We.are.family....house

It's been exactly one week since we landed on planet Family House. And wow, what a week it has been! A long ass drive to get here, a few hours of alone time at Phipps Conservatory, wheelin' Lee around gems and dinosaurs, an exciting Friday night trip to the ER, a beautiful Saturday snowfall, an annoying UTI for me, several residents giving us the stink eye, weird Halloween, and an afternoon at the Zoo. And that was just the first week! No wonder I'm so tired.

Let me rewind a bit and explain a thing or two. Places like Family House or an extended stay hotel close to the hospital are emotionally good for people like Lee. They get to meet others in the same or similar situations. We've already talked with a handful of people here like this young fella who got a bowel transplant. I didn't even know that could be done! There are 3 or 4 residents waiting for a lung transplant. One older guy has been waiting 5 months but he's 73 and has several other serious issues that make him high risk. A young petite gal needs a liver and both lungs. I remember her from the evaluation week in August. Then there is this young Asian dude. We don't know his story, haven't talked with him yet. He could be Lee's competition. If so, he's small and doesn't speak a great deal of English so I'm pretty sure I could "accidentally" make him "mysteriously" disappear. He's here with 2 caregivers. They are always down in the kitchen cooking up fabulous looking meals. Lee keeps joking about how we should try to befriend those folks. And quick!

Things have gotten better around here. For the last few days, I've been able to park onsite in one of the handicapped spaces. And some of those weenie residents here are well, still weenies but a few of them have warmed up a bit. I will say that Sunday when I was feeling my worst, I HATED having to get dressed and go downstairs to eat. We can't wear pajamas in the communal areas, they must be "street clothes." That sucks. So I bought a pair of lounge pants at Target yesterday with the word LOVE on my butt. I know what you're thinking. LOVE? Really? Look, there wasn't much to pick from and compared to some of the outfits I've seen here, I'll look fashionable. I also bought a nice fluffy pillow and a faux fur throw since the blankets on the beds are paper thin. We've also snuck in snacks but all meals are prepared in the kitchen and eaten in the dining room. So for me, not being able to cook and eat in our room is still annoying.

For those of you who don't know me or don't know me well, there's something you should know. I love to point out the obvious and often say things that get me into trouble. I'm terribly sarcastic and TRY to be funny but we all know often I can fail at that. So if you read my blog where I was bitching and moaning about Family House, don't be alarmed, I'll live. I'll adapt. This experience is not about me anyway.