Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! May blessings rain abundantly in the new year, as well as peace and glad tidings, wherever they may find you.
The end of 2009 and beginning of 2010 found us in a new area of the country. Craig and I relocated to northern Virginia from southern California, settling in Falls Church. We moved into a townhome in December 2009...and spent the next two months shoveling 55" of snow (a total of 4700 cubic feet). It's true what they say, "Be careful for what you ask for", seeing as how my wish for seasons came to me in spades. Craig arrived here in Jan of 2009 for a new job, but with tying off loose ends with the house in California, my cancer treatment and surgeries, it was December before I made it out here.
I returned to San Diego for another surgery in March, stayed there until the 1st of April, returned for Easter and then the end of the month my mom came to visit the East for 10 days. I had another minor surgery here in the area as I had a small issue (see earlier blogs) and the area took it's sweet time but, healed(7 weeks but hey whose counting?). As we moved into summer, our calendars were nothing short of full; Brian studied in London, Kevin studied in Germany and made his own European tour (alone!), and then on a very happy note, Craig and I celebrated 25 years of marriage this past July! We celebrated with a visit to family in Louisville, KY, and afterword I flew down to Florida with Kevin for a reunion with my sisters/celebration of Heather's 40th. Craig's travels took him to St. Louis a couple of times, and the fall found even more activity in the Hardy house!
We moved again, this time into the City of Falls Church proper. We spent 10 months in the townhome, before a wonderful early October email from the landlords, in which we were informed that they were to be transferred back to the northern Virginia area. Hence their need for us to vacate the property by the end of November. Soo, we moved yet again. Then I broke my arm and wrist while walking the dogs! Nonetheless, I managed to move the entire home (with some help from the movers and family) from a 4 bedroom house into a 3 bedroom house. With a bit of maneuvering of furniture and a storage unit, we've downsized from over 3300 square feet in November 2009 to 1700 square feet in November 2010! Well, with the kids gone, who needs all of those unused rooms anyway!
Christmas was especially nice this year, as we got to have both Brian and Kevin home for the Holiday. Brian had been unable to make Christmas day 2009, but visited for a short few days in January of this year. He spent a whole two weeks with us this December – though he and Kevin made sure they enjoyed a 3 day jaunt to New York City. It's been a wonderful holiday season, and I really can't wait to start the new year! My sister Sue will be flying out on the 7th of January for a 10 day visit, which of course includes a great day for me, my birthday on the 10th.
Annddd now for the individual downloads:
Craig's job out here is with SAIC. Though his office was in McLean, they moved to Springfield, Virginia in September, while executing a re-compete for the contract on which Craig works. This was to be awarded in October, but got pushed all the way back to December 23! As a nice little Christmas kick-in-the-???, SAIC had in fact lost the contract. Hopefully Craig's job will remain secure, but now we play the waiting game to see if the new award picks him up. Another possibility sees him getting on another contract here in the area with SAIC. Only time will tell, but he asked me about Monterrey the other day...I responded with "Don't be throwing a California Carrot in front of my nose." Everything works out in its rightful way, and who knows, we could be moving again soon! Kevin has said, "I feel like you're some sort of traveling show...not spending too long in any one home, just hop-scotching around making appearances." Well, perhaps there's some truth in that: catch the Hardy's while you can! We're only around for a limited time!
Brian's Architecture and Photography studies at Woodbury University are occupying almost all of his time! He is loving his studies though, especially photography. He of course knows everything about any building we now come across, has a very distinct opinion on the ones that he doesn't care for, and isn't afraid or ashamed to sound off in the slightest. It's been the same all his life! He seems to have absolutely loved studying in London over the summer; so much so in fact, he's now looking into studying next year in either Düsseldorf or Buenos Aires for his 4A semester (4th year, 1st semester). He's only one chance to do it, and although we've said, "Time and money. Time.and.money.", I'm sure he'll make the choice that he really wants. It was fantastic to have him for 15 days, celebrating Christmas as one big crazy Hardy family, of course!
Kevin is still at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He just finished his first semester of his Junior year – only 3 semester's to go! He still says he has no idea what he wants to do "in real life", but seems intent on living in New York or Europe after school. Part of this definitely comes from his enjoying his summer studies in Germany. He was able to travel around Europe for 3-and-1/2 weeks after his 5-week Georgetown program, visiting various sights and cities, and reuniting with his brother in London for 4 days and Vienna for one night. He did realize while traveling on his own, that though it was enlightening, having no one to share all of the experiences, or take pictures with was a little lonely at times. He says he's intent on going again after he completes his undergraduate studies. His "Culture and Politics" studies are keeping him very busy and his marketing job at Georgetown's student-run corporation, The Corp, is going very well. The struggle of time-management is a constant in his life, though he's already begun the search for summer internships! He always seems to be concocting some sort of plan; we're excited and proud to see which, of the hundreds of life paths he's dreamed up since the age of 3, he starts to take!
As for myself, a bit of work found me from May to the end of the year. I contracted with a professional services company that works on government contracts, helping them set up their offices and personnel procedures. Once again, I found myself doing mostly accounting! I just couldn't shake it, apparently. However, I've finally hung up my accounting hat! I learned through this experience that I want to do some organizing of companies that have a non-profit element or interest. I think that would be a better use of my time, doing some good for people or companies that have a purpose outside profit. Then in November, in a just-my-luck moment, I broke my arm and wrist walking the dogs on the W&OD trail (a great multipurpose trail from Arlington in the East to way out West). Surprisingly, I actually didn't have to wear a cast. As the break happened at the radial head of the elbow, casting would have caused the elbow's immobilization, or "freezing the joint". Though the ortho doctor told me I could only lift a coffee cup with that hand/arm I smiled and said "yeh that's going to work". Again though, I did still have to move the house and settle most of it. A lot of help came from Craig and Kevin, and of course Robin and the twins – Mike was busy at the offices. My cousins Fred and Jennifer were a marvelous help as well, and of course the moving company pitched in. Kevin and Brian both decorated the tree and helped moving things around, although movement in our "little home" is on a one-way track! Craig did say to me the night before Brian arrived (which was just 3 weeks from the move date), "I keep saying this but you always manage to make us a nice home, Deb"! Okay, 2 things to note about that comment, 1)why do I need to keep making us a home? and 2)where is that couch with the bon bons? Thank you, dear for your kind thoughts!
I know that we may have once again packed this download with too much information, but I know that we have been blessed beyond our limits this year! God is good and still in our lives, especially at this time of year. We truly appreciate our friends, family and thank you all for your friendship, love and prayers!
God bless and have the happiest of New Year's.
Deb, Craig, Brian & Kevin
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The other shoe has finally dropped!
A year ago I was wondering if I should move to the DC area, what I would find when I got here, what I was going to do once healed from all the surgeries, and what if any was my purpose for uprooting us from Southern CA to Northern VA area?
