So, remember the whole "part of me is aching to be there for him" bit from yesterday's post about my dad? Well, that part won out and (thanks to my wonderfully understanding boss) I left work around lunch-time and came to Birmingham to be with him.
I got to the hospital before they met with the last doctor, and she was gracious enough to let me stay in the room while she talked to my dad and stepmom about his test results.
It seems like we were able to get a few answers yesterday, but in the long-run, those answers only led to more questions. I'm not going to go into all of the details here, mainly because it's not my body and I don't want to go splashing my dad's medical info all over the web. I'll just say that we're not quite out of the woods yet.
But we should know by June 10 if he's approved for a transplant, and Michelle's test results should be ready in about 2-4 weeks, letting us know if she's a donor match.
And on a lighter note — after we left the hospital we went to eat at a place called Five Guys. I had never heard of it, but apparently they are pretty famous for their hamburgers. Holy cow. That was the biggest, messiest, greasiest hamburger I have ever eaten. But it might also be the best. Ever. And their fries.... WOW. They hand cut their fries daily and they have a sign on the wall by the door that tells you where the potatoes came from on that particular day. Yesterday they were from Driggs, Idaho. Sixteen hours later, I'm still full.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
A full day of tests
Well, Daddy had to be at UAB's Kirkland Clinic in Birmingham at 5:30 this morning for a full day of tests. Today is the day we’ll find out if he’s a candidate for a kidney transplant. (Click here to read why he needs a transplant.)
Sometime before 7:00, my stepmom said they had already drawn 15 vials of blood. Good grief. That’s a lot of blood, folks.
From what I understand, he’ll undergo several tests today and then sit down with a panel of doctors who will review his results with him in detail.
I found out a bit of good news yesterday. Daddy said that if the doctors discover he’s eligible for a transplant, they’ll immediately test Michelle to see if she’s a donor match. We could know something in as little as two weeks. That would be such a relief.
I know that he’s busy with tests today, and that even if I could be there, I probably wouldn’t get to see him very much. But y’all, part of me is aching to be there for him. I’m having such a hard time focusing on things at work today – I can’t keep my mind from wondering how things are going in Birmingham.
Once again, I’m counting on y’all to keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Be the change
Weekly writing assignment from Mama Kat: What is your life's anthem? You know...that song that is ALWAYS in your head. The one you'd go to sing first if someone told you to sing a song right NOW. What is it and what does it mean to you?
This is tough. I have songs for pretty much everything – and like my moods, they change daily. I couldn’t possibly pick one and call it my life’s anthem. That’s just not fair to all of the other perfectly good songs out there.
But I will share today’s song with you. Today has been one of those reflective days for me. Maybe I’m thinking too much, or maybe I’m just not getting enough sleep, but it seems like a lot of people out there want radical changes. For our world, our country, our way of life. But instead of actively trying to make a difference, most people sit around and wait for someone else to do something for them.
That’s why today’s song is “Be the change” by Corey Smith:
I love this – the whole idea of it. It’s perfect. Corey has the right idea. We should all do our best to be the change we want to see.
So how ‘bout it? Why don’t we quit waiting on someone else to make a difference and just step up to the plate?
America's Next Top Mommy has some excellent ideas on how to do just that. Go here if you need help finding ways to get involved. And if that's not enough to keep you busy, check out Be the Change, International.
This is tough. I have songs for pretty much everything – and like my moods, they change daily. I couldn’t possibly pick one and call it my life’s anthem. That’s just not fair to all of the other perfectly good songs out there.
But I will share today’s song with you. Today has been one of those reflective days for me. Maybe I’m thinking too much, or maybe I’m just not getting enough sleep, but it seems like a lot of people out there want radical changes. For our world, our country, our way of life. But instead of actively trying to make a difference, most people sit around and wait for someone else to do something for them.
That’s why today’s song is “Be the change” by Corey Smith:
Open your eyes up people, and take a good look around,
Catch the tears fillin’ up all those cracks in the ground.
Turn off your televisions; leave your picture perfect neighborhoods,
A lot of folks out there ain’t doing so good.
Too many of us left out in the cold…
No invitations given, no welcome mats unrolled.
But you can be the change you wanna see.
Be the hope to those whose lives are far from easy.
Reach out and lend a hand, share everything you can,
And be the change. Be the change.
Carry the world on your shoulders, for a little while,
Put on someone else’s shoes, and walk a mile.
So many cups runneth over, while so many goin’ dry.
The grass ain’t always green on the other side.
There’s still a lot of work to be done.
