Saturday, June 23, 2007
Friendship is...
actually - it should be based on a common goal of building a foundation to last a lifetime.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Wed. June 21, 2007
Friends come and go - some people say - yet in my heart anyone I call a friend never really goes.
But most people in the world seem to think that though. - Sad huh?
So J has "terminated" 0ur "services" - which is fine because, truthfully, she seemed fine without us. I got this information from Mar, J. didn't call me or anything.
I miss Edie.
But most people in the world seem to think that though. - Sad huh?
So J has "terminated" 0ur "services" - which is fine because, truthfully, she seemed fine without us. I got this information from Mar, J. didn't call me or anything.
I miss Edie.
Friday, June 15, 2007
June 15, 2007 - Friday
First day helping in N. Reading; it was a good day - J. looks fine - trying to get some sun and i preached to her about melanoma - and how she can only stay out in the sun for no more than 15 minutes unless she had sunscreen on.
Preaching about cancer to someone who just had intense chemotherapy seems like another oxymoron.
....
Preaching about cancer to someone who just had intense chemotherapy seems like another oxymoron.
....
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Thursday - June 14, 2007
It's been a long evening/morning - I'm (hopefully) suffering from allergies. I have been blowing my nose since last night.
I'm going out in service and I have to find time to do my bible reading as well.
Mar has a part on the school tonite.
ok I really don't have much to say this morning - my head is still cloudy from lack of sleep.
I'm going out in service and I have to find time to do my bible reading as well.
Mar has a part on the school tonite.
ok I really don't have much to say this morning - my head is still cloudy from lack of sleep.
oh it's thursday - June 14, 2007
It's late or early - depending on how you see it.
picked up Mar at the airport with a strawberry shortcake dessert from the 9's and a healthy chicken stir-fry - to handle either of the extremes - we headed back to her house with a fast stop at Kappy's for two bottles of wine and we sat for about 2 hours talking...it was good to hear her talk and see her too
i'm home now, in bed with hubbie sleeping soundly as i watch tv to see the redsox lose and the yankees win.... all's good in the world right now....
picked up Mar at the airport with a strawberry shortcake dessert from the 9's and a healthy chicken stir-fry - to handle either of the extremes - we headed back to her house with a fast stop at Kappy's for two bottles of wine and we sat for about 2 hours talking...it was good to hear her talk and see her too
i'm home now, in bed with hubbie sleeping soundly as i watch tv to see the redsox lose and the yankees win.... all's good in the world right now....
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Wednesday - June 13, 2007 - 2nd Post; Been Reading
I've been reading a few blogs - just by accident - and they are all innocent Melanoma victims - I say victims because they are being victimized by a horrible horrible predator.
two of the blogs are of people that have died already - i placed a link to their blogs - and I found a really great one of a survivor and I pray that she continues in her path of good health - her name is Lori and I wish her the best.
Check out her profile and her several blogs at Miss Melanoma
two of the blogs are of people that have died already - i placed a link to their blogs - and I found a really great one of a survivor and I pray that she continues in her path of good health - her name is Lori and I wish her the best.
Check out her profile and her several blogs at Miss Melanoma
Wednesday - June 13, 2007
It's kind of chilly today - I will try to remember to put an extra sweater into the camaro for Mar for when I pick her up tonite at 7:30.
Today is an extension of yesterday - working hard in the morning - and finalizing some of the housecleaning that I was almost finished with yesterday.
I'm going to have a shower - get dressed - go to the bank and get my nails done =)
Then around 2:30pm - I'm off to N. Reading for an afternoon with Jess and Gordon.
I hope to find some time to listen to the Bible reading and get some studying in.
nonetheless going to try to print some newer pics and put them around the house
im outtie
Today is an extension of yesterday - working hard in the morning - and finalizing some of the housecleaning that I was almost finished with yesterday.
I'm going to have a shower - get dressed - go to the bank and get my nails done =)
Then around 2:30pm - I'm off to N. Reading for an afternoon with Jess and Gordon.
I hope to find some time to listen to the Bible reading and get some studying in.
nonetheless going to try to print some newer pics and put them around the house
im outtie
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Tuesday - June 12, 2007 - Joanne's Day
A beautiful, beautiful day - although I didn't go outside to enjoy any of it. I opted to open the windows and let the breeze and sunshine in - and cleaned my living room. At first it was to straighten and put things away but then I saw, and look! in the corner hubbie's stationary bike that he so geekily set up with headphones and roller-ball mouse.
I thought to myself, self - he really needs to ride that thing - so maybe pulling it out of the corner and placing it in the middle of the room would be a great idea. I think so - so now it's all about planning where to move things so I can complete my task - but if you know me - NOTHING is ever that simple.
So I pull the bike out of the corner - step 1 completed
then I stand back and say to myself - really I should get rid of this leather chair and then move the sofa bed to where the love seat is so I can get to the cubelike piece of furniture behind the sofa - well if I do that...then I'll have to move all the books around and dust everything and ...and....and....
get it?
so the room is totally change except for the things I cannot move - the desk with all four computers and two printers - the book cases and the fireplace
I dusted, lit a partylite candle and vacuumed practically ALL day.
I did put a lot of things into the bins I bought at Staples a while back and now they are in the "dining room" - I am hoping that wonderful hubbie will move it to the basement for me =)
the living room is nice and I'm happy that I was able to get things done
Marilyn called as she was relaxing for an hour at the pool while Joanie took a nap.
It was a hour of laughing and talking - I miss her - I'm glad she is coming back on Wed. and I'm picking her up YAY
I go to care for the kids tomorrow and I have quite a shopping list to fulfill.
I'm also needed for Friday.
I'll post for Marilyn later
I thought to myself, self - he really needs to ride that thing - so maybe pulling it out of the corner and placing it in the middle of the room would be a great idea. I think so - so now it's all about planning where to move things so I can complete my task - but if you know me - NOTHING is ever that simple.
So I pull the bike out of the corner - step 1 completed
then I stand back and say to myself - really I should get rid of this leather chair and then move the sofa bed to where the love seat is so I can get to the cubelike piece of furniture behind the sofa - well if I do that...then I'll have to move all the books around and dust everything and ...and....and....
get it?
so the room is totally change except for the things I cannot move - the desk with all four computers and two printers - the book cases and the fireplace
I dusted, lit a partylite candle and vacuumed practically ALL day.
