A few months ago I made a promise to myself that forevermore if I saw someone who looked lost that if I was capable of helping I would. So....
To the American couple I met outside of the hospital yesterday:
I hope you were able to get the help you needed. I'm sorry your vacation was interrupted by something as crummy as an ear infection. I hope you were able to get back to your travels quickly. I also am praying your home in Colorado remains safe so you have a home to return to.
I am glad you felt comfortable enough to approach me and ask me to help. I only wish I could do more.
I am thinking of you today.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Sickies
Following along with the (seemingly typical) German summer... at the Lehman house, when it rains it pours.
We both are currently having a miserable summer sinus cold. Josh passed it to me, so I am blaming him. It is a bit miserable. I have had a chronic sinus headache for the past two days. Ugh.
Yesterday I went to the doctor to have a mole removed. This normally wouldn't be a big deal, but the mole was big enough that they actually had to cut it out. So at the moment I've got 11 stitches in my ribs. And... it doesn't feel great. Double Ugh.
Josh's kidney stone never passed on its own, so we were back at the hospital this morning (a planned appointment this time instead of the ER) for him to have the stone "blasted" to break it apart so it can pass. He'll have to spend the night in the hospital and will hopefully be able to come home Friday or Saturday.
We are just one big bundle of health and fun. Wish I had something more fun to post... here's to the road of recovery and getting back to traveling!
We both are currently having a miserable summer sinus cold. Josh passed it to me, so I am blaming him. It is a bit miserable. I have had a chronic sinus headache for the past two days. Ugh.
Yesterday I went to the doctor to have a mole removed. This normally wouldn't be a big deal, but the mole was big enough that they actually had to cut it out. So at the moment I've got 11 stitches in my ribs. And... it doesn't feel great. Double Ugh.
Josh's kidney stone never passed on its own, so we were back at the hospital this morning (a planned appointment this time instead of the ER) for him to have the stone "blasted" to break it apart so it can pass. He'll have to spend the night in the hospital and will hopefully be able to come home Friday or Saturday.
We are just one big bundle of health and fun. Wish I had something more fun to post... here's to the road of recovery and getting back to traveling!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Comparisons
I was thinking about my year in Germany yesterday... and I started to think up my list of things which I miss about the states, things I love about Germany, and things which I've realized are not critical... because I do have a lists of these things
For example... any time I have ever looked for a rental or when I was looking to buy my house a dishwasher was a must. Absolute must. It was a make it or break it factor. There was no way I was going to live somewhere if it didn't have a dishwasher. Yeah, we don't have one. And in fact... to do our dishes our little sink is too small and no hot water comes out of it. Yes, you read that right. I have no immediate hot water source in my kitchen. So to wash dishes I have to take a big plastic tub down to our bathtub, fill it up, then lug it back into the kitchen to wash dishes. Inconvenient? Yes. But ya know what's funny? It's really not that big of a deal. It's not. I have to wash dishes by hand in a somewhat non-conventional way. So what? It's really not quite the crisis I have always made it out to be. We survive just fine.
Not having access to things which are open 24/7. We go grocery shopping on base, and the hours are something like 8-7. If we shop off base the hours are similar, only everything is closed on Sundays. Our BX (the base version of Walmart) has hours of about 11-7, and it is closed a few random times as well. At first when we got here I was really annoyed with this. What if I'm baking and I need more sugar at 9 pm? What if one of us comes down with the flu and need over the counter meds in the middle of the night? You plan ahead. That's what you do. You make sure you've always got what you need on hand - which means stocking up on things and always having a specific grocery list. The point is, a lot of people complain about the lack of 24 hour shopping like you have in the states. Don't get me wrong, there are times I miss it. But. It's really not that big of a deal. You can do without it - people do all the time. In fact... it's kind of nice to live in a town which is completely dead quiet on Sundays.
I love that Germany recycles seemingly everything. We have one large bin which we put cardboard and paper into. We also have yellow "trash" bags which you can put plastic, aluminum, metal cans, styrofoam, tin foil, ect into. When there is so much you can recycle (because where I was living you could recycle cardboard, aluminum cans, some plastics, but you had to drop it off yourself) it really cuts down on your trash. And it is so convenient to have a trash type bag in the kitchen where you can just toss it. If all recycling was this easy (and mandatory by law as it is here) it could be much more successful.
I love that sodas (all major brands) in Germany are made with real sugar, not high fructose corn syrup. I was never necessarily a "real" Coke person (I always stuck with Diet Coke) - however real Coke over here tastes AMAZING. Seriously amazing. It took me awhile to figure out that real sugar was the difference. I recently had and "American" Sprite made with high fructose corn syrup and thought it was absolutely disgusting. I think "soda" as a food group (ha ha!) may get eliminated from my life upon returning to the states as it just doesn't taste good.
