ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: leapyrtwins on May 30, 2008, 10:30:16 pm

Title: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on May 30, 2008, 10:30:16 pm: Well, I have officially made it to my 1 year anniversary. For many weeks post op I couldn't imagine life ever being normal again, but I'm extremely happy to say that, with the exception of SSD, my life is very normal :) I am scheduled to get my BAHA processor in five days and I feel like I've come full circle.

I don't think I can ever adequately thank the two amazing doctors who performed my retrosigmoid surgery; I am forever grateful to both of them and I realize how fortunate I was to find them. I can't say enough about their kindness, their dedication, their caring, or their excellent surgical skills. They got me through some tough, scary times and even managed to add a little humor when it was obvious that I needed it.

I am also very thankful that I found this forum and all the wonderful forumites (I just love that word) who post here. Lots of you have helped me immensely in the past year and I hope that I in turn have helped others. We are truly a family and I am proud to be one of the family members.

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Boppie on May 30, 2008, 10:40:59 pm: Congratulations, Jan. I have enjoyed your posts this year. I am happy we could hang on together.
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: sgerrard on May 30, 2008, 11:48:04 pm: Me too, Jan.

It may seem odd to others that we would want to celebrate the anniversary of a brain surgery, but it makes perfect sense within our family.

As you know, I have learned a lot from you about BAHAs. ;D I also appreciate that in between all the joking around, you are always willing to greet and comfort the new and the disheartened.

Congratulations on year #1, and I hope you have many more happy ones.

Steve
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Syl on May 31, 2008, 02:09:58 am: Congrats, Jan

I'm glad to hear that life is normal again for you. NORMAL is a reason to celebrate.
My surgery date is quickly approaching, and it is very encouraging for me to see you celebrating life.
Party on sister.

Syl
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: cmp on May 31, 2008, 06:55:16 am: Congratulations, Jan! Normal, good health is just about the best reason in the world to celebrate--may you enjoy many more years of it!

(http://bestsmileys.com/drinking/10.gif)

And best of luck with the BAHA processor next week--I hope soon your hearing will seem "normal" too!
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Debbi on May 31, 2008, 06:59:26 am: Happy anniversary, Jan! And, what a wonderful way to celebrate the anniversary week but with a new BAHA - can't wait to hear about that!

You were one of the first people who responded to my initial post right after I'd been diagnosed - and now I feel like you are family!

Enjoy the day!

Debbi
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Nicole222 on May 31, 2008, 07:06:36 am: Happy Anniversary!! You were also one of the first to come to my aid! Thanks for everything and a HUGE congratulations for getting to the one year mark and also on the upcoming BAHA. Can't wait to hear about that ;D
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Kaybo on May 31, 2008, 07:45:17 am: Jan~
I was going to start a thread for you but I guess I just didn't get up early enough (not to mention the time change)! YEA for YOU!! I'm glad you came out even better on the other side -- thanks for all the support & encouragement you have given me!!
;D
K
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: krbonner on May 31, 2008, 08:10:34 am: Congratulations, Jan!

Katie
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: nancyann on May 31, 2008, 08:41:48 am: YEEEEAAAAA Jan ! ! ! It is a wonderful feeling getting past the 1st year. Best wishes for your BAHA surgery.

Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Drex on May 31, 2008, 08:43:33 am: Jan, many congratulations! Thank you for your kind messages to me and so many others. All the best.
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on May 31, 2008, 09:19:36 am: Jan,

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!

What a great anniversary gift you'll be getting very soon too - your very own BAHA! Now you won't have that bolt in your head for nothing! Now Steve's BAHA-envy is really going to kick in!

Enjoy your anniversary. Hope you do something special for yourself. In your honor, I will eat a cake today. ;D

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: shygirl on May 31, 2008, 09:28:58 am: Congratulations, Jan.

I'm sure you'll love the processor. I've had mine for 3 months and what a difference! When someone speaks to you on your deaf side, you can actually hear them!!!!! Awesome.

Again, congratulations on your 1 year anniversary!!!!

shygirl
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: kimberly on May 31, 2008, 10:00:00 am: Happy Anniversary Jan! Congrats!

Kimberly
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Jim Scott on May 31, 2008, 12:39:00 pm: Congratulations and happy anniversary, Jan! :)

In the hope that this won't be overlooked in the deluge of congratulatory posts, I'll just say that reaching one year post-op is an important milestone. Jan, you should also know that you're considered by most to be a valuable asset to our AN community. Your return to normalcy is definitely something to celebrate. It's also encouraging to anyone facing surgery who is concerned about the future, so, thank you for sharing it with us.

I hope the BAHA will bring you an even better post-surgery life and that you'll continue to share your experiences (good and not-so-good), humor, advice and observations with us for a long time to come. Besides, we (sort of) know where you live so if you ever drop out, we'll come and find you. ;)

Jim
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Anomar11 on May 31, 2008, 12:42:35 pm: Happy Anniversary, Jan.

