Update

I'm sitting in the hospital with my father-in-law, Chuck, who had surgery yesterday. Last year he had surgery to remove cancer from his kidney. The most recent scan showed that the cancer came back. So they decided to remove the whole kidney this time. Everything went well and he is on the road to recovery. We expect him to be in the hospital until Saturday. Thanks for all your prayers.

Good night, Noche

Last night we had to put my cat, Noche, down. He started acting strange on Sunday - meowing and hissing when he tried to go to the bathroom. By Monday night, he just laid in his litter box. I took him to the vet on Tuesday when I got home from work. He couldn't even lift his head - and he never meowed, which is very uncharacteristic of him. He was the most talkative cat I ever met. The vet said there was a blockage and gave me an estimate of $700 to fix it. As much as I loved him, I couldn't spend that much money, especially not knowing if he would survive. He was in bad shape. I just wanted to put him out of his misery. I held him and petted him and said goodbye.

I don't know why I'm taking this so hard. Last night I couldn't stop crying. This morning I burst into tears when I walked past our stairs and he wasn't there to jump out and swat at my leg then run behind the chair, or when he wasn't waiting for me outside the bathroom door after my shower, and he wasn't there to beg for a drink of water from the sink. I even imagined I saw him sitting on his favorite blanket and I swear I heard muffled meows this morning when I was still in bed.

Noche was annoying. He meowed a lot. He was messy. He didn't just cover his poo, he kicked the litter with a flare I have never seen before, scattering it on the floor. He had emotional issues too, probably from being abandoned by his mother at a very early age on the streets of Mexico. He compulsively licked his paws. And I'm pretty sure he is the culprit who gave me ringworm while we were still living in Mexico.

I loved him anyway. I loved the way he followed me all over the house, sometimes so close I would trip over him. I loved the way he couldn't wait to sit on my lap and snuggle as I watched TV. I loved the way he sometimes meowed with a slight gurgle when he really wanted something - maybe trying to sound more pathetic so I would give in. It usually worked.

But what I'll remember most about Noche is the unconditional love he gave me when I needed it most.

So now I'll cry for a little while. Because I miss him. And I love him. Maybe the menopause drugs are making me even more emotional than what is considered normal; but if you have lost a pet, you probably know how I feel. Best of all, you know how it feels to be loved simply because you are you.

Thank you for that gift, buddy.

Am I losing it?

Well, so far no hot flashes. However, I almost had a meltdown at Kohl's last Saturday. I am not a big shopper. I like to go into a store, find what I need, and move on. It was very busy on Saturday because they had some good sales - plus I had coupons for an additional 20% off so I had to get something! But if you know me, you know how well I handle crowded stores. So I was a bit tense to begin with.

After about 1.5 hours, I had my little cart filled with clothes to try on. On my way to the dressing room, I quickly made a stop to look at a vest. I was only away from my cart for 2-3 minutes and when I came back it was gone! I looked everywhere. I KNEW I left it right there by the striped sweaters - but it was no where to be seen. Then I started flipping out - maybe my memory is already fading. Then I started to feel like I was getting a hot flash. It was so hot in that dumb store. Why did that woman just run right into me!? And where was my cart! I'm losing my mind!

After wandering around, looking quite flustered I'm sure, I gave up on my cart. I found most of the items I was missing - my size mysteriously on the top of each pile. I guess those Kohl's workers don't take too kindly to unattended carts. Lesson learned.

On another note, happy 75th birthday Mom! I love you more than words can say.

Wake me up when October ends

What a month. I am glad it's almost over - but I also have a lot to be thankful for.

It's been a long time since I've updated this blog, but I hope to keep it somewhat timely. A lot of people have been asking how I am so I thought this would be the best way to explain what's been going on for the past month or so.

On September 30 - one day after our 3rd anniversary - Michael and I were riding ATVs up north. He was on the three-wheeler and I was on the quad. We just started our ride through the trails when my quad broke down. So I climbed onto the back of Michael's three-wheeler and we headed back to his place to get tow straps. On our way back to pick up the quad, we dropped the tow strap in a ditch. As we were looking for it, Michael headed up a steep hill and realized we didn't have enough power to make it up. I heard him say "jump off" and he was gone. I tried to jump off but the ATV was already tipping backwards down the ditch. I landed on my stomach and the vehicle rolled onto my back.

As it was happening, I had a feeling there would be serious injuries. My back hurt and I was having a hard time breathing. Michael went to his place to get the car and I laid in the ditch waiting for him to come back. Every time I tried to move, the pain ripped through my back, side, shoulder... I finally managed to sit up. Michael helped me to the car and I rested on the bed for about a half hour. Eventually I was able to walk around and sit in a chair - but the pain in my chest was the most mysterious, since the three-wheeler's handlebars landed on the right side of my back, just below the shoulder blades.

