WAHOO

We have just left the Dr's office-All clamps, tubes and other such apparatus have been removed and Bob is Cancer free, according to the biopsy. We are thanking God for this. He has to have a few more tests, but the Dr is very pleased with his progress and so are we. He's mobile and feels so much better.

Wiener, on the other hand, has missed quite a few naps since we have been home. She is getting "tiny, itty, bitty, little, bags" under her eyes and yawns constantly. I don't know. She can't function very well with only 18 hrs of sleep a day. She has to have her 23/7 or she just falls apart.

I am still not able to "multi-task" again yet. I'm trying to focus on just one thing at a time and that is all I can do right now, but it will get better, I'm sure. I am not back to work yet. I am thinking of staying off until next week, but then again, since Bob is getting crabby and that means he's getting better, I may have to go back to work just to keep from killing him or at the very least maiming him severely. (I think I need to take Wiener for a walk.)

DREAM JOB

Tasting all kinds of wondrous creations, experiencing familiar or new Epicurean delights is something I live to do. There is nothing like biting into a something new and savoring that first-time experience. I don't know-it just seems like something I'd like to do and get paid for doing.

Just like this morning, Bob "thought" breakfast would be a good idea. We went to a local restaurant; anticipating; mouth-watering; his first real "outing" since coming home from the hospital. And, what did we get?

The waitress was attentive. The menu was varied. The atmosphere was pleasant. We talked. We ordered. We waited. Coffee came and so did the "orange juice." Coffee was okay. The orange juice, on the other hand, was watery, tasteless, and not cold. It WAS orange colored, but that was as close as it got to being orange juice. Being a Floridian for almost 40 years, gives me the right to be selective in my "orange" flavored juice.

Two things in this area should ALWAYS be fresh-seafood and orange juice. There is no excuse for anything else, in my "humble" opinion. IF I HAD BEEN A FOOD CRITIC, I certainly would have not written a complimentary review of this establishment. Everything else, was fair to mediocre. I don't know whether the orange juice spoiled everything else, or I'm just being picky. Either way, I'm saving all my reviews for when I DO get that perfect job. You know - Food Critic for the Sentinel. I'm half way there. I'm already critical.

Sunday

Sunday once again. Bob and Wiener have slept most of the day, and, today, so have I. I DID cook dinner. Bob again wanted oats and toast for breakfast; soup/grilled cheese for lunch; and pork chops, etc. for dinner. That's about all I've done today. I guess everyone has to take a day off once in a while and today was my day. Bob has a Dr's appt on Wed, so I will take another day off then, but I'm expecting to get back to work on Thursday.

Bob's really doing well getting around. He hasn't been out yet, but we expect to do that tomorrow. We wanted to get out today, but I don't think either of us had enough energy to do that. I have seen more TV in the last few days than I have in the last 3 months. I usually don't have much time for anything extra. It's nice to know that some things stay the same-I haven't seen anything interesting on TV yet. I have been able to read some, which I love to do.

Wiener likes all the attention she is getting from both of us the last few days. She is truly an "Only Dog." I don't know where she was before, but I don't think she got much attention, or maybe not much "Positive" attention. She is terrified of the newspaper and when I reach down to pet her she flinches like she thinks I'm going to hit her. I don't even want to think about how she was treated, but she is definitely being spoiled now.

Tomorrow I must get on line and "go to ticket school." I paid my ticket, but you can now do the class on line and for me, that is the easiest way to do things right now. Bob likes to call me his "convicted felon wife." He rubs it in every chance he gets. I, on the other hand, think it's no big deal. Of course, if I don't take this class, it can become a big deal very quickly. To keep me out of the slammer, it's probably a good idea to complete it.

Life is interesting, to say the least. Bob says he wasn't sick until he met and married me. That isn't exactly true though-He just didn't go to the Dr before he met me. And, now he has me to take care of him. He's called some of his "working" guys to see how things are going. Same old; same old. He expects to be out about 4-6 wks. (He will be more than ready to go back.)

I have to make sure Wiener goes out one more time before she goes to bed. It's a rough life for her. For me too, I guess. So many naps; so little time.

