New Post!!

Ok Chris,  here is a new post for you!  Sorry that I have been so slack lately.  Nothing terribly exciting to write about.  Christmas was great--I enjoyed talking to the family.  Sounds like you guys had a wonderful time together.    Hopefully I will be there for the next one with a new lung even.   Thanks to everybody for the wonderful gifts---I am a very lucky girl!  I hope Santa was good to all of you!

The snow is finally all gone so I am able to move freely.  I was getting a bit stir-crazy. Tomorrow I am heading to the store to get my new watch compliments of Dad!!  I have been without a watch for about a year so this is very exciting.  I have my eye on a sweet silver timex with indiglo.  Very necessary when at the movies.  

I am posting some pictures. The first one is my new fish tank--thanks Chris!  The other one is from a few weeks ago at Kexp.  We had the band, Minus 5 in for an in-studio.  You may recognize Peter Buck from REM standing beside me.  They were great and super nice.  

Have a great week!

Snow Adventures!

Ok Chris-

Here are some snow photos for you!  Today Melissa came over and we walked in the snow to get pizza.  It was a bit of a walk but nice to get out.  I will sleep well tonight!  I dug out some boots and heavy gloves and hat.  I haven't worn the boots since I moved here(old doc martens from the grunge days).   

I don't think the snow is ever going to end!  I am definitely stir crazy so it was wonderful to get out and explore.  Everything keeps getting cancelled and Access--my ride of choice is only doing emergency trips.   It didn't snow today but another storm is on the way.  We are not used to snow so everybody is freaking out.  I have not seen anything like this since I first moved here in 1996.

Friday

Not a whole lot of action this week.  Today I worked out and then I paid a visit to my friend Muffy.  She had her lung transplant last Friday and she looked amazing!  She was sitting in a chair with her own pajamas on and had her oxygen off!  I almost didn't recognize her.  I am so happy for her--she has been waiting for over a year.  They are talking about discharging her on Monday.  

Wednesday I volunteered at Kexp.  We had a band there for an in-studio performance so that was fun.  The band was Minus 5--Peter Buck from REM is in the band.  We took a picture with the band and a group of us from the station but I haven't gotten my hands on it yet. I will post it when I find it.

I am posting a photo of my visit with Muffy.  Have a great weekend!

Thursday

i am having a good week.  Today I went to the doctor and then I went to Green Lake with Leslie and her dogs.  Another friend,Masa also went with us.   It was really nice to hang out with them.  I also enjoyed the dogs--especially Ruby!  She is so sweet and snuggly.  I volunteered at the radio station yesterday.  I got to help out the afternoon dj(Kevin) since his assistant was out.  I helped him with his emails and comments for his playlist.  It was good to see everybody--they are such a great group of people!  

Tuesday I went out with Gwen and Bob--we got coffee and chatted.  It was good to see them both--it has been awhile since I've hung out with Bob.  Monday I worked out--it felt good to be back after our week off for Thanksgiving.  Our trainer is heading to Katmandu so he will be out for a month so we'll have different people working with us for December.  He has been really excited about this trip so I am happy for him.  They will be doing some climbing so he'll probably be glad to come home and relax.  

I included some photos of coffee from last weekend with Shannon, Melissa, Audrey and I.  In the first photo is Audrey and I in top row and Melissa and Shannon in bottom row.  The last photo is my friend Michele(dj and producer) in her office at Kexp.  I love her electric fish tank.

Tomorrow I am back to the gym and then I'll probably chill out over the weekend!

Have a great weekend!

Thanksgiving Photos

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my friend Erin and her big sister Sarah!  We had pot roast, mashed potatoes and a veggie medley.  For dessert there was apple crisp with ice cream.  It was so delicious and even better the next day for leftovers.  The first picture is Erin and me, the second is Erin and her sister Sarah, and the third is Erin and I at the dinner table. 

It was so nice talking to my family--sounds like everybody had a good holiday!  I had an email from Brian with some photos from his Thanksgiving--18 people.  The first photo he sent was of his family and the next was of Paul and his son, Brian and his son and Brian's brother-in-law and his son.

