Marching band show

This evening I was able to chaperone Tim's band to a local marching band presentation. It consisted of about 7 local bands. The bus left the school at 5:30 p.m. and we got home at about 10:15 p.m. A long but enjoyable evening. I must say, and it's not because I'm biased, that our band was one of the best. The kids practice many hours during the summer with the guidance of their music teacher. And it does show. It was one of the first outings I have chaperoned this year. Afterwards, I helped put away all the band members uniforms and hats. Lots of them!

It's now 11 p.m. and Tim is still on his first subject of homework. Of all nights, he has a lot to do. And now just getting to it. A busy day for him, since he had soccer practice right after school and then off to the band outing.

Geez, another week has ended

It's a Friday night and I'm not at a football game. Barry had to work, and I decided to stay put. Took the time to file away about 3 months of receipts that have been piling up on my stairs. and did some vacuuming/laundry. Tim did go to play in the band.

This has been a very dreary week weatherwise. Lots of misty rain, very little sun.
Have heard perhaps the sun will shine this weekend. Most of the week consisted of Tim having either soccer practices or a game. Very busy.

Today Tim chaperoned a 4th grade class camping trip. He was funny when he told me about the kids. He said that they had lots of energy! Even mentioned that he himself felt old compared to them... Did enjoy himself and having the opportunity to do so.

My new job is getting a little better. Still enjoy not having to hear the phone ring all the time. Am kept busy ALL day, just enough time to go to the bathroom. I do enjoy the job, just need to become more comfortable at it. The department presently consists of a manager, 3 other ladies and myself. Looking to hire another position like mine. There is just one person who has come across negative towards me, but I am hoping this will change. Just has the attitude that I should "speed it up", but I am doing the fastest I can do. Not at the comfort level for speed. I am not quite sure why she has this attitude but I will just continue to do the best I can. Heck, I am a friendly person! God just likes to give me stumbling blocks to overcome.

Did hear from Barry's doctor's office. It looks like he will continue with the 8 week course of chemo. There had been some mention of taking off a couple of weeks. But the way I look at it, keep the chemo going and fight back. As soon as I get definite date of treatment I will make reservation for the Family Home to stay there.

Weekend events

Last night was football and another chance to socialize. The football team won 49-0. When the score is so one sided, it's not that fun to watch. Our team did allow the 2nd and 3rd string of players to play which was good. We do enjoy watching and listening to the band.

And today Tim had his second soccer game. They lost 2-0, the same score as the Varsity team had. Each season you can see such a change in the way the kids play. Tim is much more focused this year, and his speed has picked up. It's fun to watch them play.

As for tomorrow, I think I heard Tim's going to play racquetball again. No shortage of activities here. As for me, lawn duty calls.

New job

Today the manager of my new department met with me, the other new girl and the woman who is teaching us the job. Wanted to know how we stood with the training process. I gave my honest opinion that the process takes a long time and involves many steps just to verify a currency transaction report. Even though I did these CTRs a couple of years ago, the process had changed dramatically by a new software program. And quite honestly, it takes me awhile to do this job. The other new girl (about 1/2 my age) seems to have a better grasp on picking it up. I'm one that learns best my having some kind of procedure to follow, and this job does not have such a luxury. It's hard to explain the process, so I won't even try. Will just say this, you have to research what is on our computer system and match it with the CTR. The problem is finding the information. I wonder if perhaps others are really not verifying the information, and just assuming it is there. Heck, it's only been a couple of weeks. But it seems that the manager is expecting me to learn this quickly. Wants the trainee to be able to go on and do other jobs, but still be able to answer questions. I consider myself a smart person, and am trying not to doubt myself. I've been told in the past that I don't give myself credit, and I'm just going to keep those words in my head. Do what I can, and do a good job. Hopefully the speed will come in due time.

Our first pig roast

Today we went to our first pig roast. It was our friend's 40th birthday party, plus a celebration of her getting a masters degree. There was so much food there. I didn't think I would actually eat the pork but I did, and I enjoyed it. Delicious. They cooked two pics, each weighed about 45 lbs. Considering all the rain we've had recently, it was a nice day. They had postponed it from yesterday due to the bad weather. It was great being with so many friends, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Today was just another reason why I love this country. Previously we never had been sociable, but here there is just something special. I can't explain it.

