Continuation of my Story ....

Are you ready for the next installment of the continuing saga of my life as I know it right now? Ok let's begin ... this is a story of another major change in my life and quite unexpected I might add. Seems to me 2012 is proving to be a year of the unexpected events. Life can be a surprising journey and difficult one all at the same time time. But I am learning things are working together for my good. But I am getting ahead of myself. As I previously mentioned I had joined the Brain Aneurysm Foundation where I met many wonderful people from around the world. It's like having one giant support group right from the comfort of your home. There is always someone online, lots of medical  information about aneurysms and recovery process  and best of all people's stories about their journeys. There are many stories:  of successful surgeries, loved ones losing their family members to an aneurysm that has ruptured and/or a series of complications during or following surgery. 

I thought it very interesting how many people ask for prayer support and many respond by stating they would be praying for them. Other survivors encouraging people like myself who are waiting for surgery etc.  No matter where you are in your journey there is someone there for you to listen to your fears, concerns and /or celebrate a successful procedure. Family members of survivors also have a place on this site to talk about how they feel on their journey as they walk along side their loved ones. 

The Continuing Story ...

Hello Again,

The CT scan revealed I have on the right side of my head a  Middle  Cerebral Artery (MCA) 8mm Aneurysm. I hardly knew what an aneurysm was or how to spell it let alone how dangerous it could be if it ruptured. Needless to say, I was in shock as I was sure the ER doc wasn't really talking to me but someone else. Nope, he was talking to me. I was released from the hospital and sent home. The next few months I was in such pain with my knee I hardly gave the aneurysm a second thought except when I had to go into the city for more tests. I saw a couple of neurosurgeons who provided me with information about my aneurysm. I had to take someone with me as I didn't hear half of what they were telling me nor did I understand it; I am well educated. But when you are facing a life threatening situation it's hard to compute all the information. 

I found a wonderful site called the Brain Aneurysm Foundation where I met many wonderful people from around the world who were aneurysm survivors. This is their link: http://www.bafound.org/ 

I have chatted with many people on this site and I asked many questions as this certainly is a new journey for me. Right now I am waiting for a date as I am scheduled for a Fall surgery. A good friend of mine will stay with me during my hospital stay. I have to travel to another city about 150 miles from where I live. I am very grateful to her for taking time off work to go with me. Both of my parents are deceased and my younger brother seemingly cannot deal with this event in my life and  has chosen not to be there for me. I came to terms with his decision and moved on with my life. I have since found out from other friends many siblings don't know how to respond in crisis like these and chose to do nothing. I am so grateful to the many friends here and from around the world that have rallied around me and been so very supportive to me during this time. The road to recovery is a long and arduous one. 

I got all my affairs in order for this event should things go south for me or I not be able to look after myself. I am not being morbid as I do believe that God can see me through this surgery and I can come out alright. But I do have to be realistic as I have three fur kids (dogs) and an estate. A couple, friends of mine agreed to be godparents to my fur kids and I asked them to be the beneficiaries of my entire estate. I have a living will also (very important document) and a power of attorney just in case. 

I am currently "spring" cleaning my house as either dead or alive I want my place to be in order! I am cooking ahead and freezing meals as I won't be able to cook for awhile, don't want to burn the house down because I forgot I had something on the stove. LOL 

I have a dear friend here who has agreed to be listed as my "next of kin"  I am so thankful she has chosen to come alongside  me as she will be able to discuss with my neurosurgeons my medical condition and surgery outcomes. As far as I understand now I won't be aware of too much after my craniotomy (major surgery) to clip the aneurysm. Ouch! I don't apologize for being straightforward and candid. This is how life is for me right now. I am I afraid? You bet I am. But I also know that I am in God's hands. 

Grover

A lady from a friend's church has agreed to take my three dogs while I am in the hospital. I am so relieved as I worried about Grover who is 13 and a half years old and has a wee bit of a heart murmur now. He gets so anxious when he is away from me. I have made all kinds of plans and hopefully some of them won't have to be implemented. 

Major Update

Well, Well, it's been awhile hasn't it? I hope to change that and start blogging again. there are so many happenings in my life as of late it's hard to know where to begin.

First off, I have had at least two major life altering experiences which I will come back to in a moment. 