I am off to sleep--back to the gym tomorrow. We had the week off so it will great to get back in the groove!  

Rainy Tuesday

Today was rainy and chilly so I stayed home and relaxed.  I talked to my transplant nurse yesterday and my CO2 test on Friday was fine so I am not worrying about my headaches. They are less frequent and Advil is helping.  We also talked about the transplant list and she said she thinks I should get a lung within six months.  She said it helps that I am only waiting for one lung and also that I am tall and have a common blood type.  Since I am tall--I can get either a female or male lung.  So I feel good about that news.  

Nothing else exciting to report--I am posting some pictures from the past few weeks.  The first two pictures are from a visit Tina and I made to Cupcake Royale.   The next one is me getting accupuncture and the last is my friend Sharlese and I with Kevin Barnes,the singer from the band Of Montreal.  

Happy Thanksgiving to everybody!

My Day at the Dogpark

Today I went to the dogpark with my friend Leslie and her two dogs--Samson and Ruby.  It was fun to hang out with the dogs and of course Leslie.  Her dogs are great and kept pace with our slow walking.  They had such fun playing with all the other dogs and really enjoyed the freedom of being off leash.  I took a few pictures--so cute.  Ruby was sweet and sat on my lap going home.  

We have the week off from rehab becauses of the holiday so I am making an effort to get myself out and exercise.  Having the dogs was motivating!   

Have a good week!

Happy Monday!

Today was a busy Monday.  I started out with the gym--good to see my lung peeps.  Worked out for an hour and a half and got caught up with everybody's weekend.   We are a chatty group--that makes the workout easier!   

Came home for lunch and then met up with Gwen for coffee and a yummy chocolate donut.  Of course by now its 5 and pitch black out.  It felt like midnight--I am not getting used to the early darkness.  Luckily it was sunny out so that made it a bit more tolerable.  I guess this is why Seattle with all the rain and darkness is the suicide and serial killer capital.   Anyway I have new hair to cheer me up--lovely purple--yes purple-- highlights. I posted a couple of pictures I took a minute ago--one is in the bright light so you can see the purple.  It is not as bright in person--but still definitely purple on top.  I smile whenever I pass a mirror!   This is my winter blues and waiting for a lung hair. The girl that cuts my hair says she'll come to the hospital to do my hair when I go in.  She is really nice.  I have been doing lots of laundry and packing bags for the hospital.  I have my little bag with a few necessities--toothbrush, robe, comfy blanket, and ipod.  Then I have the bigger bag once I can wear jammies and sweats.  Comfy jammies, my favorite sweatshirts, books,etc.  This one is for my friends to grab once i can move around.  

Tomorrow I am getting accupuncture--can't wait.  It always makes me feel better.  Luckily they have a sliding fee scale for the clinic so it is not expensive.  Then Wednesday I head into the radio station to volunteer.  

Well thats all for now--I am getting ready to make an ensure milkshake and watching David Letterman--then to bed.

Monday

First of all---I am so excited that Obama is going to be our president!!!!   My friends Melissa and Gwen both had birthdays on Nov 4th(election day) and all they wanted was for him to win!!  It is so exciting--people were dancing in the streets here in Seattle and probably alot of other places. I am putting up some photos that friends took.

I spent Sunday with my friend Tina---we went to Capitol Hill and had coffee at Victrola.  It was nice to hang out.   Today I worked out and relaxed the rest of the day. Tomorrow I am heading to Ballard to run errands and then I am going to meet Jim and Kat for coffee and cupcakes! Yeah cupcakes!

   

Tuesday--election day finally!!!!

I am so happy the election is almost over!!  I am anxious for the results but will be so glad for the end!  I hope you all got out and voted--especially the ones for Obama!!   I mailed mine in last week so it was not as exciting but it is easier to do it at home with all the resources.  We had alot of things to vote on in Washington.   Some of the issues were related to transit,parks and the right to die with dignity.  People here are very involved and alot of friends went door to door and signed up voters.  I am going to a birthday party for Melissa tonight so I am guessing we'll be watching election stuff.  I really want to see the Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert election show on Comedy Central.

