Hiding Out

I'm not dead. I'm not injured. I guess I'm just hiding out.

Since Nana's death, and her funeral, I've been very busy. We refinanced the house. My job responsibilities have changed, and they do not play to my strengths. I'm supposed to be part of the new dLife Blogabetes project, but I haven't written any entries for them. I feel very unsuccessful. I like the idea of taking part in the Blogabetes project, but they want they nice short focused entries. Blog Haiku, almost.

My blogging is usually too long, and all over the map.

Today's photos are of my grandfather's 90th birthday party "cake". We had this party last weekend. This is a carved watermelon, in place of a cake. Very nice. Mom remembers always having a watermelon on her dad's birthday, July 19, which might be the first watermelon the family would have had that summer.

The photo below is of my grandfather, Orville, with his grandson, my first cousin, Kyle. Now, Kyle greatly resembles Orville and his body movements are almost exactly the same. Which means that Kyle, if Kyle gets to be 90 years old, may greatly resemble Orville. Poor kid.

Also notable in this photo, in the back, dressed in black, is Naomi, Kyle's older sister. Let's hope if she gets to 90, she will not resemble Orville as much as does her brother.

And, speaking of brothers, my brother is in this photo, cleverly disguised as that blur next to Naomi.

My number have been up slightly. My weight remains stable, too high. I am frustrated at my ability or inability to control my eating and increase my exercise. My July 2007 HbA1c reading was 6.8, when it's normally under 6.0. Curses.

So, too much work, too much stress, not enough time. Same old, same old, in other words. Life is good. It's good to have a birthday. It's good to have a birthday party.

And it's good to have good family times.

We must keep on trying, every day, every meal, every bite.

Ceviche

It must be summertime. Dr. Parts is making ceviche!

The fish & scallops is in the bowl at 10 o'clock. The cantaloupe, tomato, and mango is in the bowl at 2 o'clock. And my dinner portion is in the bowl at 6 o'clock. Yum!

I have been testing in the mornings. I had a reading of 87, and then the next day it was 102. All over the map.

The foot pain has been good. I think the Lyrica is helping immensely. It could also be the increased dose of Effexor. I'm up to 225 mg per day. I got to wear my cute shoes a few days this week, without excruciating consequences.

I had my first session with Dr. D, who is the pain psychologist assigned to me through the OHSU Comprehensive Pain Clinic. Well, this is the first treatment session, after my intake session, where I kinda collapsed. Much crying. He had some excellent insights for me and assignments. OHSU CPC made a CD for guided imagery and reaching the relaxation response state. My assignment is to do this 20 minute exercise each day. I also have a copy of the book Managing Pain Before It Manages You by Margaret Caudill. I have certain chapters to work through in that book. I do recommend that book highly.

So, all in all, it's been a good week.

Dr. Parts got his latest HbA1c, which was 8.7. He had to have his thyroid medication adjusted, and he's hoping that his energy level will increase. His doc sent him home with samples of Januvia, but not with instructions to take it.

When, oh lord, when?