I did put a lot of things into the bins I bought at Staples a while back and now they are in the "dining room" - I am hoping that wonderful hubbie will move it to the basement for me =)
the living room is nice and I'm happy that I was able to get things done
Marilyn called as she was relaxing for an hour at the pool while Joanie took a nap.
It was a hour of laughing and talking - I miss her - I'm glad she is coming back on Wed. and I'm picking her up YAY
I go to care for the kids tomorrow and I have quite a shopping list to fulfill.
I'm also needed for Friday.
I'll post for Marilyn later
Monday, June 11, 2007
Monday - June 11, 2007 - Joanne's Day
Today, although the Barry (my fave weatherman) said it would be chilly and rainy - it was hot, sunny and humid.
I stayed home to clean the apartment but Jeannie (the woman who I study the bible with) called to ask me to come over and see all that she had done in her house for the meeting with DSS.
I came over and it was amazing - I offered to bring over some candles and stuff to make it homey - when I got back home, I found a lot of things to bring over - and I stayed there until almost 2pm helping her to clean up and decorate for the meeting.
Afterwards, I met with KBrown at the house to lend her some money until the end of the week - then I literally jumped into the shower in order to get to n. reading by 3pm.I made it over by 3:05pm with traffic and road work at reading center. I wasn't able to get an iced coffee but it was ok - I cleaned up and started the dishwasher. Gordie had his friend Kyle over (kyle had really nice red hair) and they went out to a friends house and Jessie and I Wii'd and boiled eggs for egg salad.
Gregg got home around 5:2o to bring Jessie to a softball game and I hung out until 6pm and put a load of laundry into the dryer.
I have plans to do Jessie's nails and take a walk on Wednesday.
I spoke with Marilyn earlier and she is going to call me to update her day.
It was a good day and I'm tired.
I stayed home to clean the apartment but Jeannie (the woman who I study the bible with) called to ask me to come over and see all that she had done in her house for the meeting with DSS.
I came over and it was amazing - I offered to bring over some candles and stuff to make it homey - when I got back home, I found a lot of things to bring over - and I stayed there until almost 2pm helping her to clean up and decorate for the meeting.
Afterwards, I met with KBrown at the house to lend her some money until the end of the week - then I literally jumped into the shower in order to get to n. reading by 3pm.I made it over by 3:05pm with traffic and road work at reading center. I wasn't able to get an iced coffee but it was ok - I cleaned up and started the dishwasher. Gordie had his friend Kyle over (kyle had really nice red hair) and they went out to a friends house and Jessie and I Wii'd and boiled eggs for egg salad.
Gregg got home around 5:2o to bring Jessie to a softball game and I hung out until 6pm and put a load of laundry into the dryer.
I have plans to do Jessie's nails and take a walk on Wednesday.
I spoke with Marilyn earlier and she is going to call me to update her day.
It was a good day and I'm tired.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
June 10, 2007 ~ Marilyn's Sunday
One of the many things Mar and I love!From Marilyn:
"Meeting this morning was awesome, Bro. Brier gave an incredibly moving talk on Walking with God, after the meeting my fabulous friends Atom and Joanne took me out to lunch at the Mexican place in Melrose Square, it was delicious. That dip is to die for. Then Joanne whipped me into Logan airport - plane is on time but it was the smallest plane i've ever seen and i had to walk outside to get to it...now that's a first.
Thankfully nobody sitting next to me - I'm on way to the final trek of caring for Joanie.
Yesterday her cell count was 1800 today it is 8000! Tonite tried to venture to whole foods for special probiotics however the shuttle rushed for the waterfront instead - must now wait until A.M because they are closed.
One last thought - THANKS Joanne for my singing card and my journal to write down these notes."
June 10, 2007 ~ My Sunday thoughts
Marilyn is now in Baltimore - taking over for Greg and Jessie.
We went to the meeting this morning and took her out to lunch to Mexico Lindo in Melrose before taking her to Logan.
It's a beautiful day in MA today - and I am looking forward to seeing Jessie and Gordie tomorrow after a day of work work work.
Here is a picture of Marilyn and I - on a day in the ministry, among her fave flowers - Azealeas.
We went to the meeting this morning and took her out to lunch to Mexico Lindo in Melrose before taking her to Logan.
It's a beautiful day in MA today - and I am looking forward to seeing Jessie and Gordie tomorrow after a day of work work work.
Here is a picture of Marilyn and I - on a day in the ministry, among her fave flowers - Azealeas.
LOVE YOU MAR!
Saturday, June 9, 2007
The Greatest Plaza Deli Worker in Baltimore
There are some people that come into your lives in a flash but it seems as if they have known you forever. The Plaza Deli has many people that are special like that...and Toni is one of the greatest hearts you will ever come across in Baltimore!
The Greatest Nurse in John Hopkins
There are so many people to thank for the excellent care Joanie received on the fourth floor of the Weinburg Building @ John Hopkins in Baltimore MD.
Not only were they attentive and understanding, but they were informative and kind. All of the nurses I met during this stressful time were doing such a great job - and each time I met a new one - I was amazed at how easily they slid into this very high-energy, stressful situation.
Of all the ones I met - there was one that I have attached to my heart - as she was not Joanie's nurse, per se but she was always willing to do or answer anything with a smile that touched her eyes.
Her name? Laurie. And I am glad and a better person to know her.
Not only were they attentive and understanding, but they were informative and kind. All of the nurses I met during this stressful time were doing such a great job - and each time I met a new one - I was amazed at how easily they slid into this very high-energy, stressful situation.
Of all the ones I met - there was one that I have attached to my heart - as she was not Joanie's nurse, per se but she was always willing to do or answer anything with a smile that touched her eyes.
Her name? Laurie. And I am glad and a better person to know her.
Laurie - Thank you so much!!!
Home Sweet Home
There something to be said about being home - so I am sure that Joanie can't wait to be back in Massachusetts.
Friday was a busy busy busy day. First I got a call from Joanie around 6:45am and she was excited to tell me the news of no temperature!!!! YAY - she can be discharged - now the question is - WHEN?
So I promise to be there around 9 after I shower and get ready - getting ready was packing so I wouldn't have to be bothered with that when Joanie finally got back to the suite.
