It's been a busy past week or so, if not for the obvious, then behind the scenes as well. I've kept myself occupied, for the most part, with a bit of running around when I haven't been sitting in front of the computer doing a little more posting than usual.
I kicked things into high gear with a trip to the doctor last Friday. I was using a new transporation agency after the first one backed out because I had too many appointments. I was taking the director out of her office too much when she wanted to sit around and talk on the telephone...and she was the big wheel who said she'd pitch in when a volunteer driver couldn't be found for my neighborhood. They never thought anyone in the 'ritzy' Park Ave. area would ever need help. The second agency wasn't starting out too well. After playing phone tag the day before to confirm times and destinations, my ride showed up 20 minutes late, but managed to get me to my appointment just in time. She was more upset than I was; not in that she was getting me to the doctor in the nick of time, but because now she was running late and might miss her ride to go play dominos with 'the girls'. The ride home was even worse. I stood outside for over an hour before I finally gave up and went back in to have the secretary call. Another half hour and I was finally on my way home. They had forgotten about me since I was a new client. I'm forgetting about them so I'm not forgotten again, as I move on to my third agency; this one accepting my insurance to provide door to door service. At least the doctor said things are going well and kept me on the same treatment program.
During the week, I received a few packages in the mail...some more movies on video to watch, a nice package of cookies to enjoy and I managed to hang a couple bird feeders I was sent. I knew it wouldn't take long before my feathered friends who live in the rafters over my balcony would find their free food...and word spread around the neighborhood. I got a few birds and I spotted one of the local squirrels trying his best to get to the seed.
Try as he might, there was just no way he could get to the feeder, so he settled for cleaning up the scraps knocked outside. Speaking of which, if you have any cookies laying around you don't know what to do with, donations are always accepted at my place. Feel free to send them whenever you'd like. 
Hey, whenever I get the chance to ho for cookies, I'm gonna capitalize on the opportunity!
The weather's been on the hot side, so I've been trying to keep my daily walks in the morning hours before the temperatures heat up. Once I get back home, I've got the air conditioning to relax in and stay cool.
I've found this time of year seems to take a bit out of me when I'm out wandering around. It might help if I stopped every now and then to rest and grab something to drink. I've got to keep on the go to make my goals. As far as I've come, there's no stopping me now! Just this past Friday, I hit the milestone of making it out 100 days in a row. It doesn't seem all that long ago that I forced myself to try again and take that first trip outside the safety of my apartment...well over three months now. Oh, did I mention why I like to take an occasion trip outdoors now. 
It's such a great time of the year to see the sights you don't get to see the other ten months.
My best friend, Scott, now that he's seen what I'm capable of doing, paid me another visit to go for coffee...and so I could meet his new baby. No, he didn't swing back over to play for the other team and become a daddy. He's still on the same team and playing the mommy. He brought down Dakota; his new 4 month old Daschund-Black Lab puppy.
Such a curious little guy...and very friendly. He's ready to greet everyone who walks by; even the little birdies scavaging for crumbs along the sidewalk. Of course, he's spoiled rotten already with Scott being the one who gets to lug the travel bowl, water jug, treats, duty bags and a few other things. I expect, next, to see Scott carrying a diaper bag for all the puppy supplies. It won't be long before that little dog has his master trained well.
With the articles I was posting last week, you'd think Gay Pride was at the top of my agenda. While it was enjoyable to share some thoughts and hopefully, open a few eyes, I had another project I've been working on that was even more important than the message I was trying to get across. I had my first visit to the prosthetic specialist this past Friday afternoon. As fate has it, don't I get a retired doctor to provide me with a ride. It was like my mom driving me...do this; don't do that...talking about my health. I know the old guy had good intentions, but until I come in for an office visit...Zip it! I made it...it's either going to be good news or bad news. I'm prepared for the worst and know I can continue on with life even if I'm disappointed with the decision. I'm already a bit shakey with the nervousness of the entire situation...and I made such a grand entrance to an office I've never visted before. As I open the door to enter; it keeps opening with my hand on the knob and is pulling me. I almost fall flat on my face but catch myself with a crutch. A gal sitting inside the door informs me it's automatic. I didn't notice the huge yellow warning sign staring me straight in the face on the outside.