That also applies to yogurt. Over here we have the best - absolute best - greek yogurt. So unbelievably good. When I was back home in January I ate some yogurt at my brother's house. Here I should explain - I have always liked yogurt. Prior to Germany, I always bought the fat free, lite version of yogurts. My brother buys the wonderfully delicious full fat versions. I was eating a full fat version of a brand of yogurt which I know to be good, so it should have tasted wonderful and creamy.... yet it tasted like crap. My mom had me try some greek yogurt she buys which she states is "the closest she's found to what you have over there" (my mom got hooked on the yogurt as well) and... yeah it was nothing even remotely close. It tasted awful as well. So... depending on what I find with trial and error, yogurt may also be eliminated.
Now... about the states. I miss getting free water with my meal at restaurants. Over here you have to ask for water, and then it comes out of a bottle, so you must pay for it. I really like being able to get a water AND something else. I also miss getting ice with my drink - because you don't get that over here ever. Drinks are also not bottomless... so if you want more, you pay for two drinks. It's not that I chug my liquids, but I just don't like the idea of the restrictions.
I also miss Mexican food. Germany and Europe has some awesome food, and there is some great ethnic food. But. They just don't do Mexican right. With all the delicious gelato and tasty treats available to us I feel silly saying this... but I miss Dairy Queen. There is something I miss about American soft serve.
On the flip side of my saying "not having 24 hour shopping isn't that big of deal" - I do miss the shopping in the states. I just missing having Target/Walmart/Ross where I knew I would be able to find what I was looking for and there would be a variety of choices. If I can find what I want on base, it's a miracle. Sometimes I can find what I want off base, depending on what it is. Most of the time I either go without... but sometimes I order things online (which is a pain. I'm an instant gratification kind of girl) or ask my mom to hunt for it and send it to me. So I miss the convenience of it... but... on the flip side... it's really not that big of deal to me. It's not. It's not a make it or break it thing. Which is much different from how I once used to think... So... maybe Germany has helped me to re-shift my thinking a bit to realize not much is a crisis.
For example... any time I have ever looked for a rental or when I was looking to buy my house a dishwasher was a must. Absolute must. It was a make it or break it factor. There was no way I was going to live somewhere if it didn't have a dishwasher. Yeah, we don't have one. And in fact... to do our dishes our little sink is too small and no hot water comes out of it. Yes, you read that right. I have no immediate hot water source in my kitchen. So to wash dishes I have to take a big plastic tub down to our bathtub, fill it up, then lug it back into the kitchen to wash dishes. Inconvenient? Yes. But ya know what's funny? It's really not that big of a deal. It's not. I have to wash dishes by hand in a somewhat non-conventional way. So what? It's really not quite the crisis I have always made it out to be. We survive just fine.
Not having access to things which are open 24/7. We go grocery shopping on base, and the hours are something like 8-7. If we shop off base the hours are similar, only everything is closed on Sundays. Our BX (the base version of Walmart) has hours of about 11-7, and it is closed a few random times as well. At first when we got here I was really annoyed with this. What if I'm baking and I need more sugar at 9 pm? What if one of us comes down with the flu and need over the counter meds in the middle of the night? You plan ahead. That's what you do. You make sure you've always got what you need on hand - which means stocking up on things and always having a specific grocery list. The point is, a lot of people complain about the lack of 24 hour shopping like you have in the states. Don't get me wrong, there are times I miss it. But. It's really not that big of a deal. You can do without it - people do all the time. In fact... it's kind of nice to live in a town which is completely dead quiet on Sundays.
I love that Germany recycles seemingly everything. We have one large bin which we put cardboard and paper into. We also have yellow "trash" bags which you can put plastic, aluminum, metal cans, styrofoam, tin foil, ect into. When there is so much you can recycle (because where I was living you could recycle cardboard, aluminum cans, some plastics, but you had to drop it off yourself) it really cuts down on your trash. And it is so convenient to have a trash type bag in the kitchen where you can just toss it. If all recycling was this easy (and mandatory by law as it is here) it could be much more successful.
I love that sodas (all major brands) in Germany are made with real sugar, not high fructose corn syrup. I was never necessarily a "real" Coke person (I always stuck with Diet Coke) - however real Coke over here tastes AMAZING. Seriously amazing. It took me awhile to figure out that real sugar was the difference. I recently had and "American" Sprite made with high fructose corn syrup and thought it was absolutely disgusting. I think "soda" as a food group (ha ha!) may get eliminated from my life upon returning to the states as it just doesn't taste good.
