What does this mean???

Okay - here's the scoop on what we know: My C-reactive protein reading is 5.7. Normal readings are 1.0 or less. My sedimentation rate reading was 39 on 2/28 and 47 on 3/20. Normal readings for a woman under age 50 is 20 or less. The problem is that neither of these tests is very specific. They both indicate some sort of inflammation or infection. Whatever. All of my other tests are normal. I would love a specific test that gave a specific result that would help us take specific action toward a specific treatment. Can I be more specific? These tests were re-done on 3/27. I am awaiting news that they are both decreasing. Otherwise, it's off to see another doctor! (Yippee.)

More music!

On Monday it was announced that Rush will return to the Twin Cities on their upcoming tour to promote their latest disk, Snakes and Arrows.

While I don't have tickets in hand just yet (they go on pre-sale on April 10), I do plan on attending. The good news is that I don't have to fly to Vegas to see them -- like the last two times I saw them in concert! The bad news is that I don't have a good excuse to go to Vegas now...

If you go to their website, you can hear the first release Far Cry. Sounds like good stuff (yeah, I may be biased, but too bad!).

Welcome back to the Cities, Rush!

In other news...

Yes, I know people want an update on my mystery medical condition, but I am going to take a moment to promote two local bands instead.

Modern Day Tragedy's music is powerful yet melodic -- check it out for yourself on their MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/1moderndaytragedy.

If you're more into fast-moving punk (like from back in the day), take a listen to the Virgin Whores. Get an earful at http://www.myspace.com/virginwhores.

Enjoy.

An update

The good news: I did not have a heart attack.

The not-so-good news: They don't know what's going on.

I have been, shall we say, a little "off" since mid-January. Two chest X-rays, three urine samples, one stress test (including ultrasounds of my heart), many EKGs, a fun-filled night at the cardiac ward of Regions Hospital, and too many vials of blood to count later, and we don't know what's wrong with me. It's stressful enough to give one a... oh, never mind.

The fun continues -- I see a new doctor tomorrow and my regular doctor Wednesday. I am sure more vials of blood are in my future. At least we know I don't have mono or malaria!

Stay tuned...

My other children

If you've read this blog, you know about Pepper, my Chesapeake Bay retriever mix, but we also have two cats to fill our home with love, purrs and more fur.

Beaujolais (a.k.a. Beau, Bosie, Bobolina, Bozalinch, etc.) is our girl. Isn't she beautiful?

She's our "cool kitty" because she prefers being in the basement where it's nice and cool. That's where the Kitty Condo is (see Beau peeking out from inside?).

Amontillado (a.k.a. Monti, Mont, Monster, Fuzzy Puck, etc.) is our "sun kitty" because he prefers warmth and can be found laying in the sun soaking up the rays. He got the nickname Fuzzy Puck by sleeping all rolled up like a big hockey puck with fur.

The cats tolerate each other somewhat... Monti is more of a bully and needs our attention more (I think he's just more insecure). Yet Beau is the one who can handle Pepper -- Monti rarely goes anywhere near the dog.

March is...

Deaf History Month

Greek-American Heritage Month

Irish-American Heritage Month

Mental Retardation Awareness Month

National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month

National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month

National Womens' History Month

Spiritual Wellness Month

The Bremen Town Musicians

This is a statue in Bremen, Germany of the world-famous Bremen Town Musicians. Yes, they are a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster (what did you expect?).

To learn about these incredible musicians, read their story.

An Update on Pepper

My baby Pepper had knee surgery yesterday (March 5) and got back home today. He does not look happy!

The band on his front leg covers the trans-dermal pain medicine patch. Hopefully it's working!

RRRRRRrrrrroxxxxxaaaannnne!

I am going to see the Police! I got tickets yesterday... just before they sold out. Whooo hooo! I get to re-live the 80s (my formative years!).