So I got there at 9:30 and the doctor hadn't made it to her just yet. Ingrid was her nurse again - she was the first nurse I met on Monday - and she was awesome!
I got to talk to Laurie - one of the greatest, most compassionate nurses I met at John Hopkins - I think her name is Laurie Bryant - and I have to send her a card!
The doctor finally came around 11:00-11:30 and said she could be released.
But
It wasn't until 1:30 that we finally got out and onto the shuttle - and 2pm when we got into the comfy cool room. By that time, poor Joanie was hungry for her "usual" (turkey with cheddar cheese, mayo on white) - here is a picture of Toni from Plaza Deli
I got 3 crabcakes from the deli with a small bowl of shrimp.
Joanie was so happy to be back in the suite.
I got ready to leave and her cousin Elise and hubbie Leon came over to stay with Joanie before Greg and Jessie arrived.
The day was hot and I was ready to go home. The cab ride in the checkered cab was confortable and when I arrived at BWI - I was amazed at how many young people were coming into the terminal. (I found out later that it was field trips from several different schools outside of Maryland)
A porter from Airtran showed up right in time and took my bags to the front of the very long line and checked me in. It was great of him. I went through security without incident or beeping and the gentleman who checked over my boarding pass thru security greeted me with a smile.
I upgraded for $40 to first class and settled down to wait for my delayed flight.
In first class, you do get great service and a lot of leg room - it's way better than business and miles better than coach.
I sat next to a young man who was headed to Romania - he worked as an international real estate broker in Romania and we chatted a bit - laughing at the crazy contraptions they sell in the "skymall" magazine.
I was thirsty and drank 3 glasses of diet coke.
And then I was home .... both of my bags came together which was awesome and hubbie drove up in the camaro - yet even better!
So I'm home.....and happy
Friday was a busy busy busy day. First I got a call from Joanie around 6:45am and she was excited to tell me the news of no temperature!!!! YAY - she can be discharged - now the question is - WHEN?
So I promise to be there around 9 after I shower and get ready - getting ready was packing so I wouldn't have to be bothered with that when Joanie finally got back to the suite.
So I got there at 9:30 and the doctor hadn't made it to her just yet. Ingrid was her nurse again - she was the first nurse I met on Monday - and she was awesome!
I got to talk to Laurie - one of the greatest, most compassionate nurses I met at John Hopkins - I think her name is Laurie Bryant - and I have to send her a card!
The doctor finally came around 11:00-11:30 and said she could be released.
But
It wasn't until 1:30 that we finally got out and onto the shuttle - and 2pm when we got into the comfy cool room. By that time, poor Joanie was hungry for her "usual" (turkey with cheddar cheese, mayo on white) - here is a picture of Toni from Plaza Deli
I got 3 crabcakes from the deli with a small bowl of shrimp.
Joanie was so happy to be back in the suite.
I got ready to leave and her cousin Elise and hubbie Leon came over to stay with Joanie before Greg and Jessie arrived.
The day was hot and I was ready to go home. The cab ride in the checkered cab was confortable and when I arrived at BWI - I was amazed at how many young people were coming into the terminal. (I found out later that it was field trips from several different schools outside of Maryland)
A porter from Airtran showed up right in time and took my bags to the front of the very long line and checked me in. It was great of him. I went through security without incident or beeping and the gentleman who checked over my boarding pass thru security greeted me with a smile.
I upgraded for $40 to first class and settled down to wait for my delayed flight.
In first class, you do get great service and a lot of leg room - it's way better than business and miles better than coach.
I sat next to a young man who was headed to Romania - he worked as an international real estate broker in Romania and we chatted a bit - laughing at the crazy contraptions they sell in the "skymall" magazine.
I was thirsty and drank 3 glasses of diet coke.
And then I was home .... both of my bags came together which was awesome and hubbie drove up in the camaro - yet even better!
So I'm home.....and happy
Friday, June 8, 2007
Guess where we are?? - June 8, 2007
We are in suite 2003!!! YES!! Joanie is back in the hotel and will be awaiting Greg and Jessie - it will be an awesome "homecoming"!
THE call! - June 8, 2007
So around 6:45 this morning - Joanie called to let me know that her temp stayed within the range and that means....drumroll please!!!
She can be discharged today!!!!!!!
I can't type a lot right now b/c I have to have a shower and get ready to get over there so we can get ready to come back here!
It's awesome isn't it?
I outtie
She can be discharged today!!!!!!!
I can't type a lot right now b/c I have to have a shower and get ready to get over there so we can get ready to come back here!
It's awesome isn't it?
I outtie
June 7, 2007 - Thursday
This post is for Thursday - although it is now officially Friday.
Dinner with Joanie was good - even with the room-change thing. She has maintained a no temperature trend that just may send her home at Noon tomorrow.
I took a cute picture of her with her new hat. We looked like twins =)
I was on the ph0ne with Mar for a long time tonite, she is really enjoying the blog-fest that is going on right now. And she misses Joanie too. She will be here in Baltimore on Sunday (hubbie and I are going to take her to the airport)
I hope the temperature stays low so Joanie can come home tomorrow.
Dinner with Joanie was good - even with the room-change thing. She has maintained a no temperature trend that just may send her home at Noon tomorrow.
I took a cute picture of her with her new hat. We looked like twins =)
I was on the ph0ne with Mar for a long time tonite, she is really enjoying the blog-fest that is going on right now. And she misses Joanie too. She will be here in Baltimore on Sunday (hubbie and I are going to take her to the airport)I hope the temperature stays low so Joanie can come home tomorrow.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
June 7, 2007 - Thursday
So far Joanie hasn't had a temperature all day - could this actually mean that she will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow????????? Wouldn't that be awesome!?!?!?!
Tomorrow will truly tell what happens.
I'm getting ready to order dinner for Joanie - crab cakes and rice with a roll and butter, she is all set when it comes to dessert - I brought her 4 choices this afternoon =)
I'm hoping to get back to the room at around 9pm - and get some good sleep tonite. I should order myself some dinner but I'm not hungry right now.
Tomorrow will truly tell what happens.
