Heather Shrinks in Houston!

[Zer]

Heather, isn't it great, loving the work that pays the rent? Having a job that is almost so much fun that you'd do it for free (almost) is a great way to live! I'm sorry that your dress shoes got ruined (or whatever) in the garage. Nice that R is pleased to treat you to some dancing slippers. He's a sweet man, your guy!

Thank you for sharing him with us, as it's good to be reminded that there are such men. Grumpy? So what? Sounds as if he appreciates you. That's what counts!

[Houston Heather]

Oh, yeah, he's a keeper. I got 2 pair of dressy shoes today in black. I woke up around 6 AM, had planned to meet with the insurance salesman at 10.

He rescheduled with Ron. My aunt came by at 11 AM. She brought back some books I'd loaned her for a friend who is dealing with bipolar disorder in a loved one. I set them down on an end table, The Bipolar Survival Guide on top.

Ron said that the salesman came by, spoke to him briefly, and rescheduled. I can't help but wonder if seeing the book might have been a factor in his early departure!

My aunt and I went to Walmart to pick up my photos. I had fun, they came out great. I need to figure out what I'm going to do with photo hosting so I can actually show them to you. I found the dress shoes there.

I've lost a whole shoe size. Funny, how even my feet are losing.

After Walmart, we went to the sporting goods store where I got an awesome, bright red rolling duffle bag with strap for a whopping $15. My aunt really liked the clothes and had fun trying some on.

We got some lunch, then hit the Goodwill. We encountered a very manic man, it was scary and sad. He was making up wild stories and talking to anyone who'd listen. When we left, I told her to run in case he followed us. I was only half-kidding.

Last but not least, Foodtown! They didn't have the ice cream I was seeking for Ron but they did have a no sugar added mixed berry pie in the individual slices size - 2 slices. I got one for Ron, and myself some soda.

Then we came home, I emailed my photos, and I'm contemplating going to bed early. We'll see.

[Zer]

Losing a shoe size is great, isn't it? My next purchase will be smaller too, as I do not need to buy the extra length to get the width that my fatter foot needed. I'm sure I'll buy a shorter shoe, once I go to buy more shoes. For now, the old lace-ups seem to work, when I actually lace them on. Mostly I wear my bath shoes, a rubber slide with built up arch and heel. Not just flat rubber flipflops, but an arch-supported rubber shoe I got from a catalog. A man's size. BIG! Lately my left foot seems somewhat swollen when I slide feet into the sandals, but it's nowhere near what I used to feel when my feet were big white pillows!

So I can relate to you buying a smaller size dress shoe as you've lost weight!

Can't wait to see your new pix! You are doing so great, you are an inspiration!

[Houston Heather]

Thank you!

Today was interesting. I stuck my new photos in my little brag book - it has progress pictures of me taken over the course of the year, photos of the cats and Ron, etc.

My finger is a little sore as I type.

Our ride was late by over an hour. Not good. We finally got to work, it was dead, I did some sodas, and we left. Now, onto Burger King! I told Ron I was in a flame-broiled mood before I donated blood.

We had the right amount of time at Burger King for me to eat a Quad Stacker (4 beef patties, cheese, and bacon - throw away the bun) and de-bun a double stacker for my tote bag. I drank lots of diet coke.

Our next ride rode us around a bit but eventually dropped us at the Blood Bank. Ron tried to donate, but his blood pressure was too low 80/60. He was very disappointed. My blood pressure was fine (110/80), my hemoglobin was awesome (43, between 30-45 is considered good for a woman). Considering I'm a regular blood donor and a female of childbearing years, that is awesome, a testament to all the delicious meat I consume.

Off to "The Chair". I was called away right as I had gotten out my photo album to show the phlebotomist a photo of the cats. I handed it to her and went off. I signed some papers and got Ron to his chair. I came back, the the phlebotomist was commenting on my weight loss (very favorably) as she showed the receptionist my photos! I thought that was great.

I also got a very positive comment on my weight loss from the driver who took us to work. That always makes my day.

