Okay, this is the question everyone wants to know the answer to, as far as I can tell.
This is a problem with one of the 13 factors that cause normal clotting of the blood (with injury: i.e. cuts, scrapes, etc.) There's a protein called von Willebrand factor (vWF) that is either deficient or dysfunctional that causes the disease. This means that the platelets in the blood don't attach to the vessel wall the way they should and so clotting isn't as quick as it should be.
RJ is lucky enough to have a mild form of this disease, and it really shouldn't cause problems for him in day to day life. He may bleed a little longer than most people when he has an injury, but not excessively so. He will just have to make sure that his doctors are aware of the condition before any scheduled surgery, and he needs to notify his hematologist before surgery, after trauma, and after an injury. There's a nasal spray medication that they will be trying with him to see if it makes a difference.
The disease is hereditary, but we don't know from where it was inherited. From what I read on Medscape, it looks like he has Type I, which is the mildest of the 3 main forms. The disease affects about 125 people per million (So RJ's one of 125 in a million). There are also some reports that bleeding tendency decreases with age. Since this is a bleeding disorder, aspirin and ibuprofen shouldn't be used.
All in all, his case is mild and not enough to cause him to change his normal activities. We will simply have to be very aware of seemingly mild trauma (bumped head) and he should keep track of headaches for severity and frequency from now on, just to be safe. Easy enough to manage, right?
December 9, 2011
CT Images
This image shows the blood clot that was in RJ's brain (circled in yellow) and the shift that was occurring, pushing the left side (shown on the right here) of his brain over, and beginning to push the right side over as well.The red line is where the midline should be, the curved white line to the left is the midline of the brain (the division between the two halves of the brain) The clot measured 10 cm (4 in.) by 6 cm (2.25 in.) and went in about 5 cm (2 in) at this point, which is about the deepest spot. 
This image was taken right after surgery, and shows the dog-bone-shaped brackets holding in place the section of skull that had to be removed in order to remove the clot. There are 32 staples (the track of parallel white lines) and the yellow line is the drain tube that went into his skull to create negative pressure in the cavity left by the removal of the clot. This essentially "sucked" his brain back over into that space while also draining the fluids that were accumulating from the surgery. The tube was removed the following morning, the staples 10 days later, and he gets to keep the brackets & screws forever.
December 8, 2011
One month and 10 days later...
RJ went for his day of follow-up appointments today, starting at 9:30 with a blood draw. We followed that with a visit to the Hematologist, who apparently scheduled the appointment with me, but forgot to put it into their computers. Not a problem, we were supposed to see them at 10 and got in at around 10:30 or so instead. Everything there was good, there weren't any results back from the blood work yet but there was nothing from the previous tests to raise concerns. RJ hasn't had any post-operative bleeding or bruising issues, and has been feeling great so that appointment was quick and easy. We finished there at 11 and the CT scan was scheduled for 1:15, so we headed down to the lobby to get drinks (no food for RJ yet).
We were having drinks when their seating area outside the cafe started filling up, so we decided to head down to radiology early. We got down there and registered, and they had a slow spot so RJ got his scan done early and we got disks with the scans :) Since we were out of there before 1 and the Neurosurgeon appointment wasn't until 2:15, we went to get something to eat (thinking we were stuck with McDonald's), and the ad for SmashBurger caught RJ's eye in the elevator. Guess where we went for lunch.... Not McDonald's, that's for sure!
After that we headed to the Neurosurgeon's office and watched part of "Horton Hears a Who" in the lobby while waiting. That appointment also went very well, there is almost no evidence left of the clot removal aside from the titanium brackets & screws, and a little tiny space (comparatively) left from the surgery. The space is about the size of the tip of the pinky, from the last knuckle to the tip, according to the doctor. He will need to go for another CT and follow-up visit 3 months from now, but otherwise everything looks good. He can drive with an adult after he's finished tapering off the Keppra, and then on his own a couple weeks after that as long as he doesn't have any problems. We will need to keep watching for seizures but there's been none so far.
When we were leaving there the Hematologist called with the results of 2 of the 3 blood tests drawn this morning, the Factor 11 test is negative, but the Von Willebrand's showed the same numbers as in the hospital, meaning he does have a mild form of this disease.
I'll post about that later, for now I have to go get RJ so we can go to college :) He managed to finish the first trimester with a 4.4 GPA, even being gone and having brain surgery :) Way to go RJ!!