A lot of wrongs to right, a lot of battles to be won.If you can be the change you wanna see,
Be the hope to those who lives are far from easy.
Reach out and lend a hand, share everything you can,
And be the change. Be the change.
Reach out and lend a hand, share everything you can,
And be the change. Be the change.
I love this – the whole idea of it. It’s perfect. Corey has the right idea. We should all do our best to be the change we want to see.
So how ‘bout it? Why don’t we quit waiting on someone else to make a difference and just step up to the plate?
America's Next Top Mommy has some excellent ideas on how to do just that. Go here if you need help finding ways to get involved. And if that's not enough to keep you busy, check out Be the Change, International.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Weekend recap: Part II
As promised, here are a few pictures of my precious little cousin:
Adorable, right? I think so.
Also, I didn't realize until I started reading your comments, but I made quite a pig of myself this weekend, didn't I? Looking back at the post, I see references to pizza, Japanese, Italian, Mexican and Krispy Kreme... and I wonder why my body isn't quite swim suit ready this summer!!
And I somehow neglected to tell you about my little run-in with the law yesterday...
Shortly after I got off the interstate in Georgiana, I heard a lovely gagging/yacking noise coming from my backseat (where Toby had previously been napping). In my concern/horror/disgust, I turned around to make sure he was okay, only to see him spewing multiple piles of vomit all over the floorboard. Well, apparently in the short time that I was distracted, the speed limit dropped from 50 to 40 to 35 - and guess who neglected to slow down? Yep.... the Po-Po got me. And he obviously could not have cared less about the multiple piles of yellow puke that were accumulating behind my seat. So on top of scrubbing doggie vomit off my floor mats, I now get to pay a speeding fine. Nice.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Home from a fabulous weekend
After a wonderful weekend, I'm once again home in Andalusia.
If I thought I missed Birmingham before, the last three days only cemented that feeling in my heart.
Friday night was spent lounging around the house with my family - eating pizza, laughing and catching up on some Tivo. (They had still not watched the season finale of American Idol!) After once again seeing my boy Adam walk away without the title, I turned in and caught up on some much needed rest.
Saturday morning I went to Montevallo to spend the day with Brooke - my long-time best friend and old roommate. Brooke and I met when we were 10, and despite our many differences, we're still as close as ever.
I know I promised plenty of pictures from the weekend, but I got so caught up in enjoying the moment, I didn't actually break out the camera. But see if you can imagine this:
Picture two friends sharing a plate of spicy tuna rolls at a Japanese steak house. Sitting in front of the hibachi, watching the chef make volcanoes out of an onion. Trying in vain to catch food in our mouths as it's flipped off the grill - watching it hit the floor as the chef laughs and tells us to try again. Picture us talking and cutting up like it hasn't been six months since we last hung out. Like no time has passed at all.
Later that afternoon, as Brooke got ready for work, I made my way over to my friend Chris's house. Again, no pictures... so try to use your imagination:
Picture good friends catching up after more than a year of not seeing each other. Playing multiple sets of Rock Band after a yummy dinner at the San Antonio Grill. Laughing and promising each other it won't be another year before they hang out again.
Sunday was another great day. After sleeping in, I went to visit my cousin Jen and her precious little family. She and her husband Marcus are fabulous, and together they have the single most adorable child in the world. I actually did manage to take a few pictures of Deano the Bambino, but my camera is in my car and I'm entirely too lazy to go get it. I'll post them later, I promise. After Dean went down for his afternoon nap, Marcus snuck out to fish while Jen and I sat around and talked about a little bit of everything - from music to our similar experiences with loser guys and their lame-o pick up lines (and everything in between).
That evening I spent a little one-on-one time with my step-dad. After striking out on three different restaurants, we finally found an Italian place that was open and we proceeded to stuff our faces with some of the biggest calzones I've ever seen. Afterwards, we may or may not have hit up Krispy Kreme for some chocolate covered donuts. Back at the house, we watched Seven Pounds (which was so sad) before calling it a night.
I have to admit - I was pretty sad when I had to come home today. I never have enough time to see everybody while I'm there. I'll definitely have to go back again soon.
Until then, it's back to the daily grind...
If I thought I missed Birmingham before, the last three days only cemented that feeling in my heart.
Friday night was spent lounging around the house with my family - eating pizza, laughing and catching up on some Tivo. (They had still not watched the season finale of American Idol!) After once again seeing my boy Adam walk away without the title, I turned in and caught up on some much needed rest.
Saturday morning I went to Montevallo to spend the day with Brooke - my long-time best friend and old roommate. Brooke and I met when we were 10, and despite our many differences, we're still as close as ever.
