In sickness and in health

The last couple of years have seen a fair bit of the first and little of the second in our household.  Medical bills are by far the largest expense and frustrations have arisen as we have attempted to deal with numerous setbacks.

Now we / I am facing another hurdle.

At the beginning of August I was hospitalised with a gastric bug, that was ultimately diagnosed as colitis, all tests showed no causes and after a week I was discharged.  Just a few days later, I was back in for rehydration and 36 hours with no food, to attempt to allow the colon to heal. 

The past 4 weeks has seen varying stages of recovery, but not enough to call myself cured.

Anyway, next step in my medical journey was shoulder surgery.  Injuring my shoulder five years ago exercising - told you it was bad for people to exercise. :) 

Wednesday morning, arthroscopic shoulder surgery - operation successful - night in hospital - home Thursday.

Friday - visit to Physician regarding colitis - not happy as I was very dehydrated - booked me back into hospital at 1pm for rehydration on a drip for 24 hours.  Kept in hospital over the weekend and colonscopy done on Tuesday 25th, yesterday.  Expected a minor issue report back, but it has turned out to be a little more complicated.

The gastroenterologist has found a mass (lesion) on my transverse colon. Today I have had a CT scan, more blood tests and they sent away biopsies yesterday for histology reports - now am awaiting results and expected surgery next week.

So what do they say - in sickness and in health.  2012 has been an interesting health year for our family in general and me in particular. 

One good thing about being in hospital is good food, great nursing, lots of love from family and friends and time to sit, think and write. 

Local river walk

 

It has been a beautiful few days - we had the JOY of catching up with a friend.  Lara and Elizabeth were friends 18 years ago as little girls.  Over the years, Colette and I have exchanged Christmas letters and kept up with the news.  Lara has been in Australia for 8 weeks and it was such fun to have her spend the day/night with us.  

 

The two girls didn't stop talking for the entire time and enjoyed a walk down to the our river.

 

Beautiful Lara

Elizabeth

and the huge Carpet Python that they nearly stepped on.

 Lara saved Elizabeth from stepping on this enormous snake which was lying in the sun, devouring a meal. 

The girls.

 

 The river has become one of our favourite places to walk to and Elizabeth took this photo of me the other day dwarfed by the grass-reeds, her words were "Mum you look like a little hobbit, living in a very big world" - luckily i took it as a compliment.

News and Views

First of all News:

It is chaotic in our household

Sarah (14) has the flu.  Matthew (18) is in exam block for Grade 12. Elizabeth is doing well. Ivan is busy at work.  Mum (Dorothy) had her first cataract surgery on Monday - recovering well. Dad (Brian) is quite unwell after having teeth removed, getting an infection and suffering from severe headaches for over a week.

So sincere apologies for not keeping up with Vesta. 

And of course Me - well I am a published author.  My book is still at the printers, but am very excited about its progress.  I went down to Sydney for Hay House "I Can Do It" conference and Writer's Workshop at the end of August and had an amazing weekend.

Eating Yummy breakfast in Sydney

Celebrating being a published author at Writer's Workshop

 

A great Father's Day photo of Dad and I - I love you Dad

Elizabeth and Matthew

And Me - feeling fantastic

So that is a bit of an update for the moment.  Follow me on Facebook or check out http://chroniclesoftheguild.blogspot.com for more news on my book.

Sorry!

For all my lovely Vesta followers, sorry I have neglected you all.

I have been so caught up with by book, getting better, shopping and preparing for the "I Can Do It" conference in Sydney this weekend, that I have been very neglectful. 

I have had a great week since coming out of hospital last week.  It took a few more days for my tummy to settle, but am feeling back to normal.

These last few days since Monday 13th our home-schooling queen - Sarah, has once more become a regular school student.  She hated the home-schooling challenges, and spoke to her school about returning.  With great courage and maturity, she handled the transition back herself and I was very proud of her.  Her 10 days back at school has been filled with challenges and hard work, but the difference in this young lady is awesome.  Keep it up Sarah.

On a personal note - I have signed off on my book revisions and it is now at the printers - an official book.  I had the JOY of choosing the front cover - what a task and the trepidation of pushing the send button on the final authority. 

I am also heading down to Sydney for 4 days of indulgence with my beautiful friend Michelle and all the inspirational speakers that Hay House has brought together for the "I Can Do It" conference and then on Monday, I am attending a Writer's Workshop and a 'Meet & Greet' afterwards.  It is going to be amazing.

So more news next week, hopefully with tons of photos.

Home Schooling Queen

Sarah started her Brisbane School of Distance Education course today.  It was fascinating to watch her master the technology and overcome all her anxiety about educating herself.

Mondays are going to be a big day for her, as she has 5 online scheduled lessons in a row.  But Fridays are going to be wonderful with only one lesson. Self motivation is a big thing with this sort of learning and I think that Sarah is going to flourish. 

Concentrating very hard

Amazing technology - Sarah working with her Business class online.

Beauty and Brains

Our beautiful daughters have excelled themselves of late. First of all Sarah was granted a photo shoot at Bettina modelling agency and accepted onto their books as a client.  Her photo shoot was stunning beyond anything I ever imagined.  Here are a sample of her photos.

That stunning face!

Looking great in a cap

Doing it in style

 And then our equally beautiful and clever Elizabeth graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature (extended major) and Ancient History.

Receiving her certificate

Official photo

 And of course none of the above would have been at all possible if it has not been for the amazing genetics - both beauty and brains of the two people below.

Elizabeth and Me!

Elizabeth and her Dad

Finally it has happened.

My book - The Creators

Last night with Elizabeth's help - I checked and double-checked my edited and reviewed copy of my novel and with great trepidation sent it off to Balboa.

This morning I woke to an email to say that it has now moved on to the Cover and cover-text phase.  How exciting!  They will work on the artwork and the wording and then send me a template for my comments.  I am quivering with excitement.  It seems like this has been a forever project.

I wrote my book nearly 4 years ago and planned to publish it immediately.  I am so glad I didn't.  I have learnt so much along the journey. The book is richer and better written, and hopefully one day will be a best seller.

So now what?

Well book two is sitting on my desk and the edits are well underway.  I want it ready to go before the end of the year and then depending on the success of Book One, I will publish it in early 2013.  Also November this year, will see the writing of Book Four. Yes, Book three is also written. So it is a series.