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"Real wisdom is not the knowledge of everything, but the knowledge of which things in life are necessary, which are less necessary, and which are completely unnecessary to know." Leo Tolstoy
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Surgery
We saw the surgeon today, and after talking with him, and talking it over this weekend, Greg is scheduled for surgery Tuesday Dec 9th (3 weeks). The hurniated part of the disk, the part that's pressing on the nerve and causing the pain will be removed, not the entire disk. The rest of the disk looks very healthy. The surgeon saw no problem with getting another injection between then and now, but because we were delayed at the surgeon's office, we weren't able to see the shot doctor. The next available appoinment there was Dec 2nd. And that wouldn't be for a shot, just for a visit with the doc. So that's off for now. Now we just need Greg to make it another 3 weeks in pain.
He should be in hospital overnight, then a gradual 6 week recovery. They said he should be able to be back in the office a few hours a day in 2 weeks. Which to Greg means he can work from home as soon as he can sit up. He's hard to keep down.
This whole process has been slow as molasses. Getting from the GP to the orthopedic took 2 weeks (because we complained about the original 4 weeks). Then getting to the shot doctor (again with much calling and complaning) took another 2 weeks, and then 4 days till the 1st shot. It's an outpatient procedure under some sedation, so not just an office visit thing. Then 2 weeks till the 2nd shot. That was 2.5 weeks ago.
Prayers for peace, pain relief, and a financial miracle are greatly appreciated!
He should be in hospital overnight, then a gradual 6 week recovery. They said he should be able to be back in the office a few hours a day in 2 weeks. Which to Greg means he can work from home as soon as he can sit up. He's hard to keep down.
This whole process has been slow as molasses. Getting from the GP to the orthopedic took 2 weeks (because we complained about the original 4 weeks). Then getting to the shot doctor (again with much calling and complaning) took another 2 weeks, and then 4 days till the 1st shot. It's an outpatient procedure under some sedation, so not just an office visit thing. Then 2 weeks till the 2nd shot. That was 2.5 weeks ago.
Prayers for peace, pain relief, and a financial miracle are greatly appreciated!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Mikey & JoJo
While in Metaire alone, I took the oportunity to see both of my sisters. My sister Donna had her grandbabies which was great. I hadn't seen them in person in about 3 months. They've both grown so much. Mikey & I played with his hotwheels on his MeMe's super slick hall floor. He talks so much now, and he even sounds like his daddy. And he was calling me Aunt Penny. That sound you hear is my heart melting. I was so young when my niece and nephews were born that none of them ever really called me Aunt Penny. But now I have my sisters' grands to call me Aunt Penny. Little JoJo was a hoot. He's just all smiles. He looks just like big brother Chase right now. He's not quite walking, but very ready to run after big brother Mikey!
Stella's 1st birthday
Well, Gregory stayed home with his still recooping dad today while I went off to Metairie for Stella's birthday party. The party was a Strawberry Shortcake theme. So many people! Darlene has a large family, and there were quite a few of our extended family members there as well. For all of the people and commotion, Stella had a great day. She played, she danced, she tried to feed me marshmallows, and when I left, she had nursed to sleep outside in the cool breeze. I'd say she had a good day!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween
Our Halloween started with a trip to the clinic for Greg to get his second steroid injection. Grgeory & I wore our halloween t-shirts, though Greg was a little uncomfortable wearing a grim reaper t-shirt to have a *procedure* done. :)
There's never been any trick-or-treating in our immediate neighborhood. For several years, we went with friends to a huge subdivision a few miles a way and hit the halloween jackpot. But the last 2 years, Greg didn't want to go. He's not into crowds. Two years ago we went with one friend to his grandfather's neighborhood. That was nice, because as we walked around, they knew everyone. It was like a huge block party. And after trick or treating, Greg & Jacy got to give out candy for a while. He really enjoyed that. Last year, we didn't make any plans ahead of time. Gregory really didn't want to go. That was the worst point of his *don't want to leave the house* period. He was quite glad when I told him that I had candy & he didn't have to go trick-or-treating just to get the candy.
This year, with all of Greg's back problems, we had nothing planned. My friend Brandie (with 5 kids) whom we usually had gone TrT with had no vehicle. So we decided Wednesday night that we'd put together a little Halloween party here. The kids were cool with it, as long as they got candy. So we made some witches brew punch, some mummy dogs (pigs in a blanket with mustard dots for eyes), snake sandwiches (sandwich in a rolled tortilla, sliced and shaped like a snake)& some monster toe cookies. We put up our spider webbing and our black lights and some halloween music. We bobbed for apples and had a pinata filled with much much candy. It was low key, but very fun.
