Progress & Pittsburgh

A 5' + icicle hanging off our roof over the deck-- sheesh

Not a whole lot of new adventures these days, just muscling along. I am STILL getting used to the "normalsy" of my new surroundings and activities- is that crazy?

In thesis news, I have completely re-written the introduction I had over a year ago, re-organized my outline and chapter ordering (and focus), and started my first chapter (again). I feel like it has been a few giant steps backwards and eeking forwards-- but, at least the movement is again forward, and with momentum no less.

Speaking of thesis progress, I hope to have the time and motivation next week while on a trip to Pittsburgh. No, it is most definitely not a leisure trip. My mom is having neurosurgery-- on Friday. Of course I'm worried (I was worried when Nate had a benign cyst removed from his hand a few years back), but it isn't as scary as it sounds (or so I keep telling myself). Her brain is fine, although she could do with some memory and hearing gains.... (ha...). It is a nerve problem that has ailed her for years on one side of her face. It has caused her alot of grief through many endured treatments of shots, therapies, and tests. For her, it has become dehabilitating on a daily basis. It has been a problem for so long and worsened that doing research on possible surgical fixes was the logical next step, and a long time coming. According to her, they make a small incision behind her ear, do some twisting around and wrapping of various nerve strands and try to unblock and un-irritate whatever-it-is, and get out. No head-shaving, no "fuss". Apparently this hospital that she will be treated at both pioneered and perfected this procedure, hence the sojourn to Pittsburgh.

My mom flew out there yesterday, a family friend is meeting her there today after a slew of prep-tests appointments, and my dad and I are flying out on Thursday. He'll stay through the surgery on Friday and the weekend, then come home. I will stay out there all next week while she recovers and awaits the removal of stitches the following Friday. Assuming we get the OK from the docs, we fly home a week and a day after the surgery once the observation week is over. I think we'll mostly be lying around, shopping, and for my part- hopefully doing some reading and writing.

My family has always been weird when it comes to "serious" events and it has always bothered me. Like, when my little brother got run over by a car and (luckily, only) had his collar-bone broken (nevermind his bicycle...), I was in Greece for the summer (this was 2004). I came home several weeks later, only to find out then after being shocked by the sight of him in a lovely sling. It is like they try to keep things quiet to "protect" us, but to me, that leaves little option for social support. I'd rather have things out in the open and have the support networks ready. I know my mom's surgery is "routine," but every surgery comes with risk. So anyway, I am worried, but I am also glad that if it is successful then she has a 90+% rate of having a better quality of life. I am also glad that I am able to go with her and support her. A year or more ago that may not have been possible due to other work/school committments. So, it is good timing in a way because she has someone to keep her company nearly the whole time.

Anyway, if I'm on edge this week, that is probably why. Until Friday is over, my stress level will probably not abate, despite all of the continuous reassurances.

Well, keep us in your thoughts this week and next and I'll try to post sometime while I'm out in Pittsburgh. Will have a laptop available, so email if you feel like it :)