The randomness of me

Long time no see!

2005-10-13T07:32:00.000-06:00

OK, it has been a while, but I have been busy busy busy.

First the Islet stuff.

The doctors took me off my morning and lunch insulin, so I am just going with the dinner Humalog, and bedtime N. Seems to be working very nicely - and I always have the option of talking a little insulin if I feel like having a larger meal. Good flexability.

Had some problems with diarrhea last week or so, and it turns out that we tried to take the CellCept in 2 doses a day instead of 4, and that was the culprit. So back to 4 times a day for that!! No problem for me.

I see Dr. Shapiro next Tuesday morning. I have not seen him since early August, so it should be interesting to hear what he has to say, but I doubt it will be different than what the rest of the Doctors are telling me.

OK, now on to the rest.

I am talking Ballroom Dancing with Sarah, and for the most part enjoying it. Sometimes it gets a bit frustrating when your feet do not quite do what your mind tells them to, but its all part of the process. It is good exercise for sure!

Sarah got some pedometers for us last week. In order to have a healthy active lifestyle, a person is supposed to take about 10000 steps a day. I have been averaging anywhere between 8000 and 12000 for the most part, but yesterday racked up 15000 steps!

We need to get our butts in gear for the business plan, as it is not moving along very quickly at all. Tonight I am going to give it a good start though.

Spent Thanksgiving at my Dad's last weekend. Sarah and I had such a blast, and boy were we fed well!

Off to work now!!

Sad that the weekend is done.

2005-09-18T23:59:00.000-06:00

But there is always next weekend!

Yesterday we went to a potluck that Sarah's old lab co-workers put on, and I had a really great time, despite not knowing anyone. It used to be that I was uncomfortable in those situations, but not at all.

Today we slept in, then made lunch, and walked down to Fort Edmonton - to see what we could see as far as the set goes. There was nothing to see at all, but we tried!

After that we went to West Ed, and went to see a movie, the Constant Gardener, which was awesome!! Highly recommended! So overall, a nice relaxing day, lots of fun, and some good quality time together!

Tomorrow - bloodwork in the AM, and back to work! Night!

Better now

2005-09-16T17:10:00.000-06:00

I guess it is a smart thing to stay home and rest. I took Wednesday off work, and hung out here, and by today I feel all better! Mental note for next time!

Still finishing up my speech for next Tuesday night. Starting to get a little stressed, but bottom line is I know what I am talking about. Pretty much just my story.

Sarah and I went to a seminar last night, and learned much. The topic is secret though. Email me and ask and I may tell.

Mission now is dinner, laundry, cleaning, and speech writing, in that order. Tommorow we are going to another pot luck, and I think Sarah and I will bake an apple crumble together.

Sickness

2005-09-13T17:51:00.000-06:00

Well a new test is here. I feel sick. It was only a matter of when for this hurdle to arrive, and it seems to be here now.

My throat is sore, I have an earache and a bit of a headache too.

I called Dolores my nurse this afternoon, and here is the plan.

Take temperature (mine was 36.7 - normal). As long as it is OK, I will be too. If it is high (above 37.4) then proceed to emergency, to get care ASAP.

For now thank goodness my temperature is fine. I think though that I will call in sick to work tomorrow unless I have no symptoms, and err on the side of caution.

Am I worried? Yes I am a bit.
Do I know what to do? Yes I do, and that gives me piece of mind.

Some Japer Pictures..

2005-09-12T21:31:00.000-06:00

As promised, here are a few pictures of our trip. More to follow tomorrow perhaps.

The Wildlife!

Sarah!

Sarah and I at the Columbia Icefields

Back to work..

2005-09-12T12:58:00.000-06:00

Well the weekend is done and over, and it was pretty fun.

Friday I took Sarah to Culina, a nice little restaurant in Edmonton, and it was fabulous! Much fun was had. I even tried the Salmon that she ordered! It was actually quite good!

Saturday we had a little potluck for Holly, one of Sarah's friends (birthday). There was sooo much food, but it was pretty darn good! Lots left over though.

Sunday - didn't do too much. I worked on my speech and my article that I have on the go for a while, and then listened to the new Diabetes radio show on CJCA, which sounded pretty good. My interview about my support group was not on last night, but I am sure will get to air soon.

Today is my 2 month 'anniversary' of my transplant. As I am sure you know if you have been reading my posts, things are going very well. 12 pills a day seems like a small price to pay! 6 or 7 units of insulin is not a big deal either! I have zero side effects, I have more energy then ever (OK except for today!) and it is impossible to appreciate how good my life is, unless you have done a similar turn around.

New weekend is here.

2005-09-09T17:45:00.000-06:00

Well let's sum up the week shall we??

On Tuesday I went to clinic, and finally saw Dr Ryan for the 1st time, and he is happy with how things are going. We had a very serious talk about a second transplant - all the pros and cons, but in the end I decided (and he agreed) that I do not really need another one right now.

I am happy taking 1 or3 units of Insulin, and I am thrilled with my sugar results (my last Hemoglobin A1C was 6.6% - which is 'normal'). I have no side effects from the meds, and I see no need to complicate matters right now unless things start becoming less then optimal. It has now been 45 days since the transplant. As far as I am concerned, life is great!

Yesterday Sarah and I signed up for ballroom dancing lessons at the University of Alberta. So every Thursday night until January I will have my dancing shoes on, trying to be graceful and all that! It will be good exercise, and much fun I think!

Tonight I am taking Sarah somewhere for a surprise! (I cannot say more yet in case she reads it!) We are bound to have a good time!

Long weekend over...

2005-09-05T20:36:00.000-06:00

Well back to work for another short week, thanks to Labour Day!

I have clinic tomorrow morning at 8:50, and also need to have bloodwork done as well, so I pretty much have to leave my house at 630 - to make sure I am there early, as there is usually a pretty mental line up on Tuesdays after the long weekend.

Should be interesting in Clinic tomorrow to hear what they say. Tomorrow is my 8 week mark, so I am 2/3 of the way through my most critical time. I am having my A1C done tomorrow, and cannot wait to see what it is. I am so pleased with how it is all working out.

Life is good - no, life is great!

Sweet September

2005-09-03T12:40:00.000-06:00

Well another summer is past us for the most part. I know September is technically summer, but it feels more like fall, with the back to school and all that.

My islets are still doing well, I feel better and better with every passing day. I do get a higher reading every so often, like just now I was 11.3, but I think that is because I ate breakfast late, and had a wee low blood sugar - even though I never tested. A bit of a rebound I guess. The true test will be in a couple hours to see if it comes back down - and I am sure it will. The doctors told me not to sweat the occasional higer sugar, but that is easier to say then done - but I do know what caused this one for sure.

