Happy New Year!

2008 is almost upon us (well for those in America). This blog URL is sent out to friends and family that spreads the globe; Hong Kong, England, and Ireland-who has already celebrated. How is your hangover? You have had time to make and break resolutions- well done! And all points in-between from Connecticut, Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Florida, Chicago, Detroit, Vail, Las Vegas, California (RS, 90210 Baby-soon!), Mexico, Spain, etc.

My wish for 2008 is for all of you to be in good health (or getting there!), finding or continued happiness, all the best for you and yours, just enough stress and disappointment to keep it real, and to remember all the good times and get ready for more to come!

I am getting better everyday. Last appointment with specialist found some infection and swelling which causes severe headaches-finally cleared to drive, although still difficult to drive at night, and when it rains –forgetabhoutit! lights get all fuzzy and really cannot see the lines on the road. I am supposed to wean myself off pain meds next week, however I started early as it was getting rather tiresome being loopy all the time. Headaches are worse first thing in the morning and in the evening so I save the good drugs for when I cannot stand it any longer.

I have been on a few outings with family and close friends, where I am good for at least three hours-woohoo! My best friend from high school, who now lives in SoFl, swung through Washington on way to family ski vacation in the WV. I finally met her four kids and we had a great visit over lunch. Still waiting for the day when I can enjoy a perfectly prepared martini, or a great glass of wine with a perfectly cooked steak. Could be my first food critique!!!

I am hoping to be cleared by doc on January 3 and I can go back to work. I am bored out of my skull; clearly if I started a blog! How egotistical am I? It is a great way to get updates out to everyone at once and I look forward to sharing comments on restaurants, great wine, etc.

Again, cheers to an absolutely fantab 2008 and I hope to hear for you all soon!!! I will toast all of you at stroke of midnight while I sip POM & sparkling water and pop a happy pill!

Best,
Tara

Why the blog?

Things one does really not want to hear; "it's not you, it's me", "you are not the right person for this job", "I can't give you what you’re looking for", "we need to run more tests", and "you have a tumor" - those last two really putting the former into perspective. So why the blog? The last of 2007 has been spent dealing with some health craziness. After 41 years with all original parts, my first operation was brain surgery - might as well start at the top! Recovery has meant laying low; pain meds and spending some quality time with ones self. Not getting existential, however when you have that much alone time and you have just had brain surgery, it makes you think….2008 is going to be the year to celebrate life, be healthy, and most importantly...make a valiant attempt at the whole life~work balance concept. Who better to chat with than the amazing family and circles of friends who stuck with me through the whole journey?

So once I am cleared to resume my social life, I will post:
dining experiences/critique of local flavor – finally living the dream of being a food critic, fab bottles of cheer and where to find, new recipes along with some old school favorites – when kitchen renovation is done, and anything humorous that comes about. Stay tuned for NYE entry!

Diagnosis - FINALLY!

When docs discussed the reality, it was rather uplifting. I had spent weeks being poked, prodded, and run through numerous tests and finally there was an answer. I never even thought of cancer when first told of the tumor. I was more concerned that I would not be the same person once it was removed

Surgery was scary – click below to see edited version of procedure. http://skullbaseinstitute.com/video_pituitary_tumor.htm
I was in Critical Care Unit for two days under 24 hour watch. Believe me even though you get loaded up with some serious narcotics, you really do not get a lot of rest. You get hooked up to a computer and have nine nodes stuck all over you - computer takes blood pressure very hour, nurse checks rest of vitals what seems like every 20 minutes, and a catheter although convenient (think about that concept next time you choose to patron a swim up bar), not so comfortable. I did enjoy the leg massagers and tried to bring them home – it’s like being snuggled all night – all that was missing for complete bliss was Sven giving me a pedicure. Not sure nutritionally sound, however I thoroughly enjoyed some absolute incredible meals of Jell-O and ice chips.

Post op with neurosurgeon went really well; told me to get back to normal within limits. Still not able to drive. Can’t be horizontal or bend over – guess that rules out audition with Cirque du Soleil. Haven’t any desire to eat or enjoy a martini or glass of wine – clearly doc has no idea what normal is to me!

Rather bummed I missed out on the holidays although I am thrilled about all the positives: tumor is gone and does not seem to be any long term/permanent brain or optical nerve damage, I have lost 25 pounds - best diet ever, although don’t suggest to anyone, and I slept. Only concern now is if I really am the same person. Have not been able to frolic even close to usual levels this holiday season so need to wait and see if personality is still present. In the brief outings I have had with family, there have been some funny moments although not sure if they were laughing with or at…or was I even really there? Who knows with all the pain meds, and there was the one time when a glass of wine got snuck in the mix….

All this alone time gave me the chance to reflect - in big scheme of things I am happy, ready for adventures, and truly blessed to have such a wonderful family and group of friends. Thanks for being there for me!! I look forward to posting much more amusing entries soon!!