I'm getting ready to order dinner for Joanie - crab cakes and rice with a roll and butter, she is all set when it comes to dessert - I brought her 4 choices this afternoon =)
I'm hoping to get back to the room at around 9pm - and get some good sleep tonite. I should order myself some dinner but I'm not hungry right now.
Later on Thursday
The day has been working out well - pretty much sticking to the times and getting a lot done.
I'm back in the room and going to call Tugs about the nightly specials - and then call Joanie to get her dinner order.
Cya l8r
I'm back in the room and going to call Tugs about the nightly specials - and then call Joanie to get her dinner order.
Cya l8r
June 7, 2007 - Keeping Up With THE SCHEDULE
Ok can I just say that it is so far working out really well - why didn't I think of this earlier (could be that I didn't know where everything was and how long things would take)
The shuttle will be picking me up t 12:15 so I wanted to jot this down
THANK YOU MARILYN!!!! for calling me this morning - I LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU!!!!
You really understand me and that is only ONE thing of the MANY things I love about you.
I can't wait to see you on Saturday.
Btw - I had a lonely glass of red wine last night before dinner .... wish you were here with me.
blog more later
The shuttle will be picking me up t 12:15 so I wanted to jot this down
THANK YOU MARILYN!!!! for calling me this morning - I LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU!!!!
You really understand me and that is only ONE thing of the MANY things I love about you.
I can't wait to see you on Saturday.
Btw - I had a lonely glass of red wine last night before dinner .... wish you were here with me.
blog more later
June 7, 2007 - My Thursday Schedule
Today will be filled with things to do - as each day is - and the challenge is - how to do it timely and with limited stress.
Today is an equally beautiful day (at least from what I can tell with the opened windows) and I am looking forward to going out to Super Fresh (well - I'm not ecstatic about it) and I look forward to getting some V-8 and water (which is what I will be eating today for at least part, if not most of the day to get my tummie to feeling semi-ok) and seeing Joanie when I bring her lunch.
Here is my schedule for today (let's see if I stick to it)
1. Wake up (well got that covered) 6:30am
2. Daily Text with hubbie - excellent text for today (8am)
3. Shower (did I mention how much I LOVE the water pressure in the shower?) (9:15am)
4. Laundry (it's in the dryer - even as I type this) (9:50am)
5. Order Lunch (11am) - Lunch will be exciting - turkey with cheddar on white with mayo and salt, root beer from the fountain - ICE CREAM so we can make a root beer float (preferably coffee ice cream) and some thing wikked yummie from the SuperFresh Bakery.
6. Super Fresh for a few items (wonder if I have to call Marilyn to help me find my way - she is my own personal GPS when it comes to Super Fresh) (11am)
7. Schedule Shuttle while in Super Fresh (11:30)
8. Pick up lunch at Plaza Deli (11:30)
9. Get on Shuttle (who will it be today?)(11:45/Noon)
10. Each lunch with Joanie and hopefully get a walk in(Noon/12:15)
11. Schedule Shuttle to take me to Inner Harbor so I can get the credit on my hat purchases and get the hat that I had on hold (2/2:30pm)
12. Return stuff at Hats On the Belfrey (3pm)
13. Return to Tremont Plaza (3:30-4:00 - depending on the shuttle)
14. Call about specials for dinner (4:45)
15. Get dinner order from Joanie and order (5:00)
16. Order shuttle for pickup at 5:30
17. Dinner with Joanie at 5:45/6pm and a walk and update on blog
18. Return to Tremont Plaza (8/9pm)
19. Blissful sleep - anytime afterwards =)
WOW I should write this down - it's a great schedule ;)
Today is an equally beautiful day (at least from what I can tell with the opened windows) and I am looking forward to going out to Super Fresh (well - I'm not ecstatic about it) and I look forward to getting some V-8 and water (which is what I will be eating today for at least part, if not most of the day to get my tummie to feeling semi-ok) and seeing Joanie when I bring her lunch.
Here is my schedule for today (let's see if I stick to it)
1. Wake up (well got that covered) 6:30am
2. Daily Text with hubbie - excellent text for today (8am)
3. Shower (did I mention how much I LOVE the water pressure in the shower?) (9:15am)
4. Laundry (it's in the dryer - even as I type this) (9:50am)
5. Order Lunch (11am) - Lunch will be exciting - turkey with cheddar on white with mayo and salt, root beer from the fountain - ICE CREAM so we can make a root beer float (preferably coffee ice cream) and some thing wikked yummie from the SuperFresh Bakery.
6. Super Fresh for a few items (wonder if I have to call Marilyn to help me find my way - she is my own personal GPS when it comes to Super Fresh) (11am)
7. Schedule Shuttle while in Super Fresh (11:30)
8. Pick up lunch at Plaza Deli (11:30)
9. Get on Shuttle (who will it be today?)(11:45/Noon)
10. Each lunch with Joanie and hopefully get a walk in(Noon/12:15)
11. Schedule Shuttle to take me to Inner Harbor so I can get the credit on my hat purchases and get the hat that I had on hold (2/2:30pm)
12. Return stuff at Hats On the Belfrey (3pm)
13. Return to Tremont Plaza (3:30-4:00 - depending on the shuttle)
14. Call about specials for dinner (4:45)
15. Get dinner order from Joanie and order (5:00)
16. Order shuttle for pickup at 5:30
17. Dinner with Joanie at 5:45/6pm and a walk and update on blog
18. Return to Tremont Plaza (8/9pm)
19. Blissful sleep - anytime afterwards =)
WOW I should write this down - it's a great schedule ;)
June 6, 2007 - Wednesday aka A Beautiful Day
I'm a day late - because I was actually typing in Hindi yesterday and was too tired to try to figure out how to get it translated back to English - so I gave up and crashed.
First of all - yesterday was a most perfectly beautiful day. I mean literally no humidity, soft breezes, blue sky and bright sunshine.
I happily woke up to it.
I was still tired from Tuesday night but I took a nice hot shower and felt whole again.
Off to D&D for an iced coffee and the search for a good spiral notebook so Joanie can keep track of whatever she wants to and have it all in one place. (Let me tell you something - you would think that finding a spiral notebook would be easy but not so much) I went to CVS & Walgreens and couldn't find anything to my liking that wasn't elementary school - so I finallly opted for a sketch book and I decorated it with stickers I brought along with me.