Friends are special...

There is nothing better than friends.

  

Kids enjoying a plastic duck race on the local creek.

  

God's country.

  

Barry and me. What a body!

  

These men were the chefs for the day.

  

I thought this was a good picture. Dog looking at the roasted pigs.

  

My first pig roast!

  

Farewell to Leya

After work today, our department went out to bid farewell to my friend who is moving to San Antonio. She got a really good job there and I wish her the best. She was the one who told me about this job opening from the very start. I had once worked with her. As I told her, she's one of the good ones. And will do just fine. She will be missed.
I had such a good time with the group, non stop chattering the whole time. I do think I made a good choice in moving to this department. Very friendly people.

Friends

While shopping at lunch today, I met a woman who has been a faithful bloggin' poster: Gerri. It was very nice to finally meet her. Her comments along with everyone else's, have been muchly appreciated.

I may not write every day, but please know that your thoughts keep us going.

Thanks..

PS. Day 2 of school is complete. First football game is this Friday.

A new school year

Today was the first day of school. Hard to believe that Tim is a sophomore now. Harder to believe that summer is over for the kids. Not like the old days, when kids were able to be kids during the summer. Now it is all about planned activities and camps for kids. Oh well.

Looking forward to first football game this Friday (well that probably will depend on the hurricane effecting us). Hoping it is dry enough for us to attend. As you may remember, football is a chance to socialize with our friends. And of course to listen to Tim play in the band.

I'm still here....

Sorry for not bloggin'. Gave myself a late summer vacation from bloggin'. So here's a quick update on our lives.

The past two weeks Tim had soccer camp which took up a lot of time. It was held in the morning and afternoon for over 3 hrs. each time. It is now over, thank googness. I missed having him at dinner time, not that our dinner is anything fancy. But he is good company.

School starts on Tuesday. I am wondering where the summer went, like a lot of other people I'm sure. It seems between band and soccer camp, the time went too quickly. From what I remember in my childhood, summer was a time away from school. A time just to enjoy being off. Times do change. Tim's band practices actually started the week he got out of school, and still continue at least once a week.

Today Tim had another soccer scrimmage. Didn't win but at least it was time spent practicing for the real season. He has made the varsity team, quite pleased at that.
It was a hot day, Barry didn't come. He sweats even in air conditioning, so didn't need to be outside. He has been sleeping better at night though.

After the soccer scrimmage, Tim went swimming at a friend's house. Can you believe that it was his first time in a swimsuit this summer! Never went to town pool at all. And considering how hot it was today, it was a perfect day for the pool.

Tonight he is at a party to celebrate the end of soccer camp. Certainly is ending the summer with a busy schedule. Oh yes, one more party tomorrow night for another friend in his class who is turning 16.

While he partied tonight, I cut the lawn.

My new job is great. I really like it and the people in the department. I only wish I had made the change sooner. I'm being kept busy, but without the constant ringing of a helpline telephone. Able to concentrate on deskwork. A friend of mine in the dept. will be moving to Texas, and we are having a party after work for her on Friday. I'm going to miss her but know she will do great.

Well, time to pick Tim up from party.

First day on new job

Today was my first day for my new job. From just the first day, I feel that this is a good fit for me. Since the department has been short staffed, there is a lot of catching up to do. I was just doing some data inquiries to help one of the ladies in the department today. And I was also able to go out to lunch with the department! This never happened in my other department since no two people could go to lunch at the same time. It was very enjoyable having nice conversation at lunch. Nicer also because I knew them before I got this job.

Barry was unable to sleep last night. Think it's the steroids. Hopefully he'll sleep tonight. Other than that, no complaints from him. Doing quite well with this treatment.

Barry's 4th chemoembolization complete

Just got home from Barry's 4th treatment. More to follow. He feels good. It was a good day for him yesterday.

After eating lunch I just woke up from a 2 hr. nap. Actually Tim is now home and he is also sleeping. And if you want to know, yes: Barry is the 3rd on the house doing the same thing!