In the end, Gregory decided not to wear a costume. He instead tried shaving and it went horribly wrong. :) He had more fun with that one dollar tube of theatrical blood!
There's never been any trick-or-treating in our immediate neighborhood. For several years, we went with friends to a huge subdivision a few miles a way and hit the halloween jackpot. But the last 2 years, Greg didn't want to go. He's not into crowds. Two years ago we went with one friend to his grandfather's neighborhood. That was nice, because as we walked around, they knew everyone. It was like a huge block party. And after trick or treating, Greg & Jacy got to give out candy for a while. He really enjoyed that. Last year, we didn't make any plans ahead of time. Gregory really didn't want to go. That was the worst point of his *don't want to leave the house* period. He was quite glad when I told him that I had candy & he didn't have to go trick-or-treating just to get the candy.
This year, with all of Greg's back problems, we had nothing planned. My friend Brandie (with 5 kids) whom we usually had gone TrT with had no vehicle. So we decided Wednesday night that we'd put together a little Halloween party here. The kids were cool with it, as long as they got candy. So we made some witches brew punch, some mummy dogs (pigs in a blanket with mustard dots for eyes), snake sandwiches (sandwich in a rolled tortilla, sliced and shaped like a snake)& some monster toe cookies. We put up our spider webbing and our black lights and some halloween music. We bobbed for apples and had a pinata filled with much much candy. It was low key, but very fun.
In the end, Gregory decided not to wear a costume. He instead tried shaving and it went horribly wrong. :) He had more fun with that one dollar tube of theatrical blood!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
It's been a while...
So much has been going on, and yet life feels like we're on hold all at once.
Greg has a herniated back disk. He's had back problems for as long as I've known him, but nothing like this. The tree that fell and put a hole in our roof and big dents in my car also damaged Greg’s back. It happened moving the heavy wet trunk to the street. After a week he went to the doctor, then back again 2 or 3 times over the next 2 weeks. Then a MRI - herniated disk. He's had one steroid injection, and will probably have another, but he's not really getting any relief. He's just getting better at tolerating it. He's ready for surgery. He's ready to begin healing and put this behind him. Surgery will only treat the problem temporarily - it's time to start really exercising that back!
So for the past 6 weeks or so, we've been dealing with doctor appointments, missing work, a teeny tiny paycheck, and prayers and blessings from people all around us. We'll be just fine. I may have a panic attack or two as I open the bills that are coming, but we'll still be fine.
Then about 2 weeks ago, I found out my cousin Brandy had a lump on her forehead. Four years ago we lost a 34 yr. old cousin to breast cancer. So when this didn't go away right away, Brandy became the squeaky wheel she needed to be to get her self to the right doctors. Nearly 2 weeks ago, she had surgery and a very large, aggressive tumor was removed. It was a long and invasive surgery. The surgery was considered very successful, and she actually went home 4 days later. But when she returned at the one-week point to have the packing removed from her nose, they found she's been having brain fluid leakage. So she's been back in the hospital, flat on her back and will be until it stops. I'd imagine at some point if it doesn't stop on it's own, surgery would be an option.
I went to see her today, and she looks great. She lives about an hour and a half away, but is in hospital near me. I couldn't believe how good she looked. No swelling, no bruising, no shaved head. Her surgeon told her he's a fan of hair and her incision was just past her hairline and really can't be seen. But she's miserable. She's a go go go girl and lying on her back in one room for several days is not her cup of tea. Tuesday will be the 2-week mark, so pathology reports should be coming in soon. There is a slight possibility the tumor was not malignant, but it's pretty much assumed that it was. Nailing down just what they're dealing with is a big deal to determine where to go from here. I know she wants to just get this all behind her and get back to living. I met her 2-year-old son today. He is adorable! Of course I've seen many many pictures, but hearing that cute little Cajun accent was priceless.
And then there's me. For the first time in several months, I'm having a uveitis flare, and it's in both eyes. Dealing with this is such a pain. The flare itself is very painful, and the drops I use to treat the outbreak and the pain blur close-up vision. Everything past my arm's length is perfectly clear; anything closer is a total blur w/out my reading glasses. And I have no depth perception, so driving at night is out of the question. It'll take a few weeks to treat this and then get my vision back to normal. Ha! Normal. What a concept!