So, I got into the chair again, put away my book, and stuck out my right arm. Good old faithful always works. It did. They are so good at drawing blood! I hardly felt any pain.

I start squeezing my rubber ball as the machine goes thump thump on the floor. I'm a good bleeder and it goes fast. Pretty soon, all done.

After I was wrapped up (purple bandage! Awesome!) I took my tote bag and gave it to Ron. They asked me to come back and eat and drink something. I removed the hamburger from my bag and went back. I sat down and ate the bunless burger (I had told them HOW I was losing the weight) and drank a diet iced tea. I drank lots more and I'm still incredibly thirsty.

Other than that, a little dizzy, a little tired but fine. My finger hurts where they stuck it when I hit the shift button on the right side only.

We got stuck waiting for over an hour on the pickup. Ron was very tired and wanted to sleep.

I came home and went to bed. I slept about 2 hours. Then I came here.

[Houston Heather]

Well, a little dizzy this morning, and kind of groggy. That's partially due to not enough sleep I know, and partially due to donating blood.

I was fine for work, the nice thing about what I do is that it isn't brain-intensive, generally speaking. All the "kids" were behaving and I helped Ron as much as possible. I yakked at the other vendor.

Every ride I've had for the last couple days, the driver gets out and literally squeals over my weight loss. Pretty awesome!

After work, we went to Walmart. I got things like Slimfast low carb, the sausage I like, etc. Ron slept badly and sat on his pillow, leaning against a shopping cart. When I asked him about "his" popcorn, he was groggy so hopefully he got a little sleep.

I had a sausage on a stick for lunch with a side of sweet potatoes. I only ate about 8 spoonfuls of sweet potato. I got a little bit of a headache that I'm blaming on possible sugar? in the sweet potatoes. I took some asprin.

Tomorrow I have to go to Sam's Club and buy candy bars for the business, then home for the rest of the day. That sounds very nice.

I'm still tired.

[Zer]

How great that you are getting such reinforcement for your weight loss. Is it at all possible that you have made it more evident by buying smaller clothes? Yay!

[Houston Heather]

That's the funny thing, Zer. I was wearing my too-large "Dancing Santas" t-shirt everytime I got compliments! I just don't see most of the drivers more than a few times a year so it's immediately obvious.

It wasn't until I hit about 50 pounds that my everyday people really began to comment on my appearance. That is, without me mentioning it first.

I'm feeling better, especially after checking the blood bank website. I can check all my results online with a password and my donor ID. I also earn "points" for every donation (the last one netted 400 points) and redeem them for merchandise or donate it back to the center.

Anyway, I checked my results:
Cholesterol: 170
Blood Pressure: 108/80 (remember I was a little nervous too)
Heart Rate: 70 (the average woman is 75 so that means I'm not in bad shape, especially considering I was nervous).
Hemocrit was 43, out of 30-45 ideal range.

So, eating a high fat diet is very very good for me. And some deserving souls are probably getting my blood transfused at this moment. Everyone wins!

I found a gorgeous silk shawl and a cute mother of pearl pin on ebay and got 'em. I'm into next week's money now so I allowed myself the $16. I think a handwoven purple silk shawl is JUST what I need, even though I have nothing to wear with it.

Presently, I have things coming from Thailand (silk shawl), Australia (sp), and Hong Kong. I haven't gotten anything yet, including my box from Mom and Dad, but maybe it'll all come tomorrow.

I'm going to go watch the Dog Whisperer with Ron.

[Zer]

Great feedback on your blood chemistry. What a gift, to yourself and others!

[Houston Heather]

Yeah, I need to be 100% or we'd have to look into "providers". I wouldn't have a problem with that, but I want to take care of him.

My parents got the box! They're really excited... Dad loves the books, Mom loved the chocolate. She and my nephew had some fun eating it, she was a little apologetic, until I told her "Hey, he almost lost his Grandad!"

I'm so much nicer on my meds. They both commented on me sounding tired but that's the price I pay. Like I told Dad... I'm happy, everyone I love is happy, people are glad to have me around, and I can only have that if I make some trade-offs.

