Feb 24: Brief catch-up, appt pending

Well, the past two weeks did turn hellacious, as forecast. I'm so glad they are over. This week I worked only Mon, Weds and Thurs, and it was so much better on me physically. So shooting for 20 hours a week, which my body likes but my checking account doesn't. The strain of decreased hours is really showing now financially. Just now collecting everything to get ready for taxes, and my out-of-pocket expenses that could be kept track of (hotels, food, travel, meds) totaled MORE than $10,000 for 2006. And most of that will not be deductible, although I will find out more this week. So yes, finances are a strain. Therein lies the reason for the move.... Would be nice if the shorter hours were all in the office, but with the docs vacation schedules--between the four main ones they have SIX weeks a year, so six months out of the year the schedule is not "normal"--but I am going to have to do some hospital. I like doing hospital, but it means more exertion and having to leave and drive to the office after a few hours. Is easier to take, however, with the knowledge that it isn't every day. Already have things to do both the days "off" this week that I haven't been able to schedule before. And, of course, this week is Boston on Weds with hopefully some answers. Noticed some edema yesterday, so, even though the cardiologist down here had told me to not take diuretics anymore I knew I needed some. And the heart surgeon had told me I would always be on them. Took one yesterday and dropped about 3 pounds, so that was needed. Will take one tomorrow so it isn't coming off too quickly. Then will just hold tight until I hear what the gurus in Boston say.

So now is the time for all good boxes to be used for packing. The realtors came over Tuesday and did some repairs and packing, and my friend Ellen came over yesterday and helped with some more. Both times I was amazed at how quickly both Jane and Ellen were moving around, how much they were getting done. Then I realized yesterday (lying on the couch while Ellen continued to bustle around) that what they are doing is NORMAL activity. I've gotten so used to having to do so much less, and more slowly, and for such a short period of time that I forgot what normal looked like. It was kind of depressing to see how long it's been since I was able to do that. So, anyway, I have to get out and accomplish things. And Mom is coming over to help for a couple of days, and with bad weather predicted she just called and is coming tonight. So off to accomplish great things! Thanks for checking, Laurie