Friday, May 15, 2009

What The Heck!!!!

I do not have a picture for my post. The battery is charging and I've misplaced the project I am going to tell you about. Tomorrow, tomorrow, everything will fall into place.

Murphy has taken up residence in my life this week. You know, Murphy from Murphy's Law. He's trying to become my best friend. He's running me ragged right now but he knows that in the end, my competitve self will win the battle. I'm too smart for him....silly guy! So, why does he even bother to try to make things a little difficult. He's not contributing to the positive side of things so I am kicking him out.

A former worker returns to her country of Denmark each year and always purchases beautiful yarn. She started two sweaters for her grandsons awhile back was not able to complete them before they outgrew them so I inherited the task of completing them. I completed one and gifted it to my own grandson. I'm trying to complete the second one.

So what is the problem?

The directions are in a foreign language. Do I dare scan the pattern and use BabelFish to translate the directions. (See the link in the box to the right.)

It's been a challenging week and that is where Murphy comes into the picture.

A few months ago I failed a free screening hearing test held at the university where I work. I was told to see an otonorologist. The cost of a hearing aid just has not been able to squeeze itself into my budget. There was no indication from the technician that it was imperative that I make this appointment soon. Finally, I made the appointment. Instead, the doctor told me he thinks I have an acoustic neuroma which is a benign brain tumor on the 8th cranial nerve. You could have knocked me over with a feather. So, the plan is.............

an MRI to determine if indeed it is a tumor and then proceed with radiation if the tumor is small enough or surgery to remove it if it is too large. This means a possible loss of hearing in my left ear as well as a compromise in my balance. It could also affect my taste buds. Now, that's a new diet plan I had not planned on.

Another option is a "wait and see" approach as that kind of tumor is extremely slow growing and I could possibly outlive it.

Before all of this happened, an airline ticket was purchased for me to travel to visit my 89-year old mom in Colorado departing June 3rd. Today, I found out that my mom needs carpal tunnel surgery and we are trying to schedule it while I am there so I can be of some assistance. I will have the results of my MRI and the action plan, if one is needed, before I leave for Denver.

My new specialist is wonderful. He personifies calm, caring, reassurance and whatever other qualities one wants in a doctor. I'm pretty fortunate.

I think all of the above justifies my contributing to the economy and making a major yarn purchase while in Colorado. After all, they may have yarn not available in the Northeast.... you think???? Anyone reading the blog from Denver, please tell me about yarn shops in your area. I'm sure there are many.

On a side note, I am feeding he birds again and the variety of song birds that are visiting me is unbelievable. I am enjoying them thoroughly. Mr. Cardinal chirps at me in the morning as I leave for work, as if to say "Have a good day! Thank you for the seed."

This week is the last knitting class that I am teaching for this session. It sold out and I was delighted. It appears that the next class will be filled as soon as the brochure comes out. I love it!....absolutely love it!

Happy Knitting!

7 comments:

  1. OMG! I can't imagine getting that kind of news for s routine test. Well I can actually that's how I found out I had cancer* rolling eyes*
    I hope everything works out - keep us posted.
    When DD needed a hearing screening they recommended a hearing aid ( at the age of 5) we never got one because she refused to even think about wearing it. ANd they are expensive and usually not covered by insurance- why not I have no idea. But if they get lost or broken with kids - well I can't imagine how many times I would have had to replace it. Now I find out charity organizations like the Masons- Elks- Knights of COlumbus can help pay for things like this...
    Good luck with mom too!

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  2. Bless your heart! I'm glad you shared so that we can be praying for you.

    I agree that sometimes if it's not one thing it's ten....

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  3. I am so sorry to hear about all that is going on right now. I will be praying for the best news to come out of your MRI. I am very glad you like your specialist!

    Don't you love it when the birds return to New England!? We seem to have more humming birds than ever this year, and I love the sound of their buzzing about the garden.

    Glad to hear your knitting classes are going so well. I know it was something you wanted to do for a long time, so it's wonderful that it has been such a success!

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  4. Holding you close in my thoughts.

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  5. Oh my gosh, best wishes to you! You're in my thoughts/prayers.

    For knit shops in Denver, KnitMap is a good resource:

    http://www.knitmap.com/locations/map/#/origin:denver/

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  6. First, congratulations on your classes, that is such a feather in your cap! :) Second, I am sure there are some wonderful yarn shops in Denver, and while you are at it you should pick up some specialty fiber to spin for yourself. :), Third, I understand exactly about Mr Murphy, he tries to invite himself into my home from time to time as well, I just do my best to usher him right back out!!

    Fourth, I am sorry that your hearing loss has turned out to be something more serious than just hearing loss from old age. Be sure and let me know what the MRI shows and what option is decided on. I'm sure each has it's plus, so it's a matter of figuring out which one has the least minuses. You will be in my prayers.

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  7. Oh Joansie,
    What news to read after being away for over a week. I have added you to my daily prayer list & believing that it will not be a big tumor or no tumor at all.
    Smart women to have a knitting class. Know you love it.
    Good you can go see your Mom.Wish I could see mine but she been gone home 11 years . their is no one like Mom.I pray for a safe trip and a good visit .
    Elsie <><

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