Going in a bit to kick my sister and her husband out of the house for the better part of the afternoon and early evening - as I think they both need a bit of a break from Nathan. Uncle Jason (and Sarah) to the rescue!

Should get the pictures from Jasper back soon, and will post them when I get them posted.

Jasper

2005-08-29T09:15:00.000-06:00

Well we have returned from Jasper late last night, and Sarah and I had a great time!

Some Highlights:

Columbia Icefields - Sarah's 1st time there
Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls
Horseshoe Lake - Sarah jumped into the 2 C water!
On the beach at Lake Edith
Horseback Riding - my 1st time!
Canoeing on Pyramid Lake
Old Fort Point
Picnic Lunches

I will post pictures after I get them developed....

The place we stayed was great, the weather was beautiful, the company was perfect.

More Islet News

2005-08-24T11:37:00.000-06:00

OK, so really not too much to tell to be honest. Clinic went very good yesterday - I was out of there in less then an hour - which is awesome. All my numbers are looking great - except for my creatine (the Tacrolimus is hard on the kidneys). So we lowered the dose (means less pills for me!). Other then that , we talked about a 2nd transplant, and agreed there is no need to plan for that at this time. I also had a few other various questions, and they were all answered the way I hoped!

In the afternoon I went to see Dr Blais, my family doctor, to fill him in on what has been going on, and he was very interested in the results, and wants to be in the loop. It is nice seeing your doctor when nothing is really wrong, and you don't need various things done because of it.

Other then that, Sarah came for lunch yesterday - and we shared some dinner as well. Mmmm yummy goodness!

Tomorrow I have an interview for the new diabetes radio program that is coming on this fall on CJCA radio. The first show will be SUnday September 11, at 9 pm MST (and Mom, you should be able to listen online to the program!) I will be talking about my support group for this show, and at some time in the future, will do a segment about my islet cell transplant.

After that is all done tomorrow - we are leaving for Jasper at about 5, and returning on Sunday. I want to take Sarah to all the cool spots I love, as well as all the places she wants to see. Will be a great time - and we should have a bunch of pictures when I return.

Random Fridayness

2005-08-19T11:11:00.000-06:00

It is finally nice out today - sunny anyhow, but the temperature is coming back up too.

The islets are doing great, I have had no side effects at all in several weeks now. My insulin needs are very low, and most important - my sugars are incredibly stable. I had a 9.8 the other day and was in a total panic - and then I realized that 2 months ago, I would have been happy with a 9.8. Now I am so not happy with anything but a 5.0 to 6.9. Even 7.5 or similar makes me think - ok, why is it so high!

I think it is pretty cool how my perception and attitudes have shifted in less then 40 days. This weekend will be filled with fun things again, with lots of Sarah, a BBQ with my school friends, and lunch with my Dad and his wife on Sunday. Then just 1 more day of work on Monday, and 1 week off!

Sarah and I are renting a car on Thursday the 25th, and staying here, for only 75$ a night, as compared to 130 or higher in hotels. We are totally going to be tourists for those 3 days, and I am looking forward to every second of it. Hopefully she enjoys all the places I want to take her too.

Great Weekends!

2005-08-15T19:21:00.000-06:00

Hmm.. been awhile, let us recap the weekend!

Friday night - went shopping with some of Sarah's friends and had wings at Earls. Fun times.

Saturday - went to Fort Edmonton with the Grad Students Association, and had such a good day. I have not been there in a really long time, but we had so much fun. We spent the better part of 7 hours there, and walked home (a long walk, but doable). Later that night I went over to Sarah's and we watched Blade with her roommate, and then just hung out.

Sunday - we had a BBQ at Hawrelak Park, and it was a blast. There were about 14 or 15 people there, and we cooked burgers, people brought soup, desserts, chips and pop. We ran around and played frisbee, went for a bit of a boat ride on the pond, and just generally had a really really fun day.

Who knew weekends could be so much fun?

Today I got the results of my arginine test that I had on Friday that measures the function of the islets. My islets produced 12.5 units of insulin (the average normal person produces 29) But the thing that is neat, is the average islet cell recipient only puts out 5.5 after 1 transplant. Looks like my 300,000 + cells are functioning very well. I was quite pleased to hear those results, and the nurse who did the test was pretty impressed as well.

Good, but tired.

2005-08-11T21:28:00.000-06:00

Totally did a cleaning number tonight, whew! Got groceries - and instead of worrying about the cost of them, I worried about the nutrition of them. Spent a lot more money then usual, but I need to eat healthy for my cells!

Tomorrow in the morning I am going for an Arginine test - which measures the function of the cells I think. They told me that it does not take much time, so that is good.

Early to bed tonight I think, as I am pretty beat.

Clinic #4 (4 weeks)

2005-08-09T21:34:00.000-06:00

About this time 4 weeks ago I was lying on my side in the transplant ward, a little cranky at the every-15-minute-finger-poke.

4 glorious weeks later, I am doing great.

Clinic went well today - but was really long! I was there for a little over 3 hours, seeing the nurse, dietician, resident(s), doctor, and researcher. Whew. Good news is that everything is continuing on fine. Dr. Senior - one of the endocrinologists I have not seen yet - is really nice. We went over all my bloodwork, and he said to him everything looked really good. He, and both the residents took a good look at my eyes, as there was a wee bit of concern a couple of weeks ago, but he said they look great. And, to top it off, he told me that I could take a week off from coming to clinic. So that will be nice. That tells me that I am doing well I think.

Talked to Grace, the dietician today, as I was a little concerned about my appetite, and not taking in enough nutrients, and she identified a few little things that I can do to help myself, such as a bed time snack, and trying to up the protein a bit, but other then that she thinks I am on the right track.

Talked to Parastoo, the research coordinator, and they want me to have a biopsy of my liver done. This is completely up to me, and before today I was more in the 'no' camp, but now I am pretty undecided. Apparently the goal is to get a few little samples of my liver - and hopefully one of those samples will have some islets - so they can take a look at them, and see what they are doing. If I remember correctly, the idea is to gather data, so they can compare to other patients if (big if) something goes wrong with the islets. There is really no danger to me, or my islets, and really the whole thing is less invasive then the original transplant. It would be a day at the hospital though, but she told me that Dr. Shapiro has done many many of these in the past. I think that they would want to do this sometime in October/November, but I do have a month to decide.

Weekend of fun is over.

2005-08-08T06:44:00.000-06:00

What a great weekend. Sugars pretty good except for the 1 low, and I ate better then I expected.

Sarah came over last night, and we went for a walk in my neighborhood, and sat on a bench and watched the sun set. Such a simple activity, yet completely fun.

