Mom had some serious setbacks since my last post... blood clot, heart failure, liver failure, kidney failure... she's on every machine imaginable - a heart pump, a dialysis machine, a respirator... she's hanging on by a thread... but she IS hanging on. I think that thoughts of Mya (her new granddaughter, my new niece) are keeping her going.

It is heartbreaking and torturous... mixed with hope, faith, and small miracles.

I hope no one ever has to know what it's like to go through this.

My Mom is so special. She's strong and she's fighting for her life.

She's my inspiration.

Mom Update #3

Finally... some good news. Mom came off sedation today and responded well. She still can't talk, ventilator is still in, but communicated by blinking her eyes and nodding her head. She's definitely aware of who we are and what's going on - and that was a major concern. Tomorrow - when her Dr. is back - they should take out the ventilator and then she's "over the hump" - as the Dr. says.

Yesterday was a trying day, they kept her sedated all day... but obviously they know what they're doing, because it seemed to be just what she needed.

Mom Update #2

Things aren't going as well as we'd hoped with Mom - not out of danger, but indications are that she's improving slowly. They expect to keep her sedated and on the ventilator for the next couple days. It's hard to see your Mom like that. Funny thing is, I know if she were aware, she'd be more worried about everyone else than herself. The good news is that her heart appears to be functioning well.

I was supposed to leave for Germany today for Photokina, but just as I was getting ready to leave, she seemed to be doing a bit worse. So I delayed my flight until Sunday - not that I can do a damn thing, but just for my own peace of mind. Mom would tell me to go, but I need more of a warm fuzzy to be able to go and function like a human. I don't think I've ever felt more stress and worry in my life. My Mom is such a loving, fun and funny person and I'd be lost without her.

The nurses said that her surgery was the worst they'd seen in over a month but the doctor said that for what she's been through, she's doing great... So we just wait and hope and pray for better days.

Mom Update

Mom came through surgery after a couple complications. Turns out they had to replace 3 valves... then she had some bleeding after the fact so they had to keep her in OR longer. She is doing better this morning than yesterday... in Guarded condition rather than Critical... so things are looking up.

All your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. I'm off to see her now.

Guns N Noses?

This is supposed to be Axl Rose. I didn't believe it at first, but the picture was on E! online - wouldn't they verify their info before posting a pic of some freak posing as Axl? What the hell happened to him? He looks nothing like the Axl of old. Are his eyebrows gone? He looks bizarre. What the hell happened to him????

Ooh One More

Oh my God, I almost forgot (Jenny had to remind me) - we also saw Sharon Stone in Toronto... Very close up... hopping in to her limo... 2 feet away... she's stunning!

Speaking of Toffee

Toffee is the main ingredient in a Heath Bar. Heath Ledger was in Toronto. Heath Ledger passed me on the escalator. I was within 3 feet of him for about 2 seconds. Before my brain registered that it was him, he was gone. For some reason, my initial thought was that it could be David Beckham. This moment of unclarity was caused by the fact that D.B. had been plastered all over every paper and magazine in UK and, with the VERY short hair, they actually look kinda similar, don't ya think?.


David Beckham

But then I realized it was Heath - about 5 seconds too late. He just slid in the side door, up the escalator, flanked by security, looking down the whole time. I sent Jenny to the restroom (which was up the escalator) but by the time she got there, gone.

Sure, Chuck get's checked out by Tim Curry in the lobby of the Four Seasons, but I can't even get a glimpse of an eyeball. Still, it was cool.

Aaron also spotted Michael Caine waiting for the elevator (by himself, wheeling his own luggage). The elevator took forever and by the time it came, the crowd that had gathered around him (and chatted with him) all piled in and M.C. had to cram into the elevator with all these schmos who got there much after him. Inconsiderate!

We may also have seen Lauren Holly, but not sure it was her. And I'm pretty sure I saw the guy from E! channel. We missed Salma Hayek by mere moments, which didn't seem to phase Jenny until I pointed out that S.M. may equal Edward Norton. Then her eyes lit up... But alas, not to be this weekend... but there's always next weekend.

Ketchup

Been away so long...

Went to London, loved it. Walked a ton but still gained 5 lbs. So on that note and since my blog IS The "Daily Bite", I'll start by talking about the food I had...

