1 Down, 4 to Go

I will spare you all the wonderful details, but I just passed a kidney stone. They are surprising hard little buggers.

I have felt nauseous the past day and half, but I have not been in pain. Slightly uncomfortable, but not pain. This must have been one of the smaller of the two stones in my right kidney. The last X-ray indicated at least three 4 + mm in my left kidney. I could definitely feel it leaving my body and am glad one is out. Now I just need to get the big ones blasted and we can start the countdown for the rest to leave my body.

Back Among the Living

Last Tuesday night was not a good night for the Wilson household for a number of reasons. Owen and I ate out with my parents before heading to Jenny's campaign party to wait for election results. After an hour of Owen jumping off the walls and trying to pop a million balloons, we returned home while the rest of the family watched the results slowly filter in.

After putting Owen to bed, I settled in front of the computer to watch for any election updates. My stomach began to feel queezy and I couldn't decide if it was indigestion or nerves.

By 2 am, it was clear the pain I was experiencing was not nerves and I found myself running to the bathroom. I spent most of the night throwing up and rolling on the floor in pain. By 8 am the pain became extremely intense and Joey left with Owen so I could be alone. I called my dad and Joey in tears at 10 unable to cope. Joey dropped Owen off with his mom and we headed for the hospital (fortunately we remembered a bucket which proved very useful).

We were quickly admitted and I have never felt such sweet relief which came by way of IV and morphine/phenergan drip. A CT scan was done that indicated I had several kidney stones which the ER doctor attributed to the pain. She said it was also possible I had food poisoning. I was discharged a few hours later with a handful of prescriptions and we returned home.

The next few days had many ups and downs and we returned to the hospital Sunday night where I was given another IV for dehydration. This doctor's visit was more successful - we brought our own doctor, a urologist who read over the x-rays and clarified the findings.

While it was possible I passed a kidney stone, the pain I was experiencing was most likely due to food poisoning and severe dehydration and the kidney stones were something I had yet to face (lucky me!). I still have three rather large stones in my left kidney and two smaller stones in my right kidney. I plan to have those babies blasted later this month.

One week later, I am up and about and finally getting back to much needed household duties. Owen finally has his mom back and Joey has a more pleasant spouse.

Family of Politicians

Last night we celebrated my birthday with the Wilson family. Most of the night's discussion centered on the mayoral race, the latest polls and what a lame mayor we have now (how did Rocky Anderson ever make it into office?). As the night drew to a close, Ted stood and gave a wonderful speech and tribute to Jenny (mayoral hopeful) as only a real politician could. He commended her hard work, tenacious spirit and dedication to her family. Most of the room was in tears by the end of his speech followed by a round of applause.

Shortly following Ted's speech, Joey stood and reminded everyone that the reason we had gathered was to honor his wife and celebrate her birthday. He then proceeded to pay tribute to me, while I quietly tried to withdraw to downplay his compliments. As much as Joey likes to think he isn't into politics, he has it in his blood.

Lastly, the night finished with a charming speech from Jenny's oldest son Zach. He said:
"I would like to make a speech: I hope my mom wins. But it will be okay if she doesn't - she'll still have her job at the county."

Spoken like a true Wilson. I guess we will see what the future holds tomorrow night. Get out and vote - the primary is tomorrow, September 11th.

Mariah and Memories

I was listening to a song while Owen and I were on a run Saturday that perfectly sums up the way music can take you to places and times long forgotten:

We all have a song that somehow stamped our lives
Takes us to another place and time

Everytime I hear that song, I go back

Mariah Carey's song Always Be My Baby, takes me to 8th grade summers: water fights, chasing boys, swimming at the Fort (the JCC), and late night music videos - one of the happiest times of my life.

What song does it for you?

Our Little Diva

Owen has discovered a new found love of dressing up - glasses, shoes, random pieces of clothing, you name it. Our little fashionisto.

When I tried to take some goggles off of him last week, he threw one incredible fit. Owen a diva . . . who would have thought?

Sleepless nights, a sick baby and sure signs of defeat

I am sure you have all just been dying to know how the triathlon training is going. For those of you who can't handle the suspense any longer and can't wait to the end of this post to find out, know that I will not be racing on Saturday. For those of you who are interested in an only mildly entertaining story, read on.

Last Tuesday, Owen woke up with a small cold - a slight runny nose. He played great during the day, ate and napped well. But, as 8:30 pm rolled around, this little kid would not fall asleep. He cried off and on for an hour until I could stand it no longer. I loaded him into the car and went for a drive. (Clearly my patience needs work, but I am not used to this kid crying when I put him down.) He fell asleep somewhere between 11th Ave and South Temple and I headed home. He slept for 20 minutes in his crib and the crying began again. By this time, he had really worked himself up and the phlegm had settled in his chest. He acted very much in pain and was only comforted by someone holding and rocking him. The minute he was placed in his crib, the crying began again, and again, and again . . . I felt like a new parent trying everything I could to convince this child to sleep.

Needless to say, the training program flew out the window last week due to my lack of sleep. I got a handful of runs in - mostly to appease my ailing baby, but I never touched my swimsuit or helmet. I am fully convinced I could show up at Yuba State Park this weekend and finish the race, even with a decent time. But for me to personally to find fulfillment, I would have to know that I trained to the best of my ability and gave everything I had. There is a huge difference in pushing your body when you are prepared and when you are not. So, to celebrate my big 2-6, I will be eating a Vegas Roll from Happy Sumo and mint-OREO milkshake from Dairy Queen instead of racing. How's that for a change?

I am a little disappointed, but also relieved, and eager to attempt again. I am grateful for people's willingness to help encourage me on - Joey who watched Owen while I trained, my friend Shy who explained the ins and outs of triathlons and Ted, who put up with my foolishness on a bike and was the master teacher.

So, when I am going to get a race in before the end of the year to meet my New Year's resolution? It may be on New Year's Eve Day and I may be hosting the event personally, but the good news is, you are all invited.

One Love

My brother (the one on the left) just returned from his summer adventures in St. Thomas. He and his friends all grew goatees or beards while they were there. Jedidiah Smith or Grizzly Adams come to mind. But I digress . . .

They met and befriended this exciting character and his donkey. The man in the middle calls himself "One Love" and his donkey is "Oprah." For some reason, One Love reminds Dave of my mom (she would die if she read this). The coordinating outfits, he assures me, is the only reason. (As most of you know, my family wears matching outfits on all major holidays/celebrations - I have yet to post pictures of these moments.)