It also means I don't have to feel guilty about drinking a Diet Dr Pepper here.

No boxes today! [POUT] I'm waiting on 3 shawls that could come but I'm expecting around New Years, a shawl that will probably come in 2-3 weeks, a shawl pin, and my Christmas box from Mom and Dad.

But, won't I have fun, there's no feeling like coming home and seeing a box on the porch!

I figured out my next interest, I'm going to play around with dying fabric. I think it'll be fun to dye a few dresses, hats, and scarves.

Since I'm only a few inches from goal and I'm looking at sundresses and such, they should be workable even after I hit my goal. Whooo.... I'm tired.

[Houston Heather]

It was cold this morning, so I made an extra-large pot of coffee and shared some with our first driver. It was a big hit. We went to Sam's Club to get candy and muffins.

I got them, and 2 slices of pizza. I offered Ron his choice, he said they were both awful, so I ate the tops off the pizza. He later ate a couple of our chili cheese dogs (2 for $2) and a carton of milk out of our inventory.

The temps were in the feels like 30's range, it was very windy too.

He waited outside on the next ride while I ran into work. I brought my red wool blanket, it's nice and thick. I figured I could wrap Ron up while he waited. He told me "no" several times. I brought it anyway.

I was wearing thick wool socks, jeans, t-shirt, hooded sweatshirt, my long blue coat, a scarf, and a wool hat. I also had a hot hands.

Ron had jeans, a short coat (he won't let me buy him a long one), the hat I knit him, mitten, and hot hands. Before he sat down I wrapped him up in the blanket. He protested. I said, if you don't want it take it off.

I ran inside to deal with our business. When I came out, not only was he still wearing the blanket but he'd pulled it over his head. Since our ride was over an hour late, it's a good thing I brought it.

I sat next to what appeared to be a human sized, red, burrito. For an hour and a half. Amazingly, the driver did pull up in front of us and greeted us cheerfully. I would have kept driving!

I will be bringing the blanket everytime we have a ride from work in the cold. I figure, if the kids can do it at the bus stop, my husband can do it too. I see kids wearing blankets at the bus stop on our really cold days - too cold for a jacket, but we don't get cold enough to justify the expense of a heavy coat. Unless you're a growup, shop at Goodwill, and bought your coat in August like I did.

Anyway, I felt great knowing Ron was reasonably snug. I did tease him somewhat "Do you want me to bring the blanket, Ron? Maybe I should have left it at home! "

It was too cold for me to knit. I just basically sat there. Ron likes having me around so I don't mind that I'm a little groggy on my medication.

I noticed my butt skin is getting very elastic, so I'm probably about to lose a little something. I also lost 2 inches off my bust in about 3 weeks. Good, I don't fit any size charts right now. My chest would need to get down to about 37 or so (I'm now 39) before I could find stuff that would fit waist, hips, bust.

I made myself a little holder for my bus card. It needed it's own holder, something I could wear around my neck and button closed. I made it. It's nice to know I can. Ron was very admiring.

He's really a lot of fun to have around, he's a big cheerleader when it comes to my creative projects.

[Zer]

Wow, so glad you insisted on carrying a blanket. Those hot-hand things sound toasty too. I'm going to look into finding myself some, for brisk mornings in SoCal when my hands and feet feel like popsicles. What about making a fleece hood that slips on to cover head and neck too - as I want when I get cold. My neck seems to be a key place to wrap up against a chill, so I keep a scarf to wrap or to pull off when I suddenly feel too warm. Lots of folks run without a wrap around their throat - and get colds, coughs, croupy awful phlegm. All I do is say WRAP YOUR NECK/THROAT as they complain that they get sick and I don't. The neighbor across the hall is coughing great hacking coughs now, and she runs everywhere with a bare naked neck exposed. What can I say to her?

Anyway, thanks for mentioning those hot-hand things. They sound wonderful!

[Houston Heather]

Oh, they are. I used another one today.