We went for a drive to the fish ladder and I tried to enjoy some "pure Michigan" in the fall, but every bump in the road made me wince. Michael went fishing that evening by himself. I tried to go out for dinner but we had to turn around because I was in too much pain. I went to bed, hoping I would feel better in the morning.

The next morning, Michael woke up early to go deer hunting - it was opening day, after all. I woke up and told him that I wanted to go home and that I needed to at least get some pain meds. On the way home, I made an appointment to see a doctor. The doctor ordered a chest X-ray, we picked up some pain pills, and we headed to our kick-ball game. Michael was still trying to get me to play - but since taking a breath caused a sharp pain to shoot up my chest I decided to sit this one out. They lost, by the way!

The next morning I got a call from the doctor. He told me to head to the ER immediately. I had a CAT scan that revealed a pneumothorax (partially collapsed lung), lacerations on my liver, and at least 4-5 rib fractures. I spent three nights in the hospital. The reason I had so much pain in my chest was due to the collapsed lung and some internal bleeding. Thankfully, the pneumothorax slowly healed itself and I did not need a chest tube.

On October 20, I had surgery (which was planned before the accident) for endometriosis. I'm just going to be real candid - not sure who reads this - but I'm just going to tell it like it is. I have been having severe cramps during menstruation for quite a few years. I know that many women complain about cramps, so I wondered if I was being a baby about mine and this is just how it feels for everyone, or if there was something more going on. So I lived with it. I also had some blood in my stool during my period, which was getting progressively worse as time went on. I finally scheduled an appointment with an OBGYN. After trying other treatments that did not work - some because we thought it could be irritable bowel syndrome - he decided to schedule me for surgery to see if I have endometriosis.

I have stage 4 endometriosis - which is the worst stage. For those who do not know (I sure didn't) this is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in other areas of the body. Every month, this tissue acts like the tissue in the uterus, causing it to bleed, form scar tissue, and sometimes fuse organs together - which was happening in my case. My uterus was attached to my bladder and my bowels. The doctor said that the tubes going from my ovaries to my uterus were in the wrong place and crooked. However, he was surprised that the tubes were not blocked. He removed as much endometrium cells as possible during surgery, but this is a condition that has no real cure. It will come back. He said removing that tissue is similar to mowing grass with dandelions. The seeds have been planted and it will return.

To delay this process, I will have a shot once a month for the next 6 months. This will send my body into temporary menopause, allowing my reproductive organs time to heal. Sounds lovely, huh? This usually comes with side effects like hot flashes, moodiness, increased risk of osteoporosis... I'm getting concerned because I'm hungry right now and it's only 4:30 pm. I wonder if this will also increase my desire to catch all the early bird specials so I can be home in time to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. I'm already driving around my parent's Lincoln Town car because the battery in my car died - but I don't think I've been driving too slow in the left-hand lane or anything like that. At least not yet.

I had my first shot yesterday - I was appalled by how large it was and the fact that it goes in my hip. It was sore yesterday, but it feels fine today. Hopefully the surgery combined with this treatment will help my body heal so I don't have to suffer as much each month. It was getting unbearable. The doctor said the length of time women feel relief varies. Some women go for years until their symptoms return - for others it can return in a matter of months. Let's pray for many years, shall we?

There are still a lot of unknowns. Not sure how my body will respond to treatment, not sure about infertility, not sure how long this will help me... I am thankful that we figured out what was going on, though. Please pray for peace and healing. And a prayer of thanks that my injuries from the accident were not more severe and that I am finally starting to feel better.

Hello Michigan!

It's been a while since I've updated, mostly due to the loss of my computer. It was confirmed that my hard drive is shot, so now I will be searching for a new laptop. If anyone has advice on what to get, please let me know!

The trip back to Michigan went much better than anticipated. Our rental van was packed to the ceiling. The kayak was shoved between the seats. Boxes and luggage were shoved in every corner. The four dogs were crammed in their cage - there was only enough room for three to lay down at a time so there was always one annoyed dog growling under her breath. And the cat clawed his way out of his little carrier 30 minutes into the trip - so he got to sit on my lap or curl up under the car seat the whole time. Despite the cramped quarters, the animals behaved well and we made it home without to many crazy stories.

We have been home for about two weeks now, and are very happy to be settling back into our routines. Most of the boxes are unpacked. The house has been dusted and de-cobwebbed. I love sleeping in my own bed and I especially love taking a warm shower without the fear of the water shutting off at any minute. Last week I was a counselor at South Olive Bible Camp. I had a great group of girls in my cabin and we had a wonderful week. I'm glad I had the opportunity to get back in time to be involved at camp this year.

