~ Tag Request - Snow Toon ~

I need an email address if you request a tag see note below

****PLEASE READ****

This is very important. Unlike AOL blogger does not give me an email when I receive your comment alert. I never saved addresses in AOL, so I don't have them, or I have no idea who you are as I don't see your AOL username. I must have an email address when you request a tag. If I don't, your request will be ignored. You can make it really easy and go to your blogger profile and include an email address. It's real easy when you log in you have the option to view your profile or you can view your entire profile from your journal. Edit your profile and add an email. AOL or other it doesn't matter. If you don't want to do that you must leave your address in the comment each time you make a request

Ok, I'm feeling a bit better and a lot bored. I can't drive and I'm very limited as to what I can do but thought I'd play in PSP, since I can.

Expires 12/2 at noon EST
any requests after that time or without an email will be ignored.
If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know. Please make sure I get your email address.Do not alter tags No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. If you need help with animation on your blog let me know I will give you directions.
Limit 1
Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit. Thank you for following these terms.
hugs
~d

~ And other things ~

Ahhhhh..... and other things. The snow has been falling south of the city. Lucky for me it's not been at my house. They called for a mix bag today, rain, sleet, snow. I didn't venture out so I'm not sure what it did exactly. Looked just wet. I messed around with tag above. Feel free to grab it if you like... you all know all I ask is for a link back.

I wanted to announce and pimp my younger sisters blog. She's been visiting me forever and while I was at their house recovering she started her own. I helped a bit but she seems to have it up and running. Can you stop by and say hello? Not sure how much she'll write, but I think she is having fun putting in her pictures. Thanks!

Julie awarded me the Superior Scribbler award. Thanks Julie I'm flattered. I have seen this award all over the blogsper so I am thinking I'm one of the last to get it. I know there are a ton of journals out there that deserve it, but I will leave it open to grab.

Warning! You may want to skip this next section... graphic picture.

I pretty much vegged today. It was an odd day. It wasn't that I felt bad, but I didn't feel great. Just couldn't get comfortable sitting or laying. Nothing really hurt, but my foot is still driving me banana's. I go to the diabetic Dr tomorrow so hopefully she can give me some additional information. No results from the tests on Friday yet, but I know what I heard and I'm not stupid, something is not right there. I don't want to freak out but I also know what they say about diabetes and feet. Could it be related or is it in fact from the balloon pump?

Anyway in addition to just not getting comfy, I itched. My skin is dry but everything itched. My scar (warning picture below) itched like mad and as of now I cannot put anything on it. Hoping when I see the cardiologist on Wed they will give me permission. We'll see. I can't think of anything that would make me itch. Nothing has changed except for the addition of meds. Grrrrrr Maybe it's just me.

I sound like I'm whining today... didn't mean to. I actually feel pretty good. I guess my emotions are getting the best of me. I will have to ask about that as well. I know they told me I'm normal, LMAO, but I still feel out of sorts. Something I'm not use to. K.. sorry I subjected you to the picture... not sure why... but it's here and my head is telling me to post it..... out of sorts I tell you...

Hope everyone is doing well and had a great weekend. Mine was same 'ole same 'ole.

Hugs

~d

~ Mystery Blogger XIII ~

 

Oh yeah.....  it's back.  I didn't forget, just needed to get myself back on track.   So we have Mystery Blogger XIII.  Do you know her?   Maybe you do...........  take a guess.

Need some clues?  Here you go.................  

*This little girl grew up to win an International cooking contest

*This little girl grew up to teach piano

*This little girl married her childhood sweetheart..

~ Tag Request - Let it Snow ~

I need an email address if you request a tag see note below

****PLEASE READ****

This is very important. Unlike AOL blogger does not give me an email when I receive your comment alert. I never saved addresses in AOL, so I don't have them, or I have no idea who you are as I don't see your AOL username. I must have an email address when you request a tag. If I don't, your request will be ignored. You can make it really easy and go to your blogger profile and include an email address. It's real easy when you log in you have the option to view your profile or you can view your entire profile from your journal. Edit your profile and add an email. AOL or other it doesn't matter. If you don't want to do that you must leave your address in the comment each time you make a request

Ok, I'm feeling a bit better and a lot bored. I can't drive and I'm very limited as to what I can do but thought I'd play in PSP, since I can.

