I am finally filling you in on the last couple of weeks. After hearing from my donor’s mother, I felt it was more important to share that wonderful news on it’s own.

So here’s what’s been going on. Two weeks ago, I spoke at the Twin Cities 25 Finest event presented by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The 25 finest are up and coming entrepreneurs and philanthropic individuals in our community who were honored and asked to support the CF Foundation. Together, they raised $148,000. Congrats to all the honorees. You can see all of them in the September issue of the Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine.

September 25th &26th, we were guests of our friends, Jeff & Rochelle, at a few events hosted by Ohio University. Their football team was in town to take on the Golden Gophers at the U of M homecoming tilt.  I know, we are from Minnesota and it was homecoming. Don’t worry, we still cheered on the Gophers. They hosted a very nice dinner Friday night where the president and athletic director spoke. All of the OU folks we met were very nice and hospitable, especially since we are not alumni.

Gopher homecoming win!

Before we headed off for game day fun, we had stopped out at the LifeSource headquarters where they unveiled the new Garden Bench & Memorial Wall in the healing garden. When I picked up my letter from Jacob’s mother last week, it was so nice to walk by and touch the inscription I had placed for my donor. I hope others find this to be a place to visit, reflect, and remember.

HONORING THOSE WHO HAVE GENEROUSLY GIVEN LIFE AND HOPE THROUGH THE GIFTS OF ORGAN, EYE, AND TISSUE DONATION

My inscription honoring my donor

After the Gopher win, we met up with the Ohio crew again at a post game reception. It wasn’t until about 9pm when we arrived and we were hungry. There was small plate food and we were starving. Travis and I must have split five small plates of cheese and bacon. What a combination huh?

The following morning, that combo did not agree with me. I ended up getting sick to my stomach all day Sunday. I actually didn’t feel well for four days. It’s true, you can eat too much bacon in one sitting!

Health update: I told you I started a new medication for my blood pressure. The dosing was a little too much to begin with. I started experiencing some low blood pressure at first but we have made adjustments and figured out the correct amount. I am more comfortable and happy now because my BP numbers have been great.

Strangely though, one of my other med levels took a large jump. It had been stable for a long time, then POOF – elevated blood levels. The annoying part is when it reaches the range I am in, it causes very bad headaches. While we had a weekend full of fun two weeks ago, it was very challenging to stay perky. I felt like my eyes were a little cross eyed trying to focus throughout the day. It was draining dealing with a constant headache.

We decreased the dose and last week my numbers were even higher. After another reduction this week, the numbers are now trending in the right direction, but the headaches persist.

And then there is my foot. I’m STILL wearing the boot. I met with my orthopedic last week to get a recheck. He was able to see it has started to heal. I can walk around the house a little throughout the day but it still hurts in the evening. It is definitely not shoe worthy yet.

I guess when you walk around, even while wearing a boot, you are still putting all your weight on your foot. Hence the extended healing time. I am ready to give “the boot” to this boot.

One more thing, if you are looking for something to do this coming Saturday, October 10, the Breathe Easy Music Festival benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is happening downtown at Mill City Nights. This year’s line up is awesome! Along with local talent, there is a Prince tribute band and the headliner is the band Hairball.

We will be going for a little while but we have a prior commitment we need to attend so we won’t be able to stay the entire evening. We have gone to this event a few times, and it is always a good time. If you like music, check out the full line up at the Breathe Easy Music Festival