A New Way to Blog?

Tues
October 26, 2010

I am going to try a different approach to blogging. I am going to write about each day, that is days with something to write about. Maybe this way I can keep up with my blogging. Sometimes it has been so long that it becomes a little over whelming to try and blog a week & a half in one blog. So here goes...

We went to see Ian Anderson formerly of Jethro Tull. His group was incredible and very accomplished musicians. The first hour was spent playing Celtic folk songs & instrumentals. The second half, he played songs from his Jethro Tull period. He has an incredible lead guitarist who is classically trained. He is also an accomplished flamenco guitarist and performed an incredible flamenco piece. As for Ian, he is quite the showman. You would never guess that he has been in the music industry for 40 years. Most older rock guys have a raspy old voice, but he sounds just like he did 40 years ago. It was a fabulous show in an incredible theater. (Sorry no photos were allowed.) If you ever have the opportunity to attend one of his concerts, be sure and go.



Wednesday
October 27, 2010

Went to see Dr. Kareem today. He was so pleased with my status. The only thing he wants me to do is go to the clinic twice a week for spa treatments to help control my ascites (bowling ball belly.) He even let me choose the days I want to go. I told him I wanted Tues & Thurs so I could work out on Mon, Weds, & Friday. He was shocked. He said "You actually want to go workout!" Then he explained that they are trying to get their patients to exercise all the time and they just refuse. I think he was very impressed. One big brownie point for me.


While we were waiting to go see the doctor, we met a guy and his mom from Tennessee. He is a visceral transplant and has been waiting for 2 years at UPMC. Well, Steve & I got up and went to go to lunch and when we got back they had received "the call!" and was going in for his transplant. It was very exciting and he is in our prayers.


We received permission from Dr. Kareem to go to Lorain, Ohio. That is where my father grew up. He still has aunts (very elderly) there and they are very excited to see us. They are having a memorial mass for my dad Friday, then going out to spread some of his ashes on his parents graves. We are looking forward to the road trip.


So until next blog session, God bless all and put John in your prayers for a successful transplant & easy recovery.


Saturday
October 30

We did not make it to Ohio. My dad's Aunt Dolly was going out of time after the mass. She was very excited about us coming but wanted us to stay with her so we could visit. We are going to try to go next week. I will write about that later.


Thursday we went and worked out after a 30 min walk on the river trail. The work out went well; I felt really strong and pushed myself to the max. I felt pretty good afterwards, just a little shaky. We drove over to the Pretzel Factory and bought a cinnamon-sugar pretzel. They are great and absolutely no salt. When we got home I took a long and deep nap, I was wiped out. That will teach me that I still have limits. The rest of the day I spent on the couch watching total garbage all day.

Friday we went to Macys and bought Steve's birthday present and guess what... I used my own money. I demanded an allowance each month. Since Steve is ALWAYS with me when I shop; I hear "Do you really need that?" "That is an unathorized purchase." "Wait until next pay period." It is not like I am a shopaholic, but when I see something I need or really want, I don't need a bunch of chatter about it. So, now I have my own money to spend as I want. It isn't much but it does add up quickly. Steve has rarely denied me anything I want, but I don't need the rehetoric that goes along with it.

For Steve's birthday we bought tickets to the Barnum & Bailey Circus. He has never been, can you imagine that? My dad used to take us about every 3 to 4 years. I have loved circus' since I was little and used to read every book I could get my hands on. When we lived in Tampa, Florida the winter camp was located in Sarasota. They also had a museum that was dedicated to Barnum & Baily. The last time I went was at the Arco Arena with my mom & dad, sister, Jane & Laura. It was fabulous.

I will write all about it next week.

Saturday morning we went and worked out. I took it very easy and ony did 2 sets of 15 reps. I felt much better afterwards.

We went to the movies and saw "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps." It was long and boring, don't waste your money. Steve liked the end but I found it unbelievable.

Tomorrow we are going to church at the little church we have been going to. They have just wrapped us in their family and pray for us. Last week they had a guest pastor. He is retired and from the "old school." He was wonderful and had everyone stand in front of the podium and said a prayer over each one. (There were not very many folks, so it didn't take very long) I really felt the presence of the Lord in his sermon & prayer.

Well, that is all for now. Things are going well for us and we feel truly blessed by your prayers, good thoughts & wishes. Please pray for John and the sucess of his transplant.

God be with you & your needs,
Steve & Steph