That also applies to yogurt. Over here we have the best - absolute best - greek yogurt. So unbelievably good. When I was back home in January I ate some yogurt at my brother's house. Here I should explain - I have always liked yogurt. Prior to Germany, I always bought the fat free, lite version of yogurts. My brother buys the wonderfully delicious full fat versions. I was eating a full fat version of a brand of yogurt which I know to be good, so it should have tasted wonderful and creamy.... yet it tasted like crap. My mom had me try some greek yogurt she buys which she states is "the closest she's found to what you have over there" (my mom got hooked on the yogurt as well) and... yeah it was nothing even remotely close. It tasted awful as well. So... depending on what I find with trial and error, yogurt may also be eliminated.
Now... about the states. I miss getting free water with my meal at restaurants. Over here you have to ask for water, and then it comes out of a bottle, so you must pay for it. I really like being able to get a water AND something else. I also miss getting ice with my drink - because you don't get that over here ever. Drinks are also not bottomless... so if you want more, you pay for two drinks. It's not that I chug my liquids, but I just don't like the idea of the restrictions.
I also miss Mexican food. Germany and Europe has some awesome food, and there is some great ethnic food. But. They just don't do Mexican right. With all the delicious gelato and tasty treats available to us I feel silly saying this... but I miss Dairy Queen. There is something I miss about American soft serve.
On the flip side of my saying "not having 24 hour shopping isn't that big of deal" - I do miss the shopping in the states. I just missing having Target/Walmart/Ross where I knew I would be able to find what I was looking for and there would be a variety of choices. If I can find what I want on base, it's a miracle. Sometimes I can find what I want off base, depending on what it is. Most of the time I either go without... but sometimes I order things online (which is a pain. I'm an instant gratification kind of girl) or ask my mom to hunt for it and send it to me. So I miss the convenience of it... but... on the flip side... it's really not that big of deal to me. It's not. It's not a make it or break it thing. Which is much different from how I once used to think... So... maybe Germany has helped me to re-shift my thinking a bit to realize not much is a crisis.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
One Year
Anniversary time! There are a lot of anniversaries lately...
One year ago today, I left for Germany. Well, I left Montana on the 20th, arrived the 21st, and wrote my first German blog on the 22nd.
What an overwhelming bundle of nerves I was... scared to death about taking my cats on an airplane. Stressed about having everything ready to go. Sad to be leaving my friends and family. Nervous about what was ahead. Yet excited to finally be with Josh. Excitement seemed to rule my emotions.
I can't believe how quickly one year has gone by, or how much has happened in that amount of time. My niece turned 2 this past weekend. I was there for her first birthday, I was sad to miss the second. I was looking at pictures my mom and brother had sent me, and I can't believe how much she has grown and changed in just one year. She is much bigger, and not just walking but running, jumping, climbing, and her vocabulary grows by the minute (as does her hair it seems). It makes me sad. I also can't believe I'm working on my Masters degree. I never would have thought a year ago that this is where I would be. I had always dreamed of going on with my education, but didn't know when the time would be "right." Even though it isn't what I had planned, I am grateful for the opportunity.
And travel... I had hoped (dreamed) we would travel travel travel. We have (as you've read). My mom was teasing me about starting to forget everywhere we've been/everything we've done. Last week I was working on a photo book, and I did have to make a list for myself to remember everything in chronological order (luckily the blog helped). However. I am still quite impressed with myself.
In my first year, we have been to or done:
Koln, Germany
Vianden Castle, Luxembourg
Black Forest, Germany
Brussels, Belgium
Pig Fest in Wittlich
Berlin, Germany
Antwerp, Belgium
Gent, Belgium
London (me, without Josh)
Amsterdam
Italy - Milan, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Siena, Rome, Verona, Venice
Rhein River Cruise
American Military Cemetery, Luxembourg
Rothenburg *
Neuschwanstein Castle *
Zugspitze *
Munich *
Dachau *
Salzburg, Austria *w/o Josh
Burg Eltz Castle, Germany
Luxembourg City and the Casemates
Prague, Czech Republic
Not too bad for our first year. I'm hoping to continue to add to this list. We were going to (originally) do something this past weekend, but Josh still needed/wanted some recovery time post-hospital. I don't blame him. However, I'm sticking to my plan of us getting out and doing more day and weekend trips this summer, rain or not.
So happy anniversary Germany. I suppose it has been a good year for us.
One year ago today, I left for Germany. Well, I left Montana on the 20th, arrived the 21st, and wrote my first German blog on the 22nd.
What an overwhelming bundle of nerves I was... scared to death about taking my cats on an airplane. Stressed about having everything ready to go. Sad to be leaving my friends and family. Nervous about what was ahead. Yet excited to finally be with Josh. Excitement seemed to rule my emotions.
