical treatment. I never rekindled my relationship with God, got support from others. I would have been a bear to live with so I probably would have lost my Wife and my family. Ugh! It's like sticky slime sticking to me just wasting the time to think about it.

But I didn't make those choices or many others that could have negative impacts on my life. I'm happy (inside more than out) to expand the relationships I took for granted, and return the love given. I'm slowly getting better - even pre-transplant - and we know that is important. I'm doing my baby-walk with God, again, as I re-learn how to follow Him.

Not much to share today. I had an episode about midday yesterday where I suddenly got the shills, sweats, nausea and "shakes". I immediately went to food, and just a small bit got rid of the nausea, but the other signs were there. I went to the bedroom and left the Wife know what I was feeling. Then I laid down. Ended up napping for a couple hours versus just resting. I did feel much better though. After thoughts are the worst, but we did check my BP, which was way low (After my nap) so we attached that that was probably the issue that started things. Next time I need to remember to check the BP and Glucose.

Today starts my "Shit Week", in other words, colonoscopy preparation. I've had the meds for about a month now. I sat down yesterday and went through the instructions - Whew! They have like five or six different ones based on what meds you can take, can't take, etc. Mine seems quite regular (regular ... ha ha). Colonoscopy is next Monday. Have the Ultrasound on Friday to check the TIPS area, and some bloodwork.

I have the Riders meeting tonight. I need to get the Agenda out today. I admit, I have not touched it at all, mostly because there are some things going on I don't have the info for. Supposed election for a new Director because ours is stepping down? Sigh. This group is becoming more of a problem than I thought it would two years ago.

Alright, I got to get something actually done.

PeacE

What I Want versus What Really Happens

 Sunday Morning Comin' Down .... oh, now I got to post a music vid....

Okay, I hope that earworm is gone for the day. But it is Sunday, and I woke early, but I feel pretty well rested. I did nothing yesterday but play games on the computer, then lay down for awhile (not sleeping), and repeat. Today is my pillbox refill for the week, and there are some fairly big changes. I went through it all, and updated my spreadsheet so I can print it out for the new PC I see on Tuesday. I'd rather not, as he is getting nothing but an update. But it is a "new doctor" at the location I go to, so it is what it is.

So seeing how this is kind of the first day of making sure my dosages are right with the changes that were done, will need to watch how I feel. Of course, everyone is supposed to watch me signs of HE (Encephalopathy) as it is possible to increase after the TIPS. General signs are confusion, lack of focus, altered character ... just to name a few. Supposed to watch for jaundice as well, but that has been watched for since day one.

Though I feel mentally fresh and awake, inside I still feel a bit fatigued - not sure why. Could be the body adjusting to the changes. If not gone in a couple days I will contact Mayo to check about it. 

For all of you that read here (all two of you) thanks for the prayers and support. Keep them coming until this whole transplant thing is done.

I'm off to do my quiet time.

PeacE

Well, Mark That Off the To-Do List

 It is Saturday and I am home. I actually came home yesterday, after the one night of observation as planned, I was just too tired to do much. I put my phone on do not disturb and had some naps, a little computer time, more naps, dinner, then bed. Slept good being in my own bed/pillows, and no waking up every couple of hours for BP check or whatever. Doctors said the procedure went very well, and was able to be done without any complications. The results of the procedure will take longer to see, as it has to do with the ascites build-up in the abdomen. They did drain 7L while I was under anesthesia, so am "starting dry". Two days is a bit early to tell if it is building up again as fast as before... I do have new Dr. orders to be able to get a para when I need one. 

It is just one of my characteristics that probably needs to change, but I am getting irritated at the Wife. A little. The seemingly constant question "Are you feeling ok?" or "Do you need anything?" is driving me nuts. I have restrictions - not to lift more than 10 pounds for 2-4 weeks, but no others that I know of. I'm not invalid. And I don't mind her asking, but it seems more frequent than it needs to be. Like I said, it's probably just me.

So that being said, I am going to be napping a bit this weekend, to rest up. Monday I start the cleansing procedure for a colonoscopy. I may need a good dinner this weekend. Where would I choose? Hmmmm....

No joke today...I'm too tired.

PeacE

T-Minus 24-Hours

 At this time tomorrow morning, I should be called back beyond those doors that block off the waiting area and lead into the workings of the hospital. Nothing I haven't done before (going through the door) for blood draws, CTs, MRIs, consults, and on and on. But this one is a little more involved. I am sure it will be wheelchair to a room, change into a gown, and from then on I am in a bed. Who doesn't want to lay in bed all day? Me ...