We were having drinks when their seating area outside the cafe started filling up, so we decided to head down to radiology early. We got down there and registered, and they had a slow spot so RJ got his scan done early and we got disks with the scans :) Since we were out of there before 1 and the Neurosurgeon appointment wasn't until 2:15, we went to get something to eat (thinking we were stuck with McDonald's), and the ad for SmashBurger caught RJ's eye in the elevator. Guess where we went for lunch.... Not McDonald's, that's for sure!
After that we headed to the Neurosurgeon's office and watched part of "Horton Hears a Who" in the lobby while waiting. That appointment also went very well, there is almost no evidence left of the clot removal aside from the titanium brackets & screws, and a little tiny space (comparatively) left from the surgery. The space is about the size of the tip of the pinky, from the last knuckle to the tip, according to the doctor. He will need to go for another CT and follow-up visit 3 months from now, but otherwise everything looks good. He can drive with an adult after he's finished tapering off the Keppra, and then on his own a couple weeks after that as long as he doesn't have any problems. We will need to keep watching for seizures but there's been none so far.
When we were leaving there the Hematologist called with the results of 2 of the 3 blood tests drawn this morning, the Factor 11 test is negative, but the Von Willebrand's showed the same numbers as in the hospital, meaning he does have a mild form of this disease.
I'll post about that later, for now I have to go get RJ so we can go to college :) He managed to finish the first trimester with a 4.4 GPA, even being gone and having brain surgery :) Way to go RJ!!
November 8, 2011
10 Day Checkup
RJ went for his 10-day post-op CT and checkup with the neurosurgeon today. Everything looks great, his brain re-expansion is looking wonderful! He originally had some deviation from the mid-line (after surgery), but that has corrected and his brain is decompressing nicely. He also had the staples removed today, which went smoothly and (he said) rather painlessly. I'm glad for that, he's been through enough pain!
After a weekend filled with pacing and repeated entreaties of "I'm Bored," he returned to school Monday, and spent the first part of his day there today also. He also returned to his college course tonight. Now he gets to play catch-up with his classes, though he says there's not too much he's behind in. Since he has almost all AP classes, I am very glad for that too!
He is remaining on the anti-seizure medicine, and will be able to taper off that at the end of the month. He has more blood tests to be done, another CT, and follow-ups with the Hematology and Neurosurgery doctors the first part of December. Neurosurgery is trying to make the CT and appointment the same day as the Hematology appointment, I hope they can! One day of parking and appointments would be so much easier than 2, for all of us.
Almost forgot, he's being double-checked for Von Willebrand's disease with next month's blood tests, to see if that played a part in the clot. I will also have his CT scans at that time, the doctor told us to just ask for them at Radiology when we asked for a print of his pre-op brain ;)
After a weekend filled with pacing and repeated entreaties of "I'm Bored," he returned to school Monday, and spent the first part of his day there today also. He also returned to his college course tonight. Now he gets to play catch-up with his classes, though he says there's not too much he's behind in. Since he has almost all AP classes, I am very glad for that too!
He is remaining on the anti-seizure medicine, and will be able to taper off that at the end of the month. He has more blood tests to be done, another CT, and follow-ups with the Hematology and Neurosurgery doctors the first part of December. Neurosurgery is trying to make the CT and appointment the same day as the Hematology appointment, I hope they can! One day of parking and appointments would be so much easier than 2, for all of us.
Almost forgot, he's being double-checked for Von Willebrand's disease with next month's blood tests, to see if that played a part in the clot. I will also have his CT scans at that time, the doctor told us to just ask for them at Radiology when we asked for a print of his pre-op brain ;)
November 1, 2011
Getting back into things....
Today my mom & dad took turns hanging out with the boys. Mom took the first shift, while I was at work, and dad took the late shift, while I was at school.
RJ felt well enough to pop onto Facebook for a minute, and he played on the X Box for a little too, until the numbness in his hand made it too hard to play (it worsened as he played). He's feeling better, but still tiring easily.
After talking a little about school, we've decided that the best way for him to return might be to start with his college class. It will be quieter to begin with, shorter than a full day, and if he's not feeling well it will be easier to leave also. Since I'm on campus at the same time, he'll also have help if he needs it, and we can leave when he's ready. One of my instructors already knows what's going on (missed her class last week) and the other one will be mostly lab time from now on. Easy enough to get out of if need be.
Now that things are settling out, I am going back to less frequent posts. Thank you all for keeping up with us, and for all the prayers, well-wishes, and offers of assistance. They're much appreciated! We have truly been blessed :)
RJ felt well enough to pop onto Facebook for a minute, and he played on the X Box for a little too, until the numbness in his hand made it too hard to play (it worsened as he played). He's feeling better, but still tiring easily.