D&D was a totally disappointment - I don't know if the person behind the counter thought "skim milk" sounded like "cream" or what but when I advised her that I can't drink cream - instead of getting me a new coffee - she must have poured out 1/2 of the one with cream and just added skim - it was gross. Into the nearest garbage it went - because I didn't realize she did that until I was halfway back to the hotel.
OH WELL - Whatever
I found out that the pool doesn't open until Noon during the week. So I got to see it thru the glass but I really doubt I'll have any time to sit by it. Noon time is lunch time and lunch time (for right now) is taken up with my visit to Joanie - and yesterday was no exception - and we actually got to eat lunch together - I brought a sandwich over and we sat in the room and had lunch =) "ALMOST" like being a restaurant =) Lunch is for the company anyways and that is always great.
Joanie asked me if I would go to the store and find some hats as she is not really wanting to see herself at this juncture of the treatment - so I said I'd call to see places to get hats. I got to the Weinberg Building around 1pm and left around 4:15.
When I returned to the hotel - I called the front desk to find out if there were any department stores around - Baltimore has NO department stores - but the young woman did say that there was a place called "hats on the belfrey" in the galleria mall - so I said I'd go over there.
The shuttle was a ways away so I had to wait until they picked me up - then off I went to the Galleria - it was a mall next to the water. They had a Swatch store which was interesting - but I found the Hats in the Belfrey store and spent around 20 min trying on hats - a lot had wide brims and a lot looked great but all of them were everything Joanie didn't want.
I found a couple that I was going to get - they were different from anything Joanie had picked out - but I thought - if she doesn't like them - I'll take them back anyways.
So I bought a total of 4 hats (altho after reviewing my receipt - the store clerk charged me for 5 hats) - there was a straw hat that was on sale that Ronald - an employee of the Hat store told me about - I tried it on and it was great - but non-returnable - but I loved it and got it for myself - and thought if Joanie liked it - there was one more on the shelf and I'd call to have it held for me.
Now let me explain - the hats were very very different from anything in the cancer society magazine - they were modern looks - wikked cool too. I knew that I loved them and if Joanie didn't like any of them - the only one that was going to go back was a duplicate of one that I bought and wore out of the store.
SHE LOVED THEM ALL! I have to take a picture of her in them all - omgoodness I knew they were cute but really - they are SOOOO CUTE (and two of them are reversible) I'm going to wear one back to Boston tomorrow.
I got back to the hotel around 7pm after about 45 min on the shuttle - got the dinner that I pre-ordered while waiting for the shuttle (shrimp scampi for Joanie and a seafood medley pasta dish for me - and got to Joanie around 7:45 - I was shooting for 7:15 but waiting for the shuttle is a give and take of like 15 to 40 minutes.
We had dinner together and did a little walking. We found a family lounge that had a computer with internet access so we were able to update her blog right from the hospital - which is wikked convenient. And she was able to read Marilyn's blog that she created earlier this week.
Then I got back to the room around 10:30 and was wiped out. I talked to hubbie a bit and then crashed.
It was a beautiful day.
First of all - yesterday was a most perfectly beautiful day. I mean literally no humidity, soft breezes, blue sky and bright sunshine.
I happily woke up to it.
I was still tired from Tuesday night but I took a nice hot shower and felt whole again.
Off to D&D for an iced coffee and the search for a good spiral notebook so Joanie can keep track of whatever she wants to and have it all in one place. (Let me tell you something - you would think that finding a spiral notebook would be easy but not so much) I went to CVS & Walgreens and couldn't find anything to my liking that wasn't elementary school - so I finallly opted for a sketch book and I decorated it with stickers I brought along with me.
D&D was a totally disappointment - I don't know if the person behind the counter thought "skim milk" sounded like "cream" or what but when I advised her that I can't drink cream - instead of getting me a new coffee - she must have poured out 1/2 of the one with cream and just added skim - it was gross. Into the nearest garbage it went - because I didn't realize she did that until I was halfway back to the hotel.
OH WELL - Whatever
I found out that the pool doesn't open until Noon during the week. So I got to see it thru the glass but I really doubt I'll have any time to sit by it. Noon time is lunch time and lunch time (for right now) is taken up with my visit to Joanie - and yesterday was no exception - and we actually got to eat lunch together - I brought a sandwich over and we sat in the room and had lunch =) "ALMOST" like being a restaurant =) Lunch is for the company anyways and that is always great.
Joanie asked me if I would go to the store and find some hats as she is not really wanting to see herself at this juncture of the treatment - so I said I'd call to see places to get hats. I got to the Weinberg Building around 1pm and left around 4:15.
When I returned to the hotel - I called the front desk to find out if there were any department stores around - Baltimore has NO department stores - but the young woman did say that there was a place called "hats on the belfrey" in the galleria mall - so I said I'd go over there.
The shuttle was a ways away so I had to wait until they picked me up - then off I went to the Galleria - it was a mall next to the water. They had a Swatch store which was interesting - but I found the Hats in the Belfrey store and spent around 20 min trying on hats - a lot had wide brims and a lot looked great but all of them were everything Joanie didn't want.
I found a couple that I was going to get - they were different from anything Joanie had picked out - but I thought - if she doesn't like them - I'll take them back anyways.
So I bought a total of 4 hats (altho after reviewing my receipt - the store clerk charged me for 5 hats) - there was a straw hat that was on sale that Ronald - an employee of the Hat store told me about - I tried it on and it was great - but non-returnable - but I loved it and got it for myself - and thought if Joanie liked it - there was one more on the shelf and I'd call to have it held for me.
Now let me explain - the hats were very very different from anything in the cancer society magazine - they were modern looks - wikked cool too. I knew that I loved them and if Joanie didn't like any of them - the only one that was going to go back was a duplicate of one that I bought and wore out of the store.
SHE LOVED THEM ALL! I have to take a picture of her in them all - omgoodness I knew they were cute but really - they are SOOOO CUTE (and two of them are reversible) I'm going to wear one back to Boston tomorrow.
I got back to the hotel around 7pm after about 45 min on the shuttle - got the dinner that I pre-ordered while waiting for the shuttle (shrimp scampi for Joanie and a seafood medley pasta dish for me - and got to Joanie around 7:45 - I was shooting for 7:15 but waiting for the shuttle is a give and take of like 15 to 40 minutes.
