It's been a very good week, except the stress.
Wednesday, I went over to the DMV, first thing. In fact, I didn't know they open at 9am on Wednesdays, so I was over there waiting in a line that went from National City to Lemon Grove (stick with me here, and you'll find out how I sometimes exaggerate; forgive me), because it was still 15 minutes till opening.
Once the place opened, the line moved fast, and I was in there taking my driving test before I knew it.
And....
I DID IT!! I GOT 100% ON MY DRIVING TEST!!! I DID IT!!! AFTER 23 YEARS, I FINALLY GOT 100% ON THE WRITTEN DRIVING TEST!!!!!
No, there was no behind-the-wheel test for me, as I only moved back from out of state. But, I presume I'd have gotten 100% on that too, if I had to.
I must say, the Online Sample Tests really helped. For me, I think that's what made all the difference. I studied hard and long, and long and hard. I lost much sleep trying to get all that information down, and my hard work was worth it.
Last year, in March 2008, I only got 75% on my Ohio driving test. That was barely passing. But, they don't have Online Sample Tests to help people pass...and they have more questions.
Never, in all my 23 years of being a licensed driver, did I ever get 100% on a written driving test. Just this time!!!
I love it when that happens!!!
So, now I'm officially a California driver--again, and this time it'd better be for good!!!!! Damn, it'd better be for good!!!! I'm not going to play "musical states" again, not after all the hard work I've gone through to come back here!!
I'll definitely visit my furbabies in Ohio, but to live in, I prefer California, for obvious reasons.
I wasn't going to come back to my blog this weekend, but I wanted to share that wonderful info with you, about my perfect driving test.
Have a lovely, lovely weekend, one and all!!! I'll probably be doing some de-rusting, some painting, some car improvements, etc... And Sunday evening, I can wash the car, again, to get it ready for its trip to the shop.
Love ya!!
Ta-taaaaaaaaaa, for now!
(poof)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Too many surgeries here~~
So yesterday, my surgeon checked to see if he could put a new "PD" catheter in. The game plan was that, if he could, he would, and I'd look forward to resuming "PD" (peritoneal dialysis) as soon as the catheter is ready to use, probably in about a month. And if not, he'd have put in another blasted graft, this time in my left arm, and I'd again have had to be a "one-arm wonder". I am VERY pleased to report that he was able to put a new "PD" catheter in. I will soon be able to say "Hasta la vista" to the hemo. routine...going in to Fresenius for three and a half hours a day, three days a week...not able to do anything but read, listen to CD's (Naturally, Bobby Jameson gets more play than any other CD I drag along with me), do needle point, etc... That's a huge chunk out of my car repair and improvement (de-rusting; painting; etc.). So, now I'll have that time of my day back. YES!!! YES!!!
I will have to stay on the "PD" machine for 9 hours a night, but that's a small chunk of my time compared to what hemo. has been. And, I can do it at home, so I'll be my own nurse. Any mistakes made, I can give myself forty lashes with a wet tail (let me try to put a picture of that up; last time I tried to put a picture on here, it didn't work; hang on.)
OK...THAT tail. (TOLD ya I look hot in that tiger suit)
Anyway...so, that's where I was most of yesterday: having a medical procedure, and being kind of "loopsy" on anesthesia and painkillers. I'm still a little "loopsy" on painkillers, but I think the anesthesia finally wore off.
I could've strangled my dialysis technician today. I had to race over to Costco Pharmacy to get my meds after treatment. Naturally, that didn't dawn on her, as she disconnected me 10 minutes later than I had expected, and then took another 10 minutes to change my dressing. So then, I had to race over to Costco, getting there with two minutes to spare. Thankfully, the two pharmacy clerks were still there. They'd closed off the pick-up window, but when I ran up to them as fast as I could, short of breath, and begged them to please let me get my meds, they did. Bless their hearts. They were very good to me.
Either way you slice it, dialysis is full of sacrifices and a lower quality of life. That must be why I'm praying with all my heart that I'll live to get a transplant, before I go completely nuts.
Oh, wait....I might already be completely nuts. Any woman who runs around the house in a tiger suit, just to blend in with the cats.... Awwwwwwwwww, let me have that one little bit of understandable insanity, please, thanks.
I warned you. A little while ago, I said I was "loopsy". Forgive my rambling.
And, that's the latest around here.
I'm kind of stressed out, too.
I WANT very much to be given THIS car...beautiful paint, very little rust.