The answers go like this: I did move to the DC/Northern VA area, received over 55" of snow (remember I asked for weather), we shoveled our way out, found that I do enjoy the "changing of the seasons", had a horribly hot/humid summer, got reconnected with my cousins and their families, got a contract job which helped me identify once again that accounting is no longer my strong suit but organizational skills I got! Just settling into laying out where the holiday decorations are going only to be told that I have to move out of here and to somewhere else by December 1, not even a real Christmas here! Do I know where that is yet? Closing in but not quite there, so have two to pass by Craig today and figured out that in 4 weeks I need to be moving out of here so that we can have some semblance of order for Thanksgiving. I don't have the purpose yet as I haven't had time to sink in here and now it looks like I will settling in somewhere else.
I do enjoy being close by Kevin and his ability to visit when he wants or has to do his laundry. I do enjoy having Robin and Mike and the twins close by, kids grow up so fast, they need the older generations around them. I do enjoy the seasons no matter if they are severe or mild. I don't really enjoy having to make new friends as you get older it is harder to have that immediate connection with them, you know school age children and/or church activities. We are still looking for the church home but now that will wait until we get settled where ever the new "home" is to be.
That's all just wanted a few moments to vent, it helps the pressure cooker let off a little steam! My faith is in He who walks among us and guides us every day, His small voice is hard to hear but if you strain you will hear it just like I do. "Go forward"!
Hugs, Deb
The answers go like this: I did move to the DC/Northern VA area, received over 55" of snow (remember I asked for weather), we shoveled our way out, found that I do enjoy the "changing of the seasons", had a horribly hot/humid summer, got reconnected with my cousins and their families, got a contract job which helped me identify once again that accounting is no longer my strong suit but organizational skills I got! Just settling into laying out where the holiday decorations are going only to be told that I have to move out of here and to somewhere else by December 1, not even a real Christmas here! Do I know where that is yet? Closing in but not quite there, so have two to pass by Craig today and figured out that in 4 weeks I need to be moving out of here so that we can have some semblance of order for Thanksgiving. I don't have the purpose yet as I haven't had time to sink in here and now it looks like I will settling in somewhere else.
I do enjoy being close by Kevin and his ability to visit when he wants or has to do his laundry. I do enjoy having Robin and Mike and the twins close by, kids grow up so fast, they need the older generations around them. I do enjoy the seasons no matter if they are severe or mild. I don't really enjoy having to make new friends as you get older it is harder to have that immediate connection with them, you know school age children and/or church activities. We are still looking for the church home but now that will wait until we get settled where ever the new "home" is to be.
That's all just wanted a few moments to vent, it helps the pressure cooker let off a little steam! My faith is in He who walks among us and guides us every day, His small voice is hard to hear but if you strain you will hear it just like I do. "Go forward"!
Hugs, Deb
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The year arrived and now is gone.
This past Friday was my one year anniversary of my surgery/reconstruction. Comments?
It was a funny day, I mean not laughable funny but funny/odd, and I worked at the office. What a normal day, right? Yes, normal life is returning to Deb's life. Although it's a different normal not the same and that is a good thing.
I have been doing well just so you know before you ask.
I know that all of you have been keeping me in your prayers, thoughts and I thank you for that and I appreciate your love and friendship.
Hugs, Deb
It was a funny day, I mean not laughable funny but funny/odd, and I worked at the office. What a normal day, right? Yes, normal life is returning to Deb's life. Although it's a different normal not the same and that is a good thing.
I have been doing well just so you know before you ask.
I know that all of you have been keeping me in your prayers, thoughts and I thank you for that and I appreciate your love and friendship.
Hugs, Deb
Friday, September 17, 2010
And here it is, almost a year ago.
I have been trying to sit down here at my blogsite to put some thoughts down for some time now, but I have not been successful and that brings a question to me. Why can't I get these thoughts down? My answer is; I don't have a lot to say? No I don't think that is it, I think I just am still digesting the past 20 months and letting it all sink in. Although if I am here running as I usually do I will do little "reflecting" and move forward. That has been my belief from the first diagnosis (11 1/2 years ago) so why would I think I should change now?
I had lunch with a dear friend today and I said I thought I needed to go to a support group to help me deal with some issues, she being a BC survivor herself advised me that would be good but what was I going for? Is my issue that big of a deal? No not really I just feel different. Her answer is that going to change? You are different, so what? That's so true. So what?
Why do I feel a need to revisit closed issues? I don't know I thought maybe I should but really why? Keep moving forward, be glad I am healthy and without cancer, feel blessed that I came through these past months and still have my sense of humor, my positive outlook, my wit, my life, although I don't have some of my words, I search my brain for them but that makes me more interesting or gives people humor. They do make fun of me as I sit and try and think of the words to speak. I guess I do look funny. My life, that is a good subject, I have a different home in a different city across the country now and that's some of the problem. I miss my friends,(hi my friends!) my sisters, my mom, my calendar there, I had a schedule of sorts, but I like this schedule better. I work and I enjoy that but I need to get involved in something, maybe I should just "chill" like I advise my guys, they think they want to go, go, study in Europe in the spring or next fall I say WAIT. Can you just stay in one place for a year and see what happens, maybe that is what I should do. Chill, find a church, meet some people, get a routine like that going and then maybe other things will "rise to the top" as my mom has said. She has such a good head on her shoulders, she is a wise woman, I am sure that she is thrilled that I am finally listening to her.
Enough for now, next week on my one year anniversary of getting all of this "cut out" of me I will expound some more!
Hugs, Deb
I had lunch with a dear friend today and I said I thought I needed to go to a support group to help me deal with some issues, she being a BC survivor herself advised me that would be good but what was I going for? Is my issue that big of a deal? No not really I just feel different. Her answer is that going to change? You are different, so what? That's so true. So what?
Why do I feel a need to revisit closed issues? I don't know I thought maybe I should but really why? Keep moving forward, be glad I am healthy and without cancer, feel blessed that I came through these past months and still have my sense of humor, my positive outlook, my wit, my life, although I don't have some of my words, I search my brain for them but that makes me more interesting or gives people humor. They do make fun of me as I sit and try and think of the words to speak. I guess I do look funny. My life, that is a good subject, I have a different home in a different city across the country now and that's some of the problem. I miss my friends,(hi my friends!) my sisters, my mom, my calendar there, I had a schedule of sorts, but I like this schedule better. I work and I enjoy that but I need to get involved in something, maybe I should just "chill" like I advise my guys, they think they want to go, go, study in Europe in the spring or next fall I say WAIT. Can you just stay in one place for a year and see what happens, maybe that is what I should do. Chill, find a church, meet some people, get a routine like that going and then maybe other things will "rise to the top" as my mom has said. She has such a good head on her shoulders, she is a wise woman, I am sure that she is thrilled that I am finally listening to her.
Enough for now, next week on my one year anniversary of getting all of this "cut out" of me I will expound some more!
Hugs, Deb
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Okay so patience is not one of my virtues.
July 2, I was released from my plastic surgeon here in this area with the understanding that I did not go swimming for the next several weeks. My wound is closed, the skin has "toughened up" and is on the mend however no long soaks or the pool/jacuzzi. I had to explain that I gave up going in the water years ago due to my equilibrium problem so she was happy/quizzical at the same time. I explained that I had an issue with the 7th and 8th ear canals so say no more, no swimming for me.
