Holy cow. Yikes. Only twenty-three days till Christmas and I haven't done any shopping. Being stranded without being able to drive is a problem when the only stores within walking distance are:
So we had a little outing today to the Warden Woods Outlet Mall. Dory drove, of course. And it was a very nice time except I could not get into shopping. I got some good ideas and will probably go back there, but all I bought were some printer supplies at Future Shop. By the time it was all over I was pretty winded. It was a beautiful day about 60 degrees and sunny, so it was great to be out and about. I've got lots of time to do the little bit of shopping that I do each year. I'll get it done in short dribs and drabs before the deadline and once I can drive myself around again.
In the afternoon we had the duct cleaning guys here to suck out all the dust and crap from our furnace system. It is an excellent thing to do every couple of years especially when you have two dogs. The guys were here for a couple of hours and by the time they left I was toast. Exhausted. It was a very active day for me. I felt good about it but I was zonked.
Another beautiful day in the neighbourhood. 65 degrees at least! Not a cloud in the sky. It was hard to tell which was more brilliantly blue, the sky or Lake Ontario which could have been the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida.
The big event of the day was when Dory drove me to my office just to visit. First time since my operation.
It was great to see everyone. Except for the new guy who was sitting at my desk. And all my stuff was in boxes and green garbage bags in the storage closet! Hey, what gives? *%$@#*&!!!!! I thought I ran this company!
Ha, just kidding. But perhaps subconscious wishful thinking, with my current attitude and lack of interest towards business.
Seriously though, it was great to see everyone. I started to ask some work related questions and then caught myself and said, "Nah, never mind." We only stayed for about fifteen minutes and headed back home feeling pretty good. On the way we broke down and picked up some junk food (Harvey's, a Canadian burger chain) and I really enjoyed it. (It's been so long and I feel no guilt.)
Have been feeling short of breath quite often, like when I'm talking to someone on the portable phone and just wandering around the house at the same time. However on my long walks I'm ok. It is still taking time to sink in to my stubborn (pig) head that this is going to take time.
Saw Dr. Wolfe, my cardiologist this morning and he was very pleased with my progress. He did the usual listening and EKG and said everything looked quite fine. I will have to continue to take 325 mg of ASA daily and we agreed it wouldn't hurt to continue the tiny daily dose of Atenolol (beta blocker) as well. He said it was ok to continue taking vitamin E daily as well. He takes it too.
I questioned whether I had Marfan Syndrom and he said no, but what happened to my aorta was similar to what happens to those with Marfan. However, I didn't have any of the other related problems that go along with Marfan. I wondered if since I was prone to weakness in the walls of my aorta, should I be concerned with the abdominal portion of my aorta as well. Fortunately not, as the problem I had with the upper is congenital and usually people with lower aortic problems are caused by other factors, i.e. age, smoking, lifestyle.... He looked back in his file and found that on my original CT scan a couple of years ago they did check it out and it was normal. We did agree however, to do an ultrasound of the lower aorta every few years just to be sure. The Atenolol should also help prevent any future problems in this area as well.
He said I was ok to drive, travel and do whatever I want. Or more appropriately, whatever I feel able and comfortable enough to do.
Dory and I were very pleased and felt good about this meeting as it was the first time she'd met Dr. Wolfe and really liked him. It also eased both of our minds as to how I am really doing.
Well the sun just came out and it is another mild day I should take advantage of. So I think I'll go for my walk now before the clouds come back.
Did the two mile or so walk to the hardware store and back and I'm ready now to relax for the rest of the day. Whew.
From: Larry Young
Wednesday, December 02, 1998 5:40 AM
The Journal is absolutely an unbelievable exercise. I think I will go on a
diet, jog and get a check-up this very second. The jogging is not likely.
What with us. Well were just your (un) typical religious fanatics picking
choices from the 'Big box of chocolates.', Never quite know what your going to
get....
....Rhonda and I are still aliens visiting here from another planet. We have been
here a very long time and have learned to cope with this strange culture with
its upside down norms etc. reasonably well. We do, although, await with great
impatience our return to our own planet. Until such time we will continue to
refine that which we have to work with, with, with, limited resources that they
may be.
Re: your Journal:
It's not fortunate that you found your condition at an opportune time, but
rather, Hashgucha Protis (Devine Intervention). You cannot do acts of kindness
within this world of creation (and others) which are direct results of Chessed
(kindness) an avoid the results of the same. But, lets not get hocky. You
sound well and I am damn glad.
later,
Larry
From: Dale K. Jones
Thursday, December 03, 1998 2:51 AM
Subject: You're back!!!!
Stevie baby!!!
I have been following your experience with humbled delight, because you have
shared so much with so many people.
It was great to get this joke from you. I feel that the real you is back
(not that it ever really went anywhere). Your humour has always kept me
laughing and reminded me that there is always a lighter side to life.
Besides, you always get the best jokes!
I have passed this on to a lot of my musician friends - especially the bass
players!!!....heh heh.
From: D. Hewitt
Date: December 3, 1998
Subject: Dancing...
How is the recovering danced on chest doing? Tell me, what kind of shoes did they wear? That's a girl thing, I think.
I hear your walking is moving along quite nicely. Wonderful to hear, Steve. Now, get your sneakers ready for the marathon. Soon come!
Your silly friend,
Darlene
Updated December 3/98
I'm not kidding! If you are enjoying this journal so far, then you'd probably enjoy my music as well. Please check out my music site, listen to some sample sound clips of my songs and please order one of my CD's. I'd really appreciate your support. Thanks, Steve.
To page 20- Mr. Swineheart