By the way, so this is what Zach thinks of Sarah Palin ... Har har. No, seriously, this is what he does when you ask him to "make his tuna face." OK, that's my adorable kid moment of the day.
Something very significant has happened in my line of recovery: I got my PICC line out! Yes, yes, no more wrapping up my arm in the shower, no more Magnesium pump, line flushes and dressing changes ... But most importantly, no babysitters! That's right, I am free to be left alone for hours at a time, which just makes life a whole lot easier. For one, it seriously simplifies life for my caregivers. As some of you might recall, we always had to maintain "double coverage," one person on hand for Zach and one person on hand for me, just in case of that off-hand emergency. Adhering to this policy always involved negotiations and a lot of Google-calendaring to keep everything straight. In a sense, everyone felt trapped ... and now we are all "free to move about the cabin." We are ecstatic. Mind, I still have a lot of restrictions, but don't underestimate the power of being alone, truly alone. It's different than sharing space in a whole house where you can't see each other and you're not interacting. It's genuine freedom.
In general, though, my overall well being has been good. There's a trend: I feel great in the mornings and, around mid-afternoon, I start to crash. I get shakier and shakier and then my limbs start to ache like I'm coming down with the flu or something. I often think of that commercial "I've fallen and I can't get up" because that's what it feels like to sit down at the end of the day.
In the mornings, though, I've been loving exploring all the places to walk in Marin. Last Saturday, Marlene showed me King's Loop, a trail that starts right from a residential street in Larkspur and winds down into Baltimore Canyon. Very excited about my new find, I decided to take Ann there yesterday. I don't know if it was an omen, bad luck or just stupid on my part, but while we were walking, I casually mentioned that, out of all the people we know, I think that we would be voted "most likely to get lost in the woods." Well, wouldn't you know. I don't know how it happened, but the walk started to seem longer than it should and then we started to think we were seeing familiar things. You know how it goes:
"You know, I think I recognize that tree."
"You do? I don't know. I'm sure this is the way."
You keep walking, eyes darting to every tree, branch and potential landmark. Your confidence begins to wain ... Until you see it: The-landmark-that-can't-be-denied.
"Uh-oh. I definitely saw this huge feather here. We are going in circles."
To make a long story short, we walked and walked until we ran into some kind of forest worker who was able to point us down the hill in the right direction. We didn't pop out in Baltimore Canyon like we were supposed to, but we did end up where we started. Needless to say, our walk was much longer than it was supposed to be and I was wrecked for the rest of the day. It was still fun, though. And, sometime soon, I'm going to have Marlene show me the way again ... I won't give up, by gosh damb-it.
But speaking of being lost in the woods, let's get political for just a moment (indulge me). What's wrong with you America? The Republican Party is the establishment -- they don't get to "be for change." McCain voted with Bush more than 90% of the time. He plans to renew Bush's tax cuts for those with incomes of $250,000 a year or more and he's got most of Bush's cronies (including that evil-genius Karl Rove -- the king of spin) already working for him now. How is voting McCain into office going to make things any different? I am very concerned, America, because these guys don't have your best interests at heart. How are things going for you now, as opposed to eight years ago? Well, I can't necessarily blame the Republicans for my cancer, but I can say that, economically, I was in much better shape. Be careful, America, the McCain people are trying to rile you up with patriotism and feed your hard earned money to big corporations and those who already have too much. And don't even get me started on Sarah Palin -- as a person, she is just not qualified to be Vice President of the United States. You know this.
Well, I don't want to turn this blog into a political diatribe, so I'll wrap it up and try to stay off the topic from here forward: Vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. They are our only true hope for change. Obama plans to cut taxes for 95% of the population (that's probably you), strengthen our foreign policy, ensure healthcare for all (which doesn't mean, by the way, taking away/altering the healthcare for those of you who already have it) and putting strength back into our economy without increasing our National debt. The Bush Administration has acted irresponsibly over these past eight years, actually making Government bigger than it's ever been. As I type, our financial institutions are crumbling around us ... What does that say to you?
At least look into it. Don't get lost in the woods.
much love,
Katie
Comments (6)
There are reasons the British Royal family does not permit discussion of politics, religion, or health. Fortunately, I am not a member of the Royals and make regular forays into all of the above subjects. The polls indicate that your political preferences are likely to be realized. Still, overnight can be forever in politics. The debates may prove "overnight" to either party. Go, Sarah, Go! As a two-term, small town Mayor myself, I can say that if you really want to learn the value of tax dollars extracted and expended, be a Mayor. The buck really stops in City Hall whether the Mayor is Republican or Democrat.
Families are wonderful. Royal or not, politics, religion, and health matter to families. I am glad our family can express opinions. I cheer for the progress your health is making. I respect your political preference, even if I disagree wholeheartedly. Boomers, save your IRA's--vote McCain/Palin. It's a dangerous world--vote McCain/Palin. Don't get lost in the woods--vote McCain/Palin!
