Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Changes

Well, nothing is certain in life, but change. I am going to change my journal style and habits just a little.

When I decided to start a journal, I wanted to pattern my journal along the lines of BlondepennieRae over at "A Pennie’s Worth." Like Pennie, I wanted to leave a collection of stories that my Grandchild can read when he gets older and more curious about my life. So far, that is what I have offered here.

I am going to start commenting on more of my daily life in between my stories. This may not be as entertaining to most of you, but, this journal is mine and I feel the need interject a few things here and there that will give my Grandson, at some later date, an insight on things that are happening now that he may not fully understand.

There are some events that have caused me to change up my style here. For instance, I took my darling wife to the Emergency Room at the hospital last Monday afternoon. She was having chest pains and shortness of breath. She has felt tired constantly lately. After running tests on her all night Monday and all day Tuesday, her doctor finally discovered two of her medications were conflicting with each other.

Paulette is a heart patient and had two stents put in a year ago. She should have bounced right back to her old self, but there were complications and she still is struggling her way back to some semblance of feeling normal. During the night on Monday, her heart rate was so slow the nurses nearly woke her doctor up at 2am to request he rush back to the hospital. The problem was finally discovered late Tuesday and I was able to bring her home around 8:30pm.

Now, Monday and Tuesdays are my days off. I work every weekend. I usually post to my journal on those days, or write my entry and post it the next day, which would be Wednesday. With Paulette in the hospital, I could no more come up with any story to tell than I could jump 10 feet high. I was at the hospital most of the time and the time I was at home, I couldn’t even think of writing a story. So, another week went by with no entry here.

I have been elected by my family to start watching my Grandson, Trenton, on my two days off. This way, Trenton’s parents are spared the expense of day care on those days and I get to spend some time with the little guy.

Trenton is six years old and chock-full of fun, excitement, and energy. He likes to play with toy swords and his favorite movies are the Star Wars Saga and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I have all of these on DVD and/or VHS. Oh, and let’s not forget The Pirates of the Caribbean, I’ve got that one too. That makes me very popular with Trenton. Trenton always brings an extra sword for Grampa to use.

This arrangement started this week and I am learning that my time on here on my days off will not be the uninterrupted sessions I have been used to. I started this entry around noon and it is already almost 8pm.

So, what I am saying is this: I will write shorter entries about what is going on with my day or loved ones and post more frequently. Don’t worry, though, I still have a lot of stories to tell and I will add them to the mix as I can. My thanks to all those folks who have emailed me or left comments wondering about my absence.

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

sorry to hear about the the Mrs.  Good thing she has you by her side :)

I look forward to hearing more about your family in the future.

Anonymous said...

I love reading about folks' daily lives.  That's how you get to know them.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't take anything for the time I spent with my grandchildren when they were small.  It's worth every bit of effort.

Anonymous said...

Sure hope Mrs. Gaboatman is doing well.  Thanks for updating and relaying how the scope of your journal is changing.  I'm even more intrigued now.  It's kind of like the candy sprinkles on a cupcake that mixes with the frosting, it just adds to the texture and flavor of the delicacy.
Best,
Judith
http://journals.aol.com/jtuwliens/MirrorMirrorontheWall

Anonymous said...

I am glad to hear from you...long entry or short, makes no difference to me!  Hope Paulette is still improving!  JAE

Anonymous said...

I hope Ms. Gaboatman recovers fully.   Stories of old, or new tales of the day.  It's all good!  ~Sie

Anonymous said...

I am sure that six year old will give you lots to write about and he'll cherish your stories about him in the years to come.  Don't discount everyday life being of interest to future generations!  It will all be a blessing to them someday!  Have fun, Lisa

Anonymous said...

My best wishes for your wife's recovery.  Bonding time with your grandson will be great!!!I wish my grandchildren lived closer.

Betty

Anonymous said...

I hope your wife is doing better.

I think your journal should be about what YOU want to write--be it stories or your personal life or things about your grandson.  As soon as your journal starts feeling like work, then it's no fun.  This should be fun for you.  Write what is in your heart.  That can never be wrong!

Anonymous said...

First up, I'd like to wish you and your wife the best, and I hope her recovery is swift and complete.

