I had my lap band removed and a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) done 2 days ago in the Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. It was done laparoscopically, so I have 6 new incisions in my abdomen. Six new scars added to the previous ones from gall bladder removal and the original lap band placement.
Like my previous surgeries, my main complaint was nausea; so bad that would get the dry heaves at least once an hour. And like all hospitals, lack of sleep because a nurse would poke and prod me every hour.
I'm home now; very tired but not a lot of pain. It's a struggle to get enough nourishment in my body since I'm not hungry and can only do liquids or pureed food right now. But I'm not complaining - I had two surgeries done at one time so I don't have to go back into the hospital in a couple of months.
On the Summer Palace front, my rhubarb is leafing out fast! When I arrived here on May 5th it was just a red stub on the surface, but now it has leaves! Same for the chives - I can start harvesting them any time. No asparagus yet, but that'll be next.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
How Do YOU Define Good Service?
Today on my lunch hour I went to the UPS store to ship several boxes to my Summer Palace. The young man working behind the counter was very professional, and VERY polite. He managed to work the word "ma'am" into every sentence, as in "are the boxes all going to the same place ma'am", or "have you shipped with us before ma'am" or "what's your phone number ma'am". Every sentence, although polite beyond words, was said with an unsmiling expression.
He finished weighing and measuring 4 of the 5 boxes, then started to give me a total price. I pointed out that he missed a box, and without a "sorry" or "oops", he started weighing and measuring that box too. I made a decidedly lame joke like "it must be 5 for the price of 4 today", which elicited no response, not even a glimmer of a smile. Just silence. I tilted my head and said "that was a joke - feel free to laugh!, and again, no response whatsoever. The other guy behind the counter snickered; even the customer in line behind me laughed. My guy - nada.
At first I was uncomfortable, then annoyed. Then I realized that the clerk also never made eye contact with me. Super efficient, but no sign of human emotion whatsoever. Robot? New bio-engineered human being tested by UPS to kill off Fedex? Those thoughts made me smile, and as I signed my receipt, I admired the pen I was given to sign.
"You can have it ma'am".
"Really? This is payment for not laughing at my joke, right?"
"No ma'am."
The other guy behind the counter was laughing hard now. I smiled, thanked the young man who was still showing no expression whatsoever, and walked out with a smile and bounce to my step. Even if he didn't laugh, he still made me smile.
As I was driving home, I thought more about the rather odd encounter. Maybe the kid has Asperger's or some other form of autism. I wonder how someone else might handle the same type of encounter - would they laugh, or would they get mad and complain about the service?
I got excellent service - everything was done quickly and accurately. But that tiny moment where I was uncomfortable could have led me down an entirely different thought path.
Best of luck to you young man.
He finished weighing and measuring 4 of the 5 boxes, then started to give me a total price. I pointed out that he missed a box, and without a "sorry" or "oops", he started weighing and measuring that box too. I made a decidedly lame joke like "it must be 5 for the price of 4 today", which elicited no response, not even a glimmer of a smile. Just silence. I tilted my head and said "that was a joke - feel free to laugh!, and again, no response whatsoever. The other guy behind the counter snickered; even the customer in line behind me laughed. My guy - nada.
At first I was uncomfortable, then annoyed. Then I realized that the clerk also never made eye contact with me. Super efficient, but no sign of human emotion whatsoever. Robot? New bio-engineered human being tested by UPS to kill off Fedex? Those thoughts made me smile, and as I signed my receipt, I admired the pen I was given to sign.
"You can have it ma'am".
"Really? This is payment for not laughing at my joke, right?"
"No ma'am."
The other guy behind the counter was laughing hard now. I smiled, thanked the young man who was still showing no expression whatsoever, and walked out with a smile and bounce to my step. Even if he didn't laugh, he still made me smile.
As I was driving home, I thought more about the rather odd encounter. Maybe the kid has Asperger's or some other form of autism. I wonder how someone else might handle the same type of encounter - would they laugh, or would they get mad and complain about the service?
I got excellent service - everything was done quickly and accurately. But that tiny moment where I was uncomfortable could have led me down an entirely different thought path.
Best of luck to you young man.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Nerves of Mush
Only 5 days before I leave for my Summer Palace, with Grace and Sam in tow. I've put both carriers in the house with comfy blankets and catnip in them to get them used to their temporary home, but so far only Sam has taken the bait. He's checked out both carriers but has definitely settled on one. Grace, on the other hand, won't go near them even with the enticement of catnip. For some reason I thought she'd be the easy one!