After talking a little about school, we've decided that the best way for him to return might be to start with his college class. It will be quieter to begin with, shorter than a full day, and if he's not feeling well it will be easier to leave also. Since I'm on campus at the same time, he'll also have help if he needs it, and we can leave when he's ready. One of my instructors already knows what's going on (missed her class last week) and the other one will be mostly lab time from now on. Easy enough to get out of if need be.
Now that things are settling out, I am going back to less frequent posts. Thank you all for keeping up with us, and for all the prayers, well-wishes, and offers of assistance. They're much appreciated! We have truly been blessed :)
October 31, 2011
First day home...
Today was our first full day at home. RJ is feeling better, though still tiring easily, and getting bored. As he put it, "I'm tired but I'm tired of sleeping too."
He spent almost the whole day awake, he showered, and we watched some TV. He got exercise pacing, trying to decide what he wanted to do. He also discovered his glasses may not be right anymore, as he said they are fuzzy (he cleaned them 3 times first). His right hand is still numb too. I'm hoping that slowly recovers as his brain heals, but for now he's trying to do most things left-handed. He'll need help with written work when he goes back to school...
I called doctors to get the follow up appointments, and couldn't manage any of that! The neurosurgeon is waiting for the insurance to clear the follow up CT scan, and can't schedule that until it's okayed. They want the CT before the appointment with the doctor, so we wait. The Hematologists want an appointment a month out, the doctor is on vacation then, so we need to wait for their December calendar.
Always fun, right? I will happily wait for insurance approval as long as they still cover most of the bills! Two nights in ICU, 2 nights in a regular room, 4 CT scans, Hematology & countless lab tests, neurosurgery, anesthesia, OR, meds and so many other things already, not to mention all the follow up blood work, CT scan, and appointments.
Tomorrow I am back to work. Mom & dad are hanging out with RJ while I'm gone :) Nate is doing fine because he doesn't have to be silent, and he gets the x-box to himself :) RJ does offer him advice once in a while, so that part hasn't changed a bit.
He spent almost the whole day awake, he showered, and we watched some TV. He got exercise pacing, trying to decide what he wanted to do. He also discovered his glasses may not be right anymore, as he said they are fuzzy (he cleaned them 3 times first). His right hand is still numb too. I'm hoping that slowly recovers as his brain heals, but for now he's trying to do most things left-handed. He'll need help with written work when he goes back to school...
I called doctors to get the follow up appointments, and couldn't manage any of that! The neurosurgeon is waiting for the insurance to clear the follow up CT scan, and can't schedule that until it's okayed. They want the CT before the appointment with the doctor, so we wait. The Hematologists want an appointment a month out, the doctor is on vacation then, so we need to wait for their December calendar.
Always fun, right? I will happily wait for insurance approval as long as they still cover most of the bills! Two nights in ICU, 2 nights in a regular room, 4 CT scans, Hematology & countless lab tests, neurosurgery, anesthesia, OR, meds and so many other things already, not to mention all the follow up blood work, CT scan, and appointments.
Tomorrow I am back to work. Mom & dad are hanging out with RJ while I'm gone :) Nate is doing fine because he doesn't have to be silent, and he gets the x-box to himself :) RJ does offer him advice once in a while, so that part hasn't changed a bit.
October 30, 2011
Our Day
RJ and I have had a quiet day today, he's spent most of it dozing in the recliner :)
When he wakes up, he visits for a bit, then it's time for something to eat and back to sleep. His pain has been good, taking only ibuprofen so far and not the Vicodin. Mom & Dad stopped by to bring me ibuprofen, I didn't know I was almost out until he needed it! Luckily I had a single-dose pack in the first aid kit for right then.
Nathan will be home shortly also, I think he will head straight for the X Box :) I would if I were him! He and I are going to hit a movie next weekend, if there's something good on (hope so!)
I have tomorrow off from work, then we are back to usual on Tuesday. Mom &/or Dad will be here with RJ during the day and when I'm at school, and I have a lineup on the counter and in the fridge with easy foods for RJ. I've also invited Ron to visit RJ this week, as I know this has been difficult. I would want to see him the first week home too, had he been going to Ron's instead of here.
When he wakes up, he visits for a bit, then it's time for something to eat and back to sleep. His pain has been good, taking only ibuprofen so far and not the Vicodin. Mom & Dad stopped by to bring me ibuprofen, I didn't know I was almost out until he needed it! Luckily I had a single-dose pack in the first aid kit for right then.
Nathan will be home shortly also, I think he will head straight for the X Box :) I would if I were him! He and I are going to hit a movie next weekend, if there's something good on (hope so!)