On Saturday night, we played card games with a few of her friends after coming home from visiting my sister.

Other then that though it was a pretty lazy day on Sunday filled with naps, and a bit of laundry.

Off to get some bloodwork and then off to the old grind. This week I only have a 4 day work week again, as I took the day off on Friday - just for fun.

Weekends R Fun

2005-08-06T12:18:00.000-06:00

Ah... the weekend, where you can relax, sleep in and take it easy!

Had my 1st real low today, 3.6, pretty much as I am writing this! (but I had some food and drink). Did not feel it coming, but once I saw the number I can feel it a bit more. I just need to become aware of the little signals again.

Sarah made me this great sandwich for dinner last night.

Raisin bread, Tomato, Avocado, Swiss, Onions, and Garlic. Made like a grilled cheese, it was freaking awesome! I suggest you try it now!

Today we are going to meet my sister and see little Nathan. Much fun will be had by all. I can't wait.

No appetite

2005-08-04T23:07:00.000-06:00

I am very frustrated by my lack of appetite for the most part. Usually I have always been able to eat what I needed to, but this week it is proving to be a real challenge. Take lunch for example. I went to A&W to get a burger and fries - thinking "Hey, I like burgers, I like fries. I will be able to finish this easy!" Well such was not the case. I finished most of the fries and about a third of the burger. Sigh.

Tonight for dinner I was totally not hungry, so I had a couple of bananas, and a piece of toast. Later my sugar was lowish, so I had an apple and a pudding, but pretty much had to force them down!

Hopefully tomorrow will be a bit better that way.

Appetites

2005-08-03T23:33:00.000-06:00

Well mine is spotty at best. At lunch, not much doing, and I didn't think I was that hungry again at supper. But as it turns out, Sarah and I cooked again, we had potatoes and beets, and chicken stuffed with peaches, and I seemed to have gained an appetite somewhere between finishing cooking and starting to eat!

The back on insulin thing is going pretty well. Sugars are pretty stable, and no lows, but I am also being cautious just because I do not have my normal appetite.

All in all, another great day in paradise!

Clinic #3

2005-08-02T20:42:00.000-06:00

Well today was clinic day today, as well as blood work and whatnot.

Dr Shapiro wants me back on a tiny bit of insulin for the next 3 weeks, so as not to overwork the new cells. No problem. I just need to be pretty careful that it does not cause lows.

Everything else looks really good. All my various levels are all fine - within the norms, except my creatine level is creeping up a bit. Tacrolimus is pretty hard on the old kidneys though, so I need to make sure I have plenty of fluids, and that will help.

After work today I decided to stop by and say hi to Sarah to give her a hug and a kiss, and stayed for dinner. It was pretty fun cooking together, and I had a well balanced meal. Good things all around. It was very good, and always fun seeing her.

7 days no shots = happy camper!

2005-08-01T14:27:00.000-06:00

I have now made it a week with no insulin. That is to say, without injected insulin. I have missed 35 injections that last month I had to take just to live. I still shake my head and feel that modern medicine is amazing.

I now know for sure that my nausea is tied to CellCept on an empty stomach. Last week they told me I could take it 2 or 3 times a day instead of 4, and after some playing around, I can do it, but not at bed time when I do not eat. I was totally ill when I went to bed last night, and it took some time to get to sleep. Ah well.. live and learn.

Today I feel great though. Woke around 7, and the sun was shining through my window, so I just kinda lay in the sun for a while. Got up at 8, had breakfast, and puttered around for a while. At about 930, it was so sunny and nice, I grabbed a book and went to the park that is only a block or so away, and just kinda vegged out in the sun. Came home an hour later, as it was starting to get a bit too hot. Finished laundry, and cleaning, and then I have just taken it easy today.

Tomorrow morning I have blood work early, and then meet with Dr. Shapiro at 8:45, then clinic at 9:30. I took the rest of the morning off, and I am going to meet Rachel for lunch, to discuss the support group getting going again for the fall.

Sunday in the Sun...

2005-07-31T20:01:00.000-06:00

OK, so I didn't actually spend much time in the sun today, but the title seemed to work for me and my happy shiny mood!

Watched Team America: World Police last night with Sarah, and we both laughed and giggled throughout the movie. It was soo funny. Sarah has gone camping today and tomorrow in Edson, and yes I know you may think it is sappy, but I totally miss her.

Didn't sleep much, as I got home late, and was up by 8:30 (which is really sleeping in for me!) Started to do a bit of laundry, when I talked to Tanya who was short some people for a fund raising Bingo, so I went to help her for the afternoon.

Was really tired by the end of that though. I never did much, but I think the short sleeps the past couple days caught up with me. Crashed from 430 to 730 though, and feel more rested now, but a tiny bit of naseau right now.

Sugars are still amazing. Pretty much perfect. I look forward to showing them to Dr. Shapiro on Tuesday. I don't think I have ever been more proud of my readings ever! No insulin in 6 days and 5 hours and counting!

And introducing..... Nathan!

The best....

2005-07-30T01:50:00.000-06:00

So today was like the second best day ever.

Why you ask??

Simple. But let me back up and provide the context. Today after work, as I mentioned earlier, I met my friend Sarah after work, and we went to Taste of Edmonton and ate a wee bit, and then hopped on the LRT to go to K-Days. Had a super great time, watched a horse race, went and saw a circe-de-soleil type performance (which was great!) and then watched Twisted Sister, yes Twisted Sister. It was like live from 1984.

Anyhow, it was a great night, one of the best I have had in a long time, and I walked Sarah home at about 11, then left to come home. 5 minutes or so later she called me, and asked me point out if I thought we should date?? Well it turns out that she has had a crush on me for some reason for some time (and I have felt the same way too), and finally got the nerve to ask me. Way to go Sarah!

I am on cloud nine. I never imagined that another incredibly good thing would come out of July 2005.

I know I should be sleeping, and my body is tired, but my soul is celebrating.

Thursday in Islet Heaven

2005-07-28T17:27:00.000-06:00

Having another pretty good day, although I am tired a bit after work. For some reason I have a bit of muscle cramping. I am sure that is just another side effect of whatever drug.

Coming up on 3 days insulin free... Simply amazing is what I say to that.

Apparently those little cells I got are quite hardy, and were the perfect amount for me! I never dreamed that I would ever be off insulin completely, but as long as my sugars are below 8 at mealtimes, it will continue to be so.

My average sugars for the last 2 weeks are:

Before Breakfast 6.4
After Breakfast 8.7
Before Lunch 6.2
After Lunch 7.6
Before Dinner 7.0
After Dinner 7.2
Before Bed 6.8

For a grand total average of 7.1.

