Thursday, June 25, 2009

Cupcakes, Parasites, and Sunshine

Warning: If you're squeamish or say "TMI" a lot, you may not want to read this post.

It's been a crazy month with lots of good and not so-good things. As you guys know, my grandmother unexpectedly died a month ago. A week later I left for Nicaragua for two weeks. While I was in Nicaragua, I was sick for three days with diarrhea, and my grandfather (the widow) was admitted to the hospital and ultimately placed in cardiac ICU. When I returned from Nicaragua I tried working for two days, accomplishing little with constant calls and updates about my grandfather (and I drafted a will and various documents for him), so I headed to Macon to spend two nights there and be with my mom and aunt and visit with Papa. It was wonderful to be with them, and although I'm not paid when I take time off from work, I am so grateful to have a job where I can take time off to take care of much more important things. As for Papa, long story short he ended up having open heart surgery (and surprisingly surviving it thus far) and is currently stable.

My birthday: When I left my loft at 7:30 I found flowers and a beautiful box of a dozen cupcakes from my favorite bakery--Gigi's which just happens to be two hours away in Nashville--outside my door. Delighted, I headed back inside to begin tasting the assortment and packing up a few for my office. That evening Clay gave me a card and gift card to a spa; needless to say he really helped start my day off right. That night some friends, Clay, and I had dinner, then joined another friend on my roof for a delicious dessert she'd made for me, complete with singing, candles, and a Spanish birthday card involving a hamster.

Unfortunately my birthday marked the day the Nica sickness returned in full force, and I've been pretty constantly sick since then. Last night was so miserable that I made a doctor's appointment and am now doing a three day stool study, which is every bit as fun as it sounds, to determine if I have a parasite or bacteria. Please pray that it's bacteria because a parasite will be much more difficult to treat and get rid of (plus it's super gross to think about).

p.s. I am thankful for my Dad who I didn't do a very good job of celebrating this year but love very much. I'm also grateful for sunshine and the above-ground pool on my roof. It's such a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

16 comments:

L.C.T. said...

Oh poor you. Feel better!

Trish said...

Oh no, it came back?? I will be praying it is easily treatable and goes away soon! Will also be thinking about your grandpa.

Scotty said...

glad your grandfather is doing ok... and hope you feel/get better!

Ally said...

Trish: It's back and worse this time. Thank you so much for the prayers! I've spent the entire morning at the hospital for lab work...not fun!

Kimberly said...

I have definitely been there with major stomach issues so I will be praying that you get well soon. It looks like you had an amazing birthday and those cupcakes look scrumptious. I think I am going out for cupcakes tomorrow for breakfast!:)

Kennethwongsf said...

Oh, wow! I'm glad to hear that your dad sailed through the surgery. The return of your Nicaragua condition is, indeed, unfortunate--especially since it interrupted your birthday festivities. Here's hoping you'll recover soon and become "firm" again in no time. :-)

Cat_Chaser said...

Nice looking, yummy cupcakes and
you look nothing like your Dad!

OK Chick said...

I'm sorry you came home sick. :(
Hopefully, the doctor will find the problem, and you will get better fast.

The cupcakes look good. A spa g-card sounds nice. And who's Clay? Is that the neighbor guy?

Ally said...

Cat Chaser: And I look even less like my mom!

Ok Chick: Yep, he's the neighbor.

boohoo said...

AW no I hope you feel better soon. Illnesses like that can be so upsetting can't they? And it's not like you can talk to people about it cos it's not seen as something to talk about in "polite conversation". I really hope they get it all sorted for you.

icadle said...

ya'll try not to collapes the roof with all that water!!!

Aaron said...

Wow.

I'm sorry I took so long to get around to reading this post. Will add you to what seems to be a growing prayer list already this week. :/

OK Chick said...

I like the neighbor! I had no cute neighbors.

LA said...

Oh my. there's so much being go on in your life ally!

Glad that you're grandfather is doing ok thus far, and hope that you get rid of the bacteria and no need for any fighting off parasites!

HappyascanB said...

Sorry for reading so late. . . We've been here there and yonder. We've been praying for your grandfather, and we'll be praying for you, too. I do hope it's something that's easy to treat. Love you bunches!

Tiff said...

Happy belated birthday! Sorry about your ills. Are you better?