I'm very happy for you. I'm sure in a year's time you have helped many. I know in this short week you've helped me. The older we get, the more we know that time flies, and a year is really nothing. Of course when facing something like this, at the beginning of that year it can seem like an eternity. Best of luck with your BAHA.

Mona
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: wendysig on May 31, 2008, 12:53:33 pm: Hi Jan -
Happy anniversary! I know you can't wait to get your BAHA processor and I am thrillled for you that you'll have it in just a few more days. There is nothing like getting something you really want and I'm sure you're just about jumping for joy.

Best wishes,

Wendy
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: cheza on June 01, 2008, 03:01:48 am: Well done you,

a big congrats from over the pond, I'm 6 months post op and I can't belive it either, you must be so proud of yourself!!!!!

Keep the fire burning

Cheza XxX :-*
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Omaschwannoma on June 01, 2008, 05:28:15 am: Your one-year report is something to celebrate! I'm happy for you.
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Brendalu on June 01, 2008, 06:28:41 am: Happy ANniversary, Jan!

Great news! Congratulations, best wishes and Yahoooooooooooooooooo! The rest comes very quickly, after that first year.

Hugs,
Brenda
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: ppearl214 on June 01, 2008, 08:05:35 am: *runs in.... gives Jan a MAJOR happy congrats huggle!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

Congrats hun! Onward and upward!!!!!

xo
Phyl
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: cindyj on June 01, 2008, 08:23:14 am: Congrats, Jan! And thank you so much for sticking around here to give your insight and support to everyone else - you are always so helpful and supportive to newbies and oldies (?) alike. Here's hoping for a wonderful upcoming year with your new BAHA!

cindy
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: er on June 01, 2008, 08:44:33 am: Congratulations Jan,
eve
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Tamara on June 01, 2008, 09:07:59 am: Congrats from me too, Jan!! I look forward to hearing about the BAHA and hope to join you on that journey soon, myself. Thanks for taking the time to post to all of us with questions and concerns...I definitely appreciate the insight!

Tamara
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Captain Deb on June 01, 2008, 09:30:28 am: In honor of your First Anniversary, Sadie is doing a Puppy Dance!!!!! Taaa Daaaaa!!!!!!!

(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/dog_rover_dancing_saturday_night_fe.gif)

Congratulations, Wench Jan!!!!

Capt Deb(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/pirate2.gif)
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 01, 2008, 02:15:00 pm: Thanks to everyone for all your kind words - they mean a lot to me :)

And K - I actually cheated a little when I created this topic. It was only 11:30 Chicago time, but due to the time change on the forum it showed up as 12:30 ;)

I've just returned from an overnight camping trip with my kids at the Indiana State Dunes - a place I have wanted to visit for 25+ years while I was in college. It was one of many things I've always wanted to do in my life and just never got around to. I figured my AN anniversary was a very good time to finally go there.

I am proud to say that I took a 4 mile hike with my son that included some very high flights of wooden stairs. Climbing up wasn't bad, but climbing down them was very creepy and a little bit of a challenge. I'm used to focusing on objects straight ahead of me to help my balance, but looking down while I descended was very interesting :D

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: LADavid on June 01, 2008, 07:50:53 pm: Congratulations, Jan!!! That's a huge milestone. Just think back from when you were first diagnosed at how far the journey has led you.

David
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: claire1 on June 01, 2008, 11:04:03 pm: Jan

Happy Anniversary to you
You were one of first to greet me here onboard and I will never forget you words of wisdom, from whence you came. They were also mine from whence I came too, but you shared your experience with me and that was a world of difference for me. Your humor is intregal in the process of the AN journey and now I know why. Laughter is the best medicine. Still waiting for Steve to knit me my cap.lol

Best Wishes
Claire
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 02, 2008, 10:41:58 am: Thanks for the kind words David & Claire.

I sometimes wonder if my humor is a bit too much at times, but I try to keep myself in line. If I get too carried away, I'm confident our faithful moderators will reign me in ;)

We really need to get Steve on the ball with this hat project. Symposium 2009 is only 14 months away!

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 02, 2008, 12:41:42 pm: You know those moderators will crack the whip if necessary to keep you in line, Jan. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it! :D

Good thing the rest of us around here are serious at all times....

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: ppearl214 on June 02, 2008, 01:03:13 pm: HEY!!!!!!!!!!! I resemble that remark!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >:( ;) :-*

(I know, I know... I'm logging off....... ::) )
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 02, 2008, 07:21:53 pm: Lori -

something tells me if anyone gets whipped it's going to be you and me ;D

And, Phyl -

I think you are addicted to the ANA Discussion Forum - just can't live without us, can you? ;)

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 02, 2008, 08:35:24 pm: Yes, you're probably right, Jan, but I'm going to hide behind you - I'm hoping you're taller than I am and they won't see me.