It'll be fine.
I'm nervous about a day and a half in the car with two howling cats and what that will do to their stress levels (not to mention mine).
It'll be fine.
My (first) surgery has been scheduled for right after I arrive, on May 8, so I'm nervous about that too. Who will take me to the hospital, who will take me home, how much pain will there be, can I go on my business trip at the end of the month, who will feed my cats while I'm gone?
It'll be fine.
What have I forgotten to do before my trip? I got my dentist and doctor exams out of the way, and I'll get my boxes shipped tomorrow and my oil changed sometime this week. Even though I have a list I've been using for 5 years, I always feel like I'm forgetting something. With two cat carriers in the car, will I have room for the stuff I can't ship?
It'll be fine.
Deep breath. Get some rest. Eat right. It'll be fine.
It'll be fine.
I'm nervous about a day and a half in the car with two howling cats and what that will do to their stress levels (not to mention mine).
It'll be fine.
My (first) surgery has been scheduled for right after I arrive, on May 8, so I'm nervous about that too. Who will take me to the hospital, who will take me home, how much pain will there be, can I go on my business trip at the end of the month, who will feed my cats while I'm gone?
It'll be fine.
What have I forgotten to do before my trip? I got my dentist and doctor exams out of the way, and I'll get my boxes shipped tomorrow and my oil changed sometime this week. Even though I have a list I've been using for 5 years, I always feel like I'm forgetting something. With two cat carriers in the car, will I have room for the stuff I can't ship?
It'll be fine.
Deep breath. Get some rest. Eat right. It'll be fine.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Emerging from Hibernation
Sometimes it feels like my life is the 5 months I spend at my Summer Palace, and the other 7 months are meant to just get through. I burrow down deep with my head under the covers hoping that I can stay in bed just a little while longer.
But pretty big things happen in those 7 months too. Since October I've traveled to Phoenix and Mesa, AZ, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and home to Casselton, ND.
Late in January, I discovered that my Lap Band had slipped and I had a hernia, the combination of which had caused my unbearable acid reflux for the past two or three years and the occasional bout of vomiting up everything I ate. I have a plan for fixing it, but the dang insurance company is dragging their feet. Hopefully soon I'll get the approval and I'll fly back up to North Dakota to have the surgery that will remove my band and fix my hernia. Yes, I am choosing to have it done in Fargo. I'll be in my Summer Palace before I know it, so I won't have to worry about flying back to Texas for follow-up care.
My friend from childhood, Melanie, has a very successful band in Minneapolis, and they traveled all the way to Casselton, a town of about 2000 people, to play for us, in the hotel another childhood friend owns. It was like a school reunion, but with only the people you really wanted to see! Both of my brothers were there, 1 sister-in-law, 3 nieces and a nephew-in-law. I kept my 24 year old niece out with me until 4 a.m. at the band's after party, much to her dismay and my delight.
Melanie and her husband stayed an extra day so we could catch up and experience all the small town atmosphere. Saturday we went to the Vet's Club and played Bingo. My sister-in-law won $7, but the rest of us weren't so lucky. Afterwards, lured by free Reuben sandwiches, Melanie, her husband, and I went to the Red Baron Bar, now in the old building where the Red Owl grocery store used to be. The tin ceiling is still there, and much of the bar looks like the old Baron, but we lamented the loss of the "skinny" mirror that used to hang in the ladies bathroom. The Reuben's were oh-my-gosh good, and I was told that the secret is to mix the sauerkraut with the Thousand Island dressing so it's not so messy.
Melanie and I then got a tour of the Maple River Distillery (it was after hours, but we happen to know the owners). After numerous samples of Rhubarb Vodka, Pear Brandy, and Chokecherry something or other, we purchased more bottles then we needed and headed back to the Red Baron. The original owner of the Red Baron, now in his 80's, hung out with us for awhile, and flattered us by telling us that the new owners really needed to card us since we obviously weren't old enough to be served.
And for St. Patrick's Day itself, my brother made us Corned Beef and Cabbage, with potatoes and carrots. So good! Even better with the blizzard (second one of my stay) that arrived and cancelled work for them the next day.
The trees and wisteria is blooming in Texas, and the Bluebonnets will be out soon. One more month before I go back to my Summer Palace, assuming that the mountains of snow will be gone by then! I am bringing my 2 cats with me this year, which will be an adventure in itself!
