Me And My Boy

Me and my baby boy Harley! He is 17 years old. He is my heart! Sent via my iPhone

Tuesday Cuteness, Snow, & Homework..Oh My!

I had to post this cute 40sec video of Harley. The other day I was making tuna. As soon as that cat hears the can opener break the seal, he runs in the room like he's competing for Olympic gold. I got my camera out and videoed him eating a little, tiny piece of tuna. It was like it was a 5 course meal. Wait till you see how cute it was. By the way, the music playing in the background was my hubby's new Dave Matthews cd.


I have a new love ~ Saladworks. Have any of you been there? Healthy and yummy.

Anyway, I hope you have a great day! Today I hand in my big project at school. (pending we actually have school since it is supposed to snow) Hopefully I will get a good grade. I worked very hard on it. This week we get to go to the lab where we will have our clinicals. I have a busy week ahead of me. I like being busy though! Tuesday through Thursday I have school. Friday I have my hospice externship.

UPDATE 7:00am: Well, as expected, it snowed. I spoke with my teacher at 5:30am this morning. We do not have school today BUT we will have to make up the 3 snow days we had so far along with missing President's Day yesterday. So we are adding in extra classes for the next month so we will graduate on time. Plus on top of that I will have to do my externship hours. I'm doing well with that because I already got about 53 hours in for externship. However, with adding more classes, it's going to be a busy 4 weeks for me. But I welcome it. I love to be busy! Now onto my homework. On the phone she gave us 2 huge chapters to read, medical terminology vocab words and 2 units in our workbooks to do for ummm tomorrow. Gotta go..LOL!

Proof that Sue isn't the only one INSANE - Plus A Thunk A Day Late!

(Thursday Thunks are below the pictures)

At the end of June was Sue's cat Redford's birthday. She threw him an awesome birthday party!! She claimed to be insane. I thought there was nothing wrong with what she did...in fact, I applauded it. Today is my Harley's 16th birthday. Since Harley is on a veterinary diet and I'm doing my own "lifestyle change", Harley got a birthday balloon & some toys for his special SWEET 16. Yes, I am insane, I know it. Hehehehe

Harley was more interested in the red curly ribbon. He tried eating it.

The perfect face in my eyes!!! Better a day late than not at all right?


1. Do you tend to have a guilty conscious?
It depends on if I did something to be guilty about. I was raised Italian. I had many guilt trips

2. Do you still have your wisdom teeth?
Two were removed, one didn't grow in, and one grew in. You will sleep better tonight for knowing this.

3. Peanut Butter - creamy or crunchy?
Skippy Natural Creamy

4. Get up off your butt. Take 5 steps. Which leg did you start out on?
My right

5. What color is your favorite kitchen utensil?
Black and chrome. My favorite kitchen utensil is my Keurig Coffee Machine.

6. Did you watch the Michael Jackson memorial/funeral?
Yes I did

7. Do you know anyone who graduated from high school this year?
Were you invited to their graduation party? Did you go?
No to all three questions

8. White with black stripes or black with white stripes?
Am I getting fitted for prison wear?

9. If we were to call your 6th grade teacher, what would they say about you?
Sister Regina would say that I had a cherub-like demeanor

10. Can you draw a perfect circle?
If you handed me a compass, possibly.

11. What was your favorite scratch & sniff sticker scent?
Hershey's chocolate or coffee

12. What does your sibling do for a living?
Let's see, my one sister is currently not working. My other sister works in the research dept for a hospital pharmaceutical dept. My brother owns and operates an auto repair shop.

13. How many light switches and electrical outlets are in the room that you are in right now?
"Oh, just bite me"~ thanks Bud!

14. Do you know sign language?
Very, very little

15. Do you step on cracks in the sidewalk?
I am not like the character on "As Good As It Gets" if that is what you are asking me.

16. And the sheets on your bed look like....?
Beige with forest green diamond shaped things on it.

17. What is something that everyone else has, but you don't?
A printer for my computer. I used to use my work one. Crap!

Saturday Cuteness

I had to post these two pictures of Harley I took with my new cell phone. I don't like change. I had to "upgrade" both my husband's and my phone because his broke. It was weird. It looked like it was leaking inside the screen. Plus it was all beat up. I went from a Motorola Razr V3 to a Motorola Razr V3xx. Mine is dark grey and his is silver. Boring.
Anyway, these pictures are from this morning. I just loved how cute he was and I wanted to test out the cell camera. Not too bad for a cell camera. My older phone took less quality pictures than this one. I figure as long as I can make calls and do the few texts that I do, I'm good. My niece has an iPhone. That whole touch screen technology is too much for me. I'm lucky I can work the touchpad on my laptop.