Normal?

Normal is on a setting on your dryer, as far as I am concerned. Sommetimes I have trouble deciding what is normal and what is not. My "NORMAL" changes from time to time and right now CHAOS would be a step toward normal for me.

Things have quieted today, somewhat. I actually have time to blog without being in a hospital or waiting room. I took a long shower and haven't had a schedule all morning. Wahoo!

I DID go to the store. Antoinette had cleaned out the refrigerator. Little did I know, most of the stuff in there was waaaaaaaay beyond the recommended expiration date, so I had to procure more stuff to let rot. And, I actually cooked breakfast today. It was for me, but I cooked. Bob just wanted some instant oats and toast, I didn't get to cook for him, and Wiener eats mostly dry food.

Wiener and Bob have had their 30 minutes nap and both are getting restless. Someone needs to go out. Which one is it? I forget.

Time

The procedure went well; he's resting; Bob is home; Wiener is a happy camper now. But obviously, I have had waaaaaaaaaaay too much time on my hands because I have creatively come up with another list of things. This time, it is a list of things you probably DON'T want to hear come out of your Dr's mouth just before surgery:

10. Has anyone seen the scalpel?
9. What do you call that?
8. What procedure are we doing today?
7. Can I sit down and do this?
6. This doesn't look familiar.
5. Which way to the operating room?
4. Hurry. My tee time is in 20 minutes.
3. Let's see if I remember how to do this.
2. What's your name again?

and, last, but not least and my favorite,

1. Oops.

Yeah. It's time for me to go back to work.

Hospital

Another day; another hospital. One of my favorite people, is finally having his surgery today. It is 4:34 am. I feel like I've been hit by a MACK truck, and as I wait for my hot, green tea to brew, I'm drawn back to the day of his birth. (Shhhh! I'm not supposed to mention anyone in my blog any more.)

I was more than ready to have this little person out. According to the schedule, we arrived at the hospital, was admitted, got a room, I threw up, all normal procedures, right? I'm preped and as we are going toward the elevator, his dad says, "What if it's not a girl?" This pregnancy was so different, I was convinced that I was having a girl. We had no boy name in mind.

"What about AB? (His uncle's name) No name; just initials. "No. I don't want just initials!" "What about Abraham Benjamin?" "No. I don't like Abraham as a name!" Me this time - "What about _______ Benjamin?" I had had an previous boyfriend by that name. "Who are you naming him after?" Tom was concerned. "After my brother." "Oh. In that case, okay." And that was how I first knew his name.

He's a lot like my brother-very intelligent; his own person; and I love him with all my heart. I have stood beside his little bed when he had childhood illnesses. I have stood beside his bed when he had his tonsils out. And, once again I will be standing by his hospital bed and that scares me a little. He is one of the most important people to me and I can't even imagine my life without him. I pray I won't have to.

Crazy or Not Crazy?.

Devising a test for determining whether you are crazy or not is one of the things you can do at 3 am and you're just laying around with nothing else to do but listen to machines make weird noises. With all my inert creativity, I think I have come up with a few ways of making the determination:

1. If you come to a hospital expecting to get some sleep, you might consider therapy for a few months.
2. If you think everything is going well just because the nurse hasn't been in for 6 minutes, it might be time to press the medication button.
3. If you think the north wind blowing on your head is actually coming from outside, you might need a reality check.
4. If you think a helicopter landing on the roof is routine, you might rethink your vacation spot for next year.
5. If you think the SMELL of rubbing alcohol is intoxicating, you need some fresh air from outside.
6. If someone in a white lab jacket smiles at you and you think they're being friendly, you might want to check to see if they have a needle in their hand.
7. If you can't remember if you drove today or took a bus, you might want to give the orange ticket you have in your hand to the nice man downstairs and he will find your car for you.
8. If there is a growling noise somewhere in the room and you can't seem to find the origin, you might want to visit the vending machines down the hall.
9. If you feel like you were born in the clothes you are wearing, you might want to go home and shower and burn that clothing.

and last but not least,

10. If you want to stay for another few days "just to deepen your tan", you might want to consider yourself certifiably crazy,

or you might just be in the hospital watching someone you love trying to get over surgery.