But pretty big things happen in those 7 months too. Since October I've traveled to Phoenix and Mesa, AZ, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and home to Casselton, ND.
Late in January, I discovered that my Lap Band had slipped and I had a hernia, the combination of which had caused my unbearable acid reflux for the past two or three years and the occasional bout of vomiting up everything I ate. I have a plan for fixing it, but the dang insurance company is dragging their feet. Hopefully soon I'll get the approval and I'll fly back up to North Dakota to have the surgery that will remove my band and fix my hernia. Yes, I am choosing to have it done in Fargo. I'll be in my Summer Palace before I know it, so I won't have to worry about flying back to Texas for follow-up care.
My friend from childhood, Melanie, has a very successful band in Minneapolis, and they traveled all the way to Casselton, a town of about 2000 people, to play for us, in the hotel another childhood friend owns. It was like a school reunion, but with only the people you really wanted to see! Both of my brothers were there, 1 sister-in-law, 3 nieces and a nephew-in-law. I kept my 24 year old niece out with me until 4 a.m. at the band's after party, much to her dismay and my delight.
Melanie and her husband stayed an extra day so we could catch up and experience all the small town atmosphere. Saturday we went to the Vet's Club and played Bingo. My sister-in-law won $7, but the rest of us weren't so lucky. Afterwards, lured by free Reuben sandwiches, Melanie, her husband, and I went to the Red Baron Bar, now in the old building where the Red Owl grocery store used to be. The tin ceiling is still there, and much of the bar looks like the old Baron, but we lamented the loss of the "skinny" mirror that used to hang in the ladies bathroom. The Reuben's were oh-my-gosh good, and I was told that the secret is to mix the sauerkraut with the Thousand Island dressing so it's not so messy.
Melanie and I then got a tour of the Maple River Distillery (it was after hours, but we happen to know the owners). After numerous samples of Rhubarb Vodka, Pear Brandy, and Chokecherry something or other, we purchased more bottles then we needed and headed back to the Red Baron. The original owner of the Red Baron, now in his 80's, hung out with us for awhile, and flattered us by telling us that the new owners really needed to card us since we obviously weren't old enough to be served.
And for St. Patrick's Day itself, my brother made us Corned Beef and Cabbage, with potatoes and carrots. So good! Even better with the blizzard (second one of my stay) that arrived and cancelled work for them the next day.
The trees and wisteria is blooming in Texas, and the Bluebonnets will be out soon. One more month before I go back to my Summer Palace, assuming that the mountains of snow will be gone by then! I am bringing my 2 cats with me this year, which will be an adventure in itself!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Thoughts on Guns, Mental Illness, and God in the Schools
The beyond terrible events in Newtown, CT this past week have led to another spate of Facebook posts politicizing the death of 20 little kids. "Guns don't kill, people do" is a common theme among some.
I can't disagree with that sentiment. But I also don't think that it tells the whole truth. Hunters who use guns and keep them responsibly locked up are one thing. People who own several handguns, including semi-automatics, are another. It only takes one gun to protect yourself, if that's why you own a gun. So why did a mentally ill man have access to at least 6 guns, all listed in his Mother's name?
I don't like guns, never have. But this debate shouldn't be about guns. It should be about gun ownership, and putting stricter rules around who gets a gun, what kind of gun, and how many guns.
I don't get offended at the pro or anti gun sentiments on Facebook, just like I don't get offended when my Conservative friends state their opinions, which are opposite mine. It's part of what makes America great.
But the last couple days I've been seeing several posts, using the image of Jesus, that imply that if God were allowed in schools, this never would have happened. REALLY?
It hurts my soul, because it implies that somehow God isn't with us always, everywhere. And it implies that somehow this horrific tragedy is our government's fault for separating church and state. Or our fault for not believing in the right God, namely Jesus.
If religion was taught in our public schools (and I assume it would be the Christian religion since the Facebook posters reference a Caucasian, western image of Jesus in their posts), how would that have stopped a mentally deranged gunman from entering the school and doing what he did? Does having God in the schools put a Harry Potter like invisible barrier around the school? And would that barrier protect the Jewish kids too? How about the Hindus? Muslims too?
I pray to God that he forgives us for bringing him into this dialogue.