Pretty cool hey!

In other news.. thank god I do not have to pay for this. I have read estimates that the cost of having an islet cell transplant is $100,000, give or take. Go health care card!

Insulin Free

2005-07-27T19:58:00.000-06:00

I have not had to take any insulin since Monday at dinner time. That makes it about 49 hours (and counting) so far.

Amazing. What else can I say. Now that is really the word I keep using, but I still cannot think of a better one.

I felt real good again today, and had a real good day at work. I started early, and stayed a bit later, as well as a shorter lunch, in an effort to try and make up some lost time. Will try to do the same on Thursday and Friday as well.

On Friday my friend Sarah wants to take me to Kdays - and see Twisted Sister! Hopefully the weather is nice, and much fun will be had by all. Sarah I met through the CDA as a volunteer, and she used to be an islet cell researcher! Always good to have one of those in your circle of friends! Her little sister is diabetic, and that makes her very motivated to do what she can to help. I am always a little inspired after talking to her.

Also this weekend (long weekend btw) I am picking up a futon I bought from a girl at work. It will be nice to have more places to sit then the only 1 couch that we have now. Plus when my roommate leaves after christmas, I will have some furniture. Time to start reacquiring possessions. I am definately going to stay at this apartment. The only question is whether to get another roommate or not.

13

2005-07-25T19:19:00.000-06:00

Lucky day 13.

Had to come home a little early today as my naseau was a bit insane.. but despite that I feel OK now, just needed a bit of sleep I guess.

Today was insane going to get my blood done. The place opens at 7, and there was about 30 people in front of me when I arrived at 710. But I managed to get out of there by 8, then off to work.

Tomorrow I see the program psychologist, and then clinic after that, so it will be a busy AM for sure.

Hope everyone reading this is happy and healthy!

My donor family...

2005-07-24T18:00:00.000-06:00

I wrote my letter to my 'donor' family today. It was difficult to start, but once I started writing it started flowing, and ended up being a page and a half. It is not super-polished prose by any stretch of the imagination, but it expresses my thanks the best way I am able to.

July 12 will always be a bittersweet day in a way, both the day I received a new lease on life, but also the day that someone else has died.

Other then that I took it pretty easy today - reading a book for a few hours was the most stressful thing I did all day.

Sugars are amazing, and I have not taken any insulin in more then a day and a half. I feel really good.

Day 11

2005-07-23T17:03:00.000-06:00

That's right, 11 days ago the deed was done.

I am feeling overall better and better every day. Yesterday I was feeling so good I went to O'Byrne's for a little Captain Tractor show, and it was fun, although by the end of the night I was very tired. Tonight I am planning on going for dinner with some friends from school, so we shall see how that goes. I have not done much today though - got a haircut, and took it easy generally.

I am still amazed by how this is working. Sugars are overall very good (except today after lunch - I over ate some foods that I probably should not have had...)

More to follow....

More about Islet Cell Goodness

2005-07-21T20:51:00.000-06:00

It is amazing how well this is working. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my sugars would ever be under control.

Here are the last couple of days readings;
5.4 - 7.1 - 5.7 - 6.9 - 6.6 - 6.7 - 7.3 - 10.7 - 5.3 - 7.3 - 5.1 - 7.7 - 6.9 - 9.2 - 5.9 - 8.2 - 8.9.

All that since lunch time on Tuesday. I have taken a little bit of insulin, but nothing major that is for sure.

Now all is not roses and sunshine. The drugs are still causing some upset stomach, and I now have a sore in my mouth, but minor overall.

I look forward to going to clinic on Tuesday, and having them see my numbers. When was the last time I was proud of my sugars??

Long time no nothng - but this time I have a good excuse

2005-07-19T19:56:00.000-06:00

Well then. It has been a hectic week. About 1 week and 1 hour ago I had my Islet Cell Transplant at the University of Alberta Hospital.

Wow. I was amazed, shocked, and stunned when I got the call that afternoon at work. Worried, scared, and excited also slipped into there somehow as well! Quite the cauldron of emotions.

To sum up:

The operation itself went really well, I was awake for the whole thing, and watched on the monitor as they basically fed the new cells into my liver through a catheter. I have a tiny tiny wound on my right side - it basically looks like I got a really big needle. Anyway, at the end of that they wheeled me back up to 3G2, the transplant unit at the hospital to recover. My roommate's name was Ira, and he had just had a double lung transplant a few weeks earlier. And you thought I was bad off!

That night however, I started having some problems. Nausea problems. It turns out I had a violent reaction to one of the immunosuppressents - Sirolimus. Not fun at all. But I did learn it really is better to throw up something as opposed to nothing. Who would have thought that? The first 4 hours after the transplant they were testing my sugars every 15 minutes, then every 30 for the next few after that, until we got to every 2 hours. I was also having multiple tubes of blood drawn every couple of hours as well. My poor arm is a wee bit bruised to put it lightly.

I was in the hospital until last Friday - the 15th, and by then was feeling marginally better. Had my brother and sister come and see me a few times, and a few other friends - but I don't know about you, but entertaining in a hospital bed with 4 IV's in your arm is not my idea of fun!

So anyhow I was starting to feel more decent until the powerful anti-nausea drugs wore off. Then Saturday and Sunday I was mega sick again. So badly that I thought that I should just let the new cells die, and go back to how things were. But today after a bit of advice from one of the Islet cell nurses, I decided that it is better to dig in my heels and try my best. So that is where we are today. I don't wish my weekend on anyone though. Let us just leave it in the past. Nothing to be done about it now.

I am taking right now (down from a total of 3798129837214 pills a day a few days ago)

Tacrolimus - 4 pills in the AM, 4 in the PM, for immunosuppression
CellCept - 4 pills throughout the day for immunosuppression
Septra - 1/day for infection prevention
Baby Aspirin - 1/day to prevent clotting
Lovenox - 2 injections/day a blood thinner
Vitamin E - 2/day for fun
Niacinamide - 3/day for I do not remember what. I think it is a vitamin though.
Insulin - still a little bit, maybe about 10% of what I was taking previously.
I need to test my sugars 7 times a day, something which I will have to get used to again. Normally I am a 3-4/day type of guy.

The really good news is that the highest my sugars have been since this happened is 8.2. Mostly though in the 6-7.5 range. I have not been low, and I am pretty pumped about that!

This morning when I shaved and showered I realized that I had lost a ton of weight - not surprising when I ate next to nothing for the better part of a week. I weighed 68.5 kg right before the operation, and this morning I weighed in at a grand total of 61.5, and that wearing heavy clothes and full pockets! So 15 pounds in 7 days. Yikes. My appetite is starting to come back though, but not as fast as I would like it to. No pictures of me until I fill back out a bit though. I look like I have been through Stalingrad or something.