I did have the pleasure and blessing of being able to watch much of the webcast of my church's women's conference this weekend. I really enjoy listening to Christine Caine, and she always draws a great crowd. Her passion becomes my passion. It's contagious.
And it's not a coincidence that she spoke last night of not giving up in the waiting, of not quitting because it's not happening in your time frame. In ways, it feels like life stopped here Sept 1st, and yet at the same time, so much has happened since then.
Greg has a herniated back disk. He's had back problems for as long as I've known him, but nothing like this. The tree that fell and put a hole in our roof and big dents in my car also damaged Greg’s back. It happened moving the heavy wet trunk to the street. After a week he went to the doctor, then back again 2 or 3 times over the next 2 weeks. Then a MRI - herniated disk. He's had one steroid injection, and will probably have another, but he's not really getting any relief. He's just getting better at tolerating it. He's ready for surgery. He's ready to begin healing and put this behind him. Surgery will only treat the problem temporarily - it's time to start really exercising that back!
So for the past 6 weeks or so, we've been dealing with doctor appointments, missing work, a teeny tiny paycheck, and prayers and blessings from people all around us. We'll be just fine. I may have a panic attack or two as I open the bills that are coming, but we'll still be fine.
Then about 2 weeks ago, I found out my cousin Brandy had a lump on her forehead. Four years ago we lost a 34 yr. old cousin to breast cancer. So when this didn't go away right away, Brandy became the squeaky wheel she needed to be to get her self to the right doctors. Nearly 2 weeks ago, she had surgery and a very large, aggressive tumor was removed. It was a long and invasive surgery. The surgery was considered very successful, and she actually went home 4 days later. But when she returned at the one-week point to have the packing removed from her nose, they found she's been having brain fluid leakage. So she's been back in the hospital, flat on her back and will be until it stops. I'd imagine at some point if it doesn't stop on it's own, surgery would be an option.
I went to see her today, and she looks great. She lives about an hour and a half away, but is in hospital near me. I couldn't believe how good she looked. No swelling, no bruising, no shaved head. Her surgeon told her he's a fan of hair and her incision was just past her hairline and really can't be seen. But she's miserable. She's a go go go girl and lying on her back in one room for several days is not her cup of tea. Tuesday will be the 2-week mark, so pathology reports should be coming in soon. There is a slight possibility the tumor was not malignant, but it's pretty much assumed that it was. Nailing down just what they're dealing with is a big deal to determine where to go from here. I know she wants to just get this all behind her and get back to living. I met her 2-year-old son today. He is adorable! Of course I've seen many many pictures, but hearing that cute little Cajun accent was priceless.
And then there's me. For the first time in several months, I'm having a uveitis flare, and it's in both eyes. Dealing with this is such a pain. The flare itself is very painful, and the drops I use to treat the outbreak and the pain blur close-up vision. Everything past my arm's length is perfectly clear; anything closer is a total blur w/out my reading glasses. And I have no depth perception, so driving at night is out of the question. It'll take a few weeks to treat this and then get my vision back to normal. Ha! Normal. What a concept!
I did have the pleasure and blessing of being able to watch much of the webcast of my church's women's conference this weekend. I really enjoy listening to Christine Caine, and she always draws a great crowd. Her passion becomes my passion. It's contagious.
And it's not a coincidence that she spoke last night of not giving up in the waiting, of not quitting because it's not happening in your time frame. In ways, it feels like life stopped here Sept 1st, and yet at the same time, so much has happened since then.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Just for the heck of it...
Copied from Stephanie...
Go to urbandictionary.com and type in your answer to each question in the search box, then write the FIRST definition it gives you.
1) Your name? Penelope
A character off a popular skit on SNL, (Saturday Night Live.) She is the ultimate one-upper, and always strokes her hair while telling you how much better she is than you.
"Girl: "I just had a baby! I'm so happy."
Penelope: "Well I just had three babies and a cat... Yeah, they're all perfect and I'm ecstatic..." "
2) Your age? 41
A good looking or HOT, female. Used as a code so others will not know what you are talking about.
"Look at that 41 behind us or thats a 41 at the door."
3) One of your friends? Brandie
An Intelligent woman, usually brunette, gorgeous, and goal oriented. She's one to speak her mind and you do not want to mess with a Brandie. She's liable to attack at the slightest insult and she has a mean right hook. However, she can be won over by a really nice hug.
"She just totally decked him, she's such a Brandie."