I can't disagree with that sentiment. But I also don't think that it tells the whole truth. Hunters who use guns and keep them responsibly locked up are one thing. People who own several handguns, including semi-automatics, are another. It only takes one gun to protect yourself, if that's why you own a gun. So why did a mentally ill man have access to at least 6 guns, all listed in his Mother's name?
I don't like guns, never have. But this debate shouldn't be about guns. It should be about gun ownership, and putting stricter rules around who gets a gun, what kind of gun, and how many guns.
I don't get offended at the pro or anti gun sentiments on Facebook, just like I don't get offended when my Conservative friends state their opinions, which are opposite mine. It's part of what makes America great.
But the last couple days I've been seeing several posts, using the image of Jesus, that imply that if God were allowed in schools, this never would have happened. REALLY?
It hurts my soul, because it implies that somehow God isn't with us always, everywhere. And it implies that somehow this horrific tragedy is our government's fault for separating church and state. Or our fault for not believing in the right God, namely Jesus.
If religion was taught in our public schools (and I assume it would be the Christian religion since the Facebook posters reference a Caucasian, western image of Jesus in their posts), how would that have stopped a mentally deranged gunman from entering the school and doing what he did? Does having God in the schools put a Harry Potter like invisible barrier around the school? And would that barrier protect the Jewish kids too? How about the Hindus? Muslims too?
I pray to God that he forgives us for bringing him into this dialogue.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
'Tis the Season
This time of year I usually take the week of Thanksgiving off, then only have to work 3 more weeks before having at least 2 weeks of vacation again. The best movies come out this time of year, plus I usually manage to get one or two house chores out of the way.
Today, the last day of my Thanksgiving break is no different. I've seen The Life of Pi, Lincoln, and Skyfall this week, and can highly recommend all of them. I caught up on the laundry and ironing, and completely cleaned and reorganized my pantry. I created my own recipe for scalloped potatoes, complete with duck fat, mushrooms, shallots, and cheese, made chocolate chip cookies with dark chocolate chips, and the best gingersnaps in the world. And I got my teeth cleaned - teeth are the gateway to your body, so I'm proud to say that I take care of mine!
This time of year, too, I normally tend to suffer from tiredness, depression, and malaise. I've been saying for years that it was SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but didn't do anything about it until this Fall. I bought a small light box and turn it on for 30 minutes each morning. I also started taking Vitamin D every day (it comes in gummy candy now!). What a difference - I feel wide awake and alert now all day long.
Not so much goodness at night though. I'm starting to experience my own "personal summers" more often during the day, and haven't slept through the night in months due to waking up all hot and sweaty. In the past year I've only had 2 periods, and my last one was in May. If I can make it to May 2013 without another one I'll officially be in Menopause. Funny - I think I feel better now then I did when I was in my thirties.
Gracie and Sam are doing marvelously well, and we're catching up on our snuggle time. Grace is a miracle baby, going from almost certain death from chronic renal failure to being back to her fighting weight, with a shiny coat and bright eyes. Her back legs seem a little weak, but hey - she's 15. I attribute her turnaround to a supplement called Azodyl. It's basically dialysis, except the toxins get eliminated in her poop. And no prescription is required, so I get it over the Internet for about $40.00 for a 90-day supply.
Work begins again tomorrow, but I have a good supply of clean, freshly ironed clothes to choose from for many days. And gingersnap cookies, which I may or may not share!
Today, the last day of my Thanksgiving break is no different. I've seen The Life of Pi, Lincoln, and Skyfall this week, and can highly recommend all of them. I caught up on the laundry and ironing, and completely cleaned and reorganized my pantry. I created my own recipe for scalloped potatoes, complete with duck fat, mushrooms, shallots, and cheese, made chocolate chip cookies with dark chocolate chips, and the best gingersnaps in the world. And I got my teeth cleaned - teeth are the gateway to your body, so I'm proud to say that I take care of mine!
This time of year, too, I normally tend to suffer from tiredness, depression, and malaise. I've been saying for years that it was SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but didn't do anything about it until this Fall. I bought a small light box and turn it on for 30 minutes each morning. I also started taking Vitamin D every day (it comes in gummy candy now!). What a difference - I feel wide awake and alert now all day long.
Not so much goodness at night though. I'm starting to experience my own "personal summers" more often during the day, and haven't slept through the night in months due to waking up all hot and sweaty. In the past year I've only had 2 periods, and my last one was in May. If I can make it to May 2013 without another one I'll officially be in Menopause. Funny - I think I feel better now then I did when I was in my thirties.