We had dinner together and did a little walking. We found a family lounge that had a computer with internet access so we were able to update her blog right from the hospital - which is wikked convenient. And she was able to read Marilyn's blog that she created earlier this week.
Then I got back to the room around 10:30 and was wiped out. I talked to hubbie a bit and then crashed.
It was a beautiful day.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Learning new things & an accompanying kiddie pool for Teddy
I really enjoy learning new things - I am a hands on type of person - reading about things is not as interesting as experiencing them (at least to me)
yesterday was a hands on experience for me - a hands on with Joanie.
you know - before Baltimore - I never knew Joanie - I had come to know and love Edie - but I only saw an outline of Joanie - never anything substantial - kind of like seeing a shadow of a person....
And even being here UNTIL yesterday - I guess I didn't "see" her then either....
Yesterday was emotional for me - I was feeling stressed, frustrated and constantly close to tears - I felt as if I couldn't handle all that I needed to - and felt inadequate in keeping up with all that Marilyn and Bob did last week - and I wondered just what I was doing wrong....(I won't wallow in this but I did do some aromatherapy with Lavender after my shower and felt very level and solid afterwards - and the meeting, Jehovah's holy spirit and the friends topped it off) I am a self-evaluator - so I had to find out what was wrong with me...and it was that I wasn't seeing it all
Last night, well after 11pm - I saw it - and it became so clear - and everything is different in the light of a new wednesday...
I fell in love with Joanie - her heart is in my heart - I finally saw what it was all about and all the frustrations melted away as Tuesday wore into Wednesday....
I wrote how Joanie was brave - I totally believed that before - but it is concrete now - watching her do whatever it takes to cool herself down - being tired and equally stressed - she pressed on. Her attitude about her fast approaching new look - I could use the word respect - but it's a lot more than that. I knew that I would love her because I loved loved and still love Edie - but now - I can, from my heart say that I love her and am determined to be here for her now and later.
It is so true that new experiences build a better me....
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
I would have written about our dinner experience yesterday but I didn't get back into the room until 1:30am - ok let me explain....
Remember I went to take a shower and bring Joanie dinner? Well, that went relatively smoothly. The driver - Jeremiah - from the Tremont Plaza was excellent - and I got to Joanie before 6:30 (with Baltimore traffic and all!)
Dinner was Filet Mignone with a baked potato and this decadent chocolate cake from Tugs.
She was thoroughly enjoying it - and the Infectious Disease people came back and asked a couple of questions and then left Joanie to her dinner.
I left around 7:15 to get to the meeting and Jeremiah (this is why I think he's the best) showed up RIGHT ON TIME at 7:20 as I asked him earlier to.
The meeting was great - as usual- and a family from the congregation offered to take me back to the hotel. I told Joanie I wanted to stop in after the meeting to see her and say good night - but visiting hours were over and I wasn't sure if they would let me in - so I called Joanie to find out but she didn't answer - so I went back to the hotel.
When I got in - Joanie called and said that they were going to give her a transfusion and she asked me if I wouldn't mind coming and sitting with her through the platlet part (about 1/2 hr) because the last time she had one - she didn't feel so well - I said of course! So I called Jeremiah again and told him what was going on and he said "come on down - I'll take you right over..." and he was waiting for me and I was there within 15 minutes.
The problem began when they took Joanie's temperature and found her to be over 38 and they couldn't transfuse until she was under....so we tried anything and everything to get her temp down - um it was an interesting turn of events - cold packs in places that cold packs should never see - that's all I'm going to say about that subject - ha
So we sat around with the non-mentioning cold packs and waited...
You see - the reason why she can't get them when she has a temperature is because they are "alive" - they will burn up when they get into her system with a temperature...
so we waited....and waited - until finally the charge nurse (she was awesome and had the greatest scottish or irish accent) told me that I couldn't stay any longer (because I wanted to wait until after 1am to see if Joanie's temp went down and she could get the platlet transfusion with me there) but I was told that policy is that I have to leave by now (probably a "midnight" thing)
So I had to get a cab - but this is another interesting tidbit about Baltimore - DONT GO OUT AFTER DARK - the nurses were like - we have to get you a number for a secured cab because it isn't safe for you to take any cab - wow - John Hopkins is so out of place here.
So I got a yellow cab and a nice driver but I made sure all my jewelry was off and I carried my bible with me into the car - wanted to make sure whoever was driving knew that I had someone stronger on my side =) Plus most people have a respect for people that believe in the Bible - and that have no problem showing it.
Joanie called me when I got back into the room - and she said that all the crazy cooling tactic worked - they were going to give her the transfusion! but unfortunately - I wasn't there. I told her to call me in the morning and I'd come over if she wanted - she was so thankful to have me around.
I got back to my room and had a second wind - so i totally cleaned the entire suite and now it looks as if no one has been in the suite at all =)
Then I read a People magazine and finally went to sleep at 2am.
Remember I went to take a shower and bring Joanie dinner? Well, that went relatively smoothly. The driver - Jeremiah - from the Tremont Plaza was excellent - and I got to Joanie before 6:30 (with Baltimore traffic and all!)
Dinner was Filet Mignone with a baked potato and this decadent chocolate cake from Tugs.
She was thoroughly enjoying it - and the Infectious Disease people came back and asked a couple of questions and then left Joanie to her dinner.
I left around 7:15 to get to the meeting and Jeremiah (this is why I think he's the best) showed up RIGHT ON TIME at 7:20 as I asked him earlier to.
The meeting was great - as usual- and a family from the congregation offered to take me back to the hotel. I told Joanie I wanted to stop in after the meeting to see her and say good night - but visiting hours were over and I wasn't sure if they would let me in - so I called Joanie to find out but she didn't answer - so I went back to the hotel.
When I got in - Joanie called and said that they were going to give her a transfusion and she asked me if I wouldn't mind coming and sitting with her through the platlet part (about 1/2 hr) because the last time she had one - she didn't feel so well - I said of course! So I called Jeremiah again and told him what was going on and he said "come on down - I'll take you right over..." and he was waiting for me and I was there within 15 minutes.