No excuses or explanations, my friend. This is your own slice of cyber-heaven, and you do with it what you wish. That's what it's here for. All yours.

And it's ok if you decide to play with some of those toys, or find yourself watching those DVD's when Trenton is off in some other room. Happens to the best of 'em. Don't fight it, and enjoy!


Jim

Anonymous said...

Sam, I hope your wife is on her way to a full recovery, now that the medication error has been solved.

I think its great that you watch your grandson now~my parents swear my Gracie is keeping them young :)

Now, he'll get to know his grandpa very well, too :)

Glad he brings an extra sword for you~can't have you feeling all left out now, can we? :)

I also share his (and your) love of the above mentioned movies.... time will go by fast!

I'll look forward to your entries, how and when ever they appear~my prayers to your wife :)

Cat

Anonymous said...

Sam,
I'm sorry to hear about Mrs. Gaboatman.  I hope she has a speedy recovery.  Also, there is no need to apologise for changing your journal.  Change is good.  For all of us.  I look foward to more stories about your life.  Have fun with your grandson.    God Bless  :)
Tami

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to read of your wife's hospital scare! Hope she's okay and the meds get adjusted....and sounds like you will have fun watching the little guy this summer....and that's great of you to do....even  though my kids grandparents love them, they would never commit to watching them, so when my oldest was younger, always had to go the daycare route and doing it with my little one now too....

~  www.jerseygirljournal.com
 

Anonymous said...

Tending to your wife is much more important than the journaling stuff. I'm really happy to hear that she is on the road to recovery. It must have been scarey.

Your grandson sounds like a wonderful little one. I hope you enjoy your time with him and he with you.

Glad to read your entry and no matter what you write, it is all worth reading.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Sam...So glad to have you back.  I am sorry about the scare with your wife.  I hope she is feeling better soon.  I know how hard it is to get these posts made when life interrupts us !  You just take care of business, and we'll be here when you have the time to drop a line or two.  All the best to you and your wife.  Tina

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam, I know how worried you must have been about your love..... so very glad she is doing better. The best thing about these journals is that they are our space, to do with as we please. What you write, and how you write is up to you, and we will be here to read what you choose to share. The time with the wee one sounds wonderful, and I think it will be good for both of you!!!
Big hugs your way and to your wife.
judi

Anonymous said...

Firstly, I`m sorry to hear of your wife`s illness, you must have been so very worried.  Here`s hoping now her medication is sorted she will soon feel much better.

Secondly,  what is so good about journals is that you can say what you want when you want to.  I always thought my daily life was fairly boring but I still get readers so it can`t be too bad..lol!   Welcome back Sam and I hope to read your journal again soon. :-)

Sandra x

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam - I'm sure it was quite a scare, but I hope your wife will have a speedy recovery! Take care, I'll be thinking of you guys! ~ Lori

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about your wife.  Y'all are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Your honey is in my prayers you were missed for sure hang in there send your honey hellos from J land

Anonymous said...

My best wishes to you wife for a speedy recovery! And how fun to spend all that quality time with your grandson! One day he will be just as interested in your day to day thoughts as he will be in the stories of your past. I wish my grandmother had kept a journal. I miss her like crazy.

Anonymous said...

6 years old....Star Wars AND Lord of the Rings?  Geesh, I barely let my 7 year old watch Disney movies that are rated PG.  No wonder everybody tells me I'm too strict!!  I'm so glad you are getting this time to spend with him - There really is NOTHING like a grandpa :-)

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your dear wife's problem. Glad it's straightened out. I was on three meds for high blood pressure and since my valve replacement surgery last year I have slowly discontinued them. I do take a medicine for tachycardia. Before I stopped the pressure meds I was experiencing light headedness. No fun. Glad to hear you are having some wonderful times with your grandson. Remember that you are making memories for him that will last a lifetime. I often think of the times spent with my beloved grandparents and they are my most cherished childhood memories. :) Glad to have an entry to read tonight. Nelle

Anonymous said...

Good Luck with having a child around all the time.
I'm sure you love him dearly--but sometimes the expense of childcare is worth it.  I pay for my niece to go to camp for 2 weeks each summer so that she's not with me--and I love her to pieces.
I'm glad your wife is well!!!!