+162.jpg)
BUT, I'm afraid I might be given THIS car back...damn flimsy paint, more rust than on most 14-year-old SUV's... Although I've put a lot into it already ($700 tires; $300 shocks; had most of the front end re-done, even did some of the work myself), I think I can part with it, considering I'd be spending another five years just taking all the rust off and painting it...
So, I'm kind of stressed. My "sweetheart" is kind of stressed. When it's all said and done, it's nice to be able to come here and vent my spleen a little, so forgive me.
Gotta go for now.
Have a LOVELY weekend!!!
Good night, sweetheart, good night, and ta-ta, for now!!
I will have to stay on the "PD" machine for 9 hours a night, but that's a small chunk of my time compared to what hemo. has been. And, I can do it at home, so I'll be my own nurse. Any mistakes made, I can give myself forty lashes with a wet tail (let me try to put a picture of that up; last time I tried to put a picture on here, it didn't work; hang on.)
OK...THAT tail. (TOLD ya I look hot in that tiger suit)
Anyway...so, that's where I was most of yesterday: having a medical procedure, and being kind of "loopsy" on anesthesia and painkillers. I'm still a little "loopsy" on painkillers, but I think the anesthesia finally wore off.
I could've strangled my dialysis technician today. I had to race over to Costco Pharmacy to get my meds after treatment. Naturally, that didn't dawn on her, as she disconnected me 10 minutes later than I had expected, and then took another 10 minutes to change my dressing. So then, I had to race over to Costco, getting there with two minutes to spare. Thankfully, the two pharmacy clerks were still there. They'd closed off the pick-up window, but when I ran up to them as fast as I could, short of breath, and begged them to please let me get my meds, they did. Bless their hearts. They were very good to me.
Either way you slice it, dialysis is full of sacrifices and a lower quality of life. That must be why I'm praying with all my heart that I'll live to get a transplant, before I go completely nuts.
Oh, wait....I might already be completely nuts. Any woman who runs around the house in a tiger suit, just to blend in with the cats.... Awwwwwwwwww, let me have that one little bit of understandable insanity, please, thanks.
I warned you. A little while ago, I said I was "loopsy". Forgive my rambling.
And, that's the latest around here.
I'm kind of stressed out, too.
I WANT very much to be given THIS car...beautiful paint, very little rust.
+162.jpg)
BUT, I'm afraid I might be given THIS car back...damn flimsy paint, more rust than on most 14-year-old SUV's... Although I've put a lot into it already ($700 tires; $300 shocks; had most of the front end re-done, even did some of the work myself), I think I can part with it, considering I'd be spending another five years just taking all the rust off and painting it...
So, I'm kind of stressed. My "sweetheart" is kind of stressed. When it's all said and done, it's nice to be able to come here and vent my spleen a little, so forgive me.
Gotta go for now.
Have a LOVELY weekend!!!
Good night, sweetheart, good night, and ta-ta, for now!!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
It's been twee long years~~~
It's now midnight in Chicago, which means it's now July 12th there, so I might as well post this while I have a free minute.
Three years ago today, was "Black Wednesday". Numerous layoffs at CBS/Infinity, across the country, including WJMK in Chicago. Three of their DJ's, one of whom was Dick Biondi, were mercilessly laid off--just like that. True, they were allowed to say goodbye before being let go, but it left many a loyal fan (myself included) broken hearted...as though a part of our lives had come to an end.
I still remember Dick's final sign-off from 'JMK. I remember how he sounded like he was fighting back the tears. And, to this day, listening to that aircheck brings tears to my eyes as well.
My Blogger photo is of Dick Biondi and myself, from July 28, 2006. As Dick was out of work, I was afraid I'd never have another chance to see "The Wild Itralian" again....so I drove out there from here (San Diego), and Dick made me glad that I did, although I was having problems due to kidney failure.
In November, 2006, Dick Biondi returned to the airwaves...to WZZN, which is now WLS-FM. A cheap re-use of WLS-AM's logo from the '70's...but some fans like the nostalgic flavor of that. Dick was on WLS-AM in the early '60's.
To this day, by the way, I haven't seen Dick again in person. We had been in touch by phone and by email, until recently. I hope that if someone runs into this, and happens to know Dick, that they can let him know this loyal fan says hello.
That's all I wanted to say for now.
I took four Percocets this evening, so I'm a little too loopy to be able to say anything else coherent at the moment.
So....good night, sweethearts, goodnight...and ta-ta, for now!!!!!