Chris--thanks for the comment and all of your questions.  I will try to answer all of your questions.  Yes I am still excited about being on the list and yes I do still jump when the phone rings but I am not freaking out as much!  I am still working out--twice a week.  I am going to Kexp to volunteer tomorrow. My friends are very excited and also waiting for the call--I have 3 of them down as backups if they can't get hold of me.  They are incredibly supportive--I am very lucky!  Regarding the bike--I think I want to start running first--biking around here with the hills and the cars is a bit daunting.  So maybe running shoes instead of a bike.  Ok I think that was all of your questions.

I am sitting here waiting for the oxygen guy so I am trapped for awhile.  Later I am taking Gwen out for a birthday coffee.  I know Starbucks is giving away free coffee for voting and Ben and Jerrys is giving away free ice cream.  For those in Atlanta--chick fillet is giving away free sandwiches---I am so jealous.  I love their sandwiches,curley fries and lemonade.   Yum!

Have a good election day and vote!!!!

I am officially listed!!

I finally got the news that I am officially listed.  This means I could get the call tomorrow or it could be in a year.  So----the wait begins and every time the phone rings, I freak out!  I have 3 friends on backup in case they can't get hold of me so that makes me feel better.  Here are some photos.  The first is with my friend Tina from Monday--we are holding up a poster for a party they are having at the coffee shop.  We had coffee and yummy cupcakes.  The other photos are from yesterday with Gwen.  We were at my neighborhood coffee shop and then I took a few photos in the neighborhood.  Beautiful leaves changing colors and some cute kids carving pumpkins.  Enjoy!

Saturday

I am having a relaxing Saturday!   I am sitting around watching tv and waiting for my groceries to be delivered.   I may motivate and actually do a bit of laundry.  I am posting some cool pictures that Chris sent me---enjoy!

Thursday

It's been a slow week.   Today I went into Kexp and volunteered for a few hours.  Alot of the staff were in NY for CMJ so it wasn't too busy.   Tomorrow I head to UW for rehab---I am looking forward to seeing my lung peeps!  

Gwen stopped by on Tuesday and we did some major cleaning--she did a good job organizing my clutter.   She is a good friend!

Chris--I got your photos online!  Thanks for sending them--you are great!

Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

Palin rap on SNL

This video is so funny!

Friday night

First of all--thanks Chris for the comments!!  You rock!!  Also I got your pictures and they are so cute.  I am going to start on my photo book this weekend.  Today I spent a long day at UW hospital.  I worked out in the morning and then had to do some more breathing tests.  The fun never ends.  The nurse called me today and said she is waiting to hear from insurance so they can activate me on the list.  She is going to call and bug them Monday. 

I am planning a relaxing weekend. Tomorrow I am going to Bartells for a flu shot and then I'm meeting Kat and Jim for coffee.  After that no plans til Monday.  Now I am getting ready to make a milkshake and watch David Letterman!  I live on the edge of excitement!

Tuesday-Accupuncture

Today was a day for accupuncture---I love these treatments.   I always feel so energized after this. I also refilled my vitamins and probiotics.  The probiotics are amazing and really help my colitis.  I can't believe what a difference they have made.   The accupuncture place is a school so they have clinics with the students for a sliding fee scale.  

Tomorrow I am heading in to volunteer at the radio stn. I always enjoy my Wednesdays there.  It will be fun to catch up with everybody. Then Thursday I have the day off---it will be nice to have a whole day to relax!

I am watching David Letterman--he is so funny.  John McCain is supposed to be on Thursday--should be interesting!  

Have a great week!

Sunday!

I had a nice weekend.  Yesterday I relaxed and did some things around the house.  Today Melissa and I ran some errands in Ballard.  I picked up my meds and then we grabbed coffee.  Now I am watching some tv and then tomorrow I work out.  I am starting to pack a bag for the transplant and also trying to get organized before I get the call.  Gwen is going to help me around the apartment. She is going to do a good cleaning and then we are going to go through my closets and hit goodwill.  It will be nice to have everything in order before I have the surgery.

