Well, this is a long one...

Hi Everyone...

I don't have anything super exciting to say today, I am just writing because I am super bored. I have had kind of a rough week as my allergies have started up with a vengeance. It got really bad last weekend on Monday night. It was really hot out, but at about 8:30 pm, John and I decided to go up to Hart Park and play a little bit of tennis (I have not played tennis in years, and by years I mean probably 10 years). After about 10 minutes, I was soaked with sweat from the humidity and had a headache, runny nose, sore throat, and was sneezing up a storm. We still stayed for another half hour or so, but I was miserable. Luckily, I had a scheduled doctor appointment the next day so I got some new medication, because I was all doped up on Benadryl and not feeling any better.
I have been feeling better, although it is only because my house is totally closed with the air on and I am only outside when necessary, which is not fun. But I am hoping that with my medicine I should be able to be outside a little more this weekend. We would like to go to Tosa Fest tonight, which is outside, so we will see.
Speaking of being at the doctor on Tuesday, I walked into the hospital and got a call on my cell phone from one of the Transplant Nurses, asking me to come in to get my blood drawn for a crossmatch as they had a potential kidney for me. Well, I was pretty much blown away because I was not aware that I was even anywhere close to the top of the list for receiving a cadaverous kidney. But, of course I took this information with a grain of salt since I have been through 2 false alarms for my liver transplant, and 3 possible donors for the kidney. I went upstairs and met the nurse who started looking at me with this weird happy/confused face going "THIS IS SO EXCITING, ISN'T IT?!!?!?! WHY AREN'T YOU EXCITED? THIS IS SO GREAT, ISN'T IT GREAT! AREN'T YOU EXCITED?" and other miscellaneous crazy person exclamations. Well, my reply went something like (*token mean/annoyed look*) "umm, not really since I have been through this like SIX times before" (*disgusted scoff) So, needless to say, that kidney didn't work out. Oh well, I am kind of getting used to it. Although, it would be nice to not have to go to dialysis anymore.
Hmmm, I know I had other things to add today....oh a few words about the election. It has been a few days now since the Republican VP candidate has been announced. And at first, I had mostly pleasant thoughts about a strong, outspoken, woman being nominated. But after listening to Sarah Palin speak and learning more about her, she comes off as more of a mean-spirited bitch than anything else. (pardon my language, but if there was ever a time for that word, it is now) Now I admit that I did not watch her whole speech. I was at my parents house, who are both ridiculously staunch Republicans and I was getting a little bit annoyed by both their hooting and cheering along with the speech itself. But I digress. My first thought was how interesting it was that the day before Palin spoke at the RNC, Cindy McCain got on television and was whining and crying about how Obama was being mean to her husband. And then Palin gets on television and spent more of her time making quick one-liners about her opponents than she did discussing policy. I also noticed that concerning the issues with her family, (her young Downs Syndrome son and her daughter's pregnancy and upcoming marriage (!) ) republicans were surprisingly tolerant. It brought back thoughts of the revelation that Dick Cheney had a lesbian daughter. Had the tables been turned and these issues were tied to a Liberal candidate, we all know that their values and dedication would be brought into question by many, especially the religious right. So while I suppose I am relieved to see a bit of compassion (and I do agree that these issues do not have a place in a candidates qualifications), I can't help but believe that the right is not being caring, as much as they are just on the defensive.
So enough about the rnc, what about the democratic convention? I was only able to watch the speeches of Michelle and Barack Obama, but hopefully, I will be able to catch a youtube version of the others soon. I thought that Michelle proved intelligent, classy, and confident. She is someone whom I could trust and respect, and feel comfortable that she may be whispering into the ear of our nation's leader. Barack's speech in Denver was nothing short of inspiring and powerful. I, along with others I have spoken to, was moved to tears listening to his passion for our country, the world's people, and for change. I have only been able to vote for 6 years (and have been following politics for about 8) and it was so refreshing to hear someone speak about our country and its people with hope and promise and passion. It feels so different than the last election where I felt as though I had to pick the lesser of two evils, and that I was voting against someone instead of for someone. I am proud to be part of the election promise and excited for what 4 (or maybe 8) years of an Obama administration could bring to not only our country, but to the world.
Ok, moving on from politics, well, I don't really have a ton to say, but I do have some pictures that I will post for you all to see, so be excited!!!
TaTa

Good news, a new addition, and same old, same old.

I know I know, its been a really long time since I posted and I am really sorry. I had a great time in North Carolina. It was really great to see my friend and her house and new life there. And of course it was FABULOUS to meet her new little daughter (and my Goddaughter), Eleanor (Nora) Larsen Brummond. She is just the cutest little bugger! We had a nice time just lounging around with the baby (well, I lounged, she fed, changed, and burped the baby....but I helped!), and spent one day out shopping and stuff in Wilmington (where Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill are filmed). I was sad to leave and hopefully I can get back kind of soon. Although, I really did not enjoy driving from D.C. to her house alone and sleeping in my car. I also got a speeding ticket which didn't go over too well upon my arrival back in Milwaukee.
My friend, her husband, Nora, and their puppies will be coming for Christmas so I will definitely get to see them then. I took a bunch of pictures, I just have to find the cord to transfer them to my computer and then I will share them with everyone.
Speaking of puppies (kinda), yesterday, we added a new member to our family. Yes, we have another fur child! She is a 3 month old Labrador Retriever. She weighs about 20 lbs now and is just the prettiest little thing. We have not settled on a name yet, but I have been calling her Stella (and I have been suggesting Hilary to John, but he hasn't taken the bait! hehehe). She was one of 3 in a litter that, before being transferred from a shelter in Indiana, was a group of strays. She is VERY shy and kind of skiddish, but we are working on it. Mostly she has just been sleeping, but she did snatch Johns socks, the container of fish food, and on of my sandals, so I think she is coming around.
I found out today that the person who was being worked up to be a kidney donor is not going to work out (again), so now we are down to 1-2 people left. I am not really surprised or upset about it, because I have just come to expect it, but I am getting frustrated that we just keep going through people and no one works out. So, not a whole lot to say on that point right now I guess.
Tonight I have dialysis, and I think I may go a little earlier so I can get settled in by 9 so I can watch Obama's speech without interruptions from the staff. I am excited to hear what he has to say. As most of you know, I cut John's hair during the summer with a buzzer. This time when he needs it cut I am going to shave a big O in the back for Obama! Do you think he will notice and do you think he would get revenge by shaving a W into the back of my head? Feedback appreciated! Ta Ta