Exhaling

It's 9 PM and as I sit here beside my husband, who is hooked up to countless wires and tubes, I am once again reminded how fragile this thing we call "LIFE" can really be. We are at M D Anderson Hospital in Orlando and Bob's surgery is now over, we are finally in a room, and the nurse is checking his vitals.

The Dr WAS able to do laparoscopic surgery, which is a good thing. It's less invasive, less recovery time, less pain and bleeding, and just easier on the patient. There is only one machine in this area, or so the Dr made it sound, and so it had to be scheduled. Our time was 1:00. He went in at 1:08 and came out around 5:30. Like the "SS Minnow" it was supposed to have lasted 3 hrs, but it took a little longer.

I talked with the dr for about 20-30 minutes and he assured me that it was a "textbook" operation. Everything went "perfectly", there was minimal blood loss and the cancer was contained. He did send some nodes to the lab for biopsies, just to be safe, but he said it was only standard procedure and anticipated nothing cancerous. What a relief.

THIS IS THE WAITING ROOM, WHERE I SPENT MOST OF THE DAY.

And to all my friends and prayer partners, I say thanks. Bob has never had nor does he know what to think at times with all the support I have in my life. Vicki and Liz (the other 2 stooges) came over and spent the day with me. Vicki's father just had emergency open heart surgery at ORMC, where we had Bob's surgery, and "Billy" is on the 7th floor, so it was a two-fold visit, but they spent most of the day with me in the 4th floor waiting room. (That is another blog experience) Since Bob's surgery involved cancer, they moved him into the next building (M D Anderson section) which is the hospital that works with cancer patients. We are in a "Hospital Suite" which to me is an oxymoron but it is more spacious than a regular room, it is private, and I get to stay with him tonight. They even have a Murphy bed for me to use.

I HAVE decided one thing-It's much easier being the patient than being the "Waitee." Next time, I'm having the surgery, not matter what!

INEVITABLE

There are times that you just wish you could crawl in a nice dry cave somewhere and just hide out. Lately I have been feeling that way lately.

With Bob's surgery pending in just 2 days, He very graciously took Sun, Mon, Tues as vacation days so we could spend some quality time together. I woke up yesterday feeling nauseated and dizzy. It progressed to "full-blown" upset stomach and continued through today. I was supposed to go to an "Avalon" concert with "a close relative" last night and I even had to cancel that. I'm trying to stay away from Bob, as far as possible, so I can't "give him anything" if it is contagious, and so it goes. Poor "Wiener". I keep waking her and she isn't getting her 23 hrs a day sleep that she desperately needs. Right now she is "sacked" out on the couch "trying" to catch a few winks. It's hard being her.

So far today, I haven't tolerated ginger ale, but dry toast and hot tea have managed to ... So, we'll see what happens.

I had an appointment to have my car serviced early today so I had to go out for that. Good news. It's only going to cost about $1800 to replace the window in my convertible top. Obviously, that isn't going to happen any time soon, but in actuality, the car dealership just called and the service has been done and my car is ready to go. So, I'll have to make another trip out.

Where is a good cave when you need one?

Paperwork Again?

For anyone who has had surgery recently, if the surgery doesn't kill you, the paperwork or pre-operation activities will. We have visited so many doctors, filed so many papers, and jumped through so many hoops, it makes me tired to think about it much less have done it.

This week alone, we have visited two doctors, 3 medical centers, and filled out so much paper we must have killed at least 50 trees. We found out on Monday that Bob had to "bank" 1 pint of blood for his surgery. This had to be done at least 1 week before surgery, so it had to be done by Wednesday, which meant Tuesday because we both work on Wednesday. The scheduler was out of the office until Thursday, so we had to go get the paperwork, go to the blood bank and wait until they could take us. Bob had to be fasting; it didn't open until 9 and we didn't get through until after 12; he had not eaten, and I had a Dr's appt around 1. So, it was probably close to 3 by the time we finished everything and went to eat. Bob was nauseated and very light headed. The paper work they gave us with all the information was old and none of the numbers were in working order. It turned out, after going through several agencies and 411, we found out the local office of the blood bank was about 2 miles from our apartment, not downtown like the paperwork indicated.