When my name is called, I go inside and am met my the nurse in the inner hallway questioning how I got in. Turned the knob and opened the door. "You're not supposed to be able to do that." She was on her way to open the door for me. Ummm...I just did. Because I won't let her call me by my proper name, Doctor Washington insists I call her Kim and she pops in with two residents to give me the once over. Things are looking good with me and she's pleased with the progress I've made, but she knew I'd be able to do it. She told me it would be nice if I could dance on my next birthday and she'd celebrate with me because her's is the day before mine. Great...mother would be so proud of me...getting hit on by my doctor. I still had to wait for Doctor Long-name. I don't know how to pronounce it, Namassivaya, so that's what I call her. She's a good egg, too. In comes the entire medical class; about 8 residents along with the doctor. I'm a guinea pig on display. Long-name goes through her check list; yank, yank, poke, yank, balance, yank, bend. I so could have loaded up on pain meds. They were pushing them hard. They insisted there had to be pain. Nope.
There was a little phantom pain occasionally. I still forget it's gone. I even had to admit I didn't have pain in the hospital. I just kept the morphine pump to catch a buzz so I could keep myself occupied with an occasional nap. I did keep asking for a script for vodka. Long-name told me I was talking to the wrong people. I looked at all the residents and informed her I knew better than that with this crowd.
My audience finally clears out and Kim comes back in...alone. Oh no, here it comes. She's been sent in to comfort me for the worst. I was ready for it...to hit me right between the eyes. I was ready for the tears to well up. They were almost there. Here they come. The news was delivered and I was crying. I was declared an excellent candidate to receive a prosthetic leg!
In a split second, those tears of sadness had turned to tears of joy. If I had two legs already, I would have jumped up and danced. The best I could do at this point is hop like a pogo stick. The gal who measures for the process to begin gave me a couple new shrinkers in graduated smaller sizes to narrow my nub so it fits in the adaptor to the leg. I've got to elevate a bit more and keep the swelling down from sitting with it dangling all day.
I'm going to get a leg! It's started. I hope to be on my own without crutches or a walker...by autumn. At this point, I have six more apppointments in the prosthetics department over the next month and a half.
I'll have more measurements, including mobility, which they're estimating at 3% with 0% being the best out of 100%. I'll have a mold made of my nub for a custom fit with the attachment cup. I'll have fittings with that once it's manufactured. Then, more therapy starts...and I begin the process of learning how to walk again...under my own power. If I keep my fingers crossed, I'll be walking again one half year after I lost my leg. There was a time I thought I'd never walk on my own for the rest of my life, but my life had to go on, so I was prepared to do whatever it took to make it. It would have been more difficult to go the distance with one leg. I don't have to worry about that now. I'll have two once more.
The 'Streets of Pride' parade over the weekend was nice, but nothing was going to come close to topping what happened to me the day before.
I started on my third floor balcony a couple hours before the parade began, just watching the people start to bustle about getting ready. Half an hour before kick-off, I decided to head down to the first floor veranda to watch closer from there. The middle balcony was filled, mostly with a bunch of girls gone wild. They had a good time! It attracted lots of attention from those marching in the parade. 
It made my building stand out in the crowd for the neighborhood. I enjoy a parade, no matter what type, and this one didn't disappoint...but I've seen better for Pride. Some say that's the bitter fag coming out in me. 
Reports have it the attendance was down at the post parade party...because of the $5 admission charge and restrictions...and because the air conditioning wasn't adequate and people were sweltering. Looks like I didn't miss much. 
They missed out by not having me in attendance.
Bitter. Table for one.
Overall, it's been quite the week for me.
I received three pieces of good news from my general practitioner and the prosthetics specialist and I got clearance for yet a third transportation agency. I got to hang out with my best friend...and his little 'boy'. 'Auntie Rob' is already collecting treats and toys to give him. I'm turning over $35 in donations in honor of Gay Pride week, including a check from a Gather member; the share we raised through views of my posts and comments coming to around 1,000 points. *Applause to the Gatherers who 'participated'* (Now, who says you can't make the cash option writing one post per day? Over the course of four weeks, with 4,000 points; that's more than enough to get an invitation to switch to money, honey.) I've even had the 'wonders', a couple folks have mentioned I don't post a lot of pictures of myself and they wondered what I looked like other than the relaxing shot of me on the balcony enjoying morning coffee as my world awakens around me...back when I had two legs. 
I dug around in the 'Apple Archives' and found a couple shots to share...the old, fat rockin' Rob...and the post-makeover Rob of just last autumn.
They're old, but part of the transformation as to what you see today. Just hold your finger over my right leg for a better idea of what I look like now. Hope your luck turns good in everything like mine has lately.