(poof.)
Three years ago today, was "Black Wednesday". Numerous layoffs at CBS/Infinity, across the country, including WJMK in Chicago. Three of their DJ's, one of whom was Dick Biondi, were mercilessly laid off--just like that. True, they were allowed to say goodbye before being let go, but it left many a loyal fan (myself included) broken hearted...as though a part of our lives had come to an end.
I still remember Dick's final sign-off from 'JMK. I remember how he sounded like he was fighting back the tears. And, to this day, listening to that aircheck brings tears to my eyes as well.
My Blogger photo is of Dick Biondi and myself, from July 28, 2006. As Dick was out of work, I was afraid I'd never have another chance to see "The Wild Itralian" again....so I drove out there from here (San Diego), and Dick made me glad that I did, although I was having problems due to kidney failure.
In November, 2006, Dick Biondi returned to the airwaves...to WZZN, which is now WLS-FM. A cheap re-use of WLS-AM's logo from the '70's...but some fans like the nostalgic flavor of that. Dick was on WLS-AM in the early '60's.
To this day, by the way, I haven't seen Dick again in person. We had been in touch by phone and by email, until recently. I hope that if someone runs into this, and happens to know Dick, that they can let him know this loyal fan says hello.
That's all I wanted to say for now.
I took four Percocets this evening, so I'm a little too loopy to be able to say anything else coherent at the moment.
So....good night, sweethearts, goodnight...and ta-ta, for now!!!!!
(poof.)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Cat Tales
((By the way, WHAT the heck is going on with this Blogger??? I can't seem to post photos tonight...weird!!))
It's July 8th already...wow!
So, I thought I'd share some cat tales with you.
These both have to do with my Jerry-son.
Jerry...that remarkably brilliant, handsome, and sweet kitty...
It was three years ago. I had to reach past Jerry to get a glass of water, and I told him so (just call me "the kitty whisperer"). So, what did my boy do?? He replied, "Meow-Wa-Wa." He heard me call it "wa-wa" (kitten talk for "water"), so he repeated what he heard me say. Smart cat!!
Then, later in July, I was getting ready to leave to go to East Dundee, IL...to see Dick Biondi (that's where my Blogger picture comes from, by the way). I told my cats who I was going to see. Remember, the name "Biondi" must have stuck with Jerry. And, he repeated as best he could: "Meow-WOW-i!!" Now, is that a smart cat, or what?? I tell you, I'm amazed at what my three "little angels" can do!!
Tony sometimes "drags" me to his "crunchy" dish so I can watch him eat. He says "Wah?", repeatedly, looking me in the eye every time, and making sure I'm following him, until we reach his "crunchy" dish...so, I get to watch him eat.
Tony is also the one who was sooooo afraid of my first "PD" machine...that's what inspired me to call dialysis machines "Moonsters." So, thanks to my Tony-son, I can safely say, I see the "Moonster" three days a week. That's one way of looking at it, right?? And I couldn't agree more...thanks, son!!!
Mup is the one who talks up whole paragraphs when she has something on her mind. She's so adorable! Her favorite way of talking is "Meow-WAH". Like that.
Well, I'd better call it a night now (I'm so sorry; I probably said that on my last posting...well, now I mean it).
Good night, and ta-ta for now, for sure!!
(poof.)
It's July 8th already...wow!
So, I thought I'd share some cat tales with you.
These both have to do with my Jerry-son.
Jerry...that remarkably brilliant, handsome, and sweet kitty...
It was three years ago. I had to reach past Jerry to get a glass of water, and I told him so (just call me "the kitty whisperer"). So, what did my boy do?? He replied, "Meow-Wa-Wa." He heard me call it "wa-wa" (kitten talk for "water"), so he repeated what he heard me say. Smart cat!!
Then, later in July, I was getting ready to leave to go to East Dundee, IL...to see Dick Biondi (that's where my Blogger picture comes from, by the way). I told my cats who I was going to see. Remember, the name "Biondi" must have stuck with Jerry. And, he repeated as best he could: "Meow-WOW-i!!" Now, is that a smart cat, or what?? I tell you, I'm amazed at what my three "little angels" can do!!
Tony sometimes "drags" me to his "crunchy" dish so I can watch him eat. He says "Wah?", repeatedly, looking me in the eye every time, and making sure I'm following him, until we reach his "crunchy" dish...so, I get to watch him eat.