Just to get off today for his pre-op procedures, I can't even begin to remember what all we have done. He DID get to eat before hand this time, so it wasn't so hard on him physically, but we spent all morning at the office and filled out even more paperwork. Bob said they tested so many parts of his body-some he didn't even know he had.

Try to coordinate time off between two different places of work, not to mention getting all the paper work in for the surgery. What a nightmare. Our company works with 3 different scheduling programs that do not talk to each other and Bob's primary work company uses 1 program and deals with 2 or 3 different departments. We also have had to apply to 2 different Federal Programs and 2 insurance companies. If the aliens who bombed the twin towers had to have dealt with all the people and paperwork we have, they would have given up before they could have gotten any where.

We finally got home some time after 2 and we both collapsed from exhaustion. I slept for several hours and finally got up to do some laundry. KFC seemed like a good idea. "Someone" came over and had dinner with us. It was good to see him. He's been on a cruise and brought back presents. (Always nice) He probably knows what I like better than anyone else and I always love his presents. I got a silver Mayan cartouche with my name on it; Bob got a cruise-line t-shirt.

Wed is the "big" day. I plan to spend the night with Bob after the surgery. One of the problems that we had not thought of was "What to do with Wiener." I finally figured out that the lady who cleans our apartment and keeps my life on an even keel can come and clean that afternoon and give the dog "potty" breaks, and a friend is going to stay all night here. I should be home some time on Thursday, if all goes well. We have a lot of people around the country praying for us at this time. It's great to have friends who are close enough to be concerned with all that happens in my life. I don't know what I'd do without them.

ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW

We had Marshall's Memorial Service this week-end. Two friends and I went to London, KY to help "celebrate" his life. He was a remarkable person. There was very little he did not know something about. His tastes were eclectic to say the least. He had books on ANY subject you can name from Shel Silverstein to Niche; from nuclear fission to how to put together a Cessna. His DVD collection was just as varied-Battlestar Galactica to Simpsons; Garfield to History Channel informational DVDs.

It was so cold I had on all my clothes I took with me and still was freezing. I also came back with bronchitis or pneumonia. I'm going to the Dr tomorrow to find out. I couldn't go today because I had jury duty. Did I get an interesting trial? No. Not really. It was a criminal case for a man who was accused of having drug paraphernalia on his person. I was interviewed but not selected. I wasn't even considered for any of the interesting ones - the two women who got in a fight at a local theme park over who was pushing in line, or the police officer who pushed someone down the stairs. (Man! I miss out on all the interesting ones.) But, I got to leave early, so I guess that was a trade off.

And, I am really upset with my wonderful, kind, giving, husband. He did something and didn't even talk to me about it. It involved quite a lot of money and he saw nothing wrong with not consulting me. He said it had nothing to do with me. I don't know. I thought we were married and everything he did concerned me. Obviously, I was wrong. Men!

YESTERDAY

We are very fortunate where we work, in that we have a lot of perks. One of them is being able to "pop" in and out of the theme parks when we want to do so. Yesterday, one of my favorite people gave us VIP passes to see Paul Revere and the Raiders at the "F & G" show. This year, I was able to go with my husband. Which is another perk, as far as I am concerned.

I am getting ready to go to KY for my "step-brother's " service. We waited because of winter weather issues. Emily, my "sister", has had to shoulder the burden of all that has transpired since Marshall's disappearance. She has done a wonderful job. It is very hard dealing with the death of a loved one, but his was so sudden and so surreal that it made it harder for me, and I'm sure almost impossible for her.

She had to deal with 2 governments, attorneys, courts, and all the "legalese" of everything that has transpired. So, on Sat we will deal with a service. The last time I was in London, KY was for her Mother's funeral several years ago. This will not be any easier, especially since we haven't any "person" to bury.

