HAVE A MOST WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS FESTIVE SEASON CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.
I AM PRESENTLY WATCHING MY GRANDSON AND WE WILL HAVE CHRISTMAS WITH
DAVID,KADEN, DEIDRE AND KEENAN WILL BE THERE FOR PART OF THE CELEBRATION. I HAVE PLANS FOR A TURKEY.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Just after I take my medication with a bowl of cereal I feel very fatigued and it is hard to concentrate. My nurse said that my white blood cell count is extremely low and I have to retested on wednesday morning. Therefore I have two medical appointments next week-one with Dr. Hai and one with the hep c nurse.Deidre received an average of 74% in her mid-semester report. She could have pushed it a little bit more but she is very active with her social life.At least now she is spending some time with female friends and is seeing her boyfriend, too. She needs to balance her activities so that she is not so dependant on her bf.Lyn and Peter are heading to Mexico today and Patrick will join them for Christmas there. Sinead is in Bali enjoying the sun and beach time. Ian's son Angus will will be getting married there in the early part of January.I am taking Kira and Kylie to the y pool this afternoon-hopefully I will be up to the task. the hot tub will be good for me.
Friday, November 16, 2007
This morning I got up at 5:45 a.M. to make eggs and bacon for Deidre so that she would receive food before going to early basketball practice. Today is report card day and I hope she is doing very well in her first semester-seemingly so. Last night I looked after my grandchildren in their apartment downstairs while David and Cora went out for awhile- an easy job as all three were sleeping. My lawyer continues to work on my insurance claim and she is doing very well as far as I can see. I got a catch-up cheque for the children's portion of CPP DISABILITY. I am feeling much the same. I see my nurse next week on Wednesday morning. I will ask for copies of my recent blood tests. Four more months of treatment- and then I will hear the results. My 61st birthday came and went-did not really celebrate. David gave me a gift the following day. Kira made me some pictures. I gave myself a new pair of pyjamas. Lyn is sending me money to purchase some painting supplies. Oh, yes I received a wonderful birthday card from my sister-in law-Emily who is Don Settee's sister. I called her and we had a very neat conversation. Don and I had been married for five years in the middle seventies. Don's family has always been very good to me through the years. The birthday card arrived just on one of those days when I needed a positve note. Thank you.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Graduation
Graduation- I have had a few in my lifetime
graduated from grade 12 in 1965
graduated from Education IA in 1966
graduated from Bachelor of Arts 1971
graduated from Bachelor of Fine Arts 1984
graduated to grade 3 fibrosis and stage 4 cirrhosis 2005
graduation in a chronic health condition Hepatitis C was not one of the goals I had in mind
Now I am standing at the edge of the crevice leading to end stage liver disease
I advise myself not to graduate anymore.
graduated from grade 12 in 1965
graduated from Education IA in 1966
graduated from Bachelor of Arts 1971
graduated from Bachelor of Fine Arts 1984
graduated to grade 3 fibrosis and stage 4 cirrhosis 2005
graduation in a chronic health condition Hepatitis C was not one of the goals I had in mind
Now I am standing at the edge of the crevice leading to end stage liver disease
I advise myself not to graduate anymore.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
I just found out today that my credit protection for my mastercard was approved for benefit payments back to July of 2006 so all of these things are serving to help me. So the insurance company will continue to pay $164.00 per month until new forms are due in January. My ability to pay my bills in a timely manner and to pay for balance protection is valuable to me under these new circumstances.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Getting to work from an Island
remembering-
How many of you lived on an island and had to get to work by water transportation? For four years (2002-2006) I lived on a small island in northern Manitoba (population 65). At about 7:30 A.M. I walked down a small hill from my home overlooking the lake and I waited for a boat taxi. My personality and attitude assisted me in waiting mostly patiently. Although at times I would pre arrange for a ride and have someone meet me at the appointed time most community people did not have the same time frame in mind that I had and they mostly taxied after my school time. So it was all serandipity and happenstance. If the weather was calm and the water resembled the smoothness of placid glass then I would enjoy the gentle lapping of the tiny waves on the rocky shore. Sometimes a boat would travel by on the far side of the lake and create a larger rolling wave reaching and touching my shoreline and I would wave frantically for a ride. For almost the entire four years some ambitious boater would see me, load my awkward self into the boat and deposit me safely on the opposite dock and I would get to work in a timely manner. Then there would be the adventures of getting to the opposite shore when the lake was turbulent with unfriendly high waves and I would straddle the seat of the boat and fix my stare either on the floor or on the face of the driver so that I would not be terrified by the tossing of the boat up and down repeatedly- when I would arrive at the highschool the staff would ask me how my morning trip was and I would say, "I survived."The four dollar trip got me where I had to be." Then there was the freezing of the water in the late fall.