As you know my blog has been primarily about the "lighter side of my life", I didn't want to blog about "dark or valley" times in my life but you know as well as I do we all have them.  However, what I am about to share is not meant to be a pity party for me, believe me I have been through those too and they aren't fun. I share my story only to let you know I am moving on through; I am not completely there yet but I do have hope for the future. I feel pretty good this morning as I sit and write this I will try to be brief and only touch on highlights of the goings on of the last six months. (I know some of my friends find it hard for me to be brief as I seemingly love to use a plethora of words even to describe a trip to the corner store. LOL)

My first life altering experience started on March 22, 2012 when I took my dogs to the vet for their shots two towns over from where I live. I was taking my German Shepherd, Bear back to my Ford Ranger when suddenly he lunged forward and took me with him as I was holding on to his lead with my left hand. I fell hitting my head on the bumper of my truck and severely injured my right knee when I hit the pavement. People came rushing out of the vet's office to assist me. By now Bear was loose and we were parked on Main Street. He's a big boy and people are usually afraid of shepherds Bear was no exception as he was barking by now. I called to him and he came to my side. I told someone just open my truck door to let him in. Meanwhile, I am seeing stars (remember it was afternoon) and wanted to toss my cookies. Someone asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital. of course I said, "No", (as I usually do in these situations), I will be alright. I honestly felt like crap but said I would be fine. I got up and went back into the vet's office to pay the bill. Now, I didn't know which feeling was worse my huge vet bill or my leg which was now throbbing in pain. I decided both were equally painful. LOL I climbed into my truck and made my way home. Thinking back I honestly didn't know how I managed to get home, I must have been in shock. 

When I got into the house I sat down on the kitchen chair and I was feeling poorly as the whole kitchen was spinning and I thought to myself, "Now what"?  I waited for the feeling to pass, got up  went to the freezer and got a bag of peas to put on my knee. I could hardly walk by know. I did manage to haul out my cane, and use it to help me walk. I decided I would be fine.  I was not fine believe me as the pain I was experiencing was unbearable for a very long time. This journey of pain lasted for months, but I am getting ahead of myself as there is more; what I just described to you pales in comparison to what's ahead in this story.

I injured my leg on a Thursday and on a Monday I called a friend of mine who is a First Responder to come over. She took one look at my leg and told me I needed to go to the hospital A.S.A.P.  This was not what I wanted to hear. My brother came from the city with his daughter-in-law to look after my dogs and the ambulance took me to the hospital. First ride ever for me! They ran many tests for my leg including a CT scan for my head. When the ER doctor came to give me the test results  First off he said all your tests came back fine and the CT scan revealed no injury from hitting your head on the bumper of the truck "BUT" we found something else. When he said but,  I never in a million years was prepared for what he told me. I am going to stop here and resume later. I know, what a cliff hanger: What did the doctor tell you? I can tell you this it was the beginning of my first major life changing experience for me. 

Till next time,

Jaime

Video Upload Problems

What? Problems uploading Jenny's video? What do you expect she's a feline her hair balls are likely causing the upload issues. You tell them Bear.

Sorry we are having technical difficulties loading videos right now.

Introducing Jenny

My little brother recently acquired a new addition, a feline Tabbi named Jenny. She is a year old and full of zest and vinegar. She's learning the ropes of her new "FOREVER" home and seemingly has fit right in. My newphew took some pictures and I made a short movie with them. So sit back and enjoy!

Cheers,
Jaime

Hello my name is Jenny ... my daddy named me after his favorite star from the Ghost Whisperer. I hope he doesn't think I meow at dead cats and help them cross the Rainbow bridge. But then again you never know what kinds of "gifts" I have been blessed with. LOL

Yes, I understand, no teasing the dogs when they come to visit. Got it! NOT!!!

Kasey's Country Vacation Home

Hello, my name is Kasey, Bear is my BFF; we met at daycare. Now I spend time at Bear's house when my mommy has to go out of town for work and when my mom & dad go on vacation. Grover and Angel who live with Bear all the time are lots of fun too. But they are not too happy with me when I try to steal their treats which isn't too often because they know my tricks now. I love it here because I can go on the furniture (which) I can't do at home. Bear has his own love seat which I usually try to get on when he's not looking. Angel has her own special chair too. This is the life as Bear's yard is so big with lots of places to hide and then pounce on the unsuspecting squirrels. LOL I try that with Bear too and then he chases me around the yard. Oh  I almost forgot Bear's mommy gave me my own bowl and eating table. I love it. . Well I better go I saw some bones on the carpet when I came in the house so I am going to take one and enjoy it. Nice chatting, bye.

Kasey is right Bear loves aving Kasey come for visits so they can play together for hours on end.  Angel likes to watch them play from the comfort of sitting next to me. She will go out and bark at them sometimes if she thinks they are getting too rowdy which is usally all the time. LOL The dogs have lots of fun and that's the main thing. Kasey has been here a lot this winter and has his own bed, bowl, and eating table (which I made for mine and one for him too). Well I better go for now it's time to let them out again ... they love it outside especially when it's nice out. Right now it's snowing and they love romping around with one another.

Cheers,
Jaime

Project pics

Angel's Condo

Kasey sitting in front of Angel's condo

New book shelf on the right

Top right hand corner of my LR-Window

Bookshelf bottom of  L R window

Angel enjoying her new digs

I am so proud of my mommy's accomplishments

Me too, she's the best!

