Dec 20: Again, just stuff

Lots going on.  Staying busy, but the lovely thing is not having to constantly push myself.  Feeling better for this reason.  Not having the constant stress at work is also a big benefit.  For better or worse I don't appear sick, which makes some people question the disability, apparent by their comments.  Still not sure how 3 open heart surgeries and continuing problems don't qualify....

On the good news front is that shortly after the last post my first check from STD arrived, so at least they are more reasonable regarding the paperwork.  Still doing forms for SSD.  Clearly I'm missing something, because it's beyond me how people fake their way through getting disability, or how stupid people keep up with everything.   

Can you sense the frustration?  This is with the knowledge that most people get rejected on their first application.  My cardiologist dictated a letter, when his secretary called me about where to send it I asked her to read to me and didn't find it strong enough.  She sent it to me, I re-wrote and sent back, along with an apologetic explanation letter of the changes.  Unfortunately he was in procedures all this afternoon and is off through Wednesday, so I'll leave a message for the SSD agent to hold onto everything. 

The big thing here is that with the STD coming through I do have regular checks coming, a huge relief.

My tenant gave me 60 days notice on Sunday, then retracted it the next day.  I had already run through the positive/negatives:  don't like losing the rental income while looking for the right person & finding someone as quiet as her, but can charge higher rent and not having to put up with her negativity & whining are pluses.  She is actively looking for a first floor apartment but knows she has to give 60 days notice.

Have a strange growth on the right side of my had, under my hairline.  Showed it to my internist, her only comment was sending me to a dermatologist.  Unfortunately it is growing, so guess that will have to be dealt with soon.  It looks like a cyst and I've had to resist the urge to break it open, knowing it will involve hair being shaved and Coumadin adjustments to resolve.  Sigh.

The squirrel battle rages on.  The fluffy rats are once again trying to hibernate in my porch roof, which is right next to the apartment's living room and causes more sound issues there than in my area.  Once their scent gets in there apparently it's almost impossible to get out. 

Bright note:  first time since living here that I've gotten up decorations!  Lights, ribbons and Lenox snowflakes up around the fireplace, looks so pretty! 

I had a GI thing this week that knocked me out for a couple days.  Part of the problem with having chronic medical issues is that they can get serious quickly.  I'll admit to being much more nervous since that spontaneous chest bleed last year.  My friend Holly knew I was sick and texted me Wednesday morning at about 9:00.  She became concerned when there was no answer, so came over.  After about 30 minutes of trying to contact me she ended up calling my home phone, hoping it was by my bed.  I woke to the phone ringing, saw it was her and answered.  Being unnecessarily apologetic for waking me she explained that she was standing in my kitchen but couldn't get any further because Chester was guarding the kitchen door and refusing to let her even get near enough to look around the jamb!  I hadn't heard her over my fan and sound machine.  I got out of bed, came around the corner and there my protector knight in fuzzy armor sat, tail flicking back and forth with agitation, clearly standing his ground against someone who wanted to get to his 'missy' when he knew I was sick.  He has a very nasty stare and she admits to being scared, added to by his doing several sneak attacks on her and knowing he's bitten and scratched others.  He 'stood down' on my coming out, staying close to me by wrapping himself around my neck and then coming with me to the bathroom, sitting next to me while I was 'indisposed', clearly ready to defend me.  As adorable as this is it does raise concern if I was unconscious, but it is tremendously reassuring that if anyone breaks in Chester is way more threatening than mace!

My holiday is this Saturday: Winter Solstice & Yule.  This time of year has been celebrated for millennia as the time of the rebirth of the sun, bringing the promise of spring and new life.  Whatever your religious affiliation I wish for you a wonderful season and Happy New Year.

Thanks for checking in,   Laurie