It’s only a guess, but losing lung function overnight must be what it’s like to lose most of your money all at once. It’s painful, depressing and takes every ounce of effort to keep going. And you wonder if you’ll ever make it back.
The funny thing about Labradors is they have the uncanny ability to find the most comfortable place in the house – even if they’re not allowed on the furniture.
That’s where I am right now – missing my lung function and still in disbelief of how fast it happened. It’s clearly not fair, but confirms what I’ve been telling my daughter for years: life isn’t fair.
Regardless, I’m staying positive. I’m still in the game, baby. And who knows what 2014 will hold? Something good? I think so.
Work sucks. Not in the sense that I’m not happy to have a job in this economy, though by the articles lately it shows the pre-recession wealth has returned to the country, but in the sense the way we work seems . . . unproductive, counterproductive? In fact, I feel like writing a book on what not to do while working for a big company.
Here’s the title of the first chapter: “Put the fire out before asking how it happened.” Or, perhaps, “Yelling at a fire won’t put it out.”
I don’t know, work in progress.
That’s it. I’m a few days away from a long vacation, which means I’ll have more time for myself and family and doing what I enjoy, like writing blog posts instead of emails and PowerPoint slides.
Happy Holidays.
[Here’s a counterpoint on whether the wealth has really returned or not: http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-wealth-20131210,0,3027347.story#axzz2n7U8sVI7 ]
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The Unknown Cystic 
That lab is ridiculously cute. I’m so glad you will be getting a long break. You deserve it! I always say that life isn’t fair, but parents should try to be. Same goes with those in the upper hierarchies of big corporations. Then I woke up.
Margie,
You’re funny. The other day at clinic there was a mother with her daughter. I approached from the back of them and was hoping it was you and your daughter. BTW, I was dressed in my UCLA shirt to rub in the victory. There are a lot of closet Bruin fans at USC, but they’re afraid to let anyone know.
This black lab of ours is the saddest looking lab we’ve ever had. She uses it to her advantage in tricking people to pet her.
I wish you and the family the happiest of holidays.
John
Hi UC-
It’s been far too long since I have formally checked in with you. But wanted you to know I still think of you and your health and I was so happy to check in on your blog last night and see that you are still blogging and breathing.
We had a summer of hell with Chris being inpatient for 97 days, 54 days in the ICU and 24 days on a ventilator. We are on the other side of that hell, just barely.
Trying to treasure this holiday season with our 2 young kids (daughter is 5, our son is nearly 2).
Just wanted you to know you and your FEV1 are thought of, and I truly hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season. As you know, the three of you are kinda all that matters in the end. 😉
FCF,
Liz
Liz,
It’s great to hear from you. My heart stopped when I read your update on Chris. 97 days? Oh, man. I wish there was something I could do to help. I feel bad I’m moaning about my FEV1 with what the two of you have been going through. I can’t express in writing how much I want the four of you to be together and have a fantastic holiday together. It’s now my Christmas wish more than anything else.
Yes, you’re right, in the end it’s just our families that matter. For the first time in a long time, I’m not going to do any work on vacation during the coming weeks. I’ll remember your advice.
I wish you the best and let Chris know he is in my thoughts.
John