It has been a long haul and each day I am reminded as to what I was "working through" this time last year. Overall I guess I am doing great, when I tell people the story of the last 20 months, they get these huge glassy eyed looks and I know I have overloaded them so I must be doing well! Yes, I do turn everything into a humorous saga. What else would I do with it?
On a serious note, I do find that I have the need to talk about what is going on and what has gone on, that was a new revelation this week so I think I will try and find some kind of support group here in the area. I just don't have that Wednesday morning circle of friends here which as I already knew was a great therapy session for us all, so now I know I need to vent not just to you all as lovely as you all are in keeping up with me that really doesn't give me immediate feedback. I know that my gals can't be replaced but a group I will look for who have traveled this same path and may be able to give me some answers or not. We'll see.
My job is going well, I jumped around on hours there for awhile up to about 55 for a two week period but they have settled for the time being at around 20 which is just right for me. I have some traveling to do this next week with Craig as the 27th of July is our 25th Anniversary! Wow, can't believe it. We are taking a trip to Louisville to visit his family and see some of the history of the area. On our anniversary we will head down to DC to visit the museums and soak in the culture (yes that does mean the heat and humidity and the tourists haha).
I do feel blessed that I have the space to vent at times and I am appreciative of you that come upon this and take it in and respond. Thanks for your support!
Hugs, Deb
It has been a long haul and each day I am reminded as to what I was "working through" this time last year. Overall I guess I am doing great, when I tell people the story of the last 20 months, they get these huge glassy eyed looks and I know I have overloaded them so I must be doing well! Yes, I do turn everything into a humorous saga. What else would I do with it?
On a serious note, I do find that I have the need to talk about what is going on and what has gone on, that was a new revelation this week so I think I will try and find some kind of support group here in the area. I just don't have that Wednesday morning circle of friends here which as I already knew was a great therapy session for us all, so now I know I need to vent not just to you all as lovely as you all are in keeping up with me that really doesn't give me immediate feedback. I know that my gals can't be replaced but a group I will look for who have traveled this same path and may be able to give me some answers or not. We'll see.
My job is going well, I jumped around on hours there for awhile up to about 55 for a two week period but they have settled for the time being at around 20 which is just right for me. I have some traveling to do this next week with Craig as the 27th of July is our 25th Anniversary! Wow, can't believe it. We are taking a trip to Louisville to visit his family and see some of the history of the area. On our anniversary we will head down to DC to visit the museums and soak in the culture (yes that does mean the heat and humidity and the tourists haha).
I do feel blessed that I have the space to vent at times and I am appreciative of you that come upon this and take it in and respond. Thanks for your support!
Hugs, Deb
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Time is moving quickly.
Hi there, it has been three weeks since I last chatted so let's update you.
I am still working with an "open wound" although it has closed/healed significantly and is now just a tiny 1/2 inch sliver of tissue that will probably close by Tuesday morning when I see the surgeon for a follow up. I have been seeing her weekly since she opened it up on the 19th of April so I guess that makes tomorrow 6 weeks. Wow, time does move life along, eh? I am doing well and glad that it is almost closed although the down side is that there is an indentation now and I am not "equal" now, which was the whole reason for the reduction in the first place but hey I guess all things will work out for the better in the long run. I am not complaining just stating the facts, mam. I am complaining, who am I kidding, this is my platform to complain right? Right. I am disappointed that there is a need for yet another "fix it" surgery IF I choose for one sometime in the distant or near future. I think I will move on down the road for awhile and then see how I feel about things. The most upsetting thing is that my implant side feels much heavier than the other side, and I sometimes think I should just take that implant out but I need to let everything settle for about a year and then take another look at it.
I did get a job, well two actually doing some accounting work for some start up companies so we will see how that goes. It gives me some time to be out of the house and helps me find things to do so that is good. It also brings in some money so that is good as well. I am trying to find things to do these days and am looking for suggestions, I don't really like to shop, and I don't really like gardening although that back yard needs something done to it, I like to read although that isn't outdoors, and yes it's humid today in the Nation's capital! I don't care for swimming and even if I did I couldn't with the wound still open. I guess we could go for a drive but there is so much traffic around here, oh do I sound down? I am a little, although if we were back in CA I don't know what we would be doing either so another place to start a new life and snap out it, Deb! You got a lot of opportunities, yes so off I go to another adventure. I will let you know how it goes!
Hugs, Deb
I am still working with an "open wound" although it has closed/healed significantly and is now just a tiny 1/2 inch sliver of tissue that will probably close by Tuesday morning when I see the surgeon for a follow up. I have been seeing her weekly since she opened it up on the 19th of April so I guess that makes tomorrow 6 weeks. Wow, time does move life along, eh? I am doing well and glad that it is almost closed although the down side is that there is an indentation now and I am not "equal" now, which was the whole reason for the reduction in the first place but hey I guess all things will work out for the better in the long run. I am not complaining just stating the facts, mam. I am complaining, who am I kidding, this is my platform to complain right? Right. I am disappointed that there is a need for yet another "fix it" surgery IF I choose for one sometime in the distant or near future. I think I will move on down the road for awhile and then see how I feel about things. The most upsetting thing is that my implant side feels much heavier than the other side, and I sometimes think I should just take that implant out but I need to let everything settle for about a year and then take another look at it.
I did get a job, well two actually doing some accounting work for some start up companies so we will see how that goes. It gives me some time to be out of the house and helps me find things to do so that is good. It also brings in some money so that is good as well. I am trying to find things to do these days and am looking for suggestions, I don't really like to shop, and I don't really like gardening although that back yard needs something done to it, I like to read although that isn't outdoors, and yes it's humid today in the Nation's capital! I don't care for swimming and even if I did I couldn't with the wound still open. I guess we could go for a drive but there is so much traffic around here, oh do I sound down? I am a little, although if we were back in CA I don't know what we would be doing either so another place to start a new life and snap out it, Deb! You got a lot of opportunities, yes so off I go to another adventure. I will let you know how it goes!
Hugs, Deb
Sunday, May 9, 2010
That circle has closed.
Can you believe that it has been a year since I started this blog? I can't. It amazes me that time has passed as it has and not a lot has changed.
Well okay a lot has changed Craig is still here in Virginia (since 1/12/09), I had back surgery for a severely herniated disc (well actually two), recovered went through physical therapy, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer AGAIN (so now I am an 11 year and 7 months out survivor),I went through chemotherapy for 14 weeks and then had a major surgery with reconstruction, then I packed up my house (of 8 years in the same neighborhood) and moved across the country to Virginia, unpacked the house, settled it, then flew back to San Diego for another (the final major)surgery, recovered at my mom's, closed up the house in Temecula, said "we'll see you later" to my neighbors, flew home for Easter, then had another little minor surgery to remove a tangerine size clot, still healing from that (yes it is still an open wound! dang it)and it's Mother's Day once again.
One could say that I have come full circle. My hair has grown back and sometimes it's funny (like ironic) that I am 9 months out from my last chemo treatment and just this past week I look like myself again in head and face. I don't look anything like my old self from the neck down. You should laugh at that. I am pleased with the fact that I don't wear underwire bras anymore (they always gouged somewhere), but I am still working on reducing the bulge that sits below my chest now. I am telling you someone should have warned me that area would be a problem and heavy exercise is not on the menu yet. So patience is still my best friend!