I'm also glad we got home in time to see my nephew Drew get married. My sister's youngest son was married this past Friday. Welcome to the family to my newest niece, Tracy! Don't worry. Your gift is coming!

Packing Up

Thought I would give a quick update. I haven't been able to get online for a while. My computer is completely dead and I haven't had access to Michael's. Right now I am sitting in a motel room near South Padre Island in Texas. I can hear Spanish music blaring from the little bar downstairs. Apparently, they have a band playing tonight. Of course. Accordions and mariachi-style beats - I still feel like I'm in Saltillo.

On Wednesday, Michael and I packed up the van with the boxes of items we need to ship home and headed to Laredo, Texas. Our little house in Mexico feels sad without my pictures on the wall, my favorite blankets, and overly-used DVD player. Most of the closets are empty and the house feels empty, too. It's a weird feeling. Our time in Mexico is quickly coming to an end.

After spending the night in Laredo, we headed to McAllen to pick up Michael's parents from the airport. Chuck and Kathy will spend a few days with us in Mexico, help us finish packing up, and make the long trip home with us, four dogs, and possibly one cat. Could be an interesting journey.

Today we spend some time at South Padre Island. Tomorrow we will head back to the island and/or take a drive to Brownsville, then we will head for the border. We plan to visit a few of our favorite restaurants in Mexico, go to a couple markets, and visit with some friends. Then we pack up the van and head back to Michigan on Tuesday - hoping to arrive home on Wednesday night. Please pray for a safe trip. Can't wait to see you all soon!

Spiders and moths and scorpions, oh my!

So... I thought I would add a little post of things that make me jump, scream, run, almost cry...



First of all, I should let you know that my computer crashed a few days ago. It was acting very strange, so I shut it down. When I tried to turn it back on, it informed me that there are files missing or corrupt and it will not go on. The past couple days have been very long without my connection to the outside world. I just got into the habit of watching the first hour of The Today show online with my morning coffee, then checking my emails, looking at Facebook, thinking about posting a new blog... So I have felt a bit lost.



The good news is, the day my computer died, we got our van back. So at least I have a car now and can escape from the house, if I so desire. My computer time may be limited to nights when Michael brings his home. I'll try to keep in touch as much as possible.



Now back to these lovely pictures. The one above is a common sight here in Mexico. HUGE moths! I found this one hanging out in my shower one morning. I thought it was a bat at first. Luckily, he stayed in that corner until I got out. Let's just say it was one of the fastest showers I have ever taken.

These little rolly poley guys are everywhere in our house. I'm not afraid of them, except for the crunch they make when I unexpectedly step on one. It makes me jump every time. I don't know where they come from, but I figure our house is where they come to die. I sweep up large numbers of them on a weekly basis.

Spiders! Where do I even begin? Well, I can start by telling you that one just scurried past as I started this blog. It was one of the larger black ones that can run really fast. Of course, I made a lunge to crush it with my flip flop and missed. It goes without saying that I will be worrying about him for the rest of the night. The one above is of the smaller variety. He decided to set up camp in a matter of hours on my freshly washed laundry.

Above is not a creepy creature, however it has caused some pain. These thorns are outside our house. The dogs are constantly picking them out of their paws. Once in a while, one gets tracked into the house. One day I stepped on one without shoes on - yeah, it hurt.

This large rat was brought to me courtesy of our dog Belle. Apparently she thought I loved disgusting half-chewed rodents. The dead rat didn't alarm me as much as the idea that if there are dead rats this big, there are rats out there alive and well. I am praying this is the last rat I see in Mexico.

Seriously! What is this? There are so many odd looking bugs and creatures. I think this might be some sort of beetle - another very common sight. Beetles in every shape, size and color.

Did I mention how much I despise spiders? I see these large guys lurking around every corner. This type - I have found - is also very speedy. There are many more types of spiders, but I think you get the idea.

What would a true Mexico experience be without cockroaches? I wouldn't know. The first day we moved into our house I found one on our bedroom wall. Once in a while I see one racing across the floor. For a while, they disappeared. But the other night I watched in wonder as our cat tried to climb up the wall. I thought he had finally gone nuts, but when I went to investigate, I realized that he was simply trying to make a new friend - or he thought we got him a fun new toy. I got onto a chair and swiped it off the ceiling with a flyswatter, but before I could smash it, the cat swooped in, grabbed it, and ran off. I chased him around the house, made him drop it, and quickly put an end to the game. Sorry, buddy. Maybe I'll get you a little ball with some bells or a cat-nip stuffed mouse.