I can't believe how quickly one year has gone by, or how much has happened in that amount of time. My niece turned 2 this past weekend. I was there for her first birthday, I was sad to miss the second. I was looking at pictures my mom and brother had sent me, and I can't believe how much she has grown and changed in just one year. She is much bigger, and not just walking but running, jumping, climbing, and her vocabulary grows by the minute (as does her hair it seems). It makes me sad. I also can't believe I'm working on my Masters degree. I never would have thought a year ago that this is where I would be. I had always dreamed of going on with my education, but didn't know when the time would be "right." Even though it isn't what I had planned, I am grateful for the opportunity.
And travel... I had hoped (dreamed) we would travel travel travel. We have (as you've read). My mom was teasing me about starting to forget everywhere we've been/everything we've done. Last week I was working on a photo book, and I did have to make a list for myself to remember everything in chronological order (luckily the blog helped). However. I am still quite impressed with myself.
In my first year, we have been to or done:
Koln, Germany
Vianden Castle, Luxembourg
Black Forest, Germany
Brussels, Belgium
Pig Fest in Wittlich
Berlin, Germany
Antwerp, Belgium
Gent, Belgium
London (me, without Josh)
Amsterdam
Italy - Milan, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Siena, Rome, Verona, Venice
Rhein River Cruise
American Military Cemetery, Luxembourg
Rothenburg *
Neuschwanstein Castle *
Zugspitze *
Munich *
Dachau *
Salzburg, Austria *w/o Josh
Burg Eltz Castle, Germany
Luxembourg City and the Casemates
Prague, Czech Republic
Not too bad for our first year. I'm hoping to continue to add to this list. We were going to (originally) do something this past weekend, but Josh still needed/wanted some recovery time post-hospital. I don't blame him. However, I'm sticking to my plan of us getting out and doing more day and weekend trips this summer, rain or not.
So happy anniversary Germany. I suppose it has been a good year for us.
Friday, June 15, 2012
38 and 24
Today my wonderful parents have been married for 38 years. What an amazing inspiration. I, by no stretch of the imagination, think it was easy to get to this point. It would be ridiculous to think so. But I do think it was, for the most part, fun... and I know it was full of love. In a world where over 50% of marriages end in divorce (I can attest to that as growing up I had many friends who had divorced parents - Josh's parents are divorced - and as an adult I have friends who are divorced) it seems even more amazing that my parents are still together. However, here they are. What an example to have. Something to aim and strive for.
Today is also my anniversary. 24 years ago today I had my heart surgery. At the time of my surgery - 1988 - the surgeons literally told my parents they would do what they could. Of the details I do know and understand... well, let's just say what I had for a surgical procedure can't even compare to what is available (and possible) today. To live long enough to have surgery, survive surgery, and then thrive... well. I think it is pretty amazing. Special. Miraculous.
What I find more amazing now as an adult with a wedding anniversary of my own is how such a stressful, terrible, potentially devastating event happened on my parent's anniversary. I remember asking my mom (more than once over the years) why they had my surgery on their anniversary. My mom would simply say, "Well. It needed to be done and that's what was available." But surely... there must have been another day, right? Just schedule it for the next day. Or a week later. Something. Anything but on your anniversary. What a horrible way to spend a day which should be a sweet, memorable reflection upon the vows and commitment you made to one another. Instead of celebrating 14 years of marriage with a date, dinner, flowers... my parents spent their day in a hospital waiting room. What a way to mar a beautiful day. I can't even begin to imagine what my parents and family felt. I can't describe it either. I don't have words.
What I take from this (24 years later at the age of 27) is the lesson of absolute selflessness. It did not matter to my parents what day I had surgery. So what it if was their wedding anniversary? My surgery, my health and recovery, was far more important. And at the same time as I marvel at their sacrifice (only one of countless they've made as parents), I am ashamed of my own selfishness. My only thought year after year is how... how could my parents choose to share such a day? I would never. I couldn't. I wouldn't want to. I am too selfish. Which... is shameful to say when I've had such an amazing example placed before me. This is just another reason why I know I am not ready to have children of my own... but I do hope that if that day does ever come that I will live up to the example I've had.
Today is also my anniversary. 24 years ago today I had my heart surgery. At the time of my surgery - 1988 - the surgeons literally told my parents they would do what they could. Of the details I do know and understand... well, let's just say what I had for a surgical procedure can't even compare to what is available (and possible) today. To live long enough to have surgery, survive surgery, and then thrive... well. I think it is pretty amazing. Special. Miraculous.
What I find more amazing now as an adult with a wedding anniversary of my own is how such a stressful, terrible, potentially devastating event happened on my parent's anniversary. I remember asking my mom (more than once over the years) why they had my surgery on their anniversary. My mom would simply say, "Well. It needed to be done and that's what was available." But surely... there must have been another day, right? Just schedule it for the next day. Or a week later. Something. Anything but on your anniversary. What a horrible way to spend a day which should be a sweet, memorable reflection upon the vows and commitment you made to one another. Instead of celebrating 14 years of marriage with a date, dinner, flowers... my parents spent their day in a hospital waiting room. What a way to mar a beautiful day. I can't even begin to imagine what my parents and family felt. I can't describe it either. I don't have words.