Expires 12/1 at noon EST

any requests after that time or without an email will be ignored.

If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know. Please make sure I get your email address.Do not alter tags No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. If you need help with animation on your blog let me know I will give you directions.

Limit 1.

Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit. Thank you for following these terms.

hugs

~d

~ Beary Thankful ~

 

Oh yes.... beary thankful.  I am pretty sure I mentioned my bear in a previous entry.  It was given to me by the hospital to use for coughing, sneezing etc.  All I do is give it a hug and the pressure helps lessen the pain and discomfort in my chest.  I have been using it as a little security blanket when I'm out of the house.  You know... if I have it I don't need it but if I didn't have it..........    Well..  I've been needing it as I get a tickle in my throat and the cough is aggravating.  The tickle is a side effect of one of the meds. 

 

:::giggle::: my nephew, Mike.  He has a little bit of a different security blanket he likes to sleep with.  LMAO!!!  Oh, yeah it was a set up. 

 

My brother in law and niece.....   aren't they just too cute??

 

Hillbilly Jeff (my nephew) after a good meal.  My other niece hasn't let the eyelids close at this point....  but oh rest assured she did take a nap too!!

 

Guess who!?!  Ya don't think for one minute she was going to be left out do you?  That would be Mama that she is laying on. 

 

My nephew and  nieces...   a bit after the naps.  LOL  I think this might have been during dessert.  Sugar rush anyone???

 

Bug... again....  she was posing with my nephews girlfriend, Joan.  Gotta love the tights!

 

Joan and my nephew Eric.  Loving this shot!  Has to be one of the best pictures I've gotten of Eric.  He's a joker and most times the shots of him are silly.  Maybe he just ate to much to be silly.............

 

Wake up you sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed....    Anyone know what song that is from?

 

Bug and I...  she was so gentle with me.   So concerned.  She waited on me a ton and always made sure I had my bear handy.  LOL

 

Yeap........ me and my boy...   I'm thinking I don't look half bad 3 weeks after having a triple bypass......  no make up or anything but....

below he is with his girlfriend.  So damn proud of this guy!

 

In case you can't tell my holiday was marvelous.  Way too much food but such great company.   I lasted much longer then I thought I would but it was well worth it.  My family teased as I took the pictures stating they'd be posted by midnight.....   well....   they are...  LMAO just the wrong day.   

Hope everyone had a great holiday and enjoyed themselves.  No Black Friday shopping for me....  not even sure when I will get my shopping done at this point.  And know what... it doesn't matter.  

Hugs

~d

~ Thankful ~

 Wow!  Yes I have so much to be thankful for.  In reality I do every year, I think we all do.  This year however I was given a second chance at life.  I am not sure what I've done so good in my life that I deserve that second chance, but I was given it.  Rest assured I am thankful for it and will be doing some major changes in my life to show my gratefulness.  It's not every day you cheat death.  Someone was most definitely watching out for me.  By all accounts I should not be here.   The pain started on Friday and I did not go to the hospital until Sunday.  On Monday as they did tests they found three arteries blocked.  A triple bypass in order.  I was lost on the table yet the Doctor brought me back.   I believe in God and do think he saved me that day.  I also believe my sister was there too.  I saw no bright light, flowing gown, and I heard no voices (but my sons) but I know she was there.  She was telling me to stop trying follow her  ::grin::

My son.  OMG!  How lucky I am to have a child so mature and responsible.  I've known that along time and have been proud of him for years.  His strength and compassion that he showed during my time of need was incredible.  He is still watching out for me and every day shows a love that not many are privileged to have with their child.  Unconditional.  Again, what I've done in my life that was so good that I deserve him is beyond me but I am thankful.

My family.  Standing by me, pushing me to get better.  Doing what they can to make the recovery that much easier.  Friends have been there too.  In real life and online.  Over and over again letting me know  I mean something to them.  A wonderful feeling that makes me feel special.  Loved.  Thankful again.