4) There was no #4
5) Favorite color? green
yes... it is most definitely referring to the marijuana... and also, upon occassion, any substance with similar uses. too, properly, of course, it is a golfing term, but that's really not very much fun, now is it?
"'yo, where da green at?'"
(oh my...)
6) Birthplace? Lafayette
The center of cajun culture in louisiana.Very cool town.Bigger than what what most people think.Home to the university of louisana and is the states 5th largest city. Lafayette has a lot of potential but it is slowly losing its uniqeness to strip malls and 5 lane roads which can be found in any other city.
7) Month of your birthday? January
(could NOT use the first definition, this is #2)
One of the worst month's of the year for most people. Either after New Years, where as you did some so incredibly stupid you'll regret it forever. Or that your going back to work or school. Either way you hate it.
"Oh sh*t! It's January again."
8) Last person you talked to? Greg
A scottish word used mainly in Glasgow meaning to always get drunk and flirt with women
"Do you like him?
Yeah hes ok but hes a bit of a greg...
Really, i thought he was shy?
Nah he flirts with all the girls when he's drunk"
(ROFLOUPMP!!!) Did I ever tell you how we met??
9) What did you last eat? Chocolate
the yummiest, tastiest thing in the whole wide world. chocolate also makes u happy and makes u feel better.
whenever u feel down just have some chocolate it makes u feel better !!!!!
10) Your nickname? Penny
Nothing printable...LOL!
Go to urbandictionary.com and type in your answer to each question in the search box, then write the FIRST definition it gives you.
1) Your name? Penelope
A character off a popular skit on SNL, (Saturday Night Live.) She is the ultimate one-upper, and always strokes her hair while telling you how much better she is than you.
"Girl: "I just had a baby! I'm so happy."
Penelope: "Well I just had three babies and a cat... Yeah, they're all perfect and I'm ecstatic..." "
2) Your age? 41
A good looking or HOT, female. Used as a code so others will not know what you are talking about.
"Look at that 41 behind us or thats a 41 at the door."
3) One of your friends? Brandie
An Intelligent woman, usually brunette, gorgeous, and goal oriented. She's one to speak her mind and you do not want to mess with a Brandie. She's liable to attack at the slightest insult and she has a mean right hook. However, she can be won over by a really nice hug.
"She just totally decked him, she's such a Brandie."
4) There was no #4
5) Favorite color? green
yes... it is most definitely referring to the marijuana... and also, upon occassion, any substance with similar uses. too, properly, of course, it is a golfing term, but that's really not very much fun, now is it?
"'yo, where da green at?'"
(oh my...)
6) Birthplace? Lafayette
The center of cajun culture in louisiana.Very cool town.Bigger than what what most people think.Home to the university of louisana and is the states 5th largest city. Lafayette has a lot of potential but it is slowly losing its uniqeness to strip malls and 5 lane roads which can be found in any other city.
7) Month of your birthday? January
(could NOT use the first definition, this is #2)
One of the worst month's of the year for most people. Either after New Years, where as you did some so incredibly stupid you'll regret it forever. Or that your going back to work or school. Either way you hate it.
"Oh sh*t! It's January again."
8) Last person you talked to? Greg
A scottish word used mainly in Glasgow meaning to always get drunk and flirt with women
"Do you like him?
Yeah hes ok but hes a bit of a greg...
Really, i thought he was shy?
Nah he flirts with all the girls when he's drunk"
(ROFLOUPMP!!!) Did I ever tell you how we met??
9) What did you last eat? Chocolate
the yummiest, tastiest thing in the whole wide world. chocolate also makes u happy and makes u feel better.
whenever u feel down just have some chocolate it makes u feel better !!!!!
10) Your nickname? Penny
Nothing printable...LOL!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Sunrise ???
Following Stephanie's good advice and keeping it light tonight...
I can't imagine being a sunrise person, unless I've been up until sunrise... Maybe that's it.
I can't imagine being a sunrise person, unless I've been up until sunrise... Maybe that's it.
You Are Sunrise |
 You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary. You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts. All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be. |
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Hair
Stole this one from Donna...
Your Hair Should Be Red |
 You are a passionate person... both in love and in life. You have many causes that are important to you. You can be very intense. You are very fiery. You speak up, and you don't mince words. You also have a very flamboyant personality. You love to show off. (NOT!) You are both eccentric and expressive. You like to share your unique point of view. You can become quite impassioned. So impassioned that you can seem a little overbearing. Moi?? |
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