Gracie and Sam are doing marvelously well, and we're catching up on our snuggle time. Grace is a miracle baby, going from almost certain death from chronic renal failure to being back to her fighting weight, with a shiny coat and bright eyes. Her back legs seem a little weak, but hey - she's 15. I attribute her turnaround to a supplement called Azodyl. It's basically dialysis, except the toxins get eliminated in her poop. And no prescription is required, so I get it over the Internet for about $40.00 for a 90-day supply.
Work begins again tomorrow, but I have a good supply of clean, freshly ironed clothes to choose from for many days. And gingersnap cookies, which I may or may not share!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
This and That and a Little Black Cat
I'm back in my Winter Palace, which is in need of many repairs, like baseboards and doors that don't stick. I've got 6 1/2 months to work on getting this place fixed, but not a whole lot of money to do it with. What else is new?
My 15 year old cat Grace lost her kidney function this summer and lost a ton of weight. The Vet Tech had me almost convinced that it was her time, until she mentioned that when cats don't eat, they die. But Grace was still eating, in fact she approaches meal time with an unbounded excitement. So we talked about alternatives. In order to get her back on her feet, she first needed fluids. I didn't like the idea of her being kept in the Vet's office for 3 days on an IV, so we sent her home with my wonderful pet sitter, who gave her fluids several times a day by inserting a needle under her skin (I was still in residence at my Summer Palace when this happened). In addition, Grace now needs to take a pill once a day that is described as dialysis in a pill form.
I've been home for 3 weeks now, and Grace has bloomed and blossomed, and looks like she was never sick to begin with. Her eyes are bright, her fur is shiny, and she's gained all of her weight back.
Her kidneys won't ever recover, and my research tells me that Chronic Kidney Failure is fatal, but hopefully I'll get to enjoy a couple more years of quality time with her in the meantime.
I'm off to Phoenix Sunday for 2 days on a business trip. Since I'm flying in Sunday morning I'll get a chance to visit my friend Jack, who has his winter castle in Mesa. He turns 88 on Halloween, and insists that he plans to live well into the hundreds. I hope so, because he's an awfully nice man.
Turkey Day will be spent in North Dakota with family...and friends! My friend Robert is going to Fargo to see friends over the holiday, so hopefully I'll get a chance to break bread with him while he's there. He's a Brit transplanted to Texas, so Fargo in late November might be a bit of a shock for him.
Several people in my family sent me the very welcome news that American Airlines is planning to start non-stop Fargo-Dallas Fort Worth flights in February. I personally never thought I'd see that happen, but I'm not complaining!
My 15 year old cat Grace lost her kidney function this summer and lost a ton of weight. The Vet Tech had me almost convinced that it was her time, until she mentioned that when cats don't eat, they die. But Grace was still eating, in fact she approaches meal time with an unbounded excitement. So we talked about alternatives. In order to get her back on her feet, she first needed fluids. I didn't like the idea of her being kept in the Vet's office for 3 days on an IV, so we sent her home with my wonderful pet sitter, who gave her fluids several times a day by inserting a needle under her skin (I was still in residence at my Summer Palace when this happened). In addition, Grace now needs to take a pill once a day that is described as dialysis in a pill form.
I've been home for 3 weeks now, and Grace has bloomed and blossomed, and looks like she was never sick to begin with. Her eyes are bright, her fur is shiny, and she's gained all of her weight back.
Her kidneys won't ever recover, and my research tells me that Chronic Kidney Failure is fatal, but hopefully I'll get to enjoy a couple more years of quality time with her in the meantime.
I'm off to Phoenix Sunday for 2 days on a business trip. Since I'm flying in Sunday morning I'll get a chance to visit my friend Jack, who has his winter castle in Mesa. He turns 88 on Halloween, and insists that he plans to live well into the hundreds. I hope so, because he's an awfully nice man.
Turkey Day will be spent in North Dakota with family...and friends! My friend Robert is going to Fargo to see friends over the holiday, so hopefully I'll get a chance to break bread with him while he's there. He's a Brit transplanted to Texas, so Fargo in late November might be a bit of a shock for him.
Several people in my family sent me the very welcome news that American Airlines is planning to start non-stop Fargo-Dallas Fort Worth flights in February. I personally never thought I'd see that happen, but I'm not complaining!
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