I have tomorrow off from work, then we are back to usual on Tuesday. Mom &/or Dad will be here with RJ during the day and when I'm at school, and I have a lineup on the counter and in the fridge with easy foods for RJ. I've also invited Ron to visit RJ this week, as I know this has been difficult. I would want to see him the first week home too, had he been going to Ron's instead of here.
Home!
While on our way to the hospital today, Ron sent me a text that the doctor had been in and said he could go home at any time. He also let me know the nurse was getting RJ's hair washed :) I'm sure that felt wonderful for him!
Mom, dad, and I got there at about 9:30, and by 10:30 we were on our way out. RJ opted to come straight to my house instead of dad's then here later on. (What I'd planned anyway, but due to a difference of opinion, we asked RJ)
We made a quick stop to pick up his meds, then home and settled into the recliner to rest. He woke up and asked for his glasses & lunch, Easy Mac & diced peaches, then put his feet back up for nap time.
We are spending a very quiet afternoon for a bit longer, I asked his dad for a couple hours for him to rest before they come over.
Mom, dad, and I got there at about 9:30, and by 10:30 we were on our way out. RJ opted to come straight to my house instead of dad's then here later on. (What I'd planned anyway, but due to a difference of opinion, we asked RJ)
We made a quick stop to pick up his meds, then home and settled into the recliner to rest. He woke up and asked for his glasses & lunch, Easy Mac & diced peaches, then put his feet back up for nap time.
We are spending a very quiet afternoon for a bit longer, I asked his dad for a couple hours for him to rest before they come over.
October 29, 2011
Almost Home!
Today was a wonderful day, RJ is doing terrific, he has impressed everyone there with his recovery :)
The CT scan this morning was good, there are no problems noted and he is about ready to come home. He walked a circuit of the 7th floor this morning, then sat up in his chair and tried to eat his lunch. His jaw is still very sore with fluid retention in the joint, cheek, and a little under his chin. The incision looks perfect, no redness, drainage, or swelling.
I left him in the care of the excellent staff at 4:30, went to dinner with my mom, dad, brother & sister, picked up a handheld shower head, and then to the grocery store to pick up pudding, applesauce, jello, and sherbet for RJ. The shower head is now installed, a shower chair will be arriving tomorrow (my parents had one, from mom's hip surgery) and RJ should also be coming home tomorrow.
At 8:30 I called Ron to ask how RJ was doing (he was back up there after spending most of the day with Nate). RJ had been for another walk, and was currently up & moving. I did get a chance to talk to RJ, he's happy that he will be able to come home soon.
Tonight I am watching "The King's Speech" and relaxing a little. Mom, dad, and I are returning to the hospital in the morning, so there will be more updates tomorrow.
The CT scan this morning was good, there are no problems noted and he is about ready to come home. He walked a circuit of the 7th floor this morning, then sat up in his chair and tried to eat his lunch. His jaw is still very sore with fluid retention in the joint, cheek, and a little under his chin. The incision looks perfect, no redness, drainage, or swelling.
I left him in the care of the excellent staff at 4:30, went to dinner with my mom, dad, brother & sister, picked up a handheld shower head, and then to the grocery store to pick up pudding, applesauce, jello, and sherbet for RJ. The shower head is now installed, a shower chair will be arriving tomorrow (my parents had one, from mom's hip surgery) and RJ should also be coming home tomorrow.
At 8:30 I called Ron to ask how RJ was doing (he was back up there after spending most of the day with Nate). RJ had been for another walk, and was currently up & moving. I did get a chance to talk to RJ, he's happy that he will be able to come home soon.
Tonight I am watching "The King's Speech" and relaxing a little. Mom, dad, and I are returning to the hospital in the morning, so there will be more updates tomorrow.
October 28, 2011
Out of ICU
Today was a great day :) his CT scan showed more expansion of the brain, the space left is getting very small. The neurosurgeon, Dr. Skarli, came in and removed the bandages and checked the incision and drain. Because of the vast improvement and minimization of the space, he removed the drain and put a stitch in to close it up. RJ bore that very well (no anesthetic, both are painful). Before the doc pulled the drain, I asked RJ if I could take a picture of the incision, he said "as long as you show it to me." That's my boy! He has 32 staples and 1 stitch. I counted the staples. Twice :) I also promised not to post that picture & gross everyone out :)
RJ ate some Jello, but said his jaw was sore and we didn't try the crackers. He got up to the recliner chair and sat up for over an hour before we put the footrest up and reclined it slightly, then he dozed there for about another hour. He tried some Mac & cheese while up, but his jaw was too sore for that.
