Sunday, December 30, 2007
Christmas Photos
Gramma cried a bit when she opened her gift....A photo frame with a montage of happy family memories. She had a bit of a fall a few days earlier, so she is a bit beat up here. Still smiling, though.
KC in the new jammies that Spencer gave her.
Kayla and Jessica. They look like they are tired of having their pictures taken by now. You can see from the hand with the camera, that it does not deter a happy Gramma and Mom.
What a week it has been! We managed to have a wonderful Christmas, in spite of Jessica's illness. Boxing Day we spent with the Heidi family, in the cafeteria of the hospital. It was a lot of fun, and there were no distractions. Gabriel and Gaby stopped by, and Heidi and Jethro got to meet them. It was a great day, all in all, except for saying good bye to my baby at the end of the day.
I thought that we were home free when Jessica came home on Thursday afternoon. She seemed fine, but by Saturday evening, I knew that was too sick to stay home.....
Tonight, she is still feeling yucky, and when I left, she was thinking that she was going to start vomitting again. Her fever has been up and down all day, and she is still on the IV. The doctors and the nurses keep saying that it is just a bad flu, but it seeems way worse to me. I haven't seen her this sick in years.
It's hard to stay positive. There have been alot of tears. Mine, Kayla's KC's, and Jessica's. I hate that Jessica is feeling this way, and I hate leaving her at night. I can't help but wonder WHY. When is enough ENOUGH?
I have no idea what is going on with my daughter. I am too scared to even think of the possibilities. It seems much worse than a flu. Her doctor thought that she had an eating disorder, but he ruled that out before we brought her home on Thursday. I knew that she didn't, but the doctor was convinced.....Well, she doesn't have a disorder, and this is not something that she is doing to herself.
We all went to the movies yesterday, and she was fine. She ate popcorn, and joked around and seemed to have a good time. We got home around 6:30, and she said that her tummy hurt. By 7, she hadn't eaten any supper, and I was on the phone with the on call doctor. As I was on the phone with him, she started getting sick, and he decided to bring her right in (she was admitted) and hook her up to an IV.
We stayed the night with her, partly out of concern, and partly because we couldn't get a late bus home. When I left this morning, she was no longer vomitting, but had a low grade fever, and was in pain.
I guess that I am just rambling at this point. I am at a loss, and I am heartbroken that my baby has had to spend most of her Christmas break in the hospital.
I have to go. I am going to try to catch some ZZZZ's, and then shower and head back.
Later.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Home For The Day!!!!
Jessica is home for the day! Whoo Hoo! Her weight is increasing, daily, and she is smiling more :) We opened our gifts, and had lunch, at home. Gramma is on her way over, and the family is whole again.
Tomorrow, we will have our Christmas with the Heidi family, and we will take over a wing of the hospital, if we have to. Just let them try to stop me.
A big thank you to to all of my friends, who have been incredibly supportive, in so many ways.
A super big thank you to Gabriel, Gabby and family, for the sweet treats that were waiting for us when we got home last night. We'll be at the hospital tomorrow, if you want to stop by and visit. :)
Monday, December 24, 2007
Jessica is in better spirits, and has some colour back in her cheeks. She has actually regained 4 pounds already, thank goodness. She is not thrilled about spending the holidays in the hospital, but she is dealing with it. We will all wear our pj's to the hospital tomorrow morning, and we will have a ham dinner in her room. Christmas is where you make it, where the family is, and we will be with her.
Hopefully, she can have her IV taken out tonight, and we can take her home soon. I'll let you know as soon as I do.
Thanks, for everything.
Biddie
It seems like she caught a bad flu bug. She started vomitting at 6 am and by 11 she was so dehydrated that she could barely walk. When we saw the doctor on Friday, he was very pleased with her progress, and by Sunday morning she was down to 83 pounds.
I think that she will be in for a few days, to get her weight back up again. I really don't mind, I want her healthy. I just hate the thought of Jessie waking up Christmas morning in a hospital room. We will take Christmas to Jessica, turkey and all if that's what we need to do. I just wish that we didn't have to.