What I take from this (24 years later at the age of 27) is the lesson of absolute selflessness. It did not matter to my parents what day I had surgery. So what it if was their wedding anniversary? My surgery, my health and recovery, was far more important. And at the same time as I marvel at their sacrifice (only one of countless they've made as parents), I am ashamed of my own selfishness. My only thought year after year is how... how could my parents choose to share such a day? I would never. I couldn't. I wouldn't want to. I am too selfish. Which... is shameful to say when I've had such an amazing example placed before me. This is just another reason why I know I am not ready to have children of my own... but I do hope that if that day does ever come that I will live up to the example I've had.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
A Pregnant Man
Vega was fine. I should have been worried about Josh.
Josh woke me up at 3 AM Thursday morning with intense pain in his side. He attempted to do some things to ease the pain, but around 4 AM he asked me to take him to the ER. Josh is pretty tough and never complains about anything. I knew if he was asking me (willingly) to take him to the ER it must be pretty bad. We got to the hospital (the same one I was at back in November) around 4:15. Thursday was a German holiday. When it is a holiday in Germany everything is closed and nothing gets done. Apparently this applies to hospitals as well. After filling out paperwork we waited for an hour (in a hospital that was dead quiet and had no one else waiting. However, how different is this from the states?) before Josh was seen. The doctor quickly ruled out the appendix or kidney stones, and stated Josh was having some sort of intestinal infection and would have to be admitted (sounds like a familiar story).
They gave Josh an IV filled with some pain relievers and he attempted to relax while I filled out more paperwork for him to be admitted. After this was done, a nurse checked on us, told us someone would be down to move him to a room shortly, and then left. This was at 6:30. Josh tried to nap and I read a book. Around 8:30 I left the hospital to go to an appointment I had on base (after Josh pushed me to leave assuring me he would be fine). After my appointment I gave Josh a call to see how he was doing and what room he was in... and I discovered he was still sitting in a bed in the ER with an empty IV bottle attached to him... four hours later. Furious doesn't even begin to describe what I felt. I was still on base, so I got the number for the Patient Lesion Officer at the hospital and attempted to call it many times on my way back to the hospital (illegally driving and talking on a cell phone) with no luck. I arrived at the front desk of the hospital and asked for the PLO. I was informed no one was working because it was a German holiday. I asked the worker if she spoke English, which she did... to which I said, "Let me explain this to you. Someone's ass is about to be mine..." And apparently... that translates across all languages... because within minutes Josh was moved into a room and had fresh pain meds. Again, not one of my finer moments (which happens more frequently than it should), but it needed to be said. Just taking care of business.
To make a very long story short... poor Josh did the nasty prep work for an endoscopy/colonoscopy (because in Germany these seem to be regular, standard tests for stomach problems) for nothing as they discovered he did, indeed, have a kidney stone. We spent Friday with me coaching Josh to constantly drink water and us walking laps around the hospital in an attempt to get the stone moving. We weren't successful. The doctor, in an attempt to help get the stone moving, place a stint-type thing to expand the space. Hopefully within the next few days the stone will pass on its own. If not, the doctor and Josh will have to discuss other options.
To place the stint was technically a surgical procedure, although it was done within about 20 minutes and was done under a light anesthesia (think endoscopy or wisdom teeth). I wasn't at the hospital when Josh had this done but was one my way. He called me when he was done, and this is a brief overview of our conversation (for your entertainment pleasure):
Josh: "Hey. I'm done. I feel drunk."
Me: "Ah. I see. Well, I'm on my way. Do you need anything?"
J: "YES! SNACKS!!!"
M: "Snacks? Okay... what do you want?"
J: "SNACKS!!!!"
M: "Okay, but what kind of snacks? Do you want crackers, cookies, fruit...?"
J: "You know that chicken in the fridge? You should make me a chicken and cheese sandwich."
M: "Chicken? You want chicken? Uh... okay."
I went on base to get a few snack items for him (not chicken), and I called him again to see if he was more "sober" and if he had any requests (again). He had no memory of talking to me earlier, which only made the previous conversation funnier.
Luckily Josh is feeling much better now and he is home from the hospital. I have never experienced kidney stones (thank God), but I have heard many people say it is as painful as child birth. I have been frequently teasing Josh saying, "Hey babe, just think. This is just like having a baby!" He doesn't seem to find this as funny as I do... but he has started to joke with me saying he can't wait to give birth to this stone.
