An update.....

[boswife]

I love purple hair     

[Kitty Cat]

galvo, the day it's fashionable for woman to shave their heads, I'll probably be in line!! no maintenance!!! lol

I've decided not to dye my hair purple for my license, I'm going to try being grown up for a bit (boo, hiss) and see what happens.

With the long hours we put in to have Friday off, Thursday I stayed very low key. I was incredibly tired so I did whatever I felt like. In the 3 days we worked, my coworker and I made over 1100 parts. That's what we do in 5 days, so we did really great. It felt good to get things out on time.

My challenge tonight is going to be to use this nifty plumbers tape, recommended by the hardware store, to stop the leak in the pipe downstairs again. Keep your fingers crossed that it works. I have my doubts, however, I don't know enough about it to say it doesn't work.. the guys at the hardware store are awesome, they've known us for years and they've gone all out to make sure I get the help I need without anybody laughing at me!! Gotta love it!!
 
I didn't get to the beach. It's been so incredibly hot here, I couldn't stand the thought of getting in the car and spending an hour and a half on the road to get there and then bake in the sun. There are more weekends, I'll wait until it cools down just a little bit. In fact, I just received a text from a friend who is at the beach for the weekend and invited me down tomorrow. I'm supposed to go somewhere with another friend, so I'll wait and see if those plans stay firm. With this other friend, things can fall apart at a moments notice!!

I've been having a very difficult time with my upcoming birthday. I've been stressed that Mark isn't here for it again, so much so that I've been having dreams about him, begging him to please come home, he's been gone long enough. He keeps telling me that he wants to come home so very badly, but he can't. In my dream I don't understand why but when I wake up, it hits me and I usually cry about it. I bought a birthday cake for myself today, a woman in the store asked (very randomly) if I was having a birthday party, I told her that my birthday was coming up and I had nobody to celebrate it with so I was going to do so by myself. she said "oh that's a good girl" but even I thought that sounded awfully pathetic. I'm going to be 50, which is okay, I sure don't act my age, probably never will. In some ways, I'm looking forward to it, but the alone part, I am not looking forward to. Just have to wait and see.

Now, the jealous guy, I called him Wed. night to ask a question..like I said, I'm not treating him any different than I ever did, we spent 3 1/2 hours on the phone!!! I have never talked to anybody that long ever!! The air is cleared, he told me that he will be putting my new sump pump in when I get it and I'm hoping that things can stay okay. He freaked about my coworker on Wednesday in front of the coworker, so I had to explain what was going on to my coworker and he thought it was the funniest thing he'd heard yet. But, I think I got the message through to him that there is nothing going on with anybody and there will NOT be either. That includes him. Like I said, I've thrown the towel in and have decided to stay by myself. So far, so good. I despise being alone for holidays and birthdays. I'll learn as time goes on.

I did my grocery shopping today, I picked up green peppers that I'll hollow out, putting in rice & burger. They get baked and at the end, some cheese added to this mixture. It's an experiment but I am up for the challenge!! Not sure when I'll do it this week, but I'm ready for anything!! lol  I also picked up thin pork chops, a whole chicken (I make a really amazing roasted chicken) also another pot roast, along with country style ribs. i picked up potatoes, red & Idaho white, to make my onioned potatoes, also a good one for me...I'm looking this over as I'm typing it and can't believe how excited I am to make these dishes! Very nice!!

Have an awesome afternoon, if you're in an area where it's cooler than here, enjoy the breeze for me. lol

[willowtreewren]

Kitty, during my illness this past year I found cooking therapeutic. It sounds like you will, too.

We had cool and rainy today....for 250 miles of travel pulling a 30 foot camper. We made it home in a window between down-pours and got the camper backed into its spot without getting stuck in the yard, just before the heavens opened up again. I would take some of your hot right now! Last year when we were driving home it got to 110! On second thought, I think I keep the cool and rainy! 

I'm glad your friend has settled out some. You don't need the added stress - no one does. 