The nice thing about knitting and crocheting, I can always make what I want to keep us warm. Ron loves his thick wool/alpaca hat.

Pretty toxic today, I reduced my lithium dose. It's pretty bad when I get Ron in the building and forget to bring him his wheelchair for half an hour, don't realize our Dr Pepper order is missing ALL the diet Dr's, and keep falling over and running into my shopping cart at Walmart! Ron was pretty frustrated and I felt like I was thinking in a brain full of glue.

When I got home I slept 3 hours and I'm still tired. I didn't take my midday dose, so I ought to be fine by tomorrow. I may have to take only 2 pills a day now.

We only had 2 hours at work, I thought we had 4. That made things awkward!

We rode with a driver we get pretty often (from work to Walmart). She thinks low-carb is eating bagels and Cheerios, and wonders why she can't lose weight. I told her cream cheese is fine, but throw away that strawberry flavored crap. It's loaded with sugar. If you want strawberries and cream cheese eat real strawberries and cream cheese. She wasn't happy to hear it.

I worry that she's the kind of person who will have to lose a toe to diabetes (like one driver) before she takes her health seriously. I hope I'm wrong.

I finally lost 2 inches off my chest and I have major PMS bloating. Yeah! I can hardly wait to see what I measure after my period.

Ron's pretty cranky today, I wasn't sure why. I just avoided him as much as possible.

Off I go.

[Houston Heather]

We trusted someone to get our Dr Pepper order for us yesterday.

He signed for it, and wrote a check, not noticing it was missing 6 cases of bottles. That's over $90. Dr Pepper says we signed so we may have to eat it. I am pissed and will never trust him again. It really aggravates me, I can't depend on them to get one thing for us, but every week I get their milk and make sure it's OK. I'm out there anyway, why not? They can depend on me, brain damage, medication and all. But we can't depend on them to get one damned thing for us because they ALWAYS screw it up.

Other than that, work was good. I got most of the candy bars. We were going to take tomorrow off but we're going in for a little bit. I don't mind. I didn't finish the candy bars and the soda machine needs stocking, too.

The good news, we took enough money out of the vending machines to get out of the hole. Yay!

I'm waiting on my ride so I can take Frosty to the vet. Poor thing may have a bladder infection.

[Zer]

I understand about counting cases, as I used to sign for cases delivered for our patio Coke machine. It's amazing what happens when you delegate tasks - and discover that many folks have no idea of how to account for what is picked up or delivered. I've gotten broccoli in place of broccoli sprouts, more than once, by people who just are not competent to pick up food written on a list. AGH!

Hope Dr.Pepper lets you off the hook on this.

Hope Frosty is feeling better soon - with better bladder function. I don't suppose a cat will drink cran juice, as I do when bladder infection rears its ugly head.

[Houston Heather]

No, in fact he's hiding from me. He's figured out I'm "medicine". When I get out the syringe he runs like hell, poor thing.

I had fun today, in spite of the fact that I woke up with an "I want to be a migraine" headache. It's directly related to last night's grilled cheese, so no more low carb bread. I do not think wheat is my friend.

I took a phenergan tablet and some asprin. The phenergan elevated my lithium levels so I was about as stupid as I was a couple days ago. The guy who got the order blamed the driver. I let him. It wouldn't have done any good to say "Why did you SIGN then?" and he doesn't work for us anyway. I hate it when the other vendors treat me like a lackey, so I won't do it. I have no idea if we'll get a credit or not but I really really doubt it.

Ron will write it off if he needs to, as a miscellanous expense. It won't happen again.

I was a little frightened of our trips today. We went at leas 70 miles today and all our trips were STRAIGHT, with NICE DRIVERS. Scary wierd. I guess that was our early Christmas present.

As Ron was getting on to come home, the dispatcher called to make sure that "Mr B and his wife" had been located. I'll settle for Ron's wife, Mrs. Ron, etc. I'm with him, that's all that matters.