Josh woke me up at 3 AM Thursday morning with intense pain in his side. He attempted to do some things to ease the pain, but around 4 AM he asked me to take him to the ER. Josh is pretty tough and never complains about anything. I knew if he was asking me (willingly) to take him to the ER it must be pretty bad. We got to the hospital (the same one I was at back in November) around 4:15. Thursday was a German holiday. When it is a holiday in Germany everything is closed and nothing gets done. Apparently this applies to hospitals as well. After filling out paperwork we waited for an hour (in a hospital that was dead quiet and had no one else waiting. However, how different is this from the states?) before Josh was seen. The doctor quickly ruled out the appendix or kidney stones, and stated Josh was having some sort of intestinal infection and would have to be admitted (sounds like a familiar story).
They gave Josh an IV filled with some pain relievers and he attempted to relax while I filled out more paperwork for him to be admitted. After this was done, a nurse checked on us, told us someone would be down to move him to a room shortly, and then left. This was at 6:30. Josh tried to nap and I read a book. Around 8:30 I left the hospital to go to an appointment I had on base (after Josh pushed me to leave assuring me he would be fine). After my appointment I gave Josh a call to see how he was doing and what room he was in... and I discovered he was still sitting in a bed in the ER with an empty IV bottle attached to him... four hours later. Furious doesn't even begin to describe what I felt. I was still on base, so I got the number for the Patient Lesion Officer at the hospital and attempted to call it many times on my way back to the hospital (illegally driving and talking on a cell phone) with no luck. I arrived at the front desk of the hospital and asked for the PLO. I was informed no one was working because it was a German holiday. I asked the worker if she spoke English, which she did... to which I said, "Let me explain this to you. Someone's ass is about to be mine..." And apparently... that translates across all languages... because within minutes Josh was moved into a room and had fresh pain meds. Again, not one of my finer moments (which happens more frequently than it should), but it needed to be said. Just taking care of business.
To make a very long story short... poor Josh did the nasty prep work for an endoscopy/colonoscopy (because in Germany these seem to be regular, standard tests for stomach problems) for nothing as they discovered he did, indeed, have a kidney stone. We spent Friday with me coaching Josh to constantly drink water and us walking laps around the hospital in an attempt to get the stone moving. We weren't successful. The doctor, in an attempt to help get the stone moving, place a stint-type thing to expand the space. Hopefully within the next few days the stone will pass on its own. If not, the doctor and Josh will have to discuss other options.
To place the stint was technically a surgical procedure, although it was done within about 20 minutes and was done under a light anesthesia (think endoscopy or wisdom teeth). I wasn't at the hospital when Josh had this done but was one my way. He called me when he was done, and this is a brief overview of our conversation (for your entertainment pleasure):
Josh: "Hey. I'm done. I feel drunk."
Me: "Ah. I see. Well, I'm on my way. Do you need anything?"
J: "YES! SNACKS!!!"
M: "Snacks? Okay... what do you want?"
J: "SNACKS!!!!"
M: "Okay, but what kind of snacks? Do you want crackers, cookies, fruit...?"
J: "You know that chicken in the fridge? You should make me a chicken and cheese sandwich."
M: "Chicken? You want chicken? Uh... okay."
I went on base to get a few snack items for him (not chicken), and I called him again to see if he was more "sober" and if he had any requests (again). He had no memory of talking to me earlier, which only made the previous conversation funnier.
Luckily Josh is feeling much better now and he is home from the hospital. I have never experienced kidney stones (thank God), but I have heard many people say it is as painful as child birth. I have been frequently teasing Josh saying, "Hey babe, just think. This is just like having a baby!" He doesn't seem to find this as funny as I do... but he has started to joke with me saying he can't wait to give birth to this stone.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Zwei katzen, ja?
(Two cats, yes?) was the statement I heard while making kittie appointments over the phone and when I showed up at the vet's office.
It started a few years ago. I had, like a responsible adult, taken my kitties in for their yearly check-up and shots. Up to this point taking the cats to the vet was not a big deal. It was more stressful to pay the vet bill than it was to actually have the cats checked out. That is, until Vega's allergy became apparent.
About two days after her trip to the vet, Vega started to vomit uncontrollably. As in, she puked time and time again, crying pathetically in between each bought of nausea. I counted at one point, and she puked ten times in one minute. Needless to say I rushed her off to the emergency clinic (as it was a Saturday afternoon) to be told they weren't sure why she was sick, but gave some medicine to help - which it did help and she soon returned to normal. I never connected her being sick with the vet as it was two days later... and well, she'd never been sick before. The next year the same thing happened, only Vega became MORE sick (and as it turns out she had the mother of all hairballs in her stomach), yet again, I didn't connect her being sick with the vet. Last year the cats had to get multiple shots (for moving) and, as chance would have it, they were not able to get all of their shots on the same day. Like clockwork, two days after her shots Vega started to vomit everywhere. Finally the light bulb went off. Hello. The vet... her shots. At first the vet didn't really see the connection I did until I explained to her that this had happened multiple years in a row. Yes, the reaction was delayed (about two days), but it was there. Ta-dah. So for the next round of shots, the vet had a plan for us. We gave Vega her vaccine with a shot a Benadryl. She still got sick. SO. For her final round of shots we gave her the vaccine with a shot of Benadryl AND a steroid shot. This finally seemed to be the combination she needed. Apparently to give an animal a vaccine and steroids is generally a no-no, but the vet told me to explain to future vets Vega's history.