My sisters both did come for a visit. It was so nice. I love when they come over. It makes me sad that my brother lives about 90mins from us and he doesn't know about anything that goes on in our lives and probably just doesn't care. Most people don't even know I have a brother. I'm not going to make myself upset about it. It is what it is. I think it is more an issue with his wife than with him. But that's a whole other post.

I hope you all are having a great day so far. Tonight I'm supposed to go out to dinner with my hubby. I have to go get motivated. I really want to nap to tell you the truth. I didn't get to sleep until nearly 1am and I was up at 5am when his alarm went off. I feel like I'm running on empty. (summoning Jackson Browne)

Better Days Ahead

A terrible force has entered my life again. That force is procrastination. I fell victim for it. I admit it.

So much has been going on recently in my life and I have been procrastinating assignments that I need to finish for my class. I have two from last week and I'm getting a brand new one tomorrow. And then there was three. Deep breath. I can do this. This is my dream. I need to show procrastination the door because I can now breathe again. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

This afternoon Harley's vet called me up. His full thyroid panel came back completely normal. Remember three weeks ago he tested two types of thyroid T3 and something else? The results of that panel were that one level was normal and the other was slightly above normal range. These results from Friday's test were both normal. Thank you God! I prayed for this.

The doctor said I just need to watch him and make sure that he doesn't lose any more weight. He can eat whatever and whenever he wants. What seems like an easy task is actually a hard task since Harley is on a medically prescribed veterinary diet and can only eat that. He has been on this prescription diet since he was 4yrs old. I feel bad for him because picture eating the same thing day in and day out for 11 years straight. Blech! He wants to see him in 4 to 6 months to retest his blood. Sooner if I see a problem.

Today I am thankful for Dr. D for taking wonderful care of him and calming my nerves. Thank you to all my bloggy friends for your support, prayers, kindness, thoughts & concern. It means more than you can ever know. I can now go and attack those assignments with fervor. I now want to run towards that light at the end of the tunnel and embrace it and feel its warmth in these cold days and thank the Person who sent that light and for the miracle He gave me.

Harley Health Update

My hubby is off today and when he came home from doing errands he took this picture of Harley. My hubby emptied our laundry bag and Harley jumped in. Too cute!

We aren't totally out of the woods yet, but I have good news!!! I spoke to Harley's doctor and he told me that all of Harley's blood work came back normal!!! His sugar, kidney, liver blood levels are all normal. Thank you God! Now, for his thyroid tests. He did two different tests on him. One test showed that his level was normal. Another test showed that his level was slightly above normal. So, he may be in early hyperthyroidism. There is nothing to treat this early stage, we just have to watch him and his blood levels. He may not ever go into full hyperthyroidism. It just may be a normal level for him. So that would be a great thing!!!

The doctor recommended I still go ahead and have him give Harley an ultrasound of his body. He would do his whole chest cavity, digestive system, and urinary system. Just a full scan which would show some stuff that the blood work cannot show such as: heart disease, digestive problems, certain cancers, and any pancreatic problems. I am going to go ahead and have it done just to make sure he is OK. He is really concerned about his weight loss. He said that it really can just be a sign of older age, but he wants to rule everything out. He said that his heart is strong enough for the heavy sedation and they are doing to shave him when he is under as well. His appointment is on Friday, Dec 5th. I will drop him off before work and he said I can pick him up at 5pm so I will leave work early so I can get him. I'm glad I did it on a Friday so that I could be home with him on Saturday & Sunday because when he has heavy sedation like that, he gets really loopy. I want to keep a watch on him. Here is hoping that it will all be normal. I hope to God it is just him being older. My heart can handle that.

Thank you all for your love, prayers, support, concern, and friendship you have shown to me. You really have no idea how much it means to me. I am very humbled and thankful to each of you. God bless you all. ♥ I can't wait to get home to give him a big kiss!

This Weekend Flew By

How ridiculously fast did this weekend go? I didn't move from this house all weekend. How did it fly by? Could it be the 2hr naps I took both days? This afternoon I laid on the couch and fell asleep with Harley for almost 2 1/2 hours. When I woke up he was laying on top of the couch right above my head. The picture above is what he looked like. How cute is he? I love how he laid his paws out in front of them & rested his face in between his front legs. Then the cat wonders why he gets attacked with kisses.