Now the skies were greyer and the dock would be covered with slippery moisture turning to ice and I would have to get to the boat without falling on the dock or off the dock. As the weather became decidely colder the lake would form larger pieces of ice but a windy day and movement of the boats would destroy the ice formation and then freeze-up would be lengthened. As the ice became strong the native taxi drivers would push through the ice and make a water channel leading to the docks so that everyone could still do their errands and shop on stevenson Island. I woud follow the lead of the native people and continue to go to work under these adverse conditions and I would not stay on the other side during freeze-up.
So if you think I was scared on a windy autumn day you should have seen me when the icy snow was striking my face and I was holding onto the edge of the boat as it sped through open waters beween ice fields. The drivers really put the speed on through the open waters because when they got to the ice bits they had to slowly break the ice. The ice was broken with the push of the boat and maybe the boat driver would attack it with a pole or some handy item. Sometimes we would have alot of passengers so that the weight would prevent the boat from overturning during a storm.Then I would have to go through the whole experience to get home after school. Then on a certain day the chief would tell people to stay off the ice and one day would be left for nature to complete the job of icing over the lake at least a few inches. Then I would walk to work on what some persons deemed thin ice but it was declared officially safe for human weight but not as yet vehicles. I really looked forward to the winter months when getting to work on my time frame and my two feet was possible. I could get to the mainland a about five minutes unless the snow was too deep. That is another story. More later on spring break-up!!
How many of you lived on an island and had to get to work by water transportation? For four years (2002-2006) I lived on a small island in northern Manitoba (population 65). At about 7:30 A.M. I walked down a small hill from my home overlooking the lake and I waited for a boat taxi. My personality and attitude assisted me in waiting mostly patiently. Although at times I would pre arrange for a ride and have someone meet me at the appointed time most community people did not have the same time frame in mind that I had and they mostly taxied after my school time. So it was all serandipity and happenstance. If the weather was calm and the water resembled the smoothness of placid glass then I would enjoy the gentle lapping of the tiny waves on the rocky shore. Sometimes a boat would travel by on the far side of the lake and create a larger rolling wave reaching and touching my shoreline and I would wave frantically for a ride. For almost the entire four years some ambitious boater would see me, load my awkward self into the boat and deposit me safely on the opposite dock and I would get to work in a timely manner. Then there would be the adventures of getting to the opposite shore when the lake was turbulent with unfriendly high waves and I would straddle the seat of the boat and fix my stare either on the floor or on the face of the driver so that I would not be terrified by the tossing of the boat up and down repeatedly- when I would arrive at the highschool the staff would ask me how my morning trip was and I would say, "I survived."The four dollar trip got me where I had to be." Then there was the freezing of the water in the late fall.
Now the skies were greyer and the dock would be covered with slippery moisture turning to ice and I would have to get to the boat without falling on the dock or off the dock. As the weather became decidely colder the lake would form larger pieces of ice but a windy day and movement of the boats would destroy the ice formation and then freeze-up would be lengthened. As the ice became strong the native taxi drivers would push through the ice and make a water channel leading to the docks so that everyone could still do their errands and shop on stevenson Island. I woud follow the lead of the native people and continue to go to work under these adverse conditions and I would not stay on the other side during freeze-up.
So if you think I was scared on a windy autumn day you should have seen me when the icy snow was striking my face and I was holding onto the edge of the boat as it sped through open waters beween ice fields. The drivers really put the speed on through the open waters because when they got to the ice bits they had to slowly break the ice. The ice was broken with the push of the boat and maybe the boat driver would attack it with a pole or some handy item. Sometimes we would have alot of passengers so that the weight would prevent the boat from overturning during a storm.Then I would have to go through the whole experience to get home after school. Then on a certain day the chief would tell people to stay off the ice and one day would be left for nature to complete the job of icing over the lake at least a few inches. Then I would walk to work on what some persons deemed thin ice but it was declared officially safe for human weight but not as yet vehicles. I really looked forward to the winter months when getting to work on my time frame and my two feet was possible. I could get to the mainland a about five minutes unless the snow was too deep. That is another story. More later on spring break-up!!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Kira
My granddaughter thoroughly enjoying herself about six months ago. I used my digital camera to record her dancing to music.
