Does anyone really want to read this?

Post Irma

luvmax1 — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 23:29:58 GMT

Thank you to everyone who was so concerned about me during the hurricane. We came out of it relatively unscathed. We lost power for 2 days, lost landline phones and wifi until yesterday, but other than that everything was fine. We really got very lucky.

Long time!

luvmax1 — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 00:30:18 GMT

Hi everyone. I realize it's been a long time since I visited LJ. Life is busy, unfortunately.

I'm well, though scared about Hurricane Irma. At the moment it's heading to the western part of Florida, while I live in the east, so maybe we'll catch a break. I'm expecting high winds and blackouts no matter what. Please keep all of us Floridians in your thoughts and prayers.

It's funny, my cousin lives in Houston, and he was perfectly fine throughout Hurricane Harvey. No winds, no flooding, never even lost power. I'm hoping he's sending his good luck our way.

Finally!

luvmax1 — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 17:31:59 GMT

I'm finally starting to see a difference in my face. It's not really moving much, but eating, drinking and talking are much easier. I can even raise my eyebrow a smudge. Hallelujah!

Bell's Palsy, week 2

luvmax1 — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 02:59:20 GMT

No change. Completely depressed.

Bad Stuff

luvmax1 — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 21:51:51 GMT

I've been slammed with a real twofer this week. Today is the 10th anniversary of my mom's death. I was anticipating a lot of grief, which is certainly there. I still miss her so much. But I'm somewhat distracted by the fact that the right half of my face is partially paralyzed.

Bell's Palsy, it's called. I got an earache Friday evening, and it lasted all through Sunday afternoon. That's when I noticed that I was having trouble eating my lunch. My mouth just wasn't working right. I ran to the mirror and I tried opening it wide, but only the left side would move. Same with smiling. And I could close my right eye, but not squeeze it shut. I called Dad, who was in Miami, and he moseyed his way home. We got the ER about 4:30.

They took me right away, and the admitting nurse said she didn't think it was Bell's, just sinitis. Boy, was she wrong. The doctor took one look, told me to lift my eyebrows, and said, "yep, Bell's." They did a CT scan and bloodwork just to be sure it wasn't a stroke. Which it wasn't, thank God. Eventually one unnecessary IV and three hours later, I was released with prescriptions for a prednisone and an anti-viral. Unfortunately by the time we got close to home, it was past 8 and the only 24 hour pharmacy open was Walgreen's, which, of course, doesn't take my insurance plan.

Dad went out first thing this morning to CVS with the scrips, and they filled them right away. I started them as soon as I woke up. Unfortunately the Prednisone is likely to affect my blood sugar, not great for a diabetic. I saw my endocrinologist last Tuesday,and my A1C dropped down to 5.8, which if you know anything about diabetes, is amazing for someone who's been diabetic for 30 years. In other people, that would be a pre-diabetes number. I don't want to wreck that.

Anyhow, here I am. Eating is somewhat difficult, but not impossible. I just have to remember to cut anything I want to put into my mouth; I tried bite into a bagel this morning and ended up with a face full of cream cheese. Talking is awkward, too. I'm going to try to be silent- I look weird. This condition can take anywhere from a week to six months to pass. With the diabetes, I have a compromised immune system, it takes me much longer to heal than other people. So if you good send so prayers and good wishes my way, I'd really appreciate it.

Sad day tomorrow

luvmax1 — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 01:29:48 GMT

My aunt's funeral is tomorrow at 2. She's not biologically my aunt; she's the wife of my father's lifelong best friend. She was a high school friend of my mom. They lost touch, and then ran into each other on the bus one day. Fredi (my aunt) got the idea to set her old friend and her new husband's best friend on a blind date. Obviously it worked out.

She took a bad fall the day before Thanksgiving. She's very large, and she'd had problems with her back and legs for a long time. She refused to go for the tests (MRI, in particular), so when she fell she broke a number of vertebrae. While she was in the hospital they tried to do the MRI, but she was in so much pain she couldn't make it through a single time, even when they sedated her. Eventually the realized she had some kind of cancer. They still aren't sure what kind; multiple myeloma seems to be their best guess.