Some woman once asked Ron if I was his friend. I laughed and said "I hope so, we've been married 4 years!" She had been flirting with him and Ron had told me about it. She kind of choked on her drink and left quickly.

Anyway, a straight trip to my aunt's. I was smart last night, put the presents and Ron's beloved pillow (he loves to sit on it, or put it in his lap and lean against it and sleep on long rides) by the front door. I also wrote a note and taped it to the door: DON'T FORGET THE PIES. I brought a sugarfree pumpkin cream (YUMMY! but I don't think they liked it much) and apple - no thanks for me. I remembered and took them.

We went to work and spent a busy couple hours filling 'em up. Good! The sodas always save the day, even when sales are slow.

We went to my aunts and Ron took a nap when he got there. He had a good nap. I made a joke to my cousins about my aunt finding a derelict. I went with my aunt to cat-sit, and loved on a cute old boy for about 10 minutes. My aunt said she'd rather clean the litter box than pet the cat, so I did lovey duty. He was a sweet old boy, and a little purr machine.

We had a great time as always and came home. Ron is THRILLED with his gift, Amazon gift card and talking book! He can get all kinds of tunes now, it was so cute. He almost cried when he got them. He said he got nervous when my uncle kept asking if he was going to Starbucks. He can't enjoy Starbucks and was worried he'd get a gift card he wouldn't use.

I got a craft store card! And a cool vintage wallet with something inside. Then we came home.

The neighbor kids were pretty wild on the trampoline, which is pretty much right next to my bedroom. Zero property lines and all. They've settled down now so I think I'll be able to sleep.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Y'ALL!

[Houston Heather]

Merry Christmas, y'all!

I'm having a great day. Truly, I am.

Our neighbors kept partying until well after 2 AM. Normally they are so quiet you have to look in the driveway to see if they're home, but they just went bananas last night. Ron called the police, they broke up the party around when I finally fell asleep.

I told Ron "It's a health thing for me, if I don't get sleep I'll get manic and be a (vicious female dog). I don't want to be Heather the Hatchet because I didn't get enough sleep!" Sad but true. It only takes a little sleep deprivation to make me nuts again. And people really think I could have kids! Amazing! Sleep cycle disturbed - check.

So, I got to sleep very late. I woke up at 8 with agonizing cramps. My period arrived a day early. I took some asprin - Ron was awake and made sympathy noises, and I went back to bed. I only just killed the pain an hour or two ago. Agonizing pain - check. I don't care about the rest but I hate the pain. Oh, and ginger root capsules work great on the pain too. I can only take asprin and ginger root, other painkillers would make me sick by raising my lithium levels. I hate lithium toxicity. Ugh.

I finally saw Frosty today, he's hiding from me. I can't blame him. I am ear drops and nasty syringe full of icky antibiotic. Except I couldn't find the antibiotic. I tore up the whole kitchen, the fridge, my bedroom and even dug through the kitchen trash just in case I threw it out by mistake. I couldn't find my baby's antibiotic. And people still think I could have kids. Oh, I felt like crap - a real mother of the year moment. I gave Frosty his ear drops and he ran away.

My aunt had given me a meat plate of leftovers - but that name does not dignify the delicious meats I just ate. I got a foam plate out of the cat cabinet (yes, the cats have their own cabinet) and there was the antibiotic!

I left the meat on the counter, filled the syringe, hunted down poor Frosty, gave him his medicine, gave him some treats, and put the medicine back in the fridge. THEN I fixed my lunch. Tasty, too.

Ron's STILL asleep. He rolled over a little when I made some coffee - I figured if he was about to wake up it would help. He has so much trouble sleeping I won't wake him up. He needs his rest. Frosty got in his bed after my assaults with syringe and ear drops and Ron petted him briefly before he went back to sleep. I said "Let me know when you're up" and he murmured agreement.

So, in spite of the fact that I'm all alone, my cat hates me, my neighbors partied, and I woke up with Killer Kramps, I'm having a great day. I weigh almost 60 pounds less than I did last year, everyone made it through their health crises this year, and we made it through a horrible hurricane with no damage. As we come home every day, we're confronted with the sight of huge piles of torn out drywall in insulation on every corner, roofs still under repair, and blue tarps adorning several roofs.