How do I feel today- alot of tiredness and some stress- happy to see Deidre having a great time in highschool-she received one award for having a b average-a certificate -based on last years academic achievement. She also had received a honourarium to go to the International Peace Gardens for her volleyball sports camp. My grandchildren came for a small version of a thanksgiving supper yesterday. Deidre helped serve the meal to Kira, Kylie, and Kylie's friend Lauren, and David dropped in for about ten minutes, ate and went home. Cora came and chose not to eat-she and David used their personal problems not to sit down and share thanksgiving dinner with me but I took it with a grain of salt for the most part. they should have sucked it up and respected my dinner but I let it go and enjoyed being with deidre and the kids.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Here I am at the library downtown and finished my appointment with my insurance lawyer-things are being lined up and no more to say about that. It has been a beautiful summer like day and the golden leaves on the trees add to the texture and colour and whimsey of downtown Winnipeg. I thought there might be some teachers down from the north for a teacher's conference but perhaps I got the dates wrong as it was only a rumour I heard. I was very sorry to hear of my former boss's death-Nelson McKay -such a gentleman who always spoke with kindness and courtesy and teated all so well. He was my Director of Educatio and my vice-principal at Gardn Hill, Mb. and he hired me more than once. The last time we spoke was in front of the sheraton Hotel about a year ago. I always appreciated his friendly smile and warmth and the coolness he had-if he ever got upset it was not revealed to us. Save a spot for me Nelson.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
One of many problems I am experiencing is my digestive system is not doing all that well. I have a very low appetite although I eat a variety of foods and try to choose a lot of salads and fruits and not enough vegetables. Anyway I am constipated and when I take a medication to move the bowels then I get diarrhea. I get stomach aches. I have continued fatigue and do things very slowly and feel malaise. I can not concentrate to complete tasks in a timely manner.
One of many problems I am experiencing is my digestive system is not doing all that well. I have a very low appetite although I eat a variety of foods and try to choose a lot of salads and fruits and not enough vegetables. Anyway I am constipated and when I take a medication to move the bowels then I get diarrhea. I get stomach aches. I have continued fatigue and do things very slowly and feel malaise. I can not concentrate to complete tasks in a timely manner.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
I received my back pay on my CPP disability and also confirmation of my Revenue Canada disability credit. I have been paying off a few debts and ordinary bills and money does not go very far. Anyway it has positive and negative concepts- the money is assisting me, of course but the original reason for the money is the Hep c and although I was never a drug user I still possess the guilt feelings of choosing a partner who had been a drug user. I had a one per cent chance of getting the Hep c from a spouse -either through intercouse or sharing a razor. I do not really know how I got it but at times I feel I have let down my family, especially my beautiful daughter. Now this blog is not condemning those persons who did use drugs and got Hep C. I can still feel sympathy for the suffering of the individual who gets the disease in whatever way it has happened to them. and it can be a warning to persons to make wise decisions about lifestyle choices. More people should be tested for Hep C- the disease is being spread between persons without their knowledge or comprehension of what is going on-not good. My husband whom is no longer with me-waited until our separation to tell me to get tested- of couse I can not know 100 % that I got it from him- even though I likely did but I chose him and we were together for 13 years. He never used drugs in our home but I believe he did used needles away from home when we first dated. Anyway I am carrying on and my lawyer is assisting me with an old claim with my employer .
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Saturday, September 8, 2007
My sister Lyn and her husband Peter have been very helpful and supportive through all this. My cousin Michael has been very loving, understanding and kind as well.I saw all the relatives in B.C. when my sister offered me a trip out there by West Jet.a good time was had by everyone. I loved seeing everyone.
I went to see a very good lawyer concerning my denial of the claim and she has alot of expertise in disability insurance claims. She will study the policy manual longer form from the insurance company. She feels I have a good chance to eventually obtaining the benefits because the Insurance Act of Manitoba refers to a year rather than 119 days plus six months. In the meantime I am feeling quite weak and the fatigue has increased alot. However I am grateful for the following:
my son and daughter, my three grandchildren, my faith, my Hep c support group and all my outstanding memories of my last job at Garden Hill, Manitoba. Now I have an interest in being an advocate for people who need help with health insurance claims and other issues.