After a couple of weeks they transferred her to a rehab, but she was getting worse and worse. She could barely move, and her mental acuity seemed to go in and out. Sometimes she made perfect sense, other times she was completely out of it. Since her husband Eddie is distracted on a good day, all the medical decisions fell to their son, Jeff, who lives in Virginia. He has health problems of his own. He's been texting me constantly, and I've been trying to reassure him.

Finally, last weekend she was transferred to the hospice section of the hospital, where she fell into a coma. Dad and I went to visit her Wednesday morning. That afternoon she died. With Ed being such a mess, and their son not being able to get here until this morning, Dad has been trying to arrange the funeral. Ed's so out of it, though, that when they went to the funeral home this afternoon, he forgot to bring his checkbook to pay for the whole thing. (29,000 dollars, can you believe it?)

So everything's all set, the service is at 2, but well get there earlier for the sitting. I'm glad she's at peace, but this whole situation has left me completely depressed. Not only for the loss of my aunt, but because so much of the situation takes me back to my mother's illness and death. It'll be ten years since she passed, this February.

Happy New Year!

luvmax1 — Sat, 31 Dec 2016 22:17:07 GMT

It's not quite midnight, but why wait? Happy New Year to all of my wonderful LJ friends! And please God, let 2017 be a good one!

Happy Holidays!

luvmax1 — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 22:26:42 GMT

Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas to all of my LJ friends out there!

Also, thank you to aswanargent and digitalwave for the holiday cards, paper and digital alike!

Meet Autumn

luvmax1 — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 22:24:15 GMT

My new kitty. She's 1, and extremely feisty.

Christmas Cards!

luvmax1 — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 22:18:59 GMT

Huge thank yous to talitha78, jackiesjunkie and roxymissrose for the lovely holiday cards!

Happy Thanksgiving!

luvmax1 — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 17:49:30 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my wonderful LJ friends!

Diagnosis

luvmax1 — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 21:37:03 GMT

My dad's dermatologist called today and told him the sore on his forehead was something called squamous cell carcinoma. He'll meet with her on December 5th to discuss the treatment, which apparently involves lasering it off. I looked it up online, and it doesn't seem to be too serious. It's easily removed, and doesn't spread. Thank God for that.

Cannot catch a break, seriously

luvmax1 — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 02:51:54 GMT

My dad had his second cataract surgery yesterday. Everything went perfectly, for both eyes. The eye doctor is really impressed. So, of course, today Dad goes to the dermatologist and finds out that this sore on his forehead is most likely basal cell carcinoma. They took some scrapings today, and he'll go back in two weeks for the results. If it's cancerous, and the doctor thinks it probably is, they'll have to laser it off. They go deep, and then put stitches in to seal the wound.

My poor dad. He's handling this well. His oldest brother had this happen to him a couple of times, and so has their brother-in-law. Everyone's fine. I had a pre-cancerous mole on my back removed several years ago. They literally burned it off- to my horror, it smelled like barbecue.

My own health is doing somewhat better. My A1C, which determines blood sugar over a period of time has dropped from 7.2 to 6.1 That is amazing, unheard of, at least for me. My doctor had started me on this new injectible called Bydureon, which your take once a week. I took it about 5 times, and felt like absolutely nothing was happening. All it did was leave itchy lumps under my skin. After I stopped taking it, I started having random bouts of nausea, which is the primary side-effect, but which didn't happen when I was actually taking the medicine. Anyhow, my doctor left it up to me if I wanted to start taking it again. I probably will.

No words

luvmax1 — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 17:52:09 GMT

I'm kind of speechless about the election results. Good God, what have the people in my country done?

A month without posting

luvmax1 — Mon, 07 Nov 2016 03:26:47 GMT

I just realized that it's been a month since I last posted. Time flies, doesn't it?

Not much has been happening. My dad had cataract surgery on his left eye. The fancy laser kind, which isn't covered by his insurance. He gets about 8 drops a day, and starting Tuesday, he gets drops in both eyes, preparing for the right eye surgery on the 16th. Then it's more drops- all of which I have to give him. Everytime he says "nurse, nurse" I want to punch him. Oh well, I just have to get through November.

Other than that, everything is pretty much the same. In less than a month (December 3rd), my niece Skylar turns two. I can't believe it, wasn't she just born?