• a Brie and Bacon sandwhich at the Hog in the Pound Pub (their bacon is like our ham)
  
• lots and lots of chips (I ate more fries in 2 weeks than in the previous 2 months here)
  
• a yummy pizza at Pizza Express, which is actually a pretty fancy little place
  
• a Banana Sundae - with yummy crunchy little merengue chips in it
  
• many Mocha Frappucinos
  
• a heavenly plate of Gnocchi drowning in cheese
  

Went to Edinburgh, Scotland for a weekend. Visited Edinburgh Castle and walked the Royal Mile. Gorgeous! Scotland is VERY VERY green... more memorable food...

• Jenny shared a dessert that I think was a little cake covered in toffee sauce with baked toffee on top - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm - I almost ate it all before she could. I love toffee!!!!
  

Went to Paris the last weekend. Lots of very beautiful sights, a little more difficult to get around than London, but definitely had a good time and some good food...

• the best coffee I've every had... with warm milk... and many sugar cubes, mmmm
  
• that tasty baguette with butter and jelly each morning
  
• the butter and cinnamon crepe... I wish I'd had a few more... I'd go back just for the Crepes!
  
• the fruit tart from Fauchon - it was the kind of dessert that makes you realize how good life can be
  

Yes, it was a wonderful trip. Great friends, great food, great sights, great times.

Y'knowhattamean?

On the internet at Tower Records in Picadilly Square in London. Trip so far is great. Been to Scotland and have been seeing the sights in London. Jenny is an excellent tour coordinator! Heading for Paris on Friday.

However, the interesting story comes from the trip from Rochester to Pittsburgh. One of those leetle planes - seats about 20 - two seats on one side, one on the other. Jenny and I were sitting together and Chuck was just across the aisle. A man of about 400lbs was milling about waiting for another passenger to move from his seat. He then was in the way of others trying to get by and squeezed his way into my seat to get out of the way. Yes, his 400lb ass was right directly in my face. I had to lean WAAAAAYYYY over to Jenny so as not to have my face touching his enormous ass. I honestly thought he was going to sit on me, so I politely pleaded, "be careful, be careful". Not for him to be careful not to hurt himself, but to be careful not to crush me! Worst part about it, he didn't even apologize or say excuse me. I'm scarred for life.

The Enabler

Jenny writes of me being an enabler for buying her the kitty purse shown here. But in her blog, she leaves out the fact that I owe her and Aaron a huge debt of gratitute for not only inviting us to England, but handling all the plotting and planning for while we're there.

It was a small token of my appreciation for all the wonderful things Jenny does for me!!!!

We also got Aaron a man purse yesterday. The guy told me that in NYC, you don't see a man without a man purse. It really makes sense - everyone, regardless of gender - has STUFF to carry. You can only fill your cargo pants so full before you start to look like MC Hammer.

Heath Bar

Jenny is beginning the annual plotting and planning for the Toronto International Film Festival. This will be our third year. We enjoy the films, the shopping and the celeb-spotting (my favorite pastime) - read more about it in my archives.

This year, there will be a nice collection of hunks available for our viewing (hopefully in person) pleasure. Edward Norton will be there and Jenny is quite fond of him as he appeared in Keeping the Faith (not necessarily in any other film).

Heath Ledger will be there, who I have a soft spot for since watching him in his unknown days on the drama series "Roar" where he played a Celtic warrior prince. Mmm. I remember thinking, "that guy will be a big star someday". Aren't I perceptive.

Separated at Birth

I really wanted more examples, but I can't hold out any longer. I think Joel is Gary Sinese's evil twin.



We've determined that Joel needs to write a book about all his life adventures and stories. My favorite being the one where (recounted via my memory and story telling abilities, not Joel's - so this chapter in his book may read different...) anyway... he was riding his bike when he noticed a thin metallic glint ahead, the thin metallic glint turned to face him and became a large metallic obstruction - a guy in a Smartfood Popcorn costume - who he proceeded to mow down with his bike.

I doubt there are too many people in the world who have run over a guy in a popcorn costume. Only Joel.

We've also determined that Gary Sinese will play Joel in the film version.