Tomorrow I may be getting his bloodwork results back. Please keep your fingers crossed for him and for me that it isn't anything bad. I'm hoping & praying that it may be nothing, just a sign of him getting older. Even if it is the hyperthyroidism, we will get through it. We will get through whatever it is.

I'm going off to bed now. I'm so tired. I watched 60 Minutes with President Elect Obama. After that, I finished my assignment for my class. I'm so excited that I have my summary for my story done along with all the "dramatic elements" that my other assignment asked for as far as passion, theme, character, character flaw, and premise.

You all have a good night sleep & I will check in tomorrow & keep you all posted on Harley. Thank you again for all the love, support, concern, prayers, & friendship you have shown to me and to him. ♥

It's A Better Day

I just wanted to let you know that Harley did well last night. He was woozy from his sedation. Though a bit finicky, he ate. He is very fussy about his food since he hasn't been feeling well. If the wet food is "too wet", he doesn't want it. For some reason, the prescription food he is on, some of the cans are packed with alot of water which makes it soupy. If I were a cat, I'd probably turn my nose to it too. Last night, he ate at dinner time some and about 5hrs later. I finally tried to turn in at around midnight. I brought him into our bedroom because I wanted to make sure he was OK and not in any pain. I also wanted to make sure he kept his dinner down. I kept watching him. I finally fell asleep at 1am. Then around 3am I woke up and it seemed like he wanted to go out of the bedroom. He ran out into the kitchen and wanted to eat. I fed him. After he ate, I brought him near his litter box because he hadn't been to the bathroom since before he went to the doctor. He didn't go. So I went on auto-pilot and cleaned his litter box. Still didn't go. Then he wanted to stay in the living room. So I went & grabbed a pillow & blanket and fell asleep on the couch for another hour.
This morning he ate, drank water, but still has not went to the bathroom. Since it is clean I will know when I get home from work if he finally does go throughout the day which I am hoping. I so hated to leave him, but he looked good and was acting normal. I kissed him a hundred times before I left. I'm sitting here missing him like crazy. I can't wait to go home!

Again, I want to thank you all for your prayers, concern, hugs, and emails. It really means the world to me that you guys care about me and my cat. I think you all know how special he is to me and I appreciate it more than you can ever know. Now I just continue to wait to find out the "official" results on Monday.

*by the way, the photo was taken by my hubby. I only wear glasses to drive. I wanted to have a pic of Harley & I with my glasses on. LOL!*

HE IS HOME!

Thank God my baby is home. I went to pick him up at 2:30. The doctor called and spoke to me at length. He had gave him enough sedation to just do the bloodwork, x-rays, urinalysis and full exam. He did a full CBC bloodwork. He was able to run some of the tests right in the office. He has ruled out diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and kidney failure. Harley "let" him get a feel of his thyroid and the doctor felt that it was enlarged. He feels it may be hyperthyroidism. The signs include:

• Weight loss (Yes - 4 pounds)
• Increased food consumption (Yes - and got more finicky)
• Vomiting (Yes)
• Increased water consumption/ urination (Yes for both)
• Increased activity, behavior changes, nervousness (No)
• Unkempt haircoat/hair loss (His hair is matted in spots)
• Diarrhea (first time he did was yesterday)

Even though we aren't certain, this does sound like him. He said if it is, he will want to do an ultrasound to get a better look at his insides and when he does that, he would sedate him so they can perform that test and to also shave him because of his matts on his back which he won't let me near. He will not let me near him with a comb or brush. He has always been like that though. He believes that he would treat it with medication and possibly a food change (ugh!). But he said once we know for sure when he gets the full blood work back on Monday, then we will examine our next steps. The only other thing that frightened me a bit was he had to take more x-rays because he said he saw a mass in his chest cavity. He, his wife (also a vet), and his partner all looked at the x-rays and determined that they were fatty deposits. He said I shouldn't be alarmed and that he did not think it was a tumor. Thank the good Lord.
I did do a little research on hyperthyroidism and they say it is treatable with medicine, surgical removal, or "radioactive iodine". I'm hoping we can do the medicine. Again, this is all pending that this is what he has. I'm just jumping the gun here.
Right now he is alert, was walking around examining the house like he has been gone for more than a week when it was only 6hrs. My baby boy! I'm SO glad he is home. He actually wants to eat. Thank God..I hope he can gain some of the weight or that he doesn't lose anymore. He truly is at a healthy weight now, but it is different for Harley. You know what I mean?