Anyways - enough for now, but I am going to try to use the blog as a running commentary on all the stuff that goes along with these wonderful things going on.

This was my surgery time

2005-07-12T18:07:00.000-06:00

This is backdated to the minute I was wheeled into surgery for my transplant.

I got the call at 230 that afternoon.

More to follow

Moonlight Graham

2005-06-29T22:39:00.000-06:00

(I hate when blogger eats a post)

Remember Field of Dreams? A great baseball movie based on a great baseball book. Well there is this character in that story called Moonlight Graham, who actually did exist, and the details in the movie were pretty faithful to real life.

I came across a story the other day that warmed my heart to read. You should go have your heart warmed too.

Still staying with baseball, I finished a book the other day called Summer of '98, by Mike Lupica. It brought back all those great memories of 1998, the summer of the Home Run.

Every so often, I wished I lived in a US city where there was a MLB team. Rare, but it happens.

A thought just occured to me.

2005-06-29T20:12:00.000-06:00

I was listening to some tunes tonight - and back to back I had songs that made me think of ex-girlfriends.

The first - Everything is Wonderful, by Everclear - kind of is a pretty little pop song, but I was listening to the lyrics, and reflecting on them, and the song is about a relationship on its way down the toilet. I always kind of thought by its title and the first few songs that it was about a good relationship. How wrong I was, and how fitting it turned out to be in hindsight.

The second, Tainted Love, by Soft Cell, is a fun song - great to dance to, that reminds me of a girl I dated way back in my Lush days. That one also is about a relationship on its way down. I wish I had hindsight then as well.

So anyhow.. if I am ever dating a girl, and a similar song seems to be appropriate - I will run!!

A little of this and a little of that

2005-06-26T16:16:00.000-06:00

Went to the HeadStart 2005 thing on Thursday and Friday - and learned a bit. It was a pretty good course designed for articling law students and taught them how to start doing research. For me it just helped build upon what I have learned so far in my month and a half on the job.

We had our latest get-together with some of my classmates last night - and I drank way to much - but it was a really good time.

Also yesterday I went and saw Chris Wynters and Scott Peters at O'Byrne's in the afternoon - and it was like my own little private show. I picked up Chris' solo CD - which is released this Tuesday. It is a great disc - kinda roots/folkish I suppose. He has a CD release party on July 9 at the Starlite Room. You should go! I will be there too!

Other then that - I bought a baseball simulator the other day - and it is pretty addictive! Lot's of fun, and a good distraction from the work learning curve!

Long time no see!

2005-06-18T20:49:00.000-06:00

Sometimes with this thing I just go for a while without anything new.

Sue me.

Anyhow, work continues to go well. I am on my own now, and I think I will survive - although at the end of the day I am pretty done for! I am getting more and more comfortable with each day that passes, and even better - I can function at work even when I do not feel great - something that was very hard to do cooking.

Today I would like to share with you a few things that I like this week:

Music --
Foo Fighters - The Best of You" A really kickass new song (I watched a live webcast of their CD release from Roswell NM tonight, and the video was awesome on it)
Audioslave - Be Yourself Love this one - very much like Soundgarden in their prime.

Books --
Shauna Singh Baldwin - The Tiger Claw A great novel
Simon Scarrow - The Eagle Series Read 3 of these so far, I am a sucker for historical fiction - plus it relates to a computer game I am having fun with.

Games --
Out of the Park 6.5 A very cool baseball sim - sure to kill many hours this summer
Rome: Total War A pretty cool war/strategy game - also sure to kill many hours!

Random Bookmark of mine --
Spank the Monkey 212 mph is my record

Happy Cloudy Day

2005-06-02T00:16:00.000-06:00

A little cloudy and whatnot today - but still pretty warm. I am sure it will thunderstorm tonight though - I can feel it in the air!

Work continues to go well, did a little cataloguing today and had much fun doing it!

I am going to be planning our next little class meeting for June right away, and am just trying to decide on a place to go to. I do have a few good ideas though.

Both my walks for diabetes are coming up this weekend - I will be a busy guy this weekend for sure - lets just hope I am feeling OK.

Not much else new really - I am trying to pick my holiday days for the rest of the year though - 9 paid days is good.

20 minutes after I entered the above, I tested my sugars, and got a High Glucose reading - which means my sugar was higher then 33.3. Yikes! I took a bunch of Humalog, but an hour later it was 30.3 - so my roommate drove me up to emergency, and I spent 5 hours there with an IV, and an insulin drip as well. Well that worked really (too) well, as my 11 I was 3.3. My body feels like it has been beat up - from super high to low in 4 hours. Poor little body.

The Starlite Room

2005-05-25T20:33:00.000-06:00

The Starlite Room - twinkle twinkle

This place used to be the Rev/Lush, a place where my friends and I used to go 1/2/3 times a week to have a really really great time dancing and haging out. Mentally, I kind of knew it had reopened in some way shape or form, but as I plan on going to a show there this weekend, I stumbled on their website, and noticed they have 'Lush' Wednesdays! Mental note to take a day of on a Thursday sometime and go to check it out!

Back to work

2005-05-24T22:58:00.000-06:00

Back to work after the long weekend, and I went in early today, as I had a Doctor's appointment this afternoon. It felt kind of weird to just clean up my desk and leave, as opposed to getting special permission from a supervisor, or boss or whatever I have worked for in the past.

Set up my Hep B vaccination - something I need to have for the transplant, no big deal really.

Spent a while tonight just downloading some more tunes (I know illegal and all, but like I am the only one!) Got some Audioslave, The Killers, more VNV Nation, and various other stuff.

Tommorrow is already Wednesday - man I love short weeks.

My new work email is jason.turner@fmc-law.com if anyone wants to say hi during the day!

Happy Victoria Day

2005-05-23T10:13:00.000-06:00

Not much going on today.. kinda rainy and blah outside, but I suppose it will help everything be more green later.

Star Wars III was amazing. Lots of action, lightsaber duels, and much 'darker' then the previous ones, which suits me just fine.
Go see it now.

In other news, work continues to go well, but my brain is definately getting full every day! Makes it nice to come home and be able to relax though - no homework, or anything else to do!

This Saturday we have a little get together with some classmates, which should be fun. Several of us now have library jobs, and it should be fun to share and listen - as well as see friends! After that, I decided I am going out to the Starlite Room to see a band, VNV Nation play. Kind of a gothy/industrial/dancy band. I kind of discovered them by accident last Christmas, and thought I would love to see them live - but as they are from [edit] London - I did not hold my breath! So when I saw they are playing here I had to take the chance to go. Hope it will be fun.