Thanks for thinking of us, I'll update you as soon as I can. I am late today though (couldn't sleep) and I need to get moving!
Later.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
These are my animated ones. I only have three, and the Laverne and Shirley one is a gift from TMOC and Lovely, my brother and sister in law. Of course, I opened my gifts early. I always do when he sends me stuff. I just can't help myself.
Christmas Day promises to be wonderful. We are having the girls grandma over for dinner, my dear friend and former MIL, Lynn. We all get along great, and she and Shawn have a better relationship that most 'real' mom's and son's.
Boxing Day Heidi and her family are coming over, so that we can celebrate our family Christmas. I love spending time with Heidi and Jethro. They have been more like family to me than those that share my name or a blood line. It has been like that forever. You know that Ruby is dying to see The Pug, too. I plan on taking tons of photos of the chaos - 5 kids, 3 dogs, and 4 parents. I can't wait!
I hope that all of my blog buddies out there get to spend time with their loved ones, and have a joyous and wonderful holiday. That is what Christmas is all about.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Imagine our surprise, then, when discovered that she had LOST 3.5 pounds. That is alot when you are already at least 20 pounds lighter than the doctor would like. We are shocked, and dismayed, to say the least. Her blood sugar, has improved, overall. Her monitor is working, and she is doing all of her injections. I am not sure what else we can do. At this point, all I can think of is those nutrional supplements, that come in a can, like Boost, or Ensure. She needs to gain weight, in a healthy way.
I found out that her insulin isn't covered by my plan, either. The powers that be have suggested changing insulins, to a cheaper one. That is not an option for me. Changing insulin means changing her whole life style. I just can't see that helping. She would have to stick to a strict schedule, and that would only depress her more. Plus, the insulin that she is on now is just plain better.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Special Delivery!
Gabriel and his family (minus Juan) dropped off a cake for Jessica's birthday party. This is a cake that Gabby baked and decorated herself. She is so talented that she teaches a class at one of the local community centers. Her handiwork is amazing.
Check out this work of art! How can I cut it into pieces?
Look at the blue ribbon. How does she do it? I offered to be her taste tester anytime Gabby needs one. I doubt that is a problem for her though, with 5 willing helpers at home.
Once again, I have been reminded how lucky - indeed blessed - I am to have such thoughtful friends. Gabriel and Gabby were so kind to not only provide the cake, but they delivered it right to our door. They also brought us two Christmas cd's - one of which Gabriel sings on! I think that we are going to pop them in when we put up the tree.
I wish that they could have stayed longer. Shawn and I would like for them to stop again some time, so that we can thank them properly. I hope that they take us up on the offer.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
NOT COVERED?!
Ok. I can live with that because he has sent my Rx to the pharmacy, and I can start again ASAP.
I was elated. This is what I have been waiting for, afterall. I just want to get well enough to function and be happy.
The pharmacy called me, too.
Guess what they told me?
My meds are not covered by disability.
Yup.
So, now, with no appointment until February, I am right back where I started. My shrink is unlikely to prescribe me a diiferent drug, since he won't be able to monitor me for the first 2 months.
I am so done. I don't know what else to do.
I am either crying, or sleeping, or NOT sleeping, or just....taking up space. I don't know how much longer I can go on like this. I am following the rules, doing what they ask of me....It just doesn't seem to matter.
I'm going to bed. It's after 11:00 and I am tired. Well, honestly, I am always tired.
'Night.
Yay! I am hoping to hear form him before the end of the week.
Jessica goes for her check up on Friday morning. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she has actually gained weight. It's difficult to tell, because she is getting so darn tall! Her birthday is on the 16th, and she is having a party here on Saturday night.
I am so pumped about the thought of teenagers crawling all over my house for 2+ hours. Can't you tell?
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
I Feel A Rant Coming On............
I finally have the papers that I need to get my meds covered, and I can't reach my shrink!
Seriously. I have lost track of how many times I called. I have called everyday last week, and I left several messages. Today is Tuesday, and I have called no less than 5 times since yesterday. I have left at least 3 messages since then. No matter when I call, the phone always goes to voicemail.