Friday

Today I went in for my blood draw for tissue samples.  Once they process this I will be officially listed!   I also worked out today and everybody was so happy to hear my good news.  My group has been so supportive while I've been undergoing all of the testing.  Two people have already gone through the transplant process and two others are waiting.  

Gwen took me out for lunch yesterday to celebrate.  Then I went to the dentist to get some work done on an old filling.  It wasn't too bad--they numbed my mouth  and even let me watch a movie while they worked.   That was kind of bizarre--they had these goggles that reminded me of the virtual reality mask with the movie.  So I watched the movie and they had their own conversation going while they worked.  

Now I am going to watch David Letterman before heading to bed.

Greenlight for Lung Transplant!

Great news--I was approved for my lung transplant!!!   I found out today and I am very excited! I go in for bloodwork for tissue matching on Friday and they hope to have me listed within a week. Then the wait begins.   Thanks to everybody for being so supportive--keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

Sunday

I had a busy week last week.  The weekend was restful so now I am recovered.  I went to the doctor last week and had a test called an EMG where they applied electric shocks to my neck to test my muscles and nerves.  They were checking on my diaphragm and apparently it is working fine.  After that I headed to the dentist and had some work done.  The week  before I loosened a filling so they had to pull out part of a tooth.  Next week I go back to have the filling fixed.  That was a rough day.  The rest of the week wasn't too bad---I worked out and had my haircut.  Today I went out for coffee with Gwen.  It was nice to catch up with her---I haven't seen her for a few weeks.   

Tomorrow I go to the transplant doctor for a checkup before my next transplant review with the transplant committee.    Hopefully they will reach a decision soon.  After my appointment I head to the gym for my workout.  Tomorrow will be a long day but I can rest on Tuesday.  Then I am off to the radio station on Wednesday--it's our pledge drive this week so that will be hectic.  There will be free food--they always feed us during the pledge drives.

I am watching some tv and then off to sleep.  I have to get up tomorrow at 7am for the doctor--yikes!

Monday

I worked out today---I did 35 minutes on the treadmill(a new record for me).  I also gained a pound--yippee!  Yesterday I went out for coffee with my friend Tina.  Then I headed to Ballard to run some errands.  It was a nice day---in the 70's.  Tomorrow I head to the doctor and then to the dentist.  This is looking like a busy week. Right now I am watching Jon Stewart--I love his show! I hope you are all doing well!

Tuesday

Hello!

Not too much going on with me.  I worked out yesterday and then tomorrow I am going to volunteer.  I think I am going out for coffee with friends Friday after my workout.  It was good talking to everybody last weekend!   The group in Atlanta sounded like they were having a great time.  I would love to see pictures of the boat trip if anybody took any.  Mark it was also great talking to you and of course also good to chat with Dad.  I just talked to Dad and he sounds great--he even went in to the store today.  He had a neighbor give him advice about the diabetes and show him how to test himself.  Tomorrow he goes back for a followup visit to the doctor that worked on his neck.   I am including some photos from Melissa's party this summer.  They had a game called Rock Star where you play instruments and the computer scores you.  It was really fun and a challenge.  Have a great week!

Update

It has been awhile so here is a little post to hold you over!   Weekend was good--relaxing with beautiful weather.  I went to a great little coffee shop down the hill with an outdoor patio.  I went with Melissa and Shannon--I am posting a photo.   Melissa does fundraising for a nonprofit and Shannon works for an advertising agency.  She is also a dj once a week at Kexp.  Her show is on at 1 am so she is big in England.  

Monday I had my workout and today I chilled out.  I did actually do some laundry and even did my sheets---I love clean sheets.  

Tomorrow I am going to the station to volunteer--should be fun. We have a band coming in for an in studio--that always keeps thing hopping!  