my son and daughter, my three grandchildren, my faith, my Hep c support group and all my outstanding memories of my last job at Garden Hill, Manitoba. Now I have an interest in being an advocate for people who need help with health insurance claims and other issues.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
My insurance company has declined my application for long term disability because I did not apply in a timely manner-but I did apply within the year. According to the plan administrator he felt I had a range of time in which to apply-at first he said fifteen months and later he referred to a page in the policy manner as 12 months. Their interpretation was a waiting period of 119 days plus six months and I fell short of the application by 22 days. So now I am seeing a lawyer to get it all sorted out and my doctor has to be very busy churning out more and more forms. anyway I will go through some procedures as I really should have gone in that direction when I first departed from my employment. Or perhaps the treatment will be successful and I will have a positive report from the blood tests in March. and I do get CPP DISABILITY -that has been approved.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
shaped memories
finally got printer ink and I can print some of my numerous manipulated art works and family items
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
some more good news
Yesterday was an interesting and unusual day- a day that unfolded before my eyes with a pleasant surprise. My hep c group had been advising me forever that I should find out from a lawyer if I could get health insurance benefits from my former employer. I thought it was impossible because I had left the employment at the end of June and I had not requested a medical leave. Anyway Garth told me over the phone that I had fifteen months to apply for disability benefits following my departure. At his suggestion I obtained the right papers from Great West Life and I immediately filled out my portion and sent my doctor his portion and sent my former employer their portion – It took a lot of time and energy and I am so wound up I could not sleep after 4:00 A. M. I know my cpp disability has been approved. So perhaps this will also resolve itself and if the GHEA fails to fill out papers properly Garth has promised to give them a nudge. Wahoo!!! I am pretty sure that things will work out successfully as my Dr. can certainly say what is necessary.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
2002 memories
the sun was shing on an old painting and I could not resist the documentation of the moment-the new light created new forms
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Mac and Sugar
My cats are great-they do not whine, complain, swear, have temper tantrums, get drunk -like an ex -husband. Lots of cuddles and affection and they do not ask for my credit cards!!!
I received news that I will be receiving cpp disability around the end of August. I am not sure of the amount. they are back dating it to July of 2006.If I receive back pay. The medication I am on right now is making me feel very tired all the time and I find it a struggle to even use the computer. More related good news -insurance companies are paying off my Visa card and my line of credit.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Friday, June 8, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
The end of June is approaching and I will soon find out the results of an application for CPP payments or do I deal with the liver disease and find employment, all at the same time. I have to learn to let go and give it to God because I have been so consumed with filling out beaurocratic forms and papers and poring over insurances documents attached to lines of credit at the bank. These mean nothing because I had a pre existing condition. I have an excellent doctor and outstanding nurse and I belong to a hep c support group. This group has built up my confidence because I was staying at home so much and not seeing people and these people understand very clearly what we are all experiencing.
THE BEGINNING OF A MORE COMPLEX PAINTING
after a two week concentration on medical and monetary circumstances I finally got the paints out
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Monday, May 7, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
HEP C- IT IS HARD TO WRITE DOWN
HERE I AM AT THE LIBRARY. IN A FEW HOURS I WILL BE AT THE MTS CONCERT OF JAN ARDEN-I AM PRETTY SURE I WILL REALLY ENJOY IT- THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS HAVE BEEN SPENT IN GETTING MY TREATMENT STARTED FOR HEP C. THE FIRST NEEDLE CREATES A VERY BAD EFFECT-SHIVERING, SKAKING, CRYING, FEELING DEPRESSED BUT AFTER THAT THINGS HAVE CALMED DOWN QUITE A BIT. MY BONE AND MUSCLES APPEAR VERY SORE EARLY IN THE MORNING WHEN I FIRST GET UP AND DURING THE DAY AT ODD TIMES. I AM HAPPY THAT I AM GOING TO A HEP C SUPPORT GROUP WHICH TAKES PLACE EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT AT 7:00 P.M. I SEE MY NURSE FREQUENTLY AND I AM IN THE PROCESS OF APPLYING FOR CPP DISABILITY BUT KNOWING THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS WAYS I MAY NOT QUALIFY IN THEIR MINDS. IT IS THE WAY I FEEL and AS IT IS ALL THE APPOINTMENTS THAT I AM ATTENDING AND SUDDENLY GETTINGA CALL TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR ANOTHER ONE-HOW DOES ONE BE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS.YOU WOULD MISS ALOT OF WORK. ANYWAY WE WILL SEE WHAT TAKES PLACE AT THE END OF JUNE.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I am grateful today that my son is heading to work at his full time job -it is a blessing After nine previous years of David caught up on other areas and now he is doing so well. I am relieved and proud. Keep it up and keep on going.I am grateful that Deidre is doing very well at her classes at John Taylor Collegiate in Winnipeg. We live right across from the school and I can look out the window of my apartment and view the front entrance of the school. She has no excuse to be late and anyway she gets up very early to prep for her arrival-the fashion statement, etc. I have been painting quite a bit lately and I am seeing my dortor and nurse at the health Science Centre for ongoing treatment for my chronic health condition. So going there once or twice a week has motivated me to arrange for my early retirement package through the bank and other support structures. My sister and Peter are back safely from their travels to Singapore, Thailand,and Vietnam. So I have much for which to be grateful.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
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