Tony is also the one who was sooooo afraid of my first "PD" machine...that's what inspired me to call dialysis machines "Moonsters." So, thanks to my Tony-son, I can safely say, I see the "Moonster" three days a week. That's one way of looking at it, right?? And I couldn't agree more...thanks, son!!!
Mup is the one who talks up whole paragraphs when she has something on her mind. She's so adorable! Her favorite way of talking is "Meow-WAH". Like that.
Well, I'd better call it a night now (I'm so sorry; I probably said that on my last posting...well, now I mean it).
Good night, and ta-ta for now, for sure!!
(poof.)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
So...back to needing a new kidney...
Sooner than later, by the way.
There are certain positions I get myself in, while I'm busy working, where I can feel the water rush to my head. I probably would NEVER feel the blood rush to my head in those positions, but having too much water build up in me between treatments, since after all, no water escapes me at all except during dialysis, naturally, this means I end up with more water in my blood than the average bear.
I'm so tired of dialysis, I truly am. I lose all kinds of valuable time that I could be here working...cleaning the house, working on my car (cleaning, etc.)...rather than sitting in that blasted chair doing nothing.
I probably shouldn't squawk too much. At least I have 3 and a half hours to myself, to listen to Bobby Jameson (on CD, of course!!), read, learn needlepoint, etc. But, I get stressed when I feel like there's not enough hours in the day to get everything done because I have to lose that much time out of my productivity. Make sense??? I hope so.
Forgive me for rambling. It's been a long day. I did more painting (of car parts), and cleaning the house. And I didn't get a nap in. And, it's 10:30pm, so I'm tired and just about to call it a night, but wanted to get that water retention rant off of my chest.
(P.S.: Don't those Isuzu Rodeos (which is what I have) and Honda Passports look absolutely LOVELY in white???? I sure think so!!) ;-)
Good night, sweethearts...and, ta-ta for now!
(poof.)
There are certain positions I get myself in, while I'm busy working, where I can feel the water rush to my head. I probably would NEVER feel the blood rush to my head in those positions, but having too much water build up in me between treatments, since after all, no water escapes me at all except during dialysis, naturally, this means I end up with more water in my blood than the average bear.
I'm so tired of dialysis, I truly am. I lose all kinds of valuable time that I could be here working...cleaning the house, working on my car (cleaning, etc.)...rather than sitting in that blasted chair doing nothing.
I probably shouldn't squawk too much. At least I have 3 and a half hours to myself, to listen to Bobby Jameson (on CD, of course!!), read, learn needlepoint, etc. But, I get stressed when I feel like there's not enough hours in the day to get everything done because I have to lose that much time out of my productivity. Make sense??? I hope so.
Forgive me for rambling. It's been a long day. I did more painting (of car parts), and cleaning the house. And I didn't get a nap in. And, it's 10:30pm, so I'm tired and just about to call it a night, but wanted to get that water retention rant off of my chest.
(P.S.: Don't those Isuzu Rodeos (which is what I have) and Honda Passports look absolutely LOVELY in white???? I sure think so!!) ;-)
Good night, sweethearts...and, ta-ta for now!
(poof.)
Friday, July 3, 2009
Happy 4th!! And, question re: ice chips
Once again, Happy July 4th!!! Hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!!
I have a question.
You see, I've been hooked on ice chips ever since about a year ago. It may go along with a couple of things. It may be related to when I found out that a cup of ice has about 1/10th of the water that a cup of water does, and that turned me on to ice due to my fluid restrictions (from being on hemodialysis--YUK!). Or, it may be related to my on-again-off-again anemia (and I've had both iron-deficiency anemia, AND erythropoetin-deficiency anemia). Or...and this is a wild, wild guess...it may be related to my not "getting any" for a year and a half. Now, that last choice there is probably way out in left field. But, I won't turn down the possibility that it could be what's causing my ice chip fixation.
I'm just wondering WHY I have this ice chip fixation, and I'm wondering, because two or three of my teeth are now temperature-sensitive, to the point of where I have to chew my ice on the other side of my mouth. Fortunately, none of these are teeth that would affect my wonderful smile, so no need to worry on that. But, all 28 of my teeth have been near-perfect all my life (except when I had braces), so I'm concerned, and I want to save my teeth from destruction-by-ice-chips, if I can at all.
Once again, Happy 4th!!
Love ya!!
Good night, sweethearts, and ta-ta for now!!
(poof)
I have a question.