We are blessed, and I'm having a Merry Christmas.

[pennylovesdarren]

Merry Christmas Heather, Ron, & furbabies!

[Snowman]

[COLOR="Red"]MERRY CHRISTMAS, Heather!! [/COLOR]

[Houston Heather]

Thank you!

Ron's STILL asleep! Good thing I am patient and capable of entertaining myself!

[Houston Heather]

Boy, the sugar alcohols in my pie did a number on me. It's been a lot of "runs" tonight. Ugh.

From my research I know there's a danger to diarrhea when I'm taking lithium. See, it can make my body lose salt which could make me really, really sick. That would equal an ambulance ride and a lot of medical bills.

But, Ron married a clever woman. I have potassium chloride and plain table salt at home. I used it to make a rehydration solution that wouldn't make me fat. 1 t table salt, 1/2 t potassium cholride (fake salt) and 1 liter of water. Drinky drinky. Boy, one taste and my body went WANT THAT! I am sucking down my second liter right now.

I have lost a lot of fluid today so I'm glad I'm doing this.

I still had a good Christmas. So there.

[Zer]

Heather, I am at last investigating using local public transport for disabled folk. Tried to get an ambulance today and hit a wall of regulations about medical necessity - and a clue that maybe public transport can help me by lifting me into a van. My caregiver tried to fit me in her car, but I do not fold/flex to fit into a car. Actually, I kind of forgot that's why I don't ride with folks. Even in my own capacious Plymouth, it's a battle to get my legs and feet in the door. Too many things at once: lift, twist, pull.

Kind of forget that, since I have not driven in a car for months now. AGHHH!

So I called local transit company and will do what I must to be eligible. Thanks for all your talk about using transit. I cannot climb up steps, but I can maybe shuffle onto a lift. My caregiver says that she rides with her clients as they use public transport. So I'm investigating that as a possible way to get to MDs.

Just want to say that you have helped me - repeatedly - and I'm grateful.

[Houston Heather]

You might want to get/rent a wide wheelchair. They can use the wheelchair lift to get you onboard. You have to use a wheelchair if you can't use the steps, or they will send a minivan cab.

The minivan probably won't work for you, but they can make a note that you can only ride in the big vans. I have to shove Ron into the minivans and he's only 130, so don't feel bad! Besides, look how much you've lost. You've lost my husband!

Vicious migraine today. I thought I was OK for Walmart this morning, so I went. Ron was out of apples and I needed more canned cat food bribes for Frosty. I also thought I needed some new bras, but it turned out I hadn't gotten rid of my 38's. I am a 35 right now so you can imagine how uncomfortable that was! Anyway, trying on the 34's was pretty comical, but they do have a cute strapless I will probably buy.

I deposited my Christmas cash into my account, so I can have some fun tonight on Ebay. Then I will get paid on Monday or Tuesday.

I got Ron some apples, no sugar added oatmeal, and some peanut butter filled pretzels. Ron loves them. The fumes from the nail salon aggravated my headache and the smoke outside really killed it. Thank God I was taking a cab. I was so quiet the guy kept asking me if I was OK, I explained I had La Migrania. Funny now migraine is basically the same word in both languages.

Anyway, I feel better now. Tomorrow we go to work but I don't mind. I like being busy.

[Zer]

Ah, I wondered if a lift would be restricted to people seated in a wheelchair. It makes sense. So now I am in the market for a chair? Egad! Have to be a folding chair, so that I can house it in this room. Got rid of a heavy wheely walker with a fold-down seat and handbrakes. It was too big to store in here. Finally donated it to a retirement home where I know some ladies are hefty and can appreciate having a wheely walker with a fold-down seat. It was too big to toss into the car and too heavy to be hauled out for alternative seating in a restaurant. But it might have served as an acceptable seat for a van with a lift.