I talked to Dad tonight.  He sounds good--a bit tired but that is par for the course.  I had to keep reminding him that he needs some recovery time.  You know Dad though---he was on the treadmill and doing laundry.  He has been napping though.  He said he laid down for a minute and slept for three hours.  I also talked to his neighbor Lillian and she is looking out for him and taking him food and offered to drive him to his doctors appts.  Dad said Wilbur has been to visit him a couple of times.  So I am glad that they are all looking out for him.  I told Lillian how much we appreciate her keeping an eye on him.

I am watching the end of Conan and then I'm off to sleep.

Sunday night

Not too much going on with me---a relaxing weekend.   Today I went to my friend Michaela's house to watch Ironman.  It was a fun movie--Robert Downey was amazing!   It was nice to have some down time after my hectic labor day weekend.   I think I am just now beginning to  recover from all that madness!!   It was definitely worth it--so much fun!   

Tomorrow I am back to the gym and then more relaxing.  Tuesday I am going for an acupuncture treatment.  It has been years since I have done this so I am very excited.  The clinic is a teaching clinic and they have great prices for low income people.  I always feel so much better after a visit.

That's all for now---have a great week!

Labor Day Weekend

I had a busy busy weekend and I am just now recovering!!   I attended Bumbershoot Festival all day Saturday and Monday evening as well.   This is a huge music and arts festival that takes place at Seattle Center by the Space Needle.  This is the place where they held the World's Fair back in the day.   I volunteered for Kexp--my radio station on Saturday and they got me in free both days and vip passes to avoid the lines.   It also gave me good seats for the stadium shows.  Saturday I saw Neko Case, Lucinda Williams and M Ward.  Last night I went back for Superchunk and Death Cab for Cutie.  It was so much fun and I ran into lots of people from the station and other friends. 

I also went to a bbq at my friend Sal's house.  Gwen and Pat gave me a ride there and then I  took Access to Bumbershoot.  

Coffee with friends!

I went out with Sal today for coffee at a great bakery near my house.  It was nice to catch up with her.  She brought her roommate, Jihye.  She is from S Korea and is here studying for a semester.  She heads back next month.  Sal works for a company that places foreign exchange students in the US.  She always has at least 2 renting rooms at her place.  It is always fun to hang out with them and see where everybody is from.   Last year she had a girl staying with her that was a big pop star in Korea.    Sal is having a bbq for Labor Day.  I attached a photo of our day at Essential Baking Company.

Working out

Here are some pictures from working out yesterday.  It was hard dragging myself in yesterday after the party on Thursday.  I have become addicted to working out and would kill myself if I missed it.  Can you believe I actually drag myself out of bed by 8:30 or 9 twice a week--I know--shocking.  It helps that I really like the people.  My favorite is Muffy--she is from Wyoming.  She owns a ranch there and is here waiting for a transplant.  She comes in with her makeup and jewelry perfect.  She is very amusing and keeps us laughing.  I am including a picture of her with our therapists.  Also some of me working out--just to prove that I was there!

Enjoy!

PJ

Saturday night

I am relaxing today---doing some laundry and watching lots of tv.  I am also addicted to scramble on facebook.  It is kinda like that old boggle game where you find as many words as possible in 3 minutes.  

Thursday night I went to a volunteer appreciation party for Kexp--the radio station where I spend my Wednesdays.  The party was alot of fun with free food, drinks and bands.  They also had some door prizes and I am happy to say that I scored a grab bag during the raffle!  My prize included 2 cool t-shirts, a cd, a gift certificate for a cool video store-5 free rentals, and a gift certificate at a local bakery--2 loaves of bread.  Plus two passes for the college musuem.  I was very excited about that!   I enjoyed seeing a friend and fellow volunteer play in one of the bands.  I was so impressed--I had no idea how good he was.  He reminded me that he has been telling me this for months--I was shocked!!  His name is Blake and he is the lead singer for a band called the Hotels--I am including some photos.  The party was exhausting so I didn't last long but I enjoyed it.  My friend Jim was my chaffeur so that was great.

The first two pictures are of Blake's band the Hotels.  The next one is Melissa and I.  Then Deb and her adorable daughter Izzie.  Last is Tom--the boss at the radio station.  He is very cool.

Thanks for all the comments---I am so glad you all are reading.

PJ