You see, I've been hooked on ice chips ever since about a year ago. It may go along with a couple of things. It may be related to when I found out that a cup of ice has about 1/10th of the water that a cup of water does, and that turned me on to ice due to my fluid restrictions (from being on hemodialysis--YUK!). Or, it may be related to my on-again-off-again anemia (and I've had both iron-deficiency anemia, AND erythropoetin-deficiency anemia). Or...and this is a wild, wild guess...it may be related to my not "getting any" for a year and a half. Now, that last choice there is probably way out in left field. But, I won't turn down the possibility that it could be what's causing my ice chip fixation.
I'm just wondering WHY I have this ice chip fixation, and I'm wondering, because two or three of my teeth are now temperature-sensitive, to the point of where I have to chew my ice on the other side of my mouth. Fortunately, none of these are teeth that would affect my wonderful smile, so no need to worry on that. But, all 28 of my teeth have been near-perfect all my life (except when I had braces), so I'm concerned, and I want to save my teeth from destruction-by-ice-chips, if I can at all.
Once again, Happy 4th!!
Love ya!!
Good night, sweethearts, and ta-ta for now!!
(poof)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wishing my readers a wonderful, safe, and Happy July 4th!!
Forgive me for being a little early on this, but I wanted to take the time now, while I'm online, to wish any reader that I may have a VERY safe, happy, and fun July 4th!!!!!!
I tried to post this about an hour or two ago, but there was an error and the whole thing went poof. After a much-needed break, and after taking a couple Percocets for my headache (and tailbone ache), I thought I'd come back and again try to say Happy July 4th!!
Whatever this holiday brings you, I hope it works for you!!!
Personally, I'm going to be very busy this month. Besides car cleaning and repair, I have a lot of doctors' appointments. Tomorrow, I'll have two Transplant evaluations, so finally we're getting the ball rolling again on that level. In case you missed it, I'm back in San Diego, so this will be at Sharp Memorial Hospital, where I'm trying to get relisted. I remember that I got fed up with the Cleveland Clinic and how they cancelled my transplant at the last minute, and with no obvious reason. That was NOT why I moved back here, but it happened just before I left Cleveland. Coincidence??? Maybe-most likely. Just another coincidence for me to make a note of.
I had more to say here, but the Percocet is starting to make me rather loopsy, so I'll come back when I feel more coherent. I hope you understand. I'm sure you do.
By the way: I am NOT addicted to Percocet, nor could I ever be. Although I have a history of an addictive behavior (i.e., I had an eating disorder many years ago), I could NEVER bring myself to get addicted to Percocet or anything else. Yes, I've been addicted to Excedrin, but that's different. When it's a prescription narcotic, I can force myself to hold back. Maybe because it's so hard to get refills for narcotics...I don't know what it is, but I'll be OK; trust me.
And, I've gotta start winding it down for the night, so...
Good night, sweethearts!!! Ta-ta, for now!!
Love ya!!
I tried to post this about an hour or two ago, but there was an error and the whole thing went poof. After a much-needed break, and after taking a couple Percocets for my headache (and tailbone ache), I thought I'd come back and again try to say Happy July 4th!!
Whatever this holiday brings you, I hope it works for you!!!
Personally, I'm going to be very busy this month. Besides car cleaning and repair, I have a lot of doctors' appointments. Tomorrow, I'll have two Transplant evaluations, so finally we're getting the ball rolling again on that level. In case you missed it, I'm back in San Diego, so this will be at Sharp Memorial Hospital, where I'm trying to get relisted. I remember that I got fed up with the Cleveland Clinic and how they cancelled my transplant at the last minute, and with no obvious reason. That was NOT why I moved back here, but it happened just before I left Cleveland. Coincidence??? Maybe-most likely. Just another coincidence for me to make a note of.
I had more to say here, but the Percocet is starting to make me rather loopsy, so I'll come back when I feel more coherent. I hope you understand. I'm sure you do.
By the way: I am NOT addicted to Percocet, nor could I ever be. Although I have a history of an addictive behavior (i.e., I had an eating disorder many years ago), I could NEVER bring myself to get addicted to Percocet or anything else. Yes, I've been addicted to Excedrin, but that's different. When it's a prescription narcotic, I can force myself to hold back. Maybe because it's so hard to get refills for narcotics...I don't know what it is, but I'll be OK; trust me.
And, I've gotta start winding it down for the night, so...
Good night, sweethearts!!! Ta-ta, for now!!
Love ya!!
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