But, as I sat at the concert last night, I was reminded of the last time I was at the park with Marshall. It was for the Food and Wine Festival. He called it the "Wine and Food" Festival. I asked him why and he said that I had my priorities and he had his. His dry sense of humor comforts me even now when I can hear his voice as I walk around the park.

I wish you had known him. He had a brilliant mind and eclectic taste. I loved being around him because he knew so much about everything and taught me more than I could ever describe in this limited space. I wish I could have known him even better.

If you think of us this week, remember us as we travel and especially on Saturday around 1:00 pm. We could use your prayers.

Something New

This life, as I know it, is chaotic, at best. I don't know whether it is me, or just the whirlwind around me, but sometimes when I stand still I can "feel" the world moving. That is when I know it's time for me to be still and listen.

We got Bob's test results today. As far as the Dr can tell from the tests that were run, the cancer is contained within the prostate. The Dr has suggested surgery within 4 weeks. Bob has agreed. There are always complications with any surgery, but less if they do lapaorscopic, and minimal time off. God is so good.

A new addition to our "family" is a miniature daschund. She answers to the name of "Wiener" and has more energy than Bob and me put together. But, only for about 4 minutes, then she has to sleep 3 hrs. Bob likes her and she adores him, so I guess we will keep her. She will also be great company for him while he is "recooping" from his surgery.

I "got to" take her to the vet today to be "violated" as Bob calls it. But, examined, shots, and recommendations from Andrew who is a vet that also happens to be a friend. She did very well, but acted like a "maniac" while she was there - running in circles, sniffing everything, trying to get to know a VERY LARGE dog whose name should be 'GODZILLA', if it isn't. I swear to you - I thought it was a bear when I first saw it. Any dog taller than me, has to be one big dog. He weighed in at 167 lbs. It wasn't a Mastiff nor St Bernard. I had never seen one like this before. (It probably has it's own zip code) But she was willing to take it on - all 8 lbs of her. (I didn't say she was smart).

Yes. Today was a good day at all the doctors.

POSTSCRIPT:

I have been severely chastised for mentioning names in my blog. AND RIGHTLY SO!!!

I have lived with my life being an open book for so long that I forget some people are VERY private. I have apologized to the person I mentioned and will "try" not to mention names again. And now, to those of you few who read my blog, I'm also sorry that I gave out personal information on someone else. (Life is so daily). I am reminded of the song by Billy Joel - "Only the Good Die Young" and if that is true I will live to be a ripe old age. But, I prefer to compare myself with good wine and cheese - getting better with age.

St Patty's Day

Aw, tis the wearing of the green today, and my friend Emily, husband Mr. Ray, and 2 of her friends are visiting for a few days.  They are staying at one of our hotels, and I got them into one of the parks today.  We're having dinner together tonight.

I love Emily.  She is like a sister to me and Mr. Ray, as I call him, is so perfect for her.  I just enjoy being with them any time.  Em has had to deal with all the "events" that have taken place with her brother, Marshall, dying in Sept.  She was the executor of his will and property, dealing with 2 govs (he died off the coast of Nassau) and all the emotions that go with that.  Death is never easy; no matter if it is quick or slow and drawn out, but it is reality.

I much prefer "FANTASYLAND".   That is probably part of the reason I work where I do.  I can escape, at times, and just pretend that I live in a world where all is beautiful and bad things never happen.  Eventually that has to end and reality comes creeping back in and I have to be an adult again.  Sometimes I really hate that!  [Don't forget to eat your corned beef and cabbage today]

One year

This time last year I was getting ready for a wedding.  In fact, tomorrow it will have been one year married to this man.  Sometimes it seems so long, and at other times, I can't believe it has been 12 months already.  

We have had to deal with many things this year.  Those who know me, know some of them.  Our latest is Bob's health.  He has been diagnosed with 2 types of cancer.  One type is non-aggressive and the Dr isn't worried about it, but the other kind is very aggressive and the Dr said he would have taken it out before now.  We are going through all the testing and have a meeting with the Dr on March 24 for the results and prognosis.  