As for the election- well, thank God that's almost over. The thought of Trump as president is repulsive, and I might have to move to Canada if he wins. Please God, let me remain an American.

Hurricane Matthew update

luvmax1 — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 17:16:13 GMT

Thank you to everyone who showed such concern for me. We were very lucky, here in Southern Palm Beach County. We had some wind and rain, but that was it. We never lost power; we never even lost the satellite TV. No damage at all in my neighborhood, there isn't even a single puddle lingering in my community. We really dodged a bullet here.

Hurricane Matthew

luvmax1 — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 00:06:08 GMT

So, Hurricane Matthew is bearing down on the east coast of Florida, where I just so happen to live. I have to admit, I'm terrified. In 8 years we've never really had to deal with a hurricane, so I suppose we're due, but that doesn't make it any easier.

Thanks!

luvmax1 — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 17:15:52 GMT

A big thank you to aswanargent for the lovely birthday card. First one of the year! And it was so beautiful!

And my birthday week begins!

luvmax1 — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 21:32:37 GMT

44 on Thursday, I can't believe it. Getting old!

I've started my celebration today, with a trip to the eye doctor! Yay! My right eye is still pretty dilated, though my left eye is inching closer to normal. Fortunately, no real changes in my vision, and the back of my eyes are healthy.

Tomorrow- it's mammogram day! Yep, nothing says celebration like getting your boobs squished!

So clearly, this is the best birthday week ever.

How my trip to NY turned into a huge problem, by me

luvmax1 — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 01:47:29 GMT

Be warned, this is long and might involve curse words.

Actually, the trip itself was fine. Well, for the first two days. On day three, I pulled my back out. We were supposed to go to some farm/petting zoo. I was in the kitchen, took a step, and my back started spasming. I couldn't take a single step without pain. So everyone went without me, while I stayed in bed with Bengay and a heating pad. So much for day 3.

I felt better on day four, which was my last day. New York was still brutally hot, so we mostly stayed in the house. My flight home, which was scheduled for 8:12PM was a pushed to 9:30 or so. Fine, I got to the airport at 8 (traffic), and after a long wait in security, I made my way to the gate. The wrong gate. When I checked in someone should have told me the gate was switched. No one did. So I'm waiting and waiting at the wrong gate until I hear, finally, the final call for my flight. At a gate at the other end of the huge terminal. I start running, which for someone of my size is a nightmare in and of itself. Of course, I'm too late. The plane had just left. So I talk to someone at a desk and I'm rescheduled to a flight at 9 the next morning. I call my sister, she comes back to get me.

The only thing is, my sister has to go back to work on Wednesday. Before that she has to drop the baby at daycare. So she can't take me. My cousin would have, but he had foot surgery the day before and he can't drive. Since I'm staying with my sister who is now living at her friend's house, I thought maybe the friend or her 18 year old son would offer. They're both home all day. But no one says anything, and instead they find me a cab. Which will cost me $73 to get to the airport. No choice, I book the car for 6:30. (let me say, I understand they are under no obligation to take me to the airport. I'm my sister's guest, technically, not theirs. That being said, I would never let someone staying in my home spend $70 bucks on a cab ride if I was there to take them. No matter the time or circumstance. I've picked up my sister, or her friends, at 2 in the morning.)

So, I wake up at 5:45 the next morning, still in my shorts, shirt, underwear and bra from yesterday. ( As my suitcase made the flight, things like my hairbrush, toothbrush and deodorant are already at the Palm Beach airport. Thank God, I kept my insulin and syringes in my carry on to bring on the plane.) I pick up my phone and find an e-mail from JetBlue saying my flight has been cancelled. I immediately call the airline and found out they've rebooked me on a 1PM flight to Boston, where I will transfer to a plane to Palm Beach and land somewhere around 9PM. No way. I want to to go home. So they can put me on a plane to Fort Lauderdale, leaving at 11AM. I have to pay an extra 40 bucks to get an aisle seat, literally the last one left. (it was an extra legroom seat next to an exit door). I said fine, just get me on that plane. They do.