Lovingly, Eva
PS Hi! to Barb and Jamie and other family members who comment from time to time. We should start a family blog for connectivity. What an interesting and opinionated collection of people we are!
Posted by Eva | September 19, 2008 8:17 PM
Posted on September 19, 2008 20:17
Katie, Heard from Ron yesterday about your PICC becoming history; congrats!! on the progress.
And I agree 110% on the Obama/Biden vote. Alas, I think there's a majority that rely on Faith even in the face of Fact. It does seem incredible and unbelievable people don't [want to] see thru McCain/Palin... But I also agree, you don't want to fracture your blog with politics (but was nice to read a simpatico voice).
Most importantly, great news on your progress & kudos to Zach's dead-on imitation of a tuna!
- Greg
Posted by Greg | September 20, 2008 2:43 PM
Posted on September 20, 2008 14:43
Katie, congratulations on your progress. This is wonderful news!
We're in total agreement on the coming election, FYI.
Posted by Liz Banks | September 21, 2008 11:46 AM
Posted on September 21, 2008 11:46
Dear Katie and everyone on the blog,
Glad tht you were found after getting lost. Did they not have a path or something? But I'm glad that you can get out and exercise and that your PICC is out. Horray for that, in fact Horray for all your excellent progress throughout this whole ordeal.
I wish that I could debate a lot better about politics but I just am pretty horrible at it. I've been following this campaign since the Primaries last spring of 2007. since moving to OK there is alot of talk radio and I wasn't really for anyone at that time except maybe Mitt Romney because of the Fair Tax. You see In OK you have to drive far to get anywhere so I was tuned in quite often and I got hooked. then before the DNC and RNC, I was really confused. And then after the DNC, I considered Obama, which really made me nervous to say the least. then the RNC started at a handycap with the Hurricaine and all and they put the US first. Then I met Sarah and I was convinced that John and Sarah were my chioce. Sarah Palin ahs cleaned up a lot of the corrupt governement In Alaska and has kicked backed monies saved to the citizens of the state. She also cleaned up the money spent at the Governmental Mansion by letting the staff go, putting the private jet up on Ebay, and driving herself to work. Both of these candidates have suffered personal hardships-Mccain in the prison camp and Sarah giving birth to a Down,s Snydrome baby. And both have overcome and excelled, And that shows honest character. and the theme of the RNC was to change what is going on now and work together as a union especially for the hard situations we are facing now as the energy crisis and the Wall Stret crash. So that is all I am going to say at this point.
Then I was thinkiong how lucky we are to live here and be able to express ourselves freely. so no matter how bad things are, there are still good things.
Well, got to get going. Talk with you soon.
Love,
Mom
Posted by Mom | September 21, 2008 1:35 PM
Posted on September 21, 2008 13:35
Katie,
So glad to read that you are making such wonderful progress. I won't go into my political beliefs, but will say that I my passions run in the same direction as yours. I truly fear McCain-Palin ticket for the values and policies they espouse, and because of the thought of a potential Palin presidency. She speaks of elitism, yet she says she's a hockey mom. How does that fit with all the indigenous peoples throughout Alaska that she has yet to reference in her reforms as governor? How can one not suspect her of being corrupt when the Republican party is strongly attempting to stop the investigation of her possible illegal actions regarding the firing of a superior who wouldn't fire her former brother-in-law? What about earmarks, i.e., she supported the bridge to nowhere until it was apparent it wouldn't be funded. OOOOO--and I said I wouldn't talk politics! Am looking forward to the debate Friday---hopefully, we'll really hear discussion of issues rather than bashing one another.
Kim is coming here in a couple of weeks. Liberia was a tough assignment--politics up the wazoo. She's applied to Teachers College/Columbia U for a PhD. in international education. With her experience and the research she's already done, I think she'd be a top-notch pick (not that I'm biased).
Zach gets cuter by the moment. Your hikes sound wonderful and remind me of the times I've hiked in Maine where "the mountains meet the sea". If it makes you feel any better, I, too, have a hard time sleeping, but mine is mainly job stress--cutbacks, long hours, and continual job re-configurations and changing expectations. Love the pictures you include in your blog. If I didn't know they were you, I'd think they were your mom. You look just like her, as Kim looks just like her dad.
I think of you and Peter so much more than I write. That isn't an excuse, just what I can manage.
Gotta go to prepare for class! Keep smiling.
Love,
Aunt Kathy
Posted by Aunt Kathy | September 22, 2008 8:49 AM
Posted on September 22, 2008 08:49
Glad to hear the picc is out and you have your freedom again. Ed talked to Al yesterday and Jenni is applyinhg for jobs in Chicago. She plans on moving here if she gets a job. We're anxious to see her. Hope to have another get-together sometime next spring when you have "the all clear." Keep up the blogs - we're loving it. Freedom of Speech is a blessing! Great to hear ideas from all!
Posted by Jamie | September 23, 2008 8:01 PM
Posted on September 23, 2008 20:01