My last blog entry was right after the new year. This past week has been full of ups and downs, highs and lows. My dear Brother has been in Arizona visiting and staying with his mother - I know, she's mine as well but for my sanity I try to squelch that fact. He flew out on Jan 8th and will return home some time tomorrow (15th).

On Thursday (10th) I had an evaluation for medical transportation. I went with my hemi-walker. The transportation company did provide me with a ride to and from which was an interesting feat all in itself. First of all, the driver was early so I had to scramble to get outside. I was picked up in a mini-bus and driver had parked it out on the street - he said he couldn't help me get to bus. I managed to get to almost end of property to where it was steeper before street. The driver did help me there the last few steps down to the street. He did give me an "upmf" up the few steps into the bus as well and seat belted me in. Once we arrived in town, he got me into the building then I was on my own. With no difficulties, fortunately, I got myself into the waiting room. The gal who was interviewing and taking my picture was very sweet. The therapist was from the Easter Seals (she comes in and conducts the evaluations for the medical transport) I was put through various exercises including a timed simulation of crossing an intersection (I would've been run over probably if it was a real life situation). The therapist and I also walked outside (no street crossing thankfully). She then walked me back into the lobby of the building to wait for my ride back home. Unofficially, I was approved for medical transportation. I'll get the official word in 2-3 weeks. The ride home was non-eventful and I got in safe and sound. I was exhausted and in bed quite early.

On Friday (11th) I had appt. with my PC to review all test results. Mark, who works for my Brother, transported me. He and his Wife are totally SUPER.

Anyway...test results....diabetes and cholesterol under control, carotid Doppler - nothing to be concerned about, stress test - 1st part of test was excellent; however, during nuclear medicine part of the test there was a possible abnormality discovered - I may have ischemic heart disease. Before I left the office, they scheduled an appointment for me with a Cardiologist for tomorrow (15th). My doc also wrote script for lopressor (generic of course) and changed my lisinopril hctz to straight lisinopril 10 mg. She told me to take it easy - no over-exertion or stress. I also will be having additional blood work done as there was elevated readings in renal something or other.

So....at this point I'm trying to chill out as much as possible.

My nephew and his girlfriend came over Friday evening and asked if they could move in with us for a while. He was told that it was against the lease and he'd have to speak to his brother/our landlord. The way he spoke to me, it would only be for a few weeks - the way he spoke with Kristi, a few months.

They left and Kristi went to spend the night with cousins and see the movie Juno. Kristi had texted his Sister and in Taffy's words - "once he gets in you won't get him out".

This Monday (14th) - a bit ago Kristi called me from achool and said that Joey had sent her a text message saying they're moving in. I called my nephew/landlord and spoke with Billy. Billy said that Joey had called him yesterday while he was in checkout at grocery store. Billy told Joey it's between me and Joey but he did tell Joey NO parties. Billy said he wasn't sure if his Dad knew any of this or not. I then called my Dear Brother. He was quite surprised as he had not spoken to Joey since before he left for AZ. He had helped Joey and Angel get the motel room they've been staying in cheaper than the normal price of $100/night. As Joe said, Kristi and I are the only ones who haven't rejected Joey as of yet. Joe did say that, if Joey does actually come to stay that I should have a list of rules and regulations that MUST be followed. I told Joe about doc appt - Mark had filled him in on me seeing the cardiologist (and guys say we women are bad with talking :yadayada: lol). Joe is to call here when he arrives back in Pittsburgh (1-15) to see what's going on with me as well as Joey).

Please everyone pray for my sanity and peace of mind and that all goes well.

Yesterday morning (13th) my stupid drop foot caused a problem. As I was getting out of bed and going to bathroom, my foot and ankle flopped over. I didn't fall but her 2 "pops". I've been hobbling around since then. Don't think there's a fracture as I can get my AFO on and off. There is some swelling tho. I sat yesterday with it elevated a good bit of the time. I'm falling apart or so it seems.

On brighter note - of course as proud Mom - prior to Christmas break in Kristi's Civics Class they were working on a project dealing with Presidential Election. The teacher assigned a project of a mock election - Kristi was selected as democratic nominee. Last Tuesday (8th) she had to present her campaign speech to the class preceding the actual mock election. I'm now the President's Mom lol That was definitely the highlight of the week.

One other definite highlight - our bathroom is now Lili-proofed. My cousin messed with the door and the latch - it now closes and little tint terror cannot get the door open - Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!