He was removed from ICU status after the doctor's visit this morning, and moved down a floor in the afternoon once a room opened up. That wore him out, as he rode down in a wheelchair. He transferred from the bed to the recliner, recliner to wheelchair, and wheelchair to bed today, quite a workout!
My mom and dad arrived shortly before 1, they visited with RJ for a bit then we went to lunch. They helped moved all our stuff to the new room, made sure RJ was settled, then we left him to the nurses and went out to the seating area to talk. RJ slept most of the afternoon and evening, in peace & quiet in the new room. He is still on IV fluids to keep him hydrated, but his meds are now oral instead of IV. The heart monitor is off as of just now, with only the O2 monitor remaining. (his lowest stat I've seen is 97%, for my coworkers)
One more CT while we're here, as far as I know, and that will be tomorrow. There's also another blood draw for the hematology docs in the morning, and then we should hear some results as they all come in. (for the nurses I know: I believe it is a PT or PTT they are drawing. I have that info second-hand so I could be wrong too)
RJ ate some Jello, but said his jaw was sore and we didn't try the crackers. He got up to the recliner chair and sat up for over an hour before we put the footrest up and reclined it slightly, then he dozed there for about another hour. He tried some Mac & cheese while up, but his jaw was too sore for that.
He was removed from ICU status after the doctor's visit this morning, and moved down a floor in the afternoon once a room opened up. That wore him out, as he rode down in a wheelchair. He transferred from the bed to the recliner, recliner to wheelchair, and wheelchair to bed today, quite a workout!
My mom and dad arrived shortly before 1, they visited with RJ for a bit then we went to lunch. They helped moved all our stuff to the new room, made sure RJ was settled, then we left him to the nurses and went out to the seating area to talk. RJ slept most of the afternoon and evening, in peace & quiet in the new room. He is still on IV fluids to keep him hydrated, but his meds are now oral instead of IV. The heart monitor is off as of just now, with only the O2 monitor remaining. (his lowest stat I've seen is 97%, for my coworkers)
One more CT while we're here, as far as I know, and that will be tomorrow. There's also another blood draw for the hematology docs in the morning, and then we should hear some results as they all come in. (for the nurses I know: I believe it is a PT or PTT they are drawing. I have that info second-hand so I could be wrong too)
October 27, 2011
Surgery day
RJ underwent surgery this morning. What they hoped would be a simple burr hole & drain turned into the anticipated craniotomy instead. Once inside the skull, the fluid was found to be layers of clotting that has occurred over the last year, and under the membrane instead of over it. With these turns of events, the surgery took 2 1/2 hours instead of the expected 1 hour.
After coming out of surgery, he had a CT scan done again, which we later saw. It showed that the space that had been filled with the clot was now filled with the expanding brain, a very good thing :)
RJ has had many visitors today, while he did the usual post-op doze and talk. He was with it enough to have snappy come-backs for people, and we got him to laugh some too. Now he is resting as much as he can with hourly neuro checks occurring all night tonight. He has an antibiotic, anti nausea med, Kepra, and morphine keeping him hydrated, comfortable, and hopefully free of infection or seizures. He also has a drain that clears fluids and helps re-expand the compressed brain area.
Tomorrow is another CT scan, and maybe some more awake time, we shall see. Before he leaves here we will have evaluations done by therapy, and he may be participating in some therapy here or as an outpatient. All that remains to be seen yet.
After coming out of surgery, he had a CT scan done again, which we later saw. It showed that the space that had been filled with the clot was now filled with the expanding brain, a very good thing :)
RJ has had many visitors today, while he did the usual post-op doze and talk. He was with it enough to have snappy come-backs for people, and we got him to laugh some too. Now he is resting as much as he can with hourly neuro checks occurring all night tonight. He has an antibiotic, anti nausea med, Kepra, and morphine keeping him hydrated, comfortable, and hopefully free of infection or seizures. He also has a drain that clears fluids and helps re-expand the compressed brain area.
Tomorrow is another CT scan, and maybe some more awake time, we shall see. Before he leaves here we will have evaluations done by therapy, and he may be participating in some therapy here or as an outpatient. All that remains to be seen yet.
October 26, 2011
An unexpected turn of events
My oldest son had a migraine the other evening. He's never had them before, and it was preceded by numbness & tingling in his right arm & the right side of his face. Odd, but with a family history on both sides of migraines, not too odd.
Two nights later he tells me he woke up with a skull-splitting migraine and nausea. With 2 in 3 days' time, I called the doctor & scheduled an appointment, which was 2 days later. This morning. The doctor ordered a CT scan, which showed fluid on the brain, and we are now at the hospital awaiting a second CT tonight and surgery to drain the fluid in the morning. He had a brain bleed, with no known cause. No trauma, no bumps, no anything.