So right now I have to wait. I just hope that if this is it, it will be treatable. I pray to the Lord above that it is nothing worse. I know I've been blessed to have him for 15yrs, but I'm not ready for him to be sick on me. My heart truly can't take it. I was a mess today.

Thank you all for your prayers, your emails, your hugs, concern about my baby and for me. It truly is so appreciated. You all are amazing. Thank you. I will keep you posted.

Harley Update # 2

My vet is so wonderful. They took us right at 9am. I am SO glad that I took him. The doctor definitely thinks that we are dealing with another health issue. He suspects one of the "older cat diseases" - diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or hyperthyroidism. Harley's symptoms fall under their categories which include throwing up (which he does often), excessive drinking, excessive urination and weight loss. I felt like a complete idiot because I did not realize Harley lost 4 pounds! That is what scared the doctor. Harley is a long haired cat so he always looks the same to me. I guess holding him everyday, you get used to what his body weight is at the time. I never in my life would think he lost it. But the scale did not lie. He was 16 pounds, now he is 12 pounds. He is within normal size for a cat, but not normal for Harley since he has been 16 pounds his whole life. He is just a larger cat.

Needless to say, Harley was not a willing participant in getting an exam. He screamed, hissed, spit and lunged out at the technician and the vet. He never liked going there and my doctor is just so gentle with him. But because of his age, my vet felt like they should give him a light sedation so they can get a good physical exam from him. So, that means I had to leave him there. I wanted to wait in the waiting room! He assured me that he would be ok that with how he was acting was 'normal Harley' with how aggressive he was. There is always a risk though at any type of sedation because of his age. He put it to me like this, "The risk of doing the sedation is a lot less than the risk at not finding out what is wrong with Harley and in 3 to 6 weeks you could have a very sick animal on your hands if we don't catch it early." So, with that being said, I left him there. Of course I was crying like a baby. The vet handed me a whole tissue box. The tech came out and sat with me while I waited to sign the sedation waiver and the "approximate cost" for all the testing. It could have been a million dollars and I would have signed it. That is what Visa is for.

I cried all the way home then sat in the parking lot of my apartment complex for 10 or 15 minutes because I didn't want to go upstairs with him not being there. It is just so empty here. I've been talking to my hubby and Jenny since I got back. In a little while I can call them and see how he is doing and they will be able to let me know when I can pick him up. Also, he is running some bloodwork there and sending the rest out to the lab to see if he can get me an early answer so we can start taking care of whatever it is.

Thank you everyone for all your thoughts, prayers, and emails. You are all a blessing to me. I cannot even put into words how much I love this cat. I even got the tattoo to prove it...because I wear my heart on my sleeve! I will keep you posted. Thank you all again!! ♥ to all of you!

Harley Update

As of 6:15am - Harley slept last night but his mommy didn't. If I got an hour that was alot. I was so nervous. I had him stay in our bedroom with us. I brought in his litter box and his nest bed. Most of the night he laid at the end of my side. I laid opposite on the bed so my head could be near him. At around 1am he wanted to eat. Thank God. He also had a tiny bit at 5am and just had a decent amount now at 6:15am. The thing is he is drinking ALOT of water. Last night it was SO much. I'm hoping it was just a reaction to the dry food. Maybe he was trying to get it out of his system. I just hope he isn't diabetic or it be something worse. Since he threw up the dry food (9 hrs later though w/a hairball) and I'll try to say this in the most delicate way possible...his poop was not of a 'solid nature' in his litter box...I'm thinking it is the dry food. Maybe the addition of the dry food after so many years shocked his system or since he is older he has a hard time digesting it. He basically swallowed it whole. I guess at 15yrs old his teeth may hurt him to break it apart, hence the digesting part. He seems in much better spirits and is alot more alert. But to be on the safe side, I'm still going to call the vet and see if they will take him. He is due for an appointment anyway. Fingers crossed they will take him this morning.