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Sue on June 02, 2008, 08:50:24 pm: Happy Anniversary from me, also. Sounds like your spirits are good, and that's important. And sounds like you feel pretty good, and that's VERY important.

Best wishes for continued wellness.

Sue in Vancouver USA
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 02, 2008, 09:59:39 pm: Thanks, Sue.

Lori -

I'm about 5'10", so I probably am taller than you are.

Chances are I'm also wider. Now that my taste buds are back to normal, I've been a little too indulgent ;)

Hoping to rectify that situation very soon :D

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 03, 2008, 01:46:59 pm: Oh my, yes, definitely taller. Probably not wider though. I plan on working on that one of these days too....

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Pooter on June 03, 2008, 01:49:28 pm: Happy Anniversiary, Jan. Defintely something to celebrate. Congrats..

Brian
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 03, 2008, 05:05:34 pm: Thanks for the congrats, Pooter. It's probably hard for you to believe right now, but the first year goes fast.

Hang in there!
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Debbi on June 03, 2008, 06:15:16 pm: Jan-
tomorrow is processor day for you, isn't it? I can't wait to hear (really!) how it works for you - will be tuned in tomorrow afternoon when I get back from Dr. Louie...

Debbi
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lacey7 on June 03, 2008, 06:41:50 pm: Jan,
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary.
You were also one of the first persons to welcome me here.
I'm really interested in how you like your BAHA.
That's amazing you were able to hike 4 miles!! I've been to that place in Indiana. We used to lilve in Ohio. It's nice there.
You've come a long way......and I'm proud of you.
I love your personality (and others here, too). The humor here is great.
My surgery is coming up in 23 days!
Keep up the humor, and take care of yourself.
Lacey
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 03, 2008, 06:42:57 pm: Yes, tomorrow IS processor day!!!!! Thanks for remembering, Debbi :)

My appt. with the doc is at 10 a.m. From what I understand he has to check the site to make sure it's healed properly before giving me the go ahead. We are also going to review the results of my 1st annual MRI since we never did that - just exchanged emails about the results. I have a copy of the radiologist's report and I'm rather anxious to get a translation of the medical terminology.

After the doc, I think I'm scheduled to spend some time with the audiologist who I guess will acquaint me with the processor and how it works. Plus I think Lori mentioned that BAHA recipients usually get some kind of "gift pack" :D

Should be a very interesting day. I'm looking forward to it.

Hope all goes well with Dr. Louie and that you can lose "the lemon" ;) Are you now "stitchless" ?

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 03, 2008, 06:55:26 pm: Thanks, Lacey.

I have come a long way and, if it's not too egotistical of me, I'm happy to say that I'm proud of myself too.

I attended college in Notre Dame, IN - not too far from the Dunes - and I always meant to take a road trip there one weekend but never got around to it. I also missed all the road trips to the Kentucky Derby and the Indianapolis 500, so these places are still on my "meaning to" list. The dunes are really cool 8) and I encourage anyone in the area to go there; it's well worth it.

I'm hopeful that tomorrow's BAHA proves to be as amazing as I thought the demo was. Come to think of it, if it's half as amazing, I'll be thrilled. I absolutely loved the demo ;D

23 days and counting, huh? It will be here before you know it. The best advice I can give you is to not second guess your decision and to focus on the confidence you have in your doctor(s). You have the easy part during the surgery - you'll be asleep - but you will have some work to do post op on the road to recovery. Remember that the road is not insurmountable and you shouldn't stress about "what ifs" when it comes to side effects. Just take things as they come. Half of the time we worry about things that never happen.

Keep that sense of humor,

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 03, 2008, 09:15:36 pm: Ohhh, Jan... the BAHA gift pack!!! You must be so excited! I'm sure it won't include the bottle of Dawn or the cake box string, but it will have a toothbrush.

And since we're talking BAHA's - I went to get my hair cut today by someone different and warned her about the screw in my head - she actually has another client who has one. I just thought that was interesting. And here I thought I was unique in my one-horse town...Guess I'll have to come up with something else...

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 03, 2008, 09:23:19 pm: Lori -

interesting to hear there are two BAHA patients in your town. Kind of a rare occurrence I'm sure; although more and more people are getting them. They aren't as rare as they used to be. Don't worry though, we're still special ;) And Steve still wants to be like us ;)

I've actually been putting off getting my hair cut. I had it cut shortly after the implant, but thought I'd let it grow a little until I see how much hair I'll need to cover the processor.

Wonder what color my toothbrush will be ;D

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lacey7 on June 03, 2008, 11:05:03 pm: Lori,
hummmmmmm.....you will have to come up with something more unique that no one else has!
How about a 2 headed dog..............OR (and this is better), what was the name of that woman who rode naked thru town on a horse? THAT would definitely be unique.....and everyone would remember your name! LOL.
Lacey
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: shygirl on June 04, 2008, 12:37:08 am: Jan,

You're going to love your BAHA!! And the toothbrush...IT'S BLUE!!!! 8)

Lacey,

I think the naked horse rider was Bo Derek (sp?) ???
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: wendysig on June 04, 2008, 06:00:58 am: Hi Jan!