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend. You deserve it.

And have sweet dreams. 

Aleta

[Kitty Cat]

I have some excellent news!! I am going back to college, starting in January. I am going back to school for Medical Billing & Coding.  I've been accepted, I have a meeting with the school on Tuesday (24th) to finish up all the paperwork and to do my math placement test. I didn't do so well at it all those years ago.

I am so incredibly excited I can't properly express it. I had a little difficulty once it really hit that I was going to start school that I did this on my own, it somehow didn't seem right to do this without Mark sharing it with me. I am working through it, but I can't let anything stop me. I am very proud of myself, I've learned over the past few months that because people are in your life doesn't mean that they're there for you. So I'm making my divisions from those who from those who are not there for me. I've done it in the past, I'm doing it again. I need to, this is way too important to me.

The other good news is that I've adopted a kitten. He's a gorgeous little guy, his name is Rupurrt. I fell in love with him when I first saw him, chickened out when it came to adopting him and then the adopter fell through so I decided that I was being given a second chance. I am so glad I've done this. He sleeps curled up next to me at night, purrs away until we both fall asleep. He had a very rough start to life but is learning that he isn't going anywhere from here. Here is the link to his story:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=693022584046106&set=a.380122178669483.111136.119893208025716&type=1&theater

Other than that, things are going okay, I had started hibernating again, I finally realized what I was doing, so I'm pushing myself into getting out and about again. So far so good.

Next month will be the 2nd anniversary of Mark's passing. I can't believe this much time has passed! I also can't believe how much I've moved forward since he passed. Sometimes it feels very wrong to do this without him, but I have no other way. I will keep pushing forward to better myself and those around me.

[willowtreewren]

HI, Kitty Cat.

Rupurrt is lovely! What a wonderful addition to your life.

As for whether it is right or wrong for you to be moving on without Mark, it is neither. It is just what IS! And I certainly applaud that you are taking your life in your hands. I can't help but think that Mark would be proud of you, too.

 

And going back to school? That is smashing news! Congratulations all around. 

Aleta

[boswife]

Im so happy for you You are my great friend and thank you for everything you bring to share.  You are a shining light in this life of mine.. It's inspiring watching you keep on keepen on  ..  All the best 

[MooseMom]

As for whether it is right or wrong for you to be moving on without Mark, it is neither. It is just what IS!

Very wise words!  Try not to be so judgmental toward yourself.  Be kind to yourself.   

I am so glad to hear that you are moving forward with life.  Going back to school sounds like the perfect path for you.  PLEASE be sure to tell us all about school once January comes around.  I'm really excited for you!!!

[galvo]

What great news Kitty Cat! Rupurrt is so gorgeous. I love black Toms. After having such a rough start, he's going to have a lovely life. I've found very few people are really there for you when times get rough. I've dispensed with my 'fair weather' friends, and enjoy the pleasure of having a very few real mates. Best wishes for the studies. I admire your strength.

[okarol]

So nice to hear from you. I think it's really good to come home to someone happy to see you! Jenna is going to the humane society and will choose a new kitty soon.
Best wishes that all goes well with school, and anything else you want to do!
 

[CebuShan]

Rupurrt is beautiful! (I have a weakness for black kitties!)
Congratulations on going back to school! You will do great! Just remember that when you're having a bad day, Rupurrt will be there to listen and love you!   

[Kitty Cat]

Thank you all for the awesome comments, Rupurrt has been learning all sorts of new things that leave me shaking my head, but how can I possibly get angry when the other kitties protect him and take such good care of him as well as he sleeps curled up tight next to me all night purring his little heart out!! Last night he discovered that if he runs fast enough through the house, he can make the pads on his paws squeak on the kitchen floor. He spent a good 20 minutes doing exactly that. lol!!