Wednesday mid week update...

2005-05-18T17:27:00.000-06:00

Well I felt kinda crappy yesterday and today, but still got through work. I have to admit, that is a relief. I do not want them to regret hiring me, and hope I do not become super ill in my probationary 3 months.

Today I sort of had a headache, and was making many little mental errors. I have had a lot to take in over the first 5 days, and I think my brain is full.

Got my ticket to see Star Wars: Episode 3 today, for Friday evening after work. Should be fun, I have heard many good things about it so far!

Was asked to be on an advisory committee for the Alberta Monitoring for Health Program, as they just got about 1.4 million in new government funding. Apparently I get to help decide how to spend the money. Hehehehe.

Monday Update

2005-05-16T18:03:00.000-06:00

Well the first few days of being a law library technician are in the bag, and so far so good.

I think that the job itself will be easy enough, the only real problem being the bit of a learning curve to understand the subject matter for the first bit.

I am going to take 20 minutes every night and learn more about what I need to do in order to get it down. That, plus the time at work, and I should be good to go.

Other then that, not much else is new. Met with Sarah Lord, who I met through the Canadian Diabetes Association the other night, and we threw around a few ideas in regards to support for diabetics and their families. She is very passionate and committed, and helps inspire me, much in the way that she tells me that I inspire her.

Anyhow, off to dinner, and then I think I am going to finish my book that I am reading, Viking : Odinn's Child.

This is wher I work as of May 12, 2005

2005-05-10T23:36:00.000-06:00

Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP

I feel a little lucky, and incredibly happy to have gotten this job!

I will do a big post later, very tired now. This sounds like it should be fun!

Jason

Interview today:

2005-05-09T19:29:00.000-06:00

Overall I would have to say it went well. It lasted pretty close to an hour, and it sounds like it would be a pretty interesting and fun job.

I should know soon, as I know she did my reference checks today.

*waits on pins and needles*

Diabetes Conference

2005-05-07T21:53:00.000-06:00

Well today was a pretty ok day, despite the sugars being a bit wacko.

I got an award for doing my support group - and gave a little 5 minute speech about some of my experiences - and ended up with a standing ovation! A little embarrasing, but in a good way!

I also got to introduce Dr. Paty - from the Islet Cell Team - as he gave a research update. Some pretty technical stuff was presented, but was interesting to me. I also had the pleasure of meeting 2 people who have had it done, 1 man who has had no problems really, and a lady who it didn't work for, so it was nice to get a couple of perspectives from them.

I will take a picture of my award soon - and post it.... It is quite nice!

Wednesday night

2005-05-04T22:50:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful day in Edmonton today. It was sunny, and about 20 ish degrees. I finished work at 830. and had to wait 15 minutes for my bus, but it was awesome, as the sun was just setting, shining right on me. Sometimes a little sun is good for the soul.

Work was OK today. Cooked some stuff, prepped some stuff, served some stuff to customers. The people who work there are pretty decent for the most part.

On my break I discovered I had a call from the HR department of a law firm, where I submitted my resume this morning. Apparently they move fast in that field!

Long story short - interview on Monday AM! I think I would feel a bit guilty if I left Sunterra so quickly - but I never paid 12 grand to not work in my new profession. And I hate being on my feet for 8 hours straight.

But lets not count my chickens before they hatch.

Hi ho, Hi ho, it's off to work I go

2005-05-03T09:08:00.000-06:00

Just call me one of the underemployed!

Off to work today to start a new job at Sunterra. I used to work there downtown several years ago - so I kinda know the company - so that made the choice a bit easier.

Still looking for the library job!

I feel good today - after stopping taking the Sandostatin on Sunday. I was having some pretty crazy side effects. Not fun. Still need to get ahold of my Doc though.

Hell on Earth

2005-04-30T10:20:00.000-06:00

I don't ever recall feeling this terrible.

However sick I have ever told you I am, multiply by 2, or 3, or 5, or 10. This is not fun, and I really don't see how I will be able to handle this forever. Hopefully though - it is just for now, until the doctors can figure out the right was to do it. Hopefully at some point I will be able to not have dilemmas like the previous entry. It's all so overwhelming.

Ironically - I run a support group for for other diabetics. But who do I turn to when I need help? What do I do? It's all so unclear.

Choices.

2005-04-29T16:15:00.000-06:00

You have a choice to make.

You can have 1 of the following 3 things

Food
Medication you really need
Transportation

What do you pick?

Convocation Day, and other assorted thoughts

2005-04-29T06:17:00.000-06:00

Well tonight is my convocation for my program!!

Woo Hoo! Should be fun I hope. It will bring some closure to it, that is for sure.

I got my Sandostatin yesterday - 25 little 1ml tubes of 100 micrograms of active stuff - containing about 2000$ of medication. My head hurts when I think of that number. I do no like the needles used for the injections. They are about 3 times longer then the ones I use for insulin, and much much bigger. I hope this stuff works. It is also much harder to prepare the medication for injection. Did I mention I hope it works!!

Had my CRA interview - I thought it went pretty well. They only really asked about customer service and teamwork - 2 things that I excel at. Due to the slowness of the government, it will be about a month before I find out anything.

The bank account is pretty much empty. I am starting at Sunterra next Tuesday, so thankfully I will have some cash coming in again. But I basically have no money until mid-May sometime. Ugh.

Wednesday - the crazy week starts now!

2005-04-27T09:53:00.000-06:00

Well I have an interview today at Sunterra, for my backup job. I am fairly confidant, even if I haven't really worked in a restaurant for 2 years!

Later I am going to see my sister for a visit, should be fun as always!

Tomorrow I have my CCRA interview - so I will need to prepare for that a bit tonight. After I am off to Clinical Investigations at the UofA Hospital for some Sandostatin (makes me sound like a junkie - but really I am not!)

Friday afternoon I have an interview for a STEP position at the Royal Alexandria Hospital - I think it was something to do with databases or something like that - Rehab Services anyhow.

And then my convocation on Friday night!!

Whew!

Monday in Edmonton

2005-04-25T12:37:00.000-06:00

Not much going on today. Talked to the folks in HR at AADAC about the position I applied for last week, and they said interviews are being arranged this week, for next. So hopefully I will get a call.

Going to meet a few of the peoples from school tonight for dinner - should be fun!

Tomorrow the plan is to drop more resumes of locally for the 'whatever' jobs.

There are also 9 jobs for PT for EPL that I wil apply for, and hope there are not too many internal candidates!

Lunch time now, more stuff later!