I know I promised plenty of pictures from the weekend, but I got so caught up in enjoying the moment, I didn't actually break out the camera. But see if you can imagine this:
Picture two friends sharing a plate of spicy tuna rolls at a Japanese steak house. Sitting in front of the hibachi, watching the chef make volcanoes out of an onion. Trying in vain to catch food in our mouths as it's flipped off the grill - watching it hit the floor as the chef laughs and tells us to try again. Picture us talking and cutting up like it hasn't been six months since we last hung out. Like no time has passed at all.
Later that afternoon, as Brooke got ready for work, I made my way over to my friend Chris's house. Again, no pictures... so try to use your imagination:
Picture good friends catching up after more than a year of not seeing each other. Playing multiple sets of Rock Band after a yummy dinner at the San Antonio Grill. Laughing and promising each other it won't be another year before they hang out again.
Sunday was another great day. After sleeping in, I went to visit my cousin Jen and her precious little family. She and her husband Marcus are fabulous, and together they have the single most adorable child in the world. I actually did manage to take a few pictures of Deano the Bambino, but my camera is in my car and I'm entirely too lazy to go get it. I'll post them later, I promise. After Dean went down for his afternoon nap, Marcus snuck out to fish while Jen and I sat around and talked about a little bit of everything - from music to our similar experiences with loser guys and their lame-o pick up lines (and everything in between).
That evening I spent a little one-on-one time with my step-dad. After striking out on three different restaurants, we finally found an Italian place that was open and we proceeded to stuff our faces with some of the biggest calzones I've ever seen. Afterwards, we may or may not have hit up Krispy Kreme for some chocolate covered donuts. Back at the house, we watched Seven Pounds (which was so sad) before calling it a night.
I have to admit - I was pretty sad when I had to come home today. I never have enough time to see everybody while I'm there. I'll definitely have to go back again soon.
Until then, it's back to the daily grind...
Friday, May 22, 2009
Headed to the Ham
After work today, I will be taking my happy butt to Birmingham for a few days. And while I’m not looking forward to the two and a half hour drive, I am excited about seeing my family and friends.
Tomorrow I’m having lunch with my long-time bestie, Brooke. I haven’t seen her since my birthday way back in December, so we’re long overdue. I’m sure we’ll have plenty to talk about.
My only other real plans include going to see my fabulous cousin Jen and her cutie-pie, Dean. I can’t wait to see what new tricks he’s learned since I last saw him. I hear he’s running and climbing stairs now. Jen and Marcus must have their hands full!
I’ll be back Tuesday with plenty of pictures, I’m sure.
Have a wonderful weekend and don’t let Memorial Day pass you by without remembering all of the brave men and women who have served our great country.
Tomorrow I’m having lunch with my long-time bestie, Brooke. I haven’t seen her since my birthday way back in December, so we’re long overdue. I’m sure we’ll have plenty to talk about.
My only other real plans include going to see my fabulous cousin Jen and her cutie-pie, Dean. I can’t wait to see what new tricks he’s learned since I last saw him. I hear he’s running and climbing stairs now. Jen and Marcus must have their hands full!
I’ll be back Tuesday with plenty of pictures, I’m sure.
Have a wonderful weekend and don’t let Memorial Day pass you by without remembering all of the brave men and women who have served our great country.
Photo from democracycellproject.net
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Time for a getaway
Weekly writing assignment from Mama Kat: Put an outfit together using pictures you found online and show us what you'd LIKE to be wearing today. (inspired by Lace)
Well, how bout that? Good thing I just recently discovered Polyvore, huh? Since I don’t have much to really blab about today, I figured I’d make you suffer through another one of my would-be outfits:
I wish I was wearing this today – for obvious reasons. Mostly because it would mean I was at the beach with my man. And I can think of no place I’d rather be right now.
Thank you all for your supportive and uplifting comments yesterday. I didn’t mean to sound quite so pathetic. I know these feelings won’t last. Maybe I need a beach getaway to take my mind off things?
Well, how bout that? Good thing I just recently discovered Polyvore, huh? Since I don’t have much to really blab about today, I figured I’d make you suffer through another one of my would-be outfits:
I wish I was wearing this today – for obvious reasons. Mostly because it would mean I was at the beach with my man. And I can think of no place I’d rather be right now.
Thank you all for your supportive and uplifting comments yesterday. I didn’t mean to sound quite so pathetic. I know these feelings won’t last. Maybe I need a beach getaway to take my mind off things?
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