I Know today is the big day for you! I am so excited that you are getting your BAHA today as I know how much you've been looking forward to it. I have an appointment this morning that will keep me busy for a couple of hours, but just wanted to pop in early to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'll check back later to see how you like your first day with your BAHA.

Wendy
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: beancounter on June 04, 2008, 06:01:43 am: You go, girl! Call me sometime and we'll clink our phones together in a toast (hear, hear)!
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 04, 2008, 06:40:09 am: Hey, beancounter !!! SO GLAD TO SEE YOU AGAIN !!! What a nice surprise. We have to catch up soon :)

Shygirl -

I'm a little disappointed that all the toothbrushes are the same color :( I was hoping for something unique.

Guess Lori and I will both have to get that 2-headed dog like Lacey suggested. Even though we'd both have one, we live far enough apart that no one would notice and we'd each feel special in our own right. Although I think we each feel pretty special already ;)

Wendy -

thanks for the good wishes. I am very excited - guess that's been obvious for a while now - I'm not very good at disguising my emotions :D Good luck with your appointment.

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Debbi on June 04, 2008, 07:12:23 am: Hey, Jan - can we get pictures??? (Of the processor...)

Debbi
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Kaybo on June 04, 2008, 07:19:17 am: Jan~
Today is your BIG DAY! I know that you will let us know how it goes!! ;)

K
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 04, 2008, 10:07:12 am: Jan, maybe in our custom made gift packs we can use different color toothbrushes!

And Lacey, I think if I were to ride naked on a horse through town - people would be wishing they were deaf - and blind! At least the semi-deaf folks wouldn't have to listen to the screams of horror! :o I might have to go with the two-headed dog, but I would imagine it would eat twice as much??? Better start clipping coupons now. Or I guess I'll have to accept the fact that I'm just another half-droopy faced person with a bolt in my head who's slightly off balance. We all know that's not unique!

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: wendysig on June 04, 2008, 11:20:27 am: Hi Jan -
It's a shame they couldn't have given you your choice of color for the toothbrush. Don't they know women like choices and that we like our accessories to match? How do you like the BAHA? Is it all you hoped it would be so far? I know it takes a while to get used to and with time you learn to hear better and better. I mixed my appointments up. I thought the appointment with the opthmologist was today and the audiogram was tomorrow. It was the other way around and I actually had the new audiogram today. Thank goodness for that little voice in the back of my head that kept nagging me to make sure I had it right. I am anxiously waiting to hear from Dr. Choe. The audiologist already told me though that my hearing has gone down even more and that is not good news, but I really was pretty sure that this was the case, so I wasn't surprised. My guess is that he will change his recommendation to translab, since that is what he already said would probably happen if the news was bad. I was hoping for the best, but at least I was prepared for the news I got from the audiologist.

Lori - I loved your posts - yours too Jan about the riding on horseback and the two headed dog. I think maybe the woman was Lady Godiva though, but the two headed dog idea works better. Don't forget the double sided dog bones for your new pets!! You two really cracked me up! I laughed until I cried! Thanks, I needed that!

Wendy
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 04, 2008, 05:21:32 pm: Quote from: lori67 on June 04, 2008, 10:07:12 am
And Lacey, I think if I were to ride naked on a horse through town - people would be wishing they were deaf - and blind! At least the semi-deaf folks wouldn't have to listen to the screams of horror! :o

Lori -

I am sitting here in my kitchen literally laughing my a** off at this comment. Thanks for cracking me up; you rock! Despite the BAHA it's been kind of a bad day for me - annoying, pushy realtors, ex-husband wrecking havoc in my life, busy doctor, etc.

As for our "gift pack" toothbrushes, I think we should definitely let clients pick their own color and we should customize and/or personalize them. I want a mint green one with my name written in forest green and I think I'd also like diamonds embedded in it ;)

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 04, 2008, 05:34:18 pm: Wendy -

sorry to hear your hearing is going down hill. Hearing is usually an issue with ANs and it seems from the many posts on this forum that a lot of us don't "escape" with our hearing intact. If you do end up having Translab surgery, the BAHA and the TransEar are both good options - and don't forget that lots of people adjust to being SSD. Sometimes life gives you lemons . . .

As for my BAHA, it will take some getting used to, but I think I'll grow to love it :D

I've already managed to knock it off my head exiting my van this evening. I must have gotten my head a little too close to the door frame and I heard a pop, felt it pull and looked down to find my processor on the driveway. Thank goodness I didn't step on it! It doesn't seem to have any issues, but I'm glad it has a 12 month warranty. I'm thinking I should seriously consider the extended warranty though ;)

This brings back shades of me pulling off my BAHA bandage prematurely when I pulled a shirt over my head. Graceful I'm not!

I did post some details on another subject called "Can you hear me now?" but I'll probably post more details as the evening goes on.

