Sunday, March 4, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Flowers (again I know)
Don't worry, I'm not going to inundate you with flower pictures as is my usual desire.
I just realized that about 80% of the photos I take are of flowers (cell phone and camera both).. Is that normal? Is that me embracing my inner girly-girl without even knowing it?
I mean, in all fairness, everyone loves flowers-not just girly-girls. I find the idea that women appreciate flowers more than men hard to get behind. Because seriously, go outside and look at a flower and tell me that one gender likes them more than the other. It just doesn't make sense.
Alongside the coming of fragrant blossoms, I am also appreciative of the arrival of my brother Jon-Mike. It is obviously a great joy for Mamaw to have him visiting and I am pretty happy myself having him around. I look forward to a time when I can see more of my family too.
I just realized that about 80% of the photos I take are of flowers (cell phone and camera both).. Is that normal? Is that me embracing my inner girly-girl without even knowing it?
I mean, in all fairness, everyone loves flowers-not just girly-girls. I find the idea that women appreciate flowers more than men hard to get behind. Because seriously, go outside and look at a flower and tell me that one gender likes them more than the other. It just doesn't make sense.
Alongside the coming of fragrant blossoms, I am also appreciative of the arrival of my brother Jon-Mike. It is obviously a great joy for Mamaw to have him visiting and I am pretty happy myself having him around. I look forward to a time when I can see more of my family too.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Flower Power
Mamaw's yard is full of these beautiful flowers. They are so plentiful that even picking three vases full and then a tiny vase did not even make a dent in her yard display. Here they are so you can enjoy them too.
Doctor, Doctor.
Let me tell you now, this post has nothing to do with doctors.
Tuesday of last week Mamaw had chemotherapy. Nurses took her blood work, gave her shots to boost her white and red blood cell count, fortified her with Magnesium, and hooked up the chemo to drip deep into her veins (with the intention of killing off all of those fast growing cancer cells-but with some adverse effects of killing all of her fast growing cells).
Thursday of that week we went in to get an infusion for her- Just fluids. Nurses tested her to see if she needed anything besides fluids, they made her comfortable with pillows and blankets and generally kept us informed on what was going on.
Monday of this week, we went in for an impromptu infusion (the weekend had been hard and bodily resources were low). The nurses hooked Mamaw up for Magnesium and fluids. There were no doctors in sight.
Today, Tuesday, We went for our scheduled infusion. The nurses communicated with other nurses, they gave my grandma fluids and they did us the courtesy of scheduling yet another infusion that we know we will need.
It turns out, in the world of cancer, doctors have a uselessly busy schedule and never actually do anything for their patients. I am thankful for the care of nurses. I am thankful for their knowledge on the subjects, their ability to share that knowledge and most of all their ability to do. I appreciate everyone who considers becoming a nurse, as well as all of the nurses out there.
Shout out to my older brother who is going to be a nurse. Also, a loud shout out to my aunt, Melissa, who helped Mamaw and I through a rough couple of days and a shout out to my dad for being around and able bodied when we needed someone who can lift.
Hopefully most of you are seeing far less nurses than I am these days but to those of you in my nearby (AKA Virginia) family, I know you're seeing just about as many and I am glad we are in this together.
Tuesday of last week Mamaw had chemotherapy. Nurses took her blood work, gave her shots to boost her white and red blood cell count, fortified her with Magnesium, and hooked up the chemo to drip deep into her veins (with the intention of killing off all of those fast growing cancer cells-but with some adverse effects of killing all of her fast growing cells).
Thursday of that week we went in to get an infusion for her- Just fluids. Nurses tested her to see if she needed anything besides fluids, they made her comfortable with pillows and blankets and generally kept us informed on what was going on.
Monday of this week, we went in for an impromptu infusion (the weekend had been hard and bodily resources were low). The nurses hooked Mamaw up for Magnesium and fluids. There were no doctors in sight.
Today, Tuesday, We went for our scheduled infusion. The nurses communicated with other nurses, they gave my grandma fluids and they did us the courtesy of scheduling yet another infusion that we know we will need.
It turns out, in the world of cancer, doctors have a uselessly busy schedule and never actually do anything for their patients. I am thankful for the care of nurses. I am thankful for their knowledge on the subjects, their ability to share that knowledge and most of all their ability to do. I appreciate everyone who considers becoming a nurse, as well as all of the nurses out there.
Shout out to my older brother who is going to be a nurse. Also, a loud shout out to my aunt, Melissa, who helped Mamaw and I through a rough couple of days and a shout out to my dad for being around and able bodied when we needed someone who can lift.