I kicked things into high gear with a trip to the doctor last Friday. I was using a new transporation agency after the first one backed out because I had too many appointments. I was taking the director out of her office too much when she wanted to sit around and talk on the telephone...and she was the big wheel who said she'd pitch in when a volunteer driver couldn't be found for my neighborhood. They never thought anyone in the 'ritzy' Park Ave. area would ever need help. The second agency wasn't starting out too well. After playing phone tag the day before to confirm times and destinations, my ride showed up 20 minutes late, but managed to get me to my appointment just in time. She was more upset than I was; not in that she was getting me to the doctor in the nick of time, but because now she was running late and might miss her ride to go play dominos with 'the girls'. The ride home was even worse. I stood outside for over an hour before I finally gave up and went back in to have the secretary call. Another half hour and I was finally on my way home. They had forgotten about me since I was a new client. I'm forgetting about them so I'm not forgotten again, as I move on to my third agency; this one accepting my insurance to provide door to door service. At least the doctor said things are going well and kept me on the same treatment program.
During the week, I received a few packages in the mail...some more movies on video to watch, a nice package of cookies to enjoy and I managed to hang a couple bird feeders I was sent. I knew it wouldn't take long before my feathered friends who live in the rafters over my balcony would find their free food...and word spread around the neighborhood. I got a few birds and I spotted one of the local squirrels trying his best to get to the seed.
Try as he might, there was just no way he could get to the feeder, so he settled for cleaning up the scraps knocked outside. Speaking of which, if you have any cookies laying around you don't know what to do with, donations are always accepted at my place. Feel free to send them whenever you'd like. Hey, whenever I get the chance to ho for cookies, I'm gonna capitalize on the opportunity!The weather's been on the hot side, so I've been trying to keep my daily walks in the morning hours before the temperatures heat up. Once I get back home, I've got the air conditioning to relax in and stay cool.
I've found this time of year seems to take a bit out of me when I'm out wandering around. It might help if I stopped every now and then to rest and grab something to drink. I've got to keep on the go to make my goals. As far as I've come, there's no stopping me now! Just this past Friday, I hit the milestone of making it out 100 days in a row. It doesn't seem all that long ago that I forced myself to try again and take that first trip outside the safety of my apartment...well over three months now. Oh, did I mention why I like to take an occasion trip outdoors now. It's such a great time of the year to see the sights you don't get to see the other ten months.My best friend, Scott, now that he's seen what I'm capable of doing, paid me another visit to go for coffee...and so I could meet his new baby. No, he didn't swing back over to play for the other team and become a daddy. He's still on the same team and playing the mommy. He brought down Dakota; his new 4 month old Daschund-Black Lab puppy.
Such a curious little guy...and very friendly. He's ready to greet everyone who walks by; even the little birdies scavaging for crumbs along the sidewalk. Of course, he's spoiled rotten already with Scott being the one who gets to lug the travel bowl, water jug, treats, duty bags and a few other things. I expect, next, to see Scott carrying a diaper bag for all the puppy supplies. It won't be long before that little dog has his master trained well. With the articles I was posting last week, you'd think Gay Pride was at the top of my agenda. While it was enjoyable to share some thoughts and hopefully, open a few eyes, I had another project I've been working on that was even more important than the message I was trying to get across. I had my first visit to the prosthetic specialist this past Friday afternoon. As fate has it, don't I get a retired doctor to provide me with a ride. It was like my mom driving me...do this; don't do that...talking about my health. I know the old guy had good intentions, but until I come in for an office visit...Zip it! I made it...it's either going to be good news or bad news. I'm prepared for the worst and know I can continue on with life even if I'm disappointed with the decision. I'm already a bit shakey with the nervousness of the entire situation...and I made such a grand entrance to an office I've never visted before. As I open the door to enter; it keeps opening with my hand on the knob and is pulling me. I almost fall flat on my face but catch myself with a crutch. A gal sitting inside the door informs me it's automatic. I didn't notice the huge yellow warning sign staring me straight in the face on the outside.
When my name is called, I go inside and am met my the nurse in the inner hallway questioning how I got in. Turned the knob and opened the door. "You're not supposed to be able to do that." She was on her way to open the door for me. Ummm...I just did. Because I won't let her call me by my proper name, Doctor Washington insists I call her Kim and she pops in with two residents to give me the once over. Things are looking good with me and she's pleased with the progress I've made, but she knew I'd be able to do it. She told me it would be nice if I could dance on my next birthday and she'd celebrate with me because her's is the day before mine. Great...mother would be so proud of me...getting hit on by my doctor. I still had to wait for Doctor Long-name. I don't know how to pronounce it, Namassivaya, so that's what I call her. She's a good egg, too. In comes the entire medical class; about 8 residents along with the doctor. I'm a guinea pig on display. Long-name goes through her check list; yank, yank, poke, yank, balance, yank, bend. I so could have loaded up on pain meds. They were pushing them hard. They insisted there had to be pain. Nope.
