I slept in today.

What bliss. :)

I have a horrible cough, achy throat, and hoarse voice, but today I feel appreciative. I tidied up a little, ran some errands, and moseyed around North Beach. I was going to apply to some restaurants around there, but just didn't get down to it. Frankly, I felt underdressed and nothing really caught my eye and said "Aha. Apply here." Oh yes, and I had another Domingo sundae at Ghiradelli Square. A treat (for all my hard work of not applying anywhere.) It was thoroughly enjoyed. I was really into this book and kept reading it.

Then I went to Daly City. I had "won" a "free massage" for a chiropractor's office. They sort of escort you around their office, giving you literature to read, a little movie to watch and a free evaluation. I met Dr. Darrow, who sees me and immediately exclaims, "You have to meet Ila!" And off he goes. Ila, you see, has had a heart transplant. She's about my age, or younger. We bond over our respective chest zippers. I learn so much about her in the short time we chatted. She's been through so much, and just recently has survived her transplant. And suddenly so much in my life just shifts. Talk about getting perspective. Anyway, Ila is into art also. She takes online classes at the Academy of Art and her major is Fine Art. I hope she visits my store once she can get out and about more. She's on immonu-suppressing drugs so her body won't reject her heart. I learned a lot just from talking with her, she's just full of info, and then I read some more about heart transplants right now. I mean, I just met her, but to me, she's like a walking miracle.

It was nice to meet her. I hope she continues to do well. I'll see her next week, hopefully, when I go in for appointment numero dos -- just what is or isn't going on with me spine. They'll also see if my health insurance covers it, so family members possibly reading this, please do not freak out. Remember my deli job? The back pain I would have occasionally? Not fun for me. Not fun.

But see, I am still thinking of her and hoping she is well. She has such a happy spirit, you can tell. She spent many years very sick and not wanting to have to get the transplant, and pretty much was near death before she got it, 7 months ago. She showed me her tummy scars also, she'd been on this new life-saving machine. I think I read a little about it tonight also, but she had a little gold pin of it because it kept her alive before the transplant. Apparently medicine and technology are getting so good that for some people (she was too small) they can implant the machine in the body. I think it's similar to what I was on in '85 for my surgery, only these are more compact, portable, and long-term. Definitely makes me appreciate life and those of us working in such honorable fields.

So Jen, this one's for you.

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