The problem began when they took Joanie's temperature and found her to be over 38 and they couldn't transfuse until she was under....so we tried anything and everything to get her temp down - um it was an interesting turn of events - cold packs in places that cold packs should never see - that's all I'm going to say about that subject - ha
So we sat around with the non-mentioning cold packs and waited...
You see - the reason why she can't get them when she has a temperature is because they are "alive" - they will burn up when they get into her system with a temperature...
so we waited....and waited - until finally the charge nurse (she was awesome and had the greatest scottish or irish accent) told me that I couldn't stay any longer (because I wanted to wait until after 1am to see if Joanie's temp went down and she could get the platlet transfusion with me there) but I was told that policy is that I have to leave by now (probably a "midnight" thing)
So I had to get a cab - but this is another interesting tidbit about Baltimore - DONT GO OUT AFTER DARK - the nurses were like - we have to get you a number for a secured cab because it isn't safe for you to take any cab - wow - John Hopkins is so out of place here.
So I got a yellow cab and a nice driver but I made sure all my jewelry was off and I carried my bible with me into the car - wanted to make sure whoever was driving knew that I had someone stronger on my side =) Plus most people have a respect for people that believe in the Bible - and that have no problem showing it.
Joanie called me when I got back into the room - and she said that all the crazy cooling tactic worked - they were going to give her the transfusion! but unfortunately - I wasn't there. I told her to call me in the morning and I'd come over if she wanted - she was so thankful to have me around.
I got back to my room and had a second wind - so i totally cleaned the entire suite and now it looks as if no one has been in the suite at all =)
Then I read a People magazine and finally went to sleep at 2am.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Tuesday, June 5 2007 - 4:14pm
Back from the Weinberg Building - went there around 1pm with lunch (mmmm turkey!) Joanie was feeling better - she was actually catching up with Marilyn about all that has been happening to her.
She happily chowed down on the sandwich and asked if I ate lunch - I told her that my tummie hasn't been feeling well - but I ate breakfast and that it was good - and I was playing it by how my tummie felt before I ate anything else.
This has a lot to do with the stress - whatever I do eat sits heavily on my stomach and I feel sick afterwards - so the best thing to do is wait until I am really hungry to eat anything and then proceed.
Joanie and I went to find some hats at the Image shop in the hospital - it was a nice place and she was able to find 3 hats she liked well enough. Her hair is falling out a lot and she says she isn't really ready to deal with looking at herself without hair.
I actually found a nice hat to go with a dress I brought with me. I also bought a swarski crystal bracelet that has crystals that represent the different cancers - I think it all goes to charity.
I was with Joanie until about 4pm - and now I think a shower will clear my head and heart - and then I have to go go go again.
I'm going to have to find time to study for the meeting tonite - I am almost done with my bible reading...so that is good.
ok gotta jet
She happily chowed down on the sandwich and asked if I ate lunch - I told her that my tummie hasn't been feeling well - but I ate breakfast and that it was good - and I was playing it by how my tummie felt before I ate anything else.
This has a lot to do with the stress - whatever I do eat sits heavily on my stomach and I feel sick afterwards - so the best thing to do is wait until I am really hungry to eat anything and then proceed.
Joanie and I went to find some hats at the Image shop in the hospital - it was a nice place and she was able to find 3 hats she liked well enough. Her hair is falling out a lot and she says she isn't really ready to deal with looking at herself without hair.
I actually found a nice hat to go with a dress I brought with me. I also bought a swarski crystal bracelet that has crystals that represent the different cancers - I think it all goes to charity.
I was with Joanie until about 4pm - and now I think a shower will clear my head and heart - and then I have to go go go again.
I'm going to have to find time to study for the meeting tonite - I am almost done with my bible reading...so that is good.
ok gotta jet
Tuesday, June 5 2007 - 11:38am
ok - I am a little stressed and feeling it - usually I'm good under pressure but not necessarily is it a state I prefer to be in.
This hotel is an oxymoron - expensive yet ghetto i.e. shuttle service within a 2 mile radius of hotel - no wireless access and horrible cable & great showers with excellent water pressure - no laundry detergent in the laundry room.
So the latter laundry room fiasco is what is sending me off the edge - so no laundry detergent - and none in the entire hotel - so they were going to go to the other hotel to get some and if they didn't have it - then they were going to send someone out to Walgreens to get some - so I said "look - I have to go to the store anyways - let me go" - it would be faster (well so I thought)
went to "Superfresh" and it was a maze. Thankfully Marilyn was on the phone with me to tell me where to find the smoothie yogurt (and the restroom was back there too)
FINALLY out of that store - and off to do laundry - it's now 11:30 - there is no way I will be able to get to Joanie at our scheduled 12:30 - because I have to dry the clothes she needs.
*SIGH*
Marilyn was insightful when she said that it is a two person job - it's impossible to be two places at the same time (i.e. laundry, shopping, ordering food, scheduling shuttle, bathroom break, eating now and again etc) I'm exhausted. BUT I have to spin a positive on all this rant and that is that Joanie (and Greg) have been so appreciative.
Well - I'm off to the laundry and ordering of the food for Joanie's lunch - turkey with cheddar cheese, mayo on white bread; with yummie chocolate mousse cake for dessert (and root beer - don't forget the ROOT BEER!!) =)
This hotel is an oxymoron - expensive yet ghetto i.e. shuttle service within a 2 mile radius of hotel - no wireless access and horrible cable & great showers with excellent water pressure - no laundry detergent in the laundry room.
So the latter laundry room fiasco is what is sending me off the edge - so no laundry detergent - and none in the entire hotel - so they were going to go to the other hotel to get some and if they didn't have it - then they were going to send someone out to Walgreens to get some - so I said "look - I have to go to the store anyways - let me go" - it would be faster (well so I thought)
went to "Superfresh" and it was a maze. Thankfully Marilyn was on the phone with me to tell me where to find the smoothie yogurt (and the restroom was back there too)
FINALLY out of that store - and off to do laundry - it's now 11:30 - there is no way I will be able to get to Joanie at our scheduled 12:30 - because I have to dry the clothes she needs.
*SIGH*
Marilyn was insightful when she said that it is a two person job - it's impossible to be two places at the same time (i.e. laundry, shopping, ordering food, scheduling shuttle, bathroom break, eating now and again etc) I'm exhausted. BUT I have to spin a positive on all this rant and that is that Joanie (and Greg) have been so appreciative.