I had a list, a long list, but decided this year I am thankful for everything and a list isn't needed.  I have my second chance and will do some soul searching for self improvement.  A little more caring, be kinder, more helpful.  All things that I need to do to show how thankful I am. 

I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.  Let you know I am thankful for you too!  Each of you are very special to me.   Enjoy your day no matter what your plans are.  Find the goodness and live happily. 

Hugs

~d

~ Better Late then Never ~

 

And you thought I was kidding when I said I saw Elvis.  You thought it was the pain pills, or the drugs while I was in surgery.  Nope.  He appeared along with Hillbilly Jeff.  LMAO  Tell me these guys don't look like they are having a riot!?!  

I was actually working on these pictures when my indigestion started.  Now we all know it was not indigestion at all and since I'm now at my house I had access to them so I wanted to post them.  Sorry for the flash back. 

 

Bug and Gage with Hillbilly Jeff.  I can't help but crack up each time I see him.  That fake belly and the long hair.  Just too much fun.  I love the kids costumes too!

 

Bug posing with one of Grandma's decorations.  I can't remember for the life of me what she is doing or saying.  Maybe talking to her Mom who is also taking pictures.  My co-worker had given me his camera again to test out.  I have also have the software to get the pictures off the camera and on to my computer.  I actually used the 'new' camera and my niece used my old one. 

I did notice a difference but have not used it again since.  Below the first picture is with my old camera taken by my niece.  Virtually at the same time the other one is taken by me with the 'new' one.  Hopefully I will start gaining more strength and I will be able to try the camera a few more times to see what I come up with.  Like I said, I notice a difference, do you?

 

I won't bore you with a bunch of Halloween pictures, but it just wouldn't be right if I didn't post a couple :)

As you can tell I am feeling a bit better but no where near to being normal.  LOL  Like I said earlier I have the Dr. snowed. I love being home as I am not as bored when I have some energy.  It's also good to force me to do a bit for myself.  No worries I won't do to much.  My parents are wonderful and took great care of me.  My younger sister waited on me hand and foot.  Up to and including putting my wonderful stockings on each day and taking them off and washing them each night.  Thanks Nanc! 

I again want to thank everyone for their kindness, concern, and prayers.  I will be getting to more blogs as the days wear on.  Thanks for being so understanding. 

Hugs

~d

~ Thank You ~

I'm a bit behind the times here and I do apologize.  I had been notified by several that they awarded me the real blog, real people award.  I'm honored, thank you.  Since I wasn't at home I was limited as to what I could do with graphics.   Ahhhhh yes, you guessed right I am home as of yesterday and enjoying it completely.

I know I am suppose to pick up to 7 folks to pass this on to, but I am pretty sure everyone is covered at this point.  

Thank you again!

hugs

~d

~ Snowed ~

Ahhhh... yeap.. when one lives in Buffalo you expect snow by mid November... but honestly we've gotten a very little bit. A dusting here and there but not much to write about. Those of you that have heard on the national news that we have 2-3 feet. Well.... they lie. LMAO It's south of here, in ski country, where they want it, and several miles away from the city and me.

The snowed I'm talking about is the ability to fool someone, you know, snowed? ::giggle:: I went to the Dr yesterday. The surgeon who did the actual bypass. Well, I saw the practitioner, very nice girl. I had my trusty list of questions and concerns and she answered all of them. Telling me I was normal? Me? Normal? Ahhh you're snowed!!

One concern was my left foot. It's been off and on numb/asleep. I first noticed it after they took the balloon pump out and I was able to stand for the first time. I could not feel my foot on the floor. The more I moved the better it felt, but it still is not completely right. I was told it could take several weeks, maybe months.