I have some really amazing news that I am still smiling over!! I am an official college student, I have my first 3 classes selected and locked in, I start school on January 13th! I can not wait! I received my student ID today, picture and all, I've had this silly grin all week that I just can't seem to shake! In a little over a year, I will be starting my career and after I get settled into a job for a little bit, I will go back to college to get my associates degree! The school is backing me all the way with this and have been incredibly supportive.

I hope Mark sees what is happening and is smiling as well, I never thought I'd see myself in this light but I have to say I am proud of myself. As you know even a year ago, I couldn't figure it out one day at a time, never mind a future for myself. Things have been so different since I made peace with Mark at the spot we were married in.

I really want to take you with me on this adventure because you have been here for me the entire way...through good and bad, but all the time I have felt the hugs and wonderful wishes you've sent with me and to me. I truly feel that if it wasn't for this site, I wouldn't be where I am today. No exaggerations, but I put one foot in front of the other because of your support. What you've done for me humbles me and makes me want to excel even more. Thank you from the bottom of my heart <3

[willowtreewren]

Oh, Kitty Kat,

I am so very happy and even thrilled for you! We all go through life with some amazing high points and crunching low points. It is the community of others that really makes it all worth it! 

Your Rupurrt sounds like a real imp! Gotta love that! What a sweetie.

And your up-coming college work will be so satisfying. Congratulations. Keep that grin going! 

All the best to you!

Aleta

[CebuShan]

Congratulations on going back to school! You will do great, I just know it!   

[homepartnerctl]

My family has you in our prayers. I wish you quality time and pray for a miracle that he may respond well to the chemo and have good days to share together.  Please surround yourself with people who can support you both.
Take care,

[Kitty Cat]

Good things abound! School starts on January 13th, I pick up my books on Monday (so very excited). Counting down the days now!! 

I have met somebody who will be in my future for a very long time. He is wonderful, wants to take care of me and has helped me out in so many ways. He helped me clean out 16 yrs of clutter from the house. As you know Mark was my primary focus, work 2nd. Not much time to take care of the house properly. He found the pictures I'd taken off the wall a month earlier while we were cleaning of Mark & me, Mark & our daughter, etc. He turned to look at me and asked why they were on the floor, I couldn't say anything and shrugged my shoulders. He hung every one of them back on the wall. Right then and there I knew he was going to be very special in my life. The house now looks amazing, like it did before Mark had kidney problems.

On the 2nd anniversary of Mark's death, he was in touch with me a number of times that day to make sure I was okay. He told me he knew I missed Mark, that I still loved him and he wanted to be there for me in case I needed him.

My daughter, son in law and grandsons met him on thanksgiving day, the grandsons love him and are always asking about him when they know I'm on the phone. it's very funny. He adores the boys, he really enjoyed being around them on Thanksgiving, where the boys had him on the floor playing trains with them!! lol My daughter & son in law like him too. It's all good!

I never thought in my life, I would be lucky enough to have someone else in my life who wanted to be with me and I am enjoying every second. The only part I'm having a hard time with is letting him help me out. I've done everything for so long by myself, I find it hard to loosen the reins, sit back and relax. I'm learning, it takes time though. He is thankfully very understanding about it. I came home from work one day to see that he had made a study corner for me. My desk is over there, another long table for my school books and whatever else I need for research!! I am so unbelievably happy that he is so supportive of me going back to school!

Now, here's the best part. I fell out of the shed a month ago today. My right ankle rolled while stepping out of the shed and I didn't have a solid foot to step out on, so I crashed to the ground. I thought for sure it was just a sprain, so I didn't see the doctor. This past Thursday, I was sent to an orthopedic doctor to find out that (thankfully) my ankle isn't broken, although I did badly hurt all the tendons around the ankle. I am in one of those clunky boots. Walking is awkward, I have a lot of walking to do at work, getting used to the boot is interesting. I have 4 very long weeks to behave. I see the doc again on Jan 9th to see if the tendons have healed, otherwise I am going to have to have an MRI. I hope it's healed because school starts 4 days after and I do not want to wear this thing to school! In the meantime, we have a heavy snowstorm coming in now, I have to dig out my car tomorrow morning, partially shovel out my driveway & wheelchair ramp to be ready for work on Monday. My boyfriend can't be here to help because he works overnight and won't be out until tomorrow afternoon. I'm going to be done before he finds out...I hope. He won't be happy, he keeps telling me to get off my foot, I am so tired of sitting and behaving!! Even my head supervisor said it's highly unlikely that I can stay out of mischief that long!! lol