I will continue to check in and let you know how life goes here in Virginia. So far all is okay and I have work so that's good it gives me a focus for the week instead of wondering which chair I am going to sit on and for how long. This is a nostalgic week for me as last year is very vivid in my memory and all that I went through, I would not be where I am today without this blog to vent my thoughts onto, nor you all that read it and sent me your comments and prayers. Prayer is not last in my house, it is first, putting it at the end of the prior list makes it more noticeable.
Hugs to you all and Happy Mother's Day to my "Mother friends", Deb
Well okay a lot has changed Craig is still here in Virginia (since 1/12/09), I had back surgery for a severely herniated disc (well actually two), recovered went through physical therapy, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer AGAIN (so now I am an 11 year and 7 months out survivor),I went through chemotherapy for 14 weeks and then had a major surgery with reconstruction, then I packed up my house (of 8 years in the same neighborhood) and moved across the country to Virginia, unpacked the house, settled it, then flew back to San Diego for another (the final major)surgery, recovered at my mom's, closed up the house in Temecula, said "we'll see you later" to my neighbors, flew home for Easter, then had another little minor surgery to remove a tangerine size clot, still healing from that (yes it is still an open wound! dang it)and it's Mother's Day once again.
One could say that I have come full circle. My hair has grown back and sometimes it's funny (like ironic) that I am 9 months out from my last chemo treatment and just this past week I look like myself again in head and face. I don't look anything like my old self from the neck down. You should laugh at that. I am pleased with the fact that I don't wear underwire bras anymore (they always gouged somewhere), but I am still working on reducing the bulge that sits below my chest now. I am telling you someone should have warned me that area would be a problem and heavy exercise is not on the menu yet. So patience is still my best friend!
I will continue to check in and let you know how life goes here in Virginia. So far all is okay and I have work so that's good it gives me a focus for the week instead of wondering which chair I am going to sit on and for how long. This is a nostalgic week for me as last year is very vivid in my memory and all that I went through, I would not be where I am today without this blog to vent my thoughts onto, nor you all that read it and sent me your comments and prayers. Prayer is not last in my house, it is first, putting it at the end of the prior list makes it more noticeable.
Hugs to you all and Happy Mother's Day to my "Mother friends", Deb
Monday, April 19, 2010
These "new girls" are not healing they way they should...
After many days (almost 21) of fooling with bandages and stuff, my local plastic surgeon here made a decision and "opened" me up and cleaned out the quite large hematoma! Yes it was larger than a golf ball but not as big as a baseball, but this size surprised us both as it has been "seeping" for 3 weeks now.
Now I get to clean it out and pack it up twice a day, but, the GOOD news is that it is healing from the inside out, where have I heard that in these last few months? Ah, my local plastic surgeon put a call into my surgeon in San Diego at UCSD and she was surprised that she did not receive a call back? I wasn't. I haven't been able to get anyone in her office to respond to my calls or my emails since the surgery was done. Am I disillusioned with the surgeon at UCSD? No, not all, she is busy and I was cleared so on to the next case.
I just want to be healed and be able to move on with my life here in VA. I guess that will wait as all things do. The bad news is that I cannot shower unless I have a hand held unit that won't get that area wet. Gee that is a tough one as I like to have clean hair every three days! Oh well, guess I will have to find alternative cleansing procedures.
I know that most of you don't really care to read the actual details of procedures, but I was very brave and took the whole thing like a robot. It just needed to be done and I chatted most of the time she was working, and looked at the progress (sort of, the doctor was very curious as to why I was curious)and about what was being pulled out of me, really? I thought it was a rather large hematoma and the doctor said we did the right thing as it would have taken more weeks to have that drain out, so it is out, I am open and have a healing wound and we will see what comes in the next few days.
Thanks for being faithful readers and I know it can be gross but want to keep my venting up, it does help me tremendously!
Hugs, Deb
Now I get to clean it out and pack it up twice a day, but, the GOOD news is that it is healing from the inside out, where have I heard that in these last few months? Ah, my local plastic surgeon put a call into my surgeon in San Diego at UCSD and she was surprised that she did not receive a call back? I wasn't. I haven't been able to get anyone in her office to respond to my calls or my emails since the surgery was done. Am I disillusioned with the surgeon at UCSD? No, not all, she is busy and I was cleared so on to the next case.
I just want to be healed and be able to move on with my life here in VA. I guess that will wait as all things do. The bad news is that I cannot shower unless I have a hand held unit that won't get that area wet. Gee that is a tough one as I like to have clean hair every three days! Oh well, guess I will have to find alternative cleansing procedures.
I know that most of you don't really care to read the actual details of procedures, but I was very brave and took the whole thing like a robot. It just needed to be done and I chatted most of the time she was working, and looked at the progress (sort of, the doctor was very curious as to why I was curious)and about what was being pulled out of me, really? I thought it was a rather large hematoma and the doctor said we did the right thing as it would have taken more weeks to have that drain out, so it is out, I am open and have a healing wound and we will see what comes in the next few days.
Thanks for being faithful readers and I know it can be gross but want to keep my venting up, it does help me tremendously!
Hugs, Deb
Thursday, April 15, 2010
My question is: Will this healing process ever be over?
I know I am not the most patient person when it comes to me healing and I might push things along more often that not, but really? I am still dealing with the hematomas and I guess by all rights I should be as I am the one that cannot sit still and do nothing. My trip home with the bag as carry on probably kept the stupid thing "seeping" and then what with groceries and bringing the house back up to running speed I did too much. Anyone surprised by that? I am not but as one of my friends says, "we believe that if we don't do it, it doesn't get done!"
I saw a local plastic surgeon yesterday and I will see her again on Monday afternoon as she isn't convinced that I can take orders and act accordingly. Just kidding she just wants to make sure that the healing process is moving in the right direction and not an infectious one. Once the groceries were in and the house was ready for Easter and Easter was over I did relax more and rested, but could that be too little too late? We will see as the weekend goes on.
I am planning on a short road trip around here on Sunday and enjoying lunch with one of my CA friends as she is coming in overnight before she leaves for London for 10 days. So that is more rest than I have done in a long time. We'll see how it goes. Take care of yourselves and I will be back in touch soon.
Hugs, Deb
I saw a local plastic surgeon yesterday and I will see her again on Monday afternoon as she isn't convinced that I can take orders and act accordingly. Just kidding she just wants to make sure that the healing process is moving in the right direction and not an infectious one. Once the groceries were in and the house was ready for Easter and Easter was over I did relax more and rested, but could that be too little too late? We will see as the weekend goes on.
I am planning on a short road trip around here on Sunday and enjoying lunch with one of my CA friends as she is coming in overnight before she leaves for London for 10 days. So that is more rest than I have done in a long time. We'll see how it goes. Take care of yourselves and I will be back in touch soon.
Hugs, Deb
Friday, April 9, 2010
Four weeks out.
Today has been 4 weeks from my last surgery and although it has been four weeks, the hematoma that my surgeon warned me "was probably going to start to seep and seep for awhile" did so the day I flew back from San Diego and is still seeping. Now I ask you do you think that is okay? I guess I do as I haven't seen anyone yet for it and it is diminishing every day so I guess that is progress.
