04/11/2024: Talk and Go

I got pulled over last Saturday on I-5 near exit 7B, on my way to the local Telugu association New Years' Day celebrations. That exit was about a mile and half from our event venue. We had five minutes before Raaga was due to go on the stage and give her Telugu speech, and I was on frantic calls with her team members, organizers and  the person who held our tickets for the event.  I admitted to the cop that I was an idiot and that I am sorry. The Clark county officer, a sweet and *very* good looking one, might I add, coolly handed me a $145 ticket for talking on the phone while driving. At least he let me go quickly enough, and Raaga made it to the stage with microseconds to spare in cinematic style!

I apparently had a lot to talk about, this whole week. I have been constantly on the phone every day, with the doctors, insurance guys, work people, friends, family. I did learn my lesson from that ticket however, and did all my talking outside of my car. I have still been on the go, currently at 59 of my 100mile walking goal! It is wonderful seeing many of our friends joining me, sharing their daily walking/running successes with me, and cheering me on! 

As for where my tumor is going, today is April 11th- the angiogram day. I'll be honest, I have been dreading this day, not so much for the procedure itself, but for the various pokes- to insert the catheter, IV, anesthesia, etc. I never do well with blood draws or shots. Even during the blood draw on Monday, the nurse had to poke me three times before she found the vein that worked. I almost always feel light headed and/or faint in these scenarios. Added to that, it looks like I will be sufficiently hangry today when they do these pokes. I am supposed to be fasting until this procedure, so only water until 2pm. It was supposed to be done at 10am, but they bumped an emergency surgery ahead of me. I am sitting in the kitchen smelling the yummy paneer rolls I packed for Raaga's lunch. All I can do is- wish the medical team luck dealing with someone like me today :)

On the bright side, my EKG was normal. Blood work results are generally good too. I am anemic, and I will start taking Iron supplements. My torn ligament from two years ago started acting up, perhaps from the sudden increase in my physical activity these past few weeks. I was able to go to the physiotherapist yesterday and get it addressed quickly. I just need to keep up with my exercises.

There is so much going on in the next two weeks- Taxes, Manabadi stuff, more doctors appointments, kids activities, but I know I'd still be talking and they'd all come and go, in a blink. 

Timeline:

  • April 11th: (2pm) Angiogram
  • April 13th: (8am) Raaga’s music test (Practical)
  • April 15th: (1pm) Hospital pre-op counseling call
  • April 16th: Pre-op appointment with Dr. Gore
  • April 18th: (3pm) Raaga's Visit to Boys and Girls Youth Association for volunteering
  • April 18th: (4-6pm) Taara's Talent show, Dress Rehearsal
  • April 19th: Raaga’s photoshoot
  • April 25th: (6-8pm) Taara's Talent show
  • April 27th: (2pm) Portland Manabadi Children's festival
  • April 29th: Surgery
  • May 13th: Post-surgery appointment with Dr. Gore
  • June 8th: Parents arrive
  • June 20th: Recovery complete!
  • July 14th: Raaga’s Rangapravesam!




Raaga calmly delivering her Telugu New Year's Day speech despite the absolute chaos and utter drama that preceded this moment!



After a very long and loud Saturday- it surely wore my little brain out

Ugaadi (Telugu New Year's Day) Pachadi
The sweet, tangy, sour, spicy, bitter, and salty tastes in this yummy concoction help remind us to brace ourselves for all the different shades of life that await us in the new year


My schedule and activity log- busy days coming up!

Non-stop talking- all from one morning!

Walking aimlessly while talking!














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