I understand that Doctors are busy, but COME ON. My phone calls have not been returned once.
This doctor works FIVE hours a day in his office. On Wednesdays, he works from 11-3, with a one hour lunch break. I can see that he is very obviously over worked.
I need to start my meds all over again, because it has been so long since I have had any. I can understand that. The thing is that the last time I started my mood stabilizer, it made me feel like crap for the first two weeks. I remember talking to Heidi and Jethro on the phone, crying because I was bottoming out. It was better after the first couple of weeks. Then there was the other side effect.
Sleep.
You might think that this would not be a problem. Heck, normally sleeping is NOT something that I complain about. I LOVE to sleep.
What I do NOT love, however, is falling asleep sitting up. That's right. In the middle of a conversation, or watching tv, or even folding laundry.
Christmas will soon be here, and I do not want to spend it sleeping or crying because I feel like crap.
I think that I have been very patient here. I don't expect the doctor to drop everything to call me, but it has been weeks since he has contacted me.
I am at my witts end here. I don't know what else to do. I feel like calling him and letting know how angry I am, but if he won't return my calls when I am being polite, then I seriously doubt that a phone call from me dripping with sarcasim (They don't call me sarcastro for nothing) will help.
Has he dropped me as a patient? Doesn't he have to tell me if he has?
HELLO! He is the mental doctor for mental cases, for crying out loud! I feeling more and more mental by the minute.
Ok.
Any suggestions?
Monday, December 03, 2007
My good (blog)buddy, Canadian Flake gave me an award! You all know her, right? I hope so. If you haven't been over to her place, then this is your chance. Head on over and say hi.
I hope that I am deserving of this. I have 'met' so many wonderful people through this little blog that Heidi urged me to start. I feel blessed every day to know all of you.
I guess that I am supposed to pick 7 more people that are deserving of this award. That's difficult, because you have all been such good friends to me. Whether it has been offering advice, or giving me a shoulder to cry on, or just 'listening' to my rants, I could never ask for better friends.
Marni. I don't know where to start when it comes to Marni. She has called me at home, just to say hi and check in on me when she knows that I am feeling low. She has such a capacity for love and kindness. Marni is a true Georgia Peach. Stop by her place and say hi. I have a feeling that if you do, you'll be back - again and again.
CindyDianne. She has been a wonderful friend, too. She has called me, like Marni, just to see how I'm doing. She is sweet, and funny, and I cherish my friendship with her. Stop by and see her, too. You'll see what they mean about Southern Hospitality.
Her Indoors. (Katy) We haven't spoken in the phone, but we have exchanged cards, and letters. She is planning a trip to Canada next spring, and I looking forward to meeting her and Himself. She has 'listened' to me rant, and always finds a way to make me laugh. I dare you to stop by her place and not come away smiling.
Gabriel - Gabriel is a newer friend. I am not sure how I found him, but I am so glad that I did. When Jessica was in the hospital in October, he stopped by to say hi. This small gesture was something that I will always remember. He reached out to me when I needed a friend most. I can't wait to meet his wife, and their kids. He is an amazing person, in so many ways. Stop by his place and you'll see what I mean.
Debi. Where do I start? She is wonderful. We have become long distance friends, and I feel like I have known her my entire life. She is generous, and thoughtful, and has a way of making me feel good about myself. Everyone should have a friend like Debi.
Dilling. Last Christmas, when I was feeling down, a surprise package arrived in the mail. It was from Dilling. She had sent me one her photos, one of my favourites, and she made my day. It lifted my spirits and reminded me what Christmas was really about. I can't say enough about Dilling. She is passionate, and artistic, and has a big heart. She stands up for what she believes in, and I admire that greatly. In short, she rocks.
Gardenia. I am so blessed to be in her 'inner circle.' (Her blog is by invitation only) We have had long conversations about so many different topics! She is insightful, and loving, and I am so happy to be one of her blog buddies. She has helped me through some dark times.