There was a little phantom pain occasionally. I still forget it's gone. I even had to admit I didn't have pain in the hospital. I just kept the morphine pump to catch a buzz so I could keep myself occupied with an occasional nap. I did keep asking for a script for vodka. Long-name told me I was talking to the wrong people. I looked at all the residents and informed her I knew better than that with this crowd. My audience finally clears out and Kim comes back in...alone. Oh no, here it comes. She's been sent in to comfort me for the worst. I was ready for it...to hit me right between the eyes. I was ready for the tears to well up. They were almost there. Here they come. The news was delivered and I was crying. I was declared an excellent candidate to receive a prosthetic leg!
In a split second, those tears of sadness had turned to tears of joy. If I had two legs already, I would have jumped up and danced. The best I could do at this point is hop like a pogo stick. The gal who measures for the process to begin gave me a couple new shrinkers in graduated smaller sizes to narrow my nub so it fits in the adaptor to the leg. I've got to elevate a bit more and keep the swelling down from sitting with it dangling all day. I'm going to get a leg! It's started. I hope to be on my own without crutches or a walker...by autumn. At this point, I have six more apppointments in the prosthetics department over the next month and a half.
I'll have more measurements, including mobility, which they're estimating at 3% with 0% being the best out of 100%. I'll have a mold made of my nub for a custom fit with the attachment cup. I'll have fittings with that once it's manufactured. Then, more therapy starts...and I begin the process of learning how to walk again...under my own power. If I keep my fingers crossed, I'll be walking again one half year after I lost my leg. There was a time I thought I'd never walk on my own for the rest of my life, but my life had to go on, so I was prepared to do whatever it took to make it. It would have been more difficult to go the distance with one leg. I don't have to worry about that now. I'll have two once more. The 'Streets of Pride' parade over the weekend was nice, but nothing was going to come close to topping what happened to me the day before.
I started on my third floor balcony a couple hours before the parade began, just watching the people start to bustle about getting ready. Half an hour before kick-off, I decided to head down to the first floor veranda to watch closer from there. The middle balcony was filled, mostly with a bunch of girls gone wild. They had a good time! It attracted lots of attention from those marching in the parade. It made my building stand out in the crowd for the neighborhood. I enjoy a parade, no matter what type, and this one didn't disappoint...but I've seen better for Pride. Some say that's the bitter fag coming out in me. Reports have it the attendance was down at the post parade party...because of the $5 admission charge and restrictions...and because the air conditioning wasn't adequate and people were sweltering. Looks like I didn't miss much. They missed out by not having me in attendance. Bitter. Table for one. Overall, it's been quite the week for me.
I received three pieces of good news from my general practitioner and the prosthetics specialist and I got clearance for yet a third transportation agency. I got to hang out with my best friend...and his little 'boy'. 'Auntie Rob' is already collecting treats and toys to give him. I'm turning over $35 in donations in honor of Gay Pride week, including a check from a Gather member; the share we raised through views of my posts and comments coming to around 1,000 points. *Applause to the Gatherers who 'participated'* (Now, who says you can't make the cash option writing one post per day? Over the course of four weeks, with 4,000 points; that's more than enough to get an invitation to switch to money, honey.) I've even had the 'wonders', a couple folks have mentioned I don't post a lot of pictures of myself and they wondered what I looked like other than the relaxing shot of me on the balcony enjoying morning coffee as my world awakens around me...back when I had two legs. I dug around in the 'Apple Archives' and found a couple shots to share...the old, fat rockin' Rob...and the post-makeover Rob of just last autumn. They're old, but part of the transformation as to what you see today. Just hold your finger over my right leg for a better idea of what I look like now. Hope your luck turns good in everything like mine has lately.
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 93
You know how thrilled I am for you that the leg is on its way, what a difference that will make for you. I think you've done great without it actually, but I also know that you will be glad that a missing leg isn't the first thing that people notice about you. I'm not sure that is how it is anyway, but I know that you think it is. Plus, just getting around will be easier for you...great news!
Keep that goal, you will do it too
Hope you find a decent transportation system that wont forget about you...
Cute puppy your friend has too!
Loved the photos of you :)
And how could we forget, photos of almost nekkid guys!
i LOL'd at that. i think im going to hell.
Thanks for posting at Scores 4 Everyone.
Scott's new pup is so cute.
You nephew (or it is niece) is quite the handsome dog. I can see why you want to spoil it.