Everyone is stumped as to the cause, and lots of bloodwork is being done. There are a lot of questions & not many answers yet for why it happened, but thank heaven it has been found & isn't a tumor. I am trying to stay on the bright side, that will be best for all of us, I think.
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital staff & docs have been great, & he has a Wii for entertainment :)
Two nights later he tells me he woke up with a skull-splitting migraine and nausea. With 2 in 3 days' time, I called the doctor & scheduled an appointment, which was 2 days later. This morning. The doctor ordered a CT scan, which showed fluid on the brain, and we are now at the hospital awaiting a second CT tonight and surgery to drain the fluid in the morning. He had a brain bleed, with no known cause. No trauma, no bumps, no anything.
Everyone is stumped as to the cause, and lots of bloodwork is being done. There are a lot of questions & not many answers yet for why it happened, but thank heaven it has been found & isn't a tumor. I am trying to stay on the bright side, that will be best for all of us, I think.
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital staff & docs have been great, & he has a Wii for entertainment :)
October 15, 2011
Thank You God!
Thank heaven for the gorgeous day today, for Samantha's senior portrait shoot! We were worried it might rain, but we had beautiful blue skies with fluffy clouds & sunshine :) it was windy & cool, but you can't see that in pictures :)
Finishing up dinner now, then home to edit & upload today's photos. Thanks Sammy for asking me to do your photos, I had a ball!
Finishing up dinner now, then home to edit & upload today's photos. Thanks Sammy for asking me to do your photos, I had a ball!
October 13, 2011
What a Day!
So, work was... well, shall we say... interesting... today. Nothing particularly went wrong, just a whole bunch of stuff conspiring to make the day unusual and crazy.
Part of that was the maintenance testing of our locked and alarmed exit doors, causing ridiculously loud alarms throughout the building for an extended period of time. This was closely followed by the AFC homes around us testing their fire alarms, which sends an overhead page in our building (we are required to respond to the houses).
If that wasn't crazy enough, it was the monthly theme meal for the residents, which brings in a lot of visitors and sends more people than normal to the dining room. That huge dining room was packed solid and noisy! I work on a low-stim unit, so this seemed exceedingly loud to me... That might be a hint that I'm getting old. Nah!
On the way home I realized I'd left my house keys with my son (so he could get in the house and not have to wait on the porch for me after school), and he had an after-school club meeting, meaning I was locked out of my own house! Solution: called my mom & we met for coffee, then I picked up my son after his meeting.
At least the iPhone OS5 update went smoothly, and the Red Wings won tonight... Now I just have to hope for a smoother workday tomorrow, and clear weather Saturday afternoon (outdoor portrait shoot). My fingers are crossed!
Part of that was the maintenance testing of our locked and alarmed exit doors, causing ridiculously loud alarms throughout the building for an extended period of time. This was closely followed by the AFC homes around us testing their fire alarms, which sends an overhead page in our building (we are required to respond to the houses).
If that wasn't crazy enough, it was the monthly theme meal for the residents, which brings in a lot of visitors and sends more people than normal to the dining room. That huge dining room was packed solid and noisy! I work on a low-stim unit, so this seemed exceedingly loud to me... That might be a hint that I'm getting old. Nah!
On the way home I realized I'd left my house keys with my son (so he could get in the house and not have to wait on the porch for me after school), and he had an after-school club meeting, meaning I was locked out of my own house! Solution: called my mom & we met for coffee, then I picked up my son after his meeting.
At least the iPhone OS5 update went smoothly, and the Red Wings won tonight... Now I just have to hope for a smoother workday tomorrow, and clear weather Saturday afternoon (outdoor portrait shoot). My fingers are crossed!
October 8, 2011
October 7, 2011
Hockey Season!
Hockey season has begun. Streaming games live online. The Red Wings won their season opener. What does all that mean to me? A very good Friday night at home :)
Yes, I am a hockey fan. Yes, I like when they fight. I like when they slam each other into the glass. I become loud & bloodthirsty when it's hockey season (and at demolition derbies). Maybe this is part of why I like Roller Derby too?
Just another facet of me, take it or leave it. I am a renaissance girl ;)
Yes, I am a hockey fan. Yes, I like when they fight. I like when they slam each other into the glass. I become loud & bloodthirsty when it's hockey season (and at demolition derbies). Maybe this is part of why I like Roller Derby too?
