SHE'S BACK.............

July 21, 2012

Hello, hello,

I can't believe it's almost the end of July.  I haven't written because I went out and got a job!  Yes.  I decided I had to do something about my economy.  My brother was helping me each month and even though I was living frugally, I wanted to feel proud  and also help the family.   

My family has been assisting another member and I wanted to be sure I was doing my part as well.   My brother was eating peanut butter sandwiches for meals, two nephews were considering secondary jobs, a young mother of three whose husband is one of the nephews, went to work as a massage therapist to supplement so her husband didn't have to work so many hours.  It seemed as though we were what we hear Asian families are like; all doing for one another until everyone was on their feet.  How proud I am to be a member of THIS family and doing MY part!

My first week working was really tough.  As a matter of fact, I've been working now since November 1, 2011 and I FINALLY feel as though I know what I'm doing!  It's the first time  I'm looking forward to going to work every day.  It took 9 months!

I work in a ballroom dance studio doing administrative duties.  Now I originally thought I'd just answer the phones while teaching was going on but I am dealing with computer programs, charge card machines, posting monies to the computer, making out computerized gift certificates and various printing chores.  The hours are perfect from 10 am until 1 or 2pm.  Recently I realized I was NOT going to die of a heart attack!  By jove, I've got it.

I haven't worked for 17 years. Actually never thought I'd live this long!  Fortunately I do use a computer at home but the programs I use at the office are new to me.  That plus my impaired vision doesn't make it easy to learn new things quickly. My boss has known me for a long while as a student in the dance studio so he and the staff are most patient with my learning and slowness in seeing the screen. However, I've basically got that now too.

IMPAIRED VISION:

Chronic proliferative diabetic retinitis with diabetic macular edema.  Had extensive laser therapy to both eyes back in the 80's when laser was not even FDA approved.  Being in an experimental program saved me from blindness back then until one of the interns learning to use the laser hit the optic nerve.  This caused a stroke to the left optic nerve and I had to leave the program.  It also caused me to have continued double vision that did not correct itself.  After being legally blind for about 5 years, traveled with others with canes and dogs.  I met these courageous people at Baruch College in New York where I learned to replace a mother board in a computer without vision.

  I had more surgery.  That's another story.


I  am able to drive short distances (up to 50 familiar miles) at this time. My vision is 20/70 in a good eye and impaired for detail in the other but........ today it's o.k. .  

I am beginning to have some jelly leak from the back of my good eye which is causing flashes from the light that splashes into the retina.  I may have to get a second opinion even though the retina specialist says this might take care of itself, I'm beginning to lose small chunks of vision that distress me.  Suddenly the side of a person's chin in my vision, disappears.  Have to make a trip to Miami for a second opinion and that's a 4 hour drive.  I can't do it myself so I'll have to see how this could be faciliated.

Meanwhile,  my open heart surgery is 2 years old.  People say I look 10 years less than my real age.  Maybe I should recommend this pericardial peel!    Life is good.

All of you....................be well and know you are loved.