I've been awake for about two hours. I woke up, started thinking about my grandmother, and despite a fine effort from Jimmy in the snuggling-and-comforting dept, could not get back to sleep. I visited Grandma yesterday with my sister and my mom, and it was tough. I feel really torn between wanting to find a way to help her, (if that's even ( Read more... )

On the San Diego County emergency website it says: "Partial evacuation: all residents of Fallbrook, north of Highway 76 and west of Interstate 15 to evacuate the community. Evacuees should leave through Pendleton Gate at Ammunition Road and go through Marine Corps Base-Camp Pendleton to Interstate 5 North to San Clemente State Park." Folks, that's ( Read more... )

When I showed up for work on Saturday, Ma told me that my grandmother was in the hospital. I went and sat with her in the ER. Turns out she had a very bad UTI that had gone septic. She's been in the hospital ever since, IV antibiotics. She's doing much better, but she still needs the catheter so they haven't sent her home yet. We're having a ( Read more... )

I've been thinking of my grandmother this morning. It makes me sad to think that I never really knew her, (we weren't on very intimate terms when I was growing up), and I don't think I ever understood (until I had some kids to take care of) how much she must have loved me. I honestly don't know whether to be happy for this understanding, or if it ( Read more... )

I've been awake since 4:45 a.m., when I bolted awake for no discernable reason. But once I was awake, I started thinking of sack lunches and job-related stuff and could in no wise get back to sleep. Then, holy humbug, I thought of another way to make money besides becoming nocturnal! Like going north to take care of my grandmother tomorrow, ( Read more... )

( Not a happy post )

Nana's still coughing. Actually, we experienced all three of her big C's today: coughing, crapping, and crying. She coughed until she crapped, and then she cried. Her crying is very unconvincing, though. She can't even work up any real tears. She just sort of stands there and looks pathetic and whimpers ( Read more... )

The last half-hour of my shift with Nana today was pure psychological torment. Looking after Nana could be part of the special forces training program; believe me, you could break big, strong men with the things I have to put up with sometimes. I don't know if I mentioned how my grandfather and uncle have been doing all these "little" home ( Read more... )

You should always be thankful for any new piece of wisdom you acquire. For that reason, I'm thankful for what I've learned today. I'm sure it will save me from much pain and suffering in the future. It is this: Never fold laundry while wearing a black sweater ( Read more... )

This morning I came home to discover that Nana had experienced a bout of ill health during the night, so I would not be driving her to the daycare as planned. Instead, I was asked if I could spend the day with her. I agreed ( Read more... )