Anonymous said...

I am glad she is doing better. Hositals are scary when your loved one is there. So you will be getting a taste of my world! LOL.  Your journal, no matter what you write init will be a record of your life. Use it. Don't for get to save it too!

Anonymous said...

That was a nasty scare.  Hope your wife is better. Can't wait for your new journal entires. Mrs. L

Anonymous said...

your wife comes first.    my thoughts and prayers are with her.

Anonymous said...

your wife comes first.    my thoughts and prayers are with her.

Anonymous said...

Family and loved ones are always more important, especially when health issues arise, and a child needs a grandfather.  Journals, on the other hand, are quite capable of venturing along without us once we set the wheel on its course.

My journal started out as stories about people I know, but it soon evolved as well.  It goes from stories, to daily life, to jokes, then opinions, and sometimes poems.  There is no right or wrong here.  For me, it's all about what I feel and want to express or share with the world...my way of leaving something behind.
~Dona

Anonymous said...

I look forward to keeping up with the journal as always....  I love your writing, however you choose to express yourself.  :)

Dawn

Anonymous said...

Good Grief! My thoughts and dreams are with you and your beloved wife.
Oh and of course I am so thrilled that you will be writing about what is most dear to you and close to you..your family! hugs!
ps I love the spirit of those grandchildren! Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

I hope your wife is feeling better and that the Dr.'s have her medication straigthened out.  I'm sure you are taking good care of her.  
How fun...you're babysitting your grandson.  It will certainly keep you hoppin'  but that's great.  I think that will make for some fun journal entries.  :)
Michele
http://journals.aol.com/samnsmile5/LettingItAllSinkIn

Anonymous said...

Hoping Paulette is feeling better and I'm sure having your grandson about to entertain and be entertained is good for you. Nothing like youth to get your spirits up!  Rest assured, whether you want us or not, we'll read 'you' no matter what you post.  We will also offer you support and caring during tough spells.  

Anonymous said...

Doesn't it drive you crazy the way doctors prescribe meds without knowing what other meds a person is on, or maybe not caring! I believe a lot of people are sick from meds problems not real health problems! SORRY< I had to get that off my chest. So glad your wife is OK. You just do what your comfortable with, we will read it. rich

Anonymous said...

I love hearing stories of times spent with grandparents. Your grandson will have many fond memories of your time together. Sending prayers for you and your love.
Mary

Anonymous said...

Great to hear your back...dont care what you write about its always a pleasure to read!!!Keeping Paulette in my prayers,good to hear shes doing better.Take care Dock,D

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam

Please give Paulette a hug for me, I am so sorry she isn't feeling well. And take a hug for yourself as well. I wish there was something I could do to help. You keep doing your journal...just let it take a natural, honest flow. We are here to share it all with you. I think your grandson will read it someday for the stories you tell, and for it's honesty...and be proud to know you and your life. Peace to you my friend.

Always, Carly :)

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about your wife.  I hope the change the docs made with the medications help.  And I'm sure you'll enjoy the time with Trenton.  If nothing else, he'll keep you on your toes.  ;-)

~Laurie

Anonymous said...

I look forward to the change!

Anonymous said...

You write what you want, this is your journal, we'll be here to read it:-)
                                  *** Coy ***


Anonymous said...

I began journaling as a way to keep in touch with my family and close friends.  Now I'm making new friends here in J-land.

Anonymous said...

I'm new, so I'll never know how I got here-probably won't be back.  I'm sorry your wife and yourself had such a scare, but I'm glad it will be so easy to handle- well, easier than a heart attack!  My prayers go out to you both.

Anonymous said...

we are back to "baby sitting" our youngest grandson also. He and grandpa have quite a time playing games. Today he beat Gramps at Kings in the Corner. He jumped around like a crazy kid!!  glad your wife is feeling better!

Anonymous said...

I can see a bit of Captain Hook and Pirate play ahead for you and the lad.
Aren't kids a gas~
I have two grandsons and we just took the oldest of 6 yrs out on the Great Lakes fishing for Walleye.
He can write the book now...funny how they know so much so fast!!

Wishing you health, happiness and laughter.
TJ~

http://journals.aol.com/vaultofsecrets/MoonDancer/