Well, that is seven. I always hesitate to add Heidi to any of my lists, or awards, because we are best friends. We have been friends since highschool. We failed math together, and ate lunch together, and went to the sock hops in the gym every Friday. She is the Godmother of all 3 of my girls (she took over after Jessie and KC's Godparents seemed to lose interest) She has NEVER let me down. When my Dad died in 1999, she and Jethro (along with 2 small children) were in the air, flying home from England. The second that she heard what happened, she was at my side, jetlagged kids and all. She has supported all my choices, even the ridiculous ones, and listens to me rant, rave, whine and cry. In short, she is the best friend that you could ever ask for.
I would also like to mention some other friends. 4D has been a good friend, too. We have a lot in common, and it is good to have a friend that understands and doesn't judge. He may deny it, but he is a hell of a guy.
Christine is a good blogbuddy, too. I know that most of you have not stopped by her place, but I really think that you should. You will not be disappointed.
Whimsicalnbrainpan. Stop by her place. You will be forever changes when you see how incredible and courageous she is. She is good friend, too. She always has time for me, even with all that she is dealing with.
I didn't add Corky, because he already has this award. He is My American Cousin. Nuff said.
Tod? You rock, too. You know it. :)
I can't forget Camie Vog. She keeps promising to come and pick me up so that I visit with Beanie and Little Man - oh and her, too!
Well, in all honesty, ALL of my friends are the best. It was so hard to choose just 7. I do truly feel blessed to have met all of you. I wanted to pick each and evryone of you, because you have all touched my life in a postive way. Thanks for being there.
Biddie
Thursday, November 29, 2007
7 Things About Me
Seriously. I have shared just about everything with you. So, I'll give it my best shot.
1. I dated twins. Oh yeah. They were supposedly identical, but trust me when I say that they were NOT.
2. One of my best friends in Nova Scotia (ok, it was one of the twins) and I 'borrowed' a car one night. He found it parked in a driveway, with the keys in it. It was a sign from a higher power that we should be out on the open road. We (he) drove for hours. We toured Dartmouth, then headed out on the highway. I think that we drove all night.
We actually drove it right back to the house where we 'found' it, and then walked home. I always wondered what the guy that owned it must have thought when he woke up and saw his dusty car was less one tank of gas.
3. I seldom drink alcohol, but when I do, I am over come with the urge to play Yahtzee. Apparently, I am somewhat competitive. I have been known to scream IN YOUR FACE, KOSTYALIK, in Shawns face, and I become a tad animated. Suffice it to say, that nobody will play with me anymore.
4. I love the Spice Girls. I do, and I am not ashamed.
5. The ring tone on my cell phone is the A-Team theme song. That's right, it is.
6. I am closer to my former mother in law than I am to either one of my mothers, or most of my other relatives. We decided a long time ago that her son was a scrub, but that had nothing to do with either one of us, and we are closer now than ever.
7. I had can do a wicked cool Xena impersonation. You know, the Warrior Princess? Well, I can do her call, perfectly. It would make Lucy Lawless proud as hell.
Well, that's all I can think of (that I am willing to share at this point in time). I don't know who to tag. I would like to hear 7 unknown facts about all of my blog buddies, so go ahead. I dare you.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Truly.
I am still struggling with my depression, though. I don't know how many of you will understand this....I feel so GOOD, but still am bogged down in a deep depression. Does that make any sense to you?
So, I am here, but I am having a hard time getting it together. Be patient, please.
I'll be a regular visitor soon enough...Until then, I'm lurking.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Good, No, GREAT News!
I can get my meds.
I feel better already.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Here we are at the post office. This is a small town, and there aren't any mailer carriers. You have to go to the post office andpick the mail up. That's life in a small town.
Now we're at the flower shop. It looks so warm and inviting, doesn't it?
The barber shop. All of the oldtimers hang out there.
The pet shop. Of COURSE my village would have a pet shop. TMOC and my sil bought me this for Christmas a couple of years ago. I think that every town needs a petshop. When I was growing up in Smallburg, the closest thing that we had was BW Feed and Seed. It's just not the same.