I have said many times... the #1 most stressful part of moving for me was the cats. Not getting my household goods packed/shipped, not quitting my job, not getting my house rented... it was the cats. Would the cats do okay on the plane? Would they make it to Germany okay, safe, alive? That was honestly my biggest fear that somehow, for some reason, one of the cats would die on the plane. You can laugh, I realize that is a somewhat silly fear. But it was a fear I had, and it was strong. Luckily we made it here in one peace, safe, and healthy. My newest stress has been the day the cats needed their shots. Would I find a vet that spoke English? Would they understand what Vega needed? Would I be faced to deal with her allergy again? Would she get sick?
I got to face all those fears this morning. It was time to get the cats their shots and yearly checkup. Luckily they only needed one shot, and they are always perfectly healthy. A bit on the heavy side, but healthy. I had made an appointment with a vet whom was recommended to me by a few people. I was told she was a good vet who spoke English. Sold. I have to say this morning I was a nervous wreck - yes, laugh if you want. I was really nervous about this appointment. For some reason I keep thinking it is a good idea to have an occasional cup of coffee. I'm still sticking to my no caffeine, as in I don't drink it every day, and when I do have some it is a small amount. But about twice a week I feel the need to have a single cup of coffee (more for the taste of it than for the caffeine). This morning I made a cup of coffee, and by the time I got dressed I was a freaking mess... my hands were shaky, my stomach was doing flip flops, and I just felt jittery. The coffee did nothing for my anxiety about the cats' appointment, in fact it made it worse. I felt like a complete bundle of nerves and I kept thinking "Please, please God. Please let this vet understand the situation." Yes, all of this anxiety and worry over one cat. I realize... a little silly for some. For me it is natural to worry so much about my animals. You have children, I have cats. Deal with it.
As luck would have it, the vet did understand the situation. The vet was as kind as everyone told me she would be, and she did speak English. She seemed a bit surprised that Vega would need three shots (the vaccine, Benadryl, steroid) but she did it without any questions. The vet also created a little vaccine booklet for each cat to make it easier to keep track of everything when it does come time for us to leave Germany and head back to the states. The price to have the two cats checked over and four shots (Pucky only needed the one, he's not as special as Vega) was only 52 Euro. I can't complain.
The cats had their usual "melody" (as I call it) as they "sang" to me in their sad kittie cries on the way to and from the vet. They are happy to be home, but my anxiety isn't completely gone. Now begins the waiting game to see if Vega does okay. Only time will tell. However, her brother will not leave her alone and keeps following her around the house. She did get some Benadryl and this usually makes her a little sleepy, so I'm wondering if he can sense her not feeling "normal." Either way, there will be two uh, people, watching vigilantly over Vega for the next few days.
It started a few years ago. I had, like a responsible adult, taken my kitties in for their yearly check-up and shots. Up to this point taking the cats to the vet was not a big deal. It was more stressful to pay the vet bill than it was to actually have the cats checked out. That is, until Vega's allergy became apparent.
About two days after her trip to the vet, Vega started to vomit uncontrollably. As in, she puked time and time again, crying pathetically in between each bought of nausea. I counted at one point, and she puked ten times in one minute. Needless to say I rushed her off to the emergency clinic (as it was a Saturday afternoon) to be told they weren't sure why she was sick, but gave some medicine to help - which it did help and she soon returned to normal. I never connected her being sick with the vet as it was two days later... and well, she'd never been sick before. The next year the same thing happened, only Vega became MORE sick (and as it turns out she had the mother of all hairballs in her stomach), yet again, I didn't connect her being sick with the vet. Last year the cats had to get multiple shots (for moving) and, as chance would have it, they were not able to get all of their shots on the same day. Like clockwork, two days after her shots Vega started to vomit everywhere. Finally the light bulb went off. Hello. The vet... her shots. At first the vet didn't really see the connection I did until I explained to her that this had happened multiple years in a row. Yes, the reaction was delayed (about two days), but it was there. Ta-dah. So for the next round of shots, the vet had a plan for us. We gave Vega her vaccine with a shot a Benadryl. She still got sick. SO. For her final round of shots we gave her the vaccine with a shot of Benadryl AND a steroid shot. This finally seemed to be the combination she needed. Apparently to give an animal a vaccine and steroids is generally a no-no, but the vet told me to explain to future vets Vega's history.