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Debbi on June 04, 2008, 06:25:40 pm: Jan, I am laughing out loud - knocking your BAHA off in the first hour sounds like something I'd do! I'm just glad you didn't step on it! Sorry the rest of the day hasn't been as good - but revel in experience of all the new sounds!

Debbi
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 04, 2008, 06:55:27 pm: Quote from: Debbi on June 04, 2008, 07:12:23 am
Hey, Jan - can we get pictures??? (Of the processor...)

I'll have to take some pictures tonight. I have to tell you though, they won't be nearly as interesting at the bonnet competition ones ;D
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 04, 2008, 07:09:10 pm: Jan, I knocked my BAHA off trying to get something out of our chest freezer in the garage - I am a bit on the vertically challenged side and as I was trying to reach in there, the top started to close, hitting me in the head, knocking off the processor and sending into the deep, dark recesses of the freezer. The only way I could reach it was to sort of hang into the freezer, with my feet up in the air - all the while yelling "THAT'S $4000 RIGHT THERE!!!!" My husband walked into the garage just in time to see my feet sticking out of the freezer and hearing muffled yelling from within. Sadly, he is so used to me doing strange things, that it didn't really concern him too much.

Nope, I wasn't blessed with grace either... fortunately, I at least have a hard head to make up for it.

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 04, 2008, 07:22:28 pm: So, are you telling us that you had a frozen BAHA? :D
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Debbi on June 05, 2008, 07:04:00 pm: I'm guessing that's not all that was frozen!

Lori, you crack me up!

Debbi :D
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 05, 2008, 09:50:07 pm: A little frostbite on the finger tips... nothing too bad. I did live in Upstate NY for 10 years...I'm used to it! And on the bright side, I got to clean out some of the long since expired items that were way down at the bottom.

That would have been embarrassing to have to return it to cash in on that warranty - I hadn't had the thing for a month at that point. "Uh, yeah...I seem to have frozen my BAHA.. Is that covered?"

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: wendysig on June 06, 2008, 06:56:01 am: Lori,
You really crack me up too. Are you really tiny or is the freezer just really big? I hope it can't close on you! Maybe you can come up with an icepop mold shaped like a BAHA. The stick could be attached to the icepop with a chociolate abutment!! What an idea!!! that might go over really big with the AN crowd!

Wendy
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 06, 2008, 08:39:08 am: Damn, Lori -

Wendy's got some great ideas here. We might just have to listen to her and then share the profits! Do you think there will be enough for us both to retire at a tender young age if we keep sharing ??? Word has it that Hope's doctor has a private island that he let's patients use for free. You know, I was thinking about switching doctors just the other day ;) Wondering if he's accepting new patients!

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 06, 2008, 09:15:39 am: Yes, I think we need to get Wendy in on our entrepreneurship....she's got some good ideas...Wendy, we'll split the profits with you...unfortunately, we haven't had any yet :'( But I'm thinking this BAHA pop with chocolate abuttment might be the start of something big!!

I'm a whopping 5'2", however, my house (and most appliances) seem to have been made with the taller folks in mind. I can't reach anything around here! And if you don't hear from me for a while, you might want to come check the freezer. At least I can keep myself occupied eating the ice cream. On the bright side, I probably don't hit my head as often as Jan does. :D

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: wendysig on June 06, 2008, 06:38:07 pm: Hi Jan -
A doctor with a private island and he lets patients use it? If it's tropical, count me in! I hadn't planned on changing doctors, but this just might tip the scale in his favor. Lori can bring her freezer and we can start manufacturing BAHA ice and ice cream pops, with the chocolate abutment of course, and store them in her freezer. Then if she falls in again she can make us some frozen margueritas to sip while we're making the ice and ice cream pops! Since we'll all be right there we'll probably notice fairly soon she's missing.

Wendy
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Kaybo on June 06, 2008, 07:12:22 pm: I'll probably need to come along to help Lori out...of the freezer, making drinks, pops, etc. I don't have an AN doc anymore -- maybe I should contact this one. I need to go to an island. I spent the day with about 10 other girls having a cleaning intervention at some people's house from church. They are the sweetest people, but obviously a clean and sanitary environment is not high on their priority list! She had a stroke 2 years ago and just really does not have the will to get better (which is hard for me) - she is only 55. She was in the hospital this week b/c she hasn't really eaten in 3 weeks - she says the food makes her nauseous - I think she is really depressed. You would not even BELIEVE what it was like - they were WELL on their way to be the "Hoarders" on Oprah!! One lady was cleaning out the pantry & found a decomposing mouse & cans with food 'oozing' out of them...oh, it was awful...no wonder she is depressed. I made her husband pinky promise me that he would open the blinds every morning so she would have some light! It looked pretty good when we left - we were there SIX hours!! We didn't even go upstairs or in the master - & everyone said (I didn't see it) that it was BY FAR worse than anything we cleaned! I think we are going back to tackle that next - if they will let us in. (This was supposed to be a surprise for when she got home (we told her husband it was just my friend and me) but she got out yesterday!) THEN when we got back to the church to pick up the kiddos - another mess to clean up. In the process, I picked up a plate and a raisin out of the gym floor. When the girl babysitting (her mom was cleaning w/us) came back in, she said, "Did someone pick up the poop on the floor? I had a plate over it..." Oh my goodness...had I not had enough today?? Oh well, it is over and we did a very good deed! NOW you know why I need a tropical getaway and LOTS of little umbrella dirnks!! :o)

K
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 06, 2008, 07:19:01 pm: K, I started out reading your post thinking, gosh, how sweet and touching... that was a great thing for you to do.