Blog AWOL

Sorry, not sure what has or hasn't gotten in to me. On top of not having time, I guess I haven't had anything interesting to say.

So, an update. My niece is doing very well, up to near 4 1/2 lbs and on probably coming home in the next two weeks. The feeding tube is out, no more incubator... growing, growing, growing. Soon she will be ready to be fully enveloped in the insanity that is my family. Good insane though.

Other than visiting le petit bébé, I am trying to learn French. Chuck, Jenny, Aaron and myself are leaving for London next week and will be taking a side trip to Paris. So as not to offend anyone, I am doing my best to learn. I am quite sure that, no matter how much I THINK I know, I'll get there and go completely blank. I see myself saying, "ah duh" over and over. So maybe they will continually think I am counting to two, assume me to be "off" and perhaps have pitty on me.

Barney Love

When I was in DC last week (melting in 100 degree heat and humidity), I took a quick tour of the Whitehouse. That's when it happened. I met Barney, the president's dog. He looked in to my eyes. I looked in to his. He kissed me on the nose. We had a moment.

I'm not big in to politics and, if anything, I lean to the left, but Barney melted my heart and I have renewed respect for President Bush in raising such an upstanding young pup. If only his daughters were as well behaved!

Feeling Better

The miracle of modern medicine. I'm about 90%. Sick of drinking cranberry juice though!

If I Die Before I Wake

Well, you know something is wrong with you when you drive along in 95 degree humid weather with the windows closed and the air off and you are STILL getting goosebumps.

I have a bladder infection. In thinking about it more through the haze of a fever and nausea, I might have a bladder infection combined with the yuckiness Joel had.

Call me a wimp, but I feel like I'm going to die. God forbid I get something really wrong with me!

Aaah, the Weekend

The weekend is finally here. Hubby and I are running off to The 1000 Islands to be in a golf tournament with his parents - all for fun. Good thing since I'm very much out of practice.

My niece Mya is doing very well, up to 3lbs 6oz as of a couple days ago and feeding on her own. Still a little peanut, but growing stronger each day. Sis is almost back to her old self, worrying heavily about how her hair looks and when she will able to wear her jeans again. I think little miss Mya will be a fashionista out of the gate. Apparently the first outfit she wore was a little bee outfit I got her from Gymboree. So instead of a little peanut, she was a little honey bee.

Testing 1,2,3

Daniela has been taking tests like a madwoman. I have partaken of a few...

First I tested out as a Pisces, though I'm pretty sure my true Scorpio nature is just a few drinks away at any given moment.

Then I found out I was The Girl Next Door type.

From there I went on to find out that my candy heart is "Be Good" (in direct opposition to the Pisces result).

Next thing you know, I determine that I am indeed a Sex Goddess - PERSEPHONE, Goddess of the Night (see Daniela's blog for description).

Latest is that I'm an ENFP - Extrovert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving - still the same since I first took the Myers-Briggs test about 10 years ago. I think I'm even more extroverted now...

Tests are fun...

Bargain Bonus

I got two new pairs of shoes today. A $200 pair and a $140 pair. I only paid $29 each though. Oh happy day. I love to "get a deal". A small part of me wanted to buy them only for that reason.

I am a bargain shopper, and in saying that, I realize it is a very vague term. A bargain shopper could be someone who shops for clothes at WalMart. This is NOT me. (Target, yes). A bargain shopper could be someone who shops at Banana Republic but buys stuff on sale. This would be me. OR, depending on your status in life, a bargain shopper could be someone who shops at Bluefly.com and pays $450 for a Fendi purse instead of $1000. This also, is NOT me. If I won the MegaMillions, it would be me.

Does Size Matter?

Since I attended SIGGRAPH conference last year, I've been getting alot of spam at work. Much of it has been pornish. Today I got this email at work...

In a recent survey conducted by Durex condoms, 67% of women said that they are unhappy with the size of their lovers. Proof that size does matter! A large member has much more surface area and is capable of stimulating more nerve endings, providing more pleasure for you and your partner. Our revolutionary pill developed by world famous pharmacist is guaranteed to increase your size by 1-3". Enter here for details

OK, not only disturbing that I got it at work, but disturbing because the LAST thing I want to do is INCREASE my size.