I finally know why I am with this man-it's because without me being in his life he would have had no one.  No family, no one to care about him, no one to love him, no one with friends who are strong prayer warriors.  And, these things are very important, whether he knows it or not.  How are we doing?  We are dealing-one day at a time; one test at a time.

I went to my manager and started to tell her about the situation.  She stopped me and said, "I am getting you the forms for the FMLA program.  For those of you who are like I was, I didn't know what she was speak about, so she went on to explain it is a Family Medical Leave Application.  It enables you to take off and not hinder your job or give any reason.  I just call in and say, "I'm calling in FMLA."  and, the rest is taken care of.  

I took the papers to the Dr's office and they told me it usually takes 2 weeks to get them processed.  I called and talked with the nurse who works on these.  I explained that my husband had never been sick and was very upset by all of this new "sick" thing going on with him.  God gave her compassion and she had them ready for me in 2 working days.

I took them to the company Health Dept and they told me it would take at least 48 hours to process the paperwork and they would have lots of questions.  My manager called me 2 hrs later and said it had been approved-no questions asked.  Now if that is not a God thing, I don't know what is.  

I don't pretend to know WHY  God does things.  I don't even try to guess any more.  Right now, it's enough for me to know, He is still in control.  

A GREAT RELEVATION

Being a human, female, and of a "certain" personality type, sometimes it takes a while for me to "get it." And when I do finally understand something, I think of the statement Charles made when he was about 3 or 4 years old, "I have just had a great relevation."

I have a friend that tells me that I just love men. That is VERY true. I honestly DO love men. I don't know where I got it. It certainly wasn't from my mother. I don't think she liked men at all, from some of her statements. But- I think they are wonderful; better than "sliced bread" most of the time. But I have only "BEEN IN LOVE, with 2 men.

My big "epiphany" is that God Loves Me Because I'm Me! Now to some people, that may not be much of a "NEWS FLASH." But I have been pondering "WHY" , as I often do, about the reason I am with THIS man that I am married to now, and other various things, (but - one thing at a time).

As I have said many times, Bob is so different from my first husband. He is "volatile" at times; uncooperative; stubborn; unaware of my feelings; indifferent; rude; crude, and I could go on, but I think you get the picture. My question, as a matter of fact, just yesterday to my friend Barb was, "I don't know why I am with this man, but for some reason God won't let me let go of him. Today God gave me my answer - Bob is me, before God. And God loved me anyway. Wow! That blew me away.

Bob told me once the reason he fell in love with me and asked me to marry him was that I was different. I "think" he meant it in a nice way, at the time, but IF I am, it is only because of God's great love for me. Oh, I still have my moments and I don't always do everything I am supposed to do-the right way-but I DO know God loves me; He always wants the best for me, and HE IS DEFINITELY STILL IN CONTROL!!!

Procedures

Valentine's day has come and gone. It was nice. I got to leave work early; ate dinner with my husband; went to bed early and had the next day off. All in all-a good time. My present was on the dining room table when I got up in the morning. My husband had bought me a framed drawing of Mickey and Minnie, in a "Wedding Day" picture drawn inside an "outlined" heart shape around them. I had seen the picture some time ago and made the comment I really liked it. When he had time to get it, I can't say for he has been working 12-15 hr days for several weeks. I don't know how he does it. I am usually worn out by the end of my 10 hr days, and yet he continues to work this hectic schedule.

He did manage to take off at 12:30 on Tuesday to have his "procedure." I am familiar with many "Medical Procedures," due to my "plethora" of surgeries, but this was one that I had not been "exposed" to in my vast experiences. Bob's TSA counts were elevated, so he had to have an "ultra" sound and biopsy of the prostate gland, which according to him, was, "an unnatural, humiliating, violation of his personal body." (We won't have the results until next Tuesday.)

If you have had the pleasure of meeting Bob, you would know that he tends to "over exaggerate" some times, but according to what I've been told, his discription was pretty much on the mark. There was no anesthesia, no pain-numbing drug nor even a mere "bullet to bite on." So he is still fairly sore, but getting up every morning at 2:30 to be at work at 4. He promises that this will end once the new water park is up and running. I don't know. Seems like he's been saying this for the total time I've known him.