We also have mosquitoes that enjoy snacking at night and the common housefly. I killed a little scorpion the other day, but in my haste and frantic wallops, it was no longer picture-worthy.

Most days go by without a sighting of the more ugly side of Mexico. And all in all, I have to remind myself that this is part of the adventure.

Tomorrow we head back to South Padre Island. We plan to camp on the beach again for a night and return Sunday.

Home for the Fourth

I made a quick trip to Michigan last week to visit with friends and family. My Fourth of July weekend was wonderful. On Friday night, my brother Tim took me and my parents out on his new boat. We ate pizza on the boat from Sluggo's (aka Snuggies by my dad- ha ha). We cruised out to Lake Michigan to watch the beautiful sunset then headed back to Lake Macatawa and watched the fireworks from the boat. It was a fun night!

My brother Tim and my sister-in-law Jody

Me, my mom, and dad

The Holland pier - lots of birds headed out to see the fireworks as well.

Enjoying the ride

Boats gather in Lake Michigan for a fireworks display - we went to the one on Lake Mac

Me and Jody

I'm a sucker for sunset pictures

On Saturday, I headed up north to Branch. Chuck, Kathy and I went to several garage sales - some lived up to the "north of 10" label - interesting items to say the least. We also went to a little carnival/art show in Manistee. And since we were so close, we stopped at the casino - of course! Saturday night we had a nice dinner and watched a movie - Michael's brother Chad and his wife Kate spent the night, too.

On Sunday morning, I went to visit my sister Deb and her family at Silver Lake. The had a great campsite right on the water. We sat around the campfire, went to the beach, took a couple walks, and got ice cream. I spent the night. A very relaxing weekend!

My brother-in-law Daryl and my grandniece Charlotte

My niece Darcey and her daughter Adria

Adria seems a bit overwhelmed by Charlotte's love

I took a walk to this lighthouse while we were hanging out at the beach

You can climb to the top - notice the people way up there

Nice views from the top of the lighthouse

Darcey's husband Rodney had his mom and step-dad come for a visit on Sunday. Rod's mom made the climb to the top of the lighthouse with me.

Adria thinks I'm funny

Although, sometimes she looks at me with an enormous amount of concern

Me and Darcey

Darcey and Rodney's dog, Clyde, with sand all over his tongue. Clyde is a rescued dog and the poor thing always has his tongue hanging out because he was hit in the head with a shovel when he was a pup. He doesn't seem to mind the sand, though.

More beautiful Michigan sunsets. Kind of reminds me of those inspiring "Visit Michigan" commercials. Can't you just hear the lovely music playing in the background?

An unknowing couple sharing a romantic moment with me lurking behind them taking pictures.

Mountain High

Yesterday we took a drive to Monterrey - through the mountains. It was beautiful! We wove up and down the curvy roads, through valleys, over ridges, and on top of the mountains. In some places, the road was very narrow, allowing only one car at a time. There were huge potholes, small bridges, and tight turns. We drove through towns and villages and past waterfalls. Here's some pics:

We have not seen this much green since we moved to Mexico! Beautiful.

I like taking pictures of these yellow diamond signs for some reason - some of you know about this strange desire. Anyway, this sign was not an understatement on this road.

Apparently, this truck driver does not share my interest in yellow diamond signs. Perhaps going a little too fast around that turn?

There really were cows on the road, but I never got a good shot.

A very common sight in Mexico. And so dangerous. Often a one-car accident results in multiple deaths because of the number of people riding in the backs of pick-up trucks.

We stopped to check out this waterfall. This little swimming area caused quite a traffic jam.

A lot of people were climbing up the slippery rocks.

Yes, another yellow diamond. This one was frightening, considering the number of steep cliffs with loose rock. Not to mention, they do not reinforce the embankments.

When we got back in the car after checking out the waterfall, I noticed that one of the front tires was extremely flat. Thank goodness, there was a good spare in the trunk.

Think it's time for new tires?! These are literally ripping apart. There were three spots like this one in the tire.

At least I had a nice view while Michael, and our friend Kyle Jansen, fixed the tire. Kyle is here for about a week from Innotec Zeeland. I worked with him during my JVP days at Ventura. In this picture, you can see a little yellow spot in the mountains. It's one of many butterflies fluttering around. Some were brilliant colors, but I had a hard time getting a good picture.

We stopped at this popular waterfall, as well. Cascada Cola de Caballo means "Horsetail Waterfall" in English.

A horse, of course.

It started to rain hard while we were visiting the waterfall, but the sun never stopped shining. It felt refreshing.

Beautiful - it does sort of look like a horsetail.

The road through the mountains ended and we were in the middle of busy downtown Monterrey. So close to where we just were, but it felt like worlds away.