My Poor Baby

My poor little boy doesn't feel well! He was fine this morning. He ate normal. He drank alot though. He i on a veterinary diet because he had urinary disease 11 years ago. It allows him a certain wet food & dry food. He has been a little finicky so I added the dry food back last night (Tuesday) and I also fed it to him this morning (Wednesday). He loved it, but I don't think it loves him. I don't think it agreed with him. He didn't eat this evening and he is lethargic yet drinking alot of water. He threw up the food and a large hairball so I think that he either has more to get up or he is sick from the food, maybe an allergic reaction since they changed the forumula since he last had it? Either way I'm taking him to the vet in the morning. I am sick to death with worry that it just isn't a coincidence with the food. I hope that there isn't something else wrong with him. I'm sick with worry you can't even imagine. I've been crying since I got home from work. I was going to take him to the emergency animal hospital, but since he was drinking (alot), he isn't dehydrated. He is alert they said I can wait to see my regular doctor since he ate normal this morning. Plus, Harley is terrified of the doctor & my vet is SO good, caring & loving towards him. I want to bring him to a familiar place.He is sleeping now. I'm hoping he will wake up & feel better and want to eat. Regardless, I am still taking him to the vet.

I will let you all know what happens. If it is the kind of thing you do, if you can say a prayer for my little boy. He is my whole heart. I am so sick over this.

This Is The Reason Why

This is the reason why I run late in the morning. I mean how cute is this? I was rubbing Harley's face before I left for work this morning. He pushed my hand down after he had enough, rested his head on it, put his paw over my hand, and fell asleep. I sat there and just stared at him and just felt so lucky. I can't explain it. I know this is going to sound SO sappy. I am just so thankful to have him in my life. This cat has brought me such joy for 15 years now. I want him to be with me forever and I know that cannot be. So, when a moment like this comes I just want to sit back and enjoy it.

Thursday Morning Thunder

WOW, what a day yesterday! It poured almost all day long. Last night a roll of thunder and lightening came and BAM the thunder made this horrific sound that almost brought me out of my skin. Harley ran for the hills and hid, I jumped and actually shook. Never before has a crash of thunder scared me that much. Then, the lights went out. For something like 6 hours. I just have one question. How do Amish people do this all the time? I was LOST without power. I sat & worried:

'OMG, what if it doesn't go on in the morning, how am I going to blow-dry my hair?'

'What about all the food in the fridge, it is going to go bad?'

'What about my blog? My emails?'

'How am I going to charge my cell? My iPod?'

I sat & pondered, how the hell did this happen? Technology has grabbed a hold of me & I am hooked. Hook, line, and sinker. Well I guess the first step is admitting you are powerless over technology.

Anyways, well luckily this morning I was able to get on the computer before I get ready for work. (yay, my blow dryer will work!) I feel SOOOO bad because I didn't know it was one of my bloggy friend's birthdays because I wasn't able to get back on the computer last night.So by one day off..HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUE!!! I humbly apologize for missing it last night. May you have many, many healthy & happy more!!

Well, I am going to go off and get ready for work and use my technology to the fullest. Must also stop and get an iced coffee because I am craving one right about now. Oh yes, and it is STILL pouring outside. I have a bad feeling my hubby isn't going to get into work today because it floods near his job. It isn't good because today is his payday. Ugh!!!!!! Well the good news of the day is this, my sister is getting her catheter out a day early. She has an 8am appointment this morning. The stent will come out in 5 more weeks. But this is going to be SO much better for her. Yay!!!

I will leave you with some pics of Harley at his cutest. I promise soon ((Linda)) I will put up the tattoo pics. I just have to get my butt in gear find them on the computer. Harley has his own folder. LOL!

You know Jack-in-a-box....this is my version Harley-in-a-box. He has two beautiful cat beds but he prefers cardboard:This is Harley's Presidential portrait. LOL! He is SO serious in this picture. If you notice in the background on the wall is a painting my hubby had done by a local artist several years ago for me of my boy. I love it.Lastly, like mother like son...what we do best:

UPDATE at 9:45am: Spoke with my hubby..he got to work safe so he will be able to get his paycheck today. He just needs to be able to get past the floods to the bank to cash/deposit it. Also spoke to my sister at around 8:30am. She got the catheter out and she feels like a new woman! Now we have to wait to make sure she is able to "go". The urologist said that if there were any problems she can go right back. He also checked her incisions. Two started to bleed when he took the dressings off - ouch! He put antiseptic and put new dressings on all 4 of the incisions.

UPDATE at 10:00am: Spoke to my sister again..wanted to make sure she was able to "go"...and praise the Lord she went to the bathroom twice since she got home. She truly feels like a new person. Now we sit & wait & pray that this stent does the trick and will continue to work when the doctor removes it in 5wks.