Here's a summary of what happened since yesterday (from what I recall):

Got the hospital at 6 a.m. and Barry was hooked up to his IV for liquids. At 8 a.m. he was taken for CT scans and didn't return to short stay until 11 a.m. A long 3 hrs. for him. He then was prepped for his chemo treatment. At noon he was taken for his treatment. Earlier in the morning I called to see if I had a remove at the Family House, guest accomodations for patients' families who are going through serious health issues. I was so happy when I was told they had a single room for me. Here is the link to their website. Please check it out. If and when I win the lottery, my first donations will be to the Cancer Center locally, UPMC Liver Cancer Center and to this non profit organization. They truly deserve the monies.

http://www.familyhouse.org/welcome.asp

I stayed at the McKee place, just a couple of blogs from the hospital.

After Barry was taken for his treatment, I went to the Family House to check in. It was cleaner than any hotel I've stayed at. So friendly and helpful, having any possible needs you could mention. I did take a couple of pictures using my cell phone, and will attempt to download them for you. A single bed, desk, TV, shower and the whole house was nicely decorated. Could not beat the price of only $25.00 per night.

Barry did not appear on the floor of his room until 3 p.m. Had to wait an hour for his room to be cleaned. The nurses ended up moving a bed from another room into his room since cleaning dept. never showed up to clean it. Barry never minded, just continued to snore in hallway. I was the one that minded, for his own privacy. And I knew that vital signs should be checked every 15 mins.

The whole afternoon, he slept and snored. Occassionally I went out to the end of the hallway and worked on puzzles that were there. Have never made puzzles but this was so relaxing, a nice break. Barry never required pain meds during this chemo which was a blessing for him. It was at about 8 p.m. that he was allowed to sit up from being flat on his back. And for the first time he had a conversation with me. He ate the sandwich that I had bought in cafeteria at lunch, along with his favorite cookies and had some Ginger Ale. As he was eating, he was given benadryl again and quickly was back to nodding off. Dr. G stopped in to check on him. The CT scans showed no change in tumors, which we have learned to take as a good sign. After, I felt that I could leave him knowing he was fine. All this earlier time I was just sitting next to him, leaning back in chair just trying to relax.

It was about 8:30 when I left the hospital and walked to a Wendy's for a bite to go. I ate my dinner on the front porch of the Family House, rocking in a chair. If only someone could have taken my picture. By 10 p.m. I was in bed for the night.

Got back to the hospital by 8 a.m. and Barry was awake. He was in good spirits. Dr. G made his morning rounds and discharged him. We left the hospital at 10:30 a.m.

All in all, a very good chemo treatment. No growth in tumors, no pain from chemo. Barry never required pain killing meds this time. And I had a great place to go to after the day was done. Next time I've learned this: once Barry is back in his room, since he just sleeps, I will go back to my room and also rest. There is no need for me to sit there all day.

Again, thanks for all the prayers, as they are working.

Tomorrow is my first day on new job. Take care. And do check out that link.

PS. *******************
Since some one is sending SPAM links to my blog, I'm back to having to approve the postings. So bear with me.

PSS. *******************
Forgot to thank Lisa and family for taking such good care of Tim while we were gone. It was so nice knowing that Tim was in good hands. A load off of my mind. Again, thanks!

Tim's marching at the local fair this evening. I did not go, thought if better to say home with Barry. Who by the way, continues to be a real trouper.

One job ends and another will start

After 3 1/2 years in present job, today was my last day. And it ended like I remember most days to be: very busy. Got there 1 hr. early to get work done from Friday, and worked through our lunch hour. End result: 10 hr. work day. The one thing good about it was that my new job starts on Thursday. And I'm pretty excited about that. Something new and a chance to work once again with someone I had worked with previously.

Tomorrow Barry goes once again for his chemoembolization treatment. I've decided that it was best to go by myself, not take Tim with me. Too long of a day for him. If I'm not mistaken this will be his 4th such treatment. He will be having his CT scan done before the treatment. Usually it is done a week before but doing it the same day saved us a trip into the city. Fingers crossed and prayers are being prayed for good news.

This is the picture that got published in our local newspaper. Am very proud of it. Amish boy looking down the street towards the fair.