Oh, well. I'll do what I can to qualify - and I plan on trying some steps, to get myself able to lift a foot, use a leg to walk up and down steps again. When did I decide that it was all right to give up using my feet and legs? WHEN? AGH!

[Houston Heather]

That's why people think I'm "mean" for "making" Ron work. I'll help him if he asks, but in most cases he has to try on his own, and then ask.

I want him as "Independent as possible" - whatever that means. BTW, Ron wanted me to thank you for the shinguard idea again - the velcro works great.

Well, I am over all my migraines! I had a couple of monsters this week. I got more of that blended salt in case I ever get really dehydrated again.

I still have a little fun money left. Since I'm partial to titanium rings, I plan to get 1 or 2 maybe, then some more shawls. I wore a shawl to work today and loved it (I put it up while working). Unfortunately, I dropped a 12-pack of soda and a can blew up all over my lavender shawl. I have it soaking right now, I was able to get it washed pretty fast. I think it'll be OK.

I had a slimfast l/c for breakfast, another one after work, some eggs/beef/cheese, cream cheese, and I have no idea what to do for dinner. I do need to eat soon.

It's wierd eating lunch and not taking a pill.

[Houston Heather]

Well, it was an insane orgy of shawl-buying but I think it's come to an end. I love them so much I wanted one in every color and I managed to get them in all of my MOST FAVORITE for less than $40. I [cough cough] bought 7.

I'm done now, I probably won't buy another for years, or unless I get a formal dress for the cruise in a particular color. I just need to get some more Eucalan wool wash, I'm about out now. I like to wash new things before I store them.

Ron was very sweet and appreciative of me fixing his dinner tonight, I told him I don't mind at all. I wish I could make him better. He's asleep now, the Neurontin helps him sleep for a good 5 hours at a time.

The cats sure love their new cat door. I'm glad. Ron was happy to spend $80 total on a new door and installation. Frosty has rewarded my tender care (eardrops and antibiotics) by getting into a fight. He has a nasty little cut on his jaw. The good news, he's on antibiotics. So it doesn't matter. He can sure eat, so he's fine.

The phenergan I've been taking for my migraines (I had at least 3 this week) raised my lithium levels so I'm pretty groggy. If I had to choose, I'd rather be too medicated than not medicated enough.

Even though we don't have any plans tomorrow, I plan to go to bed early. I'm pretty beat.

[Zer]

So glad the velcro shinguards protect R as he wheels about. Also glad they are easy to put on and remove, as I know he's tender to touch. Wrestling in or out of things CAN be a hassle. Velcro is great. I've seen shoes that fasten with velcro straps, rather than shoelaces or buckles. Great idea! What an invention that was, tiny hooks and loops that catch and hold! Clever!

Interesting, how people view an independent and motivated man like R - as a person who is "forced to work" instead of as a person whose initiative inspires.

As for knowing when to help and when to wait for R to ask, that is a tricky biz - and I am appreciatve of how my caregiver offers support as I struggle. She is sympathetic and seems to feel my pain as I get on my feet. Her help as I struggled to get up from her car seat was so subtle that it was amazing to me. She just added a bit of LIFT at the point that my effort flagged. Her small hoist made it possible for ME to make it all the way up. It takes quite a lot of patience to work with someone who wants to do it on one's own - and real talent to know how to help anyone without stealing their sense of accomplishment. I am so blessed to have met Dora, my caregiver. She's intuitive and skilled at what she does. Remarkable woman.

I can tell that you too appreciate R's efforts and know how to offer that bit of assistance that fills in the gaps. Not an easy role. So often people just do not know WHAT to do to assist. Their discomfort leads to making ME feel as if I am too slow or annoying in my own movement. Tricky biz. My hat's off to you for how you handle your roles of wife and helpmeet and employee and partner.

[Houston Heather]

Yeah. Most of the long-term employees understand him, but the new ones think I'm a monster. It gets old.

I have been told by professionals that other people's opinions are their own, and not to worry about them. I do my best, but sometimes I wish I were blind when I'm getting the filthy looks.

