Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Much ado in a day

Today was a busy one. I woke up early to get some reports completed and worked steadily until Michelle arrived to clean my house. Thank you Sheryl!!! What a treasure. My house has never been so clean. You may need sun glasses next time you come over!

Next, Raquel showed up. I asked for an extra hour today (usually I get only 2 on Wednesdays) in lieu of Monday’s missed hours. My plan was to get to Vanier before my meeting to accomplish sundry tasks.

I went over the long list of questions I wanted Raquel to ask of Cathy, the CLSC nurse who was scheduled to show up sometime in the morning (I had hoped prior to 10:00 but that was not to be). After providing necessary materials and details to Michelle I dashed out the door. Raquel called out to me noticing I had not eaten breakfast, but I had to dash, so I promised to grab something at Vanier.

I passed the piano tuner on my way down the front stairs and called out to Michelle to direct him to the piano. I plan to sing my birthday away with friends this week; Randee needs a tuned instrument to accompany me. Thanks Randee! I simply can’t wait to join you in song as you tickle the ivories.

Of course I realized along the way that the college cafeteria would not be open now that the students are finished classes for the term. I knew I had to proceed, because so much was on my plate (all but food, I thought, but I was mistaken). I am not in anyway starving myself; in fact, I have stored more calories than I need, especially since the onset of the 8 day latke fest. It’s just the erratic eating habits that cause a problem. That’s my life right now, so my body will just have to adjust.

I zipped from the parking lot to my office and back a few times to unload graded material. I zoomed here and there to check all sorts of ‘to do’s’ off my list, then landed up in Cathy and Judy’s office out of breath. Both these angels came prepared for the meeting with lunch and snack…man, am I ever lucky to have these two ladies at my side. I was all business, because I needed to return home in time for Raquel to leave. Too bad I had to rush through our rendez-vous. They painted such a warm and welcoming backdrop to my otherwise crazy day.

I noticed the Dean wandering the halls on my way to gather my papers from my office for departure. I stopped to have a chat with him. The lady at Human Resources suggested I bring him up to date on my circumstances so that he would be aware of my potential absence at some point down the line. He is a fine gentleman, and showed genuine compassion for my situation (not the first time, either). He offered some sound advice and I left feeling secure that my loose ends are tightening up.

I tried to reach my house repeatedly, but no one answered the phone; not Michelle, not Raquel, not Yaron and of course not Gilly. I forgot to mention to Raquel and Michelle what they should do when the phone rigs; they are both highly respectful, asnd so wouldn't answer unless instructed to do so. My mistake; too much to coordinate! I wanted to let Raquel know that she could leave Gilly in Yaron’s hands because I was running a few minutes late due to my unscheduled visit to the Dean’s office, but to no avail. I couldn’t believe how wound up I was about the impending 10 minute overlap, considering Raquel missed her 3 hour block two days earlier, but that’s me. Finally, Raquel got the message that there was a persistent caller and picked up (which was really to her advantage).

I sent Yaron off to shop as soon as I made it home and greeted my sleeping husband, dressed and ready in his chair for Daniel to bathe him. Daniel wandered in not long after and I continued doing my work while he performed his magic. What a treat for me.

Jerry stopped by and then Dave and Barb. Gilly slept through Jerry’s visit, but awoke to spend some time with Dave and Barb. He actually ate a piece of the cake they brought over (see what I mean about no shortage of calories?). He started to fade at around 5:30, so they took their leave and I went back to work until Yaron arrived to help me put sleeping Gilly back to bed.

He’s now tucked in for the night. I will turn him every two hours to prevent bed sores and raise his head if he seems congested. The nurse left me a note saying that if Gilly is beginning to sleep through the dinner hour I could double the medication dose at lunch. He had breakfast at around 11:00 and then lunch at about 5:00 with a snack in between today. I decided to double the lunch pills. If he becomes wakeful, I’ll offer ore food, but I think that it is best not to feed a sleeping man.

He is unquestionably sleepy, but still responds to people when awake, especially those he seems surprised to see; special guests I guess you’d call them. He holds up his fist to give Yaron props and still manages to pucker up for a kiss, but his overall demeanor is low key. His wakeful periods are short lived, but pleasant more often than not; I love to be around him when his eyes are open and he responds. He does not seem to be in any pain or discomfort, and for this I am so very grateful.

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