Since they found high blood sugar while I was in there I was afraid it might have something to do with that. You regularly hear about issues with the feet, fingers, etc. At this point they are not even sure my sugar will stay this way or if it will bounce back after my body heals from the trauma. Currently every evening I give myself a shot. Three times during the day I test my sugar levels and if they are higher (based on a chart I follow) I give myself a booster shot. Not fun, and not something I ever thought I'd be able to do, but when push comes to shove......... Besides that whole air bubble thing when it comes to insulin is a farce. If there is air in the chamber/needle it won't kill you.. you just don't get the right amount of medicine. Do I mean it's always a farce? Hell no. But in this case it is putting myself at ease.

Speaking of pushing and shoving. I am still not allowed. No stretching hands/arms over head. Pulling, pushing, lifting more then 10 pounds. I can manage that. No driving for 8 weeks. GRRRRRRRRR about 4 more to go at this point. No work for at least 3 months, maybe the beginning of Feb. Though that could change. We'll see. I have 3 more doctors to see in the next couple weeks.

The staples are out of my chest and that feels great. I lost count, maybe 40? Next time I'm standing in front of a mirror looking at myself and how attractive that scare is going to be in all my V-Neck tops I'll count the holes.
The five staples in my leg are also gone. A snip below my knee and then one at the top of my thigh to pull the vein out for the repairs.

I did ask about damage to my heart itself and I was told it's all been fixed. The little aches and pains I feel are normal. Again, normal. ME? Apparently slicing you open, cutting thru your sternum, and then clamping you open to allow the surgeon inside does take a bit of a toll and some time to move back into place. The pain is really minimal, but it plays with your head. Am I having another heart attack? Why does this hurt today? Tears have been plentiful and I was told to feel free to take the Valium, that is what it's for.

After the Dr's. I did go for a bit of a ride with my son. Trusty bear in hand. If you aren't familiar, most hospitals (in this area anyway) give a harder pillow to patients. This allows you to hug and cough with the hopes of limited pain and discomfort. Mine is a bit of a deformed teddy, but he comes with me every where. He's the love of my life these days. The sun was shining even though it was cold, and the ride was wonderful. No place special. He put gas in my parents car. He's been using their car to take me places because his is a bit sporty and the seats are lower to the ground. I don't think I'd ever be able to get out. After the gas stop we went to the drug store. We both went in. I moved a bit slow but I was able to shop just a bit. Let me tell you it was wonderful!!

All in all we were out about 2 hours. We got home just in time for lunch. As I sat at my parents kitchen table with a bowl of soup in front of me all that went through my head was the video's that get sent to 'Funniest Home Video's', where the babies fall asleep right in their food. My head was bobbing. LOL I went and took a nap. A nice nap! Two hour long nap!

Last evening I also went out for a bit. My boss and co-worker took me to a little coffee shop around the corner from my parent's. No I did not have coffee but we were able to have nice sandwiches and salad for dinner. Sugar free drinks as well ;) Yes, teddy joined me there as well. Better safe then sorry, ya know? It was a marvelous time even if it lasted only an hour or so. It was nice to be in a different surrounding. This morning my legs hurt a bit. A good hurt.. I did something hurt. Not painful, just moving and feeling good knowing I did something.

Speaking of different surroundings. I'm thinking I might go home this weekend. I am getting around pretty good and I can lay at my house as well as I can lay around here. Every body is pretty close by and my sister offered to stop in on her lunch, my other sister who lives with me can come home on hers, my niece doesn't work until 3, and my son. My brother, Cabana Boy, even offered to come stay at my house for a few days with me. That won't be needed, but the visits should about cover it. I just need to get to the store to get low/no sodium and no sugar items to eat. Ok, so it won't be me doing the shopping but you get my drift :)

Besides I need to get home. My boys are sucking big time. I mean big time!! They are giving up leads and look to be sucking wind by the middle of each game. Congrats on the win last night Brit!! I think I need to get back to my routine so they can get back to theirs. LMAO The Bills have been stinking up the joint too. Ahhhh to have such control over the sports teams. LMAO!!

I also need to get all my goodies home. I've completely over taken any empty table top here at my parent's. Flowers, plants, cards. Linda, Martha, thank you for the care packages, both arrived yesterday. I so appreciate the beautiful thoughts they carry.