Anyhow, I changed the cab time to 8AM (not taking any chances), it picked me up and had me there by 8:20. I was terrified to check in using a kiosk (had a brutal time with one last year when I went to Texas), but it turned out to be really easy. Took 30 seconds. And the extra legroom seer gave me expedited security check, which was also smooth and easy. I had time to sit and have breakfast and relax before I went to the correct gate. I had to wait over an hour, but it was fine. The plane itself was different than I was used to. Much bigger than usual, with 32 rows of seats (I was in 22), more bathrooms, and the Directv was a touch screen. It seemed very modern. But the flight was nice, as were my seat mates, and I arrived in Fort Lauderdale on time.

My dad left work early and picked me up,a round 2:30. We went home, I changed my underwear and borrowed his deodorant, ate a quick lunch, and then we went to the Palm Beach Airport to pick up my suitcase. This was surprisingly easy. All we had to do was park, go into the arrival area and hit the baggage office. My suitcase was right there, and all I had to do was show my ID to claim it. We picked it up and went home, and I slept for a solid 7 hours last night, which I never do.

So I'm home, safe and alive, with all my stuff. And I'm never traveling again!

Almost there!

luvmax1 — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 21:39:30 GMT

In just over twelve hours, I'm boarding a plane to New York! I feel surprisingly nervous. Maybe it's because I'm traveling by myself. I did once before, when I was 16. Don't remember how nervous I was then, though.

I got my hair done. I chose a different stylist this time. The last one, Jimmy, made me look like an old time first lady. I was not impressed. This time I had Julio, who did a nice job on the cut. It's just the color that I'm not sure of- it's a really dark brown. I didn't expect it to be so dark.

I'm wavering on wether or not I should check a bag, or just bring a carry on. Looking at what I'm bringing, everything would fit in a carry on. But I think it might be easier for me to check the bag- this way, I don't have to schlep something all over the terminals. I'm not great with those bags on wheels, I always manage to twist them around.

I'm sure I'll feel calmer once I'm in New York. I'm looking forward to seeing my sister and baby Skylar.

Birthday Wishes!

luvmax1 — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 01:38:25 GMT

Happy birthday to one of my oldest and dearest LJ friends, roxymissrose! I hope you had a special day, filled with family, friends, fun and presents!

Is anyone watching the Olympics?

luvmax1 — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 01:15:03 GMT

I have to admit, every four years I get very excited when the gymnastics (or figure skating, in the winter) come on. The American's women team has to be the most amazing group I've ever seen. I just wish they would stop bouncing back and forth between events. If you want to show swimming, then show swimming. Ditto with gymnastics. All this bouncing around means I miss the events I want to see, because I get bored and start flipping channels when something boring comes on.

Mostly good news!

luvmax1 — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 20:44:50 GMT

Mostly good, but starts with bad. My dad lost his iPhone 6 plus on Tuesday. He thinks he left it at the post office, but when he went back, it was gone. I tried calling a couple of times, but at first it just rang, and then went immediately to voicemail. We went to the Verizon store, where they told us iPhones like his are worth a lot of money. Whoever found the phone probably cleared out all the data and then sold it online. Dad was very upset.

Anyhow, it turns out he was due for an upgrade, so he got the new iPhone 6S plus. We're on a family plan, so I was able to get a new phone, too. I've gone from the 6 to the 6S, and it's a very pretty rose gold color. It has a ton more storage. My old phone was almost completely full, this one, even with all my apps and data transferred, is still almost empty! The price of the phones folds into the bill, and we only had to pay the taxes, which was about $45 for me, a little more for dad. Plus, I'm selling my old phone back to them for $300. It was a good deal all around, but I hope my father's learned a valuable lesson.

Other good news is that I'm all booked for a four day trip to New York. I'll be leaving Saturday, August 27, at 7am. Too early, but it was the only option at that price- $137 each way, including one checked bag. I'll come home Tuesday, August 30, on an 8:30pm flight. It means I won't make it home until after 11, but I get the extra day to spend with my sister and my niece Skylar, who is more and more beautiful every day.

And Tuesday I will be seeing the new Star Trek movie. So excited!

Score!

luvmax1 — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 02:10:02 GMT

I bought a Star Trek movie blu-ray at Target yesterday, and won a free ticket to Star Trek Beyond!