I have said many times... the #1 most stressful part of moving for me was the cats. Not getting my household goods packed/shipped, not quitting my job, not getting my house rented... it was the cats. Would the cats do okay on the plane? Would they make it to Germany okay, safe, alive? That was honestly my biggest fear that somehow, for some reason, one of the cats would die on the plane. You can laugh, I realize that is a somewhat silly fear. But it was a fear I had, and it was strong. Luckily we made it here in one peace, safe, and healthy. My newest stress has been the day the cats needed their shots. Would I find a vet that spoke English? Would they understand what Vega needed? Would I be faced to deal with her allergy again? Would she get sick?
I got to face all those fears this morning. It was time to get the cats their shots and yearly checkup. Luckily they only needed one shot, and they are always perfectly healthy. A bit on the heavy side, but healthy. I had made an appointment with a vet whom was recommended to me by a few people. I was told she was a good vet who spoke English. Sold. I have to say this morning I was a nervous wreck - yes, laugh if you want. I was really nervous about this appointment. For some reason I keep thinking it is a good idea to have an occasional cup of coffee. I'm still sticking to my no caffeine, as in I don't drink it every day, and when I do have some it is a small amount. But about twice a week I feel the need to have a single cup of coffee (more for the taste of it than for the caffeine). This morning I made a cup of coffee, and by the time I got dressed I was a freaking mess... my hands were shaky, my stomach was doing flip flops, and I just felt jittery. The coffee did nothing for my anxiety about the cats' appointment, in fact it made it worse. I felt like a complete bundle of nerves and I kept thinking "Please, please God. Please let this vet understand the situation." Yes, all of this anxiety and worry over one cat. I realize... a little silly for some. For me it is natural to worry so much about my animals. You have children, I have cats. Deal with it.
As luck would have it, the vet did understand the situation. The vet was as kind as everyone told me she would be, and she did speak English. She seemed a bit surprised that Vega would need three shots (the vaccine, Benadryl, steroid) but she did it without any questions. The vet also created a little vaccine booklet for each cat to make it easier to keep track of everything when it does come time for us to leave Germany and head back to the states. The price to have the two cats checked over and four shots (Pucky only needed the one, he's not as special as Vega) was only 52 Euro. I can't complain.
The cats had their usual "melody" (as I call it) as they "sang" to me in their sad kittie cries on the way to and from the vet. They are happy to be home, but my anxiety isn't completely gone. Now begins the waiting game to see if Vega does okay. Only time will tell. However, her brother will not leave her alone and keeps following her around the house. She did get some Benadryl and this usually makes her a little sleepy, so I'm wondering if he can sense her not feeling "normal." Either way, there will be two uh, people, watching vigilantly over Vega for the next few days.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Care Packages
When Josh was away in Korea, I tried to send him care packages at least once every other month (sometimes a bit more frequent). Most of the time these packages were more full of joke things, because there was never anything he really needed. I believe I always included a pair of silly boxers and Snack Pack pudding in each box. Anything he needed he could buy, he didn't need me to send him stuff. But. It was a way to show him I was thinking of him, missing him, and that I cared.
Since I've been in Germany my mom has sent a steady supply of care packages. Sometimes they contain things I ask her to find for me (that I can't seem to find over here) or things she's heard me say I need to look for/find. Other times the packages are full of little things I'm sure she has bought knowing I would like them. My mom did the same thing for me when I first went off to college. It's not that I desperately needed any of the things she sent me. But it is nice to get mail (and to get mail that wasn't a bill) and nice to know someone is thinking of me.
My mom really outdid herself this time. We received one of the best care packages to date today. The purpose of the package was to send me a photo book I had made of our trip (which had been sent to my parent's house). However, included in this package was some nail polish, huckleberry gummie bears, a new toy for the cats, bright colored crazy socks for me, a handheld game, a My Little Pony coloring book and a new box of crayons, and a squirt gun for Josh.
Since I've been in Germany my mom has sent a steady supply of care packages. Sometimes they contain things I ask her to find for me (that I can't seem to find over here) or things she's heard me say I need to look for/find. Other times the packages are full of little things I'm sure she has bought knowing I would like them. My mom did the same thing for me when I first went off to college. It's not that I desperately needed any of the things she sent me. But it is nice to get mail (and to get mail that wasn't a bill) and nice to know someone is thinking of me.
My mom really outdid herself this time. We received one of the best care packages to date today. The purpose of the package was to send me a photo book I had made of our trip (which had been sent to my parent's house). However, included in this package was some nail polish, huckleberry gummie bears, a new toy for the cats, bright colored crazy socks for me, a handheld game, a My Little Pony coloring book and a new box of crayons, and a squirt gun for Josh.
The squirt gun came with instructions from my mom.
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