When I got to the end, I had tears in my eyes - from laughing so hard at the raisin and the plate!!!!

I guess in comparison to the other stuff you had your hands in all day, that "raisin" probably wasn't so bad.

But seriously, that was a very sweet thing for you to do for that lady. Maybe this will motivate her to get better now that her surroundings are spruced up a bit.

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 07, 2008, 01:41:27 am: K -

I cannot say it any better than Lori just did, so I'll just say I agree with Lori :)

The raisin/poop part of your story is classic - I'm laughing so hard I'm crying.

And BTW I've never heard of a cleaning intervention. Wish someone would have held one for me before the realtors swooped down upon my "mansion" - would have saved me tons of time and energy.

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Kaybo on June 07, 2008, 08:23:53 am: Jan~
The same friend (Vicki) that came up with the name Pick-a-Weiny came up with the term "Intervention" -- I am sure it was coined for MY house when my MIL was coming to visit. My friends all joke me that I don't SpringClean, I "WandaClean" before she comes. HOWEVER, I will say that my house has NEVER been anywhere NEAR that condition (nor will it be, Lord willing)!! I think the thing that upsets us the most is that she has 1) a daughter {who is a NURSE} 2) a son 3) a mother & 4) a sister who ALL LIVE IN TOWN!!! Would you let your Mom live that way?????? and if you were medically trained, don't you think you would be trying to motivate her to walk - she CAN walk (she walked to the bathroom & back unassisted yesterday) but they just push her around in a wheelchair! CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, Jan, I have hijacked your thread!! :o

K
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 07, 2008, 09:22:47 am: K -

Don't tell my Mom that some nurse daughters don't push their Moms! She'll want to trade me in for one of those! I've already spoken to the PT she will work with after her heart surgery and suggested she get a head start on things by going a few times prior! And I've tracked down an excellent PT I used to work with in NY who now happens to work at the hospital my Mom will be going to... won't Mom be surprised!

And I'm liking the sound of the cleaning intervention... I think I could use one. Unfortunately, I'd have to clean before the interveners (did I just make up a new word?)
got here because I wouldn't want them to think I'm messy... ::)

L (wow, I've gotten lazy - even 4 letters is too much to type...)
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: wendysig on June 07, 2008, 09:39:30 am: K -
I need a cleaning intervener too! Do you know where I can get one? My hubby and kids think I should do everything and I'm just tired of it. I need a vacation! HELP!
Where is that private island again? I need margueritas. Thanks for the laugh all of you! You are the best!!!

Wendy
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 07, 2008, 09:57:03 am: Wendy -

Sounds like you need to do what I did just the other day. I went on strike. Hung signs on the front door and various places in the house. I got tired of finding dirty dishes in the sink (which is right next to the dishwasher) every 5 minutes, finding trash on the counter (which is right next to the trash can), finding shoes everywhere...
I hung up a sign that said "Put it away or E-bay", meaning if you don't put it away, I will sell it to the highest bidder on E-bay and keep the profit. I had to put a sign on the dryer saying anything left in there after 12 hours will be donated to Goodwill. I find it necessary to remind my family from time to time, that I am not actually the maid.

Don't worry - all of these rules don't necessarily apply to the 5 and 2 year old - but I see no reason they can't apply to the 16 and 20 year old!

I think I'll ask for a raise...and some days off.. and a margarita while I'm at it!

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: OMG16 on June 07, 2008, 11:35:25 am: Okay I have been gone to long what is a pick-a-weiny and 2 headed dogs? I believe that there are some good stories that I have missed.

Kay I love the raisin thing at the end of the day. It cracked me up and I think that I have done that also. It is so sad about that lady she is only 55 someone needs to do a life intervention and get her out in the sunshine and enjoying life again.

Jan I am so excited to hear about your processor. Just stay away from freezers they are obviously very dangerous to your baha.