I did tell Ron about your neuropathy - probably one of the things that's helping him come to terms with the fact this could be permanent. I am constantly amazed at his good attitude.

He grieves, and he gets angry, but overall he's got a good fighting attitude.

[Houston Heather]

I was talking to Ron last night - he woke up and I couldn't sleep.

I plan to go into this more in my Heatherknits blog, but I realized that I was fed up with the whole children issue. Whenever we meet someone, they find out we're married, they want to know if we have kids. When I say no they want to know "Why?". Then I have to explain - why should I have to go into great detail about genetic issues, my brain damage, and all when the simple answer is I DON'T WANT KIDS?

So, I decided to change the way I answer the question:
"So, do you have kids?"
"No, and we don't want any either."
"Why?"
"We have our reasons." If Ron wants to elaborate he can.

Because when you get down to it, the #1 reason is: I don't want kids. I think the world sucks, I couldn't even have a happy pregnancy without worrying some freak was going to cut my baby out of me. Then once the poor thing's born (assuming it is healthy which is a huge leap), I have to worry about baby snatchers, child molesters, and bad neighborhood influences on the kid. I have to worry about the logicistics of getting junior to an OK school.

Helping Ron is pretty much a full time job right there. I have no idea why someone, looking at my husband, wants to know why I don't have kids. It's all there if you just LOOK at him. I'm not stressed enough? I need more?

I feel a lot better saying this, because this has been festering for years. I am sick of this whole society thing that says I'm not complete until I propogate. If someone has kids, great. Hopefully it was their decision to make. For me, I choose not to have children for many many reasons and I refuse to justify my reasons any more.

I woke up, no migraine today. I had my usual slimfast low carb and pills. Ron woke up a little later, and wanted some breakfast. He wanted apples and ice cream. I reminded him of the blood sugar test results and talked him into apples, NSA (no sugar added) ice cream, and some chunky peanut butter. I figure the fat and protein from the PB will slow down the processing of the carbs, and maybe make a complete protein to boot. I'm glad I did my research in food combining, it comes in handy.

I'm not really hungry which is fine. I took my pills already, when I get hungry I'll eat something frozen out of the freezer. I have a couple of skillet steaks, pork chops, etc, that I want to "eat up" before I have another cook day and make more meat. I also need to call my Mom and Dad, and my sister.

Ron likes to call a day like this a "flop" day - a good description. Tomorrow we just go to work, bank (I get paid!) and Walmart. I can make my deposit (which means I can get some lovely homemade soap off ebay) get my groceries, and buy Ron more "treats" - the peanut butter filled pretzels I picked up on a whim the last time I went to Walmart. He adores them. I'll buy him anything he'll eat, especially if it's reasonably healthy.

I don't think they're too bad, especially with a glass of milk.

[Zer]

Seems to me that some folks just wonder what life is like without kids. Some wonder if no kids means no sex, but you cannot ask right out about NO SEX? so they ask if I have kids. At my age, no kids means no one to come to my rescue as I age and become more infirm. My sibs both have kids who are at the ready to serve as rescuers to their moms. I suspect that their grandkids will be useful in that respect as well. So can you see the question about kids as being a sort of concern about how you plan to provide care as you age?

What I love is when children ask me if I have kids or am married. I turn the question right back - which often brings forth a funny look and a matter-of-fact response from a child who KNOWS that she (or he) is too young to be married or to have children. I just love how kids will ask right out what no adult says!

[Houston Heather]

One guy actually asked Ron who'd take care of him when he got old. "Heather" he replied.

It came a little SOONER than we thought, but hey. I'm here.

I feel a lot better. Ron ordered me a pizza and I ate the toppings. He did OK with the just cheese part, so the next time we order a pizza we can get half cheese, half toppings. Really groggy today, but OK. Everyone's doing OK, that's good.

I'm just tired. I'm drinking one diet soda after another with no results. I'm going to bed early. I think I'll start taking some of my supplements, maybe I'm lacking something.