Well - I'm off to the laundry and ordering of the food for Joanie's lunch - turkey with cheddar cheese, mayo on white bread; with yummie chocolate mousse cake for dessert (and root beer - don't forget the ROOT BEER!!) =)
Tuesday, June 5 2007
I wake up with hubbie's alarm going off in Massachusetts - and then we have coffee together (via web cam) and talk a lot and he takes me into the bathroom and I talk while he showers and brushes his teeth - then I'm back in the bedroom as he gets ready for work (wireless internet connection ROCKS) and we talk some more - read the day's text and he sets up the camera so I can watch those silly cats play and mostly sleep on the bed!
Technology is amazing
Anyways - it's about 9am now - I just finished posting to Joanie's blog
I'm going to order breakfast into the room - I really don't like eating at a table by myself =T - I've already had my 2 cups of D&D already YUM!
I'll write more later - I have to order breakfast and then do some laundry before going to see Joanie.
Technology is amazing
Anyways - it's about 9am now - I just finished posting to Joanie's blog
I'm going to order breakfast into the room - I really don't like eating at a table by myself =T - I've already had my 2 cups of D&D already YUM!
I'll write more later - I have to order breakfast and then do some laundry before going to see Joanie.
Monday - June 4 2007
Joanie is still in the hospital =( - they cannot determine what her fever is caused by - they call it FUO (Fever of Unknown Origin) - and it has a lot to do with the treatment she is undergoing - it seems with the deletion of her white blood cells - her body is able to hide infection really well.
She is being very brave - she is still on broad spectrum antibiotics. And each time they take her temp - it is C and not in F - so we are so confused - @ 12:25 her temp was 38.2 which equates to 100.7 (she cannot have a temp above 100.4)
It's amazing how much information Joanie has to remember regarding this procedure but I suppose if it were me - I'd be as informed as well.
She is now getting an fungal infection antibiotic - unfortunately the doctor that told her about the side effects mentioned seeing "little green men" - little did he know she really has issues with "little green men" (think wizard of oz green men)
I told Joanie that if she felt anxious at all - call me anytime and I will take a cab at ANYTIME to be with her! She promised.
I spent the afternoon with her - I went over there around 12:15- she had her turkey and cheese sandwich, a 6 lap walk around the unit and cream cheese cake - then I headed back to the hotel around 3:15 while she took a nap - little did I know that in an hour she would have that fever spike of 104. =(
I went back to hotel - ate a lunch that I would never have normally ate - got tired - did some research online for someone and then I realized that Joanie hadn't called me about dinner - this was about 5pm - so I called her and got no answer. She called me back about 10 min later to give me the lowdown on what had happened in such a short time (as well as her dinner request)
I ordered dinner for Joanie - ran off to Walgreens to get a lint roller - it began to rain - it was nice walking in the rain back to the hotel - ran off to pick up some things upstairs - picked up the meal and orange soda - and just made the shuttle that I ordered. I was back in 4B01 @ 6:15.
She was doing so much better by that time - all cooled down. She was able to eat her dinner - and fill me in on the drama that unfolded in a little more than an hour's time since I got back to the hotel earlier.
She was feeling better enough to do another 6 laps around the unit. She told me what she wanted in her blog and off I went back to the hospital around 9:30 - with a promise in my heart that if Joanie started seeing "little green men" that she would call me and I'd come and be there with her.
By the time I got back to the room - I was exhausted - I skipped dinner and had 2 cups of D&D instead and a smoothie.
I was able to get the webcam set up so hubbie and I could talk and I could watch him while he sleeps and he could watch me while I slept.
Sunday - June 3rd 2007
(on the plane from Logan to BWI)
Baltimore by plane really isn't far - wearing a protective mask on the flight isn't as awkward as I thought it might be - just the fact that it can protect Joan is worth it. Her blog from June 2nd said she was in the hospital due to a fever. I hope she is ok today.
Leaving my hubbie was hard - but knowing that I can help somone makes it easier to handle.
I was able to upgrade to 1st class for $40 (it's a promotion by Airtran) on this short flight - and sitting here with all this room is making it all worth it - and not having to be in a cabin full of people with all types of bacteria is also a good thing.
I don't know what to expect when I finally see Joanie - will my heart break to see her in such a scary place? This procedure involves bone marrow and blood transfusions - what a drastic procedure and imposition (for a lack of a better word) of your body.
I am amazed that anyone would want to undergo such a treatment. And what of her chances? I didn't have the time - or maybe I didn't want to know - what kind of gamble she is taking. I'd almost rather be ignorant and cheery.
I want to bring positiveness, kindness, encouragement and hopefulness to Joanie and her family.
Someone named "D" (I'm sure I know his name) but nonetheless - he sent me an email that I printed out because it was how Jehovah views things. Basically - it was how WE view things - how JEHOVAH views things and then the scriptural basis and truth for his views from the Bible - amazing.
The flight is 59 min. I think I'll be able to make the entire meeting! YAY!
Baltimore by plane really isn't far - wearing a protective mask on the flight isn't as awkward as I thought it might be - just the fact that it can protect Joan is worth it. Her blog from June 2nd said she was in the hospital due to a fever. I hope she is ok today.
Leaving my hubbie was hard - but knowing that I can help somone makes it easier to handle.
I was able to upgrade to 1st class for $40 (it's a promotion by Airtran) on this short flight - and sitting here with all this room is making it all worth it - and not having to be in a cabin full of people with all types of bacteria is also a good thing.
I don't know what to expect when I finally see Joanie - will my heart break to see her in such a scary place? This procedure involves bone marrow and blood transfusions - what a drastic procedure and imposition (for a lack of a better word) of your body.
I am amazed that anyone would want to undergo such a treatment. And what of her chances? I didn't have the time - or maybe I didn't want to know - what kind of gamble she is taking. I'd almost rather be ignorant and cheery.
I want to bring positiveness, kindness, encouragement and hopefulness to Joanie and her family.
Someone named "D" (I'm sure I know his name) but nonetheless - he sent me an email that I printed out because it was how Jehovah views things. Basically - it was how WE view things - how JEHOVAH views things and then the scriptural basis and truth for his views from the Bible - amazing.
The flight is 59 min. I think I'll be able to make the entire meeting! YAY!
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