Congratulations on the cash option. I'm thinking I may try it in August. So far, the most I've earned in a month (not counting triple points weeks) has been about 2000.
Have a good night. If I don't see you on Friday, have a good weekend!
I have to commend you on all of your hard work and perseverance. You are getting your prothetic leg and you damn sure have earned it. I would have never thought for one moment that you would doubt yourself about getting it.
You need to be on the lookout for a package sent via USPS last Friday. It was sent via slow train to China but nonetheless you will know that I indeed was thinking of YOU>
Hugs, Kisses and many blessings!
Same old around here for the most part. Just no big blow ups. Everybody is actually getting along better. Derek is hitting the pavement looking for a job. The expecting couple get to sign up for some housing assitance on august 19th, so it shouldn't be too long be4 they are in their own place after that.
Cody is staying with me after all. his dad just decided it wasn't a good time to take him back. Cody has starightened up temenduously since knowing I was ready to ship his azz.
Payton turned 13 yesterday, she was treated well and ended up with lots of presents and money.
Mike and I are getting along a little better but just as friends of course.
Well, I have written a book..... will be in touch soon, love from this love!
Nice to see a couple of photos of you.
love that girl..
i want to tell you i love this candid ,funny and heart touching glimpse..hope you think about and do write more with a published novel the goal...there is a story to be told an amazing story about triumph..and should be shared beyond gather..
about those cookies...send me an address and your favorites and I'll be glad to keep ya in em....:)
Blessings always... hang in there... sounds like the birds are happy too...
I Miss You Glitter
My mom is in a similar situation where she has a hard time getting around to appointments and such. It is sad that you can not count on people.
Take care and don't eat too many cookies lol!
Boy, just love those volunteers!! Dominoe's? Always ready to pitch in, oops, did I forget one? And all for the good of their communitayy, flying their own flag, such good folk, right. Glad you got that worked out, sheez!
Coolness on the walking, kudo's to you, I ain't doing it with two, especially in this heat. Across the street to work feels like victory to me. But, what's this? If you'd stop for a drink? Do not tell me you are walking without bringing water with you!!! Your travel mug? I have a bottle wetsuit, zips up, with a hook, to hang on bike, backpack or belt (Dollar Tree!) so if you think no way to manage, mention, and you shall recieve, but, oh, no, do not go without water!! No one gets out my door without at least water or electrolyte drink, always hydrate, will only help with your goals!!!! (mama stepping down now....)
Ooo, yea, the summer sights!! Love that tatt, and the rippling...........uh, I digress.........
The new baby, yey, a picture!!! I wondered what that combo would look like, so precious, absolutely gorgeous, Scott must be positively bursting!! No doubt his training going along fabulously, with eyes like that Scott has to be putty in his paws.
Don't you just love those teaching hospitals?? All for it in principle, even went by choice when needed a bit of a lumpy thing removed from in me mammeries, yups, they gots to learn, but I was to the point I thought I should have a tip jar next to the gurney for each student walking by that stopped to feel me up!!! Dang, well, most attention I got in one day ever certainly! All sounds abfab Rob, no doubt. You continue to amaze me. And graduating sizes for the stump, smaller, and smaller...hmm....nope, not gonna go there!!! I will most certainly be doing me happy, happy, joy, joy dance with and for you then, and no, you don't want to see that, but it feels so good, hooray!!!!
I know what you mean on the Pride Parade, ours was huge and couldn't be better, but the attendance I was noticing once again wasn't what it should have been. Of course the two day festival had multiply multiplied (?!) attendence, but seems the Parade too early in the morning, poor babies, and the heat too much to stand and watch?! Heck, Arch and I had grandstand tickets, and didn't use them, we walked all the way down with the paraded to the end and back to the beginning again to ogle that which we wanted more of, was too exciting to just sit in one place, and how could you possibly see all and be seen like that? Guess we old school! Took 500 shots, so narrowing that way, way down and editing, you will I promise someday see that article!! Way to go on the points and the check for AIDS, awesome haul and cause indeed. Once more I must take off my cap and bow to thee Sir Rob of Gather *combo clumsy bow/curtsy here* =D
And thanks for posting the pics, I find both Robs to be rather handsome, the old a teddy bear huggably friendly looking, love the hair, and the new so handsome, at least still got muscle, skinny dudes not too huggy - they break, and the final in my mind, finger over right leg the best I've seen yet, more heart, more wisdom, more fully you!!!! Keep em coming Rob, you inspire many of us!!! ((((HUGS))))
Glad things are going well.