Life, continued

I started a new blog. Meet me over at NorCal Katie.

The End

I have decided to stop updating GardenPunk(s). This blog no longer represents who I am or my life. The old Katie is gone, and this blog is a representation and celebration of her. New Katie may well have a blog of her own, in due time.

I have worked very hard to amass the following I have, and it makes me sad to leave this behind, but it's time.

Thanks for the memories. Best of luck to you all.

Katie

Health Update

Hi all,

I wanted to share the most recent health update with everyone who has followed along with my nightmare.

Yesterday my doctor called me and wanted me to schedule an appointment to go over my most recent bloodwork.

I went in today and was referred to a Nephrologist (kidney specialist) and Hemotologist/Oncologist (blood specialist, they told me not to let the Oncology title scare me).

My kidney function is actually trending down instead of up. I have extremely high ferritin levels and an elevated white blood cell count.

That's it for now. It makes me want to scream.

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Today was not a good day.

(PS - My mom went with me to my appointment and didn't think the skull and crossbones shirt was the best choice. heh)

(PPS - My mom wants to add that today was a bit of a setback, but it was a good day because we got to spend it together.)

Dear Happy Buddha

You were a precious gift many years ago from a dear friend, likely after a night of too much wine. I took your place in my house very seriously - you always had a prominent spot and you have always been the first thing I've unpacked in a new place.

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You've seen me through four places and I honestly started to wonder how Happy you really are and what your influence on my life really is.

Are you a good luck charm? Or something more sinister...?

Is there a darkside to you? After all, you're the one that said, "Life is suffering."

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And suffer I have.

But the enlightenment I've attained is that the best personal growth comes from suffering. Learning to quiet the mind and spirit and just be. And remember, it's only after disaster that we can be resurrected.

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And resurrected I have been. A beautiful new garden. A new outlook on life.

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While I'll never know the true influence you've had, I think the best is yet to come, because from the darkest nights come the brightest days.

Thanks for being a constant companion on the adventure that is my life.