Hopefully most of you are seeing far less nurses than I am these days but to those of you in my nearby (AKA Virginia) family, I know you're seeing just about as many and I am glad we are in this together.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
One out of Three
I made it to Black Sheep for the first time since I've been back in town. I still love it- though, the service was a little sullen today at lunch. I aim to go back for more of the stuff I adore (breakfast and dinner are also spectacular). Here are pictures of dessert. The most important aspect of any meal).
This chocolate creme brulee was called a "Tar Pit" and had little animal crackers sinking in the muck.
Cute and tasty.
Nutella cake with coffee ice cream. Pretty much as good as it sounds.
I also got to ride my bike again today. Oh sweet, heavenly bike riding. Is there anything better? I really can't think of even one thing. Then again, I haven't been on a date in over 4 months-so I can't even remember the sweet bliss of romance. Speaking of romance. Take your dates to The Black Sheep. They may, love you forever.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ipanema & Head Shaving
It's been a pretty good couple of days. Mamaw, is super energetic today because she's getting some high quality, pharmacy grade, steroids to help her with the first few days of treatment side effects (also, she was healthy enough to get treatment which is very good).
She is undertaking all kinds of projects today i.e. income tax prep, laundry (so many kinds of laundry), bathroom scrubbing, birthday card and assorted items buying, head shaving. She's so jazzed it has been hard to get her to sit still for breakfast. Doesn't look like naps are in the picture for today, alas.
She seems unfazed by the fact that she has to wake up 2 hours earlier than normal to take pills (maybe because the pills make her feel like Wonder Woman). Today, my grandma is a woman of action. She's making decisions and we're doing them. It's nice to see her so empowered. It is also exhausting.
The biggest thing we did this morning was shave her head. My sweater is now powdered with little bits of silver hair. She looks good bald- every bit as hip as any Portlander could ever wish to be. I'm a little bit jealous and just want to give up my quest to grow my hair long again. We could be bald together. I would love it.
Yesterday, whilst the treatment was in session, I went on a short run with Dan to one of the restaurants on the list. Jackfruit BBQ sammie that came sweet potato fries & house salad. Then we split a Mexican chocolate pie and ginger pear pie (with delicious short bready crust) for dessert. I could have died happy after that meal. Ipanema. Check it out, if only for their brilliant dessert selection. But really, delicious vegetarian fare, good drink deals, and awesome pies.
Speaking of pies, I need to run more. Maybe before we head out on our errands I can go for a quickie. I feel like I'm always squeezing in short runs and never going on long ones. But, any run is better than no run. Hope you guys are eating well, staying in shape, and generally enjoying life as much as I am.
She is undertaking all kinds of projects today i.e. income tax prep, laundry (so many kinds of laundry), bathroom scrubbing, birthday card and assorted items buying, head shaving. She's so jazzed it has been hard to get her to sit still for breakfast. Doesn't look like naps are in the picture for today, alas.
She seems unfazed by the fact that she has to wake up 2 hours earlier than normal to take pills (maybe because the pills make her feel like Wonder Woman). Today, my grandma is a woman of action. She's making decisions and we're doing them. It's nice to see her so empowered. It is also exhausting.
The biggest thing we did this morning was shave her head. My sweater is now powdered with little bits of silver hair. She looks good bald- every bit as hip as any Portlander could ever wish to be. I'm a little bit jealous and just want to give up my quest to grow my hair long again. We could be bald together. I would love it.
Yesterday, whilst the treatment was in session, I went on a short run with Dan to one of the restaurants on the list. Jackfruit BBQ sammie that came sweet potato fries & house salad. Then we split a Mexican chocolate pie and ginger pear pie (with delicious short bready crust) for dessert. I could have died happy after that meal. Ipanema. Check it out, if only for their brilliant dessert selection. But really, delicious vegetarian fare, good drink deals, and awesome pies.
Speaking of pies, I need to run more. Maybe before we head out on our errands I can go for a quickie. I feel like I'm always squeezing in short runs and never going on long ones. But, any run is better than no run. Hope you guys are eating well, staying in shape, and generally enjoying life as much as I am.
Monday, February 20, 2012
3 from 70.
It is supposed to be 70 degrees on Thursday which is three days from now. That being said, I got snowed in town last night and didn't make it back until this morning. Shout out to Scott & Renee who don't know me well but still feed me (lasagna), gave me drink, (home brewed beer) and entertained me, (Apples to Apples and a movie plus good conversation) then let me crash at their house.
blue skies and snowy trees
Snow in tree nooks, Daniel in the background
Branches are down, but snow begins to melt.
The white stuff did melt enough to let me get back to Mamaw's in time to cook breakfast: my first ever making of soft boiled eggs was a success. Hurray for short term snow. I hope somebody got a snow day though.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)