The Planning Begins...

So, I've put the word out... it's 'official' to the world, lol. Now comes the 'fun part', planning all of this stuff. First problem to address is one doctors' office not onboard yet. My doc's office is supposed to coordinate everyone down there but aparently that's too much work this time. So, I've contacted them and told them if it's too much for them, then I'll make calls - every flippin day if I have to!!

In other news, I got two checks today - one was incredible, the other maybe not 'incredible' but equally appreciated. I have told both groups of givers that their support and generosity will be repaid and their responses have been the same - this is for all you have already done. That isn't why I do what I do and they say they know it, but sometimes the giver MUST eventually be the receiver. Well... I don't receive very well. : ) One of the pastors at church put it best: I get a blessing by being able to be there for others, to help others, do for others, not because they do or don't deserve it, but because it's needed, then and there. He said, "...now it's time for others to get a blessing ... by helping you." Ok, fine. At this point I can't say no, I need to survive.

This trip may repair my soul and spirit as well as my physical body - I have friends who are around the Seattle area and even as two of them are a bit of a drive (3-4 hrs), it would do me really good to see them. Heck, I have two friends (T & C) in Seattle that have been a Godsend for many years. They are a great couple and I've known T since... forever! It will be great to see them again and not so rushed this time; we'll have time for cards, dinner, talk, and whatever. I'm already looking forward to it. the road trips will be different but one man is an awesome survivor of a disabling/life-changing injury: he's a cop who was paralyzed by an assailant's bullet. He inspires me to go on through all I have traveled. The other is a high school friend in Oregon, I wasn't planning on going that far but a hotel room for a night is probably cheaper in Oregon than in Seattle anyway. These are just ideas for now, hopefully I'll be able to see them through.

One place I am going to go is a new baseball park named after a friend - Steve Cox Memorial Park. Steve was a deputy with King County Sheriff Office who was shot and killed by a witness/suspect he was interviewing on December 2, 2006. The POS committed suicide after Steve's fellow deputies shot and injured him. <>

Right now, my still legal missus is in Hawaii with 'him'; that was where we spent our last vacation together. So is it irony or just a kick in the head & heart. It's 4:05 AM and I should be asleep but here I am, wide awake; wonderful. It's a DAMN good thing I don't drink.

Back to planning... I've been looking at hotels and things in the area so I know what to snag just as soon as we know what's what. Oh, I also bought an Entertainment (coupon) book for me for the trip. It'll help with food, maybe rental, and hopefully lodging! The book we used in San Diego had a short list of hotels that had 50% off rooms, but of course those are in short number. I figured at $23.00 it was a good deal; plus after I'm done with it, I'll give it to my friends to use. I usually buy them one but I think something burped this last year as I had to renew my order. They're great gifts for great friends in Seattle, Spokane, and San Diego; I usually get 4 every Christmas. Ok, enough of the infomercial. LOL

Soooo much to do today - more calls to Seattle, ACS, the Alaska version of ACS, and more. I still have to get my 'travel file' ready with all of the biopsy reports, doctors notes, etc. Start a packing list and 'things to do' sheet. Oh, another friend offered to go down but said she can't be there for the full 3 weeks. I was shocked, I thought I said it was only for a couple days; maybe my communication skills faltered again. When I told her it was just for my surgery and recovery days she looked relieved, but like everything - it depends on the days I'm down there. I'm such a bonehead, I haven't even asked my Seattle friends if they can help out, but they work so hard, I hate to be an intrusion but maybe that "time for others to get a blessing" is the right approach. I don't know.

I thought I had a rant coming.... guess not. I'm just sitting here... not even thinking about the above issues much; writing it down obviously helps. I'm even feeling tired now, so I guess it's that time.

Until next time - LIVESTRONG!!