Wow! I knew I had some energy today, but didn't expect this entry to be so long. I'm trying to visit but I'm having a hard time keeping the energy for long. I will get to you, I promise! Hugs to all of you and I so appreciate your good thoughts and positive vibes.

Hugs
~d

~ What day is it? ~

... better yet what time is it?   Seems everything just runs together...  ::sigh::  I'm doing ok.. but having a bit of a time adjusting.  I'm not sure exactly how I am supposed to feel.  I ache here and there.  Shoulders, ribs, sternum.  All the places you'd expect I guess.  It's not a constant, some days are better then others.  I have to wonder as one lays out cold and they cut your chest open, then break your sternum in half to do the surgery where they put everything.  Where are your arms?  Where are the doctors resting their hands as they do the fine surgery?  How is my head/neck positioned?  Maybe I'll ask him when I go for my check up on Wed.

I've probably got about 10 scripts.  All pretty much are telling that I've had heart surgery.  One of the things you are told not to do is apply pressure of more then 5-10 pounds with my arms.  No major lifting, pushing or pulling.  So explain to me why the pharmacist puts all my meds in a container with a child proof cap?  I cannot open one of them!   I'm pretty independent, hate being a burden, and damn having to have someone open my meds drives me nuts.

Yesterday the temps were in the mid 60's.. in Buffalo?  In November?  Almost unheard of.  My son came by with a different pair of shoes for me and he took me for a walk.  We didn't go far, but the fresh air was great.  I am amazed at how tired I get from such little activity.  A shower is hard work.  I guess it is getting better day to day but still..........

I've tried to stop by here and there.  Know I'm thinking of you all... I appreciate you all understanding and hanging with me during this time.  Not sure exactly when I will get home, maybe the end of next week..  so in the meantime no pictures... or not yet anyway.

Hugs
~d

~ Short and Sweet ~

I have so much I could say, and no doubt will in the coming weeks.  Might even share some pictures of my Frankenstein like chest.  Yeah, you know, those nah sayers.  Pttuuee much more important things to worry about in life.

I did want to come by real quick and thank everyone for the support, well wishes, and love.  It's appreciated.  So very much appreciated.  The short of it....  I went to my sisters on Halloween to get pics of Bug and Gage.... a sweet pirate and pretty guesome skeleton.  A HillBilly was there along with the green giant and Elvis.  Yes I swear this was all BEFORE going to the hospital. 

I left somewhat early thinking I would work on the pictures and post, but I just didn't feel right.  Indigestion.  I burped and got relief so nothing out of the ordinary to think it wasn't.  Not right then.  It just got worse and different things hurt.  I told my sister she needed to take me to ER, something was very very wrong. 

Things went rather quickly from there.  Nothing like showing up saying you feel like you're having a heart attack and your heart beat is over 150 a minute.  Many many tests, and it was determined by the enzimes that I infact had a heart attack.  We thought it would be as simple as a stint being put in.  Not my luck.  I had triple bypass and to be very frank and honest I am very lucky to be here today.

My Dr's were great.  My heart surgeon, one of the best.  When he came out after surgery and met with my family he asked by show of hands who smoked.  Some raised their hands, and he stated 'good, you'll keep me in business.'   Some may not find that funny but I do.  Straight forward and to the point.  And so very true.

I remember bits and pieces and will elaborate more at a later time, but let me tell you I don't know what I did so good to deserve a son like I have, but damn straight I am lucky.  He stood up and batted the ball out of the park.  I will always remember the look on his face, the tears, and him telling me 'Mom, I still need you.'  That will keep me plowing forward and changing the things I need to change.

Love you all, and again thank you so much for all the support and love you've shown.  It's gonna be awhile and I am taking it easy.............. rest assured YOU WILL see those halloween shots... and some comparisons between the new and old camera.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh and one more thing...  I came back on line this weekend to over 500 pieces of mail.  A ton just got deleted, so if you sent something that needed a reply please email again.   One mail I did see though was from Vish....   they did get my journal over here.  I have the link but have not really gone to see what actually came and what didn't.  All in do time.

Hugs
~d