Books I have read lately

2005-04-24T00:08:00.000-06:00

Since I am up late.. I thought I would start mentioning books I have read recently that I have enjoyed..

The Coffee Trader

A Conspiracy of Paper

A Spectacle of Corruption

Fahrenheit 451

More to come as I think of them!

Saturday night in the city...

2005-04-23T22:47:00.000-06:00

As per usual, my night consisted of nothing.

Was a little ill today - woke at 8, and my sugars were high - I think I forgot to take my N last night! So not surprisingly I have not felt well today. Ah well.

I slept from 830 to about 1 pm, something that I rarely do, then watched 'The Big Lebowski' - which was alright, but not as good as I expected.

Other then that - went out for a walk later in the early evening - what a nice day in Edmonton today.

Right now playing some music/games to pass the time until bed. Not surprisingly I am so not tired right now!

In more random thought news - tomorrow the plan is to drop off a few resumes to places around here. Safeway, Earls, and whatever else I see in between in the area. Just need something to get the income coming in again!

Practicum is done

2005-04-23T07:02:00.000-06:00

Well all done at Millwoods for my practicum.

It was surprisingly emotional leaving yesterday - the ladies took me out for lunch, and then also bought a cake as well, and a nice card that everyone signed. Quite touching.

I received my evaluation from the branch manager, and scored outstanding on everything, so that makes me happy, and she is willing to be one of my references as well in my job search.

I also decided to leave my keys in Millwoods, which I didn't realize until 6 when I was home, so I had to turn around, and go back. I got back here at 830, so it was a long day.

Monday Monday.... Part 2

2005-04-18T21:22:00.000-06:00

Talked to the librarian from CCRA a little while ago, and she wanted me to send her my resume electronically for her to pass on to the rest of the selection panel. She will be calling me to set up an interview in the next couple of days, as she needs to have the librarian from Calgary come to help her select - so they have to work around that schedule.

In other news that I neglected to post before, someone at the Canadian Diabetes Association nominated me to be recognized for what I have done with my support group. I will receive something on May 7 at their regional forum. That is nice to be recognized, and will be a good way to get the word out for more people (even though I am taking a 4 month hiatus from the group for the summer to get settled with work - when I find it!)

Monday Monday..

2005-04-18T18:27:00.000-06:00

Well not too much new, but I thought I would post anyhow on a variety of topics.

Topic 1 -- Baseball. The new season are upon us, and my Minnesota Twins are doing well so far. It is always fun to wake in the morning and read various blogs, newspaper articles and whatnot to recap the games. So much more fun then looking at the boxscores in the paper.

Topic 2 -- Jobsearch. Last week I sent in 5 applications for various positions for Edmonton Public, 1 for AADAC, and have heard nothing yet for any of those. The women at Millwoods where I am doing my practicum keep telling me to keep applying and not let it bug me, so that is what I shall do. Today I got a call from Canada Revenue about the test I wrote last week. She just left a brief message, and I was unable to get ahold of her later, but I would assume that it is either to invite me for an interview (or not). I also found a job for a library clerk at one of the law firms for like 5-10 hours a week. Not the best amount of hours, but could be good to pad out the experience. Like every other position I see, I will apply as always.

Topic 3 -- Sick. I was very sick all Saturday night, and most of Sunday, but feel better today. But I am getting damn sick of being sick if that makes any sense.

Time for supper.

Step 2.... Standardized test

2005-04-12T19:46:00.000-06:00

Well I wrote the test for the CCRA today, and I thought it went well. I am not supposed to go into specifics, but I feel pretty confident that I will get an interview.

Out of our graduating class of around 30 people, there were 6 of us there all taking the test, and then about 12 others, who I would assume are library technicians working(or not) other jobs. Dale, Marilyn, Annick, Shazia, Jillian and myself hopefully all represented our class well.

It kind of suprised me how people dressed for it though. I wore a shirt/tie/jacket today to look nice, and for the most part the others dressed professionally, except for a couple women. One wore flannel, looking like she had just come in from the bush planting trees or something like that, and another wore sweats and a t-shirt. I am not sure that this will come into play when deciding who to interview - but damn it... if you are going for a professional job... look freaking professional!

In other news, at my practicum today I helped with storytime, and did the hokey-pokey! Good times.

A bit better...

2005-04-09T15:33:00.000-06:00

Well the day after the dumb concussion, and I must say I do feel better. Just a teensy headache really, so I think I got lucky. Of course after my 1st concussion I didn't feel so bad the day after either.

We shall see I suppose. Off to the store to get some food for dinner.

Friday from hell....

2005-04-08T17:48:00.000-06:00

Well not a great way to wind up the week.

I was taking a shower this morning, and as I was getting out of the tub, with the 1 foot still in, slipped, and I fell and whacked my head big time. Out for a few minutes I think, and it took me a bit to really get my wits about me. (or as much as they ever are).

So I head on down to the UofA Hospital, and I find, much as I suspected, that I have another concussion (3rd one if you are counting).

Major headache, some nasuea, and generally not feeling well at all. Having gone through this a few times now - I still do not wish this on my worst enemy.

But the day was not lost - as the library were very nice to me today - offering to come pick me up (even though I live 5 blocks from the hospital), and calling a couple times to see how I was doing. That feels good. I love that place and the people there.

Had a call from a school library where I may have a shot at a temp 2 month position, I am going for an interview next Thursday at 145.

Thursday!!

2005-04-07T22:35:00.000-06:00

Had a really great day at work/slave labour in the library today.

Did some check outs for the first time, and dealt with good patrons, and grumpy patrons.

Had a little mini-review with the manager, she thinks I am doing well, and wants me to get more involved with some storytime stuff next week. I am excited about this. I think it will be reading a story or two to little 2 year olds.

At the info desk it was actually more then just people wanting a library card(which has been the most common event there so far). Helped a couple high school kids find stuff for projects, and then this cute grade 4 boy find some information for a powerpoint presentation(!!) he is doing on cyclones. That was very gratifying.

I also continue to prepare for my little test for the gov't next Tuesday - looking at print resources, one of the librarians was nice enough to point out a few she thought were important.

Off to bed.

Mid Week update....

2005-04-06T07:14:00.000-06:00

Well almst time to get moving back to the library, but thought I would post some kinda good news.

I applied for a library tech job with Canada Revenue way back in February. Well yesterday I got a call inviting me to write a standardized test for them. I had pretty much given up on that position - so great news! This would be a good job overall. A 1 year term, but most importantly, like 19.75 an hour or something like that. That would be the best part (and the whole getting more experience angle).

Also been a few more postings around in other places then I really expected. This seems to be a not terrible time to be looking for a library job in Edmonton.