I wish all of you a happy, healthy Holiday Season. May everybody be warmed by love, happiness and health. More updates I'm sure after school starts!!

[willowtreewren]

Oh, Kitty Kat! What a huge smile this brought to my face. I am so happy for you. Your guy sounds like a keeper. 
Especially since the rest of your family loves him, too. Ain't life grand?

Keep the good news coming.

A word about your boot. Don't rush it. I once stepped on a board in the garage that rolled out from under my foot. I did a number on the tendons in my ankle, too. I discovered that tendons take longer to heal than bones. I was in my boot for 9 weeks. Baby that ankle and don't over-do. Let your wonderful guy help out as much as he wants. That is one of the best ways of showing YOUR love.

 

Aleta

[obsidianom]

Good luck. Treat it well and dont overdo it.

[Poppylicious]

Hi Kitty Kat! I love that you sound so perky and happy right now. Life is being kind to you!

*huggles*

PS: Hope your ankle gets well soon!

[galvo]

Great news, Kitty Kat! Hobble along carefully!

[MooseMom]

What a fantastic post!!   

[Kitty Cat]

A quick update:
School is going very well, my first assignment was graded a 10 out of 10!! In my biology class, we have to write about a disease we are familiar with!!!!! You don't have to guess what I've chosen. I can start it now, and have, the teacher will look at it as many times as I need to so she can help us get the best grades.

I'm not sure what angle to go at with kidney disease, I don't want to do the standard stuff out there, but I want to hit the hard facts. If anybody has ideas, I am more than open to them!!

The biology teacher is awesome!! My car broke down and she picked me up so I wouldn't miss her class!! How many people would do that in this day and age?

I am so very happy that I have gone back, I'm finally starting to get a really good feel for my future! My honey is my biggest cheerleader, which I am eternally grateful for.
I've also dyed my hair, not purple this time (although...I really thought about it) but a brown color. I don't want to be so grey anymore, I'm only 50, it looks okay, I still need to get used to it. Everybody has told me so far that it looks great.

Have an awesome weekend!!

[willowtreewren]

That is fantastic about your school experience so far. Yay!

 

There are so many angles you can take on kidney disease. You could talk about the different modalities for dialysis (many people don't know anything about that!), you could talk about the process for getting on the list, and how long people have to wait. You could talk about transplantation not being a cure, but only a treatment. You could even get into the chemistry of dialysis. That's something that I find very interesting.  That could encompass fluid and food restrictions, too. You could get into how kidney disease is an invisible disease - "You don't LOOK sick!"

At any rate, you have bunches of information already, and you are going to be able to do an outstanding job.

I'm glad life is treating you well. Your story is an inspiration for many who are going through dark times. Keep us in the loop. I love to hear what is up with you!

Aleta

[Kitty Cat]

A very quick update!!

I did the term paper on kidney diseases and got a 98 on it!!!!! I took the final exam for that class tonight and have my fingers crossed that it came out well. (we have trimesters instead of semesters, I start again in 3 weeks.) I am so relieved and I am going to read a book that has nothing to do with school!!!! lol!!

[willowtreewren]

This is cause for celebration! Congratulations! Enjoy your break!

 

Aleta

[Kitty Cat]

Well....I received my final grade for biology, this was the only class that was a concern because I had such a hard time. I received a grade total of B-!!!!! This means I can still possibly make it to the dean's list!!!! Fingers and toes crossed!! lol