I am reluctant to say anything negative as it just gets me disenchanted and I want to feel good about all of this. I leave the blog most times in a better mood and am hoping that will happen today, I cannot do much and that is good according to my family but I feel like I want to run into the wind but later.
I am reluctant to say anything negative as it just gets me disenchanted and I want to feel good about all of this. I leave the blog most times in a better mood and am hoping that will happen today, I cannot do much and that is good according to my family but I feel like I want to run into the wind but later.
Monday, March 29, 2010
It's good to walk down the same path together...
It has been two weeks since my "second stage surgery" and I am feeling pretty good. Not able to run a mile or even walk two but I am feeling better each day.
I had a visit with my oncologist, who said I look pretty good for "all that I have gone through" and he added "you have been through it, eh?". He took some blood and is awaiting the operative and pathology reports for any further opinion but generally sent me on my way and asked to see me in 6 months. I am thinking about that for now as I wouldn't have to start with another one back in VA but then maybe I should.
I met with my surgeon on Weds last and she has "cleared me" for travel but not for any heavy lifting, no big exercise program, no dog walking, so for now I get to go home to my husband and dogs but can't do anything there either. That's okay for when I do alot of anything like walking 7 blocks or laundry that is enough for my chest, not necessarily my whole body but it does make my chest swell and therefore become somewhat painful, so I rest! My pathology report stated no malignancy on the left side from the tissue so GREAT NEWS in that! I could consider this a partial mastectomy as the amount of tissue and the fact that I opted for the nipple not being replaced makes that "drive by surgery" fall into that category. My question to her was why do I have a pucker where there wasn't one before on the reconstructed side? Would this go away or was I going to have that "fixed" eventually, (you all know how I feel about surgeries and hospitals, they are fine for others not for me!) no she said it will work out and if it doesn't then maybe in a couple of years I should do something about it. My surgeon said"she didn't know how to talk to me sometimes!" I said speak to me as if I were a colleague, she explained that some of the procedure was done due to my "radiated skin", again with that? Then she explained that each time the radiated area is opened it is like it is a new fresh wound area and "they" are not sure how it is going to react, as she had to replace an implant and remove some skin due to an abcess she made an exec decision and wanted to leave the rest of the area alone. The discussion went on with her being confused as to why I wanted to know such minutia of the surgery? Uh, here's the problem, doctors, nurses, resource groups, when you are diagnosed with breast cancer demand that you learn everything you can about the disease, the treatment, the procedures, the recovery, and then when you have learned too much they want to "rein you in"??? I get confused on that part, tell me why you have chosen to do or not do in this case what you said you would and I can understand, a fair request right? She did explain it and we left on good terms and she is one hell of a surgeon and I recommend her to anyone in the area, God forbid any of you would need an oncology/plastic surgeon.
I had a chance to spend some time with a dear friend that has recently completed her treatment and as we talked we spoke about how it is important to stay positive and to be around those that aren't as positive or feeling some depression makes us question why we are at a such a positive point? Our discussion went over the various stages we have gone through already and what some of those other stages might be and then I was texting her and came up with this which I wanted to share with you all: Know in your heart that you have come through "survived" if you will. But isn't that our character from the beginning to survive, thrive so we wonder when others are negative, don't question yourself. You are a great person/gal and only you know what you are going through...just like when we were raising kids we are in this together!
I am finishing up visiting with family and friends that I haven't seen in years and friends that I have had weekly visits with, some will come see me on the east coast (I hope) and then some I will have to wait til I come back to San Diego to see. It is bittersweet that I leave on Wednesday evening but all things come full circle so I expect this circle to keep rolling around for a few more years to come.
Take care and I will keep my blog up and running and will let you all know how I am doing weekly after the Easter weekend!
Hugs, Deb
I had a visit with my oncologist, who said I look pretty good for "all that I have gone through" and he added "you have been through it, eh?". He took some blood and is awaiting the operative and pathology reports for any further opinion but generally sent me on my way and asked to see me in 6 months. I am thinking about that for now as I wouldn't have to start with another one back in VA but then maybe I should.
I met with my surgeon on Weds last and she has "cleared me" for travel but not for any heavy lifting, no big exercise program, no dog walking, so for now I get to go home to my husband and dogs but can't do anything there either. That's okay for when I do alot of anything like walking 7 blocks or laundry that is enough for my chest, not necessarily my whole body but it does make my chest swell and therefore become somewhat painful, so I rest! My pathology report stated no malignancy on the left side from the tissue so GREAT NEWS in that! I could consider this a partial mastectomy as the amount of tissue and the fact that I opted for the nipple not being replaced makes that "drive by surgery" fall into that category. My question to her was why do I have a pucker where there wasn't one before on the reconstructed side? Would this go away or was I going to have that "fixed" eventually, (you all know how I feel about surgeries and hospitals, they are fine for others not for me!) no she said it will work out and if it doesn't then maybe in a couple of years I should do something about it. My surgeon said"she didn't know how to talk to me sometimes!" I said speak to me as if I were a colleague, she explained that some of the procedure was done due to my "radiated skin", again with that? Then she explained that each time the radiated area is opened it is like it is a new fresh wound area and "they" are not sure how it is going to react, as she had to replace an implant and remove some skin due to an abcess she made an exec decision and wanted to leave the rest of the area alone. The discussion went on with her being confused as to why I wanted to know such minutia of the surgery? Uh, here's the problem, doctors, nurses, resource groups, when you are diagnosed with breast cancer demand that you learn everything you can about the disease, the treatment, the procedures, the recovery, and then when you have learned too much they want to "rein you in"??? I get confused on that part, tell me why you have chosen to do or not do in this case what you said you would and I can understand, a fair request right? She did explain it and we left on good terms and she is one hell of a surgeon and I recommend her to anyone in the area, God forbid any of you would need an oncology/plastic surgeon.
I had a chance to spend some time with a dear friend that has recently completed her treatment and as we talked we spoke about how it is important to stay positive and to be around those that aren't as positive or feeling some depression makes us question why we are at a such a positive point? Our discussion went over the various stages we have gone through already and what some of those other stages might be and then I was texting her and came up with this which I wanted to share with you all: Know in your heart that you have come through "survived" if you will. But isn't that our character from the beginning to survive, thrive so we wonder when others are negative, don't question yourself. You are a great person/gal and only you know what you are going through...just like when we were raising kids we are in this together!
I am finishing up visiting with family and friends that I haven't seen in years and friends that I have had weekly visits with, some will come see me on the east coast (I hope) and then some I will have to wait til I come back to San Diego to see. It is bittersweet that I leave on Wednesday evening but all things come full circle so I expect this circle to keep rolling around for a few more years to come.
Take care and I will keep my blog up and running and will let you all know how I am doing weekly after the Easter weekend!
Hugs, Deb
Monday, March 15, 2010
Now what do I do?
I have today been checked by the surgeon and "everything looks great" just swollen which is normal for a breast reduction. So ice and rest, ice and rest, that gets a bit boring but necessary for any future activity. I am resting and did rest this weekend except for a sort of long walk around the complex here that probably caused a small hematoma which now has to subside erego the icing.