It's a given she's brilliant!

Will add more pics later ... 

Winter Musings

G'Day

It's been sometime since I have posted to my blog so I decided to write a brief note. Christmas and New Year has come and gone and we are well into 2012. I continue to enjoy retirement and grateful to not have to go out in the cold and drive to work anymore.

The winter so far has been most interesting weather wise. We have not had the snow nor cold as we usually have this time of year. I don't mind less snow as I am the one shoveling it. It's been warmer although last couple of weeks have been a deep freeze. Again, grateful not to have to venture out, except going out with the dogs.

I have been spending my time building various projects in the house. For example, a new closet for the front entrance, shelves, work table and shelf for storage. In the living room I built a frame around the window to house a variety of smaller items a couple of home theatre speakers and a bookshelf for books and DVDs underneath the window. Also Angel has a new condo I built for her which also serves as an end table. In my study I moved the bookshelf I made a couple of years ago into the living room and made another one in my study which houses my drawing and sketching supplies and books. I promise to post some pictures as soon as I am able to upload them from my Blackberry.

Well, I am off to do a few domestic things around here.

Cheers,
Jaime

News

Bear's BFF Kasey from Daycare is spending a few days with us as he will also be coming for Christmas vacation when hhis mom and dad go to Vegas.

The video is about my dogs playing outside ... they all love the snow.

First Day of Snow ...

Sunday, November 6th ...

Well the white stuff is finally here and Christmas is around the corner! My previous post was CANADA DAY ... and then nothing. This certainly doesn't mean I did nothing. I was busy with numerous building projects: Bird Feeders for the front and back yard ...

The video starts with explanding my workshop in the garage .. I needed more shelves and table work space. I then moved on to building a wood tool shed & a lean2 for my side deck .... I also built doors for my barbecue hut I built last year. I have it board up for the winter.  I move on into the back yard where I refurbished my bird feeder I included a bird house on top of the roof. the final picture is Bear resting after having spent the summer supervising my projects! Enjoy!!!

Jaime & Company

CANADA DAY

Cheers Canada!

Here we are again celebrating another holiday ... there will be a lot of fan fare going on in the city along with an evening of fireworks. I can't imagine sitting in the park with a million misquotes ready to feast on me and all the unsuspecting spectators of the pending fireworks.  I am not sure what will be louder ... the fire works the the people slapping off the little critters. LOL.

I can watch the fireworks from my front window and enjoy the night sky lighting up without having to protect myself from a swarm of mosquitoes. Now that's celebrating at it's finest. 

However, since it's cooler today it's also a great day to mow the lawn. I only just cut it a week ago!

My dogs too, have been fighting off the mosquitoes and are quite happy to remain indoors with me. Of course they do like to go out periodically to run around until they can't stand those pesky critters. The go strainght to the door as if to say let us in NOW! LOL. 

Marriage Ideas....written by Young & Old Kids

HOW DO YOU FIND SOMEONE TO MARRY?
You  got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if  you like sports, she should like it that you like  sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.   

No  person really decides before they grow up who they're  going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you  get to find out later who you're stuck with.

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN  COMMON?   
Both don't want any more kids.    

WHAT IS  THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know  the person FOREVER by then.  
 

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?   
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be  yelling at the same kids. 

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys  have something to say if you listen long enough.   
   

What, so you have never seen a filler before?

-On  the first date, they just tell each other lies and that  usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.  

 HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?    
Tell  your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like  a dump truck.

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T  GET MARRIED?    
There  sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?  

WHEN IS  IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?    
-When  they're rich.   
-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to  mess with that.  

The  rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you  should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.    

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.  

I am Officially Retired as of Today...

 I love retirement .... 

So what's not to love about retirement?

I have actually settled into retirement quite nicely. There are so many things I can now do when I wish to do them. One of the big things for me is routine, yep routine and I say it loosely because a routine is all about flexibility. One thing I have noticed I do have to look at the calendar every now and again so I don't miss Friday garbage days! LOL 

Since retiring I have taken up drawing portraits something I could never do. Let me post my latest creation. Can you guess who it is?

Guess who this is?

No bad hey for not being able to draw portraits. I know I have a long way to go but that's okay because I have all the time in the world to perfect my new venture. 

Well I am off to have lunch now ... one thing about having all the time in the world to do things the days seem to slip away rather quickly. It makes me wonder how I ever fit work into my life. LOL

Cheers,

Jaime

Life at Best is Bitter Sweet

Kristyn McEwen, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Humane Society wrote a lovely story (posted below) about Grover on the MJHS website under "Director's Blog". I included this story on my blog as it's the conclusion to a wonderful story which Grover first wrote about on my blog On February 12, 2011. (See February 2011 posts in the Blog Archives, "My Story by Grover").