Valentine's Day is Upon Us

Yes. Bob is STILL bringing me flowers about every other week. Yes. He is still bringing me presents home (mostly rats). And, yes. We are still married. (It's been almost a year) So, what is he doing for Valentine's Day. I haven't the foggiest idea. We are both working on that day, so who knows what he will come up with, but I'm sure it will be something this next week.

We have faced a few crises in this year-Meeting my family; getting married; changing parks for my work; Carson dying; Marshall dying; Bob's surgery and my illnesses. We have just been presented with another challenge. Bob's recent bloodwork came back with some of the figures elevated. It seems that he needs to have a biopsy done and he's not real thrilled about it. I have had many surgeries and I have been "waiting" for close relatives that are having surgery. For me, in my opinion, it's much harder on the people who wait. I never know what is going on while I am in surgery. It's the same way when someone else is having surgery-I still don't know what is going on, but I'm awake. And, because you care so much for the person, waiting is hard. Not knowing is hard.

All Bob's relatives have died of cancer, so he automatically jumps to the conclusion that he is going to die that way too. I have assured him that he's not getting out of this marriage that easily.

But, whatever happens-we're going to make the most of the time we have together. And, that is always a positive.

Winnie-the-Pooh

Winnie-the-Pooh has always been my favorite character.  I can't remember when it started, but I can really relate to him.  He's a little pudgy (I prefer fluffy), he loves to eat, he is a friend to everyone, very few things upset him (usually running out of honey), he says "Oh bother" as a response, and he has a positive outlook.  What's not to like?

Yesterday when I came home, my wonderful husband had bought me a "authenticated" painting of Pooh.  He also bought me a small replica of a sewer pipe with the 4 main "rat" characters from the movie - "Ratatouille."   He bought me the DVD of the movie the day it came out and also took me to "Studios" because he found out that "Remy"-the star of the movie- was going to be there signing autographs.  I have a picture of Remy and me that my husband arranged to have taken.  Tuesday of this week, he arrived home from work with a "Valentine" bear and 3 lovely roses.  He has such a good heart. How many husband's buy their wives "RATS", I ask you. 

I have discovered that his way of showing his love is to buy me things.

I don't NEED more things, but he NEEDS to get me things, so I try to accept everything he brings home, without too much fuss.  Sometimes it's hard.  I grew up having strings attached to presents and if I didn't give the right response that was expected for the gift, it was "perceived" as me NOT liking the it and me being "ungrateful."  I try to explain to Bob that he doesn't HAVE to buy me anything, but ...  

If you could see our apartment, you would understand how "Disney" we really are.  So, I will try to accept his gifts graciously, and know that is his way of loving me.

By the way, I named my new bear George.  (That is Bob's middle name.)

Today in O-town

This has been an extremely "interesting" week at work.  I've had meetings, people call in sick, and more meetings.  My role at work is "evolving" into more administration than actual work in the field.  This is going to be interesting.  "Field work" is becoming tedious and a bit boring.  It's almost like washing dishes-It's the same thing day in and day out.  I've done it for almost 3 years and I think it's about time for a change.  Just changing locations hasn't recharged my interest.

The people I work with are awesome.  They work very hard and are proud of the job they do.  My manager is totally wonderful to work with, too-She's complimentary and very gracious, even when I make mistakes.  I couldn't ask for a better working situation, but the "excitement" is gone.

I'm going to shadow someone in another department on Tuesday.  This is a "help" position within the company and it "seems" to be interesting from what I've heard so far;  so we shall see.

It's about 4 am; Bob has gone to work.  I am all alone.  It's the first time in a while that I've been able to be by myself.  I didn't realize how much I really like it until now.  

I have to get ready for church soon.  It's about the only time I get to see Charles now.  He is so much his father's child, and such a joy.   Tom is too much like me. (Maybe he will out grow it.)  I don't think either one of my sons know how much I love and appreciate them. Edward is so stoic I rarely know what he is thinking.  Bret is, well, Bret-solid, level headed and for the most part upbeat and positive.  

I will make it a point of telling them, today.  Life is too short to neglect important things like that.