So after a few days of this life of Riley what is in store for me? I am taking any suggestions although some of them need to be directed eastward. I will be flying home on the 31st and yes, Falls Church is my new home for now. So what to do? I have to give that some thought and I guess it doesn't need to be answered immediately but answers need to be given and decisions need to be made but time will show all things right?
All right enough of my ranting, hugs to all, Deb
So after a few days of this life of Riley what is in store for me? I am taking any suggestions although some of them need to be directed eastward. I will be flying home on the 31st and yes, Falls Church is my new home for now. So what to do? I have to give that some thought and I guess it doesn't need to be answered immediately but answers need to be given and decisions need to be made but time will show all things right?
All right enough of my ranting, hugs to all, Deb
Saturday, March 13, 2010
And we're done!
Hi all,
Today is Saturday, and I am home at my mom's recovering. The surgery was a bit of roulette wheel starting with the push back 6 hours on Thursday to getting called in 4 hours early, rush there get prepped only to have it explained to me that the patient in front of me was finally approved by her insurance company which they had been working on all day and that the pathology team was in the o r with her as well as the surgeon, the clinical team, and other departments. There was a lot of chatter as the entire surgical team felt bad that I came when called and they were going to have to delay me again. I said it was only logical to have the other patient go first as other depts were waiting and she needed to know quickly if there was node involvement. Some of the residents and doctors were appreciative and told me that it was a selfless act, I explained that it was selfish as I could wait til pigs fly for a surgery! ha ha ha The result; my surgery was delayed to 7 PM.
The surgery went well and I did very well, so they sent home 4 hours later. Something, huh? Well I did remember this morning that as I checked in there were having a time trying to find beds for patients so it was better for me to be home. I did more rest and nobody had to come get me early. I am resting and taking it easy, enjoying the movies.
Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts, I really appreciate all of them!
Hugs, Deb
Today is Saturday, and I am home at my mom's recovering. The surgery was a bit of roulette wheel starting with the push back 6 hours on Thursday to getting called in 4 hours early, rush there get prepped only to have it explained to me that the patient in front of me was finally approved by her insurance company which they had been working on all day and that the pathology team was in the o r with her as well as the surgeon, the clinical team, and other departments. There was a lot of chatter as the entire surgical team felt bad that I came when called and they were going to have to delay me again. I said it was only logical to have the other patient go first as other depts were waiting and she needed to know quickly if there was node involvement. Some of the residents and doctors were appreciative and told me that it was a selfless act, I explained that it was selfish as I could wait til pigs fly for a surgery! ha ha ha The result; my surgery was delayed to 7 PM.
The surgery went well and I did very well, so they sent home 4 hours later. Something, huh? Well I did remember this morning that as I checked in there were having a time trying to find beds for patients so it was better for me to be home. I did more rest and nobody had to come get me early. I am resting and taking it easy, enjoying the movies.
Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts, I really appreciate all of them!
Hugs, Deb
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The surgery shuffle.
Surgery was scheduled for noon on Friday the 12th. Now surgery is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Friday. And I can still go home after the surgery, uh, no. No more late night check outs from the hospital. Keep the prayers and thoughts coming, I tend to get nervous when things shift this much.
Hugs, Deb
Hugs, Deb
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Ready for Round 3?
Round 1 was the saga of diagnosis, visits, tests, treatment plan, and the actual having the chemotherapy and how with prayer, wonderful friends and family I came through with little or no battle scars.
Round 2 was the "surgery" and the reconstruction saga and the drains, those drains that stayed in too long and caused a little hiccup and the "big move" packing, actually traveling to the east coast settling the dogs (I like to call them my girls) in at the new place, unpacking 247 boxes (wardrobes, dish packs, art packs, regular boxes little or small or in between) and hanging of the paintings, putting up the window treatments and shovelling 55 inches of snow over those 9 weeks.
Round 3 is "phase 2" of my remodelling! Surgery is on the 12th of March, I arrived back in sunny (sort of) San Diego area last week and have been visiting and catching up with friends, neighbors and trying to close this house up in Temecula. But come next Weds I am on "surgery countdown". I did stop by and visit with my surgeon as I had a little fluid build up from that one drain that was infected in October so we were expecting a little fluid build up which resulted in an abscess that I am taking antibiotics for and hopefully it will not impede the process next week. So I had some time to chat with my surgeon about the procedure that was scheduled and I am having a reduction and "lift" to my left side! Ah finally the benefit occurs! I will have something that this gal never had perky ones! That will be nice! So Good Things Do Come to Those Who Wait.
That's all for now, thought I would give you all an update.
Hugs, Deb
Round 2 was the "surgery" and the reconstruction saga and the drains, those drains that stayed in too long and caused a little hiccup and the "big move" packing, actually traveling to the east coast settling the dogs (I like to call them my girls) in at the new place, unpacking 247 boxes (wardrobes, dish packs, art packs, regular boxes little or small or in between) and hanging of the paintings, putting up the window treatments and shovelling 55 inches of snow over those 9 weeks.
Round 3 is "phase 2" of my remodelling! Surgery is on the 12th of March, I arrived back in sunny (sort of) San Diego area last week and have been visiting and catching up with friends, neighbors and trying to close this house up in Temecula. But come next Weds I am on "surgery countdown". I did stop by and visit with my surgeon as I had a little fluid build up from that one drain that was infected in October so we were expecting a little fluid build up which resulted in an abscess that I am taking antibiotics for and hopefully it will not impede the process next week. So I had some time to chat with my surgeon about the procedure that was scheduled and I am having a reduction and "lift" to my left side! Ah finally the benefit occurs! I will have something that this gal never had perky ones! That will be nice! So Good Things Do Come to Those Who Wait.
That's all for now, thought I would give you all an update.
Hugs, Deb
Saturday, February 13, 2010
As with anything time takes care of all.
The big news here is that the Blizzard of 2009 was surpassed by the blizzards of 2010 which was named by someone here in the area as "snowmegeddon 2010". We received in the last week, 36" of snow which we (Craig and I) dug ourselves out of for the 5th time since we have lived here. The bright idea of keeping Craig's car at the office parking lot was a good one until we realized that we had just signed ourselves for 18 feet by 11 feet by how ever many inches there were when we went out to shovel during the storm, which was 3 times, once on Friday night, then Sat morning for 2 1/2 hours then later that day when the storm finally stopped. The snow blizzard that followed on Tuesday wasn't as nice to all of us, it was freezing rain, blowing winds and didn't let up until Weds evening by then it was too dark to go out or maybe we were just too tired of gearing up and shoveling some more. So we waited until the next morning which was good as the winds during the night had done one heck of a job on what neighbors had shoveled the night before. So I would say that already this winter season receiving as much snow as the area had received in 5 seasons past is quite a record. The entire area was shut down for 6 days, two of those being weekend days but really a totally unprecedented time for everyone here.