Just another facet of me, take it or leave it. I am a renaissance girl ;)
September 18, 2011
Flowerbeds
I finally put the pea gravel into the top tier of the raised flower bed. About time too, I bought it about a month ago! I still need one more bag, the front edge of the tier is still bare. I love the way it looks, it finally has a "finished" look. I ordered 3 kinds of flower bulbs from little Mr. Cameron's school fundraiser to plant in the two lowest tiers, when they come in I will get them planted and put pea gravel in those tiers too, I think. I am hoping that this will make it easier to weed and continue to look nice each year, without having to buy new every year like with mulch. We shall see!
Still planning to dig out a new flower bed all along the deck, but haven't mustered the ambition quite yet to do that. Partly because that digging is a lot of work, but also because then I have to dig more to transplant the irises and lilies I want to put there (and I still need to get the landscape timbers I want for the edging). So many plans, so little motivation!
One last flower has finally bloomed, the showy stonecrop has lovely pale pink flowers. I took pictures, but I haven't uploaded them yet so that will need to be the next post. I also have black-eyed susan in the same flowerbed, and another plant that I can't identify or manage to get rid of. It has even sprouted where I pulled it and tossed it in the yard before taking to the dumpster :( What a mess!! Maybe if I get weed killer and carefully spray it on just the leaves of that plant I can kill that and not my flowers...
Still planning to dig out a new flower bed all along the deck, but haven't mustered the ambition quite yet to do that. Partly because that digging is a lot of work, but also because then I have to dig more to transplant the irises and lilies I want to put there (and I still need to get the landscape timbers I want for the edging). So many plans, so little motivation!
One last flower has finally bloomed, the showy stonecrop has lovely pale pink flowers. I took pictures, but I haven't uploaded them yet so that will need to be the next post. I also have black-eyed susan in the same flowerbed, and another plant that I can't identify or manage to get rid of. It has even sprouted where I pulled it and tossed it in the yard before taking to the dumpster :( What a mess!! Maybe if I get weed killer and carefully spray it on just the leaves of that plant I can kill that and not my flowers...
September 11, 2011
Redecorating
RJ went to the 9/11 Salute today, and Nate and I moved some furniture around. We have decided that the dining room should become my photo studio, as we don't eat in there anyway. We then looked at the empty corner of the living room, and decided that's where the dining room table and chairs should be.
We now have a dining area in the corner of the living room, which will actually be much more useful for us, and I have a small photo studio that is out of the way yet ready for use at any time.
We now have a dining area in the corner of the living room, which will actually be much more useful for us, and I have a small photo studio that is out of the way yet ready for use at any time.
August 13, 2011
Storms
It's storming. Again. I didn't go out and mow while it was sunny (for a while) earlier, so that's not getting done today! Instead I will set up lighting for a photo shoot in my living room and photograph some of my finished handcrafted items I am planning on offering up for sale. Maybe I will empty out a couple more boxes too, there are only a few left now!
First things first, though. I have to log off the computer, or I won't get anything done! Happy rainy day all!
First things first, though. I have to log off the computer, or I won't get anything done! Happy rainy day all!
August 3, 2011
Breakfast Portraits?
We went to Tunnel Park in Holland last weekend, to cook breakfast in the park then go to the beach for a while. Being me, I took my camera, of course! While we cooked and ate breakfast, we watched a couple having engagement portraits done, with the photographer taking them here & there, back and forth, and posing them almost the exact same way at each location... I muttered some creative direction (couldn't help it, but I was quiet enough they wouldn't hear!), and watched the poor guy get increasingly bored with the whole thing while his fiancee and the photographer talked about her dress & wedding plans :)
This prompted me to scout locations for Senior pictures, of course! While on the beach I took a look at RJ's clothing, and decided we could do a few shots. RJ wasn't really feeling it, but went with it anyway (to humor me, I'm sure). We did a single pose on the beach, and another in a cool tree in the park. Given his expression in the last shot I took, he was over humoring me. We went with that and called an end to the shoot :)
Here are my favorites from the few we took:
This prompted me to scout locations for Senior pictures, of course! While on the beach I took a look at RJ's clothing, and decided we could do a few shots. RJ wasn't really feeling it, but went with it anyway (to humor me, I'm sure). We did a single pose on the beach, and another in a cool tree in the park. Given his expression in the last shot I took, he was over humoring me. We went with that and called an end to the shoot :)
Here are my favorites from the few we took:
 |
| The only one I got a smile that shows teeth! |
 |
| Just before the final shot, getting that "are we done yet?" look. |
July 18, 2011
Identifying Plants
Okay, so I recently moved into a house with lovely plantings all around. The lady that owned the house before was the president of our local garden club, and there are a lot of gorgeous flowers and other plants. Problem is, I have no idea what many of them are!