Ah....my very favourite piece. The theatre. I think that Hairspray the musical is playing there now. I LOVE the way that the marquee lights change colour.
Now we're in the residential area. This little house reminds me of our house in Smallburg. Dunno why, really. Must be the small town feel.
This is the mayors house. It's so bright that it almost looks like it's on fire. I hope not. I haven't gotten around to putting up a firehall. Oops.
Now we're on the outskirts of town. This is Heidi's place. I'm not sure who the guy is doing the chores. He looks nothing like Jethro, and not much like The Boy, either. Maybe he's a hired hand?
I am feeling a little better. I have some good friends out there, and I know that they are pulling for me. That more than makes up for everything else.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Anyway, I do feel a little better. I am still feeling icky with this cold. My house is TRASHED, and the worst news is - I still don't have my Christmas village set up.
That in itself is depressing.
I have a friend stopping by today that I haven't seen is 13 years.
Thirteen. That is alot of pressure, folks. The house is sooo wrecked, and I feel about as abad as the house looks. I am excited about seeing her, though. Plus, she's bringing coffee.
So, I'll be back later. I REALLY have to run.
Thanks for thinking of me. I'll be catching up with you all as soon as my coffee kicks in.
Biddie
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
For your viewing pleasure...
Monday, November 05, 2007
TheRecord.com - Local - Cruiser rammed in 401 chase
I am wondering what your opinions are on this. Do you think that these kids should face jail time? Does it matter if these kids are all under 18? Does it make a difference if none of the kids have ever been in trouble with the law before?
These teens and this subject have been discussed ALOT since we heard the news. Shawn and I have very different views on what we think the appropriate punishment should be.
let me know what you think.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Good News
I received a letter in the mail today, and it was the news that I have been waiting for.
It seems that I AM a person with a substantial disability, under the Ontario Disability Support Program.
No kidding.
This is not like waving a magic wand. I will NOT have my rent paid off, or see wads of cash. In fact, as long as Shawn is working I will not get money at all. That's ok by me.
Really, it is. The fact that I will be getting medical is benefits is reason enough for rejoicing. I will get all of meds covered, and I think that I will be able to get Jessica's cavities filled. too. I seriously doubt that it will cover her braces, but we will cross that bridge when we get to it.
Ok. Deep breath.
I still have to meet with a worker here in my hometown, and there will be scads of paperwork and it maybe be another month of two before I see any benefits, but that's ok.
I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I am hanging in there.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Bad Day at the office! (HILARIOUS)
I have watched this again and again...It makes me realize that I really haven't had THAT bad of a day.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
For me, this is worst part of my depression.
I can't read, either. I mean, I CAN, I haven't forgotten how, but there's the concentration thing. I forget what I have read, or I can't stop my thoughts from racing long enough to focus on the book in front of me.
I hate it.
I hate it more than the mood swings, or the crying spells, or even the paralyzing anxiety that keeps me prisoner in my own home.
I hate feeling like this.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
My Family
Sunday, October 21, 2007
SexyBack (Kirk/Spock)
Happy Birthday, Captain Corky!
Just for you, some Captain Kirk.
Have a great day!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Date Night
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Home To Stay
Well, we are home. We were lucky enough to get mediation instead of dealing with the judge. There was a huge pile of people and I am sure that we would still be sitting there if we hadn't done mediation.
Our landlord was there, with the treasurer, the previous landlord (he retired at 90 while he was still young), and another guy, the other landlord that I refuse to deal with. It was a frickin circus. Our previous landlord, Mike didn't really need to be there, but he came just to be in our corner.
Really. He talked the new landlord into letting us make payments every week. Since Shawn and I finished paying off his employer, he is back to full payhecks. Winter is coming, and he may have less hours, but I think that we can live with this agreement. The payments are do-able.
Bottom line? We are not going to be homeless. Not this month, anyway.
Maybe our luck is changing. Thanks for all of the prayers, everyone. I am convinced that without all of my friends, we would be looking for moving boxes right now. I'm not kidding.
Thanks :)