Lori I will send you a construction harness and you can tie off your little Lori self everyday before going in to retrieve dinner at least then you husband can just follow the tie off link and reel you in. I to am very balancedly challenged and just not long ago was in the bathroom trying to get the laundry out of the cupboard and used my foot to get the shirt way in the back at the bottom that I was not willing to bend down for. Well I did the banana peel manuver (sp?) and crash boom bang and all my husband says after a couple minutes is well I guess you are okay since you are laughing so hard still. He of course never gets up to come see or to help me up. The romance is definately gone he used to run in and save the day. That is to bad because it is harder to get up now a days. :D 16
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 07, 2008, 11:50:38 am: You'll have to ask Kay exactly what breed of dog a pick-a-weinie is... I'm still not sure myself.

A construction harness is a great idea. It would also come in handy for scaling the mountains of laundry in the laundry room...Or I could just not do laundry and not cook - then wait until the members of my church decide to come cook and clean for me! I think I'll plant the idea in their heads tomorrow...

My husband does the same thing - I guess he figures if he doesn't hear yelling, then I'm probably okay. Usually I just wind up yelling "don't panic - I'm okay". Not that I think he'd panic anyway... Of course, I do the same to him, but he's a big baby anyway. (shhh...don't tell him I told you... ;))

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Kaybo on June 07, 2008, 12:06:47 pm: A Pekingese and a Dachshund (had to get the dictionary out for this one - good thing they have pictures on the sides!)... ;D

K
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: OMG16 on June 07, 2008, 12:13:58 pm: Well now that makes perfect sense. You just never know what the meanings could be. ;) 16
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 07, 2008, 10:44:15 pm: Quote from: Kaybo on June 07, 2008, 08:23:53 am

Sorry, Jan, I have hijacked your thread!! :o

No apology necessary, K. I hijack threads all the time - as Phyl can tell you ;)

16 -

since K explained the pic-a-wienie, let me say that the two-headed dog is going to save Lori from riding through the streets of her town naked on a horse. Just search on "Lady Godiva". Somedays we are just too silly for words ;D

Lori -

I can just see you on strike. And you say I'm tough ??? Sounds like you are a pretty tough cookie yourself ;) And how do you cope with a 16 & 20 year old - YIKES!!! - they aren't much older than you are :D

I though you just had "little guys". "Put it away or E-Bay" is very catchy. Perhaps instead of creating gift packs and BAHA accessories, we should have you printing signs for aggravated mothers everywhere ;) or, since we are all in agreement about needing a cleaning intervention we could go with that idea.

Wendy -

except for the husband part, you could be the mom in my house. My kids also think I should do everything and I am also tired of it. Yesterday my daughter informed me that I "NEVER" do anything for her. Funny coming from a girl who doesn't even clean her own room on a regular basis. Can you say "spoiled rotten" ???

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Tamara on June 08, 2008, 06:08:24 am: Quote from: lori67 on June 07, 2008, 09:22:47 am
Unfortunately, I'd have to clean before the interveners (did I just make up a new word?)
got here because I wouldn't want them to think I'm messy... ::)

True Confessions Time: We did this! My house is not dirty, but is often messy. I actually had my sons help clean the house before our potential cleaning lady came over. They asked my why, and I said "So she doesn't run away screaming". I guess it worked - though she said it will take her twice as long to clean our house as it does most of the ones she does. When I asked why, with some alarm, she said it was because we had a "lot of stuff". Don't know quite what that means...

When my oldest son was a tot, I was vacuuming one day. He asked what I was doing so I told him. The charming child then said to me, "Who's coming over?"

My younger son, when about 5 years old, came over and touched the iron as I was ironing and got burned. I, of course said, "What's the matter with you??? The iron is HOT!!" Through his tears he replied, "I didn't know what it was!"

Any other True Confessions out there?
Tamara
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Kaybo on June 08, 2008, 06:54:17 am: Jan~
OK...I could be wrong here, but I THINK I am younger than Lori...so really, I could go to town with the age stuff...

K
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: wendysig on June 08, 2008, 09:49:57 am: Lori -
I have announced quite loudly more than once that I am not the maid and even gone on strike a few times too. I never thought of E-Bay . Maybe I should try that idea. No one seems to notice or believe I'm on strike until they have no clean clothes. Maybe the E-Bay thing would inspire them. Jan's right, yoiu are one tough cookie!

Wendy
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 08, 2008, 09:52:17 am: Tamara -

I am cracking up at your stories! The iron one is a classic! Aren't kids just so adorable....grrrrrr...

And, I'm only 29... at least that's what my kids think. And since I usually have to make my own birthday cake, I just keep reusing the "29" candle every year, so it must be true. ;)

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 08, 2008, 09:55:08 am: Quote from: Kaybo on June 08, 2008, 06:54:17 am
Jan~
OK...I could be wrong here, but I THINK I am younger than Lori...so really, I could go to town with the age stuff...

K

K -

I'll bet you are younger than I am - who isn't these days ;) - except for Steve :D

I was going to say that you probably are younger than Lori, but I see that she's only 29. So chances are you're older than she is, too ::)

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Kaybo on June 08, 2008, 11:45:53 am: We have my nephew's car here this summer b/c he drove here and then flew back to California. We are driving it some to save on gas (they told us to). The girlies want to go EVERYWHERE in it b/c they think it is so neat. Want to know why?