I would love to get the specific species for many of these lilies. If you happen to know any, please leave a comment (and let me know if I've incorrectly ID'd any also)
I will post pictures of the flowering shrubs I can't identify next time! (I do know I have spirea and lilacs, leaving 3 I don't know)
I would love to get the specific species for many of these lilies. If you happen to know any, please leave a comment (and let me know if I've incorrectly ID'd any also)
 |
| Mona Lisa Oriental Lily |
 |
| Daylily, specifics unknown |
 |
| Daylily, specifics unknown. Double- and triple-layered blooms |
 | |
| Oriental Lily, specifics unknown |
 |
| Ruby Spider Daylily |
 |
| Hyperion Daylily |
 |
| Ruby Sentinel Daylily |
 |
| Daylily, specifics unknown |
 | ||||||||||||
| Better view of the Oriental Lily above (4th picture) |
May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother's Day has rolled around once again, and I am looking forward to spending it with my very favorite people, my two boys. Lots of other family too, we are celebrating lots of moms in our group, but without those two munchkins what would the day be for me?
Of course, those two munchkins are now taller than me, so I guess I shouldn't call them that anymore!
I hope all the moms have a great day, whether they are moms to people or animals :)
Of course, those two munchkins are now taller than me, so I guess I shouldn't call them that anymore!
I hope all the moms have a great day, whether they are moms to people or animals :)
April 12, 2011
You did WHAT??
So, after reflecting on my life, the events in it, my current age, and the probable age I will be when I can finally actually go to nursing school (let alone when I finish, Yikes!), I have changed my major. Yup. I no longer plan to be a nurse.
I am not comfortable being away to school 4-5 nights a week while I work days full-time, and have kids still at home. That means I will not be going to school like that until Nate graduates at least, and he will start High School next fall (oh my, where has the time gone!!). So, 4 more years of school.... Ugh. No thanks!! Since I have been taking business classes, medical transcription, and various other classes I decided to re-evaluate what I should be doing with all of this knowledge. It's got to be worth more than just personal enrichment, right? Why yes, as a matter of fact it is! I am nearly done with 4 Certificate Programs, and well on my way to an associate's degree as an Administrative Assistant. Well, hot dog! I can work with that!
Re-evaluating has given me new focus, and an end in sight, two things I desperately need right now. I am taking a lot of classes this summer and fall term, and leaving me with only 5 BUS classes needed to complete my degree, and a few other specialty classes to complete two of the certificates. Non-clinical Pharmacology is one of those, so I really hope it's offered for winter term (not available at all for summer or fall).
I *should* be able to graduate after winter term next year, or in the summer at the latest :) Nothing like graduating College when your son graduates from High School, right? Oh my, he's about to be a Senior...... Woo-Hoo RJ!!!
I am not comfortable being away to school 4-5 nights a week while I work days full-time, and have kids still at home. That means I will not be going to school like that until Nate graduates at least, and he will start High School next fall (oh my, where has the time gone!!). So, 4 more years of school.... Ugh. No thanks!! Since I have been taking business classes, medical transcription, and various other classes I decided to re-evaluate what I should be doing with all of this knowledge. It's got to be worth more than just personal enrichment, right? Why yes, as a matter of fact it is! I am nearly done with 4 Certificate Programs, and well on my way to an associate's degree as an Administrative Assistant. Well, hot dog! I can work with that!
Re-evaluating has given me new focus, and an end in sight, two things I desperately need right now. I am taking a lot of classes this summer and fall term, and leaving me with only 5 BUS classes needed to complete my degree, and a few other specialty classes to complete two of the certificates. Non-clinical Pharmacology is one of those, so I really hope it's offered for winter term (not available at all for summer or fall).
I *should* be able to graduate after winter term next year, or in the summer at the latest :) Nothing like graduating College when your son graduates from High School, right? Oh my, he's about to be a Senior...... Woo-Hoo RJ!!!
March 2, 2011
New TBI Definition
"The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) announces the adoption of a new traumatic brain injury (TBI) definition. Based on the proposal of the Demographics and Clinical Assessment Working Group of the International and Interagency Initiative toward Common Data Elements for Research on Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health, BIAA has adopted the following definition:
TBI is defined as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force.
See the BIAMI website for more information!"
(Copied from BIAMI e-mail, March 2, 2011)
TBI is defined as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force.
See the BIAMI website for more information!"
(Copied from BIAMI e-mail, March 2, 2011)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)