Rambling

I know this is rambling today because I can't wrap my thoughts around this. People's actions or inactions as the case may be drive me crazy.



My mom and I never really got along as I was growing up, but she did teach me to be decent and kind to other people. I also met a young man in college that had a big influence over me -- he was such a giving person and he taught me that doing for others made you feel good. And, it does -- or at least for me anyway.



So, when people say they are going to do things, they should do them, or at least let you know that they aren't.



It amazes me how people expect certain things from you and just take this for granted. I do things for people because I want to, not because I'm suppose to. There's a big difference there.



I know this post probably doesn't make much sense to you, as I said I am rambling. I just needed to write it down!



Sometimes, these posts, can't be about Alzheimer's. There is more to life, and life is too short.

On another note, my staples are out and physical therapy is in full swing.

Different things

I'm going to the doctor today to get the staples out of my knee. It looks pretty ugly, but I guess I am progressing o.k. Physical therapy will take awhile but I'll get there eventually.

It's been so nice out that I'm planning to at least get some fresh air in the next couple of days just by sitting outside. Even if I can't walk, I can at least enjoy the beautiful weather.

Today, the head of the nuclear regulatory commission was on tv discussing the radiation situation in Japan. I'm not sure I could have told you this gentleman's name, as he doesn't get much press and that is probably a good thing. But I had to laugh, as my son Alan was looking at colleges he was saying that he either wanted to be "head of the nuclear regulatory commission, or write speeches for the president". Go figure. He turned out to be an attorney -- not sure where that fits into this but I'm sure he is rolling his eyes if he reads this!

New Facts and Figures are out

I haven't had a chance to read this yet, but the Alzheimer's Association has just released their annual Facts and Figures -- you can get it http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp

Also, it's Alzheimer's Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Hope all goes well -- wish I could be there -- but certainly am there in spirit.

rehab

has started on my knee. The day after I got home from the hospital the physical therapist was there and they are back today -- ten visits by the end of the month. I go back on thursday to get the staples out of my knee. I'll feel better doing therapy after I get them out, as when I feel something kind of "pulling" I'm not sure if it the incision/staples or just normal.

Friends have been great to bring over meals to help my husband out. I really appreciate them for doing that. Now, if I could just get some folks to volunteer to come clean my house! Why is it that whenever you are sick or incapacitated that your house always looks messier -- or maybe it is just me. But, I mopped and cleaned the kitchen floor before I went into the hospital and it is already dirty. Ralph use to complain it was me spilling coffee and food in the kitchen that made it dirty -- but now I know that is definitely not the case since I haven't been in the kitchen! Oh well -- having a dirty kitchen floor is the least of my worries!

The weather is beautiful here. Wish I could go out and enjoy it. My allergies are so bad that I'm afraid if I even go out and sit in it at this point it wouldn't be good. But, before the week is out I know I will have to get out -- I don't want to be cooped up all day long every day!

Home from the hospital

Thanks for everyone's well wishes -- I'm home from the hospital with a new knee. Surgery went well, glad to be home. I have a big scar, but hopefully, the result will be worth it! More soon. Kris

PS Thanks for the note from Tamar's class at UGA -- I apreciate it!

Classy

What a classy lady Maria Shriver is. After the Shriver Report came out, she was nice enough to send me a hand written note, thanking me for my contribution. I sent a condolence letter to her after her father passed away from Alzheimer's not too long ago. Then, yesterday, in the mail I receive a handout that was given out at the funeral for her father, as well as a personal note. How thoughtful of her. Thanks to her for helping move our cause forward. I would love to meet her one day.

Nasvhille

I'm in Nashville with friends for the women's SEC basketball tournament. One day, when the UGA women weren't playing my friends took a little side trip and I found myself alone in Nashville. Lots of things within walking distance from the hotel, so no problem. Except......the little problem I have about crossing streets by myself. I know, it sounds silly and stupid. But, if you think about it, we don't cross the street by foot much anymore. We pull up to the grocery, or the bank or wherever we are going and then walk into the business. Or at least, that is the way I usually do it. I don't find myself having to walk too far on the streets in Athens. So, I ventured out into the streets of downtown Nashville and came to my first cross walk. I panicked. I forgot that this is a problem for me......mainly because I don't usually do this and normally I have someone with me. The problem is that there are too many conflicting signals for my brain to decipher. Thwe blinking cross walk sign, the traffic signals and traffic noise don't move smoothly through my brain. They collide into a huge mass of confusion for me. I don't trust the other people walking (because I don't know them) and that people walk when they are not suppose to. I didn't want to turn back the block or so that I had walked from the hotel so I thought I would venture on and see what I could do by myself. Sometimes, I am just determined to do it come hell or high water! I stood at the corner for a good while before deciding to move. I only went across the street when there were absolutely no cars coming. This, by the way, was after the lights had cycled maybe three times. I'm sure if there was someone watching me they were thinking this lady is a lunatic.

Down the next block I saw an officer and thought I could ask for his assistance at the next block -- which I did. All the while thinking, what happens if this police officer is not here when I come back? I always try to think of a contingency plan -- and it is so odd that I can usually come up with something to work (for now anyway) but I can't figure out how to get across the street! Anyway, this officer was very friendly. I explained my situation to him and he told me that in the direction I was going there were police officers on every corner because of the high volume of people in town --- thank you Nashville! I ran into one officer that was on a segue way and he helped me for several blocks. After walking around for an hour or so, I made my way back to the hotel with help from mainly the men in blue. But, I haven't ventured out alone to walk since then. I have stayed in a pack with my friends and they help me get by.

Just another adventure in the life of someone with Alzheimer's.