BEACAUSE THERE ARE THESE CRANK THINGS TO MAKE THE WINDOWS GO UP & DOWN AND YOU HAVE TO LOCK EACH DOOR - they actually fight over who gets to reach back & unlock the door!!

K
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: OMG16 on June 08, 2008, 12:12:10 pm: What do you do when you go on strike and then your Family just goes and buys more clothes. I tried that a few times and my Family is just to smart for me I guess. I really like Lori's idea. She is truely a smarty pants.

Tamara you crack me up. I think I would have to clean my house before anyone came over also. Thank goodness when I've had help it has been my Mama so I really don't care what it looks like when she comes over. I've helped her out and cleaned her house many times before Christmas ect. Oh that just reminded me my Mom is retired and I have hired her to mow my lawn once a week for some extra gardening money. The neighbors have approached her to do their yards and they think we are crazy hiring a Grandmother to mow our lawn. As we sit on the porch with a cool beverage watching her mow our lawn we do feel bad, but she wanted to do it so what can you do but defend yourself against the neighbors LOL.

OMG Kay that is to funny. Does the car have the old seatbelts to? We used to use them as weapons against each other. I'm surprised any of us ever made it through childhood. I believe a week did not go by in the summer that one of us did not have a head injury. I remember the old 8 track tape players and my Mom and Dad used the seatbelts to strap in the player while us kids had to squeeze in next to it. My husbands Mom had 8 kids plus neighbors that used to load into the old station wagon to go to the park. Could you imagine about 15 kids loaded in hanging out the windows. I would have to sedate either myself or the children LOL. Once she got home and started making ice cream cones and realized she had 1 extra cone and was missing 1 kid. She also lost 1 kid out the car door while making a turn once. Do you remember when we used to make turns and we would all try and squish the kid sitting on that side well thats when it went terribly wrong for her. The kids left in the car I guess were yelling Mom stop you lost Kim out the car door. To this day Kim still tells the story about running crying behind the car trying to get back into the car. Oh the good times of the past.

16
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 08, 2008, 06:37:51 pm: Quote from: Kaybo on June 08, 2008, 11:45:53 am
they actually fight over who gets to reach back & unlock the door!!

That is SO funny, K. When I was a kid we used to fight over who got to sit in the front seat!

Who would have thought that manual door locks and windows would be so exciting ??? I guess it's a whole new world ;)
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Debbi on June 09, 2008, 12:35:01 pm: Okay, Jan and Lori - I'm pretty sure I'm older than BOTH of you - so do I get a medal or something (still trying to figure a way to win the bonnet contest... I'll settle for almost anything...)

Age is only a state of mind - most of the time (present small snippet of time excepted) I feel like I am still in my early 20's! I have earned my facial "character" (come to think of it, half of my lines are missing becasue of the facial numbness - am I instantly half my age now?) and my gray hairs (which everyone is going to see if I don't get clearance soon to use hair dye again!!)

Okay, you young 'uns - have a ball!

Debbi - always as young as I feel
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 09, 2008, 01:09:03 pm: That's the best part of this facial paralysis - only half as many wrinkles! I look 10 years younger on my AN side!! ;D

Lori
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: Kaybo on June 09, 2008, 04:16:48 pm: Lore & Deb~
I always said that I should get 1/2 pricer if I were to get a face-lift!! ;D

K
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: OMG16 on June 09, 2008, 08:05:56 pm: Debbi that is funny facial character I'm going to use that sometime in the future.

Lori do you at your young age of 116 take picture on just that side so you look younger? Just wondering. ;) 16
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: leapyrtwins on June 09, 2008, 09:12:30 pm: Debbi -

if age is only a state of mind, there are some days that I'm 135 ;)

Jan
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: wendysig on June 09, 2008, 11:38:15 pm: I have to agree with Debbi again (you're really on a roll tonight) that age is just a state of mind. Sometimes I'm very surprised when I look in the mirror because I feel so much younger. My kids know which side the bread is buttered on. They always tell me how young I look compared to their friends mothers, most of whom are years younger than me, although in more than a few cases it is true. My younger daughter even went as far as saying her best friend's mom looks scary without makeup, but I don't. I think that's because the other mother always wears makeup and I don't always wear it though. Although now that I think about it, I've never seen her without makeup, maybe she does look scary!

Jan - You look at least 100 years younger than you feel even if it is only a sometimes thing.

Wendy
Title: Re: Happy Anniversary to Me
Post by: lori67 on June 10, 2008, 11:04:29 am: Quote from: OMG16 on June 09, 2008, 08:05:56 pm

Lori do you at your young age of 116 take picture on just that side so you look younger? Just wondering. ;) 16

Yes, sadly that has become my "good" side. I can't smile, but at least I look like a grouchy YOUNG person! And I never have to worry about that eye being caught in mid-blink when the picture is taken! ;)

Lori