As you read, you will note that I was out there shoveling and marking out our sidewalks and driveway, so you say she must be feeling really good. I am, good enough to be out there and inside cleaning up this house from top to bottom, I mean hey there is just so much of TV or books and then you have to find something productive to do, cabin fever and all. Ha ha
I am looking forward to going back to San Diego and get a little rest from all this weather, but in all honesty that is what I moved here for, weather and weather is what I got so I am not complaining just would relish a break from it but no rest for the weary here, another snow storm is to hit us on Monday but not as bad as the past three just about 3 to 5 inches. That's nothing for this snow veteran!
There is always good that comes from delays, right? This time we got all the pictures and artwork up on the walls, the window treatments are up and the house is clean so what is left to us being "settled into the area"? Nothing, even the spare room that held the "junk or stuff we didn't want to go through" has been tackled and organized so we are settled in and now looking for some relaxation time here, oh there is the jobs that the handyman has to do but I will be overseeing those and not responsible for the completion of them that is his job (yes there really is a handyman assigned from the landlord, it is not Craig). I do have the papers on my desk to file and last year's taxes to coordinate but then I am done and ready to close the books on last year's illnesses, surgeries and relocation.
Something to look forward to, I will be keeping you updated on the surgery and my recovery looking forward to seeing a lot of you next month!
Hugs, Deb
As you read, you will note that I was out there shoveling and marking out our sidewalks and driveway, so you say she must be feeling really good. I am, good enough to be out there and inside cleaning up this house from top to bottom, I mean hey there is just so much of TV or books and then you have to find something productive to do, cabin fever and all. Ha ha
I am looking forward to going back to San Diego and get a little rest from all this weather, but in all honesty that is what I moved here for, weather and weather is what I got so I am not complaining just would relish a break from it but no rest for the weary here, another snow storm is to hit us on Monday but not as bad as the past three just about 3 to 5 inches. That's nothing for this snow veteran!
There is always good that comes from delays, right? This time we got all the pictures and artwork up on the walls, the window treatments are up and the house is clean so what is left to us being "settled into the area"? Nothing, even the spare room that held the "junk or stuff we didn't want to go through" has been tackled and organized so we are settled in and now looking for some relaxation time here, oh there is the jobs that the handyman has to do but I will be overseeing those and not responsible for the completion of them that is his job (yes there really is a handyman assigned from the landlord, it is not Craig). I do have the papers on my desk to file and last year's taxes to coordinate but then I am done and ready to close the books on last year's illnesses, surgeries and relocation.
Something to look forward to, I will be keeping you updated on the surgery and my recovery looking forward to seeing a lot of you next month!
Hugs, Deb
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The date is set and I am hopeful.
The surgery date has been confirmed by the surgeon for March 12 at Noon. A balancing act they call it, where the surgeon balances the unaffected breast's size to that of the reconstructed side. I guess now we will find out just how "unbalanced" I am/was. The surgery itself is supposed to be minimal and without drains and an easy recovery. Let's hear for that! I am not doubtful of the claim I just have never had easy uncomplicated surgeries so I guess there is a first for everything and a positive attitude would be the best path to take.
I have shovelled the drive, walkways, steps, brushed off cars twice this week and I don't feel sore. Not a bad thing just curious as to how that happens, can it be that I am in better shape than I know? I am not tired or drained, just bored but that's okay as the last four months have been quite busy so a little down time is welcomed and appreciated.
I have many thoughts but some are better to percolate and I will yak at you more later!
Hugs, Deb
I have shovelled the drive, walkways, steps, brushed off cars twice this week and I don't feel sore. Not a bad thing just curious as to how that happens, can it be that I am in better shape than I know? I am not tired or drained, just bored but that's okay as the last four months have been quite busy so a little down time is welcomed and appreciated.
I have many thoughts but some are better to percolate and I will yak at you more later!
Hugs, Deb
Friday, January 22, 2010
I need to "mature more" before my next surgery!
I thought I was mature, I mean I'm 56, married almost 25 years to the same guy, raised two boys who are both out of the teen years and in college, had cancer twice, back surgery and other operations, a few broken bones, and a myriad of job assignments throughout my career which spanned 33 years, what more do I need to be mature??
Ah, the "maturity" is to the reconstructed area and the fact that the area is not matured enough at this point to have my next surgery for Phase 2 of my remodelling. I guess my body just heals differently or more slowly than the "norm". I never denied I wasn't normal. Really, seriously, me normal? No, that is not the operative word in my vocabulary to ever describe myself. I have way too much fun laughing at myself and finding the humor in life to be considered "normal".
The upshot of my rant here is that my surgery has been pushed to March, hopefully around the 12Th but I am not writing that in ink until I hear from the surgeon. I know it's important to wait until the area is "ready" for a reshaping but I desperately need to move forward and get a job and start living again instead of "waiting for...".
I feel as if all of last year was about some part of waiting, whether it be waiting to find out what was wrong with my back, finding out that I had a severe herniated disc, then waiting for the discectomy surgery, heal from that, then physical therapy then find the tumor, have it diagnosed then wait for chemo treatment to start then wait for my system to recover from that to have "the" surgery and reconstruction. This all gives illness or breast cancer a voice/validation and as I have said before; no validation is allowed! Also I told everyone last year when I was diagnosed "I do not have time for any of this! I had things to do, moves to coordinate and a life. I didn't have a year to give to this disease and I won't!
Time to renew, breath deeply, listen to that inner voice, remove all hindrances, think positively, do not allow old stresses to invoke their hold, get out there and grab hold of a new day, new lifestyle!
The outlook is good, I just feel hindered and I am one who runs freely and fast!
Hugs, Deb
Ah, the "maturity" is to the reconstructed area and the fact that the area is not matured enough at this point to have my next surgery for Phase 2 of my remodelling. I guess my body just heals differently or more slowly than the "norm". I never denied I wasn't normal. Really, seriously, me normal? No, that is not the operative word in my vocabulary to ever describe myself. I have way too much fun laughing at myself and finding the humor in life to be considered "normal".
The upshot of my rant here is that my surgery has been pushed to March, hopefully around the 12Th but I am not writing that in ink until I hear from the surgeon. I know it's important to wait until the area is "ready" for a reshaping but I desperately need to move forward and get a job and start living again instead of "waiting for...".
I feel as if all of last year was about some part of waiting, whether it be waiting to find out what was wrong with my back, finding out that I had a severe herniated disc, then waiting for the discectomy surgery, heal from that, then physical therapy then find the tumor, have it diagnosed then wait for chemo treatment to start then wait for my system to recover from that to have "the" surgery and reconstruction. This all gives illness or breast cancer a voice/validation and as I have said before; no validation is allowed! Also I told everyone last year when I was diagnosed "I do not have time for any of this! I had things to do, moves to coordinate and a life. I didn't have a year to give to this disease and I won't!
Time to renew, breath deeply, listen to that inner voice, remove all hindrances, think positively, do not allow old stresses to invoke their hold, get out there and grab hold of a new day, new lifestyle!
The outlook is good, I just feel hindered and I am one who runs freely and fast!
Hugs, Deb
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Do I really have to?