Peep Research - Staley Library, Millikin University, Decatur, IL

2005-03-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

Peep Research - Staley Library, Millikin University, Decatur, IL

Some people have too much time on their hands. But it is really freakin funny!!

1st day for Slave labou.... I mean my practicum

2005-03-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

My day at Millwood branch was fantastic.

Arrived at 845, and was almost immediately thrown into the fire of
checking in books, and routing them either to the shelves at our branch
or to whatever branch they came from.

Did that until 11, when I went out on the info desk (reference) for an
hour with the manager.   Didn't really do too much there - just kinda
watched and got my bearings.

12-1 Lunch.  I had an excellent A&W Burger - Mama with Cheese, and
fries, and Diet Root Beer.

At 1 I did some SIRSI training with the assistant manager for an hour or so.

At 2 or so I went and put the holds out on the shelf - about 3 trucks
full of them!!

245-330, checking in more books

330-400, break time!

400-500 Info desk, where I helped actual patrons and everything!


All in all a really good day.  More of the same tomorrow I am told, as
it was very busy there because of the long weekend.  And being Spring
Break, I bet all those who did EPL dealt with very busy branches.

Everyone there is very nice, and extremely knowledgeable!!

Off to practicum day!

2005-03-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Heading out in an hour and a half for my practicum. Should be fun!

Yesterday spent 5 hours in Clinical Investigations doing a lactulose test, blowing up 19 little bags for breath samples. One of the easier medical tests I have done - but certainly the most boring. At least I saw Cathy, one of my friends who has had the Islet cell transplant.

Other then that, unpacked more stuff - just about fully settled in!

All moved in!

2005-03-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

Well I am all moved in for the most part. A few boxes left to go through and unpack, but I can do that tomorrow.

My new roommates name is Tanelle, and she is a really nice person! She has a little kitten named Loki, and it has been interesting watching the interaction of the two cats the first day here. Poor Phoebe - has to move to a strange place, and have this little playful kitten already here. I am sure that in a few days things will be a bit better though. Phoebe is just sticking to her little corner and will expand out from there I think.

Well that's it for me for the day I am dean tired. Thanks to Katherine and her husband Peter for helping me move my stuff today!

Enough for today

2005-03-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

Well packing is pretty much good to go. I think that tomorrow will go a bit easier then I expected.

The only thing left to do is pack the food/kitchen stuff, and then also take apart the computer and desk. But that can all wait until the morning, as I am pretty bushed. Gonna relax and play a computer game for a couple hours before bed.

Because Gleeman Told Me To...

2005-03-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Seems like a fun game! Some songs I am mildly embarrassed by, others I wish would have shown up!

1. Goo Goo Dolls – Slide
2. Type O Negative – Cinnamon Girl
3. Annie Lennox – Love Song for a Vampire
4. Glass Tiger – Don’t Forget me When I’m Gone
5. Our Lady Peace – Innocent
6. Wallflowers – Heroes
7. The Cult – The Witch
8. The Tea Party – Temptation
9. Evanesence – My Last Breath
10. Depeche Mode – Dream On
11. Toad the Wet Sproket – Little Heaven
12. Captain Tractor – Follow
13. The Tea Party – Silence
14. Captain Tractor – Who’s the dumb one
15. VNV Nation – Serial Killer
16. Cibo Matto – Flowers
17. Darling Violetta – Angel Theme Song
18. Kraftwerk – Radio Activity
19. Star Wars – Duel of the Fates
20. Tori Amos – Lovesong
21. CBC – Hockey Night in Canada Theme Song
22. The Cure – Lullaby
23. E Nomine – Mitternacht
24. U2 – Staring at the Sun
25. Johnny Cash – Rusty Cage
26. Nirvana – Lithium
27. Buffy the Musical – Under your Spell/Standing
28. Voltaire – Dead Girls
29. Curve – Chinese Burn
30. No doubt – Don’t Speak
31. Die Form – Rain of Blood
32. Duran Duran – Hungry Like the Wolf
33. Our Lady Peace – Life
34. Depeche Mode – Behind the Wheel (Route 66 Megamix)
35. The Soup Dragons – Lovegod
36. Guns and Roses – Sympathy for the Devil
37. Smashing Pumpkins – Today
38. Gordon Lightfoot – If you Could Read my Mind
39. Barenaked Ladies – It’s all been done
40. Captain Tractor – North of the Yellowhead

School done!

2005-03-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well that's that. Done. Last 3 exams on Wednesday or Thursday are all done. A bunch of the class went out for a few drinks at the Sidetrack last night, - and well some of us had more then a few, but we deserved to celebrate.

On to slave labour, I mean the practicum next week.

In other news, I saw Dr. Sadowski, my GI doc yesterday, and he is sending me for a test on monday, and he prescribed another drug that may or may not work, but he feels it worth it to try for a month.
I am game, as I told him yesterday that I would do anything to solve these problems.

Packing day today... would like to start now, but Greg just got home from a busy night shift, so I will wait until noon, and then have lunch and get at it.

Ugh

2005-03-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

Beyond sick tonight.

I have 2 finals tomorrow and can barely study. Cannot concentrate. Cannot motivate, and barely care. I don't even need to pass either test tomorrow to pass the course. Now I know I will pass the exams, but I still hate how I feel about the whole thing. I pretty much don't care any more.

But I am kinda glad I am this ill, I see Dr. Sadowski tomorrow AM before my exams, and I really want him to see me at my worst. I think that will happen. Actually I know that will happen.

New search engine. A9.com

2005-03-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

A9.com Home Page

A new search engine... looks pretty good so far. Must try it out and see how it does.

Weekend over...

2005-03-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well the weekend is done, and I never quite did what I wanted to.

Captain Tractor was really fun on Saturday, even if the show was in a tent outdoors. Once you got moving it wasn't too bad, but it was a wee bit chilly. Bought the new CD - it is great as usual, and to my surprise my name is in the liner notes in the Thank You section again!

Also saw a new singer, Will Preville. He has a song called Anatomical Gift, which is about organ donation. That is the new song of my Islet Cell Transplant! I thanked him for writing such a cool songs. It means alot to me.

Off to shower now. Todays plan is school, get cat food/litter, get Humalog, and finish my Learning Journal for the Systems Design class. Finals this week. Mental not to try and have no distractions at all until Thursday.

Blog blog blog....

2005-03-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

Well lets start this again shall we?

I am feeling pretty good today, but my stressful week starts now. Studying for finals, homework, and packing for next weeks move all shall take up my time (but I am going to the Captain Tractor CD release on Saturday night!).

Back to your regularly scheduled programming.....

(happy Green Beer Day!)