I can't believe it's been 48 weeks since I started this adventure. One that I put off for almost 4 months because of fear. But you never know.

I began this trial hoping that I was getting either 50% or 100% percent of the drug. After the first infusion in Feb 2008, I had a feeling I was getting something, especially with the initial reaction I had. Throat closing, hives, itching. Thinking it was the shrimp I ate for lunch that day, I stayed away from it for over 6 months but...

Yesterday I almost had a heart attack in addition to winning a golf weekend trip courtesy of my friends but NOOOOOOOOO...... I missed it by 8 inches!

The elusive hole in one! Hole 6 at Little Rec Golf Course where we play religiously every Sunday morning, teeing off at 6:52 am.






...

I have worked for the health dept for over 8 years now and somehow have acquired this nickname. I don't know where it came from or how it started. Several people call me by this name. Most of them don't even work in the same bureau nor do they know each other. But they all call me Trouble.

In my past I may have been trouble. At times, I have been in trouble. But how do they know that? Do I somehow look like trouble?

In February, I rode in my first organized bike ride. I rode 10 miles in the Palm Springs heat for their Homeless Services.

In June, I rode for Diabetes and did 16 miles.

Today, I walked my first 5K. 3.1 miles for Diabetes. In one day, I raised almost $200 asking co-workers and friends for whatever change they had.

It was the longest walk of my life. When I saw the 1 mile marker, I thought this isn't so bad. When I got to 2 miles, I...

I know I haven't been around much and I have lots to share. The wedding, vacation, work, etc. But there's something else on my mind right now. And heavy on my heart.

My good friend, the one that dubbed me "doozer" is becoming an alcoholic right before my eyes. I know what it looks like and I don't like it one bit. And, yes, I am powerless over it.

I began seeing it in March. I thought it was a bit early to drink beer on the golf course, but it was her...

We leave tomorrow morning for a week in Depoe Bay, Oregon. Ocean front condo in the town that says it has the smallest harbor in the world.

We'll then go on to Bend to see the grandkids and spend some time with them before heading home on September 5.

Six months ago when I started the drug trial, I had a reaction at the first IV. We thought it was because I ate shrimp for lunch.

So I quit eating shrimp thinking I was allergic to it but deep inside I knew it wasn't the shrimp.

Every month I get lab work done and they test for swollen joints and pain. My pain count is going down and I have been able to do alot of things I wasn't able to do before. I mean, who would have...

Got a call from Mr Baw telling me "it's not too late!" I told him it was. I am hooked and there is no end in sight.






These are a couple of the pics we took a few weeks ago for our "engagement". I can't find my favorite in the 150 plus file.

Well this is it. I finally finished my vows. I don't know why it was such a struggle but sometimes I get in my own way.

A good friend at work lost his wife to breast cancer last week and her funeral is Saturday. And our friends from Seattle are down visiting and are having their wedding on Thursday evening.

I know this week is going to fly by. And I have so many lists going through my head.

It's all good.

Several years ago, I had a commitment ceremony with someone. We rented a hall, DJ, food, the whole nine yards. I invited everyone in my family and for the most part, they came and supported us except for my older brother. He took me aside before that day and told me he didn't believe in it and therefore wouldn't be attending and neither did 2 of his sons. Although his wife, daughter and gay son did attend. Did it hurt? Damn right.

Fast forward to this year. When Caron and I...

I finally fell off the bike today!

My friend Carolyn and I had just gotten done with a 10 mile ride and we were rolling back to my house. I decided to come up the neighbors driveway onto our lawn and when I stopped, I lost my balance and somehow ended up on my back on the sidewalk with the bike tangled in my legs.

It is my first fall and I have the bruises and sore back to prove it. My left leg is swollen and bruised on the knee and inside calf. I...

The yard will soon become the site for our ceremony. We have tables, chairs and a even a dance floor ordered! The tiki torches and twinkle lights are in place already. I still need to trim some of the plants but it is looking really good out there. Beer, wine and champagne are ready to be chilled. And I am ready to take that walk down the path to forever with Caron.

We are giving the bathroom a facelift and things are falling together. But somewhere in the back...

We did a dry run with the twinkle lights tonight. The backyard looks great all lit up. We have 6 tiki torches out there and an arch that has lights on it too. I can't wait for that night. We're still trying to decide on 6 tables for 8-10 or 5 tables for 10-12.

We got alot accomplished this weekend. Outfits have been purchased. Two people have volunteered to help Caron with the flowers, Sarah has agreed to be the hostess that night, we have some music picked out, and...

Sarah graduated 2 weeks ago from Cosmetology School and today she took her state boards.


SHE PASSED!!!!


They went to Glendale last night and spent the night because she had her practical this morning at 7 am and the written at noon.

I knew she could do it. I hope this really boosts her self esteem.

We are in the middle of simultaneously writing 2 HUD grants right now. The first is due July 10, the other July 17.

And, I am in the middle of planning a wedding.

If I make it to the alter, I may collapse.


Other news, we may have gotten a free condo for a week in Depoe Bay, Oregon!