Grover at the Shelter

Life at best is bittersweet. And it’s the perfect word to use when seeing one of our house animals finds a home. His story is the finest example of what an organization like the MJHS can do. Take a "throw-away" dog, a dog that a lot of other shelter would have put down, and turn that dog around to make him a loving member of a society.

We first met Grover March 2009. He was 10.  His owner had gone in to a senior’s facility and so Grover ended up with us. Grover was lost, confused and scared. This old guy was used to a quiet house, a routine and of course his owner. He wasn’t a fan of other dogs, cats and most people. But we cut this old man some slack. We promised Grover that success was the only solution and that we were going to learn how to help him become unbroken, no matter what. No matter how old he was.

Somehow Grover ended up as my dog. I do believe that just one day decided he had enough of being afraid and he wanted very much to be a pet again. I of course obliged and we have been fast friends ever since. I’m glad I did. Because in Grover I found something very special. I found an amazing soul in there.

The past 2 years have been filled with many adventures for Grover here at the Shelter.  This boy found his inner youth again and began playing with other dogs. Never without a girlfriend, Grover swooned many k-9 females here and of course he met his best friend Heidi. Heidi and Grover shared the title of my office dogs and became familiar faces to hundreds of people that went through our building. Grouchy Grover turned into  a gentle soul that would ask for attention from anyone that would offer it too him.

Heidi and Grover on their fun run!

Knowing that Grover was now 12 years old, we started to talk about where Grover will spend his final years. When we started to have contact with the family that was interested in Grover we know this was the one. Grover is now happy and living out the twilight of his life being loved and cared for.  Grover not only has a doting new mom, he also shares his home with two other k-9 friends and is enjoying every luxury. We’re indebted to Grover’s new family for giving him so much unconditional love and companionship in his golden years.

The feeling of sadness you get when one of your most special dogs leaves isn’t something you can easily share, even with the people the closest to you. It’s very personal and very deep.  And it hurts.  A lot.  But it’s short lived. In the end you feel a pride mixed with that sadness. The realization that you had a part in saving Grover’s life.

 Grover & his toys

Grover Dreaming of his forever home.

Grover ... home at last! Welcome home my sweet boy!

As you can see from Kristyn's story she truly cares about animals. She is a wonderful lady who has made it her life's mission to give animals a second chance they so richly deserve.

*Captions by J. Weintz

UPDATE: NIXON

Nixon has been found ... he is now living in a forever home being loved and cared for .... 
Happy Ending..

 ... please keep looking for me. I just don't know how to find my way back to the Shelter

Kristyn McEwen, Executive Director MJHS provided this latest update on Nixon: 

Nixon- STOLEN

Nixon is still missing.  We have had some sighting of him around town.  He has been seen on the 1000 block of Monk and also Saskatchewan and 4th Ave NW.  Please keep your eyes open for our boy.  If you have any sighting or information please call the MJHS at 692-1517 or 631-9595

We are thinking of you Nixon. We hope you are safe and well!

Our 6 year old Rotti/ Shepherd was taking out for a walk today and never returned. Please keep your eyes open for this big fellow. The person that took him signed out using a fake name, phone number and address. 

Nixon is a calm soul who is loves people. He would have no problem approach and settling in with anyone. We are very concerned about his well being and want nothing more than to see him returned to us.  

Please keep your eyes open for our boy. You can call 692-1517 or 631-9595 with any information regarding Nixon

Click on the title of this post and it will take you directly to the Moose Jaw Humane Society website.  

 Thank you!

Grover ... Home at Last

Hey ... welcome to my new "forever" home

Excuse me, I am looking for the treat cupboard

Okay, I won't eat all of them, I promise

 

According to the map it's 3 steps this way ...then 1 step right!.

Look there is another dog over there!

Glad I found this patch of grass

Bear is behind me isn't he?

I love all these trees & they are all mine!

A wishing well? Cool ,,,

Grover's first hours here were interesting to say the least. Bear had to let Grover know who was boss;           I reminded Bear that I was the REAL boss and not him... Angel put her two cents worth in and has been keeping Bear in line.

This is Grover's 3rd day with us and he's doing great! Bear has finally accepted him and the two of them go out in the yard to explore and bark. This morning Bear was barking at a plastic bag blowing in the wind. LOL. I have been supervising them pretty closely to make sure things go smoothly. Angel is starting to warm up to Grover and Bear tried engaging Grover in some play this morning ... so all is good around here. 

I am also happy to report the snow is slowly starting to melt and revealing all the hidden treasures: cardboard boxes, plastic bowls, doggie toys, bones, etc. This of course is Bear's handy work as he carried this stuff outside during the winter! Guess who has to pick it all up? All in a day's work. Who said retirement is boring certainly not around here! I love every minute.

Cheers,

Jaime A& Company

(Angel, Bear, & Grover)