Isn't that just the perfect question to be asking? Do I have to? YES is the answer but not without the yammering of me! This unpacking of the boxes hasn't really taken all that long if you count the time out for Christmas, New Year's, visits from family members and my birthday. But just the same I seem to be the only one doing, well doing the lion's share of it anyway. Our mantel did get anchored to the wall the day before my birthday and that was really all I wanted. Was it an ordeal to get it done, of course it was...way too many chiefs in this family and everyone having an idea of the "best possible way" to accomplish it. It's up and it looks great and I have things on it, so on to the next task - placing everything that got unpacked. Easier to unpack the boxes, break them down, take them to recycling (a 20 minute drive each way) then decide where all this stuff goes! My desk is the last clear space and it is now topped with all the "stuff" that was in the built in desk and then some but I am slowly going thru and weeding out and filing (can you imagine?) some things and trying to get myself ready for tax returns. No no I am not doing my tax return, I have always left ours for someone to prepare.
My health; is good,I am working around the house here not really exercising but lifting boxes, emptying them, taking the stairs (4 floors), I feel pretty good. I haven't really been worn out since the snow fall weekend although little chinks in the plan or day that sway me the wrong way are met with some resistance. So I guess I do tire and then I rest, eat something and move forward. This doesn't have to get done in a short amount of time but it does help me to feel settled and then I feel lonesome for my friends and family in Southern CA. I also want to get this house settled so I can move forward here and "branch out" to concetrating on things other than myself, like a job or at the very least some volunteer work, maybe a job, settle into that and see how it goes, eh?
Just a quick update, let me hear from you, thehrdys@verizon.net
Hugs, Deb
My health; is good,I am working around the house here not really exercising but lifting boxes, emptying them, taking the stairs (4 floors), I feel pretty good. I haven't really been worn out since the snow fall weekend although little chinks in the plan or day that sway me the wrong way are met with some resistance. So I guess I do tire and then I rest, eat something and move forward. This doesn't have to get done in a short amount of time but it does help me to feel settled and then I feel lonesome for my friends and family in Southern CA. I also want to get this house settled so I can move forward here and "branch out" to concetrating on things other than myself, like a job or at the very least some volunteer work, maybe a job, settle into that and see how it goes, eh?
Just a quick update, let me hear from you, thehrdys@verizon.net
Hugs, Deb
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Where did we get all these acquisitions?
Hi all,
I thought I would have been able to give you a thumbs up and all is rolling well by now but I am still unpacking boxes and sorting where things should go. But those are the joys of moving, from a 3400 square foot home into a 2300 one, eh? We are almost there, just about 4 boxes left to unpack and decide what gets thrown out and what stays, I am at the point where I don't care what stays I just don't want to unpack one more piece of wrapped anything! Can any of you relate?
The biggest job now is where the paintings/artwork will hang and that will take some time as a lot of those we need to live with and see what will go where. The household goods arrived just before the "blizzard of 2009" for the DC area so we were stuck inside and outside trying to get our cars unburied from 21" of snow and manuver around the roads. It did give me time to do nothing but unpack BUT had to locate the winter gear so it did make somewhat a mess trying to remember which box held the gloves and stuff, lol. My old Expedition did very well even if it isn't an AWD, she took it like a champ. Now back to my tasks of making this into our home, that is coming along nicely and I do have to say that Craig and Kevin were very helpful in placing furniture and deciding where "the stuff" should go, no no most of it did not end up at the dump! We did what we needed to do to get to Christmas and then worked our way out of boxes for the New Year and Craig's brother Rog's visit on his way back to Houston. We did visit the Recycling center a couple of times and it is quite pleasant, although Craig did say that the dropping off of the 3 foot high pile of boxes was a lot easier than loading them!
Right now we are enjoying Brian's arrival (6:50 AM today) so we will have some fun here visiting and maybe doing some sightseeing. We are settling into the cold weather and keeping ourselves warm and dry the house is 22 years old so it does have it's drafty places but we are learning those and attempting to compensate with blankets and fires going in the fireplace! I will forward some pictures soon, my camera died on me so I have pics of what it looked like with the boxes here but haven't been able to find my charger to take the finished pictures but they will follow in a couple of days.
I have been very fortunate as a dear friend of mine Mary, came by on the 22nd and 23rd of December and just unpacked while I put things away, THANK YOU MARY! It does help when you have someone that has done this about 18 times to step in and help get it done. My health continues to improve albeit I am not resting all that much I do about 9 hours per day of unpacking and then I collapse for about 9 hours or use them for "getting the things I had to leave behind". and then sleep for 6! Although my energy is not where I put it last year at this time, I am doing pretty well and I needed to slow down anyway, right? I am still scheduled to be back in the San Diego area the end of February so hopefully while I am there and recuperating from (hopefully) the last surgery I can see some of you that are in that area.
I am sending you all thanks and hugs to all of you,
I thought I would have been able to give you a thumbs up and all is rolling well by now but I am still unpacking boxes and sorting where things should go. But those are the joys of moving, from a 3400 square foot home into a 2300 one, eh? We are almost there, just about 4 boxes left to unpack and decide what gets thrown out and what stays, I am at the point where I don't care what stays I just don't want to unpack one more piece of wrapped anything! Can any of you relate?
The biggest job now is where the paintings/artwork will hang and that will take some time as a lot of those we need to live with and see what will go where. The household goods arrived just before the "blizzard of 2009" for the DC area so we were stuck inside and outside trying to get our cars unburied from 21" of snow and manuver around the roads. It did give me time to do nothing but unpack BUT had to locate the winter gear so it did make somewhat a mess trying to remember which box held the gloves and stuff, lol. My old Expedition did very well even if it isn't an AWD, she took it like a champ. Now back to my tasks of making this into our home, that is coming along nicely and I do have to say that Craig and Kevin were very helpful in placing furniture and deciding where "the stuff" should go, no no most of it did not end up at the dump! We did what we needed to do to get to Christmas and then worked our way out of boxes for the New Year and Craig's brother Rog's visit on his way back to Houston. We did visit the Recycling center a couple of times and it is quite pleasant, although Craig did say that the dropping off of the 3 foot high pile of boxes was a lot easier than loading them!
Right now we are enjoying Brian's arrival (6:50 AM today) so we will have some fun here visiting and maybe doing some sightseeing. We are settling into the cold weather and keeping ourselves warm and dry the house is 22 years old so it does have it's drafty places but we are learning those and attempting to compensate with blankets and fires going in the fireplace! I will forward some pictures soon, my camera died on me so I have pics of what it looked like with the boxes here but haven't been able to find my charger to take the finished pictures but they will follow in a couple of days.
I have been very fortunate as a dear friend of mine Mary, came by on the 22nd and 23rd of December and just unpacked while I put things away, THANK YOU MARY! It does help when you have someone that has done this about 18 times to step in and help get it done. My health continues to improve albeit I am not resting all that much I do about 9 hours per day of unpacking and then I collapse for about 9 hours or use them for "getting the things I had to leave behind". and then sleep for 6! Although my energy is not where I put it last year at this time, I am doing pretty well and I needed to slow down anyway, right? I am still scheduled to be back in the San Diego area the end of February so hopefully while I am there and recuperating from (hopefully) the last surgery I can see some of you that are in that area.
I am sending you all thanks and hugs to all of you,
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