The first part of the procedure is going to be a normal routine for me. They will do a paracentesis to drain any excess abdominal ascites prior to the procedure. At some point after that, not sure of the timing, I'll be wheeled into an OR and knocked out. Then they insert a catheter through a vein in my neck, and guide it to the liver. They will create a channel between the Hepatic and Portal veins, with a mesh stent to keep it open. If things go fine, that's generally about it. 24-48 hours observation, then home. Average time of procedure: 2-3 hours. Once home I am on restrictions for lifting. I also have to watch out for further signs of Hepatic Encephalopathy, skin turning yellow (jaundice) and swollen legs. Since I have HE already, the medication I am on may cause it to not worsen.

So, sounds easy-peasy, right? I would think anyone gets a bit nervous though when they have to have a medical procedure done. I know I "accepted" whatever comes with this whole transplant process, and to do my best to meet demands of healthcare staff. But I can feel some anxiety starting already this morning. There will be lots of little prayers today, I am sure.

RM & PT are headed out of town today, through the weekend. With RM's birthday this past Sunday, and their anniversary coming up the 14th, PT *ALWAYS* wants to go somewhere out of town, just to do basically the same thing they do at home. My opinion, and not too far off mark, I am sure. I pray for their safe travels. Rm has asked at least twice about pushing their trip date off to another time, so she is able to be at Mayo for my procedure, and both times I told her no, to go. I do expect her at the actual transplant though.

My Older Sister called me yesterday. She wanted to apologize for not being able to make it for the procedure (she is in NM). I wasn't even expecting that ... even said so. She stated she will be here for my transplant though. She offered up prayers, which I gladly asked her to continue.

RM sent a BIM package home with my Wife yesterday. BIM is Because I'm Mom. She had mentioned something about it in her blog, but I had no idea what to expect. The jar of salsa was for the Youngest. But RM sent a box of some beef jerky (mmmm) and another box. I instantly went on alert. What would she send me that needs to be in a box? Well, I was busy when I got home last night (had Aux meeting) and forgot to even look in the box until this  morning. Now I believe it was last week, RM had sent me home with a study bible to help me work on my getting into the scripture and studying. It was one she had used before, but was not her favorite choice. I honestly have not had a chance to use it. Well, in this box she sent, it has a brand new, leather Jerimiah Study Bible. This one is her current favorite to use. As I read the daily devotional (she had sent that home last week as well) I followed up the verse in this study bible, just to see what it offers. I am impressed! I think this will be a great tool in my walk with God, and I am able to still use the other if I need clarification or something. Of course, RM included a personal, hand-written note, which made me tear up (but not cry!). Thanks Mom!

Well, today will be a bit busier than usual for me. I am getting a haircut, need to fuel up the car, need to wash said car (in and out), and have lunch. I think I am going to go to JTs Gyros over on 35th Ave & Greenway. I love their shwarma. Other than that, I'll just be grabbing a few things to put in a backpack to take. Tablet, phone, chargers, medical journal, note journal. Think I will forego the bibles for this trip.

And that's it...

I'm looking into essential oils. Which one is it that calms other people down? Chloroform? It's Chloroform isn't it?

PeacE

We Interrupt This Blog Post ...

 ... to take a pause and get some other things done. I have my CT today at about 12:50pm, which being in the middle of the day, really ruins things. I'll have time for my AA meeting at least. This morning I need to work on the minutes I have been putting off. So let's pause here until after the CT.

That was a lengthy pause. After the CT yesterday, the blog had slipped my mind completely. I think it has to do with doing it in the mornings and all. Either way ... CT went fine as far as I could tell. Lasted about an hour. I have the test results, but don't understand the mumbo-jumbo - even with the 'patient friendly' version. I wasn't whisked off anywhere, and they haven't told me anything negative, so that means I am good to go for Thursday. I swear they track me! I was home barely 10 minutes from Mayo when they called and went over the time schedule for food/water for Thursday. I'm going to be hungry coming out of it, but don't know what type of food I will eat (soup or solids). I think I'm okay with regular food as long as I feel up to it.

General VFW meeting tonight, but it is a special one for me. The Youngest finally okayed joining the Auxiliary!! Mainly it is to drive me to meetings, and be able to sit in the meeting versus out in the car. Besides, it might lead him to do some volunteering. At least he will get to see a portion of what I do for my "jobs" with the Post. I'm paying for his first year, as it is not terrible ($45). I printed off the app and my Dad's DD-214 last night to turn in with it all (I joined under my brother). Youngest will probably not go with me tonight, but will have to next month just to be inducted and receive his podium book.

Posting is going to be sporadic this week since I have the procedure on Thursday. Hopefully will be back on track by Saturday.

"When someone says "Stop!" I never know if it is in the name of love, Hammer Time, or if I am to collaborate and listen.

PeacE